Tag: Christmas

Take 3: An Old Fashioned Christmas Review (Second Chance Christmas Double Feature Part 2)

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Thank you for joining me for the second part of my Second Chance Christmas Double Feature! Unlike my review of Hallmark’s Frankenstein, this review of An Old Fashioned Christmas will contain a few spoilers. If you’re curious about why I chose An Old Fashioned Christmas  for this double feature, you can check out the introduction in the link below.

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

An Old Fashioned Christmas poster created by RHI Entertainment, The Government of Ireland, Parallel Film Productions, MNG Films, Muse Entertainment Enterprises, and Hallmark Channel

1. How were you introduced to An Old Fashioned Christmas and why was it selected for this double feature?

I have declared An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving as one of my favorite Hallmark movies. Years ago, when I discovered the 2008 film received a sequel, I was eager to check that movie out. But as time went on, Hallmark gave the sequel fewer airings during their Christmas line-ups, making it more difficult to watch the film. I’ve always looked for the right time to write about An Old Fashioned Christmas. I even included it on two lists; 2022’s top ten movies I’d love to review and 2023’s top ten Christmas movies I’d love to review. On both lists, I said I found a few DVD copies of the 2010 title. But, more often than not, these DVDs were included in Christmas movie box sets, which, typically, are expensive. Fortunately, An Old Fashioned Christmas was uploaded on Youtube, which is how I watched it.

2. You’ve mentioned An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving being one of your favorite Hallmark movies. Did An Old Fashioned Christmas contain any elements that made you like the 2008 film?

One of the reasons why I love An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving is how immersive the production is! The attention to detail and historical accuracy created the illusion of taking the audience to another time and place. This same strength was found in An Old Fashioned Christmas! One simple, yet effective, example were the props. Anytime Tilly and Isabella shared a meal with the Shannon family, the table was covered with fine china dishes, crystal goblet-style glasses, and even a shiny silver teapot. These specific props reflected the story’s time period, which appears to be the late 1800s. They also symbolized the prestigious family history of the Shannons.

3. Is the theme of “second chances” incorporated in An Old Fashioned Christmas’ story? If so, how?

One of the reasons why Tilly wanted to travel to Ireland was to meet her father’s side of the family. After she gets to know her paternal grandfather and uncle, Tilly writes a letter in the hopes Isabella will make amends with Sean (Tilly’s grandfather). So, in An Old Fashioned Christmas, not only is Tilly given a second chance to connect with her father’s side of the family, Isabella received a second chance to build a bridge between herself and Tilly’s grandfather.

4. Was there anything about An Old Fashioned Christmas you liked or didn’t like?

Similar to Young at Heart, the dialogue was one of the best parts of An Old Fashioned Christmas! Because of the thought and effort put into this film-making aspect, conversations between characters sounded intelligent and eloquent. During breakfast one morning, Lady Shannon asks, “Wouldn’t it be lovely for Americans to have titles”? This question relates to how her son, Cameron, will become an Earl someday. Isabella responds by saying, “Actually, we do. We all share the same title: American”. The way Isabella answered Lady Shannon’s question carried a sense of confidence and grace, simply stating a major difference between her world and the world of the Shannon family. I also thought Isabella’s response to Lady Shannon’s question was pretty clever.

Speaking of Lady Shannon’s son, Cameron, I found him to be the worst character in An Old Fashioned Christmas. He always acted like he had something to prove. Plus, Cameron attempted to get the last word in every argument or conversation. The longer I watched An Old Fashioned Christmas, the more annoying Cameron became. I recognize the film’s creative team was trying to create a male character different from Gad (Tilly’s fiancé). However, this goal can be achieved without making that male character completely unlikable.

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5. On 18 Cinema Lane, you’ve covered plenty of Christmas films. How is An Old Fashioned Christmas similar to or different from other Christmas pictures written about on your blog?

As I answered for question number three, meeting her father’s side of the family was the reason Tilly wanted to travel to Ireland. Like I also answered for question number four, Isabella responded to Lady Shannon’s question by stating Americans share the same title: American. The story of an American protagonist traveling to Ireland to learn more about her father’s side of the family felt very reminiscent of Christmas at Castle Hart. Another similarity these films share is how a majority of their stories take place in an Irish castle.

6. Did you develop any thoughts and/or questions while watching this film?

What makes An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving such a great movie is how the story embraces the Thanksgiving holiday. The film boasts a Thanksgiving dinner and showcases themed decorations, like a handmade blanket. But the 2008 picture also weaves the messages and themes of the holiday into the story and dialogue, truly making An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving feel like a Thanksgiving movie. An Old Fashioned Christmas definitely looked like a Christmas movie, as decorations and themed activities were sprinkled throughout the film. However, it did not feel like a Christmas picture. That’s because the majority of the story emphasized the love triangle between Tilly, Gad, and Cameron. An Old Fashioned Christmas is a Hallmark presentation where the protagonist says they are going to do something, but spends the majority of the film not doing what they said they were going to do. One of the reasons for Tilly and Isabella’s trip to Ireland was for the Earl of Shannon to mentor Tilly in her writing, in the hopes of getting Tilly’s work published. But throughout the one hour and fifteen-minute movie, Tilly barely accomplishes any writing goals. In fact, the only writing Tilly does is composing letters to her mother.

7. How would the story of An Old Fashioned Christmas change if it revolved around another holiday?

I just mentioned for question number six how the majority of An Old Fashioned Christmas’ story emphasized the love triangle between Tilly, Gad, and Cameron. Other stories, such as the Earl of Shannon mentoring Tilly, didn’t really have anything to do with the Christmas holiday. Therefore, changing the plot of An Old Fashioned Christmas to another time of year wouldn’t make a difference.

8. Did An Old Fashioned Christmas deserve a second chance? If so, why?

Now that I have seen An Old Fashioned Christmas, this is, honestly, a tough question to answer. On the one hand, I received some closure for how the story continues after An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving. I also developed my own, honest opinion about the sequel. But, on the other hand, An Old Fashioned Christmas, kind of, let me down. The Christmas holiday almost seems like an afterthought in the 2010 title. There were underutilized aspects of the story, like Tilly pursuing her writing dreams. So, to answer this question, I’m thankful I received an opportunity to check out An Old Fashioned Christmas. However, I don’t think it was worth the wait.

9. After watching An Old Fashioned Christmas, is there anything you can take away from your movie viewing experience?

If you ignore the fact An Old Fashioned Christmas was created as a sequel to An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving, this is an ok film. The attention to detail and historical accuracy create a visually immersive experience. The dialogue was also well written and delivered. But if you intend to watch An Old Fashioned Christmas as a sequel to An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving, you will be underwhelmed. With Tilly, Gad, and Isabella as the only returning characters, the family dynamic between Tilly’s family and Isabella is absent. Like I said for questions number six and seven, the majority of An Old Fashioned Christmas’ story emphasizes the love triangle between Gad, Tilly, and Cameron. It did not help that Cameron was such an unlikable character. Honestly, this movie will likely be a one-time watch for me. Since I still love An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving, I’ll just stick with the 2008 picture.

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Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: Young at Heart Review (Second Chance Christmas Double Feature Part 1)

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Thank you for joining me for the first part of my Second Chance Christmas Double Feature! Similar to last year’s review of I Am David, my review of Young at Heart is spoiler-free. If you’re curious about why I chose Young at Heart for this double feature, you can check out the introduction in the link below.

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

Young at Heart poster created by Arwin Productions and Warner Bros.

1. How were you introduced to Young at Heart and why was it selected for this double feature?

I was introduced to Young at Heart back in January of 2020, through a recommendation from Maddy (of the blog, Maddy Loves Her Classic Films). Several months later, I received another recommendation for Young at Heart. This time, the suggestion came from Moviecriticqueen (of the blog, Movies Meet Their Match). For five years, this movie has stayed on my movie recommendation board on Pinterest. But I have tried to find the right opportunity to write about the film. When I participated in the Sixth Annual Barrymore Trilogy Blogathon, I was originally going to review two movies; Young at Heart and Twentieth Century. Due to technical difficulties, I only had time to write about one film, which I selected the 1934 title. In 2021, I wanted to participate in the Star/Genre Of The Month Blogathon, as January’s featured star was Doris Day. But a busy schedule prevented me from joining the event.

