dallasallis Reviews

Broken (2017– )

Must Watch

[10/10 · 11 February 2024]

I finished this series over a week ago and haven't stopped thinking about it since.

Bottom line, this is one of the best shows I've watched in a long time. The story lines (including Father Michael's) were grim and provocative in one way or other, wholly relevant to the times. The actors performed with beautiful understatement, which made the whole production feel truthful and realistic.

I never paid attention to Sean Bean before but now want to watch everything he's ever acted in. He did a tremendous job along with Anna Friel and Mark Stanley. Paula Malcomson was divine.

As sad and depressing as it was at times, the ending packed an enormous punch, in a good way. I sobbed through the final scene and tearing up now recalling it.

Watch this show.

The South Westerlies (2020)

Watchable, Somewhat

[6/10 · 11 February 2024]

So, biggest elephant in the room first. Two of the main characters, Kate and Baz, were supposed to be 36-40 years old. Orla Brady and Steve Wall are good actors, but they were at least twenty years past that at the time of filming, and there's not enough talent, or makeup/filters in the world to disguise it.

The series itself was okay although the premise was dumb and it was filled with tired, overused plot devices, too numerous to list. If I never watch an important conversation interrupted by a cell phone call, it'll be too soon. Insult to injury, the ending had almost no payoff.

On the bright side, the scenery was beautiful. That's it.

Casual (2015–2018)

Keep Watching

[8/10 · 20 December 2023]

I agree with every review that says the three main characters are self-involved, stupid, obnoxious, garbage human beings.

In spite of their relentless bad behavior though, the show is entertaining and addictive. The characters are inherently decent people (or want to be) who clearly care deeply for each other and it's hard to hate that.

The final season completed a 180 degree evolution in the MCs and the payoff was so worth it. It didn't end how I necessarily wanted or expected, yet was still incredible and emotionally satisfying. I finished watching a few days ago and haven't stopped thinking about it since.

Give it a try.

Beyond Paradise (2023– )

Really Great

[9/10 · 19 September 2023]

As much as I love Death in Paradise, this show is better in several ways.

First of all, the "no murder" mysteries premise - this type of show must exist in the world, but I don't recall ever seeing such a thing. It's sooo refreshing, something I didn't know I needed. I hope they stick with it.

Second, this show has a lot more depth to it than Death in Paradise. Murders aside, BP is downright emotional in comparison. I actually got teary a few times! Another difference between the two is that each DIP episode is somewhat encapsulated, (other than relationship arcs) whereas BP is focused and the overall story line has more continuity.

I loved Kris Marshall in DIP & same goes here. While he's good at playing the bumbling detective, he does drama even better. I wasn't sold on the supporting cast (Martha included) until the second episode, but then it clicked.

If you're looking for a copy of Death in Paradise you won't find it here, but it's still well worth watching.

Enola Holmes (2020)

Love

[10/10 · 20 February 2023]

I don't think I've ever used the words charming or delightful in a review before, but they apply here - I loved this movie!

I kept putting it off because I had only seen Millie Bobby Brown in Stranger Things and couldn't picture her in this type of role. I was so wrong to wait. She's clearly enormously talented and her performance was amazing, as if she was born to play Enola Holmes. She was...charming and delightful, as well as funny.

Overall the supporting characters were good, particularly those of her family. No surprise that I would've appreciated more of Henry Cavil as Sherlock, but who wouldn't! I don't know if this movie is officially classified as YA, but I suppose it is, if that matters.

Looking forward to seeing more from MBB.

The Love Club (2023–2024)

So Bad

[3/10 · 18 February 2023]

I'm a Hallmark movie fan - watched hundreds of them over the years. Are they ever Oscar-worthy productions, on any level? Nope, but many are still extremely entertaining, enough so that some flaws can be overlooked. This movie, however, was so bad that I literally had to force myself to finish it.

I won't get into the story except to say that after the second deception, I was totally out.

Marcus Rosner is the only reason I rated as high. He's often cast in the worst movies Hallmark has on offer, but still a favorite. IMO, Brittany Barstow isn't a strong lead but this was one of her better performances. I didn't care at all about any of the other characters so doubt I'll continue on with the series.

A Kiss Before Christmas (2021 TV Movie)

Unexpected

[8/10 · 9 January 2023]

I recorded a ridiculous number of movies - as in close to one hundred - from the Hallmark Christmas movie marathon. Even so, I'm not particularly crazy about James Denton or Teri Hatcher so almost passed this one by. I was near the end of the list but still couldn't muster any enthusiasm and decided to watch for a few minutes before deleting and...wow, what a surprise. It was really good!

The performances were great and the twenty year connection between the main characters was well portrayed. (Last time I watched JD was in Good Witch; this is a masterpiece in comparison.)

If you enjoy Capra-esque movies in the same vein of It's A Wonderful Life, definitely watch this one.

Winter Love Story (2019 TV Movie)

Cute & Fun, But...

[7/10 · 8 January 2023]

Cute story and good chemistry between the leads. In my opinion, no one in the Hallmark world does quippy, Type A humor like Jen Lilly. As for Kevin McGarry, I never used the words suave or debonair but they apply here.

HOWEVER. I really dislike commenting on women's appearance, but Hallmark has some of the worst hair/makeup I've ever seen, much less noticed. In this case, Jen's extensions (or wig?) were horribly overmuch and often poorly styled so that it interfered with the story instead of subtly enhancing it. Maybe it was intentional, but every time Jen fiddled with her hair like she was trying to arrange or manage it - yanked me out of the story.

Otherwise, entertaining.

Haul Out the Holly (2022 TV Movie)

Liked It

[9/10 · 23 December 2022]

If you're looking for a sentimental Hallmark movie, Haul Out the Holly isn't exactly it, which might explain some of the trash reviews here. For the most part it doesn't follow the romance formula - instead it's mainly quirky and often surprisingly funny!

I doubt Lacey Chabert would ever be known as a comedic actress but here she's a great straight man and foil. The supporting cast was also terrific, especially a couple of surprise cameos.

The real standout for me was Wes Brown. It was a blast watching him play an unapologetic Christmas dork instead of the usual swoony, more serious heartthrob. He's got skills!

If you want a few laughs, give it a chance!

Love, Lights, Hanukkah! (2020 TV Movie)

OK

[4/10 · 16 December 2022]

It was refreshing to see a Hanukkah movie for a change and parts of it were nostalgic and familiar, but more than anything it was just plain cringy. I made it through to the end, but it was a very close thing.

The lead acting was bad - Ben Savage was so stiff and fake that it seemed like he was reading the script (also subpar) for the first time. Mia Kirshner over-acted so hard that I was kind of embarrassed for her. On top of that, they had zero chemistry. I've seen both of them do better and think that if either one had been paired with a stronger costar it would've worked. Or worked better, anyway.

Love, for Real (2021 TV Movie)

So Bad

[2/10 · 24 September 2022]

I'm a big Hallmark Movie fan, watch them all the time & have a few favorites that I even rewatch.

That said, this movie was terrible.

Scott Michael Foster and Corbin Bleu as the male leads were fine, but Chloe Bridges was the weakest of weak links, IMO. I liked her on the Hulu show Maggie, but here her voice is way more nasal & the performance was an emotional flatline. The whole thing was just so painful to watch that I couldn't stop. I almost bailed out several times but kept holding out to see if the happy ending made up for the rest of the movie. It did not. Have I reached the limit yet?

The Christmas Bow (2020 TV Movie)

Sooooo Sappy

[5/10 · 29 July 2022]

I like Michael Rady or I would've stopped watching after 30 mins. "Mawkish" - excessively sentimental or so sappy it's sickening. Describes the movie perfectly.

It Takes a Christmas Village (2021 TV Movie)

Good story

[7/10 · 30 April 2022]

Entertaining. Decent story & good directing by Corey Sevier.

However. I'm sure it wasn't easy to film in such (real) cold weather...evidenced by Brooke Nevin's heavy gasping for air throughout most of the outside scenes. It was almost painful to watch her struggle to breath and stopped me from fully engaging in the movie.

Mystery 101: Mystery 101 (2019) Season 1, Episode 1

Entertaining

[9/10 · 30 April 2022]

I liked the story. It was refreshing for the detective to quickly recognize the professor's sleuthing skill and cute to watch him crush on her.

Oh, and Kristoffer Polaha is divine. Holy smokes.

The Memory Book (2014 TV Movie)

Nope

[3/10 · 22 April 2022]

One infinitesimal pivot & this could've been a Lifetime movie about a crazed stalker who goes on a murdering rampage because she's unable to love. Except for the last few minutes, the story was bonkers & creepy, full stop.

3 stars for Meghan & Luke, who did a good job in spite of it all.

Love Locks (2017 TV Movie)

I Love You?

[7/10 · 29 January 2022]

The movie was fine. It seemed like RR was going for an understated performance but overshot straight into semi-robotic territory for the most important part. When she finally tells JO's character her true feelings, it was so emotionless she could've been saying anything. So...it was fine.

Journey Back to Christmas (2016 TV Movie)

No Journey

[3/10 · 29 January 2022]

I only watched this movie because of the relatively (for Hallmark) high rating. CCB clearly has a large, loyal fan base - if the lead had been played by any other actress with the same level of skill, the rating would be much lower.

Love, Once and Always (2018 TV Movie)

Amanda Schull

[7/10 · 29 January 2022]

Dumb, dumb premise and Hallmark girl-with-a-cause cliché aside, Amanda's performance was terrific. Worth it just to watch. Peter Porte did his best with what he had to work with.

A Whirlwind Wedding (2021 TV Movie)

Watch It

[10/10 · 29 January 2022]

Was it formulaic? Yes, and still a charming movie, somewhat understated in that it's not saccharine or overly sentimental. I loved the personal evolution of the main characters as well as theirs as a couple. Would definitely rewatch.

The Lost Valentine (2011 TV Movie)

Keep Tissues Handy

[9/10 · 28 January 2022]

Holy smokes, what a tearjerker. Not sure if I've ever seen Betty White in a drama before but she did this movie justice. I loved every one of the main characters. The chemistry between both couples- young Caroline & Neil/Jennifer LH & Sean Faris - amazing.

If you don't like to cry at movies, never watch this one.

Sailing Into Love (2019 TV Movie)

Nope

[3/10 · 28 January 2022]

Leah Renee was terrible. I've seen her in other things & she was OK but this performance, if you can call it that, was so stiff I almost DNF several times. Even her facial expressions were bad. I'm only rating as high because of Chris McNally & the final scene, which was excellent.

A Novel Romance (2015 TV Movie)

Meh

[4/10 · 19 January 2022]

I rated as high as I did because I love Amy Acker & Dylan Bruce, but this story was so lame in parts that I could hardly get through it. The overreaction & manufactured melodrama had my eyes rolling HARD. I've enjoyed many Hallmark movies, but not this one.

Christmas Perfection (2018 TV Movie)

7.5 Stars Rounded Up

[8/10 · 13 December 2021]

The movie starts off banal - bad dialogue & wooden performances. Once Darcy spends more time in the Christmas village, it gets way more interesting. I'd rewatch.

Cupid for Christmas (2021)

Terrific

[10/10 · 12 December 2021]

This movie was a surprise - cheesy in parts, yes, and obviously low-budget but also totally funny. I loved the main characters and their chemistry. Ruby is absolutely adorable - great job by Melanie Stone. I liked the supporting cast too, especially Philomena & the dean.

Overall, a really cute holiday romcom.

Legacies (2018–2022)

Wait For It

[9/10 · 15 May 2021]

It took a few episodes to get into & I'm so glad I kept watching. It has more humor than TVD & TO, which hooked me once it started to emerge - a good break after those two more serious shows.

I like the whole cast, but Jenny Boyd is terrific as Lizzie Saltzman & has become a favorite.

So...if you're looking for a show with the same dark & violent tone as its predecessors, this isn't that. It's a teen oriented drama with enough adult characters & themes to even it out - and just a lot more fun.