Tag: movie reviews

Take 3: Cooking with Love Review

On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of viewing one of Hallmark’s newest releases, Cooking with Love. I cannot wait to share my thoughts on this movie with you! In fact, this is the first time I’ve reviewed a movie for 18 Cinema Lane that I was truly excited to talk about! This movie made me remember how much I enjoy sharing my love of movies with others. Well, when there’s too many cooks in the kitchen, then that’s my cue to review Cooking with Love!

Cooking with Love poster
Cooking with Love 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=Cooking+with+Love

Things I liked about the film:

  • The acting: Cooking with Love’s cast was fantastic! From the leading actor and actress to all the child actors, everyone brought the best of their acting abilities to Hallmark’s table (get it? Tables? Cooking?). Ali Liebert has come a long way since appearing in her very first Hallmark movie six years ago and, as a Hallmark fan, I couldn’t be prouder. Her character reminded me so much of Belle from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (1991) in terms of her mannerisms and how Ali’s character interacted with the other characters. Brett Dalton pulled off an amazing performance, especially for his first time starring in a Hallmark movie! A much-deserved kudos to everyone in this cast!

 

  • The incorporation of Valentine’s Day: Even though this movie was a part of Hallmark Channel’s “Countdown to Valentine’s Day” line-up, the film’s use of the holiday didn’t come off as overbearing. Also, the story was fueled on the moral aspects of Valentine’s Day instead of relying on the typical visuals and symbols (such as heart decorations, conversation candy hearts, etc.). Things like being kind, helping others to be the best they can be, and getting to know someone and keeping their best interests in mind are aspects to Valentine’s Day that don’t always get prominently showcased in a Valentine’s themed movie. However, these elements are what made Cooking with Love seem like a breath of fresh air.

 

  • The behind-the-scenes element: The majority of this movie featured a peek behind the curtain of the process involved in creating a television show. Hallmark doesn’t tell stories like this often, but when they do, it’s a real treat (see what I did there? Treats? Cooking?)! This aspect of Cooking with Love reminded me of one of my favorite Hallmark movies, This Magic Moment, where a good portion of the film explored the filming of a movie from a behind-the-scenes perspective. I felt this behind-the-scenes look at television shows made Cooking with Love’s story educational in an engaging and entertaining way!

 

  • The messages and themes: I really liked the story of Cooking with Love! One of the reasons why I found this story captivating is the messages and themes that were effortlessly woven into the script. Ideas such as the power of kindness, making a positive and influential difference in someone’s life, and not being afraid to speak up are morals and beliefs that Hallmark should continue to promote! These morals and beliefs made the story not only feel believable, but also uplifting.

    Valentine Card
    Valentine’s Day image created by Sergey_kandakov at freepik.com <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Sergey_kandakov – Freepik.com</a> <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/valentine-background-design_1389799.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a> Image found at freepik.com

What I didn’t like about the film:

  • There’s only a few, minor things in this film that bothered me. However, I need to point out that these things did not affect my overall enjoyment of the film. The things that did bother me are the following:
  • Not showing anyone who was cooking washing their hands beforehand, as well as not mentioning hand washing
  • The two-or-more-people-taste-testing-the-sauce-with-the-same-stirring-spoon cliché
  • Not featuring an elimination process for the show’s contestants

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    Young chef image created by Iconicbestiary at freepik.com <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Iconicbestiary – Freepik.com</a> <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/young-cook-background_1311107.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a> Image found at freepik.com

My overall impression:

Even though it’s only February, this is, so far, the best Hallmark movie I’ve seen in 2018! It’s also one of the best Hallmark movies I’ve ever seen! The all-around quality of this film has instantly made it one of my new favorites. I really hope Cooking with Love gets released on DVD and I would love it if Cooking with Love got a sequel.

 

Overall score: 10 out of 10

 

Did you watch Cooking with Love? What are your thoughts on it? Please let me know in the comment section!

 

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: Wedding March 3: Here Comes the Bride Review

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Like a lot of people, I tuned in yesterday for the premiere of Wedding March 3: Here Comes the Bride! After having enjoyed the first two films in the series, I was excited to see how the story would progress for these cherished characters. With new faces and a Valentine backdrop, this movie definitely had potential. Returning the story to our favorite Inn was like coming back home after a long vacation. So, without further “I do”, here is my review for Wedding March 3: Here Comes the Bride!

Wedding March 3 poster
Wedding March 3: Here Comes the Bride poster image created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Channel Poster Image found at https://www.crownmediapress.com/Shows/PRShowDetail?SiteID=142&FeedBoxID=845&NodeID=302&ShowType=&ShowTitle=Wedding%20March%203%20Here%20Comes%20the%20Bride&IsSeries=False

Things I liked about the film:

  • The acting: The cast, overall, was good in this movie. Jack Wagner’s comedic timing was spot-on! It provided the right amount of comic relief that the film needed. Gabrielle Miller’s performance was one of the most memorable parts of this film! After seeing her appear in Debbie Macomber’s Trading Christmas, Garage Sale Mystery: Murder by Text, Adventures in Babysitting (2016), and on the Good Witch television show, I was so happy when I found out Gabrielle Miller was cast in this movie! The scene where Bonnie was thanking everyone for inviting her to the Inn convinced me that Gabrielle Miller deserves a leading role in a Hallmark film.
  • Sean’s storyline: I’m not going to spoil anything if you haven’t seen the film, but I thought the subplot surrounding Peter Benson’s character, Sean, was very well written! I was not expecting a mystery in this movie, but I was pleasantly surprised by it. It was not only engaging, but it left me guessing until the “reveal”.

 

What I didn’t like about the film:

  • The pace: The pace of this movie was a bit slower than the previous films. Because of this, some scenes felt longer than they were intended to be.

 

  • Lack of storyline for Nora and Johnny: When Susan Hogan and Serge Houde’s characters, Nora and Johnny, came to the Inn, I was hoping that Johnny would propose to Nora on Valentine’s Day, with their wedding taking place in the next movie. But, unfortunately, none of this happened. It felt like the characters of Nora and Johnny were just there for the sake of being there. Those two characters could have been written out of this movie and it wouldn’t have made a difference.

 

  • The planning-a-wedding-in-an-unrealistic-time-period cliché: I don’t know why Hallmark is so infatuated with this particular plot, but they’ve incorporated it into a number of their productions. If I got a piece of candy for every time Hallmark used this plot in their movies and shows, I would have more candy than a trick-or-treater on Halloween.
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Bride and Groom image created by Freepik at freepik.com  <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/nice-couple-wedding-invitation_841530.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

My overall impression:

Despite its minor issues, Wedding March 3: Here Comes the Bride was a good continuation to the series. This movie was well-written and well-crafted. I saw during the commercial break that there is a fourth movie on the way this June! Where the story goes is something that does make me curious. I’m definitely looking forward to it and will review the film here at 18 Cinema Lane!

 

Overall score: 7.8-7.9 out of 10

 

Have you seen the newest Wedding March movie? If so, what are your thoughts? Jump into the comment section and share what you think.

 

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: My Secret Valentine Review

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone who visits this blog! In honor of the holiday, I’ve decided to review a movie that would be fitting for the occasion. Since Hallmark has already started their “Countdown to Valentine’s Day” line-up, I had a few options to choose from. I chose My Secret Valentine because of two reasons. The first is I’ve seen both Lacey Chabert and Andrew Walker perform on Hallmark before, having enjoyed several of their films. The second is the concept of a Valentine themed story taking place at a vineyard, something Hallmark has never done before. So, break out the candy and sprinkle the red glitter, it’s time for me to review My Secret Valentine!

My Secret Valentine poster
My Secret Valentine poster image created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Channel Poster image found at https://www.crownmediapress.com/Shows/PRShowDetail?SiteID=142&FeedBoxID=845&NodeID=302&ShowType=&ShowTitle=My%20Secret%20Valentine&IsSeries=False

Things I liked about the film:

  • The acting: This movie had a good cast overall. The two stand-out performers, though, were Lacey and Andrew. Both of them are not only talented individually, but also as a pair. When Lacey’s character, Chloe, is talking to her dad about how she belongs at the vineyard, I felt that Lacey gave a very powerful yet believable performance, one of the best that she’s given in any of her Hallmark films. Andrew’s performance did not disappoint either. When he spoke in a Texan accent to a restaurant owner and when he pretended to speak Finnish to a local business owner, I was blown away by the amount of talent that Andrew truly possessed. Lacey Chabert and Andrew Walker are two of the best actors in the Hallmark community! As a fan of Hallmark, I’m very grateful to receive a movie starring either Lacey or Andrew almost every year.
  • The on-screen chemistry: Lacey and Andrew’s on-screen chemistry was spot on! Their acting abilities complemented one another as the movie progressed. The best scene in this movie was when Chloe and Seth were watching the sunset from Chloe’s truck. Chloe and Seth’s interaction came across very realistically, their conversation appeared life-like. When Seth was talking about his father, I truly felt bad for him, with Andrew pulling off a portrayal that effectively conveyed those emotions. Chloe’s reaction was, to me, believable, as I felt like I was reacting alongside her. I hope that Lacey and Andrew can star in a Hallmark movie together again. Maybe in a Christmas movie? Or a Hallmark Hall of Fame film?
  • The scenery: My Secret Valentine has nice scenery to look at. The overhead shots of the vineyard were just gorgeous! I also liked the interior designs of the cabin and the winery store. The cabin looked like an adorable vacation home, a place that appeared inviting! The look and atmosphere of the winery store was very appealing as well. From the dark wood of the counter-tops to the dim lights at night-time, the winery store gave off a welcoming and romantic vibe.
happy valentine's day red background
Valentine’s Day image created by Starline at freepik.com <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Starline – Freepik.com</a> <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/happy-valentine-s-day-red-background_1725125.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a> Image found at freepik.com

What I didn’t like about the film:

  • The plot: This wasn’t a bad story, but it was formulaic. If you’ve seen enough Hallmark movies (like I have), you will notice several story elements in this movie that have been used in other Hallmark movies. Some examples of this are:
  • One of the main characters having a deceased parent prior to the events of the movie
  • A local festival taking place during the events of the movie
  • The main characters not liking each other at first, but then becoming friendly toward each other as the movie goes on
  • The main characters kissing at the end of the movie

 

  • The mystery: I thought that the reveal of “Handyman’s” identity was very obvious. Because this reveal happened way too early in the film, it seemed like the interactivity of having the audience solve the mystery alongside Chloe was removed. Mystery stories are typically not found in movies on Hallmark Channel, but this would not be the first time it has happened (example: My Christmas Love).

 

  • The ending: The end of My Secret Valentine was too abrupt and open-ended for a stand-alone Hallmark film. It left me with too many questions than answers. I also felt like Chloe’s reaction to finding out “Handyman’s” identity was not very realistic. I’m guessing if this scenario happened in real life, Chloe would be more upset than she appeared in the film.
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Heart image created by Dashu83 at freepik.com <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background image created by Dashu83 – Freepik.com</a> <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/happy-valentines-day-and-heart-card-with-happy-valentines-day-and-heart_1747001.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a> Image found at freepik.com

My overall impression:

My Secret Valentine was a decent but formulaic film. This is not one of Lacey’s/Andrew’s best movies, but definitely not one of their worst. Both Andrew and Lacey pulled off fantastic performances and their on-screen chemistry was great too! I hope that Lacey and Andrew can work on more Hallmark productions together. I also hope that Hallmark can move away from their usual story-telling formulas and incorporate more creativity into their movies.

 

Overall score: 7 out of 10

 

Have you seen My Secret Valentine? If so, what did you think? Please let know in the comment section below!

 

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Introducing Sally Silverscreen and 18 Cinema Lane

On By 18cinemalane5 Comments

Hello everyone!

I’m Sally Silverscreen and this is my blog, 18 Cinema Lane! I’ve been contemplating on starting a blog for several years, but I finally decided to give it a go! What was it that made me take that first step? It happened when I saw Wonder at my neighborhood cinema. When Auggie said “Everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their life because we all overcometh the world,” that was when something clicked for me. I realized at that moment that there are things relating to movies that I like that don’t get the “standing ovation” they deserve. If I don’t help those things get their “standing ovation”, who will? So that is my short story of how this blog came to be.

 

What You Can Expect:

Here at 18 Cinema Lane, I will provide reviews to movies that I watch, as well as my thoughts about some movie news topics that I find interesting. Here is a break-down of the different components of my blog:

Take 3 – This is where I will give movie reviews. I called it “Take 3” because first critics review a movie, then individuals from recognized movie news outlets provide their reviews, the fans finally being able to review a film when it is released to the public.

Word on the Street — This is where I share my thoughts about movie news topics that spark my interest. The name “Word on the Street” relates to the title of my blog, “18 Cinema Lane”, as it sounds like a street name.

Sunset Over Hope Valley – After every episode of When Calls the Heart, I will make a re-cap post where I talk about the episode.

Evenings At The Shore: After every episode of Chesapeake Shores, I will make a re-cap post where I talk about the episode.

 

I hope that you enjoy visiting my blog and have the best experience possible!

 

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen