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jkscarlett
Reviews
County Rescue: Fall by Myself (2024)
Love the Characters
This show, as the title indicates, is the story of first responders and the challenges they face. The writing so far is excellent and they are giving us some pretty complex characterizations. I am impressed with the portrayals. I knew healthcare professionals just like these characters and find most of them very realistic.
3 rookies were introduced to us in the first episode, a young woman, Dani, and two young men: Tim and Griffin. All 3 are competing for the one job opening and must impress the Chief in order to win permanent employment. The Chief states whoever screws up the least will win the job.
Dani's struggles to rise above her previous failures in spite of her parents' less than enthusiastic support is difficult for me, as a parent, to watch. She makes a grievous error in this episode and you feel for her as she incurs the wrath of her Chief and "does her penance". Her tenured colleague, who was on the response call with her, shows compassion for the rookie as well as the ethical responsibility of reporting a mistake to the Chief.
Dani and the other two rookies vying for the job are an interesting dynamic and you root for her and Tim to succeed. The third rookie, favored, brash Griffin, showed a soft side in showing support for Dani after her patient-harming mistake, but it's too soon to tell which side of the fence he is really on- hers or his own? Looks like a triangle might be developing between them and good guy Tim.
We got a glimpse of Duke's burnout story(he's a long time member of the paramedic group) and struggles to balance work related stress with family life in this episode. Looks like some pretty heavy stuff to be dealt with in future episodes.
The actual medical responder scenes are fairly short and not what you would see on a major network. They are there for you to get a glimpse of what a work day is like and they give insight into the profession and unique stories for each of the characters. I wish the show was a full hour, but I highly recommend it.
When Calls the Heart: Long Time Running (2023)
A Return to What It Was Meant to Be
After a long absence, I have returned to this show as a viewer. The writing this season is as good, if not better, than early seasons and characters have been returned to their true, established personas as written by Alfonso Moreno in season 6 and 7. In this episode we finally have two people realizing they are not suited for each other and setting each other free. One is meant for bigger things in politics. The other is meant to continue her mission of teaching in a small town. The teacher's heart belongs to someone else, and she is finally realizing she had picked the safe choice rather than the one who truly had her heart. The show finally corrected the couple that had been thrown together and didn't make sense. In addition to the stellar writing, Erin Krakow's performance in this episode was absolutely outstanding. Add to it, the wonderful longing, concern, love on the face of Nathan which was beautifully portrayed in the school scene by Kevin McGarry. Both Henry and Rosemary gave outstanding performances to move stories along. For those who like a good story and a friends to lovers partnership, this one is for you. Make sure, though, you start at episode 1 this season so that you don't miss any of the foreshadowing or symbolism leading up to this episode. I highly recommend season 10!
The Night Agent (2023)
Suspenseful and Can't Wait for Season 2
I don't usually watch this type of series. So, it was very surprising that I found it very engaging, binge watched it, and found myself totally wrapped up in the suspense. Won't spoil the story but I have to say that the cast, overall, really delivered in this one. The female "bad guy/sniper" was especially nasty and the actress that played her was outstanding. I noticed many familiar faces in the cast and hope to see a lot more of the CIA agent from episode 3, Riley, in season 2. I can totally see the actor, Kevin McGarry, in an expanded role. I recommend this one, and I recommend binge watching it. Last two episodes are riveting!
My Grown-Up Christmas List (2022)
A New Classic
I am a fan of this director, Andrew Cymek, and he has directed yet another wonderful movie. The story covered a five year period of a blossoming love story. The two lovers are separated much of the time because of the one character's Army responsibilities. It is a tale of love, loss, duty, and the beautiful Christmas spirit, realistically portrayed by a talented cast. Kevin McGarry is Luke the soldier, Kayla Wallace is the journalist ,Taylor, who learns what's truly important in life and magical at Christmas. I was a puddle of tears twice in the movie as these two delivered a magnificent performance that reminded me of the quality we used to see in Hallmark Hall of Fame productions of years past. It is a shame that there were so darn many commercials we had to sit through in order to watch the movie ,and I am certain more magic between these two actors was left on the cutting room floor because of it. Do yourself a favor and experience this new Christmas classic. You will love the dance, I promise. I loved it.
Center Stage (2000)
Real Dancers
Having read many of the reviews here, I find that I must comment. I know many of the people cast in this film and attended the premiere in NY. The best part of this film is the REAL dancers that were cast in it and that did the dancing. Many dance films and Broadway shows even, select actors for lead parts and then try to teach them some dancing. The film then suffers from poor dancing. We were treated to some top-notch dancing in this one, and, ok, maybe less than stellar acting- but who cares? IT IS A FILM ABOUT DANCE, not about actors trying to dance. If you love dance you should have enjoyed the dancing sequences in this one. To my knowledge the characters of Jody, Emily, Cooper, Charlie were portrayed by ABT and San Francisco Ballet dancers. The Swan Lake sequence was performed by real dancers. An ABT dancer danced for I. Kulik in Jonathan's ballet, and several dancers from ABT and NYCB danced in the dance class scenes and in others. Let's give credit to the producers and directors for not trying to "fake it" and sacrifice beautiful dancing for seasoned actors. I, for one, know beautiful ballet when I see it and it was a pleasure to see some in this movie. As far as I'm concerned, the actual acting was secondary and as good as it needed to be to allow dance to be the focus.....as it should be.
Feeling Butterflies (2022)
Touch of Springtime
I think after the last 2 years of the pandemic and all the troubles in the world, this lovely movie couldn't have been shown at a better time. I loved the theme, the outdoor scenes, and the wonderful cast. Kayla Wallace as Emily was believable as the butterfly expert and so beautiful and charming cast opposite Kevin McGarry as the widowed dad. Such chemistry! The wardrobe for Kayla was fresh and lovely just like she appears to be and the wardrobe for her female nemesis was quirky and very appropriate for the character. For me, the young actress who played Kevin's daughter was quite a treat- very poised, as well as capable in the role. Lastly, I loved the humorous touches in this movie. We know Kevin has quite a sense of humor in real life, but the mud fight between him and Kayla showed us she can keep up with him just fine. The kitchen scene between Emily's dad, Garrett, and Emily was hilarious! I highly recommend this movie. I will be watching it over and over again.
Royally Wrapped for Christmas (2021)
Just, NO!
I love Jen Lilley, but who cast her opposite this stoney, wooden, awful actor? The story was awful, the costumes were not appropriate for a royal setting, and there was just nothing romantic or believable about the whole thing. Barely made it to the end of the movie and will never watch again. Save your precious time and read a book.
A Christmas Star (2021)
Disappointed
I thought the movie was pretty boring and the two leads were totally miscast. Such an interesting story premise, but it all fell kind of flat. I think Daniel Lissing looked pretty rusty in terms of his acting and there was no chemistry or ease in his scenes with Sara. Very disappointing.
Snowkissed (2021)
Don't Waste Your Time
I love Jen Lilley and respect her talents very much. However, this movie holds the distinction of being the only romance I couldn't watch entirely through to the end. Poor script and absolutely no chemistry between the 2 leads who were pretty badly miscast. Jen is vivacious, humorous, with broad range as an actress....and McNally is just, well, one dimensional, scared, and stonefaced. I'm trying to be polite. Save yourself the agony. Skip it.
The Wedding Veil (2022)
Superb Entertainment
I tuned in to watch this because 2 of my favorites, Kevin McGarry and Lacey Chabert were starring in it. This movie did not disappoint, and it is hard to believe Hallmark brought it to us. It was more on the level of a first run movie that you would see in a theatre. The production values were very high: gorgeous locations and set design; beautiful costuming for both the leads in particular; a sharp and witty script delivered with perfection by Kevin and Lacey; a wonderful supporting cast. I enjoyed the story because it didn't quite fit the HM mold for a romance and allowed Kevin, in particular, to flex his acting muscles somewhat and demonstrate his ability to make a character uniquely his own: charming, humorous, strong, sarcastic, suave, and vulnerable at the same time. The banter between his character and Lacey's was especially well written and delivered. Will never forget the romance, sweet dance embrace, and wedding kisses we were treated to. Have to also mention that "Color My World" as a song selection at the wedding was genius. This movie was only the first of a trilogy and it set an insanely high standard to be met by the next two. I highly recommend you watch this and treat yourself to the ultimate leading man and fairest lady in the best HM romance I have ever seen....and I've seen quite a few.