Revisiting my Hallmark Hall of Fame Tier Rank List!

On October 9, 2023 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Three years ago, I created a tier rank list of every Hallmark Hall of Fame movie I’d seen. These films were categorized by my overall impression of each presentation. In honor of 18 Cinema Lane turning five, I promised my readers I would revisit one of my past articles. I’ve seen more Hallmark Hall of Fame movies since I published my original tier rank list, so that’s the article I’ve selected! Along with adding more Hallmark Hall of Fame productions, I changed the names of each tier category. This decision was made to better reflect whether a film is worth its retail price of twenty dollars a DVD compared to its quality. The new tier category names are the following:

Bottom of the Barrel – Not Even Worth a Dime

Ok – Catch it on TV/Youtube

Decent/Fine – Bought It at a Garage Sale for a Dollar

Good – Get It On Sale for Half Off

Great – Where Do I Pay Full Price?

For each movie I added or moved to a different tier, I will share my thoughts on them. If I wrote about a movie on my blog, I will add the link to this article.

Screenshot taken by me, Sally Silverscreen

Bottom of the Barrel – Not Even Worth a Dime

Durango

Reviewed for the Legends of Western Cinema Week Blogathon, I stated Durango should have been a David and Goliath story. That’s because a David and Goliath reference was placed within the last nineteen minutes of the movie, the creative team’s attempt to include a higher stake into the story. But this attempt didn’t work because the majority of the film had lower stakes. The protagonist and his plan to transport cattle worked out perfectly, too perfectly for the standards of the western genre. This takes away any room for concern the audience could have for the characters and their well-being.

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Durango Review

Journey

As I explained in my list of the top ten worst movies I saw in 2022, the audience was not given a reason to care about the characters and their story in Journey. This flaw was achieved because the film’s creative team didn’t provide explanations for the characters’ choices. It also did not help how annoying Grandpa Marcus was, his photography hobby becoming an obsession. A major theme of Journey is memories being irreplaceable. That theme was poorly delivered in Journey, as Marcus’ hobby creates a plot hole within the story. Also, I’ve seen Hallmark Hall of Fame movies express this theme better, such as The Lost Valentine.

A Place for Annie

When it comes to movies that are products of their time, they can fit into one of two categories: movies that serve as visual time capsules and those that are dated on arrival. A Place for Annie, sadly, falls into the latter category. The majority of the story focuses on the medical information of HIV/AIDS that was known during the late ‘80s to mid ‘90s. That focus causes the film to show its age more obviously. The way foster care/adoption is discussed in this story is so oversimplified, I couldn’t take that part of the movie seriously. Similar to what I said about Journey, the theme of adoption is expressed better in other Hallmark Hall of Fame stories, like Redwood Curtain.

The Corsican Brothers

Alexandre Dumas’ stories are, more often than not, filled with adventure, intrigue, and suspense. But in the case of The Corsican Brothers, these elements were lacking. Granted, I still haven’t read the book this movie is based on. Though I do wonder how similar the 1985 adaptation is to the source material? If the original story primarily revolves around Louis attending fancy events in Paris, that would explain why the adaptation is so underwhelming. However, the original story could explain some of the confusing parts of the movie, such as the woman giving some of the characters fates.

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Corsican Brothers Review

Ok – Catch it on TV/Youtube

The Summer of Ben Tyler

The 1996 movie, The Summer of Ben Tyler, feels like Hallmark Hall of Fame wanted to create their own version of To Kill a Mockingbird. Upon reflection of this film, it doesn’t seem like the creative team displayed a strong understanding for what made Harper Lee’s story work. If anything, it feels like ideas are copied from Harper’s novel and pasted into the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation, making The Summer of Ben Tyler a little too similar to To Kill a Mockingbird. This is a case of if you’ve seen one movie, you’ve basically seen the other. So, if you’ve seen the adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, you’ve already seen The Summer of Ben Tyler.

