This was a thoroughly charming take on the classic Cinderella Story with a bullied and abused lawyer in the Cinderella role and a newly appointed company CEO as the "princess" charming. Loved how the shoes were worked into the story line, along with the self-serving step-father, and step-brother types in roles of partner owner of law firm and lazy sons. The niece role worked nicely as fairy-godmother type. The Halloween costume party was a nice layer to provide costume and mask to hide the identities. The conclusion was very satisfying and did not feel rush like some hallmark movies have. Looking forward to next season's crop of Hallmark's seasonal movies.
Reviews
5 Reviews
Midnight Masquerade
(2014 TV Movie)
Delighttul twist on an old classic
10 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Downton Abbey
(2010–2015)
Sixth Season -a nice chapter on which to end of engaging story
10 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
All great books, stories,dramas must come to an end. And Downton Abbey was a great read that played out before us each Sunday night. What an enjoyable and pleasing time travel we have been on and able to have cross paths with such an assortment of characters; dressed in dazzling clothing while roaming through magnificent surroundings.
The adorable Bertie was the most appealing addition to the 6th season. Wished the ever dashing Atticus would have been in the final season more. He was a delicious addition to the 5th season. Thoroughly relished scenes with children. Especially the two with Henry and step-son George were charming.
Considerate of Mr. Fellows(series creator/writer) to address the loss that Mrs. Drew was experiencing as an adoptive mother when a biological mother changes her mind and reclaims the child that has been placed for adoption. The adoptive parents are often ignored, forgotten and grieve alone and out of sight while the biological parent gets all the attention and support.
It was satisfying to see Tom contented to be single for the time being, after his history of poor choices in women in the pass seasons. One of the highlights of the 5th season was his amiable good bye to the loud Sara. Cannot really see him with magazine editor, her job is in London and his job is at the estate. Liked how he has become brother and best friend to all. Most Agreeable scene when he met Violet at door and they walked in together after he sent her word of trouble. Violet never failed to delivered. Loved her talking to Dickie's daughter- in-law and getting to bottom of fake niceness. Classic having her have the last word of the series.
The adorable Bertie was the most appealing addition to the 6th season. Wished the ever dashing Atticus would have been in the final season more. He was a delicious addition to the 5th season. Thoroughly relished scenes with children. Especially the two with Henry and step-son George were charming.
Considerate of Mr. Fellows(series creator/writer) to address the loss that Mrs. Drew was experiencing as an adoptive mother when a biological mother changes her mind and reclaims the child that has been placed for adoption. The adoptive parents are often ignored, forgotten and grieve alone and out of sight while the biological parent gets all the attention and support.
It was satisfying to see Tom contented to be single for the time being, after his history of poor choices in women in the pass seasons. One of the highlights of the 5th season was his amiable good bye to the loud Sara. Cannot really see him with magazine editor, her job is in London and his job is at the estate. Liked how he has become brother and best friend to all. Most Agreeable scene when he met Violet at door and they walked in together after he sent her word of trouble. Violet never failed to delivered. Loved her talking to Dickie's daughter- in-law and getting to bottom of fake niceness. Classic having her have the last word of the series.
Shadow on the Mesa
(2013 TV Movie)
First Western I really enjoyed in a long time
11 April 2014
The, feel, costumes, sets and actors,drew the viewer in from start to finish. Greg Evigan did excellent job as villain. I especially like when it was depicted when female character was shot and killed, no blood and gore shown.The villain with smile on face pulled trigger, viewer hears shot, does not see female get it. I thought that was very important considering all the violence again females today and back then. The point was made with out showing more violence. No romance, I found this a refreshing change of pace. With the type of conflict going on, the romance would not have been believable or had time to develop. Wes Brown played part with grit and edge of a fast draw from the westerns of the past with a modern take on it. Camera shots of the guns being drawn were excellent. Kevin Sorbo played well as the aging patriarch that showed wisdom and compassion when needed. This is one that could be watched over and over again.
When Calls the Heart
(2014– )
A Gem of a show- Keep them coming
21 March 2014
The Hallmark team, with Michael Landon,Jr and Janette Oke have a winner here.
A seemingly period piece with contemporary issues , from overbearing parent' s expectations, and complaints about homework and disinterested students and let us not forget the mayor's wife dropping the founder's day play on the teacher; to the cooperative set up of the classroom with its many distractions and interruptions which really to do occur in today's public classroom. Being a public school teacher I could relate and thought the teacher anxiety over the play was portrayed nicely. Loved the scene when Elizabeth trips and Jack catches her.
Episode 7, dealing dyslexia. and the conflict with the parents was again portrayed well. Parents and teachers both meaning well, yet not sure what is really best for the child.
Episode 8, simply the best most moving, of the season a "wounded warrior" (recovering coal miner) from a life changing experience(lost of a leg)- how the individual,the family, and community responded to a person who is different in body and spirit now. Beautiful scene between Jack and Adam around the campfire about a child's perspective when a parent(father)- is injured- being male made it even more meaningful for- since fathers are often children's first heroes.
Episode 10 Had the more of western feel with the bank robbers and Jack in the saddle and alone so much and the camera picking up the landscape and scenery, was beautiful. The camera shots the morning after, when the characters were returning to town just stunning.
Please do not stop with just one season. Nice to have a family drama and meaningful stories for all family members to watch and relate to.
A seemingly period piece with contemporary issues , from overbearing parent' s expectations, and complaints about homework and disinterested students and let us not forget the mayor's wife dropping the founder's day play on the teacher; to the cooperative set up of the classroom with its many distractions and interruptions which really to do occur in today's public classroom. Being a public school teacher I could relate and thought the teacher anxiety over the play was portrayed nicely. Loved the scene when Elizabeth trips and Jack catches her.
Episode 7, dealing dyslexia. and the conflict with the parents was again portrayed well. Parents and teachers both meaning well, yet not sure what is really best for the child.
Episode 8, simply the best most moving, of the season a "wounded warrior" (recovering coal miner) from a life changing experience(lost of a leg)- how the individual,the family, and community responded to a person who is different in body and spirit now. Beautiful scene between Jack and Adam around the campfire about a child's perspective when a parent(father)- is injured- being male made it even more meaningful for- since fathers are often children's first heroes.
Episode 10 Had the more of western feel with the bank robbers and Jack in the saddle and alone so much and the camera picking up the landscape and scenery, was beautiful. The camera shots the morning after, when the characters were returning to town just stunning.
Please do not stop with just one season. Nice to have a family drama and meaningful stories for all family members to watch and relate to.
The bridge between
26 February 2013
The Branson Storyline was the most interesting and touching. A lonely widower/father in a new job/positon, trying to find himself, and deal with grief and fatherhood. Adding to the equation he is family yet not family when it came to his in-laws and the servants. Glad he did not fall under Edna's spell. Nice to have some long camera scenes of this handsome actor who plays the part. The scenes with Branson crying and Mrs Hughes holding his hands were so moving, you could feel his character's pain if you have ever lost someone close. The Branson/Sybil scenes were few,short and rushed this season. They were my favorite couple and my family had hi hopes for them.
This storyline made the episode; as his character was bridge between the Family(upstairs) and the servants(downstairs). The family being away most of the episode.
The story lines of the staff were fun and playful. Nice to see all getting along and have pleasant exchanges of conversations. The background of the fair was a wonderful touch and fun seeing the boys pulling at the tug of war and winning; as were having the girls on the rides was a nice touch.
Isobel and local doctor Clarkson was a nice by-line, yet I did see that coming and was not surprise by it.
The family's visit to the unhappy Scottish relatives home was a validation of how empty society life could be. The women wearing tiaras and presiding as queens over the estates. The men prancing about with guns.The main purpose of the storyline was to show an unhappy married couple in their societies trappings. It did that.
The joy of Downton Abbey came from the happy relations and conversations: Cora/Robert, Mary/Matthew; Anna/Bates, Carson/Hughes;Carson/Robert; Mary/Anna. Violet/Mary; Hughes/Patmore; Robert/Matthew. We know from historical record was not always the case.
Overall S3 was a let down. Very little of Sybil and Branson, then her death. Now Matthew's death. Hope the writers have learned from this season as not to kill off popular characters and write in silly new ones like Rose.
This storyline made the episode; as his character was bridge between the Family(upstairs) and the servants(downstairs). The family being away most of the episode.
The story lines of the staff were fun and playful. Nice to see all getting along and have pleasant exchanges of conversations. The background of the fair was a wonderful touch and fun seeing the boys pulling at the tug of war and winning; as were having the girls on the rides was a nice touch.
Isobel and local doctor Clarkson was a nice by-line, yet I did see that coming and was not surprise by it.
The family's visit to the unhappy Scottish relatives home was a validation of how empty society life could be. The women wearing tiaras and presiding as queens over the estates. The men prancing about with guns.The main purpose of the storyline was to show an unhappy married couple in their societies trappings. It did that.
The joy of Downton Abbey came from the happy relations and conversations: Cora/Robert, Mary/Matthew; Anna/Bates, Carson/Hughes;Carson/Robert; Mary/Anna. Violet/Mary; Hughes/Patmore; Robert/Matthew. We know from historical record was not always the case.
Overall S3 was a let down. Very little of Sybil and Branson, then her death. Now Matthew's death. Hope the writers have learned from this season as not to kill off popular characters and write in silly new ones like Rose.
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