Monument 14: Sky on Fire

When we left off on the first book the 14 had split into 3 groups. They will become 2 groups. Each one will struggle with people from the outside world as well as the contaminated air. New problems are arising and government has decided to bomb the area to burn off the chemicals. Can group one make it to the airport? If they do get there, will there be help to rescue the others? Will the others at the store even managed to survive? Some will be lost. All in all, I say: READ IT if you read the first book. If not, then SKIP IT. I like disaster movies though and so far this series isn't bad.

Contaminated (Em Garner)

This was a recommendation from Amazon. I found it at the library and read it over about 4 hours. Amazon describes the plot as, "After the Contamination - an epidemic caused by the super-trendy diet drink SlimPro that turned ordinary citizens into shambling creatures unable to control their violent impulses - the government rounded up the "Connies" to protect the remaining population. But now, two years later, the government's started sending the rehabilitated back home, complete with shock collars that will either stop the Connies from committing violent acts or kill them before they do any further harm. Velvet Ellis goes to the "Kennels" every day searching when she finds her mother, she's eager to bring her home. Anti-Connie sentiment is high, and rumor has it that an even worse wave of the Contamination is imminent. And then the government declares that the Connies will be rounded up and neutralized, once and for all. Sacrificing everything - her boyfriend, her home, and her job - Velvet will do anything to protect her mother. Velvet has to get the collar off her mother before the military comes to take her away. Even if it means risking all of their lives. Gritty and grabbing, Velvet is a harrowing, emotionally charged dystopic venture into YA from a well-known and respected writer of women's fiction." The plot is not too original, but the way it's written I couldn't put it down. I am excited to get the sequel. All in all, I say: READ IT - it's more about Velvet and less about the "zombie" like creatures.

The Blemished

Got this one free from Amazon Kindle. It was short, predictable, and not a very unique concept. It's a lot like other YA books out right now. After reading the first book I am curious what direction it's going to head in though. Couldn't find it in my library which should tell you something about the quality of the writing. Amazon writes, "A beautiful world comes at a price... In a world filled with stunning clones Mina Hart is Blemished. Her genes are worthless and that takes away her rights: her right to an Education, her right to a normal life and her right to have a child.  Mina keeps a dangerous secret which she never thought she could share until she meets Angela on her first day at St Jude's School. But their friendship is soon complicated by Angela’s adoptive brother Daniel. Mina finds herself drawn to his mysterious powers and impulsive nature. Then there is the gorgeous clone Sebastian who Mina is forbidden from even speaking to… The Blemished is a frightening take on a fractured future where the Genetic Enhancement Ministry have taken control of Britain. It will take you on a ride filled with adventure, romance and rebellion. " All in all, I say: READ IT - if you like the YA books and want a quick and easy read.

Crossed

Number two in the "Matched" series. When we left Cassia she was determined to find Ky in the outer provinces because she loves him. They do manage to find each other, and they do get more information about a resistance, and they do meet new people. They do NOT however get to stay together. This book builds up the story even more - still no resolution or any idea what the future holds. I feel like the author is setting me up - giving me high expectations - I know from others I am probably going to be disappointed with the third and final book. I think this book should have been condensed and put in with the first book since they both build but don't resolve much at all. All in all, I say: READ IT - if you read the first - at least for now until I read the last one.

Brother Odd: An Odd Thomas Novel

Number three in Koontz's Odd Thomas series. When we left him in book 2 - he had saved a good friend, but was tired. He had gone off to a monastery to figure out what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. He meets several "brothers and sisters" and several abused and disabled children who are taken care of by the sisters. One of the brothers is killed and then bodachs appear near the kids. As more and more appear it seems that Odd will not be able to escape his gift; he uses it to defeat a new man made supernatural creature. The characters and the writing made this book interesting. The plot of how the creatures are made - stupid or rather ridiculous. All in all, I say: READ IT if you read the other two.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Armies are: Birds/Eagles, Hobbits, Dwarves, Elves, and Orcs. They all want what's in the mountain now that the dragon no longer resides there. It's the final movie in the trilogy. As with an ending it has sads bits, happy bits, and funny bits. Same actors as before. All in all, I say: SEE IT - I tried to get in to see 3D but it was sold out so just did regular. Just as amazing.

