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stevejwacfield
Reviews
A New Year's Resolution (2021)
Aimee shines.
I don't normally write reviews but felt compelled after reading some of the 1-2 star reviews for an above average Hallmark movie. The most ridiculous comments are related to the actress, Aimee Teagarden. It's as though they have no idea what acting is (or a problem with women in positions of power, and how she rightly portrays this). She is deliberately restrained and quietly confident, a women who's not just going to fall madly in love at the drop of a hat. She plays the role, perfectly. And those who claim there's no chemistry are simply addicted to sugary-sweet, mouth-gaping, over-the-top, fake acting, and forced chemistry. This has a slow burn. VERY well directed. The chemistry appears real throughout. And this is not even mentioning the story. As others have rightly pointed out, a Hallmark movie that's largely out of the normal mold. For a Hallmark movie, an easy 8 stars from me. To those who don't understand acting (Aimee may well receive more notable rules after this. A proven actress from her Friday Night Light days). And Michael Rady was his usual reliable self. Great acting. Good story. Enjoy a more mature Hallmark addition. .
Creed II (2018)
Achieves the near impossible.
It's crazy how many people today simply can't wait to write terrible reviews that are utterly inaccurate (half the time they haven't even seen the movie). Somehow it makes them feel good or something. It is beyond my comprehension. The critics, in my humble opinion, got it right with this one. It IS as good as the first. It has depth and emotion and real characters with real flaws. Magnificently directed, great acting (is it possible that Stallone got better with age, or is it just the many stereotype roles he's played have betrayed his real acting talent, as shown in Cop Land.) Creed 2 is fantastic. A truly great boxing movie and a credit to all concerned. I think there are narcissistic people today who would give movies like the Godfather, Schindler's List, Apocalypse Now, Star Wars, and Citizen Cane, 1 star ratings. I feel sorry for them.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Altar (2018)
Not a thing needed to be altered.
I truly hope this is not the end of this wonderful series. I only say that because it is so hard to imagine a more perfect movie for it to end on. The magnificent culmination of all that has come before it. Seldom do you see writing on this level in a TV movie, and the dialogue delivered with such depth of feeling by all the cast. It's multi-layered, beautifully crafted, funny, insightful, and so respectful of mental illness. And the richness to the main characters' romances is intoxicating and believable, to the point of spontaneous tears. I've enjoyed all of their movies, but this is the only one I've written a review for, because I truly believe it is something all should share. For there are simply no false steps here. The very best. 10/10.
The Tale (2018)
I'd like to begin a story about something so very beautiful.
It's hard to imagine a better telling of such a necessary story. It's so real you can almost hear the anguished heartbeat leaping from the page, the breath, the gasps of reality when truths are revealed. The writing is exceptional, so too the directing, and matched with magnificent acting. Laura Dern is a revelation. Or should I say, she is finally getting the credit she deserves after Enlightened and Big Little Lies, what she brought to The Last Jedi. Her acting is organic and mesmerizing to the point where you're watching her every move, feeling her every emotion. However, it can not be stated enough that it is the sheer importance of this exquisite telling of a tale of abuse, that resonates above all else.
Should definitely be considered for when award season comes around. Quite simply, brilliant.
Rise (2018)
Singing version of Friday Night Lights
Not sure why it keeps getting compared to Glee. Someone wrote Friday Night Lights, and that is a far more accurate comparison, even down to how it is filmed. A lot of people didn't get how good FNL was until almost too late. This is a quality show with good acting and very high standard singing that has none of the fakeness of Glee.