druatlax Reviews

Robin Thicke: Sex Therapy (2009 Music Video)

Robin/ Ryan "Sexual Therapy"

[5/10 · 24 October 2023]

Watched this only for the body double, I.e. Ryan Paevey. Watched Thicke strut... For Max 5 seconds Ryan, found it worth the wading thru the rest.

Actually kind of liked the song, even though Thicke and his music were never much to me.

Loved the storyline as created in this music video short. The Straight and suggestions of not so straight sexual preferences in need of therapy. Good choice of outdoor scenes, stereotypical background secondary and tertiary characters, at time jumbled together for the unfolding of the "storyline". For a musical video song release, served it's purpose. The cinematography was a bit dark at times, hard to see the angst of the characters portraying the Thicke background for his video/ song.

Fourth Down and Love (2023 TV Movie)

Ryan Paevey clears before the strike

[8/10 · 12 September 2023]

Another shortened "Hallmark version" of a real movie. Been aware that Ryan had not had a new movie in almost a year. Glad to see him and Pascal. But. This is a poorly developed story, highlighting a good cast-missing a fully developed script. With the writer's strike, perhaps the best writing/rewrite was not available.

This story is more a paragraph than a good short story. Too, too bad. They had the bones, but no flesh of fully developed character background or story.

It is rather up to the audience to intuit the missing story gaps and fill them off-camera.

Gave the actors the score of 8 for doing as well as they could with the ghost of a script they had to work with. Just another disappointing, shortened version of what the story/movie could have been. Too much of this seen amidst the release of very few notable movies this year.

A Fabled Holiday (2022 TV Movie)

Ryan Paevey in an ensemble cast movie

[7/10 · 15 August 2023]

Not my favorite type of movie, The writers weakened the storyline by following the Hallmark standards of time limits and editing to fit the 1 1/2 hour limitations. I want a well developed plot line and characters to fit. This movie. Should have been a normal two hour one. Chopped in the edit room for Hallmark, Low on my list of Ryan Paevey movies, but grateful when I realized there would be at least a year before he was chosen for another one. Realize that the "battle" with GAC for "religious" purity has seemingly given new actors huge openings to join the Hallmark Universe....and that the 3-4 favorites are still doing their regular 3 or more films a year. But, this should not be allowed to start making movies of lesser quality, with writers and actors of presumably lesser cost.

Give this jumble of a movie a higher rating because it could have been better if allowed to be.

A Safari Romance (2023 TV Movie)

Location, Location. Where was this movie filmed....

[8/10 · 15 August 2023]

Yes, to an earlier review. I also am confused by the Hallmark listing of the female leads name first in the credits. So very wrong.. I watched this movie for Walker's.name on the project. A fan since "Steel Toes", have never been disappointed.

This is a travelogue, a film showing the beauty to be found in nature and it's marvelous creatures. Humans are of secondary interest.

But... this film left me with a question. Since it showed the beauty of an immersive creation, the question becomes: how much of that was used in the actual filming?

That thought occurred to me- as the credits and location shots rolled. Could you place an actor in a location even though he was actually thousands of miles away? This movie proves this could actually happen. The days of green screen filming has finally evolved. Many new and innovative methods are possible. Makes me wonder.

Unlocking Christmas (2020 TV Movie)

Leading to Christmas in July

[7/10 · 24 June 2023]

I saw this on Hallmark's Christmas week leading into July's month long Christmas celebration. Loved it. Treasured the memories it brought...the smiles it created. I have seen comments where there are nasty slams against the season retrospective. Too bad for those who refuse to enjoy what is freely given. Your choice. No problem.

Looking back, we see the start of the GAC Family Network...shadowed by the reality of their first year with actors/ actresses "stolen" from the Hallmark channel. We see the pontificating of "our channel will be a more 'pure', more 'acceptable' picture of what is good or bad in this world.". And now we see that in reality the channel which has changed, adapted, opened its arms to all lives- is instead, Hallmark.

Please choose your movies and the channel they originate on for your favorite actors/actresses, writers, and directors whose work speaks to each of you. Enjoy this and all seasons. Remember all the ways that lighten your days. And you pick. You choose what you want to watch. Enjoy life- your way!

A Picture of Her (2023 TV Movie)

Tyler Hines in Depth.

[9/10 · 6 June 2023]

I have always liked Tyler, but was surprised that this character was so complex... so perfectly portrayed. For me, the in-depth picture was not in the girl's picture he (as a paparazzi type), took of her. Rather, it was the male motorcycle driving, self introspective photographer Tyler created for us. You know him by the end of the film: inside and out.

The film is well written, well filmed, and so very well acted and directed. I highly recommend this movie to all audiences.

And, for those Tyler fans, those who know him as not only an actor, but also in his roles as writer, producer, and director... you will not be surprised, but thankful. For, with this picture, we see Tyler at his best. Enjoy!

The Most Colorful Time of the Year (2022 TV Movie)

An Unexpected Beautiful Gem

[9/10 · 10 May 2023]

You know what to expect from this movie. But, the surprise is the knowledge you will take with you when the credits roll.

Being color blind for me, was just a "thing" that some people have. Now because of this movie, I am more aware of not only the condition, but of the related problems and trauma associated with it.

The lead actors - Chris Russell and Katrina Bowden - are fantastic and well cast. The cinematography used attempts to teach the audience with normal eyesight what being totally colorblind May mean. And the captions during the closing credits... offer contacts for those with this type of problem to get help if needed. This underscores the reality of the problem.

Although this is a message movie, I was pleasantly surprised by how good this movie is: from writers and director to the actors involved . And, I highly recommend it to any audience of any age to watch, learn, and enjoy.

A Kiss at Midnight (2008 TV Movie)

A Surprisingly Very Very Good Movie

[8/10 · 7 April 2023]

Here it is 2023. And I find this movie from 2008.. 15 years.

I Didn't expect much, just something to pass the time before work.

But, Surprise, surprise... I became engrossed in the characters, the story, and the back story of each.

Now, In this later world of cynicism and doubt, I took a look back to a different time I had lived. I looked back at basic beliefs, friendships, and what family means- if you are really open to life and it's possibilities.

Then this movie-A well written, directed, and acted small gift of entertainment....with its own view of possibilities. So, if you too need a small reason for a real smile or two: Try it. You just might like it in spite of yourself. I did.

Another Tango (2018)

Brant Daugherty couldn't save it... i give him the 4 stars

[4/10 · 11 February 2023]

I watched this entire movie because I am a long-time Daugherty fan. But, it was hard to watch. The story was the usual spin off of the "Save the.... By having a ..." In this case ... was a Dance Studio... by reuniting.high school sweethearts (reluctantly) for a dance competition.

Numerous problems with this were evident from the first: 1- Absolutely no chemistry between the two leads. 2- casting Lexi was a mis-cast of epic proportions: not a good actor, not a good dancer, not a team player. 3- the Weak storyline needed interesting, i.e. Interested characters to help develop the story into a tension building story of romance between the leads.... Never happened. Not even slightly believable.

Perhaps extenuating reasons for this failure on Lexi's part included 1) poor dance experience (she was stiff, uncoordinated, looked scared during most of the performances) 2) Her costumes were very poorly chosen for color and fit-not good.

To sum up all these comments: This movie had it all: Poor Script, Poor Director, Poor Costumer, and Poor Casting.... It Just Doesn't Work.... Two thumbs Down.

The Princess and the Bodyguard (2022 TV Movie)

A good movie with a good cast.. quite enjoyable

[8/10 · 25 January 2023]

Please Allow me a personal note: in a movie world of angst- or blood and gore-or animated children's fare, there needs to be a place where you can enjoy laughs, joy, a bit of drama, and many smiles. This is one of those.

A bit off-kilter from the usual story, with it's very human, and surprisingly realistic list of characters, I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the different people, which in many cases I had not seen on screen before. These beautiful souls made the movie a more real slice of life which we so rarely see in movies with predictable characters as in most movies.

So, I highly recommend this movie. Really. For a simple, sometimes complicated-but realistic-view of lives with a honest look at people who are not all stereotypes, but rather those we see and/or know in our own lives.... Watch and Enjoy!

The Secrets of Bella Vista (2022 TV Movie)

Niall Matter and Scenery Worth the Watch

[7/10 · 14 January 2023]

Best Points: The Actors: especially the leads- Niall Matter and LeFevre are excellent . Their difficult and sometimes impossible Jobs are to flesh- out and fill the holes in the underdeveloped script. .. a. Mystery of Family and hidden clues.

Weakest Points: Trying to develop a good and well written storyline in Hallmark's standard 1 1/2 hour format. Really doesn't work well here.

Many layers of the plot and well drawn inter-connection between characters - sadly never happen

Worth the. Watch? Yes, good actors and the location make it worth the short watch, but you leave wanting something more substantial.

The Village (I) (2019)

A sleeper of a great tv series

[9/10 · 1 October 2022]

This group of actors assembled for the series is amazing. They fit together like puzzle pieces. Each has a necessary role as part of the whole.

Better than I have ever seen him is Warren Christie... an amputee with PTSD from two "wars", he becomes so very real you feel you know him.

Names not so recognizable, but faces and talent known include Dominic Chianese, Frankie Faison, Lorraine Toussaint, Michaela McManus, and more who make up the apartment complex which is a Village .

The writing is tight, fast, and engrossing. Episode 1 shows introduces you to the Village. We meet them and begin to a feel the ties that truly link them together.

The topics are serious and funny and current.

. We only were allowed to live with them for 10 episodes, but we felt we knew them well. The gods of TV cut short their time with us. I miss them.

Crashing Through the Snow (2021 TV Movie)

A different and better twist

[8/10 · 26 September 2022]

I originally wanted to see Warren Christie in this film, one of the leads. But, surprisingly, the entire cast was well chosen, the cinematography and originality of story line in the script had some new and unexpected twists and turns. I was impressed by the synergy created by the story itself.

Yes, some slow and rom-comish scenes for effect, but the over-all quality of the characters in this script carried to the end.

A good family "Christmas" story for any time of year.

A movie for good feels and smiles, for belief and trust, for the changing family structure itself- one of the good ones you never tire of watching.....

On Location - Mystery 101: Words Can Kill (2019)

Of the many, the best

[9/10 · 11 August 2022]

Mystery 101 stands out from the many, many mystery series inundating the Hallmark channels. It has it all: Believable actors portraying believable characters, writers who have an excellent grasp of the mystery genre, and excellent directing to glue it all together. At the heart are the two main actors-Wagner and Polaha...masters of their craft. They/ their characters have a real chemistry together... they, again, are believable. They are strong in their own right, and stronger together.

Hallmark has gotten mired in the female lead mentality. Wrong.... This show has two leads who play off each other's strengths and vulnerabilities. It works. It entertains. It is enjoyable. It is captivating in it's mystery. It is believable. Enjoy!

Love, Lost & Found (2021 TV Movie)

Trevor Donovan at his best.

[8/10 · 20 July 2022]

With Danielle, Melanie, and Jake Stormoen, there is a good story, beautiful scenery, and adventures galore.

Fantastic chemistry, comedy, and respect between Trevor and Danielle. They are the home, the center of this story.

I love Jake. In this movie, though, he is a bit over the top with the too loud, too rushed - fake Aussie-speak. Detracts at times.

Countered

But, the story is well written and tight with drama and comedy for all.

This is a good, compelling story for all audiences to enjoy. Highly recommend it. Enjoy.

Two Tickets to Paradise (2022 TV Movie)

The best Hallmark I have seen

[9/10 · 1 July 2022]

Everything about this movie (with the exception of the condensed 1.5hr shrink of a good story for advertisements added).

Story, actors, director, setting -all were quite perfect. Have not truly enjoyed the comedy, the great chemistry between all the actors, the real enjoyment watching a good full length movie can bring. Hallmark is not known for this-but all is good here... Caveat again:, It was too short.

Ryan and Ashley clicked. Their comedic timing was perfect . Their supporting cast was perfect as well... enjoyable to connect with, "real" people .

Fans calling for a sequel are serious. This is the best "feel good" movie I have seen in years... We fans need: More surfing, snorkeling, and the beauty of Hawaii.

Loved it. Please repeat the good feels.

Hope at Christmas (2018 TV Movie)

Ryan Paevey gets a 7

[7/10 · 1 July 2022]

The disjointed script gets a 4 at best.

Paevey was fairly new to the Hallmark family here, but he delivers. Scottie has the more unbelievable aspects of the script to deal with. But there is no way to save her "hurt" level when she knows Paevey was Santa. Really?

Writers fir have little prayer for story denouement. Not enough time or space.

Still a Short, warm Christmas offering for the now "legion" of Ryan Paevey fans.

Country Crush (2016)

Killing off Kevin McGarry in a lousy movie just cements it as really bad.

[1/10 · 21 June 2022]

If you read the title , you know the important part of the movie. Lots of options with the main characters.

Mostly all the wrong ones were chosen.

Story sucked, lousy attempt at a musical sucked. The Remaining cast of "main" Characters sucked.

Looked at the year released and applauded newer directors and producers who knew that Jesse and Kevin were the stars with acting and singing "chops" to survive for a good, bright, and lasting futures. Thank God.

Cannot in good conscience recommend this movie to any age, sex, or religious affiliation. A real downer for all.

Miss Christmas (2017 TV Movie)

How to convince a man to KILL A BEAUTIFUL YEARS OLD EVERGREEN that was his mom's and dad's (initials on the trunk)

[3/10 · 10 June 2022]

Story was not good-disjointed at best.......seems killing a 40year old tree is justiable. Sorry,no way Beautiful scenery and the tree's setting were best.

Blucas and D'Orsay are fine as leads. Blucas has enough chemistry to carry the love type theme through it's usual Hallmark way.

I still do not believe this is for the entire family. I was upset, my two nephews were also when scenes about cutting down this remarkable tree were shown. Label it for adults only would be better... or for those that think Christmas Trees are Just a commodity.

The Irresistible Blueberry Farm (2016 TV Movie)

A superb movie, and one Hallmark needs to set as a standard

[10/10 · 10 June 2022]

Rare to see a realistic Hallmark movie with well developed, multi-faceted characters. No fade-outs when the two leads develop a real, confused, disarming relationship.

They, and the townspeople (the director to be commended) are so real they are like people in my life or yours.

The story/ screenplay are very well done... believable and original.

The actors are fine examples of the best you can find: the leads of Sweeney and Blucas- with the beautiful help of Shirley Jones, are truly amazing.

I was surprised at how good this Hallmark movie was, and now have watched it multiple times. I find my original assessment that it is superb still stands strong.

Good Morning Christmas! (2020 TV Movie)

Good actors, Story okay

[7/10 · 10 June 2022]

Standard, but well done Hallmark Christmas Fare. G-rated for the entire family leaves a few gaps for the mature audience to fill on its own. But, enjoyed it just the same. Lots of smiles and great , interesting townspeople in Mistletoe township. All good. All masters of their craft.

Best of course is the Blucas/ Sweeney combo as leads. Lots of caring/ chemistry between them. Not even a hint of them as a perfect pair with a great script as in the awesome movie "The Irresistible Blueberry Farm". If you liked this one, try a great one like "Blueberry".

Christmas in Love (2018 TV Movie)

Good story. Good actors.

[8/10 · 9 June 2022]

Daniel Lissing is definitely one of my favorite actors, whichever studio he chooses to work for doesn't matter.

Picked this movie because of him, but was favorably surprised to find the story and cast all first rate.

A good Christmas story. A timely lesson in keeping up with the times for businesses, with a story of heart and Willingness to learn and adapt and more importantly- compromise.

Only really thumbs-down --the director not being from the real world: the story takes place with a bakery manufacturer.

EVERYONE, except for the female lead are dressed to code with head and shoe covers, gloves, and clothing to keep the Products free from contamination..... Brooke has her very, very LONG hair hanging loose , not tied back or netted/capped, which is mandatory in all food producing sanitary work areas. Wrong on many levels. Shame on the director for this one.

Coyote Creek Christmas (2021 TV Movie)

Responding to the haters

[7/10 · 17 May 2022]

First, Janel Parrish may be immature, but only 4 years younger than Ryan Paevey... (for those who hate the disparity in age between the two). .. Strongly agree with the many who disliked the pairing... Hallmark has often put a popular weak female lead opposite a strong male. Doesn't work for me as a viewer, and really did not work here. Am tired, as many are, of the Hallmark recipe of the loud, often obnoxious, teary girls/females as the central character.

Second, The strong male leads are Rare in the Hallmark universe, but thankfully still exist in good movies. Women, and men, need stories where both leads are believable. We need good stories and better directing. It can happen- and does- in "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" with Paevey and Italia Ricci.

Third, Hallmark writers are now so very often: repetitive, seemingly clueless, and inept ... might be because there is only 4 weeks between projects.... Still Bad.

Fourth, the last ones standing, the ones who release movies with this magnitude of errors, the directors and their studios.. How can you not see the problems, not notice miscasting, not want an original, cohesive script? How can you be so blind to so many flaws on the finished products?

Shame on Hallmark. (Hopefully with the changes happening now at Hallmark, GAC, Lifetime, etc. ,these problems will be lessened.)

Eye Candy (2015)

Eye Candy - a second look

[8/10 · 17 May 2022]

The actors : esp Justice, Deidrick, and Lissing are really quite good. I thought originally that they were flat. But realize now that the writing is flat, not the actors.

The storyline itself has potential to be great. But, guess in the mode to worry about length and commercial placement, the story loses out.

Still watched it all before the network canceled and replaced it just as it was getting a lot better.

What a waste.

Hollywood Dirt (2017)

Hollywood Dirt makes Georgia Hot

[9/10 · 15 May 2022]

Tosca nailed this one. All perfectly cast, all matched perfectly for sparks to fly from the hottest of chemistry between Emma Rigby and Johann Urb. Rigby is not only beautiful, but a really, really good actress. Johann is a handsome, talented, excellent actor as well. These two were believable, never doubted their characters could have existed.

A story seemingly as old as Hollywood itself, is given a new twist, with a reality that blends well with the work.

I highly recommend this movie to all adults. It contains some very hot scenes, some very enjoyable laughs, and a very real look into the world of movie making.