A Christmas Kiss 2

Canadian channel ION made this original film. "At a Christmastime event, Jenna shares an impromptu, unforgettable kiss with the dashing billionaire, Cooper Montgomery. Unaware of his intentions and fearful of getting hurt in another relationship, Jenna vows to resist his charms, but begins to realize his affection is real as the two spend more time together.- Written by ION Television

Screenplay goes off on tangents. There are characters that don't need to exist. The acting is pretty bad. The editing is worse. It's a poor man's Hallmark movie. All in all, I say: SKIP IT - good try ION.

Magic in the Moonlight

If you know anything about Woody Allen romances then you know how this will end. Firth (Pride and Prejudice), Stone (Easy A), Harden (Newsroom), McCormack (28 Weeks Later), and Linklater (Battleship) all star. Firth's character is a magician that debunks mystics. Stone is a mystic. All in all, I say: SEE IT if you like Woody Allen romances. SKIP IT if you don't. I saw it on DirecTv.

Rio 2

IMDb writes, "It's a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids after they're hurtled from Rio de Janeiro to the wilds of the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful Nigel, and meets his father-in-law." Same actors with Chenoweth (Deck the Halls) playing a frog and Garcia (Kill the Messenger) playing the father-in-law. Tons of sons that are just as good as the first. It has a theme of protect the rainforest. I don't really like animated films so it has to be "something" for me to like it. I was bored. All in all, I say: SKIP IT. I watched in on DirecTV.

The Good Lie

I have my students read the book The Year of No Rain by Mead about the Lost Boys of the Sudan. Hundreds of young kids walked thousands of miles to the border of Kenya and Ethiopia looking for food, water, and protection during the genocide in southern Sudan. This movie shows you the lives of three boys and a girl. They end up being placed in the US - there is a steep learning curve to adapt to our culture. Witherspoon (Wild) works of a job placement agency and she helps them get jobs while getting involved in their lives, too. It is sad - you will cry. All in all, I say: SEE IT - I also downloaded the title song. I watched this on OnDemand with DirecTv.

A Million Ways to Die in the West

Not my cup of tea usually, but the actors in this intrigues me. MacFarlane (Ted) is a sheep farmer who isn't really cut out to be in the wild west. Theron (Hancock) is the wife of a famous outlaw who has had enough of bad guys. Neeson (Taken 3) is the outlaw. Seyfried (Big Love) is the girl that MacFarlane wants to win back in a duel with her new beau (Harris from How I Met Your Mother). Ribisi (Selma) is his best friend. Silverman (School of Rock) is his best friend's whore girlfriend. It had its moments. All in all, I say: SEE IT. I saw it on OnDemand on DirecTv.

Kite

A young girl is tricked into believing a neighborhood gangster killed her parents. She goes off to get revenge. As she gets closer and closer to getting her revenge the truth starts to come out. Jackson (Kingsmen) plays a the futuristic cop. The action isn't bad - it's not great. The acting isn't bad - it's not great. The plot isn't bad - it's not great. All in all, I say: SKIP IT - it's just not worth it. I saw this on OnDemand on DirecTv.

The Skeleton Twins

I was in a sibling kind of mood. IMDb writes, "Having both coincidentally cheated death on the same day, estranged twins reunite with the possibility of mending their relationship." Hadar (Her) is gay and is a struggling actor. Burrell (Modern Family) plays Hadar's former teacher - they had a relationship when Hadar's character was under age. Wiig (Bridesmaids) is Hadar's married sister who cheats on her husband and lies about wanting a child. Wilson (Home Fries) is Wiig's husband - he's a good guy who gets his heart broken. There are some funny scenes and some sad scenes - their mom is a disaster. The actors have chemistry - you would think they really grew up together. All in all, I say: SEE IT. I saw it on OnDemand on DirecTv.

This is Where I Leave You

IMDb writes, "When their father passes away, four grown siblings are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes and might-have-beens." Bateman (Arrested Development), Fey (30 Rock), Fonda (Newsroom), Driver (Girls), Byrne (Annie), Stoll (The Strain), Hahn (Transparent), Britton (Friday Night Lights), Olyphant (Deadwood), and Shepard (Parenthood) all star. They all did a good job, too. I'm glad I didn't pay to see it in theatres, but watching it on a lazy weekend was nice. It made me laugh. All in all, I say: SEE IT. I saw it on OnDemand on DirecTv.

Cafe 1711

This restaurant opened about a month ago in Snellville, GA next to the John Deer store on 78. The parking lot is almost always empty. I tried it out - the space is just as big as it was the last 2 times I went - when it was a different place. They tried to make it classy inside - kind of Jazzy, but added some big screens and play sports on them. Decor is not for sports. The menu is a little high priced for what you get. I got chicken fingers - boring flavor, and fries which were ok. The people that own it where nice. The server was nice. The decor and food was boring. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Annie

Released in 1982 this movie based on a comic was brilliant. I loved seeing it on the big screen. Burnett (The Carol Burnett Show) played an amazing Hannigan. Finney (Victor, Victoria) played Warbucks. An orphan girl has a chance to live with a wealthy man for a short period of time. In that time the two form a father-daughter bond. The man's assistant also falls for Annie who helps the two realize they are in love. It takes place in the depression era and had a amazing soundtrack. Songs that even if you haven't seen the movie you are probably familiar with. All in all, I say: SEE IT

In 1999, Disney released a TV movie re-make of Annie. Bates (Misery) played Hannigan.Garber (Web Therapy) played Warbucks. Cumming (Circle of Friends) and Chenoweth (Pushing Daisies) also starred. IMDb writes, "Eleven-year-old Annie has been living in an orphanage her whole life run by cruel Miss Hannigan. After unsuccessful escape attempts, Grace Farrell comes to take the child home to live two weeks with billionaire Oliver Warbucks during Christmas. The plucky orphan worms her way into the hearts of the staff and Mr. Warbucks and even the president of the United States! Even though Mr. Warbucks wants to adopt her, she is still looking for her real parents who left a locket with her when they dropped her off at the orphanage. Miss Hannigan's brother and his sleazy girlfriend pose as Annie's parents to gather the reward that Warbucks has offered to Annie's real parents." Written by  All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Released this year for Christmas the re-make of Annie. Produced by Jada & Will Smith. It stars Foxx (Ray) as Stacks. He has no servants so forgot all those song and dance numbers. Byrne (Bridesmaids) is his assistant. You don't really the transition from up-tight to loose and loving in this. Cannavale (Will & Grace) takes on a role that doesn't exist in the others - a campaign manager. Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Oz) does a good job as protector/chauffeur. Diaz (Charlie's Angels) does an ok job, but I love Burnett better. Zayas (Dexter) has a part that also didn't exist before. It's a foster home so fewer kids. All the songs were done in a studio and the actor's lip sync which I didn't like. All in all, I say: SEE IT if you want an updated version and you never saw the original. If you have seen the original - then I say: SKIP IT

The Christmas Parade

A famous tv host crashes into a small town judge's fence while out blowing off some steam after discovering her boyfriend has cheated on her. She is required to do community service; she helps a local art center work on a float for a parade. She ends up falling in love with the owner and helps the kids keep the art center from closing. The editing is wacky - it's predictable - it's not one of the better Hallmark Christmas movies. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Ride Along

A couple want to get married, but Hart (comedian) wants to get his fiance's brothers (Cube from Friday) permission. Cube won't give permission because he doesn't think Hart can protect his sister. He tries to scare him away by taking him on a ride along which ends up with the two of them unravelling a criminal conspiracy in Atlanta. All in all, I say: SKIP IT - unless you just want to see a bunch of famous spots in Atlanta. It's showing on HBO.

Matchmaker Santa

Hallmark writes, "As a little girl, Melanie Hogan (Lacey Chabert) wished to find her own prince charming just like her parents found true love. Now an adult, Melanie is running her own bakery and dating a handsome CEO, Justin (Thad Luckinbill). Although things seem perfect when Justin asks Melanie to spend the holidays together at his beautiful lake house upstate-and meet his mother. Melanie finds herself spending more time with Justin's best friend and loyal assistant, Dean (Adam Mayfield), who just might be harboring a secret crush on her. When complications arise that throw Melanie and Dean together over the holiday, will the two realize they're meant to be?"
Chabert (Party of Five) is the lead. All in all, I say: SEE IT - it's short and cute.

Mickey's Christmas Carol

One of the worst and shortest of the Christmas Carol's. There voices get super duper annoying. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Window Wonderland

Two people compete for a job to be in charge of the window dressings in a department store in New York City. They grow to like each other, but who will win. All in all, I say: SEE IT - it's cute.

The Education of Mohammad Hussein

A half hour documentary about Muslims in Detroit, Michigan leading up to and during the visit of a bigot to the city. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Best Christmas Party Ever

DeVitto (Army Wives) is a party planner who believes she will be taking over the company when her mentor announces she's retiring. Problem is she wants her nephew (Lund from Bitten) to take over. They argue and have chemistry - of course.

All in all, I say: SEE IT - it's cute.

Agriculture

An HBO documentary that's about 30 minutes long and produced by several health and medical organizations. It's about how because Americans are so obese they need to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, but the government spends/gives money to farmers that grow corn and soy - the ingredients in all the bad stuff we eat. Also, that we need to eat local and there are some groups that working to fix that. The show focuses on some programs that have been very productive in getting fresh local goods to schools and hospitals. We need more fruit and vegetable farmers - we need more local distribution - and we need more government money spend on those farmers and NOT corn and soy. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Frosty the Snowman

My favorite of the old timey Christmas shows. It's super short especially that commercials can be fast-forwarded. A magicians hat makes a snowman come alive. A group of school children want him to stay that way, so they agree Frosty needs to get to the North Pole. Frosty and one of the girls get on a train for the North Pole. The girl gets cold and sick, so Frosty has to get them off the train and get her some warmth. Unfortunately that means Frosty melts. That's ok because Santa comes to the rescue. All in all, I say: SEE IT

A Boyfriend for Christmas

Williams (The Practice) and Muldoon (Days of Our Lives) meet at a mall at Christmas time when they are 13 and end up running into each other on Christmas years later. She works with social services and he is a lawyer. Santa helps them meet up and resolve their differences so they can end up together by New Year's Eve. If they don't realize they love each other by then they will end up alone. Durning (The Sting) is Santa, and strange enough the actor in real life died on Christmas Eve in 2012.  Mull (The Ellen Show) plays a dad - I like him; he's funny. All in all, I say: SEE IT - it's not bad.

The Santa Con

Watson (7th Heaven) gets out of jail and because he's still selfish like he was when he went in he promises a kid that for Christmas Santa will get his parent's back together. A guardian angel helps the con figure out how to set things right. The dad (Grimes from Party of Five) is an alcoholic and the mom has given up on him. Hart (Melissa & Joey) plays the con's sister. White (Family Matters) is the con's friend from jail. Ratzenberger (Drop Dead Diva) is the warden. All in all, I say: SEE IT - it wasn't bad. It's no Hallmark though.

Exodus: Gods and Kings

Well, God (Yahweh), gods (Egyptian), and a Pharaoh - Ramses (Edgerton from The Great Gatsby). Turturro (The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 remake directed by Tony Scott) is Seti, Paul (Breaking Bad) plays a Hebrew, Mendelsohn (The Dark Knight Rises & Animal Kingdom) plays a viceroy of the Pharaoh,  Weaver (Alien & Death and the Maiden) is Seti's wife, Kingsley (Death and the Maiden) is a Hebrew, Abbass (The Red Tent) is the sister of Seti, Bremner (AVP Alien vs. Predator) is an expert for Ramses, Varma (Rome) is a priestess, and Tarbet (Walking Tall) is Moses' brother. The movie was filmed in Spain and directed by Ridley Scott (Aliens) in memory of his brother Tony Scott (The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 remake) of Scott Free Productions. Bale (The Dark Knight Rises) is Moses. I'm sure the 3D version was fine, but I was ok with just seeing the regular version. The plagues are cool even though totally disgusting. The actors did an amazing job. The CGI stuff to make Memphis look like it use too was cool. There was a lot of animal killing - by the end I was really sad of the horses, lambs, and goats that bought it in the movie. There is much debate about how God appears in the film - he shows up as a young boy. I liked it more than Moses just having to yell up to the heavens like how most prophets in movies communicate with God. The relationships made the movie worth watching for me - it wasn't constantly religion - God - gods - worship - pray. To me that would have gotten old. I think the movie should have ended with the Red Sea taking the Pharaoh's army and the Hebrews heading on their way, but the film kept going. All in all, I say: SEE IT on the big screen or don't bother.