2. You discovered Young at Heart was a Christmas movie after you learned more about the film on IMDB. What else have you discovered about the 1954 picture?

While watching Young at Heart, I discovered Alan Hale Jr. portrayed a character named Bob. Those familiar with their television history would recognize Alan from his starring role (‘Skipper’) on Gilligan’s Island. I will admit the only projects from his filmography I’ve seen are Gilligan’s Island and The North Avenue Irregulars. Even though I’m more familiar with Alan’s appearances on Gilligan’s Island, it was a pleasant surprise to see him star in a different medium!

3. Is the theme of “second chances” incorporated in Young at Heart’s story? If so, how?

Yes, specifically in Barney’s part of the story! When he’s introduced in Young at Heart, Barney (portrayed by Frank Sinatra) is a very pessimistic man. He feels no matter what he does, he will never find success. Throughout the film, one of the few people who believes in Barney is Doris Day’s character, Laurie. During their initial meeting, Laurie tells Barney how anyone can control their own fate. She also encourages him to complete one of his songs. By befriending Barney, Laurie gave him a second chance to prove how valuable he is. Without spoiling the movie, Laurie and Barney’s friendship pays off!

4. Was there anything about Young at Heart you liked or didn’t like?

One of the best aspects of Young at Heart was the dialogue! The writing and delivery were so sharp and witty, it made interactions between the characters interesting! When Barney first arrives at the Tuttle family’s house, he meets Aunt Jessie. During their conversation, Barney nonchalantly asks Aunt Jessie what kind of aunt she is. With a stern tone in her voice, Aunt Jessie promptly tells him her name came first and the curtains came later. This simple exchange between Aunt Jessie and Barney shows some of their character development, as well as the dynamic these characters share.

As I answered for question number three, Barney is a very pessimistic man who believes he can’t find success. I recognize how overcoming insecurities and doubts takes time. But, in Young at Heart, Barney spends most of the movie being pessimistic. He doesn’t change his perspective until the end of the film. This creative choice made Barney a static character. I wish his transformation had gradually taken place over the course of the story.

Adorable Christmas card image created by Rawpixel.com at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/christmas-greeting-card-vector_2824854.htm’>Designed by Rawpixel.com</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by Rawpixel.com – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

5. On 18 Cinema Lane, you’ve covered plenty of Christmas films. How is Young at Heart similar to or different from other Christmas pictures written about on your blog?

It is true that Christmas has a place in Young at Heart. However, the story spans over the course of several months. This means only a portion of the movie is set during Christmas. So, if I had to compare Young at Heart to any of the Christmas films I’ve reviewed, it would be Meet Me in St. Louis. The 1944 movie not only takes place over a year, there is one scene set during Christmas.

6. Did you develop any thoughts and/or questions while watching this film?

As I was watching Young at Heart, I found moments of irony when it came to Barney. When Barney first meets Laurie, he talks about serving in the military during World War II. This reminded me of how Frank’s character, Clarence “Brooklyn” Doolittle, was in the Navy in Anchors Aweigh. During his conversation with Laurie, Barney says he’s never created a hit song. Throughout Frank’s career, he had several hit songs to his name. One notable example is “New York, New York”, which has become the unofficial theme song for New Year’s in Times Square. Any time Barney performed at a restaurant, the patrons didn’t pay him any attention. I’d like to think if Frank had shown up at any restaurant, most of the patrons would have stopped what they were doing to focus on Frank.

7. How would the story of Young at Heart change if it revolved around another holiday?

Like I answered for question number five, Young at Heart spans over the course of several months, with Christmas playing a role in only a portion of the movie. Therefore, I don’t think the story would change much had another holiday served as the primary focus.

8. Did Young at Heart deserve a second chance? If so, why?

I do believe Young at Heart deserved a second chance! By finally checking this movie out, it gave me an opportunity to see more projects from Frank Sinatra’s and Alan Hale Jr.’s filmography. Young at Heart also became my introduction to Doris Day’s films, as I had never seen any of her movies before 2025.

9. After watching Young at Heart, is there anything you can take away from your movie viewing experience?

Young at Heart and The Chalk Garden share one thing in common; a character-driven story that works because of the strength of the cast. But a major difference between these films is how Young at Heart’s script is more “slice of life”. There were conflicts woven into the story. However, these conflicts were either abandoned or resolved at the very end of the movie. I wish Young at Heart had put a little more emphasis on problem-solving among the characters. Another thing The Chalk Garden and Young at Heart have in common is the dialogue, as it was well-written and delivered in both films. There was, clearly, thought and effort put into this film-making component, which made interactions between characters interesting. While I found The Chalk Garden good, Young at Heart was, in my opinion, just fine. The 1954 production could be used as an introduction to Doris Day’s filmography.

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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

The Winter Wonderland Book Tag!

On By 18cinemalane1 Comment

At first, I was going to create a post about a Valentine’s Day book tag. But the Valentine’s themed book tags I found either heavily emphasized romance books or I couldn’t find an answer to all the provided questions. So, I decided to write about a winter themed book tag instead, as Valentine’s Day takes place within the winter season. When I came across the Winter Wonderland Book Tag, I could immediately think of answers for each question! Even though one of the questions mentions Christmas, the majority of the questions simply relate to the season of winter. Within these six questions, I will talk about books that have either been brought up on 18 Cinema Lane or books that haven’t been mentioned before. Now, let the book tag begin!

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1. What book is so happy & sweet that it warms your heart?

    As soon I read this question, I immediately thought of The Christmas Child by Linda Goodnight! Having read this book back in 2018, I remember how sweet this story was. It, honestly, felt like I was reading a Hallmark movie. What I mean by that is The Christmas Child was heart-warming and wholesome. There were emotional moments woven into the text, but the book never felt too emotionally heavy. Plus, the relationship between Kade and Sophie was sweet!

    2. What is your favorite book with a white cover?

    Because there’s a lot of snow on the cover of David Baldacci’s The Christmas Train, that’s the book I’ll choose for this question. This is one of the few books I’ve ever given five out of five stars to! Though it’s been years since I read The Christmas Train, I recall how intriguing the mystery was and how distinctive the characters were. In fact, I think this book serves as a good introduction to David Baldacci’s literary work! I would also recommend the Hallmark Hall of Fame adaptation, as I remember how respectful it was toward the source material.

    3. You’re sitting in a nice comfy chair, wearing a onesie, with a lovely warm hot chocolate but what MONSTER read are you reading?

    When I read the term, “MONSTER read”, I interpreted it as a book with a large page count. Due to that interpretation, I chose All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. Even though I thought the book was just ok, I liked the author’s use of descriptive imagery and attention to detail. Like I said in my review of All the Light We Cannot See from 2022, I, as a reader, could picture the story in my head because of the aforementioned elements. It also helps how each part contained a collection of shorter chapters, giving the book a steadier pace.

    Snowboarder on the slopes image created by Freepic.diller at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/woman-in-ski-suit-looks-over-her-shoulder-going-down-the-hill-on-her-snowboard_1620624.htm’>Designed by Freepic.diller</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/tree”>Tree image created by Freepic.diller – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

    4. It started snowing so you decided to have a snowball fight! What fictional character would you love to have the snowball fight with?

    My favorite character from Murder, She Wrote: The Fine Art of Murder is Victorio! He not only has a fascinating backstory, he also has a lively personality. Victorio was such a memorable character, I wish he received his own spin-off series. When participating in a snowball fight, it helps to surround yourself with people who have a good sense of humor and don’t take things too seriously. With everything I said, I would choose Victorio for this question!

    5. Sadly, your fire is beginning to go out. So what book would you tear the last few chapters out to throw into the fire?

    If you’re going to create stories for a younger audience, you need to be mindful about the content incorporated into that story. This is due to how impressionable a younger audience can be. In Smoke Screen by Amy Goldman Koss, I found some poor lessons found among the text. A few examples are it’s ok to not be a person of your word, breaking promises is fine as long as it benefits you, and making compromises is a waste of time. It also does not help how Mitzi, the protagonist, is a static, self-centered, and entitled character throughout the book. If younger readers were to read this book, they may get the wrong idea about how the world, problem-solving, and interactions with other people work. So, to answer the question, I would select the last few chapters of Smoke Screen and recommend a better ending.

    6. What book is so close to your heart that you would gift to someone this Christmas who hasn’t read before but wants to get into reading?

    Last year, I talked about The Princess Spy by Larry Loftis on more than one occasion. The book was featured in my post about the Finally Fall Book Tag and in my annual Movie Blogger’s Christmas Wish-List. Larry Loftis’ book, The Princess Spy, was the best book I read for last year’s Eurovisionathon readathon! As I said in the Finally Fall Book Tag, it was both educational and entertaining, showcasing the research and literary skill Larry incorporated. I would recommend The Princess Spy to readers who like nonfiction books or stories taking place during WWII. If one wants to read about WWII from a woman’s perspective, this book would be a good choice.

    Snowy mountain image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/landscape-background-of-snow-track-and-mountains_968656.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 during Winter!

    Sally Silverscreen

    It’s Time for the 7th Annual Gold Sally Awards!

    On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

    Here at 18 Cinema Lane, I maintain several annual traditions to give my readers something to look forward to. One of those traditions is the Gold Sally Awards, which commemorates my blog’s anniversary! The award categories are created by me and based on topics I’ve brought up on my blog. With two new awards in 2025, I’ll explain the significance of those categories. Like in 2024, I will discuss why I chose each recipient. Now, let the 7th Annual Gold Sally Awards begin!

    7th Annual Gold Sally Awards Winners created by me, Sally Silverscreen.

    The Kay’s Costume Party Dress Award

    (Best Outfit from a Movie)

    Helen’s Christmastime Outfit from Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Pack of Lies

    When I thought about the various categories of the Gold Sally Awards, I realized there was no category recognizing the wardrobe department of the movie industry. To fix that, I created the Kay’s Costume Party Dress Award! The name of this award references the dress Kay (Joan Collins’ character) wore at a costume party in the 1983 tv movie, Making of a Male Model. I loved this dress so much, it was featured in 2021’s Movie Blogger’s Christmas Wish-List! From the films I saw in 2024, there were several outfits I really liked. The one that was the most memorable, however, came from the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation, Pack of Lies! The outfit in question was featured in my Movie Blogger’s Christmas Wish-List from last year; the black and blue ensemble Helen (portrayed by Teri Garr) wore during Christmastime. This timeless outfit was worn in only one scene. That fact is why Helen’s outfit earned the inaugural Kay’s Costume Party Dress Award!

    The Edward Boult Award

    (Missed Opportunity in Cinema)

    Not making Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters a Christmas movie

    Last June, I speculated how Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters could be a Christmas film. In my editorial about my speculation, I explained how the movie’s title could be a reference to either the Nativity story or A Christmas Carol. I also wondered if Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Moon and Back” could be a two-part adaptation of A Christmas Carol, with the rock star character intended to be a Marley-like character. The official marketing for Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters proved my speculation wrong. But the more I think about how this movie could have been a Christmas picture, the more I wish it had been a Christmas production. As of early February, 2025, the Signed, Sealed, Delivered series has received only one Christmas movie. Plus, my aforementioned editorial provided ideas for a potential Christmas script. With Hallmark Mystery’s ‘Miracles of Christmas’ viewership numbers lower in 2024 than 2023, maybe the network will consider creating another Signed, Sealed, Delivered Christmas film.

    The They Deserve an Award Award

    (An Actor or Actress Who Deserves Recognition)

    Luke Goss (for his performance in Hallmark’s Frankenstein) and Badja Djola (for his performance in Christmas on Division Street)

    There were several good acting performances I saw in 2024. So, it was difficult to choose just one recipient for this year’s Gold Sally Awards. Both Luke Goss’ and Badja Djola’s performance was so impressive! In Hallmark’s Frankenstein, Luke’s use of emotion allowed The Creature to speak without actually speaking. An example I used in my review of the 2004 television film was when The Creature bursts into tears while seeking refuge in a barn. Luke’s acting skills made his character as complicated as he was in Mary Shelley’s source material. Badja made his character, Scorpio, so memorable, despite having limited appearances in Christmas on Division Street. With a consistently commanding presence, Scorpio was a character I looked forward to seeing on screen. That’s because Badja used his acting talents to give Scorpio captivating interactions with other characters. The scene where Scorpio shares some of his backstory with Cleveland is the example I used in my Christmas on Division Street review.

    The Cowboy Award

    (Character Who Makes an Unnecessary, Drastic Change)

    Sorsha from Willow

    You’re probably wondering why I gave Sorsha the Cowboy Award, even though I grew to like her as a character. While I found her transformation from villain to hero necessary, it was drastic. In my Comparing with the Critics review of Willow, I shared how Sorsha’s aforementioned evolution was too abrupt. The transformation gave Sorsha some character development, but it left some questions unanswered. For this flaw, blame lies in the screenwriting.

    Sally’s MVP Award

    (Character Who Left a Memorable, Showstopping Impression)

    Madmartigan from Willow

    When I watch a movie, there is, sometimes, a character who leaves such a memorable impression on me, they end up stealing the show. I have called these types of characters “MVP”. To acknowledge the “MVPs” of 18 Cinema Lane, I created the new Sally’s MVP Award! One of these “MVPs” was Madmartigan from Willow. In my Comparing with the Critics review of the 1988 film, I talked about how Madmartigan was the story’s comic relief. His personality and comedic timing captivated my attention and kept me invested in his story. What helped Madmartigan become the “MVP” of Willow was the screenwriting and Val’s performance.

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

    (Best Quote from a Movie)

    “Christmas is already a poem. It doesn’t need my help” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, I Heard the Bells (2022)

    In the 2022 movie, I Heard the Bells, Fanny (portrayed by Rachel Day Hughes) encourages her husband, Henry, to create a Christmas themed poem. Henry (portrayed by Stephen Atherholt) told his wife, “Christmas is already a poem. It doesn’t need my help”. When Henry said this, I started to think about what his quote meant. Poems require planning and putting the right pieces together, in order for that poem to have good flow and writing structure. Christmas festivities require a certain amount of planning, whether it’s a local church’s Nativity play or a family’s Christmas party. Using these two examples, finding the right pieces is important, such as who will portray the Three Wise Men or what will be the entrée of Christmas dinner. Poems can also tell stories. One classic example is ‘‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’. Christmastime is filled with stories, from the Nativity story to A Christmas Carol. Henry’s aforementioned quote made me see Christmas in a completely different way! Plus, a quote from a Christmas movie has never won the “She Won’t Give Me My Chocolate” Award before.

    The Honorable and Dishonorable Mention Award

    (Best and Worst Movie from the Honorable and Dishonorable Mention Category)

    Best – Interstellar

    Worst — The Reluctant Debutante

    For last year’s Gold Sally Awards, there was only the Dishonorable Mention Award. That’s because I didn’t see enough movies to include an honorable mention category. With the honorable mention category returning in 2024, the Honorable Mention Award is also coming back! Science fiction stories about space exploration will typically emphasize the thrills and wonder of the galaxy. This can make it easy for a movie’s audience to get caught up in how adventurous and exciting outer space can seem. In Interstellar, a major focus is space travel’s effect on human beings. So, themes of family, sacrifice, and the price of scientific achievement are woven into the script. That, along with quality acting performances and impressive special effects, is why I liked Interstellar!

    Out of all the movies that ended up in the dishonorable mention category, I had the highest expectations for The Reluctant Debutante. This is because I not only reviewed the film for The John Saxon Blogathon, there was some well-known talent involved with the project. Unfortunately, the 1958 movie fell short of those expectations. The Reluctant Debutante was a premise driven story that felt longer than one hour and thirty-four minutes, due to the jokes being drawn-out. It also didn’t help how some story ideas were overlooked. When I reviewed the 1958 film, I shared how movies from the 1950s are covered so infrequently on 18 Cinema Lane. So, it’s disappointing when a production from the ‘50s is weaker than expected.

    The Hallmark Hall of Fame Award

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

    Hallmark’s Frankenstein

    There are different kinds of stories in the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection. One kind of story is adaptations of pre-existing literature. Sometimes, “classic” literature became Hallmark Hall of Fame presentations, like The Secret Garden and A Tale of Two Cities. When these adaptations are good, they can be an immersive experience. This is how I would describe Hallmark’s Frankenstein! Due to the combination of screenwriting, acting performances, set design, and costume design, the movie made me feel like I was transported to another time and place. I also appreciate how close to the source material the 2004 television film is. Looking back on Hallmark’s Frankenstein and the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection, I’m actually surprised Mary Shelley’s novel wasn’t adapted into a Hallmark Hall of Fame project. Everything I said is why I chose Hallmark’s Frankenstein for the Hallmark Hall of Fame Award!

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

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

    I Am David

    Movies that won the “Based on a Book I Haven’t Read Yet” Award were first placed on a best films of the year list. I Am David is continuing that tradition! The 2004 film earned the top spot on my best movies list of 2024. This is the second time a number one movie of the year received the “Based on a Book I Haven’t Read Yet” Award! After I reviewed I Am David, I learned the movie was based on a book. I’m not sure how affective the story’s plot twists will be, as I already know what they are because I saw the film. However, I’d still be interested in reading I Am David someday!

    The Standing Ovation Award

    (Character Most Deserving of Receiving Their Full Potential)

    Scorpio from Christmas on Division Street

    When the Gold Sally Awards presented the Standing Ovation Award, the recipients were characters who should have received their “standing ovation”, but were denied that for various reasons. Scorpio (from Christmas on Division Street) actively worked toward getting where he wanted to go. As I said during the They Deserve an Award Award, Scorpio had limited appearances in the 1991 made-for-TV movie. Despite that, the audience learned enough about him to know what he had gone through. During this limited period of time, Scorpio attempts to overcome his obstacles. While I won’t spoil Christmas on Division Street, I will say those attempts earned Scorpio the Standing Ovation Award!

    Have fun at the movies!

    Sally Silverscreen

    The Top Ten Best Movies I Saw in 2024

    On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

    For me, 2024 was a better year for movies. That’s because I saw more movies I liked, compared to 2023! Another difference from 2023 is how, on 2024’s list, more movies are theatrical pictures. However, there are still some made-for-TV productions that found a spot on my list. With more likable movies comes the return of the honorable mentions section! In that part of my list, most of the films are television projects. Since I reviewed almost all the movies on this year’s list, I will provide links to those reviews in this post. So, with 2025 on the horizon, let’s begin my list of the top ten best movies I saw in 2024!

    Honorable Mentions

    Legend of the Lost Locket, My Baby Is Missing, My Mother’s Split Personalities, Christmas on Division Street, and Interstellar

    Image by starline on Freepik

    10. I Heard the Bells

    I Heard the Bells achieved so much in a short amount of time. The 2022 movie was chosen for my 500 Blog Follower Dedication Review. Then, I Heard the Bells became my 400th published movie review, as I recently revealed in my list of the ten movie trends I don’t understand. Now, the film is the only Christmas picture to earn a place on 2024’s best movies of the year list! When I wrote about I Heard the Bells, I compared it to It’s a Wonderful Life. Both titles are not only about more than just the Christmas holiday, they also cared about their overall presentation. I Heard the Bells was a visually immersive movie because of the attention to detail placed on historical accuracy. The strength of the acting performances allowed the story to be engaging. While it’s too early to say right now, I think I Heard the Bells could be a Christmas classic!

    Take 3: I Heard the Bells Review + 500 Follower Thank You

    9. Easter Parade

    If I could choose one word to describe Easter Parade, it would be “colorful”. With the movie’s creative team taking advantage of Technicolor, costumes and décor boasted vibrant hues that complimented the story’s spring season! The musical numbers provide another strength in Easter Parade. From Fred’s festive and creative solo, “Drum Crazy”, to Ann’s energetic and fast-paced solo, “Shakin’ the Blues Away”, the movie’s musical numbers were enjoyable because of their choreography and delivery. The reason the 1948 film is placed lower on my list is due to the premise-driven story and the limited inclusion of Easter. However, Easter Parade’s positives outweigh the negatives!

    Take 3: Easter Parade Review

    8. For Me and My Gal

    In my review of For Me and My Gal, I mentioned how Breen Code era movie musicals contain simpler stories. These simpler stories will typically feature lower stakes. But in For Me and My Gal, the story of Harry and Jo included stakes that were higher. The story wasn’t afraid to show Jo and Harry making difficult decisions when it came to their dreams. Along their journey, the duo even deals with regret and heartbreak. The way World War I was incorporated into For Me and My Gal gave the script a sense of realism. Creative decisions like that one gave the 1942 picture emotional depth!

    Take 3: For Me and My Gal Review

    7. Willow

    When I started my Comparing with the Critics series, I knew there were some movies I would disagree with the critics on. What I didn’t know was how much I would like Willow. Now that I’ve seen the 1988 film, I can understand why some people have given it the coveted title of “classic”. Likable elements, such as humor and unique perspectives on familiar story ideas, provide arguments for the aforementioned claim. The simplistic and straight-forward nature of the story made it easier to follow what was happening on screen. For me, Madmartigan stole the show! Movies like Willow make me thankful for my Comparing with the Critics series.

    Comparing with the Critics – Worst of 1988 – Willow

    6. Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit

    2024 saw the premiere of two Curious Caterer films; Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans and Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit. Though I liked Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans more than Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit, Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit was still a good movie. The fifth chapter in the series consistently carried the strong components of the Curious Caterer story, like the acting, humor, and prioritizing the mystery. A peek behind the music industry’s curtain and the incorporation of serious, real-world topics helped make the identity of Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit unique. As of the publication of this list, Hallmark has not provided any 2025 dates to the Curious Caterer series. If there are going to be more Curious Caterer films, I hope at least one of them is a seasonal picture.

    Take 3: Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit Review

    Hallmark’s Frankenstein poster created by Hallmark Entertainment, Hallmark Channel, Silverstar Ltd., Larry Levinson Productions, and RTL

    5. Hallmark’s Frankenstein (2004)

    Back in March, I called Hallmark’s adaptation of Frankenstein a “hidden gem”. This claim was based on my observation of how a good movie was not only forgotten by time, but also overshadowed by other titles released in 2004. What makes this version of Frankenstein a good movie, in my opinion, is how respectful it was toward Mary Shelley’s novel. One great example is Luke Goss’ portrayal of The Creature, as the way emotion was utilized throughout Luke’s performance highlighted how complicated The Creature is. Hallmark’s adaptation of Frankenstein is another movie where the visual presentation created an immersive experience. Combining set design, costume design, and attention to historical accuracy, the movie made me feel like I was transported to another time and place.

    Take 3: Hallmark’s Frankenstein (2004) Review (Double Feature: 2004 Edition Part 2)

    4. The Boys in the Boat

    If you’re going to create a sports movie involving a team sport, it’s important to make the camaraderie among the team believable. An on-screen team with believable camaraderie helps the audience stay invested in the story, as well as the team’s journey. Because the acting performances were strong in The Boys in the Boat, the camaraderie within the team dynamic felt genuine. The 2023 film also makes rowing look exciting! This was accomplished through cinematography, editing, and music selection. The Boys in the Boat is a “based on a true story” film that, in my opinion, is worth the time! This is yet another production where historical accuracy was a top priority.

    3. Amadeus

    Out of all the movies I reviewed for my Comparing with the Critics series, Amadeus is, so far, the only movie I agreed with the critics on. While the biopic is a glamourous spectacle, it also contains substance. Thought-provoking material can be found in the script, such as how fame can negatively impact the human soul. The story is an immersive, detail-oriented character study that explores the good and bad sides of the music industry. The creative team’s focus on detail made Amadeus look and feel historically accurate, as can be seen in the costume and set design. F. Murray Abraham and Tom Hulce each gave a strong performance. I can, honestly, say the 1984 movie is one of the best biopics I’ve ever seen!

    Comparing with the Critics – Best of 1984 – Amadeus

    2. Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans

    Remember when I said I liked Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans more than Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit? One reason why I said this is Goldy’s consistent involvement in Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans’ case. Other reasons why I liked the fourth chapter in the series are the creativity of the mystery, the quality of the acting performances, and how humor was written into the story. Looking back on Hallmark’s mystery films I saw in 2024, this Curious Caterer movie is pretty unique. That’s because, as I mentioned in my review, it’s a locked room mystery revolving around a costume party. In 2023’s best movies of the year list, I claimed Curious Caterer: Grilling Season was the best film in the series. I certainly changed my mind after I saw Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans!

    Take 3: Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans Review

    1. I Am David

    It’s amazing how I Am David became 2024’s best movie in March and clung on to the number one spot all these months later! This impressive film allowed the story of David and his journey to be told with genuine emotion and sincerity. This was achieved through every aspect of the production, like the acting performances and the screenwriting. Exploring light and darkness, as well as showcasing Europe’s natural landscape, gave the production visual depth. Timeless, universal messages were also woven into the script. As I said in my review, I wish more people knew about this movie. Hopefully, my review or maybe this list can encourage someone to check out I Am David!

    Take 3: I Am David Review (Double Feature: 2004 Edition Part 1)

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

    Have fun in 2025!

    Sally Silverscreen

    The Christmas Movies Tag!

    On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

    Two weeks ago, Hamlette (from Hamlette’s Soliloquy) tagged me in the Christmas Movies Tag! The timing of this tag was perfect because in 2024, I 1) wrote only four list articles and 2) participated in only one tag. With Christmas just around the corner, I found another reason to accept Hamlette’s invitation. Over 18 Cinema Lane’s six-year history, several Christmas movies have been reviewed. This helped when choosing titles for the Christmas Movies Tag. For films covered on my blog, I will provide the links in this tag if anyone is interested in reading my full thoughts on the featured movies. Before I begin the Christmas Movies Tag, I need to list the tag’s official rules, which are the following:

    • Fill out the prompts (expound as much or as little as you like)
    • Tag some friends (however many or few you feel like)
    • Have fun (this is mandatory)
    The Christmas Movies Tag banner found on Hamlette’s Soliloquy

    1. A favorite funny Christmas movie

    Back in 2019, I discovered why The Nine Lives of Christmas is so beloved in the Hallmark fan community. One appealing aspect of the movie was definitely the humor! In my review of the 2014 film, I pointed out how the dialogue among the characters helped make the story’s very first scene hilarious. The genuineness of the dialogue was well-written and good-natured. I also mentioned how Ambrose the cat served as some of the film’s comic relief. Memorable moments, such as when the cat sits on Zachary’s chair, made my viewing experience enjoyable. At the time, most of Hallmark’s Christmas movies seemed light on humor. So, watching a humorous picture like The Nine Lives of Christmas was refreshing!

    Take 3: The Nine Lives of Christmas Review

    2. A favorite poignant Christmas movie

    For this prompt, I chose two movies. The first is 2016’s Winter Thaw. From what I remember, the religious messages and themes associated with Christmas are prioritized over the holiday itself. In fact, there are so few references to the Christmas holiday, it’s easy to forget Winter Thaw is a Christmas movie at all. The second movie is one I reviewed last year; Christmas Princess from 2017! As I stated in my review, this film avoided several Christmas related tropes and clichés because Donaly’s journey to the Rose Court was the story’s main focus. Similar to Winter Thaw, the secular elements of Christmas don’t take center stage in Christmas Princess. But, like It’s a Wonderful Life, the 2017 presentation presents a story about a person trying to do “something big, something important”.

    Take 3: Christmas Princess (2017) Review

    3. A favorite romantic Christmas movie

    Before I was a movie blogger, I saw the 2015 made-for-TV production, The Spirit of Christmas. Though it’s been almost ten years since I’ve seen the film, I remember how strong Thomas Beaudoin and Jen Lilley’s on-screen chemistry was! Because of this on-screen chemistry, I was invested in the story. I also rooted for Daniel and Kate to find a way to be together. The Spirit of Christmas is a film I’d love to revisit on 18 Cinema Lane!

    4. A favorite feel-good Christmas movie

    In 2022’s edition of my top ten best movies of the year list, A Godwink Christmas: Miracle of Love made history by becoming the first and, so far, only Christmas movie to be the best movie I saw in any given year! How the 2021 title earned this honor was having their story revolve around a group of people using their skills and talents to help a family in need. Including Advent gave this film a more unique identity and provided a newer approach to the Christmas movie genre. Showcasing Christmas activities, such as gift exchanging, in creative ways crafted A Godwink Christmas: Miracle of Love’s identity as well. Movies like this one make me wish Hallmark continued the Godwink series.

    Take 3: A Godwink Christmas: Miracle of Love Review

    5. A favorite movie adaptation of A Christmas Carol

    Years ago, I saw the Hallmark Channel production, It’s Christmas, Carol! What I remember the most was how good Emmanuelle Vaugier’s and Carrie Fisher’s performance was! They were not only strong actresses individually, they also worked well together. The acting became one of the reasons why I liked this film. However, it’s been over ten years since I last saw it. Hopefully, I’ll receive a chance to revisit It’s Christmas, Carol!

    Christmas Princess (2017) poster created by Entertainment One and Really Real Films

    6. A Christmas movie you watch any time of year

    Similar to prompt number two, I’m selecting two films. I have reviewed both of these titles recently. My first choice is the 1991 television movie, Christmas on Division Street. One of the reasons why I liked this film is how the story’s messages and themes apply to the Christmas season as well as outside of Christmastime. But the appearance of Christmas is inconsistent in Christmas on Division Street, as the holiday isn’t recognized until forty minutes into an hour and thirty-three-minute story. My second choice is I Heard the Bells. In my review of the 2022 title, I compared I Heard the Bells to It’s a Wonderful Life. This is because both of these films are about more than just the Christmas holiday. They focus on a man and his story, also exploring how that man’s relationships affect his existence.

    Take 3: Christmas on Division Street Review

    Take 3: I Heard the Bells Review + 500 Follower Thank You

    7. A Christmas movie that surprised you

    My best movies of the year list of 2023 saw A Biltmore Christmas earning a spot in the list’s top three! When I wrote about the film, I explained how I had developed low expectations for the movie due to how much hype and publicity it received. I’m glad I gave A Biltmore Christmas a chance, as I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was! There were so many likable elements to this story, with the attention given to historical accuracy being just one of them. The script gave Hallmark Channel a different type of narrative for their Christmas pictures, utilizing historical fiction and aspects of time travel. A Biltmore Christmas even won the Gold Sally Award’s inaugural Top Gun: Maverick Award!

    8. A favorite “but is it really a Christmas movie?” movie

    One of the movies I reviewed in my Halloween Double Feature was 2002’s The Case of the Whitechapel Vampire. The most surprising part of that movie was the story taking place during the Christmas season. Even though Christmas played a minimal role in the film, it was interesting to see the holiday associated with vampires. It was also fascinating to watch an alternative Christmas mystery from Hallmark. The Case of the Whitechapel Vampire shows how the concept of vampires can be incorporated into almost any type of movie in almost any time of year. The 2002 picture is also proof how, when they put their mind to it, Hallmark can think outside-the-box when it comes to their Christmas movies.

    Take 3: The Case of the Whitechapel Vampire Review (Halloween Double Feature Part 1)

    9. The oldest Christmas movie you’ve seen

    When I reviewed Meet Me in St. Louis in 2019, it became the oldest Christmas movie I saw and wrote about on my blog! Released in 1944, this film represents the best the Breen Code era had to offer, especially when it came to the musical genre. The acting keeps this movie going and the songs provide a good tonal balance throughout the production. Judy’s rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is so iconic! While there have been many versions of that song, Meet Me in St. Louis’ version is my favorite.

    Take 3: Meet Me in St. Louis Review + 75 Follower Thank You

    10. The newest Christmas movie you’ve seen

    Due to Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker’s popularity, I reviewed the 2024 Great American Family presentation, A Little Women’s Christmas. To me, this was a fine, wholesome, and pleasant picture. I liked how the creative team showed respect for the source material. But I wasn’t a fan of how confusing the ending was. I also didn’t like the inclusion of the “it’s not what you think” cliché, as it added predictability to the story. However, A Little Women’s Christmas is still a movie I would recommend.

    Take 3: A Little Women’s Christmas Review

    Meet Me in St. Louis poster created by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Loew’s, Inc. Image found at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Meet_Me_in_St._Louis_poster.jpg

    Since the month of December is usually the busiest time of year, not only because of the Christmas/holiday season, but also because of the days leading up to New Year’s, it can be challenging to set aside time to participate in a tag. I also want to express my gratitude for 18 Cinema Lane having another successful year. So, I’m giving my readers an open invitation to the Christmas Movies Tag! If you like what you’ve read, you’re welcome to create your own tag post any time you wish!

    Have fun on Christmas!

    Sally Silverscreen

    Take 3: I Heard the Bells Review + 500 Follower Thank You

    On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

    Six years ago, when 18 Cinema Lane was born, I never imagined my blog would receive five hundred followers. But because of these followers, the people who took the time to read what I had to say, this milestone became a reality! To express my gratitude, I’m, once again, thanking my blog’s followers by writing this Blog Follower Dedication Review. This time, however, I’m presenting this review in the style of an open letter to the chosen film. While visiting the blog, It’s a Wonderful Movie, I came across a post about the 2022 Christmas movie, I Heard the Bells. At first, I believed it was a new production from Great American Family. This belief piqued my interest, as I wanted to review one of the network’s Christmas films. Then, I discovered I Heard the Bells was, simply, airing on Great American Family. Instead of being deterred by this misunderstanding, I still selected the 2022 picture for my Blog Follower Dedication Review, as I never heard of this presentation before 2024. With the Christmas season in full swing, writing about I Heard the Bells felt like an appropriate choice. So, without further ado, let’s begin this open letter!

    I Heard the Bells poster created by Sight & Sound Films

    An open letter to I Heard the Bells:

    As I write this letter, you remind me of another Christmas movie I know; Christmas on Division Street. That’s because you and the 1991 television film share one thing in common; meeting me by chance. If you hadn’t been featured on It’s a Wonderful Movie, I would never had heard about you. Then again, if I had paid closer attention, I would have known sooner you weren’t a Great American Family production. Despite that misunderstanding on my part, I still wanted to give you a fair chance. When it comes to writing about Christmas pictures, I root for every movie, including you, to be good. And that’s exactly what you are; good! With the seasonal entertainment landscape saturated with the same cliches, aesthetics, and story ideas, a Christmas movie needs to find a way to stand out from the competition. You, I Heard the Bells, succeeded in doing that!

    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

    In RKO 281 and Amadeus, Liev Schreiber and Tom Hulce brought humanity back to the names of Orson Welles and Amadeus. They also found the heart of the “genius” and put some genuine emotion behind it. Through his portrayal of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Stephen Atherholt followed in Liev and Tom’s footsteps. When it came to Stephen’s performance, however, he brought an emotional fire that helped make Henry a lively, well-rounded individual! Toward the beginning of the story, just hours before Christmas, Henry recites a poem. Combining facial expressions, vocal inflections, and body language, Henry was animated and captivating. He also spoke in a very poetic way, fitting for a man who had a way with words. Later in the story, after Henry experiences a tragedy, he gets into an argument with his son, Charley. At first, his eyes are downcast and he speaks in a softer tone, trying to avoid a conflict. But as Charley’s side of the argument becomes heated, Henry suddenly bursts with emotion. He quickly bolts from his seat and yells at his son, his anger spilling over. This reaction is so unexpected, Henry’s other children appear frightened.

    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.

    Through on-screen text, you made it known you were based on a true story. However, I still wish Stephen Atherholt and Rachel Day Hughes shared more scenes together. I already talked about Stephen’s portrayal of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, explaining why it was good. Acting alongside Rachel, who portrayed Fanny Longfellow, Stephen shared strong on-screen chemistry with her! One of my favorite scenes is when Fanny and Henry dance together on Christmas. Their gentle waltz perfectly captures their romantic tenderness. Even in scenes taking place outside of Christmastime, this romantic tenderness was present between Henry and Fanny. At a dinner party, Henry is nervous about having his poetry recited in front of the party guests. During the poem’s introduction, Henry’s hand twitches. Fanny quickly puts her hand over his and even encourages him to lift up his eyes. Throughout this scene, Fanny’s encouragement is gentle, with her patience and kindness making Henry feel more comfortable in his situation. Though Rachel and Stephen shared only a few scenes together, they effectively showed how Fanny and Henry brought out the best in each other!

    Envelope with hearts image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/hearts-and-pink-envelope-for-mothers-day_1950691.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/love”>Love image created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

    Bringing up RKO 281 and Amadeus again, these movies are historical pictures where attention to detail made their respective worlds feel visually immersive. It seems like you took another page out of Amadeus and RKO 281’s playbook by applying that attention to detail to Henry’s world! Watching this story unfold felt like traveling in time to the early 1860s. Whether it was the Civil War uniforms, the set design, or even a kite, every piece of this production appeared to be well-researched by your creative team. Remember when I brought up Henry reciting a poem hours before Christmas and the waltz between Henry and Fanny on Christmas? Those moments took place in the Longfellow home’s main sitting room, where era appropriate Christmas decorations can be seen. I noticed orange slices entwined on the garland above the fireplace, as well as candles illuminating the room. I even saw a Nativity set on a nearby table.

    Adorable Christmas card image created by Rawpixel.com at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/christmas-greeting-card-vector_2824854.htm’>Designed by Rawpixel.com</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by Rawpixel.com – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

    While there was a lot to like about you, there were some things I didn’t like about you. One of them was how you were almost two hours long. I know you’re a fan of establishing shots, but did you really need that many? Personally, I think you could have either cut some of these shots or trimmed the establishing shots’ length. As I mentioned earlier in this letter, Henry experiences a tragedy. This event causes his appearance to change as time goes on. Even Charley’s hair looks different over time. Yet Henry’s daughters, Anne, Alice, and Edith, always looked the same despite the progression of years. For this flaw, I fault the director and casting director, as they should have been more mindful about how those in the story were presented. Speaking of those involved in the story, there are some people I wish were more involved in what was happening on-screen. Senator Charles Sumner, portrayed by Daniel Stargel, is one of Henry’s supporters. He even helps Charley find a respectable position in the military. But out of your almost two-hour story, Charles appears in only a handful of scenes. I remember how you’re based on a true story. However, that’s not going to change my mind on how Charles should have been given more appearances.

    Do you remember at the beginning of this letter, when I said you reminded me of Christmas on Division Street? Well, there’s another Christmas movie you remind me of. That would be the classic It’s a Wonderful Life! For starters, you and the 1946 film are Christmas productions that are about more than just the Christmas holiday. Both of you focus on a man and his story, also exploring how that man’s relationships affect his existence. There’re also elements of faith in both stories. However, these elements are incorporated in different ways. Your delivery, as well as that of It’s a Wonderful Life, shows how much you cared about the overall presentation. In your case, your emphasis on attention to detail made the story look and feel so historically accurate, Henry’s world became immersive! Every acting performance was strong, especially Stephen’s and Rachel’s. Yes, you do have flaws. But I don’t think they will hold you back from, one day, becoming a classic! When I wrote about RKO 281 last year, I claimed good films leave a lasting impression. As I close this letter and move along on my blogging journey, I can honestly say you’ve done just that!

    Sincerely,

    Sally Silverscreen

    P.S. I’ll give you a score of 7.6 out of 10.

