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Reviews
The Outsider (2002)
A sleeper
I've seen most of the old westerns, including the most highly rated, and this one ranks up there, and even exceeds the quality of those classics. Hallmark??? Yes, but, don't let the Hallmark brand mislead you. This is not a typical Hallmark movie. Top-notch acting by the main characters (Tim Daly & Naomi Watts) with outstanding contributions from the secondary cast such as David Carradine. The storyline is gripping from get-go with one chilling scene after another. Never a dull moment. Just when you think it couldn't be more thrilling, the heart-wrenching ending tops it off. The context is a young family that is part of an Amish society. I'm sure some criticize this movie because of the relationship of the mother with the Amish church, but while the Amish are wonderful people, not sure their religion is on par with biblical Christianity. In any case, none of this should take away from the quality of this movie. I rate this a 9.3, one of the highest ratings I've given any movie let alone a western or a Hallmark.
The Spirit of Christmas (2015)
A good Hallmark
Why is this only rated 6.5?? Perhaps it's because of the idea of ghosts in the movie, but it's science fiction! I've seen some pretty bad Hallmark movies rated higher than this one. A genuinely good Hallmark is hard to come by, but this one fits the bill. First off, the acting is very good, even the secondary characters do a good job. Beaudoin is excellent at playing a 1900 character. Salowsky is great... funny, yet maintaining a realism that keeps you interested throughout. Secondly, the storyline is not predictable like many Hallmark flicks. Despite the fictional nature of the film, the story is believable and keeps your attention from the very first scene. I was startled at several points in the movie, and intrigue and suspense were par for the course in this one. I was thoroughly entertained. I give it a 7.5. Well worth the watch!
A Welcome Home Christmas (2020)
Generous 6
I watch a lot of Hallmark movies as well as many other types, including romances, and this one leaves a lot to be desired. I'm stunned at the relatively high rating others gave this movie. The storyline is bland, the unfolding of events is overly predictable and the acting is just plain bad with the exception of Jana Kramer who plays Chloe...she is acceptable, though far from supherb. Marquee is too easily "changed," is stiff in his character and has little in the way of chemistry with Chloe. The ending has the potential to be touching, but with the bad acting and predictable nature of events, it was far from moving. I do like light romances, but I also like realistic characters even in a fictional story. These characters are, for the most part, unrealistic. Everyone has a plastic smile, and the sentimental parts are forced. Kramer kept my rating from a 4 or 5, but couldn't go higher than 5.7. One last comment...Hallmark seems to be concerned about "spoilers" but look at the cover on these movies and they basically give away the ending!
Just My Type (2020)
Worth watching
It's a Hallmark romance. That's down side. On the upside, it's a cut above the above the norm for Hallmark. This movie is worth watching. Although it's somewhat predictable, we quickly became enthralled in it. Despite another review, we didn't find any dull moments. It's simple, but well planned out. As with some of the great movies, each scene is critically important and builds onto the next. The story keeps your attention on its own simple merits without any wild scenes to prop it up. The interplay and acting of the 2 main characters is very good and quite realistic and you enter into the relationship with them. The two were genuine and didn't walk around with the fake "Hallmark smile." Instead, the facial expressions were priceless and told a story in themselves. The attraction between them takes time...and was full of intrigue.
Although the secondary acting is borderline and brought the movie down from higher ranks, it's acceptable and actually fit in quite well. It was enjoyable, and we watched it again 2 more times, something I've only done with some of the top movies. I give it a 7.3.