Word on the Street: Hallmark reveals new Christmas movies during their Second Preview Special

On September 30, 2018April 5, 2025 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

After Brian and Jenny exchanged their wedding vows in All of My Heart: The Wedding, Hallmark took the time to announce their upcoming Christmas movies during Christmas: A Second Look Preview Special, the network’s television program where one of the stars of a new Hallmark Christmas movie shares movie clips and behind-the-scenes videos for some of the line-up’s most anticipated films. Because Hallmark aired a Christmas preview special during the “Christmas in July” marathon, the network thought it would be a good idea to air the second preview special closer to the start of “Countdown to Christmas” and “Miracles of Christmas”. After watching this preview special and compared to the preview specials from Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries last year, this presentation was, to me, a let-down. The entire production felt like it was rushed and put together with a “let’s just get this done and over with” attitude. The program was approximately 30 minutes, which wasn’t enough time to present enough content to satisfy a casual Hallmark movie viewer. As much as I respect Kellie Pickler for trying something new and going out of her comfort zone, I will admit that she is not one of Hallmark’s strongest hostesses. Her on-screen presence felt stiff and unnatural, which made her look as if she was uncomfortable on camera. As for the movies that were previewed during this special, the selection of films that were focused on was very underwhelming. During the entire presentation, only four new movies were previewed. These movies are the following:

Christmas Party Ticket Card Template — Christmas themed movie tickets image created by Kraphix at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/movie-tickets-christmas_971544.htm’>Designed by Kraphix</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by Kraphix – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Road to Christmas – 3 movies clips and 1 behind-the-scenes featurette – After Kellie described the story for this movie, it increased my interest in this film. I thought that this movie would be very similar to A Christmas Detour, but it appears that Road to Christmas is an original concept. I liked the movie clips and featurette that I saw and the film definitely looks like it has potential!

Mingle All the Way – 2 movie clips – I think the story sounds like an interesting concept, but I wasn’t thrilled with the movie clips that were featured in this special. While the part where Jen Lilley says “So you think I’m impressive” was funny, I didn’t feel like Jen and Brant Daugherty had any on-screen chemistry.

Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa – 2 movie clips – Both of the movie clips for the Christmas in Evergreen sequel (yes, Hallmark did confirm this) made the film look like it has potential. However, I’m confused about the movie’s continuity. In this movie, there will be a new protagonist, portrayed by Jill Wagner this time. Also, when Kellie announced this movie during the preview special, she didn’t mention Ashley Williams, who was the lead actress in the first Christmas in Evergreen movie. From what I’ve read, Ashley is still a part of this cast, which makes me wonder how much involvement her character will have in this story.

A Majestic Christmas – 1 long movie clip – I really liked this movie clip that was included in this special because of Jerrika Hinton and Christian Vincent’s performances! They appeared like they had good on-screen chemistry and like their acting talents truly complimented one another! Seeing this movie clip raised my interest in seeing this film.

186734-OXNN2F-951 — Merry Christmas banner created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/merry-christmas-decorative-vintage-background_1359013.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

For the rest of the preview special, Kellie re-capped all of the movies that were brought up during the first Christmas movie preview special. This made it feel like the purpose of the first preview special was totally defeated. Adding to my disappointment about this second preview special, none of the movies from Hallmark Movies & Mysteries were even talked about during this presentation (excluding Marrying Father Christmas because that movie was a part of the first preview special re-cap). For a second year in a row, the Christmas movie for When Calls the Heart was ignored. Even though the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, Christmas Everlasting, is still in production, I think there should have been a behind-the-scenes featurette or a video chat segment between Kellie and the director or cast talking about the film. Unlike last year’s preview specials, there was no list of which movies would premiere during both Christmas movie line-ups. As I’ve mentioned earlier, this presentation was a let-down. I understand that Hallmark creates these preview specials for their seasonal line-ups to get their audience excited for the movies to come. If I wasn’t already looking forward to this year’s Christmas line-ups, this second preview special would not have done anything to add to that excitement.

stylish snowflakes background for christmas holiday season — Christmas and New Year snowflake banner image created by Starline at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/stylish-snowflakes-background-for-christmas-holiday-season_1384882.htm’>Designed by Starline</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Starline – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Did you watch either of the Christmas movie preview specials? What is your most anticipated Hallmark Christmas movie? Please tell me in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

If you want to learn more about this year’s Hallmark Christmas movies, you can watch the first Christmas preview special by typing “Full Episode – Christmas: A First Look Preview Special” into Youtube’s search bar or by visiting Hallmark Channel’s official Youtube channel, visiting Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ Christmas pages, or by visiting these links:

https://ew.com/tv/hallmark-christmas-movies-2018-air-dates/#heres-when-all-36-new-hallmark-christmas-movies-will-air

https://www.crownmediapress.com/PressReleaseList/Details?SiteID=142&NodeID=144&ID=665

https://www.crownmediapress.com/PressReleaseList/Details?SiteID=142&NodeID=144&ID=667

Word on the Street: Could the new Hallmark Hall of Fame movie be based on Marie Bostwick’s novel?