    Take 3: A Little Women’s Christmas Review

    On By 18cinemalane3 Comments

    When I reviewed Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker two months ago, I knew that article would receive views. But I had no idea how popular it would become. As of mid-December, 2024, my review of Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker garnered over a thousand views! To capitalize on my readers’ interest in Great American Family films, I chose to write about one of the network’s Christmas pictures. From the “word of mouth” I’ve been hearing about 2024’s various made-for-TV Christmas movies, A Little Women’s Christmas has gathered the most praise. So, I wanted to see for myself if the film was worth the hype. Based on the few movies from Great American Family I’ve seen, their pictures have been either ok or decent. The only exception has been The Abigail Mysteries, which was one of the worst films I saw last year. Where does A Little Women’s Christmas fall among this spectrum? Read my review to find out!

    A Little Women’s Christmas poster created by Great American Family, True Brand Entertainment, Third Coast Film, Rebel Rocket Entertainment, and Empress of Soul Productions

    Things I liked about the film:

    The camaraderie between the March sisters: If a film’s creative team wants to tell a story involving a group of siblings, there needs to be strong camaraderie between those characters. The strength of the camaraderie depends on the strength of the acting performances. This is exactly what happened among the March sisters in A Little Women’s Christmas! When Jillian Murray, Jen Lilley, Julia Reilly, and Laura Osnes came together, the relationship between their characters felt believable. Whether the moment was heart-warming or heart-breaking, the March sisters had each other’s support and worked together when it mattered the most. These actresses allowed each character’s personality to shine through. Nurturing Meg, bubbly Amy, ambitious Jo, and kind Beth complimented one another, bringing out the best in each sister. With the combination of Jillian’s, Jen’s, Julia’s, and Laura’s acting abilities, the creative team behind A Little Women’s Christmas understood the assignment and recognized what makes Louisa’s source material so special!

    The on-screen chemistry: Over the course of A Little Women’s Christmas, Jo gets to know a fellow writer from her publishing firm. This fellow writer is Fritz, portrayed by Trevor Donovan. During their interactions, Fritz is not only observant, but also has a drier sense of humor. As I mentioned earlier in this review, Jo is ambitious. However, she also tells things like it is. The combination of Fritz and Jo’s personalities created nice on-screen chemistry between Trevor and Jillian! The more time Jo and Fritz spent together, the more I felt they got along well with each other. The March sisters’ parents, Margaret and Robert, only appeared in one scene, through a video sent to the family. Despite this very brief appearance, I could sense the on-screen chemistry between Candace Kirkpatrick and James Arnold Taylor! In that one scene, the marriage between these characters felt believable. I, honestly, wish Robert and Margaret shared more scenes together!

    The Little Women related Easter Eggs: IMDB claims A Little Women’s Christmas is “a contemporary retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 classic”. With this in mind, the movie’s creative team found clever ways to place Easter Eggs throughout their production! The town the March family is from is named Alcott Grove. Observant viewers and fans of the novel will point out how the town shares the last name of Little Women’s author. While Jo and Fritz pay a visit to The Mercantile Café, Jo introduces Fritz to Louisa May, the owner of the eatery. Louisa May of Alcott Grove happens to share the name of Louisa May Alcott. It was fun finding these Easter Eggs throughout the movie! The creative team’s respect for Louisa’s story was symbolized in the Easter Eggs.

    Christmas book image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-psd/christmas-mockup-with-open-book_1482296.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/mockup”>Mockup psd created by Freepik</a>.  Image found at freepik.com.

    What I didn’t like about the film:

    The underutilization of DJ Bob: Throughout the movie, a man named DJ Bob makes Christmas related announcements from his studio at W.A.G. Radio. While exploring the town of Alcott Grove, Jo explains to Fritz how DJ Bob has become a beloved member of the community since he came to town in his red convertible one day. But other than what I just mentioned, DJ Bob has a very minimal role in the story. Personally, I think this was a missed opportunity, as DJ Bob could have been the glue that kept this script together. Besides being a radio host, DJ Bob could have been the character other characters turn to for advice. He also could have become “Mr. Fix It”, where he helps people solve their problems.

    The “it’s not what you think” cliché: Before he leaves for Alcott Grove, Fritz is instructed by Jo’s editor-in-chief, Susanna, to mentor Jo as she works on a new novel. Even though Susanna encourages Fritz to be honest with Jo about the reason for his trip, he’s concerned about pressuring Jo to the point of ruining her creative spark. As soon as this conflict was set up in A Little Women’s Christmas, it was a matter of waiting for the inevitable to happen. The conflict expectedly led to the “it’s not what you think” cliché, causing Jo to assume the worst about Fritz. While I recognize the need for a conflict in Jo’s story, that conflict paired with the aforementioned cliché made this part of the movie more predictable. It also doesn’t help how Jo developed romantic feelings for Fritz within a matter of days, becoming upset because she gave her heart to a man she barely knew.

    A confusing ending: For this part of my review, I will spoil A Little Women’s Christmas. If you haven’t seen this movie and are planning on watching it, please skip ahead to the part of my review titled “My overall impression”.

    In A Little Women’s Christmas, Jo aspires to write her first young adult novel. But during her return to Alcott Grove, she’s constantly searching for inspiration. Using Fritz’s advice, Jo eventually chooses to base her story on her relationship with her sisters, reflecting on their lives together. One of the last scenes in the movie shows Jo writing the first chapter of her novel, which she titles Little Women. With a title like A Little Women’s Christmas, along with the Little Women related Easter Eggs, I assumed the film’s creative team acknowledged Louisa May Alcott’s story existed in the world of Alcott Grove. But with Jo naming her book, Little Women, I was left confused, wondering if the world of A Little Women’s Christmas was meant to be an alternate universe where Louisa and her story never existed?

    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:

    Out of Great American Family’s movies I’ve seen, most of their productions have been ok or decent. A Little Women’s Christmas falls in the latter category. The 2024 picture was fine, wholesome, and pleasant. It was nice to see the creative team behind A Little Women’s Christmas show respect for the source material. From the camaraderie between the March sisters to the Little Women related Easter Eggs, fans of Louisa May Alcott’s story will find enjoyment in this film! Though there were aspects of the movie I liked, A Little Women’s Christmas did have its flaws. The inclusion of the “it’s not what you think” cliché contributed to part of the story being predictable. I also found the film’s ending confusing. But as I said before, this Great American Family production was fine as well as pleasant. If you’re interested in watching Christmas offerings from this network, I would recommend A Little Women’s Christmas!

    Overall score: 7-7.1 out of 10

    Have you seen A Little Women’s Christmas? Are there any Great American Family films you’d like me to check out? Tell me in the comment section!

    Have fun at the movies!

    Sally Silverscreen

    Take 3: Christmas on Division Street Review

    On By 18cinemalane6 Comments

    Have you ever been in a situation where instead of finding a movie, a movie found you? This is my case with the 1991 made-for-tv film, Christmas on Division Street. Earlier this year, I conducted research for my Sally Solves a Mystery article about who Bianca Marquez Walsh from As the World Turns is. During this process, a commercial for the movie crossed my path. As a movie blogger who reviews their fair share of television films, especially those that are Christmas themed, I’m always looking for potential movies to cover. So, I remembered the 1991 program in the hopes of reviewing it someday. Fast forward to mid-November, 2024. When I learned what Taking Up Room’s On the Spot Blogathon was about, I knew I had found the perfect movie to write about for the event! Plus, the blogathon took place in December, which gave me another reason to review Christmas on Division Street! Before 2024, I had never heard of the 1991 tv production. But I was familiar with the film’s lead actors. I had seen some of the projects from Fred Savage’s filmography; like The Princess Bride and The Wonder Years. Three years ago, I reviewed one of Hume Cronyn’s movies; the 1987 Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation, Foxfire. In the aforementioned commercial for Christmas on Division Street, I discovered the story was more unique from other Christmas productions I’ve covered on my blog. This is because the friendship between the main characters was prioritized.

    Christmas on Division Street advertisement created by Columbia Pictures Television, Higher Ground Productions Inc., Morrow-Heus Productions, Procter & Gamble Productions (PGP), The Guber-Peters Company, W.I.C., and CBS

    Things I liked about the film:

    The acting: When you have a movie like Christmas on Division Street, where the story revolves around the friendship between two characters, it’s important to cast actors who can equally carry that production. Because of the strength of Fred’s and Hume’s performance, I was captivated by the story of Trevor and Cleveland! Hume’s character, Cleveland Meriwether, typically carries himself as a jolly mentor. He not only wanted to teach Trevor valuable lessons, he also wanted to help other people in need. However, there were moments that showed just how versatile of an actor Hume Cronyn is. After receiving a tin of cookies from Trevor, Cleveland heartily laughs to himself, remembering his friend’s kindness. Then, all of a sudden, Cleveland’s laughter morphs into sobbing, sadness now residing on his face. This transformation was seamless, showing Cleveland’s emotions bubbling over behind closed doors. The scene I described also presents Hume’s understanding for when and where to use emotionality.

    Like I previously mentioned in this review, I was captivated by the story of Trevor and Cleveland because of the strength of Fred’s and Hume’s performance. One scene that illustrates this point is when Cleveland tries to help Trevor with an upcoming school assignment. After Cleveland reminds Trevor how they should be honest with each other, Trevor immediately becomes frustrated because he believes Cleveland has been dishonest with him. As he’s confronting Cleveland, Trevor’s tone of voice is sharp and his eyes narrow on Cleveland’s face. But as soon as Trevor calls Cleveland a “bum”, Trevor’s face quickly falls, realizing he’d messed up. Meanwhile, Cleveland looks deflated, as if his spirit had been crushed. Similar to Hume’s performance, Fred Savage knew how to use emotionality to his advantage. This knowledge allowed his portrayal of Trevor to be well-rounded!

    Badja Djola portrayed Scorpio, a friend of Cleveland’s. Despite having limited appearances in Christmas on Division Street, he had such a commanding presence! One of my favorite scenes featuring Scorpio is when he’s sharing some of his backstory with Cleveland. With a combination of eye movements, vocal inflections, and even tilts of the head, Scorpio’s recollection was captivating. I clung on to every word, anticipating what he would say next. With everything I said, I wish Badja had received more screen time.

    The messages and themes: As I mentioned in my review of Cancel Christmas, important messages and themes are sprinkled throughout the story of a typical Christmas film. While this was the case for Christmas on Division Street, the themes and messages within the story apply to the Christmas season as well as outside of Christmastime. A good example is when Trevor faces a dilemma; he doesn’t have any money for a ride home. With quick thinking, Cleveland tells Trevor he’s on his way to the bank. The next scene reveals Cleveland meant the blood bank, where he not only donates blood, he also makes enough money to help Trevor. This scene emphasizes how there are a variety of ways to help those in need any time of year. In another scene, Trevor tries to give Cleveland some used clothes. When he searches through the bag of clothes, Cleveland finds a long coat with a fur collar. Instead of taking the coat for himself, he gives the coat to a pregnant woman he knows. The theme of putting the needs of others before yourself is highlighted in this scene.

    The inclusion of history: Toward the beginning of Christmas on Division Street, Trevor receives a class assignment to write a report about a topic relating to Philadelphia’s American Revolution history. Through this subplot, the movie’s creative team found an opportunity to incorporate history into the script. At the library, where Trevor and Cleveland first meet, Cleveland encourages Trevor to write about Benjamin Franklin. While Trevor takes notes, Cleveland shares how Benjamin Franklin created the first subscription library in Philadelphia. Cleveland also shares how Benjamin Franklin would sometimes write under the pen-name of Richard Saunders. Though these history lessons were brief, their inclusion in Christmas on Division Street was such a pleasant surprise!

    The dialogue: I have said in the past how a made-for-TV movie’s dialogue can be very hit or miss. That’s because the quality of a television film’s dialogue depends on the skill and talent of the screenwriter. While watching Christmas on Division Street, I was impressed with this part of the production! The dialogue was not only clever, but also thoughtful. At the library one day, Cleveland meets with his social worker, Benedetti. After Benedetti expressed his frustrations over Cleveland’s lack of progress, Cleveland tells his social worker, “Weren’t for guys like me, you’d be out of a job. And before you know it, you’d be down here taking my place. I’d say I’m doing you a big favor”. Later in the movie, Cleveland gives the long coat with the fur collar to the pregnant woman he knows. Because Trevor was with Cleveland during this exchange, Cleveland says to Trevor, “Funny how people become invisible…when you keep your eyes closed”. Within these two examples, the screenwriter did a good job at providing Cleveland with character development through dialogue!

    The On the Spot Blogathon banner created by Rebecca from Taking Up Room

    What I didn’t like about the film:

    An inconsistent appearance of Christmas: With a movie titled Christmas on Division Street, you’d think the Christmas holiday would have such a consistent presence, it would seem like Christmas was its own character in the story. But that’s not what happened in the 1991 film. When I watched about thirty minutes of Christmas on Division Street, I wondered, “Isn’t this a Christmas film”? That’s because there was no acknowledgment of Christmas. The only noticeable seasonal element was fallen leaves occasionally shown in Philadelphia’s landscape. Christmas is finally recognized about forty minutes into an hour and thirty-three-minute movie. I recognize the emphasis in Christmas on Division Street is placed on the messages and themes of the holiday instead of the holiday itself. However, I still wish Christmas had a more consistent appearance in the film.

    A quick resolution: Earlier in this review, I said, toward the beginning of Christmas on Division Street, Trevor receives a class assignment to write a report about a topic relating to Philadelphia’s American Revolution history. This subplot is interconnected with another subplot; Trevor’s conflict with a fellow student named Derek. For most of the story, Derek picks on Trevor. He even goes so far as to steal Trevor’s idea for his history report. But after their history reports have been graded, Trevor learns a little about Derek’s home life. This knowledge not only makes Trevor sympathetic toward Derek, he also becomes Derek’s friend. The subplot I just wrote about represents one of the story’s themes; that “everybody’s got their story”. However, the resolution to this conflict was, in my opinion, reached too quickly.

    Tonal whiplash: After gathering research for his history report, Trevor rescues a pair of blue carnation flowers from the garbage with Cleveland. In this heartwarming scene, Trevor says how Cleveland sometimes reminds him of his grandpa, who had recently passed away. A scene later, a dead body is being placed in a coroner’s car, with Benedetti telling Trevor and Cleveland a man named Jake had died. The next scene shows Trevor and his family attending an event at their church. This tonal whiplash was not a consistent flaw in Christmas on Division Street. But among these aforementioned scenes, the transition between tones should have been smoother.

    Library image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/stack-of-books-on-library-desk_2509490.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/school”>School image created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

    My overall impression:

    In the introduction of this review, I stated how I did not find Christmas on Division Street, the movie found me. After seeing the film, I can honestly say I’m glad it crossed my path! Out of the made-for-TV Christmas projects I’ve seen, let alone reviewed, the 1991 production is one of better programs ever created. The acting from both the lead actors and the supporting cast is equally strong. While Fred and Hume carried the story through the strength of their acting abilities, Badja found a way to make his character memorable. The dialogue was clever and thoughtful thanks to the screenwriter, Barry Morrow. In fact, the dialogue was one of most impressive parts of the movie! I wish Christmas had a more consistent presence throughout Christmas on Division Street. However, I recognize the themes and messages of Christmas were prioritized over the holiday itself. I also wish the conflict between Trevor and Derek hadn’t been resolved so quickly. But I acknowledge how this subplot represented the theme of “everybody’s got their story”. If you’re looking for a Christmas movie that’s found off the beaten path or could be considered a “hidden gem”, let Christmas on Division Street find you on your path!

    Overall score: 7.5-7.6 out of 10

    Have you seen Christmas on Division Street? Do you have a favorite Christmas film that is more “underrated”? Please tell me in the comment section!

    Have fun at the movies!

    Sally Silverscreen