Decoration Day

The way I feel about Decoration Day is similar to Promise; the majority of the story is very “slice-of-life”. To me, this makes both films less memorable than other Hallmark Hall of Fame titles. However, I did find Gee Pennywell’s dilemma over receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor the most interesting part of the movie. In fact, I wish Decoration Day had solely revolved around that dilemma.

Foxfire

Hallmark Hall of Fame has a history of adapting plays into films. Sometimes, a movie’s creative team will take advantage of the expansive nature of cinema, allowing the story to move beyond the boundaries of the stage. For Foxfire, though, the story was confined to the four walls of Annie’s house. A smaller cast and a condensed story also caused the 1987 Hallmark Hall of Fame project will feel more like a televised play. If I choose to watch Hallmark Hall of Fame film, I expect to watch a film. Foxfire subverted my expectations, but in a disappointing way.

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Foxfire Review

Calm at Sunset

Calm at Sunset is one of those movies where better, more interesting ideas were woven into the fabric of this story. One example is when the protagonist spots a cruise ship and imagines the types of people aboard that ship. Honestly, I wish Calm at Sunset was about that cruise ship instead. Similar to what I said about The Corsican Brothers, I haven’t read the book this movie is based on, so I don’t know which parts of the production came straight from the source material. If the book is pretty close to the film, it would explain why the adaptation was lackluster.

Witness for the Prosecution

Based on the adaptations of Agatha Christie’s books I’ve seen, the protagonist will play an active role in solving the mystery. Witness for the Prosecution is the exception to this statement, as Wilfred focuses more on the legal case he’s working to resolve. In a story where the protagonist doesn’t actively solve the story’s mystery, it can be difficult to get the audience invested in the story itself. Because Wilfred’s case is the primary focus of the story, the film is more dialogue heavy, putting emphasis on telling instead of showing. Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Witness for the Prosecution is a mystery that is light on the mystery.

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Witness for the Prosecution (1982) Review

The Flamingo Rising

In my editorial about the adaptation of The Flamingo Rising, I explained how the story should have been adapted into a television show or a multi-part mini-series. This is because the story itself is drawn out over the course of the protagonist’s life. Reflecting on the adaption, it felt like Hallmark Hall of Fame tried to fit The Flamingo Rising into their brand of storytelling. In this attempt, several parts of the source material were omitted or changed due to them not being “Hallmark appropriate”. As I did in the aforementioned editorial, I questioned why Hallmark Hall of Fame would choose to adapt Larry Baker’s story over a story that was more “Hallmark appropriate”?

Four Reasons Why ‘The Flamingo Rising’s Adaptation is Different from its Book

O Pioneers!

Having read the source material and seen the adaptation of O Pioneers!, I can say the movie is respectful toward the book. With that said, if you’ve seen the film, you’ve already read the novel. Speaking of the adaptation, I said in my review how the story should have been adapted into a mini-series or a television show. With so many characters and so many parts of the story, maybe O Pioneers! would have benefitted from receiving more time. The 1992 Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation is a western that didn’t leave a memorable impression on me.

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s O Pioneers! Review

Harvey

I’ve stated before on 18 Cinema Lane how the 1972 adaptation of Harvey is better than the original from 1950. While this statement is still true, the 1972 and 1950 versions of this story felt like a copy of one another. It makes me wonder why Hallmark Hall of Fame would choose to adapt Harvey if they knew they were going to make a lot of the same creative decisions as the original film? Despite the similarities, I did like the changes in the 1972 adaptation. One example is how the made-for-tv movie chose a dramatic tone for their version of the story instead of being both a drama and comedy.

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Harvey (1972) Review

Decent/Fine – Bought It at a Garage Sale for a Dollar

The Locket

For a movie titled The Locket, the locket itself is treated as an afterthought. What the story focuses on instead is the protagonist and his hardships. But from what I remember, the 2002 project addressed the importance of elder care. Since that topic is rarely brought up in Hallmark’s programming, I appreciate that creative decision. Marguerite Moreau is one of the reasons why I chose to watch The Locket. Her performance was so good, she ended up outshining the other actors in the movie! Unfortunately, Marguerite was kind of under-utilized in this film, as her on-screen appearances were not as consistent as I expected.

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Locket Review + 225 & 230 Follower Thank You

Saint Maybe

I said in my review of Saint Maybe how the adaptation is faithful to the source material. However, there are changes the film made from the book. One notable example is how religion/faith is downplayed in the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation. Meanwhile, religion/faith played a significant role in the novel. For years, Saint Maybe was included in Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ ‘Miracles of Christmas’ marathon. Now that I have seen the adaptation, I understand why the network would make this decision. Personally, I wouldn’t call Saint Maybe a Christmas story/movie, as the story itself takes place over several years.

Take 3: Anne Tyler’s Saint Maybe Review (National Read a Book Day Double Feature Part 1)

The Lost Child

The Lost Child serves as a good introduction to Native American culture, specifically the Navajo culture. Through dialogue and character interactions, the audience receives a glimpse into life on a Navajo reservation. For the story itself, The Lost Child didn’t leave a strong impression on me. The most interesting part of the film, Rebecca’s search of her family, wasn’t emphasized as much as her adjustment to reservation life. Also, Rebecca’s search for her twin brother was abandoned after she meets her biological family.

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Child Review + 395 Follower Thank You

Loving Leah

I’ve finally seen Loving Leah in its entirety! The way I feel about the 2009 movie is similar to The Lost Child; it’s a good introduction to Jewish religion and culture. Throughout the story, the audience receives a glimpse into the many aspects of Jewish life. Like The Lost Child, Loving Leah didn’t leave as strong of an impression as other Hallmark Hall of Fame titles. From what I remember, the story was a little too drawn out. But from what I also remember, it was nice to see the protagonists’ relationship unfold. With all that said, the movie was pleasant!

Good – Get It On Sale for Half Off

An American Story/After the Glory

Since publishing my review of An American Story/After the Glory, it has become one of my most popular reviews, garnering 1,838 views and counting! The innovative and compelling nature of the project is likely the reason why this particular title is so well-received on 18 Cinema Lane! Like I said in my review, An American Story/After the Glory felt kind of ahead of its time. This feeling is achieved by incorporating the discussion of veterans’ mental health into the script. The way veteran related topics are included in the story is reverent and respectful. An American Story/After the Glory is definitely one of Hallmark’s better military themed productions!

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s After the Glory Review + 195 Follower Thank You

The Love Letter

The Love Letter is one of Hallmark Hall of Fame’s more unique titles, as fantastical elements are rarely found in this collection of films. Yet this part of the story worked in the 1998 movie, helping to create a love story that was simple yet intriguing! The characters were not only well written, but also well-acted! Since the protagonists were multi-dimensional, their connection throughout the film was interesting to watch. I also liked the historical accuracy in The Love Letter, as the attention to detail was handled with care!

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Love Letter Review

Redwood Curtain

In my five years of movie blogging, I have discovered very few films that were better than their respective source material. Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Redwood Curtain is one of those films, as I found myself liking it over the play! The movie’s creative team took advantage of the expansive nature of cinema, broadening the horizons in Geri’s life. More characters were added to the story, giving them characterization that the play didn’t provide. Geri’s personality was more likable in the movie, which made me like her as a character. Redwood Curtain is a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation I wish was re-released on DVD.

‘Redwood Curtain’: From Stage to Screen

Great – Where Do I Pay Full Price?

Caroline?

As of the publication of this list, Caroline? is, so far, the best movie I’ve all year! That’s because the 1990 production is a close to perfect example of what a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation can and should be. From the younger actors’ performances to the differentiation of time, I could tell there was a lot of effort and care put into this project! Even though the story of a long-lost family member’s return is nothing new, the way Caroline? was written was creative, allowing this story to have its own identity. This movie is one I wish more Hallmark fans acknowledged!

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

A Tale of Two Cities

During my blogging years, I have seen Charles Dickens adaptations I have liked. The 1980 version of A Tale of Two Cities is definitely one of those films! Despite the movie being two hours and thirty-six minutes, the story never felt too long. The immersive nature of the story helped the pacing, as I was invested in what was happening on screen. This Hallmark Hall of Fame production was so good, it makes me want to read the source material! It’s also another film from this collection that deserves more recognition!

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

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

My Tier Rank List of Every Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie I’ve Seen!

On May 14, 2020June 28, 2021 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Before I begin this article, I’d like to reminder everyone that the winners of the 2nd Annual Gold Sally Awards have been announced! You can discover who won at this link:

The results of the 2nd Annual Gold Sally Awards are finally here!

This year, I’ve seen several tier ranking videos on Youtube. While most of these videos have revolved around books, there have been a few that focus on films. As I watched these tier lists being created, I discovered how there was no list dedicated to Hallmark’s productions. So, I decided to fill that void by making a list of my own! Because Hallmark has created so many movies, my tier ranking list focuses on all the Hallmark Hall of Fame movies I have seen in my life. This article is based solely on my own opinion and is not meant to be mean-spirited in any way. I also created this list to bring unique content to my blog. I was trying to complete this post yesterday, but this project took longer than I expected, so I apologize for its late arrival. For this tier ranking list, there will be five categories; Bottom of the Barrel, Ok, Decent/Fine, Good, and Great. I will give each film a brief, but thorough explanation for why it has earned that placement.

20200514_183959[1] — Because I don’t have a Twitter account, I wasn’t able to make my list on tiermaker.com. So, I created this list on Microsoft Powerpoint. Screenshot taken by me, Sally Silverscreen.

Bottom of the Barrel

Back When We Were Grown-Ups

Anyone who has read my list of the Top 10 Worst Hallmark Movies of All Time would not be surprised to see this movie placed in the Bottom of the Barrel category. To me, this is not only the worst Hallmark Hall of Fame picture, but also the worst Hallmark project ever made. If you’d like to learn more about why I don’t like Back When We Were Grown-Ups, you can check out my list of the Worst Hallmark Movies at this link:

The Top 10 Worst Hallmark Movies of All Time

Firelight

This is another movie I talked about in my Top 10 Worst Hallmark Movies of All Time list. I’ve only seen Firelight once, but I found it to be so forgettable. When I think about this movie, on rare occasions, I wonder what message it was trying to deliver to their audience? If I, as an audience member, can’t determine what the intended purpose of that specific film is, that likely means something went wrong during the creative process. The rest of my thoughts on Firelight are found in my Top 10 Worst Hallmark Movies of All Time list at this link:

The Top 10 Worst Hallmark Movies of All Time

A Painted House

From what I remember, the overall plot was very lackluster. I also found the premise revolving around a child rarely lying to be unbelievable. A Painted House contains other flaws that prevented me from enjoying this picture. One of them was how a few characters were unlikable for no clear reason. For a stand-alone film, having it end on a cliff-hanger wasn’t a good idea. I haven’t read John Grisham’s novel, so I’m not sure if the film’s creative team adopted any liberties for this project.

Ok

Rose Hill

While I don’t think Rose Hill is a bad movie, I just wasn’t impressed with the final project. The story as a whole was not the most interesting and Rose herself seemed to sit on the sidelines of her own story. There was a mystery within this script, but that part of the story was poorly executed. This surprises me, as Hallmark Hall of Fame released a film in 1990 with a similar story concept titled Caroline?

My Sister’s Keeper

I liked the first half of this movie, where the audience witnesses the two sisters growing up alongside each other. It provided strong opportunities for each sister to receive character development and the film’s first half felt like it was building up to something bigger. When the second half of the movie arrives and both sisters become adults, the project hits a stand-still where nothing interesting happens. I will say the high-light of My Sister’s Keeper is seeing Kathy Bates riding on an elephant.

Loving Leah

I’ve only seen about 50% of this movie. However, based on what I saw, I found the project to be just ok. I didn’t find myself feeling emotionally invested in the story like I did with other Hall of Fame titles. I wouldn’t mind re-watching this one, and maybe even reviewing it, to see if I still hold the same opinion.

The Makeover

When I first saw this film, I thought it was decent/fine. But since its 2013 release, it has been relegated to ok status. The Makeover is a glorified Hallmark Channel movie, complete with the male and female protagonist falling in love with each other. In fact, Hallmark’s first network released a movie with a similar premise the year prior called Fixing Pete. Maybe the first Hallmark Hall of Fame project of 2013 should have been given a stronger story.

Blind Spot

Blind Spot was decent/fine upon initial viewing, but is now in the ok category. The film’s cautionary message was given more emphasis than the plot. This caused the movie to feel like it belonged on Lifetime when these kinds of films were in their hey-day. As I’ve said before, Karina Arroyave stars in this Hall of Fame presentation. However, her talents were under-utilized in this picture.

The Magic of Ordinary Days

This is one of the most beloved titles Hallmark has ever made. However, I don’t like or love this project as much as other people do. I found the main plot to be too unbelievable for my liking. Hallmark also glossed over the subject of Japanese internment camps when they could have provided some commentary on how prejudice can negatively affect someone’s perspective. There was one romantic relationship that I knew wasn’t going to lead anywhere, making me wonder why it was included in the first place. The Magic of Ordinary Days is another Hall of Fame movie based on a book, so I don’t know what elements from the novel where translated to the screen.

Promise

I reviewed this film for the James Garner Blogathon back in February. On the dvd cover, it is considered “the most-honored television movie of all time”. But, to me, the project is a bit on the over-rated side. I’m not a fan of “slice-of-life” stories, which is exactly what the plot of Promise is. The road to educating the audience about Mental Illness seems like it was paved with good intentions. As I say in my review, it could have been executed better though. You can read my review at the link below if you want to learn more about my thoughts on Promise.

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Promise Review

Decent/Fine

Just in Time for Christmas

Back in 2015, I felt Just in Time for Christmas was a good movie. After giving it some more thought, I’ve come to see the film as just fine. Like The Makeover, the project is a glorified Hallmark Channel movie. But, unlike the aforementioned 2013 release, Just in Time for Christmas tried to do something different with their creative material. Time travel is rarely incorporated in any of Hallmark’s projects. This release was, I believe, the first time it had been included in a Hallmark Hall of Fame title.

In Love and War

When The World War II Blogathon took place last September, In Love and War is the film I chose to review. As a movie, I liked it for it was. But, as a Hall of Fame picture, it didn’t leave as big of an emotional impact as other titles from this collection have. For a story taking place during World War II, there wasn’t a lot of action in it. There was also an imbalance between the ideas of “love” and “war”. If you want to read my review for In Love and War, you can click on the link below:

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s In Love and War Review

Beyond the Blackboard

I haven’t seen this movie since its 2011 release. From I remember, it was just fine. While I liked the acting, the story was straight-forward. I also found the part about the pregnant teacher working and, eventually, bringing her baby to a compromising environment to be unbelievable. Like I said about Loving Leah, I’m not opposed to re-watching this movie and reassessing my opinion on it.

Front of the Class

This is another picture I haven’t seen in years. However, I thought Front of the Class was a fine film. Similar to In Love and War, it didn’t leave a big, emotional impact on me. But, as I’ve said before, I wouldn’t mind watching this movie again and seeing if my thoughts on it have changed.

Good

The Secret Garden

In my Bonus Double Feature last September, I talked about Hallmark Hall of Fame’s version of The Secret Garden. I liked this adaptation, but I found it to be drawn-out. Looking back on this movie, it seems like the creative team placed so much emphasis on respecting the source material, they forgot to bring their own voice to the table. You can check out my thoughts on three different adaptations of The Secret Garden at these links:

An Introduction to My Bonus Double Feature

My Bonus Double Feature Has Arrived!

The Conclusion to My Bonus Double Feature

The Boys Next Door

I feel The Boys Next Door is one of the more under-rated titles from the Hall of Fame collection. The acting is solid and the perception of individuals with disabilities is mostly positive. My favorite character from this movie is Barry Klemper, but I felt he was under-utilized in the overall story. Also, some of the language toward the four men with disabilities reflects the time period the film was released in. I wonder how different the play this movie is based on is from this adaptation?

The Valley of Light

Despite not having seen this movie since its 2007 release, I remember really liking this film! “She won’t give me my chocolate” is still one of my favorite quotes from a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. This film also contains one of the most shocking plot twists in the history of this collection. I definitely want to re-watch this film and possibly share my thoughts on this movie viewing experience!

Love Locks

As I have said before on this blog, Love Locks is the first newer Hall of Fame title that made me feel like this branch of Hallmark was going back to their roots! Yes, this is the type of story you’d likely find in Hallmark Channel movies. But the way Love Locks was presented made the overall project feel like a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. I also like the movie’s original poster, as it is one of the most creative pieces of marketing in Hallmark history! Personally, I think this is a good picture if you want to introduce someone to the Hall of Fame collection!

Love Takes Flight

This is the most recent release from the Hall of Fame collection I’ve talked about, as I reviewed the film last April. Love Takes Flight is a better movie than its marketing campaign made it seem. However, as I’ve noticed with the newer Hall of Fame titles, it lacks emotional depth because it feels like it adopted Hallmark Channel’s “formula”. It also contains other flaws, like having too many plots. Here’s the link to my review of Love Takes Flight if you’re interested in reading it:

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Love Takes Flight Review

The Beach House

The Beach House is another Hallmark Hall of Fame film that was given less-than-stellar marketing. But this didn’t stop it from being better than I expected! As someone who has also read the book, I think the movie did a better job at telling the story than its source material did! I also believe the overall quality of this project is a good reminder of why the Hall of Fame branch exists. This is another title I reviewed, so I’ll provide the link to that post here:

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Beach House Review

Christmas Everlasting

I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas Everlasting when it was released in 2018! In fact, the only aspect of the film I didn’t like was the limited on-screen presence Patti LaBelle received, as I expected her to have a larger role in the film. Similar to other Hall of Fame titles I’ll mention, this movie features a mystery within the overall plot. Mysteries are not often found in Hallmark Hall of Fame projects, so I like how Christmas Everlasting helped bring something different to the table. I reviewed this movie as well, so here is the link:

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Christmas Everlasting Review

The Christmas Train

I liked this movie and the book it was based on! The overall execution of this project made it feel like a Hall of Fame production, making this the collection’s first newer Christmas film to make me feel this way. Similar to Christmas Everlasting, The Christmas Train incorporates a mystery into their story. While this element is also in the book, it brings a unique component to Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Christmas line-up. It’s also special in how most of the film’s events take place on a train, which is rare for a Hall of Fame movie!

The Lost Valentine

This is a good, but sad film! While I appreciate the effort that has gone into Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Christmas movies, it’s nice to see other holidays receive recognition within this branch of Hallmark. The use of flashbacks enhanced the overall story, giving context to the events being presented on screen. Because of how sad the film is, the re-watchability rate is on the lower side of the spectrum. But this is a project I would definitely recommend!

A Dog Named Christmas

A Dog Named Christmas is another Hall of Fame Christmas film I genuinely enjoyed! It does a good job at effectively showing how someone can make a difference in their community. Since this movie places a lot of attention on the titular dog, some story elements end up being over-looked. One of them is seeing how the main protagonist lives his life with a disability. I know there’s a prequel to this film called Christmas with Tucker. I haven’t seen it, but I’d like to see how it holds up to A Dog Named Christmas!

Sweet Nothing in My Ear

I saw this movie for the first time in 2020 and it made me miss the Hallmark Hall of Fame films of yester-year. Even though this story revolves around a debate, the overall project was interesting to watch. Both sides are treated equally and are given enough time to present their case. I don’t like the ending, but I can understand why the creative team made that specific choice. Sweet Nothing in My Ear is a unique addition to the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection!

Pictures of Hollis Woods

I haven’t seen this movie in years, but I recall having a good experience watching it. However, this film has flown under the radar for far too long. The acting is good and the overarching message of family is incorporated into the story very well. I also remember one of the characters lives in and owns a movie theater. This was a highlight for me because that is a dream of mine.

Missing Pieces

As I’ve said before, mysteries are not often found in Hallmark Hall of Fame projects. It is even rarer when the entire plot is a mystery story. The overall quality of the film’s writing is strong and I also liked the acting performances. However, like I said about Blind Spot, Karina Arroyave’s talents were under-utilized in this project. I’m surprised this movie has never been aired on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, as this title fits the network’s brand.

Grace & Glorie

One of the plot points of this film is a woman from a big city moving to a small town. However, it never felt like the project was following a formula. Instead, the story focuses on the friendship between Grace and Gloria. This part of the movie provided interesting opportunities for character development and exploration of certain themes. The movie also showcased wonderful scenery.

Great

Christmas with Holly

In Christmas with Holly, the protagonist and his brothers take care of Holly after she loses her mother. This part of the movie reminded me of Three Men and a Baby. But what’s great about this 2012 release is how it takes a pre-existing story structure and creates a different narrative with it. While there was a romance in this film, it was never heavily emphasized like in other Hall of Fame titles. The overall story felt well-rounded.

A Smile as Big as the Moon

This is one of my favorite Hallmark Hall of Fame films! I was really impressed with the overall quality of the project when I first saw it in 2012. There is so much to like about this movie, from the acting performances to the messages and themes. To me, this is the perfect example of what a Hall of Fame title should be.

November Christmas

I’m not going to lie; I thought the title sounded ridiculous when I first heard it. But the movie was better than I expected it to be! This film does a good job at exploring how childhood cancer can affect a child and the people around them. It also has a genuine sincerity that doesn’t feel too mushy or manipulative. I won’t spoil anything, but I will say this is a good choice to watch around Christmas-time!

The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler

Hallmark Hall of Fame movies are known for having larger budgets than a typical Hallmark Channel or Hallmark Movies & Mysteries film. The creative team behind The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler used that budget to their advantage. The presentation of this film is so good, it feels like a theatrical release! Everything about the movie feels like it is of the highest quality. I honestly wish Hallmark created more Hall of Fame pictures like this one.

Follow the Stars Home

From the moment I first saw this movie, I knew it would be a winner! But it sometimes feels like this film doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. The acting performances from the whole cast are one of the strongest components of this project. This movie also contains one of the most intense scenes I’ve ever seen in a film. Follow the Stars Home does a good job at balancing the lighted-hearted and serious moments of the story.

The Sarah, Plain and Tall trilogy

This series introduced me to Hallmark Hall of Fame as well as Hallmark films in general. I’d say this is one of the strongest trilogies in film history! The overall quality is consistent and it feels like the creative team truly cared about the project they were making. I would like to see Hallmark attempt another series within their Hallmark Hall of Fame branch!

Ellen Foster

Ellen Foster is an excellent, but sad film! What makes this movie work is Jena Malone’s performance, as she carries the entire project! This movie features one of the few times where a young person is the film’s lead. The story as a whole is an emotional roller coaster ride that makes its audience experience a variety of feelings. I haven’t read the book this film is based on, but I’d be interested in reading how emotionally intense it is compared to the film.

What the Deaf Man Heard

I have fallen in love with this movie since I first saw it! It does a great job showing how far someone will go to show their love for another person. This film also shows how easy it is for people to take things at face value. There are other solid messages in this story, but I don’t want to spoil it. What the Deaf Man Heard is another Hall of Fame title I can’t recommend enough! It’s also based on a book, so I’d like to read it someday!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen