Change Your Image
peterkoch-98114
Reviews
Bottled with Love (2019)
The perfect use of memorable moments
Oh how one dimensional some critics are about this movie! Start with Message in a Bottle (a book and movie); then of course shades of You've Got Mail! Solid, famous chapters from love stories underpinning a new release of good ideas. But you left out the wedding scene from Working Girl (fishing+dance). Proof that love is not a new concept and that how this film gives a rich and exciting three course meal that, when you get up from the table, you are completely satisfied.
We have two of the best actors from a well known stable that in this film supply us with the tension and tease for the right outcome, because they made us care. For believability, the whole cast was interesting and helpful in making older stories appear refreshed and new. Not for one second did I let these thoughts interfere with the enjoyment given by the writer and actors of a well directed movie. Although its nice knowing a solid pedigree underpins this story, criticise me if you feel I'm wrong, but I'm looking to watching this one again.
This film ticks all the boxes and gets a deserving 7.0 which for me is the gold standard of Romance/Christmas films.
Meeting Mr. Christmas (2022)
A little more Christmas Magic needed
I'm a sucker for happy endings and this one was surprisingly satisfying. To me the true Christmas movie is about two people placed in an unwanted situation, finding they compliment each other. From that initial spark comes the recognition that being together feels so much better than being apart. The lead players in this tale demonstrated they had the ability to capture our hearts and yearn for more.
The premise was two people, set in their ways, almost opposites in their beliefs and experiences, working together on the annual town Christmas event. I expected them to collide like bumper cars with sparks coming off the electrical connections, and it came close. I believe the writers showed us the possibilities in a couple of situations, but the director shied away from exploiting the gems playing the parts.
It's decent Christmas fare, so I'm satisfied. All the parts were played like well made clothing, not a stitch out of place, and the ending so good I'm already preparing to watch it again.
Holiday Date (2019)
A surprising film, full of fun
I've seen better and I've seen worse, but I enjoyed this from beginning to end. Christmas is a time we want to spend with people who are special to us, that make our time together more enjoyable. I have spent time with almost all the cast in other circumstances and once again they've made me feel comfortable in their company, to enjoy it all the more. The story was frivolous and fun, but made believable with their enthusiasm. I've never met them, or ever seen them in real life, but the many characters they have played, and I have enjoyed, makes me look forward to watching this film again and again.
Seasoned with Love (2021)
The ingredients of an enjoyable movie
For a memorable feast you need a selection of fresh ingredients, a simple to follow recipe and a pot of imagination and good fortune. This film has those items sprinkled throughout. For men like me it's reassuring to have an average looking man win the heart of a gorgeously vivacious woman, even after finding out in real life they've been married more than 10 years. And also for married men it's encouraging to see that a woman is willing to fall in love with that man again after that much time has passed. I became so involved with the passage of this romance I fretted over the director dropping the ball in the final minutes, only to be surprised by one of the most convincing and satisfying endings I've seen.
Those actors that supported the main story also supplied a warmth that left an after taste that was richly enjoyable. My mother told me to never criticise other peoples' cooking, but I so enjoyed the film that those little thoughts didn't come to anything. It's not a complicated story, but importantly it's an interesting story, like a favourite meal I can see myself sitting down to enjoy again and again.
I've done a small number of reviews for films that surprised and unexpectedly delighted me, such that I hope you may feel the same. A realistic 7.5 score feels understated but heartfelt.
Window Wonderland (2013)
Who can dress the best shop window and does it really matter
The title for this film should be 'Don't try this at home' as mostly the story is implausible, but then, at the same time, possible. Whimsical is the best description, while being the reason it is so charming. For those expecting Happy Ever After, you won't be disappointed, but then it's a nice feeling to be left with.
A young woman and man are put up against each other for the position of chief window dresser in a major department store. There's no point choosing whose side you're on because you just know that they'll end up being on the same side, in fact it would disappoint if they weren't. What's enjoyable about the film is the route chosen to get them there. There are surprises and smiles; that is if you allow the director to lay out the course without prejudgment or criticism.
The he and she main actors are eminently likable and the characters they play suited to each other, while the supporting cast provide a varied selection to cuddle or curse. Like a stream, we know the course of travel, and when our little craft bumps into the river bank the supporting cast are there to push it off again. You might be surprised if you are surprised by the ending, but our hero and heroine seemed perfectly relaxed, perhaps having enjoyed the film as much as we did.
Conclusion: 7.5 Xmas points, for a simple story that leaves you smiling.
Finding Father Christmas (2016)
The mystery of finding the father you never knew
This should read 'Finding my unknown father at Christmas time'. The actual title could mean shopping malls, low-rent bars, old people's homes and very occasionally somewhere very far north. In fact it's about a young woman who lost her mother very early in life and has grown up never knowing who her father was. She unexpectedly discovers a number of clues about her mother's secrets, the most important clue for us being that it's just before Christmas. From here we are presented with a mystery which she has to follow, with some of her own concerns; but for us it is most engaging and heart-warming.
Early in her pursuit of answers she comes across a suitable interest. To test my observation I rewound, and sure enough, the expression and turn of her head gave it away. Unlike most other romances, he remains as a constant, providing a counter-balance for her fears and anxieties. Together, she is better equipped to handle what turns into a very complex situation.
Set in a small Vermont town, the customs and Christmas activities of the villagers introduces us to all the main characters. Finding that one person who knows everything takes us down a winding path with a surprising ending. An ending that leaves the warmth from a good helping of Christmas delights.
Conclusion: 8.0 Xmas points, for a delightful cast and a story to keep our interest throughout.
Love Always, Santa (2016)
A story of loss and hope for new beginnings
The story revolves around a girl of 8 who has lost her father, so writes to Santa about her concerns and the wish for her mother to smile again. Having handed the letter to the postman it finds its way to Santa Inc., run by two charming but eccentric older ladies. It just so happens that a young, successful writer is assisting Santa Inc. responding to children's wishes in an effort to rekindle his enthusiasm for writing after a bitter divorce. Being flooded with material wishes, he is touched by the letter expressing matters of the heart, so responds equally in a way to give hope. From here it opens the possibility to deal with loss and relationships in a lighthearted but sensitive way that engages the viewer in a clever little story.
You have to listen very carefully to what is being said. The writer has captured important emotions and spun them into interesting messages. Even those characters who may seem boorish, surprise you with simple home spun wisdom's. Having watched the film more than once, you can't help developing a warmth for all the characters, from young to old. The story is simple and straightforward, therefore method acting is not called for and all those appearing seem to be in the right place.
I think that when the 'end of shooting' party occurred they hadn't quite finished. After the effort of constructing a thoughtful story they rolled out of the party and scripted a slightly bizarre conclusion. The actors took it in good spirit, so it doesn't detract too much from your enjoyment.
Conclusion: 8.0 Xmas points, for a warm and enjoyable film with a small deduction for the lost opportunity at the end.