The Best and Worst Movies I Saw in 2025

On December 31, 2025January 5, 2026 By 18cinemalane2 Comments

2025 has been a strange year for 18 Cinema Lane. That’s because most of the movies I’ve seen and/or reviewed this year have been ok or fine. After seeing so few good or bad films in 2025, I wasn’t able to create separate top ten best and worst movies lists like in years past. So, instead, I wrote a combined list where I discuss the movies I saw this year that I liked and didn’t like. What’s also different about this year’s end of year list is how there are no Honorable Mentions, due to how few good movies I saw in 2025. But there are two Dishonorable Mentions; Recipe for Murder and Black Bag. The only reason why these films are considered Dishonorable Mentions is because I DNFed (did not finished) both of them. For this year’s list, I will start talking about 2025’s worst movies then end the list by talking about 2025’s best movies. If I reviewed any of the movies on my list, I will provide a link to those reviews.

Worst Movies I Saw in 2025

7. Stalked by My Amish Boyfriend

Lifetime movies, like Hallmark movies, are not created equally. The 2024 film, Stalked by My Amish Boyfriend, is just one example of this statement. While it was interesting to see and hear how information about Amish culture was woven into the story, that part of the script couldn’t overshadow the major flaws of the movie. I was frustrated by how some characters would make dumb decisions simply for the sake of making dumb decisions. Stalked by My Amish Boyfriend was also, in my opinion, a mostly forgettable film. This is the reason why the 2024 picture is at the bottom of my list.

6. She Wore a Yellow Ribbon

As I said in my review of She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, I expected the 1949 movie to be an action-packed, suspenseful, and even intriguing story. What I got instead was an underwhelming film that prioritized presentation over product. I praised She Wore a Yellow Ribbon for its pretty looking scenery. But a photogenic background was unable to save the film from its weak script. A limited amount of action took away a lot of the story’s suspense and intrigue. It also doesn’t help how I only became familiar with most of the characters instead of truly getting to know them. She Wore a Yellow Ribbon is one of two movies I saw this year that almost made me fall asleep.

Take 3: She Wore a Yellow Ribbon Review

5. Kind Hearts and Coronets

Kind Hearts and Coronets is the second film I saw in 2025 that almost made me fall asleep. But the flaws in this movie greatly differ from She Wore a Yellow Ribbon’s emphasis on scenery over substance. Despite Kind Hearts and Coronets being classified as a “comedy”, I didn’t laugh at all while watching the film. I also had no idea what the story’s moral was supposed to be, due to the moral being treated as an afterthought. Like I said in my Kind Hearts and Coronets review, I’m not entirely sure what this movie was trying to say. That lack of clarity not only makes the movie underwhelming, it also makes the movie confusing.

Take 3: Kind Hearts and Coronets Review

4. Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

Having Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery on my worst movies of the year list and finding Pie To Die For: A Hannah Swensen Mystery slightly better than its predecessor feels like déjà vu. That’s because One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery was placed on my worst of 2024 list, with its follow-up, A Sprinkle of Deceit: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, being slightly better. Though Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery had its own set of flaws. Forced humor felt straight out of a sit-com, especially when Delores was involved in the story. As I said in my review, I wondered why a laugh track was missing. Both of the film’s mysteries contained such a small sense of urgency, the run-time felt a bit drawn-out. The story’s overall intrigue was weaker due to this flaw. If the Murder, She Baked/Hannah Swensen series continues in 2026, I’d like to see the quality become more consistent.

Take 3: Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery Review

*Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery* poster created by Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

3. Perry Mason: The Case of the Heartbroken Bride

Perry Mason: The Case of the Heartbroken Bride is the most disappointing movie I saw in 2025. There were so many missed creative opportunities in this story, the film itself was under-cooked and uninspired. The movie was sometimes boring because of the lack of urgency. Seeing Perry, Della, and even Kevin meanderingly take their time building a legal case sucked the energy out of the story. I said in my review how any movie series boasting over ten titles was going to have at least one “bad day at the office”. I also said in my review how Perry Mason: The Case of the Heartbroken Bride was one of those days for the fictional detective.

Take 3: Perry Mason: The Case of the Heartbroken Bride Review

2. My Gal Sunday

This 2014 movie is a perfect example of Hallmark putting the cart before the horse. Instead of creating a solid stand-alone film that could have naturally led to more chapters, the network put more effort into trying to build the foundation for a potential series. Parts of this story didn’t make sense. One glaring example is when an itinerary shows the protagonist couple’s plans of going dancing at 11 p.m. on Saturday then going to church at 8 a.m. on Sunday, begging the question of when these characters were supposed to go to sleep. The on-screen chemistry between Cameron Mathison and Rachel Blanchard made their characters, Henry and Sunday, feel less like a married couple and more like a couple who are about to start dating. It’s, honestly, a shame My Gal Sunday wasn’t a stronger picture. Mystery stories about married couples are uncommon from Hallmark, so this 2014 story could have offered something unique to the network’s table.

1. Mystery by the Book

This film actually has two titles; Mystery by the Book and Key to Love. However, I saw the movie on Great American Family under the title, Mystery by the Book. Therefore, I will be referring to that title for the sake of my list. For a movie with the word ‘mystery’ in the title, the story’s mystery is an afterthought, which makes the title itself very misleading. Instead, the characters develop other priorities, like playing dress-up and tapping glasses four times during one dinner date. Parts of the script don’t make sense, like how the protagonists find a treasured antique key. Mystery by the Book is even so bad, it’s, at times, unintentionally funny. A perfect example is when Corey Sevier’s character, Josh, is looking for a set of keys, only to find a set of keys seconds later on a key hook labeled “Keys”. Thank goodness Great American Family’s Ainsley McGregor Mysteries series is growing stronger in quality. But if the network wants to expand their mystery library, they have a long road ahead of them.

*Perry Mason: The Case of the Heartbroken Bride* poster created by Fred Silverman Company, Viacom Productions, Dean Hargrove Productions, National Broadcasting Company, and Viacom

Best Movies I Saw in 2025

**8. The Phantom of the Opera (1925)**

I’m still shocked by how the 1925 version of The Phantom of the Opera was never included on any of American Film Institute’s 100 movies lists, even months after I reviewed the film. Looking at everything the movie has to offer, I believe there is an argument to be made for its inclusion on, at least, one of those lists. Lon Chaney’s performance alone highlights how make-up, body language, and even the eyes can enhance an acting performance. Each area of the Opera House was presented through color coded film, which gave the movie a unique identity. What also helps 1925’s The Phantom of the Opera standout is how the cinematic lens showed the audience the expansive nature of storytelling. This is why, in my opinion, the story of the Phantom and his opera house is better suited for film than the stage.

Take 3: The Phantom of the Opera (1925) Review (Silent Pioneers Double Feature Part 2)

7. Fist of Fury

For an introduction to Bruce Lee’s filmography, I think Fist of Fury is a good one! The martial arts choreography was definitely one of the strengths of this film. But the movie contained other aspects I liked as well. Bruce’s portrayal of Chen is a reason why Fist of Fury was so memorable. Clever writing and higher stakes woven into the script create a story that was clever, suspenseful, and intriguing. Because of how much I enjoyed watching Fist of Fury, I hope to check out more of Bruce’s movies in 2026!

Take 3: Fist of Fury Review

6. The Chalk Garden

Even though I reviewed this film back in February, I still think about what Laurel said about not liking being told “good morning”. How well-written the dialogue was is one of the reasons why I remember Laurel saying, “what is a good morning to someone else is rarely a good morning to me”. Speaking of Laurel, Hayley Mills’ utilization of animated expressions and a variety of emotions helped the audience see how complex her character truly is. But Hayley is not the only actress whose performance was strong. The Chalk Garden is a movie where every actor and actress does a great job with the acting material they were given. The 1964 presentation is part character study, part mystery that works!

Take 3: The Chalk Garden Review + 505 Follower Thank You

5. The Night Before the Night Before Christmas

The Night Before the Night Before Christmas is another movie I saw (and reviewed) this year where it was difficult to choose a favorite acting performance. The strength of the cast’s acting abilities not only made watching the story unfold more enjoyable, it even helped characters become more likable. Emphasizing the theme of giving painted a portrait of Santa I hadn’t really thought of before; someone who has a reputation for giving. It was also a clever way to remind viewers of one of the Christmas season’s important components. How Christmas activities were included in the script was a breath of fresh air as well. As I said in my review, I wish Hallmark went back to creating titles that didn’t rely too much on a formula, tropes, and/or cliches.

Take 3: The Night Before the Night Before Christmas Review + 515 Follower Thank You

*The Chalk Garden* poster created by Quota Rentals Limited, Ross Hunter Productions, and Universal Pictures

**4. Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925)**

It’s amazing how two movies on this year’s best films list not only turned 100 years old, they also utilized color coded film to their advantage! But what sets Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ apart from The Phantom of the Opera is how title cards went above and beyond in Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ due to how well-written they were. Another aspect that distinguishes Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ is the cinematography’s capturing of the scope of the film. Long and medium shots effectively showcased a world that looked and felt larger than life. The visual presentation of the movie was certainly impressive. However, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ found a balance between style and substance!

Take 3: Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925) Review

3. The Man Who Invented Christmas

Despite being the most recently reviewed movie on my list, The Man Who Invented Christmas is one of the best biopics I’ve ever seen! How the creation of A Christmas Carol lent itself to exploring Charles Dickens’ life story brought a unique element to the biopic genre. Watching Charles’ iconic tale come to live, literally and figuratively, provided the film a creative and memorable identity. The “Easter Eggs” related to A Christmas Carol sprinkled throughout the story was an engaging way to stay invested in the movie. The Man Who Invented Christmas is a solid Christmas title that would make a good double feature with I Heard the Bells.

Take 3: The Man Who Invented Christmas Review

2. The Wild Robot

I first talked about The Wild Robot in my list of The Top Ten Best Stand-Alone Films. Even though I published that list back in March, the 2024 animated movie has still held up as one of the best titles I saw this year! Like I said in The Top Ten Best Stand-Alone Films list, the animation was gorgeous, appearing as a blend of paintings and priceless photographs. A pleasant surprise was how much emotional depth the story contained. What adds a sense of timelessness to the production was the abundance of good messages and themes. While it’s too early to say how The Wild Robot will stand in the test of time, I think it has potential.

1. An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving

I actually revisited this film in preparation for my review of An Old Fashioned Christmas. Watching An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving again after so many years reminded me why I love this movie! Attention to detail and historical accuracy created the illusion of taking the audience to another time and place. How the messages and themes of the Thanksgiving holiday were woven into the story allow An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving to truly embrace the holiday itself. The more I think about the 2008 movie, it makes me surprised it wasn’t a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation. My belief is due to An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving containing elements that would likely be found in a Hallmark Hall of Fame project, such as strong acting performances and a historical fiction lens.

*The Man Who Invented Christmas* poster created by The Mazur Kaplan Company, The Mob Film Company, Ingenious Media, Nelly Films, Parallel Films, Rhombus Media, and Bleecker Street Media

Have fun in 2026!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: The Man Who Invented Christmas Review

On December 25, 2025December 31, 2025 By 18cinemalane5 Comments

December’s theme for Genre Grandeur is “Movies about Legends we lost too soon (in any field)”. But since it is December, I wanted to write about a Christmas movie. This is why I selected the 2017 film, The Man Who Invented Christmas, for the blogathon, as it satisfies the best of both worlds. The movie revolves around how Charles Dickens created the iconic story, A Christmas Carol. With Charles living to the age of fifty-eight, one would think he lived a full life. However, there are celebrities who have outlived Charles. A few of them have even lived to the age of one hundred. Therefore, there’s an argument to be made about Charles being a “legend” the world lost too soon. About The Man Who Invented Christmas, it’s a movie I have heard of, but never saw. In fact, I have heard very few people talk about the 2017 film. So, as a Christmas present, here’s my review of The Man Who Invented Christmas!

Things I liked about the film:

The acting: What can make or break a biopic is the lead performance. Depending on the quality of that performance, it can help the audience determine if the person that actor or actress is portraying is worth learning about. Dan Stevens’ portrayal of Charles Dickens in The Man Who Invented Christmas is, in my opinion, one of the best casting decisions in the history of biopics! Throughout the film, Dan was very expressive. He was even able to convey Charles’ thoughts without using dialogue. A great example happens toward the beginning of the movie. On-screen text reveals the film takes place after three of Charles’ books have been unsuccessful. The very next scene shows Charles in a state of panic. His eyes are wide and filled with fear and stress. A grimace is also present on Charles’ face, emphasizing how he feels under pressure. This one shot of Charles perfectly tells the audience how overwhelmed he is about his next creative choices.

While we’re still on the subject of acting, I want to talk about the interactions in The Man Who Invented Christmas. Charles’ interactions with various people consistently felt realistic. What works in the cast’s favor is the strength of their on-screen chemistry! Despite sharing only a few scenes together, the on-screen chemistry between Dan Stevens and Morfydd Clark (who portrayed Charles’ wife, Kate) allowed Charles and Kate’s relationship to appear as a believable marriage. In one scene, Kate wistfully reflects on all the things she wishes she could do. Throughout their conversation, however, both Kate’s and Charles’ expressions effortlessly adapt to what is being said to each other. Later in the movie, Kate tearfully explains how Charles’ personality has been unpredictable, especially since he started working on A Christmas Carol. As Kate’s explanation goes on, Charles’ frustrated demeanor softens as he realizes how his actions and choices have negatively impacted his wife. Performances like Morfydd’s and Dan’s allowed me to stay invested in the movie!

The humor: According to IMDB, The Man Who Invented Christmas is classified as a comedy. Despite the inconsistency of the comedic elements, they were well-written and executed effectively. When Charles and his friend, John, go to a restaurant, Charles tries to avoid an acquaintance named Thackeray by hiding his face behind a newspaper. As Charles is walking past Thackeray at the restaurant, however, the newspaper’s headline reads ‘Charles Dickens’, informing Thackeray Charles has arrived. Even though the execution of this scene was simple, I found it hilarious!

Charles’ creative process: As I said in my review’s introduction, The Man Who Invented Christmas revolves around how Charles Dickens created the iconic story, A Christmas Carol. Throughout the film, Charles looks for inspiration, (literally) brings characters to life, and uses parts of his past to craft the story. During this process, the audience can glimpse “Easter Eggs” related to Charles’ Christmas tale. From hearing a random passerby in a graveyard say “Bah Humbug” to Charles’ nephew, Henry, walking with a crutch like Tiny Tim, these “Easter Eggs” emphasize the attention to detail and collection of pieces it takes to create stories of any kind. Seeing Charles have conversations with Ebenezer Scrooge illustrates how a good writer should take the time to get to truly know their characters. Even learning about Charles’ past can help the audience (and even readers) understand why Charles is the writer he is. The way Charles’ creative process is incorporated into The Man Who Invented Christmas was creative, informative, and gave the film a memorable identity!

How Charles’ life story was told: Biopics typically present the story of a person’s life in chronological order. This creative decision gives the audience an introduction to that person, especially for those who are not familiar with the person in question. But the way The Man Who Invented Christmas presents Charles’ life story provides a breath of fresh air! The creation of A Christmas Carol is like the trunk of a tree, as the movie itself primarily focuses on that part of Charles’ life. However, the creation of A Christmas Carol provides opportunities to incorporate other parts of Charles’ life, such as his childhood and his relationship with his family. These parts of the script act as branches, connecting back to the tree trunk I referenced earlier. By telling Charles’ life story in this fashion, it gives the genre of biopics a more unique form of storytelling!

Hand-written letter image created by Veraholera at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Veraholera – Freepik.com</a>. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/love-letter-pattern_1292902.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

What I didn’t like about the film:

Things that were left unexplained: While Charles is looking for inspiration for A Christmas Carol, he travels to a section of the city known for its poverty. During his time in that section, he spots two children that appear to be kidnapped. Concerned over the children’s wellbeing, Charles chases after their kidnapper in an attempt to rescue the children. But when Charles reaches a graveyard, he quickly abandons his mission. In fact, the kidnapped children aren’t seen or brought up again. Though there were only a few instances like the one I described in The Man Who Invented Christmas, I wish the script had taken the time to explain them.

A hypocritical author: Toward the beginning of The Man Who Invented Christmas, Charles mentions how Christmas is a time when people should be thoughtful of those less fortunate. But this sentiment is forgotten when he considers having Tiny Tim die in A Christmas Carol. Both John and his maid, Tara, insist Ebenezer Scrooge save Tiny Tim, suggesting people can change during Christmastime. Charles sticks with his creative choice until toward the end of the movie, when he chooses the ending A Christmas Carol is known for. Even though it was interesting to think about how different Charles’ iconic story could have been, the stubbornness over Charles’ creative choice made Charles look hypocritical.

Charles’ emotional crossroads: One of the tropes of biopics is the “emotional crossroads”. This is when the person in question reaches an emotional breaking point that will create a domino effect for other choices in their life. In The Man Who Invented Christmas, Charles experiences an “emotional crossroads” related to his father as well as his childhood. His interactions with characters from A Christmas Carol help him address this “emotional crossroads” in order to move forward with his life and his story. I’m not sure which parts of The Man Who Invented Christmas are based on fact or creative liberty. However, the inclusion of the “emotional crossroads” trope kind of felt clichéd, like that trope was incorporated into the movie just because the movie is a biopic.

Merry Christmas banner created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/merry-christmas-decorative-vintage-background_1359013.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.

My overall impression:

Biopics are not created equally. Even though film is subjective, there has been shared discourse over which biopics are better than others. Though I can only speak for myself, I think The Man Who Invented Christmas is one of the stronger biopics I’ve seen! The way Charles’ life story was told felt like a breath of fresh air. Using A Christmas Carol to connect parts of Charles’ world brought a unique element to the biopic genre. I liked watching Charles’ creative process unfold because it added a creative and memorable identity to the movie. The cast’s strong on-screen chemistry also works in the film’s favor. As I watched The Man Who Invented Christmas, I was reminded of another Christmas movie I reviewed last year; I Heard the Bells. This was a Christmas-related biopic I ended up liking. If you haven’t seen these films, I would actually recommend watching The Man Who Invented Christmas and I Heard the Bells as a double feature. But as I wrap up this review, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays!

Overall score: 8.2 out of 10

Have you seen The Man Who Invented Christmas? Are there any Christmas-related biopics you would recommend? Let me know in the comment section!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: Cricket on the Hearth (1967) Review

On August 20, 2024 By 18cinemalane5 Comments

You probably think it’s strange how, after a week and a half long hiatus, my first review back on my blog would be for a Christmas film (in the middle of August). However, I have a very good explanation for this choice. The first reason is how the 1967 animated movie, Cricket on the Hearth, is what I selected for Realweegiemidget Reviews’ (Aaron) Spellingverse Blogathon, as Aaron Spelling was one of the film’s executive producers. The second reason is how animated movies are reviewed so infrequently on my blog. In fact, Cricket on the Hearth is the first animated film to be reviewed on 18 Cinema Lane in 2024. When I chose to participate in the (Aaron) Spellingverse Blogathon, I knew I wanted to write about a made-for-tv movie. So, when I discovered the 1967 film on Aaron’s IMDB filmography, I felt I found the perfect movie for the blogathon, especially for the previously mentioned reasons! But did Cricket on the Hearth end up being the perfect choice to write about? Keep reading my review to find out!

*Cricket on the Hearth* (1967) title card created by Rankin/Bass Productions, Thomas/Spelling Productions, and National Broadcasting Company (NBC)

Things I liked about the film:

The animation: Some of the best animated movies boast bright, colorful hues. These hues can be utilized in various ways, from creating imaginative worlds to providing interesting visual contrasts. Cricket on the Hearth was a very kaleidoscopic production! Scenes either burst with a bundle of color or at least one bold color sparkled against a darker background. Presenting Cricket Crocket in a mustard yellow suit jacket and shoes, paired with an orange vest and a red bowtie, was a smart creative decision. It forces the audience to focus on Cricket Crocket, especially when he’s standing on a dark wood table or a deep green top hat. The toys in Caleb’s toy shop come to life during the song, ‘Smiles Go With Tears’. Despite the title’s contraction, the song’s tone is joyful because the song is about someone shedding tears due to being happy. The joyful nature of ‘Smiles Go With Tears’ is wonderfully depicted in the presentation of the toys. From a doll’s bubble-gum pink dress and bonnet to a pair of bright yellow and blue elephants, this scene was great to look at!

While looking for a place to live, Caleb considers moving into a poor house. Because Cricket Crocket is perched on Caleb’s top hat, Cricket Crocket hangs upside down in order to face Caleb. While looking upside down, Cricket Crocket sees a nearby toy factory. As he is readjusting himself, the image of the toy factory flips from appearing upside down to becoming right-side up. Animated films from the 1960s, especially those that were made-for-tv productions, were created with limited resources compared to animated pictures from the twenty-first century. Therefore, scenes like the one I just described seem ahead of its time.

The songs: Before reviewing Cricket on the Hearth, I had never seen the 1967 movie. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered the movie was a musical! The songs featured in this film sounded like relics of the late ‘60s, the time when Cricket on the Hearth was released. But these sounds, from emotional ballads to cheery tunes, felt nostalgic. Danny Thomas, who voices Caleb, sings a ballad titled ‘Through My Eyes’. Throughout this song, Caleb expresses his desire for his daughter, Bertha, to see the world how he wishes he could present it to her. The combination of Danny’s vocals and the orchestral music felt reminiscent of Judy Garland’s ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful World’, songs that exude a sense of hope and contain timeless elements. Another song of Danny’s I liked was ‘The First Christmas’! Before this song, Caleb wonders how he will provide the kind of Christmas Bertha hopes for. He learns how to resolve his conflict as the song carries on. The lyrics of ‘The First Christmas’ illustrate how Christmas doesn’t have to look the same for those who celebrate the holiday. The inclusion of the Norman Luboff Chorus added gravitas to this song!

The religious aspects of Christmas: Based on what I know about Charles Dickens and his stories, A Christmas Carol, one of his most well-known pieces of literature, is typically not known for addressing the religious aspects of Christmas. Though it was briefly incorporated in Cricket on the Hearth, I was pleasantly surprised by the recognition of Christmas’ religious aspects! As I previously said while talking about ‘The First Christmas’, the lyrics of the song illustrate how Christmas doesn’t have to look the same for those who celebrate the holiday. This point is emphasized by reminding the audience how Jesus had very little in terms of decorations and presents during the First Christmas. By the end of the song, the message is made clear; it’s not about what you have, but who you spend Christmas with that’s important. Before closing out the movie, Danny quotes a poem by Edmund Cooke. The quote itself goes “Tis not the weight of jewel or plate, or the fondle of silk or fur, ‘tis the spirit in which the gift is rich, as the gifts of the Wise Men were. And we are not told whose gift was gold or whose was the gift of myrrh”. Edmund’s poem brings up an excellent point, as the Nativity story does not specify which gift came from which Wise Man. This quote also highlights the point made earlier about Christmas being about who you spend the holiday with.

The (Aaron) Spellingverse Blogathon banner created by Gill from Realweegiemidget Reviews

What I didn’t like about the film:

Scenes that serve as padding: In order to satisfy a film’s run-time, a film’s creative team will, sometimes, choose to pad the story out by incorporating additional scenes or establishing shots. This creative decision was utilized in Cricket on the Hearth, mostly in between songs. During the song, ‘Through My Eyes’, a scene of Bertha dancing in a ballgown lasts for almost thirty seconds. The song itself takes up two minutes and twenty-three seconds of the movie’s run-time. I don’t think Cricket on the Hearth needed padding, especially since it lasted a little over forty-nine minutes.

The randomness of the ‘Fish and Chips’ song: I liked the featured songs in Cricket on the Hearth. However, there is one song that, in the context of the story, felt random. A cat named Moll, voiced by Abbe Lane, sings a song about the finer things in life called ‘Fish and Chips’. This song is sung to a jazzy, ragtime tune. During the performance, Moll dances in a red, low-cut, sleeveless dress and even attempts to flirt with the male characters in her audience. The animation in this scene didn’t look bad. Abbe Lane also did a good job with the material given to her. But the story appearing to take place somewhere in the 1800s and with the movie’s tone being mostly heartwarmingly gentle, Moll’s ‘Fish and Chips’ song feels out of place in Cricket on the Hearth.

Parts of the story that don’t make sense: For this part of my review, I will spoil Cricket on the Hearth. If you have not seen the 1967 film and are interested in watching it, please skip ahead to the part of my review titled ‘My overall impression’.

Cricket on the Hearth’s antagonist, Tackleton, has a pet bird named Uriah. More often than not, Tackleton and Uriah are inseparable. After Tackleton orders Uriah to get rid of Cricket Crocket, Uriah and two of his friends kidnap Cricket Crocket and try to sell him to a sea captain. During the scene of Uriah’s attempted business transaction, it is heavily implied Uriah and his friends died. Fast forward toward the end of the movie, Tackleton is upset by Bertha’s rejection of his marriage proposal. In fact, he’s more upset about Bertha’s rejection than the absence of his bird. If Tackleton and Uriah were as inseparable as they appeared to be earlier in the movie, wouldn’t Tackleton wonder what happened to Uriah? Wouldn’t Tackleton ask the other characters if they know where Uriah is? This is just one part of Cricket on the Hearth that, to me, didn’t make sense.

Three Wise Men themed wish list paper image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

My overall impression:

As I watched Cricket on the Hearth, I was reminded of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the 1983 Christmas movie I reviewed last December. Both films are not only made-for-tv productions, they both feel more like television specials than movies. It’s expected to suspend some disbelief in stories from animated films. But Cricket on the Hearth tried to suspend disbelief to the point parts of the story didn’t make sense. Despite the movie being under an hour long, some scenes, including those in between songs, served as unnecessary padding. Throughout Cricket on the Hearth, however, I could tell the movie’s creative team tried their best to make their project as special as possible. The songs were not only well performed, the music and visuals provided a good combination for the song itself. Though briefly incorporated, I also liked the recognition of Christmas’ religious aspects. I have not read Cricket on the Hearth’s source material. But based on what I know about Charles Dickens’ work, this story seems different from his other adaptations, as Cricket on the Hearth relies more on elements of fantasy and magical realism.

Overall score: 6.5 out of 10

Have you seen or read Cricket on the Hearth? Which adaptation of Charles Dickens’ stories would you like to see me review? Please tell me in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

The 6th Annual Gold Sally Awards are Here!

On February 29, 2024February 28, 2024 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Since 2024 is a Leap Year, I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to publish the Gold Sally Awards on Leap Day! For new readers of 18 Cinema Lane, the Gold Sally Awards are one of my blog’s annual traditions to commemorate 18 Cinema Lane’s anniversary. These award categories are created by me, based on topics I’ve brought up on my blog. While most of the awards are the same as in 2023, a few of them have changed. For those awards, I’ll explain the significance of those categories. But just like last year, I will discuss why I chose each recipient. So, now, the moment you’ve been waiting for! The 6^th Annual Gold Sally Awards are about to begin!

6th Annual Gold Sally Awards Winners created by me, Sally Silverscreen.

The “She Won’t Give Me My Chocolate” Award

(Best Quote from a Movie)

“Heroes know who they are” – Evel Knievel, Evel Knievel (1971)

In my review of the 1971 biopic, Evel Knievel, I mentioned how surprised I was by the story’s messages and themes. One example I provided was when Evel explained to Linda why he doesn’t want a lettermen sweater. To elaborate how he doesn’t need to prove he’s a hero, Evel says to Linda, “heroes know who they are”. This quote is not only though-provoking, it is also profound without trying too hard to be. To me, that quote (as well as that scene) was given a lot of thought by the biopic’s creative team!

The Standing Ovation Award

(Character Most Deserving of Receiving Their Full Potential)

Sydney Carton from Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Tale of Two Cities

My favorite character from Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Tale of Two Cities is Sydney Carton! Because of his personality, I wanted to know more about him. I was also curious to see where his story would go. Without spoiling this movie, though, all I’ll say is Sydney deserved more than the story provided him. Similar to Kili from The Hobbit trilogy, Sydney is, in my opinion, the MVP of A Tale of Two Cities!

The They Deserve an Award Award

(An Actor or Actress Who Deserves Recognition)

Sarah Drew (for her performance in Guiding Emily)

In the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries film, Guiding Emily, the protagonist loses her eyesight. This prevented Sarah Drew, the actress who portrayed Emily, from using her eyes for emotional expression. However, she used other acting techniques to her advantage; such as body language, vocal inflections, and movements of the mouth. Sarah’s performance in Guiding Emily was so good, I specifically highlighted it in my review of the 2023 movie! Through versatility in her acting abilities, Sarah’s portrayal of Emily appeared believable! In fact, I think Sarah should have, at least, been nominated for an award.

The Cowboy Award

(Character Who Makes an Unnecessary, Drastic Change)

Margot from Christmas at Castle Hart

Cowboy, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, A Painted House, is a character I’ve mentioned on 18 Cinema Lane. The context was when he was featured in the dishonorable mentions section of my list of the top ten characters ruined by Hallmark. Because I won’t spoil the aforementioned Hallmark Hall of Fame film, all I will say is Cowboy makes an unnecessary, drastic change that, in my opinion, was jarring to witness. It was also jarring to watch Margot, from Christmas at Castle Hart, drastically change. For most of the 2021 movie, Margot comes across as a somewhat annoying character obsessed with Irish stereotypes. But when her sister, Brooke, confronts her about how they should stop lying, Margot becomes a selfish and manipulative person. She even convinces Brooke into believing that if their lies fall apart, it will be Brooke’s fault. In an instant, Margot became a character who cared more about her career than about how others would be affected by her lies.

The “Based on a Book I Haven’t Read Yet” Award

(Movie Based on Source Material I Have Not Yet Read)

Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Caroline?

Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Caroline? became my favorite movie of 2023! After watching the film, I remembered how it was based on the book, Father’s Arcane Daughter by E. L. Konigsburg. As well as trying to check out as many Hallmark Hall of Fame movies as I realistically can, I’d like to read as many books based on Hallmark Hall of Fame movies as possible. In fact, I even created a Hallmark Hall of Fame reading challenge! Since I haven’t read Father’s Arcane Daughter yet, I need to find an excuse to finally seek this book out.

The Edward Boult Award

(Missed Opportunity in Cinema)

Not Addressing Bullying in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

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. That’s because a younger audience can be very impressionable. The creative team behind the 1983 television production, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, should have kept this in mind when they chose to not address bullying in their film. As I talked about in my review, the Herdman children bully their peers. The bullied children don’t stand up for themselves against the Herdmans. It also doesn’t help how the adults in the story do not resolve this issue. Because of everything I just said, some younger audience members might believe they shouldn’t bring up bullying if it occurs in their life.

The Top Gun: Maverick Award

(Movie That Exceeded My Low Expectations)

A Biltmore Christmas

When I included Top Gun: Maverick in my list of the top ten best movies I saw in 2022, I admitted how skeptical I was about the movie’s quality. As I said in that list, sequels released over ten years after their predecessor can be hit or miss. But Top Gun: Maverick exceeded my expectations, becoming my second favorite picture from that year! In 2023, I was skeptical about A Biltmore Christmas due to its hype and publicity. Similar to Top Gun: Maverick, A Biltmore Christmas was so good, it ended up in the top three of my year end best movies list! Like I said in my list of the best movies I saw in 2023, there were so many things Hallmark got right in this Christmas movie. It also helps how the story provided a different type of narrative for Hallmark’s Christmas presentations. Because of how much I liked A Biltmore Christmas, I’m looking forward to seeing what Hallmark has in store for this year’s Christmas season!

The Dishonorable Mention Award

(Worst Movie from the Dishonorable Mention Category)

Christmas at Castle Hart

Because I didn’t see enough movies to include an honorable mention category, I wasn’t able to award a winner for the Honorable Mention Award. Since my worst movies of 2023 list featured a dishonorable mention category, I was able to find a recipient for this year’s Gold Sally Awards. Christmas at Castle Hart is the most disappointing film to not make my worst films of the year list. In my review of that movie, I stated how I had waited since 2018 to see Stuart Townsend star in a Hallmark production. Sadly, the final product Hallmark gave me wasn’t worth the wait. Stuart’s acting talents were underutilized to the point where his character, Aiden, spent most of the story driving the female protagonist around Ireland. Christmas at Castle Hart contained other flaws, such as bad CGI and an underutilized subplot. Looking back on the Dishonorable Mention Award, I realized how both recipients were Hallmark films.

The Far and Few Between Award

(Best Movie from a Genre, Film Category, or Decade Not Often Covered on 18 Cinema Lane)

Frankenweenie (2012)

Even though 18 Cinema Lane has been around for six years, there are some areas of cinema that are not often covered on my blog. One of those areas is animation. While it’s rare for an animated movie to receive a movie review, it’s even rarer for an animated movie to appear on my best films of the year list. 2012’s Frankenweenie achieved these feats in 2023, presenting a collection of good creative choices as well as heart. This movie was such a pleasant, memorable surprise, which surpassed my expectations. I’m thankful I took the chance to write about it!

The Hallmark Hall of Fame Award

(Movie That Feels Like It Belongs in the Hallmark Hall of Fame Collection)

Guiding Emily and A Biltmore Christmas

When I shared my overall impression of Guiding Emily, I said how the movie felt reminiscent of Hallmark Hall of Fame projects of yesteryear. This is because the film tells a more unique story from what Hallmark typically creates today. In the case of A Biltmore Christmas, the story provided a different type of narrative within Hallmark’s Christmas films. It also included a historical component to the story. When Hallmark Hall of Fame was in its prime, historical/period films or movies with inspirational themes were added to the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection. If this collection still existed, Guiding Emily and A Biltmore Christmas would have been chosen as 2023’s Hallmark Hall of Fame presentations.

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Tale of Two Cities Review

On June 11, 2023June 11, 2023 By 18cinemalane12 Comments

For this year’s edition of the Broadway Bound Blogathon, I wanted to write about a Hallmark film based on a pre-existing Broadway play. My original plan was to read a play and then watch its adaptation, creating an editorial on how these works are similar or different. But, to my surprise, the films I wanted to talk about were based on plays that premiered off-Broadway. During my search for another option, I learned the Charles Dickens story, A Tale of Two Cities, was adapted into a Broadway musical in 2008. For this review, I’ve decided to write about the 1980 Hallmark Hall of Fame version of the aforementioned story. Though I haven’t read A Tale of Two Cities, I have enjoyed seeing the adaptations of Charles Dickens’ literary work. In fact, I liked 1968’s Oliver! so much, I ended up reading Oliver Twist after seeing the movie! So, where does this Hallmark Hall of Fame production stand among other stories by Charles Dickens? Turn the page on this review to find out!

Hallmark Hall of Fame’s *A Tale of Two Cities* poster created by Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, Marble Arch Productions, Norman Rosemont Productions, and Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)

Things I liked about the film:

The acting: One of the strongest scenes in A Tale of Two Cities is when Lucie (portrayed by Alice Krige) reunites with her father, Dr. Alexander Manette (portrayed by Peter Cushing), for the first time in over ten years. After mistaking Lucie as the jailer’s daughter, Alexander goes to his bed, in an attempt to avoid Lucie. As Lucie slowly approaches her father, Alexander’s voice is shaky and he is flinching, unsure of what to make of this visitor. But as soon as he discovers Lucie’s hair matches a lock of hair he kept for many years, Alexander realizes Lucie is, indeed, his daughter. Alexander’s expression changes from fear to shock, as he is in awe about seeing Lucie again. He even gives his daughter a hug. Meanwhile, Lucie is overcome with emotion, tears falling down her face and her voice quivering. Both Alice and Peter were able to effectively sell this on-screen relationship as believable and genuine. The emotions expressed felt realistic as well, which allowed this scene to be so strong!

In A Tale of Two Cities, Chris Sarandon portrays both Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay. Out of these two characters, my favorite was Sydney Carton! Throughout the story, Sydney carried himself with a laid-back confidence that made his personality appealing. Yet, more often than not, he displayed a sad look on his face. Even his eyes looked sad, giving the audience an idea of what he wasn’t saying. This made Sydney brooding and mysterious, making me want to know more about him and curious to see where his story would go. The likability of Sydney Carton can be attributed to Chris’ strong acting talents!

Attention to detail: What can make or break a historical drama is a creative team’s attention to detail. This element in the film-making process can make that story’s world feel immersive, transporting the audience to a specific period in time. The Hallmark Hall of Fame adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities takes place in the late 1700s. Jarvis Lorry’s office provides a great example of this film’s attention to detail when it comes to historical accuracy. On a nearby table, there is a large book, boasting a weathered brown cover. Rolled up paper documents and more brown covered books are scattered in the office’s foreground. In the background, Jarvis can be seen working at a desk similar to that of Ebenezer Scrooge. Though the room invites natural light through a dome shaped window, a small candle chandelier and a multi-candle candle stick provide the office with additional light.

The pacing: The Hallmark Hall of Fame adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities is two hours and thirty-six minutes. This is longer than a typical Hallmark production, which is about an hour and thirty to forty minutes. But A Tale of Two Cities never felt like a long movie to me. That’s because I was so invested in what the characters were doing, as well as the story itself. Though this is a character driven film, there was a satisfying amount of suspense, intrigue, even action. Where these elements were placed in the story made the movie feel evenly paced. The way scenes were filmed, written, and edited also contributed to the overall pace, never making parts of the story feel drawn out or wrapped up too quickly. I was so engaged watching A Tale of Two Cities, the run-time was the last thing on my mind!

The Sixth Broadway Bound Blogathon banner created by Rebecca from Taking Up Room

What I didn’t like about the film:

Inconsistent inclusion of the French Revolution: An overarching conflict in A Tale of Two Cities is the rise of the French Revolution. In the first half of the movie, this conflict seemed like an afterthought, as the primary focus was placed on events happening in England, such as Charles’ court hearing. When a certain situation causes Charles to return to France, the French Revolution played a larger role in the film’s second half. The movie’s creative team built up to the event itself, visually presenting the harsh reality of the French public versus the upper-crust of French society. However, I wish this conflict had a more consistent presence within the story.

Lack of French accents: Because the French Revolution plays a role in A Tale of Two Cities, some of the story’s key characters are French. But the 1980 Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation is one of those films where every character speaks in a British accent, despite the cultural differences. After a while, I became used to the similarity in accents. I don’t blame the actors, as all I can expect from any actor or actress is for them to try their best with the material given. In my opinion, though, I fault the movie’s casting director for not encouraging the use of French accents.

Unexplained parts of the story: On a few occasions, there were parts of A Tale of Two Cities that confused me, due to their lack of explanations. One perfect example involves Monsieur Ernest Defarge’s wife, Therese. While a man is being guillotined, Therese tells her friend she has recorded the Evrémonde family in her stitching. After this scene takes place, Therese’s statement is never clarified. In fact, that particular stitching isn’t brought up again. Parts of the story like this one should have included explanations within the dialogue.

My overall impression:

Most of Charles Dickens’ adaptations I’ve reviewed on 18 Cinema Lane have garnered favorable results. Both Oliver! and Nicholas Nickelby left such a good impression on me, they respectively found a place in my year-end best movies lists! Now that I have seen A Tale of Two Cities, I can honestly say that tradition will continue! The 1980 Hallmark Hall of Fame production tells an immersive story, taking the audience on a journey through time. What also adds to the experience is the strength of the characters, as the acting and the screenwriting worked well together. From the featured props to the costume design, the creative team’s attention to detail was on full display in this film, showing the care and effort that went into this project. Looking back on A Tale of Two Cities, I can see how the story could be adapted into a Broadway musical. As a matter of fact, I think a musical movie adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities would be very interesting to watch!

Overall score: 8.9 out of 10

Have you seen any adaptations of A Tale of Two Cities? Which story Charles Dickens’ is your favorite? Let me know in the comment section below!

Have fun on Broadway!

Sally Silverscreen

The Last of the Gold Sally Awards Polls Have Arrived!

On August 21, 2021August 17, 2021 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Now is the time for the last polls of the Gold Sally Awards! This time around, you will be voting on which on-screen couple is the best one from a movie I saw last year. You will also be selecting a nominee for Sally’s Star of the Year. For the on-screen couple poll, you can vote for more than one nominee. But, you can only vote once per person. The link to the poll is at the bottom of the poll. Just click on the word, “PollMaker”. With the Sally’s Star of the Year Award, you can only choose one nominee per person. Your nomination can be submitted in the comment section of this post. You can learn more about the award at these links:

Announcing the Gold Sally Awards’ Hallmark Star of the Year!

The moment you’ve all been waiting for; The Gold Sally Award’s Star of the Year Award!

Both polls will be running from today, August 21st to August 28th. Due to technical difficulties, I’m unable to update the right side of the homepage. Because of that, my blog logo advertising the Gold Sally Awards Polls will still read “CLICK MY BLOG’S LOGO TO VOTE FOR THE GOLD SALLY AWARD’S BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS AND BEST ENSEMBLE OF 2021”.

Who Was the Best On-Screen Couple of 2020?

Gene Kelly and Kathryn Grayson — Anchors Aweigh

Diane Lane and Neal McDonough — Grace & Glorie

Frank Sinatra and Pamela Britton — Anchors Aweigh

Omri Katz and Kellie Martin — Matinee

Jeff Daniels and Marlee Matlin — Sweet Nothing in My Ear

Ally Walker and Tom Amandes — If You Believe

Anne Hathaway and Charlie Hunnam — Nicholas Nickleby (2002)

Jay Underwood and Lucy Deakins — The Boy Who Could Fly

Michael Wincott and Bai Ling — The Crow

Jill Wagner and Kristoffer Polaha — Mystery 101: An Education in Murder

Created with PollMaker

Have fun voting!

Sally Silverscreen

Coming close to the end of the Gold Sally Awards with the Best Supporting Actress and Best Ensemble Polls

On July 30, 2021July 30, 2021 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

We are now toward the end of the Gold Sally Awards! Before I reveal this year’s winners, there are three polls left and the nomination of Sally’s Star of the Year. I’m going to try something different for these next two polls. The Best Supporting Actress Poll and the Best Ensemble Poll will be combined into one voting post. But the voting rules will still be the same as in previous polls. Even though you can vote for more than one nominee, you can only vote once per person. This set of polls will start today, July 30th and end on August 6th. The link to the polls are at the bottom of each individual poll. Just click on the word, “PollMaker”.

Who was the Best Supporting Actress of 2020?

Pamela Britton — Anchors Aweigh

Hayden Panettiere — If You Believe

Bonnie Bedelia — The Boy Who Could Fly

Lisa Jakub — Matinee

Diane Lane — Grace & Glorie

Cyd Charisse — The Unfinished Dance

Romola Garai — Nicholas Nickleby (2002)

Collin Wilcox Paxton — To Kill a Mockingbird

Anna Kendrick — Up in the Air

Madison Lawlor — Follow Your Heart

Created with PollMaker

Which Movie has the Best Ensemble of 2020?

Anchors Aweigh

The Boy Who Could Fly

Matinee

Grace & Glorie

Sweet Nothing in My Ear

If You Believe

The Unfinished Dance

Nicholas Nickleby (2002)

The Crow

The Wife of Monte Cristo

Created with PollMaker

Have fun voting!

Sally Silverscreen

Bringing Back the Gold Sally Awards’ Best Supporting Actor Division!

On June 30, 2021June 28, 2021 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

As I promised, I am hosting a re-vote for the Gold Sally Awards’ Best Supporting Actor Division. I also plan to wrap up the Awards voting, as there are three polls lefts. But don’t worry, Sally’s Star of the Year will still be included. This round of voting will start today, June 30th, and end on July 7th. Like before, you can vote for more than one nominee. But you can only vote once per person. The link to the poll is featured under the list of nominees.

Who was the Best Supporting Actor of 2020?

Gene Kelly — Anchors Aweigh

Fred Savage — The Boy Who Could Fly

Omri Katz — Matinee

Noah Valencia — Sweet Nothing in My Ear

Andrew Tarbet — If You Believe

Jamie Bell — Nicholas Nickleby (2002)

Brock Peters — To Kill a Mockingbird

Vincent Perez — Cyrano de Bergerac (1990)

Joe Penny — Perry Mason: The Case of the Shooting Star

Steve Bacic — Mystery 101: An Education in Murder

Created with PollMaker

Have fun voting!

Sally Silverscreen

The Gold Sally Awards is Back with the Best Supporting Actor Division

On May 31, 2021May 30, 2021 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Despite being busy with some blog and non-blog related projects, I am still continuing to host the Gold Sally Awards! For this round of voting, you get to choose who will receive the title of Best Supporting Actor. Like the previous polls, you can vote for more than one nominee. But you can only vote once per person. This poll will be active until June 7th and the link to the poll is under the list of nominees.

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.

Who was the Best Supporting Actor of 2020?

Gene Kelly — Anchors Aweigh

Fred Savage — The Boy Who Could Fly

Omri Katz — Matinee

Noah Valencia — Sweet Nothing in My Ear

Andrew Tarbet — If You Believe

Jamie Bell — Nicholas Nickleby (2002)

Brock Peters — To Kill a Mockingbird

Vincent Perez — Cyrano de Bergerac (1990)

Joe Penny — Perry Mason: The Case of the Shooting Star

Steve Bacic — Mystery 101: An Education in Murder

Created with PollMaker

Have fun voting!

Sally Silverscreen

Extending the Gold Sally Awards’ Best Actress Poll

On May 3, 2021May 2, 2021 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Similar to the Gold Sally Awards’ Best Actor Poll, I am extending the Best Actress Poll. This is because the Best Actress Poll did not receive any votes. If you are interested in voting, you have until May 10th to submit your votes. Even though you can only vote once per person, you can vote for more than one nominee. The link to the poll is listed under the poll image.