Back in May, I reviewed an INSP film called County Line. I chose to review this movie because I wanted to help this network’s films receive their “standing ovation”. Within this review, I said that I would review Christmas on the Coast when it was released. Six months later, this movie has finally premiered! This means that it’s now time for me to review Christmas on the Coast. As much as I was looking forward to the film, I will admit that my expectations for it were low. This was, mainly, because the film’s plot sounded like a typical Hallmark movie. However, I stilled watch this film with an open mind. What did I think of Christmas on the Coast? Set sail through this review if you want to find out!
The acting: I thought the cast of Christmas on the Coast was really talented! All of the acting performances in this movie were such a highlight for this film! Everyone brought so much emotion and versatility to their roles, making all of the portrayals captivating to watch. When I first found out that Bonnie Bedelia had been cast in this movie, I was so excited to see her performance in the film, especially after seeing her portrayal of Joy in A Joyous Christmas. After I watched this movie, I felt that Bonnie did a really good job portraying Dru’s mother, Ellie! I also thought Cait Pool really shined in this movie as she portrayed the character of Peyton. Bonnie, Peyton, and the other actors in this film are those that I’d like to see appear in any type of Hallmark project!
The scenery: According to IMDB, Christmas on the Coast was filmed in the state of Georgia, specifically in the areas of Darien and St. Simons Island. While watching this film, I thought that the natural landscapes featured within the movie were great to look at! I also think that the scenery was captured really well on film. To me, the scene where Dru was at the beach while a sunset was in the sky was beautifully filmed!
The on-screen chemistry: While Julie Ann Emery and Burgess Jenkins each pulled off a good performance within Christmas on the Coast, I also thought that they pulled off a good acting performance as a pair. As the film progressed, it truly felt like Dru and Brysen’s relationship was growing over-time. Julie and Burgess’ performance appeared so believable on-screen, giving the impression that their characters really came to care about each other.
Too many quick-cuts: In Christmas on the Coast, there were several images of stock footage that were used to introduce a scene. These images were featured in-between scenes and were sometimes used as a transition from one scene to another. When these images were shown, they appeared a little too quickly on-screen. This didn’t give me, as an audience member, enough time to get a good look at what was featured in these images.
The lighting: In some scenes that were filmed outdoors, I noticed that the lighting looked darker than in scenes that were filmed in buildings and homes. At one point, I honestly thought something was wrong with my television.
Lack of subplots: While watching Christmas on the Coast, I was disappointed when I found out that the only plot within the film was the main plot. Before I watched the movie, I had expected, at least, two subplots to be included alongside the main plot. Even when Dru decided to join her mother’s Christmas event planning committee, I though that a subplot would emerge and take shape as the movie went on. Unfortunately, that never happened.
I really enjoyed Christmas on the Coast! It improved upon the things that I didn’t like about County Line, such as having a good pace and utilizing the talent of everyone within the main cast. Yes, this movie did remind me of a Hallmark movie. However, it reminded me of a Hallmark movie that was good in quality. Although INSP doesn’t make a lot of movies, especially those that are Christmas themed, I think the network has what it takes to create films that are memorable and have a lasting impact. Hopefully, INSP will be encouraged to make more movies as time goes on. In a day and age when several networks compete against each other to be crowned the most watched network during the Christmas season, INSP definitely deserves to have their voice heard. This network definitely has a unique perspective that can bring something creative and special to the table.
Overall score: 8 out of 10
Have you seen any of INSP’s films? Would you like to see this network continue to make movies? Let me know in the comment section!
After you read the title for this post, you probably wondered what these three people have in common, besides the fact they are all well-known human beings. Here’s the answer: Vin, Sebastian, and Judy are the subjects of recent movie news stories! Since it seems like not a lot of attention has been given to these stories, I decided to take the time to talk about them. As I usually do with these Word on the Street posts, I’ll not only report on each story, but I’ll also share my thoughts about them. So, let’s start talking about these stories!
While on the website, Superhero News, I came across a movie news story about Vin Diesel being cast as the lead in Valiant Comics’ first movie, Bloodshot. Reading the rest of the story on comicbook.com, Vin explained why he chose to join the cinematic project. As I read this article, Vin’s reason brought some interest to the film’s story. Within this same article, Dinesh Shamdasani, one of the producers of the film, shared some insight about Bloodshot. One thing Dinesh said that stood out to me was the following:
“The reason Bloodshot’s been so popular and so successful is that he isn’t an extraordinary human being who becomes a superhero. He’s an ordinary guy that through extraordinary situations, becomes this larger than life character”
— Dinesh Shamdasani
Dinesh brings up a really good point. After reading Dinesh’s statement, I started thinking about all of the superheroes that have been featured in the MCU so far. The only characters I could think of that fit Dinesh’s description of Bloodshot are Clint Barton/Hawkeye, Sam Wilson/Falcon, and Peter Quill/Star Lord. Because I’m not familiar with this story, I looked up the first Bloodshot book on Goodreads. Based on some of the reviews that I read, Bloodshot sounds like a combination of the Winter Soldier story from Marvel and the Jason Bourne series. When it comes to cinema, I enjoyed Captain America: The Winter Soldier and the majority of the Jason Bourne films, so the story of Bloodshot does sounds interesting. However, the one thing that does concern me is how much violence this film could contain. When I read some of the reviews for the first Bloodshot book, I discovered that the story contains a certain amount of violence and gore. According to this article, Bloodshot is scheduled to premiere in early 2020, so it’s likely that this movie hasn’t gone into production yet.
