Change Your Image
linda-plant2
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Christmas on 5th Avenue (2021)
Clearly on a budget
Most of the film was set in an apartment - a place that's been hired out, so production need to get their monies worth. So it was just a case of moving from room to room.
The same with the sparce cast of characters - the two leads dominated the dialogue and scenes. The acting by the female lead was wildly over the top - how do they get work ?
The story would have been good in the hands of others. Anyone discovering someone else in their home, who insisted on staying with such persistence would have been out on their ear - not told to "get on with it and stay out of my way" and then she starts singing loudly fully knowing he's a writer who needs quiet. Totally annoying.
If I see her listed in another film I won't be watching. This is bad.
Les rivières pourpres (2018)
Dark but watchable
Unlike most detective stories these erred on the dark side of humanity. There was everything from the sadistic sexual to the realms of fantasy, with a twist at the end. Once you got into the writers thought process it was easy to spot the murderer from the outset. Some were difficult to watch, personally I can't even look at a snake, so the episode with an abundance of the things, I spent more time looking away from the screen than I did watching it.
The two leads weren't particularly user friendly, in fact as cops they were a bit useless. Rendering an attacker disarmed, what do they do? Turn their back to make a phone call so of course its the inevitable attack from behind. In the earlier seasons the female always ended up in a hellish situation- brought on herself because she never waited for backup. The grumpy guy couldn't fight his way out of a paper bag so it was all a bit pathetic. Yes, its the scriptwriters that dictate the story, so they should make it more believable - which doesn't mean turning your back on an aggressor, ever.
A Bridesmaid in Love (2022)
How did it get past the bosses ?
Honestly? I've seen better acting in amateur drama groups. No-one shone in this film, the dialogue was spoken as though they were still reading the script - without emotion. Humorous parts were badly timed, and I can't believe the Casting Director wasn't fired for not finding more able actors.
Then the story should have been good but it was badly portrayed. How can a Gallery owner open a gallery without knowing what he's doing and relying on his mate for advice ? How can a mother walk into a room chatting away and not see the wedding bridesmaid sitting there ? Dad cooking at the stove, but was more like a model posing. So bad.
I recorded it, so after the excruciating first 20 minutes I whizzed through to the end.
Inspector Borowski (2016)
Very little action
I very much enjoyed series 1 and much of series 2, there was plenty of detective work and because of the length of each episode, there was a proper beginning; middle and end, with plenty of humour.
Series 3 began with a new side kick for Borowski and the episodes became painfully slow to watch. Like watching paint dry. Characters became deep and dark, and even the humour between Borowski and his boss in the earlier series had all but gone.
I had to look up where Kiel was, so it was interesting to get a photographic view of the area.
The principal actors gave good performances and overall was a good drama to watch, but I'm gad Series 3 only ran to 6 episodes - that was enough.
Harmony from the Heart (2022)
A Right Pair of Jesses
Where to start ? Not the first I've seen Jessica Loundes in, and yep her range of acting is still minimal. Not the first time I've seen Jess Metcalf, and yep his range of acting is still minimal.
The story is ludicrous as expected from Hallmark. Some are good but when they're bad they're terrible. The two leads are around 40 in ages, but are trying to be early 20s, and some scenes are positively amateurish in their acting . Clearly Metcalf is middle aged now so his acting needs to reflect that, and not that of a bashful school boy.
The script is a cheese fest of "follow your heart" type dialogue- like we speak like this in real life - not.
The story is one of blackmail - heal my brother and you get your dream job/placement, if not you dont.
This is not one of Hallmarks best.
Madam Secretary (2014)
50 shades of BLUE
Anyone else notice how the colour palette on this show is blue ? Aside from the neutrals and the odd red dress, there are more blue shirts, blue suits, blue blouses, blue upholstry, blue painted rooms than any other show ive seen ! Even a grieving mother in her home wore a blue cardigan with blue blouse. No greens, yellows, purples or pinks on this programme.
The show itself is a good binge, but i found all the opening sequences showing an incident abroad, were all a bit stagey - you could almost hear the Director shout 'action'.
Given the power of her office, the family home seemed "meagre" - everone falling over themselves in the snall kitchen, and certainly no room for diplomatic dinners !
The kids were a nightmare. The eldest daughter didnt stick to anything, the son was precocious, and in the middle of Season 4 the middle child "noodle" suddenly had plumped up lips !! With her dark eyes she looked to be of a different culture to her siblings ! - was she adopted ? It was also evident that Tea Leoni and Tim Daly were a couple, given they couldn't keep their hands off each other on screen.
The best actor for me anyway, was Blake ! His injected humour into his assistant role was a joy to watch. The two who i thought were mis-cast was Mat and Daisy. West Wing they certainly were not, acting like schoolkids all the time, I was too distracted by Daisys eyes (thyroid problem ?) to focus on her dialogue but she over-acted anyway. Mat didnt 'gel' as a speech writer, and was just irritating. As for Nadine, im not surprised she legged it after 3 seasons, with her dreadful wardrobe she was given to wear. Who thought sticking her in brown, black and maroon against her pale white skin was a good idea. Then on a trip to Libya - an Islamic country, there she was in a sleeveless frock with a slit to the thigh visiting a patient in hospital !
I shall continue to the end though.
Scandal (2012)
SEASON ONE WAS ENOUGH
On someones recommendation (and after enjoying The Good Wife and The West Wing), I wanted to enjoy another 7 seasoner. Oh dear, I realised 15 minutes into episode 1 that I wasn't going to see the end of the lengthy run.
From the outset, the dialogue was too fast (good job I had subtitles on), the camera shots were too fast paced, and the incessant background music was over whelming.
I don't mind watching with no recognisable names, although I had seen Tony Goldwyn and Josh Melina in other productions, and they were good, but I thought the character of Quinn was ludicrously stupid, and i wouldn't have employed her to make the tea, and the actress playing her was pretty rubbish at acting too.
I didn't connect with this drama, as the storylines were far fetched and ridiculous, so I checked online as to the rest of the Seasons, and so couldn't invest the time. Season one was enough for me.
The Good Wife (2009)
A GOOD CHILL OUT BINGE
Years ago when this first aired, I couldnt be bothered to commit to a weekly show that would go on for years. But I've recently binged Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, The (brilliant)West Wing and now this.
WOW! A lot of the intermittant cast of West Wing pitch up in this. I thought Hollywood had a far larger stable of actors to choose from.
Personally despite being watchable, it doesnt have the quick-fire humour of TWW, and is all the poorer for it. But Alan Cumming does his best.
However there are some good storyline and good acting. Diane and Eli hold it all together. I'm wondering if the actress playing Alevia has succumbed to Botox, as her emotion range is zero - her face barely moves. Kalinda also is too permanently severe - would a slip of a young woman really have an outward tough job I don't think so. No problem with Will, and his exit will be missed.
As usual (and sadly) we have to endure some extremely unlikeable kids. The two teenagers create havoc, have no manners, and are as thick as planks, yet all the parents say (Peter and Alicia) is "its OK its not your fault". They needed bawling out and disciplined. Yet tv and film parents are always portrayed giving a softly softly approach - wrong ! These two would give reason to abstain from having children.
In all I would say that if this is a true depiction of the justice system in the US, particularly the truly dreadful "Bond "Court", and the equally idiot attitude of the Judges, then I wholly sympathise with anyone falling foul of the judicial system and money grabbing lawyers in the US.
The West Wing (1999)
ADDICTIVE
I didn't watch this 25 years ago when it first aired, so I've pretty much binged watch this now.
I congratulate Aaron Sorkin for creating and writing a TV series unlike any other. However, maybe a great number of Americans understood much of the dialogue, and all the initials uttered as a short form for companies and government departments, but I expect us here in the UK haven't a clue what the characters are talking about !! I watched with sub titles, and still found it another language.
I enjoy the fast pace action, but it borders on the manic at times. In fact most of the dialogue is spoken while the characters are walking, and walking down endless corridors. I would love an aerial view of the "set", as I can't imagine (certainly not in my career life), of serious conversations happening on the go ! That's all they do in every episode is lots of walking with a few minutes in their office. I just imagine the director shouts "action" then suddenly 2 dozen extras start walking frantically in and around the main characters in and out of rooms so it does become samey every episode.. "Clearly not a lot was spent on sets, and wasn't the Oval Office and Bartletts bedroom used in the film The Americam president ?
Nevertheless it's compulsive viewing, and a treat to see Rob Lowe and the others looking so gloriously young. !
Monster (2017)
Watching paint dry
The cast of characters were unattractive - in more ways than one. Two detectives who were so inept they would have trouble finding their own front door, and the whole story could have been done and dusted in less than 4 episodes. A really convoluted plot line, and we were treated to naked women running along a frozen seashore, later followed by two naked old men doing a bit of Sumo wrestling on the front seats of a car !
There was very little dialogue to learn, as there was much looking into the distance, lots of lingering pauses and all very depressing. If people actually live in that environment - where they venture into the forests alone, or sit gazing out to sea, with only one bar and one cafe, then little wonder suicide is rife in Scandinavia.
I do wonder with Scandi dramas why the colour pallette for dress is so restricted to neutrals and all shades of blue ! Never see a yellow sweater or a red dress, or purple or even pink blouse. Are these colours outlawed or are the Scandinavians really thst boring ?
Terzi (2023)
Where to start....
Who thought that one long affair could be stretched out over 3 series ? I wanted to stop watching after half way through season 1 but like a car crash, you can't stop looking.
I was confused as to whether it was a Muslim or Christian series, but it was unimportant as it turned out.
I didn't warm to the actress playing Esvet. She had one expression which only changed with a few tears. A hint of a smile only happened in the last episode. The script also had her turning up when she shouldn't have - all the time, which was irritating to the story. Pueramy was a good character but throughout, there was lots of "filler" long pauses of "looks' with piano background playing., so I did a lot of fast forwarding.
The actor playing Mustafa was beyond excellent, but he underwent a seismic change in a short time. One minute needing to be spoon fed to wearing a tuxedo and having grow up conversations !
My favourite was Dimitri, the actor had the best part playing a manic with a range of emotions BUT he had the most wonderful wardrobe of spectacles and shaded sunglasses ! By the end I missed his perfect teeth and had serious glasses envy !
Meet Me in New York (2022)
AWFUL
Where do these movie companies get their actors from ? Because if those in this film are the best of those auditioned, then the movie industry is in dire straits. The "acting" was forced, and who meets their best friend in a coffee shop with squeals to tell them they need to see each other more ? The over-acting of the friend was cringe worthy, and she needs to have more acting lessons.
Then there is the precocious child who knows and demands everything. Once she came into the picture, we were in children's TV territory when a birthday party was mentioned and organised. At this point I'd had enough and switched off.
Wedding of a Lifetime (2022)
Fast forwarded...... a lot
Oh dear, where to start. Individually both leads are good, but the endless juvenile scenes that were supposed to be funny, were not. Banging incessantly on a front door, a dash through streets in sleepwear, slipping on oranges at the same time, is slapstick not fun ! There is much reporting about actors who are able to play a part or not, well Jonathan Bennett is openly gay, so it was a good stretch of imagination to see him in a heterosexual romantic role, as are a couple of other gay actors in the Hallmark stable. Then there was the usual staple of "interfering family", and add to the mix a maniacally intruding film crew, and I wonder what state of mind the scriptwriters are in when they come up with these story lines ! Glad I recorded it so I could fast forward all the dross.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Reuse of props !!
Er, if I'm not mistaken the big dome with the swivelly computer was used in another film - Eagle Eye with Shia Lebeouf . As soon as the opening sequence started I knew I'd seen it before, and that film isn't that old. Recycling at its best. Most of what's written in these reviews I have to agree with, so I won't repeat, but in particular the dialogue is a bit hackneyed, the scriptwriters were probably put under pressure due to Covid and the industry strikes. Saying all that, it's an ok watch, and seeing Cruise as his younger gorgeous self makes you aware how old hin and us are all getting !!! .
The Bricklayer (2023)
Didn't keep me interested
Like others on here I like Eckhart, but why has he suddenly decided to speak his lines with a low husky whisper ? As he spoke with authority in all his other films. The fight scenes were all a bit clichéd but worst of all was the oh so typical casting character of a stroppy woman who is the superior who knows nothing (so why is she in charge ?), always has to accompany on assignment, has always never been in the field , is never wanted by the hero, and always has to be sarcastic. Can't scriptwriters come up with anything more original ?.
The Bricklayer, was that a working title, because it didn't fit in with the story. (At least The Accountant with Ben Affleck as an accountant actually worked - and there was a young sarcastic female in that too !)
Worst film I've seen Eckhart perform in - he must have needed the money.
Planning for Joy (2022)
RUBBISH
10 minutes in and I've had enough. The excruciatingly poor acting by actors who haven't yet mastered their craft, added with casting where there is no chemistry between the leads.
I can only imagine they must do brilliant auditions because how would they get work otherwise. The storyline is about a businesswoman - (more suited to a nursery school) which is a big stretch to the imagination. I am now only going to watch Reel One / Hallmark films that have more mature actors with decent scriptwriting - like Her Pen Pal which I've watched recently and is an excellent example of a good film when the right casting, storyline and scripting all come together.
The Beauty of Love (2021)
LOST INTEREST 20 mins in.
Oh dear, lavender is good for sleeping, but in the absence of it, then just watch the film. So slow to the point of who cares ? The character Jill was too gushing in her first appearance, - irritatingly so, and the actress playing her was ott in her delivery.
The two leads were not helped with the long, drawn out and inane script, and so cheesy in parts. The acting was wooden, you could almost hear the Director shout "action" as they slowly appeared walking around a corner. This story might have been suitable for an amateur drama group, but it was painful to sit through a 2 hour fil. With ads.
The Blessing Bracelet (2023)
Cheesy
First, Amanda's flat wig was a cross between Nicole Kidman and Veronica Lake, and looked old fashioned for 2024. The U. S have always been a bit behind in the fashion stakes, with some lead ladies looking like 1960s country singers.
The storyline was different, but whereas we know that Hallmark scriptwriters love lines that include "listen to your heart" and ""follow your heart" - (do people actually talk like that ? They do in Hallmarkland apparently), I found that the constant referrals to faith, God and community, a bit OTT. Maybe it's because here in the UK we don't "do" faith films we're just not that preachy. We go to whichever church our God dictates - if we go, but we're pretty much low key in our faith so yes, I do find this film a bit cheesy.
The two leads were well matched, and it was an OK watch. I've seen much worse.
A Priceless Love (2022)
Written by a 12 year old
I've only got as far as the first commercial break, and I'm wondering if I've strayed into children's tv. The storyline "could" have worked initially, but then descended into utter farce. Without giving any spoilers, the possibility of tracking an unknown person down without any information or documents within a couple of days (and without any frantic hurry) , would be impossible even for the FBI /Interpol/ MI5 all put together - but then, THIS is Hallmark !! The lead actress Erin, has clearly got experience in films, but it's obvious why she hasn't made the big time, likewise her male lead. The script is dire, particularly the lines uttered by her best friend, the bride. No-one (unless they do in America) has such pathetic conversations with their best mate. Some stranger bumps into her Maid of Honour, and she suggests bringing him to her wedding, like you do.
Definitely a Hallmark turkey.
It Was Always You (2021)
VERY WATCHABLE
OK, so these are the type of films that Hallmark are good at. More mature actors who know their profession, have been well cast, and can deliver comedic lines with great timing.
We all have differing opinions, and others have described the film in detail, so I won't, but it's because of the calibre of all the actors that this works. Even the name "George" is made to sound dull - as does "Walter" in Sleepless in Seattle".
The storyline is good, and let's be honest, who wouldn't want to be the girlfriend of Tyler Hynes ?. Hallmark never pair up couples again, but it would be nice to see Tyler and Erin in a follow up to this. And if Erin wasn't available, can I put myself forward ..... please ????
A Very Venice Romance (2023)
Stars for the Venetian location
Yet another storyline of a "strong" woman aka trying to get the man to do what she wants - for her company. Lots on here have outlined the story very well, but for me the storyline was irrelevant as Venice is my favourite city, so I revelled in the film shots. I couldn't understand why Frances Barber had to play an American, why not just employ an American. She could have just played a Brit ! Who would have cared ? I didn't think the storyline was that great but the food aspect was good. Continuity alert ! ...... in the final scene there was no indication of any luggage in the taxi to the airport !
Sand Dollar Cove (2021)
2 hours I wont get back....
And that includes the ads. The first hour was just repeat scenes, different clothing - she wants to talk business, he just takes her somewhere. Yes they talk, but it's boring talk, like watching paint dry. From her CV this wasn't the lead female's first film, but her lack of acting skills or emotion, one would think it was.
Once upon a time you could always "lose" yourself in a Hallmark film, but in recent times there has been a downgrading of stories, the actors haven't always been of the highest calibre, and the over use of children (generally precocious and unaware that please and thank you are an essential in life), can be irritating.
This is a film that the viewer cares little of the outcome, sadly.
Home for my Heart (2022)
An easy watch
A nice inoffensive storyline - without the fake snow, endless fairy lights and fake flowers, although the ditzy twee cake shop is used yet again - at least it wasn't a "bookstore"! (note to scriptwriters, what about antiques/music/hair salon/shoes/ , would make a nice change !).
The two leads were gently matched BUT if Sebastian is a real life singer, then he seriously needs to brush up on his skills, because on this TV performance his voice needed more work. Marty Cummins was a good addition to the cast and brought professionalism to the story. Otherwise the fabulous location added to the easy watch.
The Winter Palace (2022)
Painful
Story writers at GAC and Hallmark should not go anywhere near a "royal" storyline. They can't do it with any conviction- a made up place in Europe is always based on the UK and our RF. The characters, like in this movie, sound like they have trapped wind in the gut, and there is a Prince Henry and King William !! Oh please !
Then there us Danica (who is 50) acting like a giddy teenager. Neil has clearly been watching King Charles on the TV to replicate his accent - all terribly British. Sadly all the acting is hammy and I've seen better in amateur dramatic productions.
I just about got to the first commercial break before I'd had enough. I should have trusted my instinct and stayed away from anything with anything remotely royal in the title.
The Professional Bridesmaid (2023)
Hard to keep awake
Back in 2012 Brooke Burns appeared in Undercover Bridesmaid, a similar theme to this film, but the difference in both productions were as wide as the Mississippi. Forget this offering and watch the other- a million times more enjoyable - one being Burns can ACT !
I found it difficult to watch Hunter King without concentrating on her lips - in various scenes her lips were either "filled" or not, most disconcerting. And as for the male lead, it's only the beard that makes him look older than 16 !
This pairing was not made in Heaven, but the storyline could have worked with different actors. I did wonder why the Wedding Planner didn't organise the shower and the flowers, but who cares ? In the end I didn't.