Midnitewolf

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It looks like Hallmark is on its way back back to the "King of Cozy"
While being really quite different to their other Cozy Mysteries. But they are well acquainted with different periods in time.

I wasn't too sure when I saw it was historic. I admit, I do love the clothing. They really knew how to dress up back then! But how the hell did men get away with treating women like that?
I wince just thinking about a man talking that way to a lady now!
Hell hath no fury!

Anyway, back to Hallmarks latest cozy mystery, set in the 1800s
Obviously, that means amazing, flamboyant, beautiful outstanding clothing, rampant sexism. Yet no racism. I thought there was a lot back then.
Being "Hallmark" and a Cozy mystery, there is no bad language, no nudity, no gore, but on this occasion, the story needed to show the head injury, with blood for a few seconds.

This stood out to me, because I thought it was really clever and different. The clues were all presented clearly to the audience. Leaving us to piece them together to try to figure out "whodunnit"
I know, most do. But this one seemed to be very clear, giving the audience the clues, rather than the characters solving one clue that leads them to the next clue.
This one seems to get all of the clues, like jigsaw pieces, to reveal the picture at the end.
I liked that.
I like the costumes.
I like the locations.

The actors were all solid and interacted well. Kudos to the leading lady, who gave the character many different edges that could become excellent character building foundation.
IF!!! If Hallmark will finally give us a new film series, rather than keep giving us one off Mysteries. You don't have time to invest in the characters and really start to enjoy seeing the characters for each new one is added to the series. Like welcoming home a friend.
I think this has potential,. Run with it!

10/10!!! This has broken through to get a perfect score! I may have to rethink my scoring system! There is no way up!

Ok, just today, I was saying there is a lack of originality in romcoms.
I asked if a rating of 10/10 was achievable.
Well, I rated the last one as 9, losing a little due to predictability.

This one broke all of the stereotypical boundaries. This aimed high and hit the bullseye.

A fresh, original, exciting and risky, beautiful, amazing movie!

Based, in part, in the world of aerial silks.
When done right, a beautiful display of art, dance, strength, bravery, exhilaration and expression. No safety net. Nothing between you and the ground, apart from 2 strips of silk.

This art is occasionally seen in the background of shows and movies.

This one, decided to really challenge the actors, to act, dance and aerial silks! Simple!

While the male lead, actually had a background in the world famous live show Cirque, the female lead has a history of ballet, I could not find any references to her doing any aerial work.
The male lead has obvious strength, you really can't miss it, even before the silks! If anything, I would think his arm muscles would make him too big and bulky for the, some what elegant art of silks.
The female lead is obviously very, Very fit and strong, but Aerial silks make you use muscles you never knew you had, after an hour, muscles you wish you didn't have!

I cannot even start to think how many hours they must have put in to learning these skills.

A stretch too far? Asking too much of them physically?
I would say to the first, absolutely not for this pair! To the second, Absolutely!! It is absolutely too much to expect two actors to be able to learn the silks until their muscles go in to spasm and take days to recover from the lesson! Then repeat! Then make a movie. It is simply too much to ask of anyone.

Yet, they made it work! Not just work, in fact, they made the film fly.

While the time frame in the film, made the evolution a little unbelievable, I would guess it took them hundreds of hours of hard labour, which wouldn't really make a great film! So I will happily allow that artist licence.

I don't want to give any hint of spoilers, so I will just say, that either a rehearsal, or the show itself, they show an almost tear pulling, beautiful, heart confusing ( heart in your throat, while also pounding And missing a beat, all at the same time! Heart confusing!) Seamless, amazing display of timing, strength, beauty, smooth, dazzling, gravity defying risky dance in the air.

While I did see that stunt doubles were used in part, you could easily see the actors were able (or maybe, allowed) to do the lower level tricks, therefore, they have both learned the skills needed to do the same thing, higher up the silks. So, I guess, insurance or health and safety decided that the risk of injury, leaving them unable to complete the movie, was definitely a possibility.

What can I say? Even if you have no respect for actors, (then, you have obviously never acted on stage, or not put your heart in to it. You have to become a different person, you take on the characters pain, anger, love, confusion. Then show all of that, to an audience or camera, feeling the characters feelings, then wait for the judgement of the audience. It isn't as easy as just reading lines. It is like going to work at the office naked and waiting to see if people look impressed, laugh or turn green) You have to give these actors so much respect and praise for the strength, work and train, to be so good in these hugely difficult characters.

I am in awe. I know they will never read this, but huge praise to them. Heck, doing the splits is impressive to me! Doing the splits, with absolutely no support, other than your heels in a loop of silk, 6 feet off the ground? Come on folks! Respect is due here.
The female lead, very beautiful, fluid, flexible, ballet probably had a part to play. So much strength, without bulky muscle.
The male lead, obvious strength and muscle, yet able to still be graceful.

And on top of all that, with help from the cast and crew and associated persons required, they made a great movie.

New, original, fresh, exciting, exhilarating, powerful yet elegant and beautiful movie.

I would love to see a second movie about what happens next! Please! With new tricks, higher ceilings and original storytelling.

If you love your light hearted romance, or, RomComs (I don't really understand that. Because they are really comedic, but a few laughs along the way) then I think you will love this.
I think it was well written, well thought out, quite clever, without trying TOO hard to be the smartest ever. You know? They didn't over complicate it all.
A great movie, to snuggle up with the one you love, after a hard day at work, or to relax with on a quiet Sunday.
Great, light hearted romance has been a little lacking lately. Possibly due to COVID? But this one was simply wonderful.
Ok, so, like most, it was slightly predictable and has been done before in different guises and budgets, different actors, different places.
But it was unique enough to stand up and stand out.
The actors were all great and believable as their characters. Very much so. So, you can sort of be a fly on the wall, really watching it unfold. Almost be part of it. Absolutely no complaints about any of them. The chemistry was there with all of them.
Together with the whole team of crew and people involved, should consider this, a great product, well wrapped, nicely polished, sound was great, with no music louder than the talking (I hate that) no hollow echo, lighting was natural and worked to improve the movie, rather than trying to be noticed.
One small thing that didn't work for me. Which is ironic, considering the characters job. The make up was really awful in places, for the mail lead. We were joking about him being a cage fighter in his down time and needed to cover the cuts and bruises! I don't know if he had been unwell and pale maybe? The make up was so heavy, we thought maybe it was COVID, so make up had to work from a distance and put it on a spade and throw it at him from 10 feet away.
Because of the overall quality of this movie, I guess there must of been a reason and I apologise if my little dig causes offence! Not that anyone will read this, especially not people in the movies!
I gave it a 9/10 because it was excellent overall. But the predictable story, while comfortable and still enjoyable, something completely different would be a brave and risky, it would be refreshing.
Really really great film. Gentle, clever, well polished and presented, great sound and light, character, storytelling, everything was almost perfect. But is perfect even possible?

I thought this was an excellent example of a "Cozy Mystery"
Yes, there is a death. But no gore, no swearing. Minimal violence. No sexual content, although, perhaps a suggestion of it, vaguely. But no nudity or more than a kiss.

The acting, in parts, was a little O.T.T. in parts, a little more like on stage, where it is exaggerated, so people at the back of the theatre can see them.
But some how, it worked? Or maybe my love of theatre made it understandable?
The lead was excellent, really. Just perfect. Some big names appear, that surprised me, because this didn't seem like a huge budget movie.
The story was excellent, up until the end. The end, I thought was a little lack lustre and unimaginative. Without giving a spoiler, it is hard to explain. But a certain lack of some twists and turns, maybe let the movie down a little?

I am always looking for "Cozy Mysteries"
I find that they are easy to watch, bring you in to the mystery. There is not too much "Reality" to them. I find that very refreshing. I get more misery in the real world! I don't always want to see reality, warts n all, bad language, gore, nudity. That kind of viewing, may be more realistic. But they are also a dime a dozen.

A good Cozy Mystery, you don't have to mute it if children or parents walk in. Most people would, I think, be happy to sit down with their family to watch it, without fear or embarrassment.

Great great great movie if you love the genre, Christmas decorations, gnomes and a good movie to relax.
I rated it 8 out of 10. But I would love this to be a returning movie series. Or at least, the people involved, continue making "Cozy Mysteries".
They made this an amazing and enjoyable viewing for this very under served genre.
I don't understand why there isn't more. You don't need a block busting budget. You don't need a star studded cast. Just a few respected or able actors, with a fair cast behind them. The stories don't even need to be mind blowing.
This did have some big names and they were brilliant.
Please! This growing fan base need more! More and more people are looking to leave all of the violence, bad language and reality at the door. Then sit cozy and step in to a world of mystery, where even murder, is quaint. I don't need to see the insides of the victim. Just a loving, caring people, and try to figure out, which one is a killer, thief, naughty person underneath the facade.

I really wanted to give this more than 8, but I think it is fair.
As a "Cozy Mystery" it is a 9.
But as a movie, 8 is very respectable and I really hope the people behind it, learn from it and make many, many more

Incredible! A stunning performance from a cast of stars and soon to be stars. A Stella casting and visionary crew, from sweeper to director and all between.

This, should of been terrible. It shouldn't of worked. It is too silly and mixed genre, even a PG13 rating, for, what should of been a crusty flop aired on children's tv on free to air channel.

It works! It must of taken so much thought and planning, to make this so incredible.
The cast had amazing chemistry going. I plead with people to give it time. Watching the first part, may make you think it isn't for you. I know I didn't. I was looking for something else to watch. Luckily, it gave the movie time to intrigue me. In my mind, it switched, from silly, to great song, to understanding what was happening, then being dragged, kicking and screaming, in to the movie. Then progressed on a Rollercoaster of emotion that nearly had a tear in my eye. Please, give it a try. It may surprise you, like it did me.

That is the short version.
If you want to read more thoughts and general waffling from midnitewolf a half mad, half wolf, totally unqualified, waffling guy who shoots of in tangents, please read on. Today's tangent is red/ginger/auburn hair.

I read the write up. I thought it would be awful.

You know, I looked at this, thought that the cheese factor, would be off the charts and just too daft, even for my Christmas list.
But, I like to be fair.
So, I stuck it on the box, and started looking for what to watch instead.
Truly, this story, just should not work. The whole idea is silly.
I saw the PG13 rating and I was even more surprised. Surely this should of be aimed at kids?
When it starts, it comfirmred my first thoughts about it being too silly. But I always try to give it a chance.
Who ever agreed to fund this movie, must of been mad, genius, visionary or great trust in the people making the movie, casting the movie and making it ready to screen.

I would say, maybe it was written for musical theatre. Maybe even cast for, written for and maybe even of been on stage? I don't like to research the movies, just sit and watch and have my own opinion.

I don't know why this movie worked. It should of been corny, cheesy, camp and silly.

It SHOULD not be any good.

I cannot understand it, because it was incredible!

The cast were perfect! They were flawless and totally believable! In a slightly, I want to say "over acting" but that would make them sound bad. But they were, if anything, too darn good!

Once you start to understand what is happening, it starts to make perfect sense. The O. T. T. Is not only A. O. K. But T. N. T. It blew me away.
When you understand it, process it, not only does it make the movie stand out, it actually, really, really be, not only real and believable, but it makes perfect sense. It made me wonder if it is loosely based on fact.

In other movies I have reviewed, I have said how important the chemistry between the actors is for me. Two amazing actors with amazing camera, producers, script etc, can be absolutely rubbish, if you don't believe they are in love. Or mother and daughter, or what ever. If the chemistry isn't there, it makes it hard to believe. You can watch it, but you cannot be a part of it. Because if the actors are meant to be lovers, but you can see hints that they don't like each other, you don't know if the actor, is acting like the character doesn't really like her or he doesn't really love her, or if it is the actor that doesn't like the actress? It just loosing its nuance and you don't know what is happening. Is the character cheating on the female character but pretending he loves her for her money? Or is he planning to kill her off?
Nope. Just two great actors that just cannot pull off being in love.

Well, this whole cast have incredible chemistry. Ok, that doesn't mean they all really get along. Definitely doesn't mean lovers are in love. It just means they, sort of "become" their characters enough to make it believable.
believe everyone can and do act. Every day. You may be a polite person when you are effing and blinding, on a night out with your friends. While you may also be a right bear at work.
Most people will change, even just slightly, to be appropriate for their surroundings.

Occasionally, just now and then, there is a truly unforgettable, mind blowing super star. You can't really tell, from just one movie or TV show, because, maybe the role just suited them perfectly. No acting required! Will they be exactly the same, if put in another role?

I suffer some health problems that includes memory problems. Also something that makes it very difficult to remember faces and names.
So, until I do research, I don't know if I have seen the Young lady in the leading role.
I honestly don't even know their name.
No offense meant! Because I will remember your performance. I am going to see if she has been in anything else. If so, I will be watching it soon (Thanks to Trakt, it really helps my memory! It keeps track of everything I watch, and I don't have to remember to write it or tell trakt. But also, I can go to history, find the movie, open it, go to actors. Tap the photo, it bring them up with a short biography, along with filmography and TV shows. Everything they got credit for.
Or go pro for peanuts and you can make a copy of the list, to appear on your lists of lists. Or, pick the ones you want to watch and add to Up Next. You can add all of your TV providers and it will even tell you where, when and if it will cost you to rent it or if it is free with your providers. No, I am not on their pay roll! :rofl: But I am open to offers! :sunglasses::laughing:

I think this young actor, singer and dancer, picked up this show and ran with it. I think the director was a visionary. The sound department got it spot on, where other movies in the last few years have ruined movies with the talking couldn't be heard, because background was louder than the actors track. You have to keep turning the TV up to hear the talking, then blow the speaker with a bird wing flap!

The lead, for me, was a huge part of turning this in to a masterpiece.

She created, with everyone else involved, made this a crazy Rollercoaster of emotions. It really had me close to tears.

I cannot figure out how that happened. It should of been a groan fest. But after half an hour, this apparently silly movie, became a still, slightly silly movie, but not one that is the weirdest thing I have ever heard of.
They seem to of took a silly script, a serious script, some wonderful songs, wonderfully sang, and stuck them in a blender. Then played around for a thousand hours, swapping things around, until they had something that might, just work. Picked a trusting backer, hired talent agency that really knows it stuff. Who picked a lottery winning group of energetic and hungry cast, picked a visionary director and together came up with this absolutely magic.

My fear is, a lot of people won't watch it long enough, to be sucked in to this crazy, amazing and logical show.

Big thumbs up to the people that, unlike me, could see what an amazing film it could make.

I don't think it would be a spoiler to say, that a film, where, suddenly, everyone bursts into song and dance, is quite an old fashion thing. There are still some. But not many, because it is a little silly.
But I don't know if it was the writer, that came up with a logical reason for this to happen. GENIUS.

Who ever cast it. Perfect.

The performers, Amazing.

Hundreds of unseen and under appreciated folks behind the scenes, incredible, under difficult circumstances for many of them, perfect balance from talking, smooth switch to singing. These aren't usually filmed in the order they are shown in. There are people that have to sort and put the right bits in the right places. Someone that has to cut out the mistakes from a hundred hours of takes. Retakes. Reframes. Someone that has to make it look like an hour and a half of continuous and consistent movie. Some person that has to remember exactly who Should be wearing what when. Then, days later, when they shoot the song, make sure they still are wearing what they were wearing.
And, what I imagine must be a huge brain, that remembers who did what, where and when, who was doing what, wearing what and pull it all together. My poor head could not even comprehend that task.
The the crew that hand built and painted most of the sets and create whole cities, that disappear quicker than they appeared.
It really does take a city to make a movie. This city, I kind of imagine them all singing and dancing their way together to the set.

I have to point out a very common factor, that isn't often noticed, but a strange fact.
How many people with red/ginger hair do you know and see on an average day?
How many red/ginger hair people do you see on T. V.?
I have watched 4 movies so far today. All 4 had a red head lead. I don't know if it is natural, dyed, wig or what. But there are definitely a higher percentage of red haired actors (when I say actor, I mean both male and female equally)
Than you find generally in the world.
One of the many strange, wonderful facts about red heads! A higher percentage of red heads are left handed, than the other hair colours. That also tracks with, a higher majority of artists, in music, paint, song, actors are also left handed. Something to do with left brain is for artistic, creative, imagination, where right brain is more for facts, logic, deductive, mathematical. Red heads also don't go Grey, because they don't have that pigment. They go from red, to white hair. (Santa??)

Now I have mentioned it, see if you notice.
If you know a red head, be careful and be. Nice. Treat them well. Most will appear to be the strongest people you will meet.
However, another strange thing, I don't believe it has been scientifically proven, because the study was on a small scale, but out of 100 female red heads tested, 78% of them had double the nerve endings that other hair colours have.
So, as strong as they seem, they also feel physical pain a lot worse. A fact, that would back up this theory, they need to be given more anesthetia to red Haired patients to keep them asleep in surgery.
I am part of a red haired family, that decided I wasn't worthy of the gene!
Relevant to the movie? Probably not? But, wow, did the lead, (looked like real red) put on a magical performance and took me on an incredible journey through the movie.

If anyone out there in this strange world we are living in, actually read all the way here, please, either get medical help, or let me know. If you like it, hate it, let me know. I am just experimenting. All feedback is great.

Well. Quite a movie!
Really beautiful scenery, good solid actors (Female and male) that all seemed to work really well together with really believable performance from all. Including the youngsters who put on a really great performance.

The storyline, is almost unbelievable! with such long odds of such a thing happening! Yet, in my life, I have witnessed, personally, events that simple shouldn't happen, because the odds are mind blowing.

When you watch, you will understand. I could probably be clearer, as we find out very early in the movie. But I think you should discover it for yourself, in the same way as I did.

I have had a horrible day. That would probably normally, influence the film negatively, so I have to try to adjust my ratings, accordingly.

I started watching it, after an exhausting day, ending in a medical problem and a lot of pain. So I should be quite hard to please. But after watching this film, the big bad wolf, howling at the midnight moon, had a tear in the corner of my eye and a lump in my throat.

It, again, wasn't the most romantic or Christmassy Christmas romance.
But it is emotional and touching and romance is involved, along with some very mind bending questions being put forward for the characters, actors (all ages, male and female) as well as the viewers.
Not many people will ever face any of this for real, but may Santa bless those who do, will, or have faced the first situation. May he fill yours and your children's stockings full of love and magic every year. It is obvious to anyone with eyes and a news paper/TV/or app, that the world needs more people like you.

A really enjoyable, beautiful, extremely well thought through, complicated, weaving story, presented in a gorgeous way that was easy to follow and invest yourself in.
There are no right or wrongs, just two different rights, that don't match up, in a bizarre, random, series of events, that shouldn't happen, the chances are tiny. Yet they seem to happen more often than they should, especially at Christmas.
Fate? extreme coincidence? an unseen, all knowing guiding hand? A god? Santa? Or Christmas magic?

There is no magic wand or cauldrons making magic in this movie. (But I think the Santa in the bowling hall, may of been the real one! I know he is always happy to pop it to be filmed for a movie now and then, if he has a spare moment, to promote happiness and Christmas spirit!)

Anyway, I digress.

With the cast, seemingly working so well together, a really Stella and original (to my knowledge) storyline, beautiful location (and possibly the real Santa cameo) I have to say it again, two young lads, acting out very complex roles, so well together and with the adult cast, as a movie, possibly a 10, but for a Christmas romance movie, for my first ever reviewed list, I think I would be fair giving it

8/10 full moons,

But I think I can throw 2 stars at it, as token of it being such a great moving, sensitively handled, complex plot, while still being easy viewing and easy to follow movie.
Maybe have a tissue handy. (for the grumpy guys!) :joy: who, of course don't cry at movies. But just in case a bit of dust gets in your eye...

It is always difficult to rate movies. This one is a great example of why.
This isn't aimed at the over 25s (and, oh boy, am I over 25 and feeling every year of it)
So it is hard to rate, for every one.
If I was lower aged and less jaded, this would probably be an easy 10.
It stars a person, that was pretty much born on the big screen! Luckily, it appears that she is still loving every scene of it! Either that, or she really is gold.
I am talking about, of course, the great Bailee Madison. I find she always seems to lift the whole production, especially the cast, to a very pleasing energy level.
Either that, or it is just coincidentally high level.
You can make your own mind up!
I actually enjoyed this, possibly more than an old man child should!
The cast were great together, the story, while not exactly unheard of, was a different and quite a new twist on the norm.
On the romance aspect, it was a slow burn and not the main focus, but still, it gave a sweet moment that many that has romance as the main feature have been missing.
It is a really good, solid movie to snuggle in with, in the matching onesies and warm log fire.
Christmas however, is not featured as a main theme either, so, if you are a family that likes to make Christmas last as long as you can, I would suggest watching this at the end of November, as a suggestion of upcoming Christmas and time for Santa to see who is being naughty and nice.
Save the Christmassy Christmas movies for December.

Because of the low romance content, this doesn't score as highly as the movie deserves as a Christmas movie. But possibly more than the lack of romance should, in a list of Christmas romance movies!
I have gave it a full, family friendly

7/10 midnitewolf full moons.
.

This isn't the typical Christmas movie for me. I love a good "Cheesy" movie, as people call them.
This breaks down age barriers, to appeal to the pre-teen as well as teen audience, while catering to parents with a pinch for the parents parents.
It moved this jaded old wolf. Which isn't always easy!
Most "Feel good" romantic Christmas movies, are admittedly, often the same story, just in a different small town. A Dr, instead of a baker.
A big city character comes to a small town etc.
I don't mind that too much. They are, by their nature, a little predictable. Predictable isn't always bad. You know what to expect, to nice cozy viewing, following two main characters really.
I thought this one was very clever and really mixed it up. A teenage girl, her Dad, and a adult pop star. Even a grandma!
The difference here, is, the main focus, that shifts between the daughter, the Dad and the star. Christmas and a quinceañera, (a latino girls 15th birthday celebration and rite of passage, that symbolises a girl's entrance into womanhood. It's cultural root in Mexico, becoming more popular now in other area's. Just a note to anyone who hasn't heard of it. Like me, until last year!)
Also a perfect mix of Spanish and American. (is Spanish correct? or Mexican? or Latin? or Latin American? or Latino? I am not trying to be offensive, although I understand why you may think I am. I am honestly just ignorant. There is no-one I know that I can check with. So I would be delighted to be educated. If anyone can let me know, I promise I will correct it immediately)
I am, sadly an English speaker. I was born in the UK, where, sadly, they are very lazy and arrogant, seem to expect everyone else to speak in English when they are near by. Even in a foreign country, they just expect everyone to speak English. So, a film in English, with someone frequently talking in another language, without subtitles, I don't have a clue what they are saying.
But the little bits of Spanish they use, well, the way it is said, the way they express it, is universal, Thanks to some really Stella acting.
I have to say the three main women in this movie were explosive. They didn't read the lines, they acted them with the tone voice, body language and facial expressions that really dragged me in the movie. I almost felt part of it.
The music wasn't, by any means, my kind of music. But there were two or 3 beautiful songs.
So, no Santa. No elves. No Dr's or bakers.
But it breaks all the rules, crosses all boarders, breaks out of the mould.
An original Christmas/Navidad/quinceañera, pre teen/ teen/ adult romance.

9/10 full moons, from Midnitewolf

I found this very disappointing from the start. The acting was sadly awful.
I don't like to give bad reviews as, I couldn't do better!
But it is worse than a local stage play.
The actors just couldn't seem to gel. It sounded very cheap and more like a dress rehearsal, just running lines in preparation for the real deal. With Covid causing chaos, maybe some of it was? I would be surprised if it didn't have significant impact, as it just isn't right.
A lot of the time, I can't put my finger on what is missing.
A lot of the camera work is also terrible. I wonder if this was actually done with the actors socially distanced, or even at different times? This would explain some of the lack of chemistry between the cast.
In conversations, the camera switches from one, to the other, then back again, it made me giddy.
The lighting seemed to be the exactly the same in most locations, cold, blank, stark and didn't give any atmosphere or enhance the scene as it should.
The same can be said about the sound. It is like they have found a level and left it in those settings for the whole movie. However, unlike some, the atmospheric background music, was in the background. Some movies these days, you can struggle to hear the dialogue over the background noise. So they got that right.
As far as I know, this was made, at least partially, during the pandemic. So maybe that caused enough complications to force a less than than polished movie.
I am thinking, a not great movie in a time when studios were having to close, is better than no movie or repeated movies.