On September 5, 2018 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Four days ago, I reported, in the first Word on the Street post for September, on revealed details for the upcoming Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, “The Second Sister”. In that same post, I speculated that this movie could be based on one of three novels that share the same name as this HHoF (Hallmark Hall of Fame) movie. Based on two recent Instagram posts from Ron Oliver’s Instagram feed (the same feed I referenced in my aforementioned Word on the Street post), I have a feeling Hallmark’s newest HHoF movie could be based on Marie Bostwick’s novel, The Second Sister. In these two Instagram posts, Ron features his open laptop as the primary focus of the photo. On the screen of the laptop, what is displayed appears to be a short piece of film script. These snippets of script, within the Instagram posts, provide the clues to figure out what this HHoF movie could possibly be about. In the post where Ron features his dog, who I believe is named Crawford, there are two character’s names listed on the laptop screen. One of those names is Lucy. If you read the synopsis for Marie Bostwick’s novel, you would know that Lucy is the name of the protagonist in The Second Sister. In this same post, a quilt is referenced within this small piece of film script. In the synopsis for Marie Bostwick’s novel, quilting is what Lucy’s sister’s friends share in common with one another. The author herself also seems to share a love of quilting, from displaying a “Quilt Central” tab on her website to expressing this love for quilting in her biography. In the Instagram post where Ron references Labor Day, a law firm is mentioned in this small piece of film script. In the synopsis for The Second Sister, Lucy’s occupation is a political campaigner, with her boss, apparently, winning a presidential election.

P0YDNL0 — 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.

As of September 2018, there has been no confirmation that this new HHoF movie will be based on Marie’s novel. But, I wouldn’t be surprised if it were. Like I mentioned in my Word on the Street post where I first talked about “The Second Sister”, it’s not uncommon for a HHoF movie to be an adaptation of a preexisting novel. Even though I’m curious to find out if Marie’s novel will serve as the basis for this film, I am a tiny bit disappointed that this movie might not be based on Claire Kendal’s novel, which is also titled The Second Sister. Because Claire’s novel is a mystery story, I was looking forward to the idea of Hallmark creating an ambitious HHoF project that would be different from the more recent HHoF movies, but still feel a part of the overall collection. However, I’m still looking forward to this new HHoF movie and it is still my most anticipated Christmas movie this year!

204659-P02UXR-453 — Christmas family image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/nice-family-christmas-scene-singing-together_1458033.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.

What do you think about this Hallmark Hall of Fame movie? If you have read The Second Sister or any of Marie Bostwick’s novels, how do you feel about this possible book-to-film adaptation? Share your thoughts in the comment section below?

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

If you want to check out the sources I referenced in this post, visit Ron Oliver’s official Instagram feed (at ronoliver) and these links:

https://www.mariebostwick.com/

Biography

https://18cinemalane.wordpress.com/2018/09/01/word-on-the-street-details-revealed-about-upcoming-hallmark-hall-of-fame-movie/

Word on the Street: Details revealed about upcoming Hallmark Hall of Fame movie!

On September 1, 2018 By 18cinemalane1 Comment

When I reviewed the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, The Beach House, I mentioned that a new movie in the HHoF (Hallmark Hall of Fame) collection was announced during the sneak peek commercial that aired after the film. At that time, however, the only detail that was revealed about this upcoming HHoF film was that it would premiere sometime during the Christmas season. Since late April, Hallmark has been pretty secretive about their Christmas HHoF movie. This movie has been kept so tightly under-wraps, that Hallmark didn’t even make an announcement for the film during their Summer TCA Event. Recently, some details about this particular film have been revealed by one of Hallmark’s directors. Ron Oliver, who has directed and written several Hallmark movies (including a directing credit on last year’s HHoF movie, The Christmas Train), has mentioned that he is working on a movie titled “The Second Sister”. In the four Instagram posts where Ron mentions this title, he also mentions the Hallmark Hall of Fame, either in a direct statement or in a hashtag. In two of these aforementioned posts, Ron mentions that he is not only going to Atlanta, Georgia to make the movie, but it also indicates that he is already in Atlanta, Georgia. As someone who has this new HHoF movie as their most anticipated Christmas movie this year, these tidbits of information really don’t surprise me. I’ve already mentioned that Ron directed last year’s HHoF Christmas movie, The Christmas Train. That movie was not only the second highest rated movie during the 2017 “Countdown to Christmas” line-up, it became the third highest rated Christmas movie in Hallmark Channel history! So, it makes sense that Hallmark would want to hire Ron for another HHoF production. Also, as part of what I liked about the movie, I mentioned in my review of The Beach House that the movie was filmed in Georgia, specifically on Tybee Island. The idea of Hallmark wanting to film another HHoF movie in the Peach State does not shock me.

