Tag: accomplishment

My 14th Sunshine Blogger Award!

On By 18cinemalane18 Comments

Out of all the awards I’ve been nominated for, the Sunshine Blogger Award is the one I’ve received the most. My recent nomination from Maddy (of Classic Film And TV Corner) is now my 14th nomination! As with past Sunshine Blogger Awards, I will answer the eleven questions Maddy provided to the nominees. Then, I will nominate eleven bloggers and give them eleven new questions. Before I begin this award post, I’d like to thank Maddy for this nomination of the Sunshine Blogger Award!

Happy sun image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

1. Which film made you a classic film fan?

    For me, it wasn’t just one film. It was actually having access to so many classic films through Turner Classic Movies. When it comes to the channel’s catalog, Turner Classic Movies has premiered a variety of titles; from the iconic pictures to the lesser known tales. In fact, I discovered movies such as Bedlam, Tommy, and A Little Romance because of Turner Classic Movies!

    2. What are your top 5 Westerns from the classic era?

      Sadly, I don’t have an answer for this question. That’s because I don’t watch movies from the Western genre consistently enough to choose top five favorites. This is definitely a sign I need to review more Western films.

      3. Favourite British film from the 1940’s?

        This is another question I don’t have an answer for. Similar to what I said about Western films, I don’t watch 1940’s British movies regularly enough to choose a favorite. But I do need to check out more titles so I can, one day, have a go-to film.

        4. A director whose work you haven’t seen or need to see more of?

          Though not a director, Joe Pasternak has produced two films I liked; Anchors Aweigh and The Unfinished Dance. But I realized while looking through his filmography how I haven’t seen many of his projects. It seems like he produced a lot of musicals. So, if I’m in the mood to write about a musical film, I want to seek out more of Joe Pasternak’s titles!

          5. Is there a film that you felt was improved in a director’s cut release?

            Five years ago, I wrote an editorial about the Tim Pope Cut of The Crow: City of Angels. In that editorial, I explained what the Tim Pope Cut is and provided reasons why it should be released. As of late June, 2025, there has been no official word on the Tim Pope Cut’s fate. But if it was released, The Crow: City of Angels would be improved from its theatrical cut, as it would restore the creative team’s original vision.

            6. If you were teaching a classic film course which ten films would you show to the students and why?

            — The Bodyguard (1992) – Subjects would include how to write a timeless story, seamlessly blending genres, creating creative action scenes, and curating movie soundtracks

            — Ben-Hur (1959) – Subjects would include how to use cinematography to a story’s advantage, incorporating religion/faith into a script, constructing set design, and the importance of location scouting

            — Singin in the Rain (1952) — Subjects would include how to form strong camaraderie between characters, crafting creative musical numbers, exploring cinematic history through film, and discussing musicals from the Breen Code era

            — The Phantom of the Opera (1925) — Subjects would include how using film can expand the nature of storytelling, utilizing make-up to enhance characters, the importance of film preservation and restoration, and exploring the history of the Silent Film era

            — Lawrence of Arabia (1962) — Subjects would include how to effectively use architecture in a story, exploring World War I through film, how scenery can visually enhance a movie, and discussing what makes a strong acting performance

            — To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) — Subjects would include how to effectively use suspense in storytelling, the dos and don’ts of adapting literature, comparing and contrasting the legal system in To Kill a Mockingbird to other pieces of entertainment media, and how strong acting performances can bring a sense of realism to a film

            — Nosferatu (1922) — Subjects would include how to tell a story without utilizing dialogue, using music to elevate scenes, exploring the early history of the horror genre, and the importance of strong on-screen chemistry

            — Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Tale of Two Cities (1980) — Subjects would include exploring the history of Hallmark Hall of Fame, an analysis of made-for-television movies, how to manage a film’s run-time wisely, and creating an immersive world through attention to detail

            — Jurassic Park (1993) — Subjects would include how to use CGI wisely, why including a “Voice of Reason” is important, discussing cinematic trends of the 1990s, and exploring the evolution of “nerds” in pop culture

            — Toy Story (1995) — Subjects would include the history of 3-D animation, different styles of animation in the 1990s, creating stories from simplistic ideas, and how to create a theme song for your movie

            The Bodyguard poster created by Tig Productions, Kasdan Pictures, and Warner Bros. Pictures

            7. If you could work in the film industry in any capacity what role would you want and why?

              Definitely the preservation/restoration department! I’ve mentioned before how I find the subject of “lost media” fascinating. For every released movie from any given studio, there are likely three films that are either “lost” or “partially lost”. Through the aforementioned department, I would try to restore as many “lost” or “partially lost” films as possible. Therefore, consumers would have more movie options!

              8. Which film stunt do you think most deserved an Academy Award?

                When I wrote an editorial about The Bodyguard, I talked about “the kitchen scene”. This scene shows two bodyguards fighting in a kitchen due to a miscommunication. As I explained in my editorial, “the kitchen scene” utilizes elements not often incorporated in action scenes. No dialogue or music is included, forcing the audience to give their undivided attention to the events happening on-screen. The kitchen itself is seen by the actors as a challenge, due to the space being smaller. Not only does the fight choreography make good use of this space, it’s also clean, precise, and filled with adrenaline. In my opinion, “the kitchen scene” is the best scene from any action movie. With everything I said, I wish this scene was, at least, nominated for an award.

                9. Favourite musical from the 1950’s?

                  Out of all the musicals from the 1950s I’ve reviewed, I’ll choose Singin in the Rain and The King and I! While both films have good musical numbers, they each have other qualities I liked. Some examples include the costume design from The King and I and the strong camaraderie between the characters in Singin in the Rain.

                  10. What are your top 10 Noir films?

                    The noir genre is infrequently covered on 18 Cinema Lane. But out of the films I reviewed, I did like Gaslight, The Big Sleep, Cry Wolf, Strangers on a Train, and Bedlam.

                    11. Which actor who never won an Academy Award do you think deserved one the most?

                      Anyone who has followed 18 Cinema Lane long enough will know Swept from the Sea is one of the best films I ever reviewed. Vincent Perez’s portrayal of Yanko is one of the reasons why I like this movie. As I said in my Swept from the Sea review, Vincent gave a captivating performance that was both heart-warming and heart-breaking. Through the use of emotion, he was able to say so much without saying anything at all. The on-screen chemistry between Vincent and Rachel Weisz was strong, which made Yanko and Amy’s relationship feel genuine. Plus, Vincent is one of the few actors I know of who can flawlessly pull off a Russian accent. The fact Swept from the Sea didn’t seem to be included in the awards discussion was, in my opinion, a missed opportunity. So, it’s a shame Vincent wasn’t, at least, nominated for his performance.

                      Swept from the Sea poster created TriStar Pictures, Phoenix Pictures, and Tapson Steel Films. Image found at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sftspost.jpg

                      My Nominees

                      • Gill from Realweegiemidget Reviews
                      • Hamlette from Hamlette’s Soliloquy
                      • Chloe from Chloe the MovieCritic
                      • J-Dub from Dubsism
                      • Terence from A Shroud of Thoughts
                      • Le from Crítica Retrô
                      • Rebecca from Taking Up Room
                      • Beth from Spellbound with Beth Ann
                      • Lea S. from Silent-ology
                      • Annette from Hometowns to Hollywood
                      • A Vintage Nerd from A Vintage Nerd
                      The Phantom of the Opera (1925) poster created by Universal Pictures

                      18 Cinema Lane’s Questions

                      1. Which actor or actress do you wish had starred in a historical fiction/historical period picture?
                      2. What two shows would you pair for a crossover?
                      3. Which food-related movie promotion would you bring back?
                      4. You’ve been tasked with designing a popcorn bucket! What movie do you choose and what does its popcorn bucket look like?
                      5. When was the last time you saw a made-for-TV movie?
                      6. What is your least favorite trend in movies?
                      7. Which movie would you like to see from a different character’s perspective?
                      8. Is there a movie poster or trailer you wish you could fix? If so, which one?
                      9. What is your least favorite film from your favorite actor’s or actress’s filmography?
                      10. What movie related mystery would you like to see solved?
                      11. Is there a “lost” or “partially lost” film you wish was recovered? If so, which one?

                      Have fun at the movies!

                      Sally Silverscreen

                      Coming Soon to a Blog Near You; The Second Chance Christmas Double Feature!

                      On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

                      Whenever I publish one hundred posts, I commemorate the achievement by creating a double feature! The two movies are chosen based on a shared theme. My 900th post was a Comparing with the Critics introduction to 1976. But my review of The Chalk Garden is what inspired this edition’s double feature. When I reviewed the 1964 film earlier this month, I talked about receiving a second chance to write about the movie. This opportunity caused me to think about other titles I’ve been meaning to check out. Looking back on all the blogathons I participated in, I realized I still haven’t seen 1954’s Young at Heart. Upon discovering it was a Christmas movie, I immediately found the perfect excuse to finally see An Old Fashioned Christmas. After selecting and watching these films, I will try to answer the following question:

                      Did these two movies deserve a second chance?

                      Christmas Tree with boxes image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/christmas-tree-out-of-gift-boxes_1448089.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com

                      Have fun at the movies!

                      Sally Silverscreen

                      Ten Movie Trends I Don’t Understand

                      On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

                      Days before Christmas, I reviewed I Heard the Bells for my 500 Blog Follower Dedication Review. But this is not the only honor the movie achieved. I Heard the Bells became my 400th published movie review! To commemorate this milestone, I decided to write my sixth list article of 2024. Trends, whether in fashion or when it comes to the most popular toy of the Christmas/holiday season, exist for a reason. This statement also applies to the world of cinema. Sometimes, however, there are film related trends that leave me confused, wondering why film-makers continuously use them in their projects. So, for this list, I will be discussing ten movie trends I don’t understand! The intent of this list is to gain a better understanding for why the listed trends either existed or still exist, as I am genuinely curious about their purpose.

                      Image of 2010 and 2020 on chart created by Macrovector at freepik.com. Infographic vector created by macrovector – www.freepik.com

                      1. Food Fights

                      From about the late ‘80s to the mid-2000s, children’s/family media, especially movies, were fond of food fights. From 1996’s Matilda (where the children at Crunchem Hall Elementary School hurl their lunches at Miss Trunchbull) to the Disney Channel film, Eddie’s Million Dollar Cook-Off (where I remember two food fights taking place), film-makers saw food fights as a way to add excitement and hilarity to their film. But long after the janitor has cleaned up the mess, what sinks in is the realization that these film-makers likely spent hundreds of dollars on large quantities of food only to waste it. This realization not only makes me wonder why food fights were once a staple of children’s/family media, I also question how often food fights happen in real life.

                      2. Keeping Secrets

                      Around the time the aforementioned food fight trend was common, another popular movie trend was younger characters being encouraged to keep secrets. When I reviewed 1985’s Return to Oz, I brought up Princess Ozma telling Dorothy that she can go back to Oz whenever she wants, as long as she keeps it a secret. By bringing up that part of the film, I addressed how Princess Ozma’s statement could be misinterpreted as damaging messages such as holding back on creativity helping one become “normal” and bottling up ideas and feelings being accepted. As I mentioned in my review of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, bullying is not addressed in the script, including in Alice’s part of the story. One reason why is how Imogene forces Alice to keep the bullying a secret. If you’re going to create a story for a younger audience, you need to be mindful when it comes to addressing serious, real-world issues because of how impressionable a younger audience can be. With that said, I kind of find it concerning how common the trend of younger characters keeping secrets was in children’s/family media.

                      3. New York City as a Selling Point

                      I brought up this trend back in 2021, when I reviewed Sherlock Holmes in New York. As I shared my overall impression of the 1976 film, I talked about how movie studios used their project’s New York setting as a selling point. Clear examples show New York City or New York City locations included in a film’s title, like A Troll in Central Park, The Muppets Take Manhattan, and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. I don’t understand this need to single out a story’s New York location. Personally, I think the movie should show instead of tell their story is set in New York. What I also don’t understand is why the trend of using New York as a selling point occurred between about the mid- ‘70s to the mid-2000s.

                      4. Villains Receiving the Spotlight

                      2024 started with the release of Madame Web (a Spider-verse villain movie without the presence of Spider-Man) and ended with the premiere of Kraven the Hunter (a Spider-verse villain movie without the presence of Spider-Man). I bring up these movies to highlight a trend I first noticed in the 2010s that carried over to the 2020s. This trend is villains receiving the spotlight; whether this means villains are given their own movie, villains are presented as more “sympathetic”, or villains make arguments with seemingly valid points. When a movie studio adopts this trend, it gives their audience mixed messages. Within Spider-Man’s comic books, Kraven is known as a villain. The tagline of Kraven the Hunter is “Villains aren’t born. They’re made”. But based on what I’ve heard about the film, Kraven is presented as more of an anti-hero. Not only does giving villains the spotlight confuse the audience, it also makes villainous characters less straight-forward.

                      5. “Thrown Together” Movie Posters

                      A “thrown together” movie poster is the contents of a movie (like cast photos, story locations, and even a scene from the film) thrown together on that movie’s poster. The collage I just described appears overwhelming and leaves the audience with little surprises. I first became aware of this trend when Disney/Marvel used this style for their Avengers: Age of Ultron poster. After that movie came to theaters in 2015, the “thrown together” movie poster trend became the go-to style of cinematic advertising. It even got to the point where Hallmark adopted this trend, as the posters for Christmas Everlasting and Love Takes Flight are notable examples. Based on what I’ve seen, it seems like the “thrown together” movie poster trend is fading in the 2020s, as studios and networks have chosen more artistic styles for their movie posters. But I still wonder why the “thrown together” movie poster trend was ever popular.

                      New York City skyline with letters image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/new-york-skyline-typographic-silhouette_719554.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

                      6. Men Drinking Black Coffee

                      In Great American Family’s A Little Women’s Christmas, Fritz orders a black coffee at a café in Alcott Grove. At that same café, Jo orders a sugary, seasonal coffee drink. This scene made me realize how often I’ve seen men ordering and/or drinking black coffee in movies. Not only do they order/drink black coffee, they usually get criticized for doing it. Similar to the previously mentioned food fight trend, I wonder how the men drinking black coffee trend reflects real life.

                      7. Cabins & Bed and Breakfasts

                      These trends are specific to Lifetime and Hallmark movies. In the world of Hallmark films, it seems common for characters to either own a Bed and Breakfast or know someone who knows a Bed and Breakfast. These Bed and Breakfasts are usually found in small towns. Meanwhile, on Lifetime, it seems like many characters either own a cabin or know someone who owns a cabin. The cabins themselves are typically treated as a vacation destination. I know both networks share the same flaw; telling the same types of stories and reusing the same ideas. This makes me wonder if that flaw is the reason for the abundance of Bed and Breakfasts on Hallmark and cabins on Lifetime.

                      8. Rival Girl Scouting Troop

                      This trend isn’t as common as other trends on my list. But I’ve seen it happen enough times to point it out. Troop Beverly Hills, The Cookie Mobster, and Smart Cookies share something in common; the “underdog” girl scouting troop must face a “rival” girl scouting troop. The rival girl scouting troop is always presented as bratty, wealthy, and popular. Their only purpose in the aforementioned movies is to win cookie season. The rival girl scouting troop trend is, in my opinion, an unnecessary conflict. The main and only conflict should be the protagonist girl scouting troop trying to achieve a goal within their own troop (such as having a successful cookie season). The rival girl scouting troop trend is yet another movie trend that makes me wonder how often it happens in real life.

                      9. The Sound of a Baby Crying in an Apartment Building’s Hallway

                      When one of a movie’s scenes takes place in an apartment building’s hallway, the sound of a baby crying can be heard. This trend has been present in so many movies, I wonder why that particular sound has been the go-to sound for film-makers. All walks of life can live inside an apartment building. This fact provides film-makers with a variety of sounds; such as dogs barking, music, or noise from a television. So, it confuses me when film-makers continuously use the same sound over and over again.

                      10. Calling out “Hello” in an Empty Room

                      Out of all the movie trends on my list, the calling out “hello” in an empty room trend is the most common one. From theatrical pictures to made-for-TV films, a character will call out “hello” when they enter an empty room. Predictably, no one calls “hello” back. But the character who called out “hello” will be taken by surprise by another character. The calling out “hello” in an empty room trend can usually be found in mystery, action, or thriller movies. When film-makers select this trend, they make suspenseful moments more predictable. It also makes characters who call out “hello” look absent-minded.

                      Coffee cup drawing image created by Valeria_aksakova at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background image created by Valeria_aksakova – Freepik.com</a>. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/painted-cup-of-coffee-with-natural-coffee-beans-on-a-chalkboard_1013935.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

                      Have fun at the movies!

                      Sally Silverscreen

                      The Finally Fall Book Tag!

                      On By 18cinemalane1 Comment

                      Back in April, my review of the 1976 film, Network, became my 375th movie review! Then, in July, my El Dorado movie review became my 850th published post! While figuring out how to commemorate these milestones, I realized it has been a year since I wrote a book tag. Now that Fall/Autumn has arrived, I chose the Finally Fall Book Tag! With Eurovision season in full swing, I will share in each tag prompt which books I read during this year’s Eurovisionathon readathon. I also included a picture of each book cover so my readers can visualize which books I’m referring to.

                      Book cover images found on Goodreads. Finally Fall Book Tag image created by me, Sally Silverscreen.

                      1. In fall, the air is crisp and clear: name a book with a vivid setting!

                      One of the best aspects of The Night Circus (the book I read for Germany) was its descriptive imagery. Through elegant, descriptive writing, Erin Morgenstern crafted an immersive world readers can picture in their minds. From “The Ice Garden” at the circus to the tree Bailey likes to climb, the attention to detail helped places feel realistic. Even the circus itself became its own character because of Erin’s construction of the setting. After reading The Night Circus, I can now understand why some readers want to see this book adapted into a movie!

                      2. Nature is beautiful… but also dying: name a book that is beautifully written, but also deals with a heavy topic like loss or grief.

                      Though I won’t spoil the book I read for Greece, Piranesi, I will say there are heavier themes woven into the story. But the way Susanna Clarke wrote the book was logic driven while also evoking fantastical whimsy. The world surrounding the protagonist was truly unique, with descriptive imagery well used throughout the book! Each room Piranesi explores contains intrigue due to the nice, gradual build-up to the mystery’s reveal. Piranesi’s creativity worked in Susanna’s favor, as the book will be adapted into a Laika film!

                      3. Fall is back to school season: share a non-fiction book that taught you something new.

                      The Princess Spy by Larry Loftis tells the story of Aline Griffith, a woman who joined the United States war effort by working in the realm of espionage. The book not only shares Aline’s story, it also explores the history of the CIA’s predecessor; the Office of Strategic Services. I am so thankful I chose to read The Princess Spy for Spain! It was both an educational and entertaining book, showcasing the research and literary skill Larry incorporated. I would, honestly, recommend The Princess Spy, as it was the best book I read for this year’s Eurovisionathon!

                      4. In order to keep warm, it’s good to spend some time with the people we love: name a fictional family/household/friend-group that you’d like to be a part of.

                      In Elissa Brent Weissman’s book, The Length of a String, Imani has a tight-knit family. The story shows how they continually support one another, as well as remind each other what is truly important. Imani’s down-to-earth personality and realistic perspective are a reflection of her strong family unit. Through her interactions with her family, Imani and the reader learn important lessons, such as how Luxembourg was impacted by World War II. The Length of a String is the second-best book I read for 2024’s Eurovisionathon! One of the strengths of the story was how Imani and her family were well written.

                      5. The colorful leaves are piling up on the ground: show us a pile of fall-colored spines!

                      For this prompt, I will, instead, share four book covers that feature, at least, one fall color. These book covers are:

                      • Axel of Evil – Ukraine (orange)
                      • Wolves of Eden – Ireland (orange)
                      • Pinocchio – Italy (orange and yellow)
                      • The Finnish Line – Finland (yellow and red)

                      6. Fall is the perfect time for some storytelling by the fireside: share a book wherein somebody is telling a story.

                      Throughout Felix Francis’ book, Iced, Miles shares the story of his life and reflects on his career as a steeplechase jockey. His exploration of his past reveals his mental health and addiction related struggles. But Felix’s decision to prioritize Miles’ part of the story overshadowed the book’s mystery. This creative decision also gave the story little to no sense of urgency, suspense, or intrigue. When I first read the synopsis of Iced, I was intrigued by a whodunit revolving around a horse race in Switzerland. The book’s aforementioned major flaw left me disappointed.

                      7. The nights are getting darker: share a dark, creepy read.

                      While not considered a “creepy” read, The Winter Soldier is a “dark” read due to its darker subject matter. Because the story focuses on the medical and traumatic sides of World War I, medical procedures and injuries are described throughout the book. Despite the heavier topics within the story, Daniel Mason chose to present war from a more humane perspective by emphasizing human connections. With Lucius being The Winter Soldier’s protagonist, these human connections are found in Lucius’ life, from his early years in Austria to his time mending wounded soldiers in an abandoned church’s makeshift hospital.

                      8. The days are getting colder: name a short, heartwarming read that could warm up somebody’s cold and rainy day.

                      I will pick two books for this prompt. The first choice is William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night! This is considered one of Shakespeare’s light-hearted plays, as it’s classified as a romantic comedy. There are also some musical moments within the story because the play takes place around Christmastime in what is now known as Croatia. The second book I selected was Little Lord Fauntleroy! This is such a wholesome, heart-warming story, emphasizing the themes of kindness and staying true to yourself. It helps that Cedric is a likable, selfless protagonist, as he doesn’t allow his new life in the U.K. to change him or his values.

                      9. Fall returns every year: name an old favorite that you’d like to return to soon.

                      As I mentioned in prompt number five, I read Axel of Evil by Alina Adams. This is the third book in the Figure Skating Mysteries series, a series I’ve found quite enjoyable. So, for this prompt, I would choose to return to the world of competitive figure skating and follow Bex’s adventures!

                      10. Fall is the perfect time for cozy reading nights: share your favorite cozy reading “accessories”!

                      What I have chosen for this prompt, instead, are two book covers featuring a cozy accessory. On the covers of The Finnish Line and The Length of a String, a coat is clearly visible. To me, this is the perfect cozy accessory for those cooler, fall days!

                      Prompt eleven asks tag participants to tag more people. For my book tag post, I will let my readers decide if they want to participate in the tag.

                      Have fun during Fall!

                      Sally Silverscreen

                      A Bouquet Full of Sunshine Blogger Awards

                      On By 18cinemalane4 Comments

                      2024 is a historic year for 18 Cinema Lane. This year, I have been nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award a total of four times, breaking the previous record of two nominations for any given award! The first nomination of 2024 came from Hamlette (from Hamlette’s Soliloquy) back in March. Then, in April, I received a nomination from Rebecca (of Taking Up Room). Three months later, I acquired two more nominations; another one from Rebecca and one from Virginie (from The Wonderful World of Cinema). Because of how many times I’ve been nominated, I have curated the list of questions by choosing at least one question from every nominator. So, before I finally answer these questions, I’d like to thank Hamlette, Rebecca, and Virginie for the nominations and present the award’s official rules!

                      The Rules:

                      1. Display the award’s official logo somewhere on your blog.

                      2. Thank the person who nominated you.

                      3. Provide a link to your nominator’s blog.

                      4. Answer your nominator’s questions.

                      5. Nominate up to 11 bloggers.

                      6. Ask your nominees 11 questions.

                      7. Notify your nominees by commenting on at least one of their blog posts.

                      Sunshine Blogger Award image found on The Wonderful World of Cinema


                      The Questions

                      1. What movie do you really want to change the ending of?

                      Oh, definitely The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Out of courtesy for my readers who may not have seen this trilogy, I will not spoil the aforementioned movie. But if you have seen the film or are a fan of Thorin, Fili, Kili, and/or Tauriel, you’d know why I chose this movie for this question.

                      2. It’s MGM’s one hundredth birthday this month (April 2024) and you’re off to visit their original studio lot. Where do you go first?

                      The Archives! I find the subject of “lost media” fascinating. For every released movie from any given studio, there are likely three films that are either “lost” or “partially lost”. If I were granted access to MGM’s Archives, I would try to restore as many “partially lost” or “lost” films as realistically possible!

                      3. What do you think was the most deserving Best Picture Oscar, and why?

                      I can’t really choose a Best Picture winner that was “most deserving”, as I haven’t seen every film that was nominated for the prize. But I can agree the 1984 movie, Amadeus, was a good Oscar choice! While the film is a glamourous looking picture, it also contains depth. An important part of the story explores the music industry, from the work that goes into making music to how fame can affect the heart and soul. I’d actually make the claim Amadeus is one of the best biopics I’ve ever seen!

                      4. Have you ever changed your opinion of a movie and if so, which movie was it?

                      This has happened on some occasions throughout my blogging journey. The most recent example is when I reviewed 1983’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I mentioned in that review’s introduction how I was revisiting the film after a long period of time, as I remembered liking it in the past. But when I watched the movie again, I found it to be just ok. Like I said when I shared my overall impression on the film, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever felt more like a “very special episode” of a television show than a movie.

                      5. What movie do you wish had a sequel, but it doesn’t?

                      It’s such a coincidence I get asked this question, as I created a list of the top ten Hallmark movies that should have received a sequel back in January! If I had to choose one film from that list, it would be 2021’s Mystery 101: Deadly History. In my list, I explained how Hallmark choosing not to create, at least, one more Mystery 101 movie was a missed opportunity. This is because a final film would have performed well in viewership numbers and given fans some closure.

                      6. Which film has been the biggest surprise this year, good or not good?

                      When it comes to good surprises, that would definitely be 2004’s I Am David! In fact, it is, so far, still the best film I’ve seen this year! Every aspect of the production came together to create a movie that truly felt genuine. There were even some creative decisions that elevated the story, such as the importance given to Europe’s natural landscape. What also makes this film special are the plot twists that were effectively woven into the story!

                      I Am David poster created by Walden Media, Film and General Productions, Lionsgate Films, Artisan Entertainment, and David Productions Ltd.

                      7. You are a mixologist and create a cocktail honouring a movie star. Who do you honour, and how do you make your cocktail? It can be without alcohol!

                      Four years ago, I wrote an editorial on how the movie-going experience changed between when Phantom of the Megaplex premiered in 2000 and 2020. One of these changes was the addition of bars in movie theaters. While the theater in Phantom of the Megaplex doesn’t serve alcohol, especially since the movie is a family friendly picture, Movie Mason (portrayed by Mickey Rooney) is one of its patrons. With all that said, I would a craft a non-alcohol beverage called “The Movie Mason”. Some of the drink’s ingredients would include candy found at the movie theater. The beverage’s texture would be similar to a milkshake/slushie.

                      8. Which movie of 2024 has been your favorite so far? Your least favorite?

                      As I mentioned in answer number six, 2004’s I Am David is, so far, still the best film I’ve seen this year! Meanwhile, the 2004 adaptation of Frankenstein (starring Vincent Perez) is still the worst film I’ve seen this year, so far. I explained in my review of the Hallmark adaptation of Frankenstein (which was also released in 2004) how a technical error on Wikipedia led me to believe Vincent’s movie was the Hallmark version. The reason why I’ve brought up this error is to prevent people who are interested in watching Hallmark’s adaptation from making the same mistake I did.

                      9. Are there any movies coming out in 2024 that you are looking forward to?

                      Yes, the next Curious Caterer film,
                      Curious Caterer: Drumstick Drama! According to Net from It’s a Wonderful
                      Movie, the film is currently in production and will likely premiere this Fall.
                      Because Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans was such a good movie, I’m excited
                      for this series’ next chapter!

                           
                      10. One of my local theaters is going to exhibit a UFC fight next month (May 2024). What are
                      your thoughts on movie theaters showing sporting events?


                      This February, I wrote a Word on
                      the Street story about a Spanish theater chain broadcasting Eurovision’s Grand
                      Final in their theaters. Two months later, I wrote another Word on the Street
                      story about U.K. cinemas choosing to premiere Eurovision’s Grand Final. Even
                      though Eurovision and UFC are two completely different events, the decision to
                      show these events in movie theaters accomplishes the same thing: providing a
                      memorable experience for those who can’t attend the event live. Another thing
                      these theater screened events accomplish is providing extra revenue for movie
                      theaters, especially those from smaller chains or independently owned.

                           
                      11. Is there a film you think could have been made into a tv series as well?
                      (Like M*A*S*H* or Fargo)?


                      Going back to my list of the top
                      ten Hallmark movies that should have received a sequel, I will choose 2016’s For
                      Love & Honor                      ! Because the film is about a school’s commandant and
                      academic dean working together to save their facility, the story could lay the
                      foundation for a series that primarily focuses on a group of academy faculty as
                      they navigate personal and professional problems. Stories about the school’s students
                      may have served as subplots on the show.

                      Amadeus poster created by The Saul Zaentz Company, AMLF, and Orion Pictures


                      The Nominees

                      — Heidi from Along the Brandywine

                      — Olivia from Meanwhile, in Rivendell…

                      — Virginie from The Wonderful World of Cinema

                      — Neil “The Musical Man” Powell from Thoughts From The Music(al) Man

                      — Paul from Silver Screen Classics

                      — A Vintage Nerd from A Vintage Nerd

                      — Net from It’s a Wonderful Movie

                      — Eric from Diary of A Movie Maniac

                      — Le from Crítica Retrô

                      — Debbie from Moon In Gemini

                      — John from UK Film Nerd

                      The Best Christmas Pageant Ever title card created by Comworld Productions, Schaefer/Karpf Productions, and American Broadcasting Company (ABC)

                      My New Questions

                      1. You’re about to introduce someone to a film genre. Which movie will you choose as the respective introduction?

                            2. What episode comes to mind when the subject of “bad” episodes from “good” tv shows is brought up?

                            3. Which series (movie, book, or television) do you feel has gotten “too big for its boots” (a.k.a. overrated/unenjoyable)?

                            4. If a location from a book, movie, or television show was your dream vacation, where would your travels take you?

                            5. You have the opportunity to travel back in time and visit the moment you started your blog. What piece of advice would you give to yourself?

                            6. If you could revive a defunct business/store, which one would you bring back?

                            7. With Halloween on the horizon, which character would you dress up as if invited to a Halloween party?

                            8. In honor of my upcoming blogathon, Cabot Cove-thon, which actor or actress do you wish made a guest appearance on Murder, She Wrote?

                            9. On April 14th, 2024, Turner Classic Movies celebrated their 30th anniversary. Which film would you like to see the channel air more often?

                            10. You’ve been given a once in a lifetime chance to design a theme park attraction! But here’s the twist: the theme park attraction can only be based on a stand-alone movie. Which movie will receive the honor of getting their own theme park attraction?

                            11. You have the power to give your favorite character a podcast! Who will host the podcast and what will it be about?

                            Have fun at the movies!

                            Sally Silverscreen



                            Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Brush with Fate Review + 490 Follower Thank You

                            On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

                            Recently, I published a list of the top ten “icks” from Hallmark
                            Hall of Fame movies. The list consisted of ten aspects of Hallmark Hall of Fame
                            films I don’t like. One of these “icks” is when a movie from this collection
                            glosses over a serious subject. Shortly after I published my list, I found I wasn’t
                            the only blogger to not like this particular “ick”. A fellow blogger,
                            Ospreyshire, brought up the 2003 Hallmark Hall of Fame production, Brush with
                            Fate                            , as an example of how Hallmark Hall of Fame can incorporate serious
                            issues into their stories. Since I hadn’t seen the film yet, I chose Brush with
                            Fate                             for this Blog Follower Dedication Review! This is only the second project
                            from the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection I’ve reviewed this year, so far. A
                            month ago, I wrote about the 1987 movie, Pack of Lies. Unfortunately, I
                            found the film disappointing, as the story was a two-hour build-up to an
                            underwhelming resolution. So, here’s hoping Brush with Fate is a more
                            enjoyable picture!

                            Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Brush with Fate poster created by CBS and Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions

                            Things I liked about the film:

                            An immersive experience: A movie’s creative team has the potential
                            to provide an immersive experience for their audience. To achieve this, attention
                            to detail must be emphasized. That piece of advice can work in the favor of a
                            historical period film. Brush with Fate explores several time periods and how a
                            valuable painting exists within a given period. Each time period represented
                            looked and felt historically accurate! Not only does every featured period
                            appear well researched, every detail was tended to. From the architecture to
                            the machinery, even right down to the characters’ shoes, the aforementioned attention
                            to detail was adopted by Brush with Fate’s creative team. The effort the
                            creative team took to make each part of the story appear authentic helped
                            create an immersive experience for the viewer!


                            Visual transitions: When a story moves from one point to
                            another, scenes will transition using visual cues to let the audience know when
                            the story is moving forward. Because Brush with Fate explores several
                            time periods, there are multiple transitions throughout the movie. These transitions
                            are creative and use visually interesting parallels. Toward the beginning of
                            the story, Cornelia puts her hand on her family’s
                            prized painting. As she begins to share the history of the painting, the next
                            part of the story begins with Laurens putting his hand on the same painting,
                            signaling a change in time periods. The transitions during Brush with Fate were also seamless, allowing
                            the story to maintain a steady flow.


                            Lessons taught by the painting: More often than not,
                            Hallmark Hall of Fame movies weave important lessons into their stories. While Brush
                            with Fate                             is no different, the way the story’s lessons were incorporated was
                            unique compared to other Hallmark Hall of Fame titles. In the 2003 film, different
                            characters learn a different lesson based on their experience with the
                            painting. In one part of the story, a woman from 1717 struggles to feed her
                            family. At the same time, she adores a painting she and her husband found.
                            Turning to her mother for advice, the woman is reminded how the painting is not
                            a blessing. This statement expresses that paintings are replaceable luxuries
                            compared to irreplaceable things like family.

                            Paint palette image created by Freepik at freepik.com <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/hand-drawn-artsy-tools_836777.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a> <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/hand”>Hand vector created by Freepik</a> Image found at freepik.com

                            What I didn’t like about the film:

                            Characters touching the painting with their bare hands: Fictional
                            movies typically make their audience suspend their disbelief. Sometimes, though,
                            audiences are asked to suspend more disbelief than they bargained for. Brush
                            with Fate                             revolves around a Vermeer painting that is known for being valuable
                            in historical and monetary importance. But throughout the movie, multiple
                            characters touch the painting with their bare hands, including Cornelia , who is well aware of the painting’s value. It
                            may seem petty of me to critique the movie for this small detail. However, this
                            happened enough times in the movie that I couldn’t look past it.


                            An unchronological story: As I mentioned earlier in this
                            review, Brush with Fate explores several time periods and how a valuable
                            painting exists within a given period. However, this story is not told in
                            chronological order. Instead, Cornelia shares the painting’s history by bouncing
                            around between time, going backwards and then forwards. Not telling the story
                            in chronological order raises unanswered questions, such as what happened to
                            the baby from the family in 1717 and who acquired the painting after Laurens’
                            daughter and her fiancé. Without spoiling the movie, I will say I know why this
                            creative decision was made. But I still wish Brush with Fate was told in
                            chronological order.

                            An abrupt ending:  Most
                            Hallmark Hall of Fame movies are stand-alone stories where the conclusions are
                            definitive. However, there are exceptions to the rule, such as Sweet Nothing
                            in My Ear                             and A Painted House. Brush with Fate is one of these exceptions. But, in my opinion, I don’t think this
                            movie should have received an open ending. The purpose of showcasing the
                            painting in multiple time periods is to elaborate how the painting’s history is
                            long-lasting. With the rather abrupt ending, this purpose seems defeated, like
                            the painting’s history has stopped short. It also leaves some unresolved loose
                            ends.

                            Art tools image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/flar-art-tools-pack_835368.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>.  <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/paint”>Paint vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

                            My overall impression:

                            Before I share my thoughts on Brush with Fate, I want
                            to thank every follower of 18 Cinema Lane! With each movie review, including
                            these Blog Follower Dedication Reviews, I try to find films I can recommend to
                            my readers. Looking back on this Hallmark Hall of Fame picture, I think I could
                            recommend it. This is a project where attention to detail was emphasized so
                            much, some parts of the movie felt theatrical. The creative team behind Brush
                            with Fate                             allowed their production to be an immersive experience for their
                            audience. However, I think this story would be benefitted by being presented as
                            a multi-part mini-series. With several time periods being explored, as well as
                            many heavy subjects woven into the script, there’s only so much story to tell
                            in two hours. By giving each time period their own episode, more time could be
                            spent getting to know the characters and receiving answers to certain
                            questions. Like many Hallmark Hall of Fame movies, Brush with Fate is
                            based on a pre-existing book I haven’t read yet. Therefore, I can only review
                            this film as a film and not an adaptation.


                            Overall score: 7.1-7.2 out of 10


                            Have you seen Brush with Fate? Which book do you
                            think should have been adapted into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie? Let me know
                            in the comment section!


                            Have fun at the movies!

                            Sally Silverscreen

                            Introducing my Double Feature: 2004 Edition!

                            On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

                            Every time I publish one hundred posts, I commemorate the achievement by creating a double feature; reviewing two films that have at least one thing in common. My 800th blog post was a Word on the Street story about the possibility of a sequel for The Polar Express. Since that movie was released in 2004, I chose two titles from that year to review in this double feature. Those titles are I Am David and Hallmark’s adaptation of Frankenstein. It’s been a while since I attempted to answer a question through my double feature reviews. So, this time, I will try to find an answer to the following question:

                            Based on these two movies, how has the cinematic landscape changed in twenty years?

                            Popcorn and movie ticket image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/cinema-tickets-in-bucket-with-popcorn_2303439.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/layout”>Layout image created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

                            Have fun at the movies!

                            Sally Silverscreen

                            Take 3: A Horse Called Wish Review + 485 Follower Thank You

                            On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

                            For this Blog Follower Dedication Review, I wanted to step away from the realm of Hallmark movies. I do enjoy reviewing Hallmark productions and writing about Hallmark related topics. But with my recent review of True Justice: Family Ties, my list of the top ten Hallmark movies that should have received a sequel, and my Word on the Street story about CrimeTime: Freefall, I wanted to offer my readers other cinematic titles through my articles. I just checked out a movie titled A Horse Called Wish. Though I have written about “horse films” before, these types of films are rarely featured on 18 Cinema Lane. Another reason why I chose to write about A Horse Called Wish is because the story not only takes place in Mauritius, the movie was filmed there as well. I haven’t heard of many stories or movies from this African country. In fact, A Horse Called Wish is probably the first I’ve come across. With that said, I wanted to see how a more unique perspective would impact the landscape of the “horse film”!

                            A Horse Called Wish poster created by Perplexia Pictures, Great Point Media, Red Rabbit Media, Two Oceans Production (TOP), and Jetpack Distribution https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11860462/mediaviewer/rm283290113/?ref_=tt_ov_i

                            Things I liked about the film:

                            Avoiding “horse movie” cliches: Within the realm of “horse movies”, there are certain cliches found within each story. While some of these cliches can be found in A Horse Called Wish, the creative team behind the film avoided other cliches. One cliché from “horse movies” is the “misunderstood horse” cliché, where the horse in question is either a wild horse that would rather be set free by the protagonist or the horse is a descendent of wild horses and has a spirit that can’t be tamed. While the titular horse, Wish, is misunderstood, he is perceived that way for different reasons. I won’t be discussing those reasons because I don’t want to spoil the movie for any of my readers who are interested in watching it. In “horse movies”, one of three landscapes will be commonly featured in the story. These types of landscapes are either desert, mountainous, or the “manicured lawn” (where riding academies or stables are surrounded by lawns and foliage that appear well-cared for). Since A Horse Called Wish takes place in and was filmed in Mauritius, the landscape surrounding the characters and horses is tropical. Through long and medium shots, volcanic mountains, green fields, and even glimpses of the ocean display the natural beauty Mauritius has to offer. This creative decision also gave A Horse Called Wish a unique identity among other “horse movies”!

                            Hannah Gonera’s performance: No matter the genre, it’s important for a story’s main character to be a likable individual with a good personality. Cindy Moreau, the protagonist of A Horse Called Wish, was able to be this type of character thanks to Hannah Gonera’s performance! Hannah’s expressions and reactions were fluid, appearing seamlessly throughout the movie. The strength of Hannah’s acting abilities made her portrayal of Cindy seem realistic! Cindy’s interactions with other characters proves this point. Sometimes, Cindy confides in her boss from the food truck where they work together. These scenes are reminiscent of Daniel and Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid, as Cindy is guided by her mentor. Whenever her boss gives useful advice or encouraging words, Cindy always looks appreciative. From being thankful over receiving a job interview to being disappointed by her mother’s refusal for Cindy to work at a local riding academy, Cindy’s emotions came across as genuine.

                            The messages and themes: “Horse movies” will typically include themes and messages that younger viewers can learn from and older viewers can appreciate. Within A Horse Called Wish, there are some good messages and themes that were incorporated in the story well! Cindy is passionate about equine sports, from constantly reading a book about horses to frequently visiting a local riding academy. Toward the beginning of the movie, she accepts a job as a stable-hand. I once heard a quote about dreams not working unless you do. As montages of Cindy cleaning the stables and taking care of the horses are shown on screen, she lives by that quote as she creates a good foundation of being a good equestrian. I also heard a quote about finding a job that makes you look forward to go to work. Through another montage, viewers can see Cindy excited to go to the riding academy, as she displays a smile on her face every time she wakes up in the morning. The message of actively working toward dreams and the theme of finding a job that makes you happy can give viewers advice to apply to their lives.

                            White horse image created by Gabor Palla at freeimages.com. “FreeImages.com/Gabor Palla.”

                            What I didn’t like about the film:

                            Contradictory dialogue: In A Horse Called Wish, there were a few times when the dialogue contradicted the characters’ surroundings. Toward the start of the movie, two riding academy students (Elizabeth and Charlotte) visit the food truck Cindy works at. This food truck has restaurant space near the truck for patrons to sit down and eat their meal. While Cindy is waiting on their table, Charlotte claims the salt shaker has fallen on the floor. However, the restaurant space is outdoors, so the salt shaker fell on the ground. Later in the movie, Elizabeth is trying to have a conversation with her father. In order to quickly finish the conversation, he tells his daughter to go home and go to bed. Based on the lighting surrounding these characters, it appears this conversation took place in the afternoon.

                            Limited scenes of equine performance: One of the staples of a “horse movie” is the inclusion of equine performance. Whether it’s equine competitions, horses performing stunts, or simply seeing horses jumping, these types of equine performance can look impressive on screen and can provide a story with action and excitement. While there was equine performance found in A Horse Called Wish, these moments were far and few between. Since the story’s riding academy prioritizes the English riding style, there is a show-jumping competition featured in the film. However, this competition serves as the story’s climax, meaning it doesn’t take place until the movie is almost over. Most of the time, horses are shown trotting or walking in a canter.

                            Too many story elements: As I mentioned earlier in this review, Cindy is passionate about equine sports, willing to work to make her dreams a reality. But this serves as only one element of the overall story. Other story elements are included in the script, such as Cindy dealing with bullying and Cindy’s mother looking for employment. Because of how many story elements were featured in the film, some parts of the story happened too quickly. It also caused the overall story to feel bogged down. With that said, I wish A Horse Called Wish had one main plot and two subplots.

                            Horse with saddle photo created by Topntp26 at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/stallion-black-equine-race-sky_1104246.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background image created by Topntp26 – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

                            My overall impression:

                            Before I share my thoughts on A Horse Called Wish, I want to thank every follower of 18 Cinema Lane! With these special Blog Follower Dedication Reviews, I always try to find movies that my readers will enjoy and films that expand their cinematic horizons. I look forward to finding more titles my readers are excited to read about! Now, back to talking about A Horse Called Wish. While watching this movie, I could tell the creative team behind the movie had their hearts in the right place. With some of their creative decisions, A Horse Called Wish brought a more unique perspective and identity to the world of “horse films”. But the 2019 film shared qualities of other “horse films”, such as good messages and themes. A Horse Called Wish does have its flaws. These flaws, like limited scenes of equine performance, held the movie back from being a stronger production. What I do appreciate is how this film gave me an opportunity to watch a piece of cinema created in Mauritius. With the Summer Olympics on the horizon, it makes me wonder if, one day, we’ll see an equestrian from Mauritius winning a medal on the Olympic stage?

                            Overall score: 6 out of 10

                            Have you seen A Horse Called Wish? Are there any “horse films” you’d recommend for a future review? Let me know in the comment section!

                            Have fun at the movies!

                            Sally Silverscreen

                            Two Sunshine Blogger Awards are Better Than One!

                            On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

                            Back in August, Hamlette, from Hamlette’s Soliloquy, nominated me for the Sunshine Blogger Award! A month later, Rebecca, from Taking Up Room, also nominated me for this same award! Because I was nominated twice in a short amount of time, I’m accepting my eighth and ninth Sunshine Blogger Awards by answering half of Rebecca’s questions and half of Hamlette’s questions. Thank you, Rebecca and Hamlette for the nominations! It’s been over a year since I received a blogging award, so this was such a pleasant surprise for me! Before I start answering the award questions, here are the official award rules which are:

                            1. Thank the blogger who nominated you in the blog post and link back to their blog.

                            2. Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.

                            3. Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.

                            4. List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog.

                            Sunshine Blogger Award image found on Hamlette’s Soliloquy

                            1. What are your top five movies from this year? So far, anyway.

                            1. Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Caroline?
                            2. Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Tale of Two Cities
                            3. The Great Muppet Caper
                            4. Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Murder in G Major
                            5. RKO 281

                            2. What’s the last movie you watched?

                            I recently saw the Lifetime movie, Stalked by My Stepsister. While the film was ok, even somewhat predictable, I was impressed with Eva Igo’s portrayal of Devon, the titular stepsister! In Lifetime movies, a villainous character will typically have a more over-the-top personality as their true colors start to show. Eva consistently carried her character with a poised seriousness, her performance reminding me of performances I’ve seen in period dramas/historical fiction projects. Therefore, I’d like to see Eva star in a period drama/historical fiction program some day!

                            3. Which movies do you think deserve the Broadway treatment?

                            With the entertainment industry capitalizing on ‘80s nostalgia, I’m surprised no one has thought of remaking the 1985 movie, Girls Just Want to Have Fun. It’s been years since I saw the film. But from what I remember, I liked it! Since the story revolves around a dance competition, there are plenty of performing and choregraphing opportunities for a Broadway show. Plus, there’s always the option of either retelling the story in the ‘80s or putting the story in a new era!

                            4. What’s the next movie you plan to watch?

                            For my Familyathon blogathon, I’m planning on watching and reviewing the 1979 made-for-TV movie, …and Your Name Is Jonah! I haven’t had the best of luck finding a television film from the ‘70s I like, so I’m hoping this one is good!

                            5. Which movies are you looking forward to seeing next year?

                            The recent writers and actors strike have caused several movies to be pushed back from their original release dates. However, most of the films that have 2024 release dates seem to be unnecessary sequels. I also don’t know what’s in store for Hallmark, as the network has not announced any upcoming movies for 2024. Despite all this, there are things I’m looking forward to next year, such as season eleven of When Calls the Heart and the Eurovisionathon readathon!

                            6. Pirates or vampires?

                            Since I’ve reviewed more movies featuring vampires, that’s what I’ll choose.

                            Happy sun image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

                            7. Which movies (if any) do you regret watching this year?

                            Honestly, I can’t think of any films I’ve seen this year that I’ve regretted watching and/or reviewing. I approach every movie I see hoping it is good. Even if one turns out less than stellar, I still try to find things about the film I liked. This is the reason why I start every movie review talking about what I liked about the movie. No matter how a film turns out, I’m grateful for the opportunity to receive my own, honest opinion on it.

                            8. What TV show(s) have you seen every episode of at least once?

                            Definitely When Calls the Heart! This includes the Christmas/holiday films and the Hallmark movie from 2013.

                            9. You have the chance to be a guest host on TCM. Which show do you host or which kinds of movies do you want to introduce?

                            During these five years of movie blogging, I have reviewed many made-for-tv movies. Some of these titles have been hidden gems, such as the aforementioned RKO 281. While I don’t know if made-for-TV films would be considered “classic” cinema, I would want to host a made-for-TV movie marathon!

                            10. What new movie release are you looking forward to?

                            As I stated in answer number five, the recent writers and actors strike have caused several movies to be pushed back from their original release dates. Not only do most of the films with 2024 release dates seem to be unnecessary sequels, Hallmark also hasn’t announced any upcoming movies for 2024. But based on the trailers I’ve seen, Napolean looks like it has potential to be an interesting period drama. I’ll wait until I’ve heard reviews of the movie before I decide to check it out.

                            11. Do you have a favorite silent movie? If so, which one?

                            I haven’t reviewed many silent films on my blog. But out of the ones I’ve written about, I liked both Sunnyside and Wild Oranges! Since I reviewed each movie for a Blog Follower Dedication Review, I’ll link these reviews below if you’re interested in reading my opinion on the films.

                            Take 3: Wild Oranges Review + 95 Follower Thank You

                            Take 3: Sunnyside Review + 100 Follower Thank You

                            Woman celebrating victory image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/gold”>Gold vector created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com. 

                            The New Nominees are…

                            Ari from The Classic Movie Muse

                            Jillian from The Classic Film Connection

                            Paul from Silver Screen Classics

                            Eric Binford from Diary of a Movie Maniac

                            Heidi from Along the Brandywine

                            Annette from Hometowns to Hollywood

                            Samantha from Musings of a Classic Film Addict

                            MovieRob from MovieRob

                            Terence from A Shroud of Thoughts

                            The Metzinger Sisters from Silver Scenes

                            Erica from Poppity Talks Classic Film

                            The New Questions

                            Movie award essentials image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background psd created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com. 
                            1. What movie or tv show do you think is “bonkers”?
                            2. You’re going on a trip to a theme park with your five favorite characters! Which characters are invited on this trip?
                            3. What Christmas/holiday movie trope/cliché do you believe is overused?
                            4. Which blog post is your most underrated?
                            5. If you received a movie related gift from a loved one, what would it be?
                            6. You have a chance to travel back in time to try a discontinued item from McDonald’s menu. What would you choose to order?
                            7. Which family from a movie, book, or tv show would you like to share Thanksgiving dinner with?
                            8. What is a movie or tv related mystery you’d love to receive the answer to?
                            9. Which secondary character do you think deserves their own stand-alone film?
                            10. What is the worst movie or tv show you’ve seen this year, so far?
                            11. Is there a movie you’d love to re-watch in a theater? If so, which one?

                            Have fun at the movies!

                            Sally Silverscreen

                            The Top Ten ‘When Calls the Heart’ Characters I’d Love to See Return

                            On By 18cinemalane4 Comments

                            When I published my review for the adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath, that post became my 750th published article! Since then, I’ve been trying to find the right topic to write about to commemorate the milestone. My most recent re-cap of When Calls the Heart has, within a 24-hour period, become the most popular article I’ve ever written on 18 Cinema Lane, garnering over 8,000 views and counting! Since my readers have an interest in When Calls the Heart related content, I decided to create a list of the top ten characters I’d love to see return to the show! With the arrival of Rosaleen Sullivan, I wondered which other characters could come back. As the show is now is in tenth season, it wasn’t difficult to think of characters to include on this list. From characters debuting in one of When Calls the Heart’s seasonal films to beloved faces who have spent years in Hope Valley, here is my list of the top ten characters I’d love to see return to the show!

                            When Calls the Heart: Home for Christmas poster created by Hallmark Channel and Crown Media Family Networks. Image found at https://www.crownmediapress.com/Shows/PRShowDetail?SiteID=142&FeedBoxID=845&NodeID=302&ShowType=&ShowTitle=When+Calls+the+Heart+Home+for+Christmas.

                            1. Tom Thornton

                            I have mentioned in the past how Tom Thornton is my favorite character from When Calls the Heart. He was even included in my “Flaming Hot…5 Reasons Why” Tag post! Tom returned to the show in season five, attending Jack and Elizabeth’s wedding. But so much has changed since then, with Tom losing his brother and becoming an uncle. Since the end of season five, I have wondered how Tom has dealt with life after receiving both good and bad news. I also speculated how his life might have changed since his story was last included on the show. It would be nice to see Tom find true love again and maybe even get married on When Calls the Heart! With season ten still on television and season eleven on the horizon, only time will tell.

                            2. Carson Shepherd

                            Ever since Carson left Hope Valley, I feel like Faith’s story has been put on hold. While her career seems to be thriving, she hasn’t moved forward in the relationship department. There’s still so much left unsaid between Faith and Carson. I don’t feel like their conflict ever truly got resolved. Even though Hope Valley already has a doctor in town, it would be nice to see Carson and Faith work together again. Maybe they could rekindle their relationship as well.

                            3. Phillip

                            Phillip was one of Elizabeth’s students. He left Hope Valley in order to receive eyesight saving surgery. Since then, Phillip or his father have never returned to town. I always wondered if the surgery was a success. I also wondered what became of Phillip and his family. Did Phillip’s father remarry? Did Phillip remain an only child? Erin Krakow and Niall Matter, the actor who portrayed Phillip’s father, Shane, have worked together on several Hallmark projects. If Phillip couldn’t appear on the show, Niall could reprise his role as Shane. This way, Shane could give viewers an update on his son through dialogue.

                            4. Walter

                            Walter made his Hope Valley debut in the movie, When Calls the Heart: Home for Christmas. In that film, he was a traveling salesman, struggling to make money. Since the movie’s release in 2019, Walter hasn’t returned to Hope Valley. He hasn’t been brought up by any of the characters either. I do wonder if he is still a traveling salesman or if he found a new calling, similar to Joseph Canfield’s story. If Walter were to come back to town, the audience would receive some closure to his story.

                            5. Christopher and Rachel

                            In season eight, it was revealed Henry had a son named Christopher. That season showed father and son reconnecting. But Henry was not the only character Christopher connected with. Fans saw Christopher and Lee’s niece, Rachel, falling in love. The younger couple stayed on When Calls the Heart for one season. Early in season nine, Henry learns Rachel and Christopher plan to get married in the near future. However, these wedding plans haven’t been brought up since last season. Though Lucas and Elizabeth’s wedding will, hopefully, take place in season eleven, I hope Rachel and Christopher consider getting married in Hope Valley. Maybe they could be the first couple to host either an outdoor wedding or a Christmas wedding!

                            Since Tom Thornton is included in this list, I figured putting this picture of Tom and Jack in this article made sense.  Image created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Channel.

                            6. Dottie

                            Dottie was one of the original residents of Coal Valley, losing her husband in the coal mining tragedy that took place prior to the show’s events. Over the course of the series, Dottie started her own business; a dress shop where Rosemary worked before creating the town’s newspaper. As the dress shop expanded outside of Hope Valley, Dottie left town to manage those stores. Because of her departure, the dress shop closed and became the ice cream parlor and pharmacy. Since Rosaleen Sullivan came back to the show, it would be nice to see Dottie return. I remember Dottie, Mollie, and Florence were good friends in When Calls the Heart’s earlier seasons, so it would be wonderful to see them reunite!

                            7. Hattie

                            Hattie is another student of Elizabeth’s that disappeared. When she and her mother moved to Hope Valley, Hattie was grieving the loss of her friend. During her time as a student of the Jack Thornton School, Hattie was one of the children who first brought up Hope Valley’s ice cream parlor. But she mentioned the ice cream parlor back in season five and since then, the story seems to have forgotten Hattie exists. I haven’t seen Hattie on the show in a long time. Plus, none of Elizabeth’s students bring Hattie up either. If Rosaleen can receive closure on her story, I think it’s only fair for Hattie to receive closure for her story too.

                            8. Cody and Becky

                            Cody and Becky were introduced to Hearties in the film, When Calls the Heart: New Year’s Wish. Since their introduction, Abigail adopted the siblings and the family lived in Abigail’s Café. Because of Lori Loughlin’s involvement in the infamous college admissions scandal, not only was Abigail written off the show, Becky and Cody were written off the show as well. Before this happened, Becky was attending college and Cody was still enrolled at the Jack Thornton School. Even if it was just for one episode, I would like to see Cody and Becky revisit Hope Valley. From what I remember, Cody and Robert were close friends. So, seeing them go on an adventure together would serve as a potential story for a future episode!

                            9. Laura

                            Besides Rosaleen Sullivan, Laura was one of Elizabeth’s first students back in season one. In recent seasons, Laura was not only attending college, but she was also babysitting Jack Jr. While watching this current season, I realized Laura hasn’t appeared in any scenes. Elizabeth didn’t mention her either. I’m curious about Laura’s whereabouts and how her story turns out. If both Laura and Rosaleen appeared on the show together, maybe the show’s fans could witness a school reunion in the future, especially since the Jack Thornton School never hosted a reunion before!

                            10. Charles Kensington

                            As I was creating this list, I thought about all the characters who could create drama in the town. The first character that came to mind was Charles Kensington. A childhood friend of Elizabeth, Charles came onto the show in season two. He only appeared in that season, never brought up or shown on screen again. I would love to see how his life turned out after Elizabeth refused his offers. An interaction between Charles and Lucas would be very interesting as well.

                            When Calls the Heart season ten poster created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Channel

                            Have fun in Hope Valley!

                            Sally Silverscreen