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Post by sleepingbooty on Oct 25, 2024 12:51:06 GMT
To my fellow December fans, welcome!  Whether it's the Hallmark Channel's classic Countdown to Christmas, new holiday movies from streaming platforms or at the cinema, this is your place to discuss all your new favourites, less favourites and I-couldn't-even-finish-its. 📽️🎄♥️ |
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nicolep
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,198 
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Post by nicolep on Oct 25, 2024 13:02:49 GMT
The Christmas season wouldn't be the same without this post of yours, Booty!
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Ryann
Pearl Clutcher
Love is Inclusive
Posts: 2,639
Location: PNW
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Post by Ryann on Oct 25, 2024 13:49:17 GMT
Woo hoo!
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,569
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Post by blemon on Oct 25, 2024 14:02:03 GMT
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,569
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Post by blemon on Oct 25, 2024 14:03:33 GMT
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,569
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Post by blemon on Oct 25, 2024 14:07:45 GMT
OMG. I totally forgot and this is the place to share.
My niece goes to Fairmont State in WV. The dude who wrote Feast of the 7 Fishes (amazing holiday movie and an absolute must-watch) is from there. His career has mostly been horror movies and he's found some fame in that.
He brokered a deal with Lifetime to make 7 movies in the Fairmont area.
My niece cheers at Fairmont State and she is going to be in an upcoming cheer/dance movie!!!
I can't wait.
She doesn't know yet if she was cast for a speaking role (they all auditioned). But all the cheerleaders at the university will be in the movie competing against the cheerleaders who are the "real" actors cast for the movie.
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cbscrapper
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,480
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Post by cbscrapper on Oct 25, 2024 19:40:35 GMT
I am looking forward to Hot Frosty - loved the Mean Girls reference in the preview!
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Post by breakfastattiffanys on Oct 25, 2024 19:44:21 GMT
OMG. I totally forgot and this is the place to share. My niece goes to Fairmont State in WV. The dude who wrote Feast of the 7 Fishes (amazing holiday movie and an absolute must-watch) is from there. His career has mostly been horror movies and he's found some fame in that. He brokered a deal with Lifetime to make 7 movies in the Fairmont area. My niece cheers at Fairmont State and she is going to be in an upcoming cheer/dance movie!!! I can't wait. She doesn't know yet if she was cast for a speaking role (they all auditioned). But all the cheerleaders at the university will be in the movie competing against the cheerleaders who are the "real" actors cast for the movie. That is so cool! Keep us updated! |
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Post by kimba on Oct 25, 2024 20:35:24 GMT
I'm looking forward to this "It's a Wonderful Knife": www.imdb.com/title/tt27619382/After saving her town from a psychotic killer, Winnie Carruthers' life is less than wonderful. When she wishes she'd never been born, she finds herself in a nightmare parallel universe where without her, things could be much, much worse. |
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,621
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Post by kitbop on Oct 25, 2024 20:59:11 GMT
I saw a trailer yesterday for a new Christmas movie hitting theatres I believe? The best christmas pageantI'd prefer to watch at home... maybe next year it will be streaming. It was seeing Lauren Graham that sucked me into the trailer! |
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Post by cheezitgirl on Oct 25, 2024 22:31:12 GMT
I saw a trailer yesterday for a new Christmas movie hitting theatres I believe? The best christmas pageantI'd prefer to watch at home... maybe next year it will be streaming. It was seeing Lauren Graham that sucked me into the trailer! I’m so excited for this. It was my favorite book as a child. And I’m a Gilmore Girls fan. Watching at home is my preference too but I might make an exception. |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Oct 25, 2024 22:43:01 GMT
My niece goes to Fairmont State in WV. The dude who wrote Feast of the 7 Fishes (amazing holiday movie and an absolute must-watch) is from there. His career has mostly been horror movies and he's found some fame in that. He brokered a deal with Lifetime to make 7 movies in the Fairmont area. My niece cheers at Fairmont State and she is going to be in an upcoming cheer/dance movie!!! I can't wait. Congratulations to your niece! What an amazing opportunity and, for sure, a core memory in the making. I hope she sends you pics from set. 😉 As for the writer, I remember coming across a discussion (not an AMA) on Reddit where a horror movie writer decided to go the Hallmark route a year or two into the pandemic. He got his second Christmas rom-com script signed. I now wonder whether it's him... Several writers have written candidly on Reddit about jumping genres and suddenly trying out Hallmark after years of doing very different work. It looks like present-day Hallmark are very open to this. It definitely makes the offer more exciting for us. |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Oct 25, 2024 22:59:53 GMT
We've been playing catch-up as the Hallmark Channel doesn't exist here (and neither does their brand new streaming platform, Hallmark+, much to my chagrin). We got the three opening weekend movies checked off the list! Just finished Scouting for Christmas after going out for dinner and it was just the right amount of sweetness to finish off the evening.
Review time!
HOLIDAY CRASHERS // I looked forward to this one. I'm always down for a dynamic party movie, especially when it's Christmas-themed. I absolutely loved The Santa Summit with Hunter King last year. I liked what I saw in the preview. And then I watched the movie. This was a letdown. I think my expectations were too high. It seems like the Hallmark fans have really enjoyed this one and I may just be one of the very few who didn't think this worked as a whole. I didn't think the leads had much chemistry together (and by the end of the movie, I disliked the protagonist's love interest, to be honest). I didn't like the pacing. It was a meh from me. But many people love it so please, just give it a chance. ⭐⭐
'TWAS THE DATE BEFORE CHRISTMAS // Perfectly fine background entertainment. Nothing more. This is an easy watch but nothing gripping or special. We've all seen this Christmas rom-com script done many times before. I'm annoyed Robert Buckley is handed these lukewarm roles. He's a good TV actor and deserves something with more oomph. But hey, if you're busy in the kitchen or doing household chores, this will be great to keep you company. If your time is precious these days, skip. ⭐⭐
SCOUTING FOR CHRISTMAS // The surprise favourite of this first weekend. This was the last one on my list because it just didn't have elements I'm necessarily interested in as a general rule. I did not expect to actually sit down and enjoy this with a cup of tea and a clementine (or two) but here we are. This had some good life lessons, good feels and good vibes all around. The soft villain, Den Mother Elizabeth, was very entertaining, too. Definitely recommended. ⭐⭐⭐
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Post by sleepingbooty on Oct 25, 2024 23:05:06 GMT
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Post by sleepingbooty on Oct 26, 2024 17:22:45 GMT
Does anyone need any of these movies? Message me.  |
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pantsonfire
Drama Llama
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 6,231
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Post by pantsonfire on Oct 26, 2024 18:29:29 GMT
I saw a trailer yesterday for a new Christmas movie hitting theatres I believe? The best christmas pageantI'd prefer to watch at home... maybe next year it will be streaming. It was seeing Lauren Graham that sucked me into the trailer! I saw it during the Dodgers vs Yankees game. I was like ohhhh might need to see that. Maybe go with dd. Looks cute. |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Oct 26, 2024 20:58:48 GMT
OPERATION NUTCRACKER // This was Christmas magic. Very much enjoyed this one. I shan't spoil the fun by saying more. Even the colour grading was well done. And my SO watched it all the way through without falling asleep. 100% recommended. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Post by cheezitgirl on Oct 26, 2024 21:12:23 GMT
Did we do an all time favorite hallmark and non hallmark list one year? I can’t find it.
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Post by joblackford on Oct 27, 2024 1:37:02 GMT
OPERATION NUTCRACKER // This was Christmas magic. Very much enjoyed this one. I shan't spoil the fun by saying more. Even the colour grading was well done. And my SO watched it all the way through without falling asleep. 100% recommended. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I have this one on in the background right now  I posted my old Hallmark BINGO card link in the DD thread but I’ll copy it over here too. |
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Post by joblackford on Oct 27, 2024 1:40:59 GMT
Here are the bingo card details from the DD thread Hallmark Xmas romance Bingo cards I made several years ago - maybe 2017? LMK if the link doesn't work! drive.google.com/file/d/1Hn5GN-h0RZK3O9JVvLy6EyARYJp-sdbG/view?usp=sharingThe free website I used to make these is on the bottom of each card, if you would prefer to make your own. You just have to compile a long list of options and the generator will put them randomly into bingo cards for you. If that site doesn't exist any more I'm sure there are plenty of others. Just a note - there are several references to Black friends and side characters because I was particularly annoyed at how every movie at the time focused on white couples with one random Black friend or boss or "magical" old man who was wise and helpful. Thankfully there is a little more diversity now. These cards were also made before gay best friends were actually allowed to be openly gay and have relationships. |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Oct 27, 2024 14:01:59 GMT
Did we do an all time favorite hallmark and non hallmark list one year? I can’t find it. We definitely discussed our favourite Christmas movies last year (or the year before?). Maybe time to make an official 2PR Christmas movie list? Hallmark and others. Who's in?  |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Oct 27, 2024 22:32:09 GMT
THIS TIME EACH YEAR (Miracles of Christmas on Hallmark Mystery) // Would you like some depression with your shot of Christmas magic? You're in luck because this movie ticks that box. Alcoholism, sobriety, scamming, job loss, poor realty investment that's turned into a money pit (and we, as viewers, are gobsmacked because the house looks totally fine, at best undecorated), meh child actor (sorry kid), dim lighting, separation, lifelong consequences of a very poorly picked nickname by your mother in your childhood, CHECK, CHECK AND CHECK! Hallmark's got you, fam. (I started this movie when we returned from brunch around 1:30PM. Just finished it. It's 11:30PM in France. Yes, that's how many breaks from it I had to take.) Giving this one a second star purely because the two main actors are actually decent. What were they thinking having this as the first movie of the season at Hallmark Mystery? ⭐⭐  |
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Post by cheezitgirl on Oct 27, 2024 22:47:35 GMT
Did we do an all time favorite hallmark and non hallmark list one year? I can’t find it. We definitely discussed our favourite Christmas movies last year (or the year before?). Maybe time to make an official 2PR Christmas movie list? Hallmark and others. Who's in? Well, I’m obviously game. Maybe list top three or five in different categories? Or whatever you think will work best. |
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Post by caspad on Oct 28, 2024 11:40:40 GMT
I finally got to watch a new Hallmark movie this weekend. I can't believe I'm so far behind by week 2! But for once we are keeping up in real time with GBBO.
The Christmas Charade was good fun. A blind date mix-up pairs a Christmas loving librarian with a grouchy FBI agent. The pair pretend to be dating while working together to prevent the theft of a priceless necklace at a Christmas Eve ball. Also an impromptu tango in a sequinned gown. The soundtrack was excellent with Christmas music done spy movie style.
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Post by scrapcat on Oct 28, 2024 17:16:52 GMT
I've been looking forward to this thread for weeks....I downloaded the Hallmark movie app which has the schedule and will print it too. I recorded Holiday Crashers but haven't watched yet. I will start after Halloween, just can't cross the streams quite yet. There are a lot of intriguing titles this year, but looking forward to the Philadelphia based one Christmas on Call.
I am planning on doing a mini album to document the movies/entertainment and to try to make some custom cocoa/drink recipes to go with different themes. This is the way I find joy in the chaos of the season with a dynamic family situation! We'll see if I can get it together.
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Post by sleepingbooty on Oct 28, 2024 20:50:16 GMT
Quick update from Casa Chez Booty: we started watching THE CHRISTMAS CHARADE earlier tonight and it was so good that halfway through the movie, we took a quick break to make sandwiches and reheat soup so we could eat dinner in front of the rest of the movie. Fun, dynamic, engaging, top notch Die Hard reference. I join caspad in heartily recommending this one. It'll keep you entertained for sure and has a several nice twists during the final part of the movie. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had so much fun with The Christmas Charade that we decided to go double-Hallmark tonight and started watching THE 5-YEAR CHRISTMAS PARTY. We're 20 minutes into it and paused it so my SO could go make us hot cocoa as our movie treat for the evening. The chemistry between the leads is absolutely adorable. This is gearing up to be a wonderful friends-to-lovers rom-com. Can't wait for the rest! I will edit with the final score later tonight. ETA: Finished and absolutely loved this one. The leads have incredible chemistry together, the passing of the years is superbly done to underline both personal growth and growth in attachment between the friends, the humour hits just right all the way through, the kissing scenes were lovely. Heart eyes all around and my first perfect score of the year. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Double recommendation from me tonight so far. scrapcat The Christmas Charade featured a gingerbread latte and there was an eggnog martini at the start of The 5-Year Christmas Party when the two leads reconnect. 🍸😉☕ |
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Post by hoopsfn on Oct 29, 2024 14:07:04 GMT
It's nice of you to post this sleepingbooty. I'm not much into the Hallmark Christmas movies but there are lots of classics out there to enjoy. It's so hard to believe that it's that time of year already! Some of my favorites are: Christmas Story - gotta love Ralphie. It's A Wonderful Life - I hope they show it on regular TV this year. Die Hard - when you need some excitement. Jingle All the Way - goofy but I laugh every time. The Lemon Drop Kid - with Bob Hope who was always a favorite of mine. |
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edme
Junior Member
Posts: 61
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Post by edme on Oct 29, 2024 18:54:58 GMT
sleepingbooty those sound awesome! I love finding good ones, and two in one night is great!
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Post by sleepingbooty on Oct 29, 2024 23:31:02 GMT
Did we do an all time favorite hallmark and non hallmark list one year? I can’t find it. I just spent way too much time overthinking this but here is my rom-com list! My Hallmark god tier:Snow Bride (2014) AKA the movie that made me go all in on the Hallmark rom-coms // My Christmas Love (2016) AKA the underrated and not well-known gem of the Hallmark Channel // A Biltmore Christmas (2023) AKA 100% le swoon // An Unexpected Christmas (2022) AKA Bethany Joy Lenz and Tyler Hynes are magic together // Five Star Christmas (2020) AKA pure comedy (and Bethany Joy Lenz is hands down one of their very best actresses) // The Mistletoe Promise (2017) AKA I'm a sucker for a well-executed contract romance // Three Wise Men and a Baby (2022) AKA Hallmark's golden trio (Walker, Hynes, Campbell) does comedy with heart // Ghosts of Christmas Always (2022) AKA don't let the preview fool you, this is very good... so many twists, so much fun // Those two times Lifetime beat Hallmark at their game:The Christmas Setup (2020) AKA The Nanny has a gay son and decides to set him up with his teenage crush // Snowed Inn Christmas (2017) AKA one of the very best Christmas romances I've ever seen // |
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Post by joblackford on Oct 30, 2024 2:14:24 GMT
Snow Bride is a classic.
An Unexpected Christmas is on TV right now - I love Bethany Joy Lenz in that one but beardless Tyler Hynes bugs me a bit.
I recorded the 5 Year Christmas Party to watch properly at some point. I like that actress and just watched her NY resolution one the other day.
I haven’t had a chance to watch the end of The Christmas Charade yet but it marks off the “weirdly aggressive carolers” square on my bingo card early on. The Mistletoe Promise was the movie that made me put that square on the bingo card in the first place. There’s a CCB Xmas road trip movie with carolers who don’t know when to shut up too.
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