Merry Christmas Card — Blue sparkly Christmas tree image created by Macrovector at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/frame”>Frame vector created by Macrovector – Freepik.com</a>. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/merry-christmas-card_2875396.htm’>Designed by Macrovector</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Upon discovering these pieces of information about this upcoming HHoF movie, there are still some questions I have about the film. In some of Ron’s Instagram posts that mention either Hallmark Hall of Fame or “The Second Sister”, Ron references Tyler Perry Studios. How much involvement will Tyler Perry Studios have in this movie? Will they have any involvement at all? While I was trying to find more information about “The Second Sister” on the internet, I came across three books with that exact same title. It’s not uncommon for a HHoF movie to be based on a book, with both The Christmas Train and The Beach House serving as good examples. While reading the synopsis of each novel, I found myself imagining each of these stories as a HHoF film. Here is a short list of the books I found:

The Second Sister by Claire Kendal – About a woman attempting to find her missing sister. We haven’t really seen a mystery story incorporated into a HHoF movie since 2000’s Missing Pieces, so this would be an ambiguous project for the network.

The Second Sister by Marie Bostwick – About a woman from the big city inheriting her deceased sister’s cottage in a small town. Based on the synopsis, this story does bear some similarities to The Beach House. The themes that I picked up on, such as family and reconnecting with loved ones, are those that have been found in other Hallmark movies, especially those from the HHoF collection.

The Second Sister by Carrie Weaver – About a woman trying to reconnect her family to fulfill her father’s dying wish. This is another story that bears some similarities to The Beach House. It also contains subject material that might be too serious for the typical Hallmark Channel film, but could be explored in a HHoF movie, such as abusive relationships and a broken family dynamic.

At this time, it’s unknown if any of these books will serve as the basis for this HHoF movie or if Ron will write an original screenplay for the film. If “The Second Sister” is based on any of these three books, I hope it’s Claire Kendal’s novel. As I’ve already mentioned, the last time a HHoF movie has had a mystery incorporated into the main plot was in Missing Pieces from 2000 (which was based on the novel, Atticus, by Ron Hansen). Personally, I can picture Claire’s story being set during Christmas, with the clues to the disappearance of the protagonist’s sister possibly correlating with the ‘12 Days of Christmas’. For all of the reasons I just mentioned, this would be an ambitious project for Hallmark. It would also be quite different from the other HHoF movies that have premiered in recent years. Another detail about this film that has not been revealed yet is which actors and actresses have been officially cast in this movie. However, I would, one day, like to see Marguerite Moreau and Laci J. Mailey cast in a HHoF movie where they get to portray sisters. I think Marguerite and Laci look similar enough to each other that their portrayal of sisters would come across as very believable. Also, Marguerite is a Hallmark Hall of Fame alumni, as she starred in The Locket back in 2002. While Laci has never starred in a HHoF movie, she is one of the series regulars on Chesapeake Shores and has appeared in the Signed, Sealed, Delivered series. Seeing one of the stars of their favorite series would be very exciting for fans of Chesapeake Shores and Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

Story tale- cover — 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.

What are your thoughts on this movie news story? Are you looking forward to “The Second Sister”? Please tell me your thoughts in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

If you want to check out the sources I referenced in this post, visit Ron Oliver’s official Instagram feed (at ronoliver), Ron’s official IMDB page, the official IMDB page for The Locket, Laci J. Mailey’s official IMDB page, and these links:

UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY’s Top 150 Saturday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.25.2017

UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY’s Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.26.2017

http://www.tvtango.com/listings/2014/11/29/hallmark_channel_movie

Word on the Street: Production news for three upcoming Hallmark movies!

On August 17, 2018 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

We are only two months away from Hallmark’s “Countdown to Christmas” line-up! However, the distance of time hasn’t stopped upcoming Hallmark movies from being discovered and reported on as movie news. While several Christmas themed projects have been listed on the website, What’s Filming, one of those projects is a movie that I’ve recently talked about here on 18 Cinema Lane! Projects relating to the Christmas holiday are not the only note-worthy topics that can be found on the film and television website. Two upcoming movies from Hallmark Movies & Mysteries were also listed on the website as well. I can only speak for myself when I say that this is exciting news, especially since both of these movie projects are related to mystery movie series that are less than three years old! In this post, I will discuss each of these projects in their own separate paragraphs and provide as much information about them as I was able to find. As of August 2018, Hallmark has not made any official announcements about any of these films. This means that no premiere dates and plots have been released yet. Now, let’s start talking about some Hallmark movie news!

Movie process chart created by Vectorpocket at freepik.com <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/vector-set-of-isometric-illustrations-making-movies-and-watching-a-movie-in-the-cinema_1215936.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a> <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/business”>Business vector created by Vectorpocket – Freepik.com</a> Image found at freepik.com

Last week, in a Word on the Street post, I reported that it looked like the Hallmark Channel movie, Christmas in Evergreen, would likely receive a sequel. That possibility is now starting to look even more likely. According to What’s Filming, Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa was added to the list of upcoming projects for the Vancouver and British Columbia area. This movie will not only be in production from August 20^th to September 7^th, but the only cast member that is officially attached to the project, so far, is Holly Robinson Peete (one of the stars of last year’s Christmas in Evergreen)! Based on this production schedule, it looks like Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa could premiere during this year’s “Countdown to Christmas” line-up after all. But, as I’ve mentioned before, Hallmark has not made any official announcements about this film yet. If and when Hallmark does announce any information about Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa, I’m guessing it might be brought up during Hallmark Channel’s preview special for their “Countdown to Christmas” movies in October.

Here is the link to What’s Filming’s “Upcoming” page for the Vancouver and British Columbia area: http://www.whatsfilming.ca/upcoming/ (if you visit this page after August 20th, Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa will be moved to the “In Production” page)

180564-OWVPWB-850 — Adorable Santa image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/christmas-background-with-funny-santa_1324597.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.

At Hallmark’s Winter TCA Event in January, one of the major announcements that came from Crown Media Family Networks was an upcoming movie project called “The Crossword Mystery”. In this announcement, it was revealed that Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliott would star in the film. On What’s Filming’s page of upcoming projects in the Toronto and Ontario area, this aforementioned movie was recently added to that list, currently titled as “Crossword Mysteries”. Also, Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliott are the only two actors, so far, that are officially attached to the project. “Crossword Mysteries” is scheduled to go into production from August 27^th to September 14^th, so I’m guessing the movie might premiere in Fall of 2018 or early 2019. However, Hallmark has not given “Crossword Mysteries” an official release date yet.

Here is the link to What’s Filming’s “Upcoming” page for the Toronto and Ontario area: http://www.whatsfilming.ca/upcoming-toronto-ontario/ (if you visit this page after August 27th, “Crossword Mysteries” will be moved to the “In Production” page)

Here is the link to Hallmark’s announcement about “Crossword Mysteries”: https://www.crownmediapress.com/PressReleaseList/?SiteID=142&NodeID=144&page=10 (look for the press release titled “2018 Winter TCA – 01/13/18” or “LACEY CHABERT AND BRENNAN ELLIOTT STAR IN ‘THE CROSSWORD MYSTERY’ AN ALL-NEW HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES ORIGINAL”)

sunday-s-crossword-1238083-1279x852 — Crossword puzzle image created by jaylopez at freeimages.com. “FreeImages.com/JayLopez.”

Speaking of upcoming mystery films, it looks like another movie will be added to the Emma Fielding series! On What’s Filming, this upcoming movie was added to the list of projects in the Vancouver and British Columbia area that are currently in production. The title for the next Emma Fielding movie is currently listed as “More Better Than Death: An Emma Fielding Mystery” on What’s Filming and “Emma Fielding Mysteries: More Bitter Than Death” on Creative BC. Despite the differences in the title, the movie is currently filming until August 31^st. Courtney Thorne-Smith and James Tupper, both of the series’ starring actors, have been officially attached to the project. While Hallmark has not given the film an official premiere date yet, I think the next Emma Fielding movie will be released this Fall or in early 2019.

Here is the link to What’s Filming’s “In Production” page for the Vancouver and British Columbia area: http://www.whatsfilming.ca/inproduction/ (if you visit this page after August 31st, “More Better Than Death: An Emma Fielding Mystery” will be taken off this list)

Here is a link to the “In Production” page on Creative BC’s website: https://www.creativebc.com/crbc-services/motion-picture-services/in-production/films.php?type=mow (if you visit this page after August 31st, “Emma Fielding Mysteries: More Bitter Than Death” may be taken off this list)

21-150-01 — Magnifying fingerprints image created by Balintseby at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/glass”>Glass vector created by Balintseby – Freepik.com</a>. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/fingerprint-investigation_789253.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

What you do think about these pieces of movie news? Are you excited about any of these films? Let me know in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Word on the Street: Hallmark Channel’s “Christmas In Evergreen” will likely receive a sequel

On August 10, 2018August 10, 2018 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

With Hallmark releasing over 30 movies this Christmas season, there is bound to be a sequel somewhere in the mix. While Crown Media Family Networks has not revealed an official list of the upcoming Christmas movies on their website, Hallmark has recently mentioned at least one of these films. On Hallmark’s corporate website, there is a special page titled “Celebrate the Holidays with Hallmark”. While scrolling through the page, three interesting Christmas themed products are listed: a North Pole Mailbox, a Santa Key in Box, and an Evergreen Water Globe. According to Hallmark, these items will be featured in their upcoming film, Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa. There are two observations that I have found that point to this movie possibly being a sequel to the 2017 film, Christmas in Evergreen. The first is that the snow globe on Hallmark’s corporate website looks exactly like the wishing snow globe that was featured in the first film. The second is on the “In Production” page on the website, Creative BC. This particular page has the movie listed as “Christmas In Evergreen 2”. As of August 2018, Hallmark has not released an official press release or premiere date for the film. However, Hallmark Channel does have a preview special for their upcoming Christmas films in October, so Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa could get mentioned by the host.

Christmas In Evergreen poster — *Christmas In Evergreen* poster created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Channel. Image found at https://www.crownmediapress.com/Shows/PRShowDetail?SiteID=142&FeedBoxID=845&NodeID=302&ShowType=&ShowTitle=Christmas%20In%20Evergreen&IsSeries=False.

When I first found out about this upcoming film, I will admit that it was a bit of a head-scratcher for me. Out of all the 2017 Hallmark Christmas movies that had the potential to receive a sequel, Christmas in Evergreen was, in my opinion, one of the least likely. I did watch the film for the first time during Hallmark Channel’s “Christmas Keepsake” marathon and, honestly, I thought it was a decent movie. Christmas in Evergreen wasn’t one of my favorites from last year’s “Countdown to Christmas” line-up, but I would give the movie an Honorable Mention. Also, the way the story wraps up at the end of the film doesn’t seem to leave much room for a potential sequel. A concern that I have for Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa is the movie feeling less like a movie and more like a commercial for Hallmark products. When I discovered the three Christmas themed products on Hallmark’s corporate website (the North Pole Mailbox, the Santa Key in Box, and the Evergreen Water Globe), it reminded me of when Hallmark sold Christmas themed products that correlated with the film, Northpole. Anyone who has read my Top 10 Worst Hallmark Movies of All Time list would know how much I don’t like that film. One of the reasons why that film didn’t work, for me, was because Northpole felt more like a commercial attempting to showcase Christmas themed merchandise to a younger audience. Besides the Evergreen Water Globe, the significance of the North Pole Mailbox and the Santa Key in Box are unknown at this time because Hallmark hasn’t released an official synopsis for Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa. Because we are two months away from the start of both of Hallmark’s Christmas movie line-ups, it’s likely that Crown Media Family Networks will make an official announcement for the film sometime in the near future.

What are your thoughts about this potential sequel? Are you a fan of Christmas in Evergreen? Please tell me what you think in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Here is a link to the page where you can find the Christmas themed products I mentioned in this post and the short statement about Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa: https://corporate.hallmark.com/holiday2018-2/

Here is a link to the “In Production” page on Creative BC’s website: https://www.creativebc.com/crbc-services/motion-picture-services/in-production/films.php?type=mow (if you visit this page after September 7th, “Christmas In Evergreen 2” may be taken off this list)

Word on the Street: Hallmark announces release date and synopsis for upcoming movie “Love in Design”

On August 5, 2018 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

A few days ago, I reported in a Word on the Street post that a Hallmark movie titled Love Under the Rainbow was on the way. Now, another Hallmark movie looks like it’s just around the corner! On August 1st, a press release was posted on Crown Media Family Networks’ website announcing the upcoming Hallmark Channel film, Love in Design. In this press release, it was revealed that this new movie will premiere on September 15th. The film’s official synopsis was also included in the press release. You can read the synopsis by visiting this link: https://www.crownmediapress.com/PressReleaseList/?SiteID=142&NodeID=144 (look for the press release titled “Love in Design – 08/01/18” or “DANICA MCKELLAR AND ANDREW W. WALKER STAR IN ‘LOVE IN DESIGN’ PREMIERING SEPTEMBER 15, ON HALLMARK CHANNEL”)

125292-OQSEFQ-610 — Living room interior image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/house-s-living-room-with-flat-design_1195527.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/design”>Design vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

The plot of the film doesn’t sound much different from the usual content Hallmark makes. It, honestly, sounds a little like Cooking with Love mixed with Love, Once and Always. As much as I liked both of those films (Cooking with Love is one of the few movies that have received a perfect score on my blog), I just hope Love in Design doesn’t feel too much like rehashed material. I know it’s inevitable for stories to get repeated over time, but I celebrate Hallmark incorporating creativity and originality into stories that are “tried and true”. I’ve enjoyed most of Danica McKellar’s and Andrew Walker’s movies, so it’ll be nice to see them star in another Hallmark production! There is no official word yet on whether Love in Design will premiere within Hallmark’s “Fall Harvest” line-up. Whenever Hallmark does release their complete “Fall Harvest” line-up, I will make sure to talk about it on 18 Cinema Lane!

182361-OWOO51-765 — Breakfast tray image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/composed-healthy-fruit-and-coffee-on-tray_1441643.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background image created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Have you read Crown Media Family Network’s press release? What are your thoughts on Love in Design? Share your thoughts in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Word on the Street: Lifetime announces release date for their remake of “The Bad Seed”; Hallmark movie on the way!

On August 1, 2018 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Even after Hallmark’s TCA Event has ended, it seems like there are still more Hallmark movie news stories to talk about. No matter what time of year it is, Hallmark knows how to own the spotlight, creating projects that can not only be a big deal, but also keep their audience coming back for more content. In this Word on the Street post, I will be talking about a future movie that was just announced as a Hallmark movie! Another network that is familiar with the movie news spotlight is Lifetime, who just announced an official release date for one of their upcoming films. I will be talking about this exciting news, especially since I first talked the film back in March. Now, let’s talk about some movie news!

45299-O4HTPK — Movie items image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/flat-modern-cinema-elements_847506.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/frame”>Frame vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Recently, Lifetime posted the release date for their upcoming remake of the 1956 film, The Bad Seed. Featured in a special section on Lifetime’s official website, the movie is scheduled to premiere on September 9^th. Lifetime also released an official trailer for the film. When I first talked about this movie back in March, I had my doubts about whether it would be anywhere near as terrifying and thought-provoking as the original movie. After watching the trailer, however, I quickly changed my tune. From what I could tell, it looks like this movie is attempting to make the tone of this film as dark as the 1956 film was. Also, it appears that this movie will not hold back any punches, some of the featured scenes indicating more terror than the original film could muster. This trailer has definitely made me more excited for this movie and I’m considering reviewing it on 18 Cinema Lane!

Link to the trailer for The Bad Seed: https://www.mylifetime.com/movies/the-bad-seed/the-bad-seed-preview

Terrified friends watching horror movie in cinema — Scared audience image created by Katemangostar at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/terrified-friends-watching-horror-movie-in-cinema_1027311.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/people”>People image created by Katemangostar – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Kirsten Hansen, known for being a writer on the Hallmark projects Love on the Slopes and Chesapeake Shores, as well as being a producer on the aforementioned show, has recently taken to Instagram to share some good news. In an Instagram post, Kirsten announced that a movie she is writing, called Love Under the Rainbow, was going to air on Hallmark Channel! As of August 2018, there has been no official word on when the movie would premiere or what seasonal line-up the movie could be associated with. On What’s Filming, I remember Love Under the Rainbow being listed on the Vancouver and British Columbia pages, especially when it was in production from March 5^th to March 21^st. Because the only actors that were officially attached to the project were Jodie Sweetin and David Haydn-Jones, I wasn’t sure which network would distribute the film. Based on the title alone, I have a feeling this movie could be a St. Patrick’s Day themed film. The only St. Patrick’s Day themed Hallmark movie I can think of is Chasing Leprechauns, so it would be interesting if Kirsten’s movie explored a story element that hasn’t been featured on the network in six years.

If you want to check out the sources I referenced in this post, you can go to Kirsten’s official Instagram feed (at kearstegram), Kirsten’s official IMDB page, or this link: http://www.whatsfilming.ca/wrapped/

233200-P2SBE6-483 — St. Patrick’s Day image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/st-patrick-s-day-background_1640464.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.

What are your thoughts on these movie news stories? Are you planning on watching any of these films? Please tell me what you think in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Word on the Street: Movie news and a television show announcement from Hallmark’s Summer TCA Event

On July 27, 2018 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Yesterday, on the 26^th, Crown Media Family Networks held one of their most important events of the year. Stars from Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries gathered in Beverly Hills to celebrate the present and future of both networks. Hallmark fans stayed alert on social media, refreshing the webpage in the hopes of catching a new announcement about an upcoming project. A bi-annual event, Hallmark’s TCA (Television Critics Association) Event is when details about movies are revealed and new projects can spark the interest of many fans. This year’s Summer TCA Event brought fans a lot of news relating to Hallmark’s upcoming projects and business endeavors. Because of how much creative content was announced yesterday, I will focus on the announcements relating to Hallmark’s movies and a new television show. Along with these announcements, I will also share my thoughts about them. So, let’s start talking about these upcoming movies and television show!

Hallmark Summer TCA Event poster — Hallmark’s Summer TCA Event poster created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Channel. Image found at https://www.crownmediapress.com/Shows/PRShowDetail?SiteID=142&FeedBoxID=845&NodeID=302&ShowType=&ShowTitle=2018+Summer+TCA.

Hallmark Movies & Mysteries made two movie announcements on Twitter and the Crown Media Family Networks website. The first announcement was about a project that will star and be executive produced by Susan Lucci. This project will be a movie based on Charley’s Web, a book by Joy Fielding. When I first read this announcement, I didn’t know who Susan Lucci was and I had never heard of the aforementioned novel. The brief synopsis that is featured on the Crown Media Family Networks website doesn’t make the movie sound that much different from the other mysteries that air on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. On Twitter, the network also announced that a new mystery series was on the horizon, with Danica McKellar starring in “The Matchmaker Mysteries”. This series is the result of Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ development deal with Patti Stanger (a.k.a. The Millionaire Matchmaker). Personally, I think there are too many mysteries series that are currently on and that are planning to air on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Hallmark should focus on the mystery series that are already ongoing (example: the Garage Sale Mystery series) and, possibly, conclude some of their stories so that new series can be introduced. Another announcement that came from Twitter was made by Josh Sabarra, who was the executive producer of Hailey Dean Mystery: Murder, with Love and Hailey Dean Mystery: Deadly Estate. In that tweet, which Hallmark Movies & Mysteries retweeted, Josh announced that more movies in the Hailey Dean series were coming in 2019! Having gained a new appreciation for the series after Hailey Dean Mystery Month, I am looking forward to these movies and seeing where the story goes after Hailey Dean Mysteries: A Will to Kill!

OKLG790 — Detective work image created by Photoroyalty at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/investigation-background-design_1041877.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Photoroyalty – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

On Hallmark Channel’s Twitter feed, a tweet from Debbie Gibson was retweeted by the network. In this tweet, Debbie announced that the Summer of Dreams sequel, Wedding of Dreams, would premiere on September 8^th. This piece of movie news was not surprising to me, as this release date and the film’s synopsis were announced on the Crown Media Family Networks website two days prior to the Summer TCA Event. However, I am excited that this movie is coming just around the corner! I have been following the development of this movie in my Word on the Street posts since March, so I’m glad to see Hallmark’s final product will premiere very soon!

152398-OUS8J8-399 — Wedding couple image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/hand-drawn-wedding-invitation-with-happy-couple_1259848.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/wedding”>Wedding vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

A brand-new television show is on the way from Hallmark Movies Now! This show will be titled “When Hope Calls” and is a spin-off of When Calls the Heart. The project is currently in development and is scheduled for a 2019 release. “When Hope Calls” is actually history in the making: not only would this be the first original series from Hallmark Movies Now, but it would also be the first spin-off show in Hallmark history! It really doesn’t surprise me that this show would air on Hallmark’s streaming service, as the business people in charge of Hallmark are trying to find ways to entice their customers to purchase Hallmark Movies Now. However, I think it’s a smart business move, as this allows for Hallmark’s creative efforts to grow on more than one platform. Honestly, I hope “When Hope Calls” is about Tom Thornton and his adventures as a tire salesman.

Red sunset clouds over trees. — Sunset image created by Photoangel at freepik.com <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background image created by Photoangel – Freepik.com</a> <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/red-sunset-clouds-over-trees_1254327.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a> Image found at freepik.com

As I think about these pieces of movie and television news, as well as the other announcements that Hallmark made yesterday, I can’t help but feel disappointed. I was expecting more announcements about upcoming movies, such as those from the “Countdown to Christmas” line-up. The one project I was really hoping would be revealed at the Summer TCA Event was the new Hallmark Hall of Fame movie that will premiere around Christmas-time. I guess this movie is so special, Hallmark is choosing to keep it a secret for this long. I’m starting to wonder why Hallmark continues to host these events if they keep holding back on movie announcements, this occurrence happening more recently than in years past. Even this year’s Winter TCA Event was very underwhelming, with four movie announcements from Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, but none from Hallmark Channel. Now that I think about it, the movie announcements from the Winter TCA Event were not brought up at the Summer TCA Event. Though very few movie news stories were announced at Hallmark’s event, I’m pretty sure we’ll get more announcements about upcoming projects from the network as the days and weeks go on.

What are your thoughts about these movie news stories? Are you looking forward to any of these projects? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

If you want to check out these stories or any of the tweets I referenced in this post, you can visit Hallmark Channel’s official Twitter feed (by going to @hallmarkchannel), Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ official Twitter feed (by going to @hallmarkmovie), or by visiting this link: https://www.crownmediapress.com/Shows/PRShowDetail?SiteID=142&FeedBoxID=845&NodeID=302&ShowType=&ShowTitle=2018+Summer+TCA

Word on the Street: Nickelodeon’s “Rugrats” heading back to the big screen; Hallmark’s “All of My Heart 3” currently in production

On July 22, 2018 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

For my first Word on the Street story this month, I wanted to share two pieces of movie news that not only could spark feelings of nostalgia, but also talk about two franchises that each have a respective fanbase. One of Nickelodeon’s most beloved television series, Rugrats, has, recently, returned to the spotlight. This latest decision has caused many people to voice their thoughts and opinions on the internet. Meanwhile, Hallmark has plans to release a third movie in the All of My Heart series, resulting in a lot of positive responses from their fans. I will elaborate on both of these stories, as well as share my thoughts on each topic. So, start up the Reptar Wagon and return to the Inn, it’s time to talk about some upcoming movies!

44808-O4G0M1 — Movie themed image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/red-cinema-ribbon-with-movie-elements_847136.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/frame”>Frame vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found on freepik.com.

In a video on the official Youtube channel, ColliderVideos, Jeff Sneider and Christian Ruvalcaba, Collider News correspondents, reported on the Rugrats related creative decision made by both Viacom and Paramount. The two media companies announced that the 27-year-old show would not only be receiving a new 26-episode television series on Nickelodeon, but that a live-action movie was on the way! Very few details have been released about both projects. However, both Jeff and Christian mentioned that the original creators of Rugrats, Arlene Klasky, Gábor Csupó and Paul Germain, are coming back to this new TV series as executive producers. Jeff and Christian also said that David Goodman will write the film’s script and the movie itself will premiere sometime in November of 2020. As someone who was watched both Rugrats and All Grown Up!, the idea of one of my favorite Nickelodeon shows returning to the cinematic coliseum, as well as the television world, is very exciting! Like I said about the upcoming live-action Kim Possible movie, I do have my concerns about the possible alienation of the original show’s fans. I’m also a little bit skeptical of the film’s definition of “live-action”. Will the cast of the movie bring the animated characters to life (similar to Disney’s live-action remakes) or will the film consist of live-action actors co-existing in a world alongside the animated characters? While it’s way too early for either of those questions to be answered, let’s celebrate the Rugrats’ triumphant return to pop culture!

If you want to watch the video that I referenced in this post, you can either visit the ColliderVideos Youtube channel or type “Rugrats Movie & New TV Series in the Works” into Youtube’s search bar.

Rugrats movie poster — *The Rugrats Movie* poster created by Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies. Image found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:TheRugratsMovieposter.jpg

If you’ve been on Twitter recently, you would find excited tweets from All of My Heart fans expressing their feelings about the third installment in the series! On the website, What’s Filming, All of My Heart 3 was listed on Vancouver and British Columbia’s “In Production” page. The upcoming Hallmark movie started production yesterday (on the 21^st) and will finish filming on August 17^th. Right now, Hallmark has not released an official synopsis for the film and Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliot are the only two cast members officially attached to the project. The first All of My Heart film caught me by surprise, as I thoroughly enjoyed the film more than I thought I would! I was one of the many fans who was a part of the movement to help All of My Heart get a sequel. When Hallmark finally granted our wish, I couldn’t have been more excited to see how the story would unfold. Unfortunately, All of My Heart: Inn Love was, to me, very disappointing. Because of how this sequel made me feel, my expectations for this third movie will be lower than for the sequel. But, who knows? Maybe All of My Heart 3 will catch me surprise like the first movie did and surpass my expectations!

Link to What’s Filming’s “In Production” page for the Vancouver and British Columbia area: http://www.whatsfilming.ca/inproduction/ (if you visit this page after August 17th, All of My Heart 3 will be taken off the list)

What you think about these pieces of movie news? Are you looking forward to any of these upcoming projects? Let me know in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Word on the Street: Hallmark’s official trailer for Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Altar is released

On June 28, 2018 By 18cinemalane2 Comments

While both Hallmark networks are preparing to begin their “Christmas in July” marathons and with the “June Weddings” line-up coming to an end, one movie’s release date has been approaching very quickly: that being the premiere of Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Altar. An official trailer for the film has been posted recently on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ website. With this trailer being the last piece of the film’s official webpage, the online record of Signed, Sealed, Delivered’s newest movie is now complete. Earlier this month, I talked about how both of the descriptions for the next Signed, Sealed, Delivered movie didn’t add any excitement or anticipation for me. Did the trailer do what the descriptions couldn’t (in terms of raising my interest for the movie)? Keep reading to find out what my thoughts are about the trailer for Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Altar!

Vintage postcard wedding invitation background — Wedding postcard created by Kraphix at freepik.com.<a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/postcard-for-a-wedding-invitation_1058640.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/wedding”>Wedding vector created by Kraphix – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Altar’s trailer was quite underwhelming. Very little intrigue was featured and most of the focus was on the “POstables” (Oliver, Shane, Rita, and Norman), causing the mystery surrounding the wedding dress and letter to be overshadowed. One of my biggest critiques of this series is that more time seems to be spent with the “POstables” and their stories, while less of that time is spent on the “missions” and the stories that come from them. With this trailer, however, it makes me feel like this movie could be the unofficial end to the series, making it appear as if Hallmark wants Signed, Sealed, Delivered to end on a positive note. With the narrator’s first line in the trailer being, “their journey together has led to this life-changing moment” and with Rita and Shane saying things like “the first chance to have the rest of our lives” and “maybe it’s time to come home”, I wouldn’t be surprised if this movie also doubled as a sort of finale, where characters’ stories are wrapped up in nice little packages and a sense of closure is given to Signed, Sealed, Delivered’s main story arc. What also leads me to this belief is the return of characters from movies or episodes past. Not only was Keb’ Mo’ (who portrayed Gabe in Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Higher Ground) featured at the beginning of the trailer, but Carol Burnett’s appearance was also mentioned (Carol portrayed Norman’s grandmother on the episode “A Hope and A Future”). As of June 2018, the fate of Signed, Sealed, Delivered is unknown and the quotes that I mentioned from the trailer could be taken out of context. However, if this movie is truly the end of the series, I hope the story of Shane and her sister gets resolved or, at least, addressed.

If you want to watch the trailer for Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Altar, here is the link: http://www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com/signed-sealed-delivered-to-the-altar/videos

Have you seen the trailer for Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Altar? Do you think this could be the beginning of the end for Signed, Sealed, Delivered? Share your thoughts in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen