Tag: Christmas

Take 3: Cricket on the Hearth (1967) Review

On 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

Is Hallmark’s new ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’ movie a Christmas film?

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

In one of my recent Sunset Over Hope Valley re-cap posts, I
brought up two upcoming Signed, Sealed, Delivered movies. Originally
reported by Net from It’s a Wonderful Movie, these films were given release
years of 2024 and 2025. The first of these movies, Signed, Sealed, Delivered:
A Tale of Three Letters, has just received a premiere date, airing much earlier
than I expected. But the more I thought about this piece of movie news, the
more I wondered why Hallmark would air this chapter of Signed, Sealed,
Delivered in the middle of July? Then I came to the realization how Signed,
Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters could be a Christmas film. Besides
the movie’s premiere date, there are other observations that support my claim.
These observations will be discussed in this editorial. Before I begin
explaining my claim in further detail, I want to remind my readers how Hallmark
has provided very little information about these Signed, Sealed, Delivered
movies, as of the publication of this editorial. As you read my article, take
what I say with a reindeer sized grain of salt.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Altar poster created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Image found at https://www.crownmediapress.com/Shows/PRShowDetail?SiteID=143&FeedBoxID=845&NodeID=302&ShowType=series&ShowTitle=Signed%2c+Sealed%2c+Delivered+To+the+Altar

The Film’s
Premiere Date

As I stated in this
editorial’s introduction, Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters
has received a premiere date, with July 12th being the specific
day. As I also stated, this news led me to question why Hallmark would choose
to air this movie so soon. A possible answer can be given in three words:
Christmas in July. In recent years, Christmas in July marathons have become
exclusive with Hallmark Channel. However, there was a time when Hallmark would devote
the entire month of July with Christmas in July marathons among Hallmark Channel
and Hallmark Mystery. In fact, the movie, Christmas Camp, premiered
during 2019’s Christmas in July marathon on what was then known as Hallmark
Movies & Mysteries.

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

Hallmark Channel’s
Viewership Numbers

During the 2020s, Hallmark
Channel’s viewership numbers have, so far, been declining. The network’s
numbers are so bad that as of early June 2024, none of Hallmark Channel’s
movies this year have garnered two million viewers or more. Hallmark Channel
will host a Christmas in July marathon, premiering two new Christmas films
during that event. These titles are Falling Like Snowflakes (premiering
on June 29th) and A Very Vermont Christmas (premiering on
July 20th). With a two-week gap between the aforementioned Christmas
films and Hallmark desperate to raise their viewership numbers, the decision to
air Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters during the
Christmas in July marathon could be made. The film could premiere on Hallmark
Channel after it premieres on Hallmark Mystery or the film could air on both
networks on the same day. In the past, Hallmark would simultaneously air movies
on both of their networks. One notable example is A Bone to Pick: An Aurora
Teagarden Mystery back in 2015.

Christmas house created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/smiling-snowman-with-a-red-house-background_958592.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.

The Title

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters is
the title the series’ newest chapter is boasting. It should be noted how the
number three is important within the Christmas season for two reasons. The
number three references the Three Wise Men that play a significant role in the
Nativity story. This would be on brand for Signed, Sealed, Delivered, as
the series is known for incorporating elements of religion/faith into their films.
One example is the inclusion of a Nativity play in Signed, Sealed, Delivered
for Christmas. A Christmas Carol shows Ebenezer Scrooge being
visited by three ghosts throughout the story. Perhaps Signed, Sealed,
Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters is a retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic,
where a Scrooge-like character is intended to receive letters from the past, present,
and future?

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.

The Series Itself

Since 2013, the Signed,
Sealed, Delivered series has become a staple on Hallmark Mystery. But during
the series’ eleven-year timeframe, Signed, Sealed, Delivered has
received only one Christmas movie; 2014’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered for
Christmas. By Hallmark choosing to create new films for this series, they
are bringing Signed, Sealed, Delivered out of a three year hiatus, as
the last title, Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Vows We Have Made, was
released in 2021. In a Word on the Street story from two years ago, I pointed
out how Hallmark’s recent sequel efforts were continuations of movies that
first aired in 2014. Like I just said, Signed, Sealed, Delivered for Christmas
premiered ten years ago. If Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three
Letters is indeed a Christmas film, these decisions would not only fit
Hallmark’s aforementioned trend, but would also fill a creative void left barren
for so long.

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.

Like I told my
readers in this editorial’s introduction, take what I say with a reindeer sized
grain of salt, as my claim is based on speculation and observation. However, if
Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters will become a
Christmas movie, this calls into question the other new chapter in the series; “Signed,
Sealed, Delivered: To the Moon and Back”. Based on the title alone, it could be
a reference to It’s a Wonderful Life. In the 1946 movie, George promises
to give Mary the moon by saying “You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll
throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That’s a pretty good idea. I’ll
give you the moon, Mary”. But if Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three
Letters is a retelling of A Christmas Carol, the new character from “Signed,
Sealed, Delivered: To the Moon and Back” could provide a clue. According to the
movie’s synopsis, Oliver, Shane, Norman, and Rita are trying “to track down a
rock star who holds the keys”. I remember how Marley’s ghost is shown holding
keys in some adaptations of A Christmas Carol. Perhaps the rock star in “Signed,
Sealed, Delivered: To the Moon and Back” is intended to be a Marley-like
character meant to give the Scrooge-like character a lesson or moral?


What do you think of
my claim? Do you think Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters
could be a Christmas film? Let me know in the comment section below!


Have fun at the
movies!

Sally Silverscreen


Sources for this editorial:

https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2024/04/hallmark-media-releases-new-titles-storylines-signed-sealed-delivered-movies-2024-2025.html

https://www.hallmarkmystery.com/signed-sealed-delivered-a-tale-of-three-letters

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Hallmark_Channel_Original_Movies

https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2015/01/candace-cameron-bure-stars-in-Aurora-Teagarden.html

Word on the Street: Is Hallmark Already Planning a Christmas Movie for 2023?

The 6th Annual Gold Sally Awards are Here!

On 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 6th 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

Word on the Street: Could a Sequel to ‘The Polar Express’ Come to a Theater Near You?

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

While conducting research for this year’s Sally Solves a Mystery article, I came across an interesting movie news story from the website, ComicBook. Gary Goetzman, one of the producers of the 2004 Christmas film, The Polar Express, is eager to work on a sequel for the aforementioned movie. Despite the excitement, Gary recognizes the challenges of creating a sequel twenty years after the first film. In an article written by Brandon Davis, Gary talks about his film-making plans, stating, “But it becomes, there’s so much involved with, ‘Who’s artistic property would that be? Would that be?’ It’s just not like, ‘Hey, let’s go do another free sailing! So, they all take time and that’s okay because we don’t mind things going slowly. But that is trying to be worked out now, for sure, Polar 2. Yes.”

Railway Train image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/hand-drawn-train-retro-background_1112415.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.

When I first heard of this piece of movie news, two thoughts came to mind. The first thought was how will the creative team behind a sequel to The Polar Express prevent the film from looking dated? One reason why The Polar Express is such a note-worthy title in cinematic history is the motion capture technology that was applied to the film. In 2004, that style of film-making was revolutionary, viewed then as “ahead of its time”. But twenty years later, some people have criticized The Polar Express for appearing as “uncanny valley” due to how fluid technology is. The second thought was how a sequel to The Polar Express likely won’t have long term success at the box office. 2024 will be oversaturated with sequels, with about twenty-three sequels planning to premiere in theaters. Some notable sequels received disappointing box office results in 2023, such as Fast X, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and Shazam: Fury of the Gods. With that said, I think Gary Goetzman should take the money, time, and energy that would have gone toward a sequel to The Polar Express and adapt a different Christmas story.

Santa stationary image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/creative-christmas-letter-and-envelope-template_3281562.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com. 

What are your thoughts on this piece of movie news? Do you like the idea of The Polar Express receiving a sequel? Tell me in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Link to the referenced article: https://comicbook.com/movies/news/polar-express-2-development-gary-goetzman-tom-hanks/

The Top Ten Best Movies I Saw in 2023

On By 18cinemalane3 Comments

As I mentioned in my list of the top ten worst movies I saw in 2023, I saw enough films to create a best movies of the year list! But because I saw more movies I disliked than liked, there aren’t enough films to create an honorable mentions section. When I look back on the best films I saw this year, I realize the majority of the titles are made-for-TV productions. Looking specifically at the top three best movies of 2023, I noticed a shared theme; all of the movies contain historical fiction stories. Since I reviewed most of the films on this list, I will provide the links to those reviews in this article. So, as the sun sets on 2023, let’s start my list of the top ten best movies I saw this year!

Image by Freepik

10. Curious Caterer: Grilling Season

Out of all the movies in the Curious Caterer trilogy, I’d say Curious Caterer: Grilling Season is the best film! It improves on some of the predecessor’s flaws, like adding more humor into the script. The film also made different creative decisions, such as giving Marla more involvement in the mystery, that proved this series still has many ideas at the creative team’s disposal. One of the strengths of the Curious Caterer series, including the sequel, is the quality of the acting performances! From the main actors to the supporting talent, each on-screen interaction appeared so natural, it allowed the story to feel immersive. As of late 2023/early 2024, there have only been two mystery movies announced by Hallmark Movies & Mysteries; True Justice: Family Ties and Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers. Hopefully, the network will consider continuing the Curious Caterer series.

Take 3: Curious Caterer: Grilling Season Review + 455 Follower Thank You

9. Christmas Princess (2017)

Revisiting this film after seeing it for the first time six years ago, Christmas Princess still holds up! What works in this movie’s favor is how it focuses on Donaly’s journey to the Rose Court. This creative choice not only prevented the 2017 made-for-TV project from adopting several Christmas related tropes and cliches, it also gave the movie a chance to tell a more unique story for a Christmas production. Other good creative decisions include Donaly’s wardrobe and providing a thorough explanation of the Rose Court process. Looking back on Christmas Princess, I’m surprised there hasn’t been more movies made related to the Tournament of Roses. It’ll be interesting to see if a studio or network finds a story inspiring enough to adapt into a film!

Take 3: Christmas Princess (2017) Review

8. Frankenweenie (2012)

As I’ve said in past reviews, I rarely receive an opportunity to write about animated movies. So, it is even rarer for an animated title to appear on my best of the year list. What made 2012’s Frankenweenie so memorable was a collection of good creative choices. Some of them include the creatures within the story, presenting the film in black-and-white imagery, and sprinkling “Easter Eggs” throughout the movie. But another reason why Frankenweenie landed on my best movies of the year list is how much heart this story contained. Sure, I knew this project would be a cute take on Mary Shelley’s book. However, the heart-filled nature of the film’s story was such a pleasant surprise!

Take 3: Frankenweenie (2012) Review + 470 Follower Thank You

7. Mystery on Mistletoe Lane

After the release of Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery, I’ve always wondered why Hallmark Movies & Mysteries didn’t create more Christmas themed mystery films. Mystery on Mistletoe Lane proved that the network should, at least, consider making more mystery stories that take place around Christmastime. With festive clues and well-written riddles, the mystery itself left me on the edge of my seat, curious to see how the mystery would be resolved. I also liked the movie’s subplot, as it was interesting to see the creative ways Christmas activities were incorporated into the story. Another factor that worked in the favor of Mystery on Mistletoe Lane is how the mystery provided lower stakes. This allowed the movie to maintain the cheerful and light-hearted tone most viewers expect from Hallmark’s Christmas offerings.

6. RKO 281

Toward the end of my review of RKO 281, I said good films leave a lasting impression. Not only did the 1999 movie leave a lasting impression, it earned a spot on my best of the year list! There are many aspects of RKO 281 that are so good, you will find yourself saying, “Wait, this is an HBO film”? Every component of this movie goes above and beyond, looking and feeling like it should have received a theatrical premiere. For every “classic” or “iconic” film, there is a journey for how that film came to exist. The journey shown in RKO 281 made me appreciate the efforts taken to bring Citizen Kane to the big screen. Reflecting on both Citizen Kane and RKO 281, it makes me wonder if other well-known movies have an incredible behind-the-scenes story worthy of its own film?

Take 3: RKO 281 (1999) Review

Curious Caterer: Grilling Season poster created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

5. Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Murder in G Major

When I talked about Jesse Stone: Night Passage in my top ten worst movies I saw in 2023 list, I mentioned how, for me, 2023 was not the year for mysteries. However, there were a few stand-out mystery movies, with Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Murder in G Major being one of them. In the 2020s so far, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries have premiered mystery films that lack the “coziness” viewers have come to expect from the network’s mystery projects. Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Murder in G Major brought that “coziness” back, filling a void Hallmark Movies & Mysteries have been abandoning. Because the story incorporates a ghost, it gives this movie a unique identity and adds more creativity to the realm of Hallmark’s mystery library. As I said earlier in this list, there have, so far, only been two mystery movies announced by Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Sometime in 2024, I hope Hallmark turns Haunted Harmony Mysteries into a series, as there is so much potential for this story to lend itself to a multi-chapter title!

4. The Great Muppet Caper

If I could describe The Great Muppet Caper in one word, it would be “joyful”. That’s because, as I said in my review, this movie exudes so much joy! Each Muppet character had a specific purpose within the story, making every Muppet feel important. The jokes were well delivered, thanks to clever writing and solid acting. The Great Muppet Caper contains a simpler story that is easier to follow. But because of how good other aspects of this film are, that simplistic story works in The Great Muppet Caper’s favor. Since I liked the 1981 movie, maybe, in 2024, I’ll check out other productions featuring the Muppets!

Take 3: The Great Muppet Caper Review (The Great Muppet Guest Star Caper Double Feature Part 1)

3. A Biltmore Christmas

Similar to Top Gun: Maverick, I had low expectations for A Biltmore Christmas. Hallmark’s decision to give the 2023 Christmas movie a lot of hype and publicity made me skeptical of the movie’s quality. When I finally checked the film out, I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was! There was so many things Hallmark got right; from the strength of the cast to the attention given to historical accuracy. While this type of story is nothing new for romance films, it does provide Hallmark Channel with a different type of narrative for their Christmas pictures. Within the 2020s so far, I noticed how Hallmark is creating more projects that have historical fiction elements. I’m interested to see what the network’s next big, historical fiction, Christmas movie ends up being in 2024!

2. Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Tale of Two Cities

When I shared my overall impression of A Tale of Two Cities, I stated how both Oliver! and Nicholas Nickelby found a place in my year-end best movies lists. I also stated how that tradition would continue, as the Hallmark Hall of Fame adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities left such a good impression on me. However, this is the first time a Charles Dickens adaptation has earned a spot in my best list’s top three! Even though this film is longer than most Hallmark productions, it never feels like two hours and thirty-six minutes. Instead, A Tale of Two Cities feels like a well-paced, well-written, and well-acted depiction of Charles Dickens’ work. The creative team’s attention to detail also added to the movie’s great quality. It showed me the people who created this adaptation cared about the project they were working on. I have said before how I wanted to see as many Hallmark Hall of Fame productions as realistically possible. I hope to find more Hallmark Hall of Fame movies that are just as good as A Tale of Two Cities!

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

1. Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Caroline?

I know there’s no such thing as the “perfect” Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. But 1990’s Caroline? is the closest thing to it! The strengths of the project far outweigh the flaws, coming together to create a film that is intriguing, creative, and even thought-provoking. I liked seeing the characters’ interactions, as they made the movie captivating to watch. Similar to Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Tale of Two Cities, the creative team behind Caroline? gave attention to detail. In the case of the 1990 film, this attention to detail was placed in differentiating between the past and the “present”. In my opinion, Caroline? is one of the more underrated Hallmark productions. I also believe it should have been re-released on DVD.

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Caroline? Review + 460 Follower Thank You

Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Caroline? poster created by Hallmark Hall of Fame productions, CBS, and Republic Pictures Home Video

Have fun in 2024!

Sally Silverscreen

The Top 10 Worst Movies I Saw in 2023

On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

I’m going to be honest with my readers; in 2023, I saw more movies I disliked than liked. Luckily, I saw enough films to create a top ten best movies of the year list! When it comes to the movies I disliked, the majority of these titles were disappointing or average. This is different to my list of the worst movies of 2022. What’s also different about this year’s list is how my top three worst films are not all Hallmark projects. Like I have said in past lists, my top ten worst movies I saw in 2023 list is not intended to be mean-spirited, negative, or disrespectful. It’s just a list of my own, honest opinion. Since I reviewed some of the movies on my list, I will provide the links to those reviews in this article.

Dishonorable Mentions

Family History Mysteries: Buried Past, Sea Change, Murder 101: College Can Be Murder, Murder 101: The Locked Room Mystery, She Inherited Danger, My Diary of Lies, Double Nickels, A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, Blackbeard, the Pirate, Christmas at Castle Hart, Shadow Island Mysteries: Wedding for One, and A Hidden Life (I turned this movie off after 42 minutes)

Image by starline on Freepik

10. The Curse of Frankenstein

After I watched and reviewed Frankenweenie, I was hoping the creative team of The Curse of Frankenstein would follow Mary Shelley’s source material closer than the Disney animated film did. Instead of doing that, they relied more on creative liberties. As I said in my review of The Curse of Frankenstein, I found this distracting, especially since I read the book prior to watching the film. Some of these creative liberties were adopted just for the sake of it. One of them was presenting Victor Frankenstein’s creature as a bumbling, destructive machine. This creative decision was a disservice not only to Mary Shelley’s work, but also to Christopher Lee, the actor who portrayed Frankenstein’s creature.

Take 3: The Curse of Frankenstein Review

9. The Last Child

I selected The Last Child for the Futurethon blogathon because of the film’s creative presentation; a futuristic story surrounded in a “contemporary” aesthetic. Unfortunately, the creativity of the 1971 made-for-TV movie didn’t reach beyond the surface. Despite the concern of population control within the story, there was little sense of urgency. That caused the movie to have too many low-stakes. It also didn’t help how the future in The Last Child wasn’t explained. This is another television film from the ‘70s that failed to impress.

Take 3: The Last Child Review

8. A Walk in the Spring Rain

Out of all the movies I saw and reviewed this year, A Walk in the Spring Rain is the most flavorless film. Even though this is a movie where the audience waits for the inevitable to happen, the meandering nature of the script forces viewers to focus on drawn-out subplots, such as the protagonists’ daughter, Ellen, thinking about law school. What adds to the film’s meandering nature are stretched out scenes, making A Walk in the Spring Rain feel longer than necessary. Like I said in my review of the 1970 production, every beloved film star has at least one project on their IMDB filmography that is lesser known. For Ingrid Bergman, A Walk in the Spring Rain is one of her more forgettable films.

Take 3: A Walk in the Spring Rain Review

7. Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

In 2023, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries released two new chapters in the Murder She Baked/Hannah Swensen series: Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery and A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery. While I found both entries disappointing, Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery was the most disappointing movie out of the two. Other than solving a mystery, this story didn’t progress the series forward. Something happens in Mike and Hannah’s relationship that is resolved in A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery. This made Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery an even more pointless chapter in the series. If you’ve never watched the Murder She Baked/Hannah Swensen series, skip this film, as you wouldn’t be missing much.

Take 3: Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery Review

6. Silent Night, Fatal Night

Silent Night, Fatal Night is a Lifetime movie that is basically a gender-swapped, Christmas version of Misery, with a bit of a twist. Unlike the 1990 film, almost every character in Silent Night, Fatal Night makes one dumb decision after another. While the antagonist in the Lifetime film was unsettling, he was more annoying. Plus, I found it difficult to believe the protagonist, a mystery author, wouldn’t have more intuition to save herself. This isn’t the first time Lifetime has told a story similar to Misery. However, I wish the network would create stories that are less reminiscent of other, better movies from the 1990s.

Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery poster created by Lighthouse Pictures, Looking Glass Productions, and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

5. Jesse James Meets Frankenstein’s Daughter

Chosen for the Fifth So Bad It’s Good Blogathon, Jesse James Meets Frankenstein’s Daughter was built on a gimmick. Instead of embracing the silliness of that gimmick, the movie’s creative team took their project a little too seriously. Their project was misleading as well, no friendship or romance forming between Jesse and Frankenstein’s granddaughter. Though Jesse James Meets Frankenstein’s Daughter is classified under the western and horror genre, the western genre is emphasized more, preventing a balance between the two genres. The 1966 film is not my “so bad it’s good” movie. Since I did giggle a few times while watching it, I took a step in the right direction to find my “so bad it’s good” film!

Take 3: Jesse James Meets Frankenstein’s Daughter Review

4. Jesse Stone: Night Passage

For me, 2023 was not the year for mysteries, as the top four worst movies on my list are mystery films. The main issue with Jesse Stone: Night Passage is how none of the detectives do any detective work. What they do instead is pull assumptions out of their pockets, with those assumptions being conveniently correct. Subplots were prioritized over the mystery itself. This creative decision caused the story to lack any sense of urgency. It was nice to see familiar faces like Saul Rubinek (who portrayed Artie on Warehouse 13) and Liisa Repo-Martell (who portrayed Maida Flynn on Emily of New Moon). Sadly, there wasn’t much the cast could do to save Jesse Stone: Night Passage.

3. Mount Hideaway Mysteries: Heartache and Homecoming

This movie is so bad, it was, at times, unintentionally funny. Parts of the script reminded me of The Cookie Mobster, with the screenwriters not displaying an understanding for how some things worked. One such example is how Game Boy Color video game consoles were incorporated into the story. The film was riddled with other flaws, such as the color of a character’s earrings changing from scene to scene. Another, more consistent, flaw was telling instead of showing, like other characters mentioning how good looking the male protagonist is every time he appears in a scene. Also, just because the protagonist is a veterinarian does not mean she has to hold an animal every time a scene takes place at the veterinary clinic.

2. The Abigail Mysteries

I have never reviewed or talked about a movie from Great American Family on 18 Cinema Lane. So, it’s a shame that when I do talk about one of their movies, it’s because the project is bad. It is possible to create a good mystery story with elements of faith. But because The Abigail Mysteries heavily prioritized the elements of faith, the mystery was overshadowed, causing the overall story to lack a sense of urgency. From no on-screen chemistry to inconsistent audio quality, The Abigail Mysteries was filled with flaws. There were even times when actors would deliver their lines too quickly, making it difficult to understand what they were saying. I know this is the network’s first attempt at making a mystery movie. But if Great American Family is serious about creating more mystery projects, their efforts need to be better than The Abigail Mysteries.

1. Mystery Island

This is the second year in a row where a newly released Hallmark Movies & Mysteries movie is the worst film I saw. With Hallmark no longer prioritizing the mystery genre, I can’t say I’m that surprised. The poor writing is the biggest problem of Mystery Island. The mystery’s reveal is so ridiculously written, it makes the entire story feel pointless. Emilia Priestly, the film’s protagonist, has a legitimate reason to get involved in the movie’s mystery, as she is a psychiatrist for Scotland Yard. Instead of using her skills to solve the case, Emilia a) flips through books, b) eavesdrops on other characters’ conversations, and c) follows people into the jungle and runs out of that same jungle in wedge sandals. I’d like to think Hallmark will find the motivation to create better mystery productions. But as of late 2023/early 2024, I’m not getting my hopes up.

Jesse James Meets Frankenstein’s Daughter poster created by Circle Productions, Embassy Pictures, and Embassy Home Entertainment

Have fun in 2024.

Sally Silverscreen

Oh Lil Christmas Tree: 2023’s Official Ornament

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

In 2023, I reviewed four Christmas movies; Christmas at Castle Hart, The National Tree, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Christmas Princess. At first glance, you might think the one thing these films have in common is how they are made for TV programs. What these movies also have in common is they were released in years past. This similiarity reminded me of another Christmas movie I reviewed that premiered in the past as well; 1990’s The Nutcracker Prince! When I wrote about the film in 2021, I said it was a fine production, respecting the source material while also bringing something new to the table. Within that review, I brought up how the duel between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King served as the movie’s main conflict. So, when I saw this Mouse King ornament, I instantly thought of The Nutcracker Prince and had to add it to my Oh Lil Christmas Tree collection!

While writing this ‘Oh Lil Christmas Tree’ article, I realized that every two years, I add an ornament to my collection based on a Christmas movie I’ve reviewed. Screenshot taken by me, Sally Silverscreen.

Have fun on Christmas!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: Christmas Princess (2017) Review

On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

My last movie review was for the 1983 adaptation of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Revisiting the film after so many years, I learned the production was more of a “very special episode” of a television show than a movie. Wanting to revisit more movies of Christmas past, I remembered how much I liked the 2017 made-for-TV project, Christmas Princess! In the early days of 18 Cinema Lane, I mentioned how Christmas Princess was my favorite film of 2017. I recall enjoying the movie more than Hallmark’s offerings that year. But like any film from the past, perspectives can change. A movie once loved may not hold up when viewed twice. However, a film that was labeled as “bad” may not seem so bad the second time around. Not having seen Christmas Princess in six years, I wanted to review the film to see if any of my opinions on it have changed!

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

Things I liked about the film:

The acting: A well-acted scene in Christmas Princess is when Donaly, portrayed by Nicole Muñoz, comes face-to-face with her biological mother, Roberta, portrayed by Kaaren de Zilva. Remembered by Donaly as a bitter woman, Roberta still carries a chip on her shoulder. Anytime she speaks to Donaly, Roberta has a passive aggressive tone in her voice. She also has a pessimistic attitude and uses that attitude to try to belittle Donaly. In Roberta’s presence, Donaly appears small. There’s a grimace on her face, troubled at what Roberta might tell her. But when Roberta asks about Donaly’s siblings, Abraham and Emily, Donaly slowly gains confidence. As she’s recalling Emily’s trip to Madrid, Donaly displays a sense of sincerity, refusing to let Roberta dull her sparkle. Smiling while reflecting on this trip, Donaly’s tone of voice makes her sound sure of herself.

Zak Santiago will be familiar to Signed, Sealed, Delivered fans as Ramon Rodriguez. A frequent patron of the local grille restaurant, Ramon is a ray of sunshine, carrying himself with a cheerful attitude and a smile almost always on his face. Portraying Ignacio Marquez, the husband of Sara Marquez and father of Donaly, Abraham, and Emily, Zak displays a different persona. This time, Zak carries his character with a more serious attitude. Yet, a kind and caring personality shines through. During a conversation between Ignacio and Donaly, Donaly confesses a fear she’s been working to overcome. After hearing Donaly’s explanation, Ignacio gently tells his daughter why he was hesitant to let Donaly try out for the Rose Court in the first place. He also reassures Donaly how it’s ok to take care of those you love, but how important it is to trust those same people. Zak’s performance in Christmas Princess compared to his performances in the Signed, Sealed, Delivered series provides a great example of how versatile his acting talents are!

Process of the Rose Court: An honored tradition of the Tournament of Roses is the Rose Court. During the Rose Parade, the Rose Court receive their own special float, waving to every viewer in Pasadena and to those watching the parade at home. When the Rose Court float appears, the parade’s announcers will typically provide a brief explanation of how the young ladies on the float became a member of the Rose Court. Donaly’s journey in Christmas Princess gives a thorough explanation of how one becomes a Rose Princess. From a series of interviews to a montage of community service, the role of a Rose Princess, shown in the movie, means more than just sitting pretty on a parade float. This thorough look at the Rose Court process is educational to viewers who are not familiar with the Rose Parade or the Rose Court.

The wardrobe: In movies with a more contemporary story, I typically don’t talk about the wardrobe. But in Christmas Princess, there was one detail I missed when I first saw the movie. There are times when Donaly and even her friend, Chloe, wear attire that is either red or contains a flower pattern. In a scene where Donaly receives an email about the Rose Court, Donaly wears a red denim jacket. Not only is her phone case red, the following scene shows Donaly wearing red shoes. At the beginning of the film, Donaly and Chloe attend their first day of senior year. While Chloe wears an outfit with a floral design, Donaly’s blouse is covered in a pattern of flowers. These wardrobe choices were a clever and subtle way of complimenting the movie’s theme.

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

What I didn’t like about the film:

Roberta seeking out Donaly: One of the conflicts in Christmas Princess is Donaly facing her traumatic past. A reason why Donaly’s past was traumatic was the result of her biological mother, Roberta. While I thought Roberta’s confrontation with Donaly was a well-acted scene, Roberta’s attempts to find Donaly don’t make sense. Toward the beginning of the film, Roberta shows up at a rummage sale Donaly’s youth group is sponsoring. There’s no explanation provided how Roberta knew Donaly was a part of that specific youth group or how she found out about the rummage sale in the first place. Later in the movie, Roberta looks up the Rose Court finalists, including Donaly, on the Rose Court’s website. How would Roberta get the idea that Donaly was even trying out for the Rose Court when, in a previous scene, she was standing several feet away from Sara Marquez’s car, where, while sitting inside the car, Donaly received the email she’d made it to the next round of try-outs? To me, it would have made more sense if Roberta had learned about Donaly’s Rose Princess crowning in a newspaper article.

The “friends upset at protagonist for not spending more time with them” cliché: The “friends upset at protagonist for not spending more time with them” cliché is typically found in stories for younger audience members. With this cliché, something will happen that inflates the protagonist’s ego, causing the protagonist’s friends to feel abandoned. In Christmas Princess, Donaly’s friends, Chloe and Trent, are frustrated by Donaly’s busy schedule, partly caused by her Rose Court responsibilities. Even though this cliché had a brief appearance in the movie, its inclusion in the script made Chloe and Trent look hypocritical. Both of Donaly’s friends were supportive of Donaly’s decision to try-out for the Rose Court. Chloe even attended the Rose Court crowning when Donaly was selected. It should also be noted how Chloe also tried out for the Rose Court. She and Donaly attended the same Rose Court seminar, where they learned about what it would take to become a Rose Princess.

The “it’s not what you think” cliché: When I discussed the top ten worst cliches from Hallmark movies, I brought up the “it’s not what you think” cliché. This cliché shows a character taking what they saw or heard out of context, making them assume the worst out of a situation. One day, while shopping, Sara Marquez becomes injured in a car accident. At home, Donaly overhears Ignacio talking on the phone about Sara’s injury. After Donaly hears Ignacio saying how he doesn’t know what to do about the children, she assumes she and her siblings will be kicked out of their home. Donaly evens packs a suitcase in case she and her siblings are forced to leave. The utilization of the “it’s not what you think” cliché was better in Christmas Princess than other made-for-TV productions. But with Christmas Princess already containing a few conflicts in the script, from Roberta’s confrontation to feelings of self-doubt, I don’t think the inclusion of this cliché was necessary.

Princess tiara image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/ornamental-princess-crowns_1109199.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/gold”>Gold vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

My overall impression:

Back in March, I wrote about the Touched by an Angel episode, “Perfect Little Angel”. In that review, I talked about how the script prioritized Tracy’s journey to the pageant, which prevented the story from adopting several pageant related tropes and cliches. Similarly, Christmas Princess revolves around Donaly’s journey to the Rose Court. Because of this creative decision, several Christmas related cliches and tropes were avoided. Even though Christmas Princess shows secular elements of the holiday, such as gift giving and Christmas trees, these things are not a central focus like in other Christmas films. To me, the 2017 movie is one of the better made-for-TV Christmas titles. It features a more unique story that provides an interesting perspective on the holiday. What also helps are the strength of the various creative elements, such as the acting performances and the wardrobe. While there are some cliches in the story that I don’t think are necessary, the movie has more positives than negatives. Six years later, I’d say Christmas Princess still hold up pretty well!

Overall score: 7.7-7.8 out of 10

Have you seen Christmas Princess? Are there any Christmas movies from 2017 you’d like to see me review? Please tell me in the comment section below!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Review

On By 18cinemalane3 Comments

1983 saw the release of A Christmas Story. In the forty years since that movie’s premiere, it has earned the coveted title of “classic” Christmas cinema. It has even become one of the most merchandized Christmas films of our time. But A Christmas Story was not the only Christmas movie released in 1983. That same year saw the premiere of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! While figuring out which Christmas movies to review this year, I reflected on all the Christmas titles I’d seen in the past. During this reflection, I realized I hadn’t seen The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in a very long time. However, I remember liking the film. So, in this review, I’ll be evaluating whether this movie still holds up forty years later!

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

Things I liked about the film:

The acting: One of my favorite scenes in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is when Grace Bradley, portrayed by Loretta Swit, explains the Nativity story to the Herdman children. Because religion is not prioritized in the Herdman household, the Herdman children become curious about the story behind the play they are starring in. While Grace is reading the Nativity story, the Herdman children ask questions and make assumptions. From Gladys stating to Imogene how the Wise Men were “the welfare” to Leroy asking why King Herod isn’t in the Nativity play, this scene shows how children are trying to grasp the basic understanding of the Nativity story. What makes this scene work is the candid and realistic portrayals of the actors and actresses portraying the Herdman children. With the Herdman children trying to connect the story to aspects of their own lives, the film’s audience can see the children attempting to make sense of what they are being told. The motherly persona and patience Loretta displays throughout the Nativity reading also helps. Grace is recognized as someone who is trying her best to do a good deed because of Loretta’s performance.

The messages and themes: Helen Armstrong, the Sunday School teacher and director of the Christmas pageant, tells Grace how every child participating in the pageant should feel important. Grace takes Helen’s advice to heart when she includes the Herdman children in the Christmas pageant. From telling the Herdman children about the Nativity story to giving the Herdman children major roles in the play, Grace tries her best to make the Herdmans feel important. Because of Grace’s efforts, the Herdman children begin to take the play seriously. They even start to change some of their ways. This part of the story showcases a central message of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: making others in your life feel important and included. While this message can be found in movies from any season, it was nice to see it in a Christmas film.

Christmas from a religious perspective: Most Christmas movies, especially from Hallmark, will prioritize the secular components of the holiday. From Christmas trees to gift giving and even Santa Claus, these elements have become staples in Christmas cinema. While there are Christmas films that acknowledge the religious component of Christmas, few of them prioritize it. This is what sets The Best Christmas Pageant Ever apart! The story itself revolves around the production of a church’s Nativity play. As I previously mentioned, Grace Bradley explains the Nativity story to the Herdman children. While there are Christmas decorations throughout the movie, these decorations are far and few between. There is no mention of Santa Claus and none of the children discuss what they want for Christmas. Because of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’s emphasis on the religious component of Christmas, the film avoided a lot of cliches and tropes typically found in Christmas films.

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.

What I didn’t like about the film:

Breaking the fourth wall: At certain points of the story, Beth Bradley breaks the fourth wall, talking directly to the audience about the Herdman children. While I recognize Beth is explaining things that came from the book, I found the broken fourth wall inconsistent. Even toward the end of the movie, Beth explains the Herdman’s actions through a voice-over. I wish parts of the story, such as the Herdman’s home life, had been brought up through dialogue. If there had to be a narrator, I wish the book’s author and film’s screenwriter, Barbara Robinson, had narrated the story.

Parts of the story that don’t lead anywhere: There were parts of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever that didn’t lead anywhere. One example is Alice’s role in the overall story. During rehearsals for the Christmas pageant, Alice records all of the Herdman children’s mischief in a notebook. She shows this notebook to Beth, explaining how she will show the notebook to the grown-ups in the parish if the Christmas pageant turns out to be a disaster. As the story progresses, nothing becomes of this notebook. After she shows it to Beth, Alice doesn’t bring up the notebook again. Instead of this unresolved subplot, Alice’s part of the story should have focused on Alice learning to stand up for herself and dealing with bullies.

Not addressing bullying: As I just mentioned in my previous point, Alice’s part of the story should have focused on Alice learning to stand up for herself and dealing with bullies. Had this idea been included in the script, the story would have showed younger audience members how to resolve the issue of bullying. In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Herdman children bully their peers. The children affected by the Herdmans don’t stand up against them. Even when someone did speak up, such as Charlie telling his father about Leroy Herdman stealing his lunch, the grown-ups in the children’s lives don’t deal with the conflict. Because bullying was not addressed in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, some younger audience members could walk away from this movie thinking they shouldn’t bother talking about bullying.

Necessary Christmas items image created by Moonstarer at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/christmas-elements-collection_994916.htm’>Designed by Moonstarer</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by Moonstarer – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

My overall impression:

In television shows of yesteryear, a show’s creative team would create a “very special episode”. These episodes would either bring up a serious, real-world topic or would take place around a major holiday. When this type of episode premiered, it would sometimes feel like an event, with a show’s creative team inviting guest stars to add excitement or relevance to the episode’s story. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever felt more like a “very special episode” of a television show than a movie. As someone who watches and reviews movies, I found myself expecting more from the 1983 film. The adaptation does have merit, which can be seen in the acting performances and heard in the messages and themes. But there are parts of the story where the film falls short. Instead of having Alice record the Herdman children’s mischief in a notebook but not do anything about the notebook, Alice should have learned how to stand up for herself against bullies. The book’s author and film’s screenwriter, Barbara Robinson, should have narrated the story instead of having the fourth wall inconsistently broken. Looking back on the Christmas movies I’ve seen, it seems like The Best Christmas Pageant Ever has been forgotten by time. Then again, I don’t know how many people would purchase merchandise associated with this movie.

Overall score: 6 out of 10

Have you seen or read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever? Are there any Christmas movies from the 1980s you enjoy watching? Let me know in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

My Movie Blogger’s Christmas Wish-List 2023

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

As the season of Fall evolves into Winter and the Christmas/holiday season is upon us, it’s time for my annual Movie Blogger’s Christmas Wish-List! This is a tradition where I create a list of movie related things I’d like to receive for Christmas. Similar to last year’s list, there are four items on my wish-list. These items are a combination of realistic requests and wishful thinking. Each item has been placed in one of four categories, with the categories following the quote; “Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read”. With explanations out of the way, let’s get into this year’s Christmas wish-list!

Image by Freepik

Something You Want

I wrote an editorial back in August about how Evan Williams and George Blagden should go to Eurovision 2024. I even mentioned this in my review of The National Tree. One of my arguments in that editorial was the writers and actors strikes that took place during the time I published my editorial. But as of mid to late December 2023, both the actors and writers strikes have ended. Even if George and Evan had the time to participate in Eurovision, there is no guarantee a participating delegation will select them as their representatives. Therefore, I really hope a delegation sees Evan and George’s potential and sends them to Eurovision! If you’re interested, you can read my editorial at the link below.

Why Evan Williams and George Blagden should go to Eurovision 2024

Portrait of Evan Williams created by Victoria Lemmus. Portrait of George Blagden created by Charlie Carter – © Charlie Carter 2020. Both portraits found on IMDB.

Something You Need to See

When I watched Curious Caterer: Fatal Vows, I was pleasantly surprised to discover Max Lloyd-Jones starred in the film! Though I liked his performance, I wondered why he hasn’t been cast in a Hallmark mystery movie as a detective? Based on his projects I have seen, I think Max has what it takes, talent wise, to portray this type of character. Another performance I was impressed with was Madeleine Arthur’s from 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost! In that movie, Madeleine’s portrayal of Ruby Baker stole the show, as her performance was one of the best parts of that film! I would like to see Madeleine and Max star as the lead actress and actor in a Hallmark mystery film! Even if the movie was a stand-alone picture, I would be curious to see Max and Madeleine work together on a Hallmark project!

Magnifying glass image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/magnifying-glass-with-fingerprint-in-flat-style_2034684.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/flat”>Flat vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

A movie related piece of clothing or accessory I’d want to wear

Speaking of 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost, I want to talk about one of Ruby’s pair of shoes! Toward the beginning of the movie, Ruby wore a cute pair of white high heeled shoes at her birthday party. These heels were covered in a white lacy material. Topped with a little black bow, Ruby’s shoes had a timeless style that allow them to work with an outfit from the 1920s or the 21st century!

Because Ruby wore this pair of shoes while dancing, it was difficult to find a good photo of the shoes. Photo found on Hallmark Channel
Because Ruby wore this pair of shoes while dancing, it was difficult to find a good photo of the shoes. Photo found on Hallmark Channel

A book I’ve read that I’d like to see adapted into a film

For this year’s Christmas Wish-List, I’ve selected a poem I’d like to see adapted into a film. When I reviewed Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven and Other Poems, I talked about how I liked ‘The Coliseum’. From my interpretation, the narrator is describing an abandoned facility, with a series of voices reminding the reader how the history, stories, and people associated with the titular coliseum should be remembered. This is one of those poems I think could lend itself well to visual media! Flashbacks would showcase the coliseum’s past or the voices could be shown on screen as ghosts. Since the poem itself is open to interpretation, the story could fit into almost any genre. It seems like ‘The Coliseum’ is one of Edgar’s more underrated pieces of literature, so it would be interesting to see how it’s adapted!

The Raven and Other Poems book cover found on Goodreads

What are your thoughts on my Christmas wish list? Are there any movie related things you’d like to receive during the Christmas/holiday season? Tell me in the comment section!

Have fun during the Christmas/holiday season!

Sally Silverscreen