Why wouldn’t I post a picture of a Vin Diesel Funko POP! figure to this post? Screenshot taken by me, Sally Silverscreen.Yesterday, Collider reported that Sebastian Stan has joined the cast of Drake Doremus’ upcoming film, which currently does not have a title. The film will also star Jamie Dornan and Shailene Woodley. Based on the film’s synopsis within this article, the story sounds like something I would find on Hallmark. In most movies on Hallmark, the story revolves around a woman who not only has a career, but also has to choose between two potential boyfriends. Because it sounds like this movie is in the pre-production stages, not much is known about the film, other than what Collider has shared.
Speaking of Collider, in a recent episode of Collider Movie Talk, it was announced that Judy Blume’s novel, Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret will receive a movie adaptation. According to Mark Ellis, host of Collider Movie Talk, Gracie Films will be the production company behind this movie. Also, Kelly Fremon Craig (director of The Edge of Seventeen) will write and direct this movie, with James L. Brooks also attached to this project. As of October 2018, the film is not yet partnered with a distribution company. I’ve never read this book, but I have definitely heard of it over the years. Because I’m unfamiliar with this story, I had to look up the synopsis on Goodreads. It seems like the creative team behind this movie have enough literary material to work with in order for this movie to be as memorable as the book has been for all these years. The panel in this Collider Movie Talk video also contemplated on whether the film would take place in the ‘70s or if the story would be modernized. Since I haven’t read this book, I’m not sure which of these two choices would work better for the movie.
If you want to watch the video I referenced in this post, you can either visit the Collider Videos Youtube channel or type in “Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Working Title Is Hot Christmas – Movie Talk” into Youtube’s search bar.
If you want to read the synopsis for the first Bloodshot book or Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, type in “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” or “Bloodshot, Volume 1: Setting the World on Fire” into Goodreads’ search bar (just to let you know, some of the reviews for the first Bloodshot book do contain language)
Chesapeake Shores has several main characters within the show’s cast. Each of them is unique from one another and adds their own voice to the overall narrative. In my very first Evenings At The Shore post, I mentioned that Chesapeake Shores is a multi-generational show. Because each character varies in age, it allows for various life experiences and points of view to be expressed throughout the show. From Nell’s stories involving Ireland to Carrie and Caitlyn’s excitement about searching for Snipes, this multi-generational family always finds something interesting to talk about, as well as share with their loyal audience. What makes this show great is the relatability that the audience can find within the show’s narrative. For example, even if not everyone can relate to running a Bed & Breakfast, the majority of Chesapeake Shores’ audience can relate to channeling your heart and soul into something you love. Speaking of channels, let’s tune in to this episode’s re-cap of Chesapeake Shores!
Just a reminder: If you did not see this episode of Chesapeake Shores, there may be spoilers within this re-cap.
Chesapeake Shores poster image 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=series&ShowTitle=Chesapeake%20Shores%20Season%203&episodeIndex=3001
Season: 3
Episode: 9
Name: Forward to the Past
Trace’s story: At the beginning of this episode, Trace is still fighting with Mick about their business contract. After Trace’s lawyer tries to take this matter to court, he tells Trace that no other lawyer wanted to touch this contract because of Mick’s involvement. While Trace is dealing with this situation, Mark, the band’s manager, informs Trace about an upcoming European tour that he and his band have been invited to. Mark also shares that, during the tour, the band will also have the chance to record a new album. Leigh and John encourage Trace to join them on tour, but Trace is still undecided. Because of this once in a lifetime opportunity, Trace decides to stop his fight with Mick over their contract. When Trace tells Mick about his reason for discontinuing the fight, Mick suggests that Trace tell Abby about the tour. Later in the episode, Trace does tell Abby about the tour and is still undecided about what to do.
Abby’s story: As Abby learns about Trace and Mick’s disagreement, Trace asks her if she could not get involved in anything relating to the contract. While she respects Trace’s wishes, she does talk to Mick about what is going on. Mick tells her his side of the story as well as how Trace feels about all of it. Later that day, Abby visits Trace at this house. She gives him purple flowers and apologizes to Trace for ever making him think that she wouldn’t respect his wishes. Abby continues to hear both sides of Trace and Mick’s argument when she spends time with both of them. Toward the end of the episode, Abby learns about Trace’s tour opportunity during her conversation with Trace. She also reveals that she organized a family meeting to discuss Bree’s manuscript.
Mick’s story: Mick continues to disagree with Trace about their business contract. While Trace is trying to take the contract to court, Mick continues to oversee the business operations of The Bridge. When Abby asks him about the situation, Mick tells her his side of the story. One day, at The Bridge, Trace confronts Mick and tells him that he will stop fighting with Mick over the contract. When Mick learns about Trace’s reason for stopping their fight, Mick suggests that Trace tell Abby about this news. At the end of the episode, Mick takes part in the O’Brien family meeting to discuss Bree’s manuscript.
Megan’s story: Megan is still bothered by Bree’s lack of knowledge about Megan’s past situation. When shopping at the flower store with Abby, she shares that she came back to Chesapeake Shores in order to help the family heal. Megan tells Nell the exact same thing when she drops the flowers off at the O’Brien house. Nell gives Megan advice about moving from the past and making the best of the present. At the O’Brien family meeting, Megan tells the family that she was dealing with some personal issues that caused her to seek help. Her explanation is one of the things that creates a disagreement amongst each other.
Bree’s story: While working at Word Play, Bree gets a surprise visit from Simon and his friend from college, Caroline. Simon reveals that his friend was the inspiration for his ‘Caroline’ book series. When Bree learns that Simon and Caroline never had a romantic relationship, she asks him why he still chose to base his book series on Caroline. Simon tells Bree that when he was in college, he wished that he and Caroline were in a romantic relationship. Later in the episode, Caroline reveals that she will stay in Chesapeake Shores for a little while longer due to business reasons. During this reveal, Caroline expressed interest in learning more about Bree’s literary work. During the O’Brien family meeting, Bree shares her reasons for writing the manuscript as well as her desire to publish it. This is one of the things that causes a disagreement within the family.
Kevin’s story: Before Sarah starts her new job in Philadelphia, Kevin takes the time to meet Sarah’s family. He is introduced to Sarah’s mother and father, as well as her two brothers. During his stay in Philadelphia, Kevin finds himself getting along with Sarah’s family quite well. One day, Sarah takes Kevin to her favorite spot on her family’s property. This spot is a large tree, the same tree where Sarah and her late husband got married. Sarah tells Kevin that the spot feels different, in a good way, because she brought Kevin there. As Kevin is about to leave Philadelphia, Sarah’s father thanks Kevin for bringing Sarah home and making her feel happy. Kevin then shares with her father how much Sarah has impacted his life. Back in Chesapeake Shores, Kevin learns that an EMT position in Chesapeake Shores has just become available, even though he just accepted the EMT job in New York. He also participates in the O’Brien family meeting.
Jess’ story: While Sally is visiting family for a week, Jess and David have volunteered to run Sally’s Café in the meantime. During this week, Jess and David do a successful job with running the restaurant. One evening, while closing the Café for the night, Jess questions the future of her relationship with David. The next day, Jess expresses these concerns to David. He feels that their relationship is in a good place and reassures her that there is nothing to worry about. Jess engages in the O’Brien family meeting at the end of the episode.
Connor’s story: In this episode, Connor continues to work with Danielle’s law firm. Because their new case involves the waterfront, Danielle and Connor spend a lot of time out of the office and working on location. One day, after work, Danielle apologizes to Connor for ending their relationship. She also expresses interest in giving their relationship a second chance. Connor agrees to help Danielle mend their relationship, with both of them kissing afterwards. Connor not only shares this news with Kevin, he also makes his feelings known during the O’Brien family meeting.
When Mark told Trace about the European tour, I became excited about the possibility of a St. Patrick’s Day themed Chesapeake Shores movie in Ireland, hopefully, becoming a reality! In my Evenings At The Shore post where I re-capped this season’s third episode, I mentioned that I would love to see a St. Patrick’s Day themed Chesapeake Shores movie where the O’Brien family travels to Ireland to celebrate the holiday. If this movie does become a reality and if Trace accepts the tour offer, this would give other characters on the show, besides the members of the O’Brien family, a chance to have an interesting subplot within the context of the film’s overall story.
The commercials for this episode seemed to be somewhat misleading. For a trailer that put an emphasis on the O’Brien family meeting, this aforementioned meeting only took place within the last ten minutes of the episode. Also, nothing got resolved during this family meeting. Plus, the announcer, in this episode’s trailer, said that this would be “the episode that changes everything”. In reality, nothing happened in this episode that was significant enough to justify this quote.
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!
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 9th. 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
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 5th to March 21st. 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/
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!
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18 Cinema Lane 