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Succession: With Open Eyes (2023)
Season 4, Episode 10
10/10
The writers nailed it
29 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Maybe it wasn't the ending some of us "wanted."

I had a soft spot for Kendall the whole series. But the ending stayed true to the characters. Kendall's meltdown and violent outbursts at the end are proof that he is not a "serious person," as Logan would say, or CEO material; he sadly has not matured at all since the first season, and he's become uglier and more vindictive by the day ever since Logan died. His singular focus on being the ultimate successor led to his eventual demise.

Roman, he was a POS until the very end! One last final dig at Ken to seal the deal. Yet he's also somehow the most self-aware of all the Roy kids. He's never been afraid to tell it like it is. He never cared all that much about the company. He can keep his billions without all the endless sibling rivalry and backstabbing. He is free.

Shiv has been a snake since the beginning. We can only speculate about her true motives for betraying Ken at the end, but I think it's probably a combination of envy; of preferring that there be NO Roy on the "throne" if that Roy isn't her; and perhaps wanting a semblance of a stable family and looking out for the financial security and legacy of her unborn child. The last shot of Shiv and Tom was brutal. Two broken people, an irreconcilable marriage, but still stronger and more powerful together than they are apart.

The finale was tragic with no real winners. Even Tom as CEO will simply be the face of Waystar, with Matsson really calling the shots. And Tom, ever the amoral schemer and opportunist, is fine with it.

The writers nailed it. The characters stayed true to themselves and each met their own tragic fate. I will miss this brilliant show!
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10/10
Wonderful movie
7 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This movie sucked me in right from the start. It was a great story and the actors were very believable in their roles, and the subplot of the unique play was also quite interesting! The introduction of the "ghosts" added a bit of humor, yet it also was special in that if revealed how far back this tradition goes. These are the Christmas movies I love - the ones with an engaging, heartwarming story and the ones that remind you of what makes Christmas such a special time of year. I don't often rewatch Christmas movies because there are SO MANY each year, but I make special exceptions for the ones that really moved me. I think it's safe to say I'll be rewatching this one! Thank you, Hallmark!
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A Magical Christmas Village (2022 TV Movie)
5/10
So boring
25 November 2022
Normally I love anything with Alison Sweeney and Luke MacFarlane, but this one missed the mark. The plot was almost nonexistent and there was never enough at stake to make you feel any sort of connection to the characters or sympathy for their situations. The actors did fine with what they were given, but their talent was really wasted with this one.

And was the village magical or not? I don't mind a Christmas movie with some supernatural elements, but you have to commit to it. All in all, it was a very boring movie and one that is easily forgettable. I hope Alison and Luke get something better to work with next year!
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The Royal Nanny (2022 TV Movie)
8/10
One of the best of the year so far!
20 November 2022
Hallmark nailed it with this unique, witty, and heartwarming movie. A+ acting from all involved, and the accents from the non-English actors were actually quite well done! The mystery component was a huge plus and kept me guessing until the end of the movie. The kids being pranksters as opposed to brats was also a pleasant surprise, as these "royal" movies often feature spoiled children. They were both adorable and fun to watch.

It's always refreshing when Hallmark does something different like this, and this movie will be memorable for sure. I would happily watch it again. Please keep it up, Hallmark!
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The Bear: Review (2022)
Season 1, Episode 7
10/10
BRILLIANT
5 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Twenty minutes of nonstop action and tension that makes you feel like you're right there in the kitchen! What a brilliantly shot and acted episode. You can feel the raw emotions of everyone in that kitchen, and it all comes to climactic halt when Richie is accidentally stabbed, Sydney says ENOUGH and quits, and Carmy reluctantly tastes Marcus's crumbled jelly donut from the floor and is in disbelief at how delicious it is. This episode is as close to perfection as it gets!
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This Is Us: Us (2022)
Season 6, Episode 18
10/10
A simple yet profound finale
25 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Sometimes shows have the super big moments in the penultimate episode and the finale goes a simpler route. That is what we saw here and in my opinion, it worked perfectly. Would it have been nice to see a montage of the characters' futures à la "Six Feet Under"? Yes. In fact, I am left wanting a bit more because of that - but maybe that's the point. The wheels of life keep spinning and the future is never guaranteed. What we are left with are three grown adults who have finally realized their full potential and are either living out their dreams or taking the steps to make those dreams a reality. The lessons instilled from Jack and Rebecca guide their everyday decisions, and they are making the realization that the rest of their lives - the good and the bad - will be experienced without the guidance of their parents. So what now? We can't possibly see every moment that will follow, but we are given the assurance that, for now, the Big Three and happy, healthy, and thriving, and they've raised beautiful children who will keep that special, unique Pearson love going. Interesting to note that the final scene is Randall. Randall dealt with being an outsider throughout his life, yet he truly embodied the best qualities of Jack and Rebecca. This was a beautiful conclusion to a show that could've honestly gone on for years and years. But we have to trust that the Pearson family is going to be just fine, even if we don't get to watch every milestone on screen.
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The Wedding Veil (2022 TV Movie)
10/10
Wonderful cast and chemistry
21 April 2022
Great chemistry between the romantic leads, and I also enjoyed the chemistry among the three female friends. Lovely, genuine acting. The scenery shown is also so beautiful. I love the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" vibe!
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A Royal Queens Christmas (2021 TV Movie)
7/10
Not a bad movie, but it featured a big pet peeve of mine!
5 March 2022
Positives: I've always enjoyed Julian Morris and he is very nice to look at, too! Megan Park did well as the leading lady, and I thought she and the actors playing her family had nice chemistry together.

The story dragged a bit, but the scenes with the kids were all very sweet. Morris and Park were a nice team with her as the director and him as the pianist!

NOW for my pet peeve - for the love of God, can someone PLEASE teach actors how to conduct properly?! I can teach someone to conduct a simple 3 or 4 pattern in a matter of minutes. It is incredibly frustrating to see such laughable conducting for a supposed trained musician, and this movie is not Hallmark's first offense!
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Nantucket Noel (2021 TV Movie)
5/10
BOOOOORING
16 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Three redeeming qualities of this film: the romance between the dad and Janice, Christina's character, and the pretty scenery (albeit NOT Nantucket). The lead address was very likable and believable. The lead actor was as bland as he usually is. The plot was one that is overused and the dialogue was boring and often felt awkward. My biggest disappointment is that Nantucket was a central aspect of the story, yet Hallmark didn't bother to film there! And while the location is beautiful, it looks nothing like the East coast. This movie should have been renamed and set in a generic Hallmark location like "Seaside Pines" or something like that.
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CODA (2021)
10/10
Beautiful and moving film
17 August 2021
Oh, I just loved this movie! I was first intrigued by the storyline because I am a former choir kid myself, but that is really just one small aspect of a bigger and more beautiful story. It is a coming-of-age story, but the transformation truly involves the entire family, not just the young female lead. As the unofficial and unpaid interpreter for her family, Ruby has spent her entire life feeling trapped and unappreciated. Yet it is this lifelong experience that ends up being what sets her apart in the music world and helps her find her voice. Without giving any spoilers, I will simply say that her final performance is an amazing "full circle" moment and I couldn't help but get choked up. This was such a joy to watch and the entire cast and crew are to be commended for their brilliant performance!
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Don't Go Breaking My Heart (2021 TV Movie)
7/10
Not great, but cute!
24 June 2021
I'll be honest - I mostly watch Ryan Paevey's movies because of his good looks! I still think his best acting was as Nathan on General Hospital. That said, I thought he and Italia Ricci were both fantastic in this movie! I loved their chemistry and banter, and I thought the plot was also quite creative. The movie was lacking in several areas, and that's why I won't call it "great." But, it was still an enjoyable and cute story, and I will never complain about getting to look at Ryan! ;)
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Younger: Older (2021)
Season 7, Episode 12
3/10
WHY
11 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Just... why?! It's not even the end result that I'm super upset with, but rather that it came out of nowhere! The Liza/Quinn/Charles drama was such a huge focus this season and Josh's character always felt like an afterthought. Even though I've been "Team Charles" ever since he and Liza got together, I still would've happily accepted her deciding to be with Josh if the storyline led there. That's not what happened though! In this rushed mess of a finale, Liza and Charles decided to call it quits over something so trivial only to bring Josh back in for the last five minutes and force a reunion. Throwing a curveball in the SERIES finale is not good storytelling. Such a disappointment after so many amazing moments in this show. :(
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It Was Always You (2021 TV Movie)
8/10
Cute movie!
1 April 2021
This was a good one! I really enjoyed it. It's a lighthearted romcom with good writing and acting. Fun plot, even though it was predictable. Believable chemistry and cute banter from Erin and Tyler. 8/10!
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Chasing Waterfalls (2021 TV Movie)
1/10
The waterfall was the most interesting part of the movie
1 April 2021
And I don't even know if it was a real waterfall!

This one was just awful. Horrible, cheesy acting from everyone, stupid writing, lame storyline, and if we are to believe that the leading girl is an amazing photographer, couldn't they have used better photos? I gave it until the 30 minute mark and then stopped and erased it. I am a Hallmark movie lover and almost always push through... so that should tell you all you need to know. Don't waste your time with this one! Hope the rest of the Spring movie lineup is an improvement over this lame movie.
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Good Girls: Fall Guy (2021)
Season 4, Episode 3
5/10
No longer feel sympathy for the "good girls"
31 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I initially felt bad for Beth and the girls. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time. They didn't MEAN to get involved with violent criminals. As the show has progressed, and especially in this new season, I am beginning to find them all insufferable. I feel no sympathy for them whatsoever. Dean is not a great dude, obviously, but it should be Beth there instead of him. I just can't get behind these women anymore as good mothers who are breaking the law for the right reasons. Nope. This show needs some new storylines or needs to just arrest the trio and be done with it.
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Downton Abbey (2019)
7/10
Could've been better, but longtime Downton fans should still love it!
23 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I binged Downton Abbey at the end of 2017 and it quickly became one of my favorite shows ever. I visited Highclere Castle a few months later, and then the movie was announced. I was soooo excited! I saw the movie in theaters and was smiling the entire time. The opening scenes, with the slow buildup to the beloved theme music and a shot of Downton in all its glory, are truly magical. Then, one by one, you're treated to updates on the characters you fell in love with during the show, and you quickly learn what the main plot of the movie will be. There are some small conflicts along the way, with plenty of humorous and heartwarming moments! When the film ended, I felt extremely satisfied and hoped there would be more films to come.

I recently rewatched the series and rewatched the movie as well. Upon second viewing, I am sad to say that I was less impressed. There are still many wonderful moments, and, as a longtime fan of the show, I can't say I wouldn't watch it again. However, I found that the film lacked substance and the overall plot was rather dull. One of the reasons I love the show so much is that there is never an episode lacking in emotion and drama. The film didn't have much of either. In fact, the most dramatic subplot (the assassination attempt) was resolved pretty early on. I was left wanting a whole lot more witty banter, conflict, and tearjerker moments. So, it is a 7 for me. If I weren't such a diehard fan, it might be ranked lower, but I'm admittedly biased. :)

I really hope a sequel is in the works, and I think Julian Fellowes needs to go all out and gives us a dramatic story full of twists and turns!
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7/10
A funny show that gives an honest look at the struggling artist's life
17 January 2021
First, I am a huge One Tree Hill fan and was so excited when Hulu picked this up. I can't imagine the amount of work that went into this and I am so proud of James and Stephen for pulling it off! If you watched OTH and also like indie tv/film, then you'll probably enjoy Everyone is Doing Great.

Now to review the show... it's a solid comedy but definitely rough around the edges! Overall, I really connected to the characters and to their story. I am a musician and the past year of pandemic closures was really tough. There are days when you feel like giving up and you wonder if you've lost your passion, and then there are little things along the way that help you remember why you love what you do. I definitely related to the struggle of these two unemployed actors, and watching them regain the "spark" for their art was very inspiring. I also like the overall message that if you really want something, you need to go after it yourself. It's scary putting yourself out there, but always worth it in the end!

Main critiques: Some scenes were a little slow and dragged on a bit too long, but maybe that was the point in order to show how mundane their lives have become. I also wasn't a fan of all the drug use. It felt gratuitous and unnecessary at times. When it was integrated with the story I think it worked and added a comedic effect. But to have multiple scenes of pot or cocaine in every episode was overkill, in my opinion!

All that said, I do sincerely hope this gets a second season. I think James and Stephen have the ideas to get it written, and now they also have some solid directing experience to help make the next season even better. I also need to find out what happens next! If you've seen the finale, you're probably dying to find out too!!!
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One Tree Hill (2003–2012)
8/10
Binged during quarantine and obsessed!!!
14 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I had been wanting to watch OTH for so long and finally got around to it during the stay at home orders. This is now in my top 10 shows. It is just amazing in every way! I was so sad when I finished it because the characters really became a part of my life. It's hard to pick a favorite because they all have their big moments and big storylines. Even the adults are likable and play a big role in the series, which I feel really makes this teen drama stand out from some of the others.

Like many have said, I do agree that the final 3 seasons were not quite as good, but over time I really began to care about Clay, Julian, and some of the other newer characters. It was also nice to have Nathan and Haley's relationship as the foundation of the entire show. Their journey as a couple helped the final seasons to still feel connected to the earlier ones. I know I will binge this show again and again. It's truly that good!
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Fallen Angel (2003 TV Movie)
10/10
Watched in 2020 for first time... amazing movie
14 January 2021
Wow! What a wonderful story full of depth and emotion. Great acting, good plot, strong characters. It tells a special story about family - no matter how much distance or time come between family members, the love doesn't change. Side note: I love the current Hallmark movies, but these older ones had such better stories that really make you feel something. I'm glad my cable provider now includes Hallmark Drama, otherwise I would have never known about this amazing movie. 10/10!!!
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