Frida's

So, I have run out of Mexican restaurants to try, and I was giving up hope of finding a place that had good food, good service, and good prices. Searching is now over. On Grayson Highway former manager of Frontera at Five Forks has opened his own place. Abel, his wife, and some former employees of Frontera make this place fantastically good. All in all, I say: EAT IT!!!!!

Toy Story That Time Forgot

IMDb writes, "It's a post Christmas play date and the toys have to go up against the fearsome and aggressive new dino toys." Joining the cast is McKidd (Rome). It's just as good as the movies. I love the characters and I'm glad I got to see them again. All in all, I say: SEE IT

A Cookie Cutter Christmas

Krakow (When Calls the Heart) is a 2nd grade teacher who has a rivalry with another 2nd grade teacher who use to be her best friend. They both like a new single dad in town. There is a misunderstanding - as always - but a happy ending - as always. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Hallmark.

One Starry Christmas

An astronomer takes a bus trip to New York to surprise her boyfriend and her parents for Christmas. Along the way she meets a cowboy and realizes that settling isn't for her - she wants sparks. It is cute and simple. I love the song that the cowboy sings - the story of the constellation is a nice touch. Also, nice to see Carter in something other than Falling Skies. All in all, I say: SEE IT - another Hallmark gem.

Snow Bride

Now, this was a fun Hallmark Christmas movie. It has romance and comedy. I really liked the two main characters. It was well written and the acting made it even better. A journalist (Law from Spartacus) pretends to be a runaway bride and ends up pretending to be a man's girlfriend when the man's brother bring his ex-fiance home for the Holidays. Confused? Go with it - tons of fun. Richardson from Home Improvement also stars. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Annie Claus is Coming to Town

The daughter of Santa Claus goes out into the world to decide if she wants to take over for her dad. She meets the owner of a toy store (Page from Shark) who she falls in love with. She also meets a single mom (Fox from Kill Bill) and her daughter - they give each other support. It's a Hallmark Christmas movie. All in all, I say: SEE IT. Again, Hallmark has horrible editors - the movie can be choppy.

The Librarian Saga

The first movie that came out on TNT was The Librarian: Quest for the Spear. "Flynn an over 30 'professional student,' is banned from more classes, since he already has 22 degrees. Unexpectedly hired by a mysterious library, he's soon pursuing a stolen artifact from the library, a pursuit taking him to far off lands." Written by trivwhiz
Wyle (ER) plays the Librarian. Walger (The Factory), Newhart (Bob Newhart Show), MacLachlan (Twin Peaks), and Curtin (Coneheads) all star. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Same character, but this time he's looking for...hummmm...King Solomon's Mines. Anwar (Burn Notice) appears this time. All in all, I say: SEE IT - it's so much fun.

"After retrieving the philosopher's stone at an auction but losing his girlfriend, The Librarian Flynn Carsen has a breakdown. Charlene and Judson ask him to spend some time on vacation. Flynn travels to New Orleans and he has a crush on a French singer (Simone Renoir). However he discloses that she is the guardian of a key to access the Judas Chalice that is capable to resurrect vampires. Meanwhile the former Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Kubichek is seeking the chalice to revive Vlad the vampire with the support of Professor Lazlo. Also to raise an army of undead to bring Russia back to the top of the world. When Simone reveals that she is a vampire, Flynn question whether she is not using him to reach the chalice and increase her power." Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Davison (Drop Dead Diva) and Katic (Castle) join the caste. It's the best out of the three. All in all, I say: SEE IT

A two hour season premiere for the new TNT one hour show. Wyle appears to start off the series, but it's clear he will only pop in every now and then. Someone is killing off replacement Librarians, so Wyle and his new protector (Romijn from King & Maxwell) gather three possible replacements and train them. Kane (Leverage) is one of the replacements. Booth (Dawn of the Dead) is also a possible replacement. Larroquette (Night Court) is like the Newhart character. All in all, I say: SEE IT. It's fun adventure - I hope. I've only seen the season premiere.

Christmas at Cartwright's

With the help of an angel played by Shawn (Princess Bride) helps a single mom down on her luck (Witt from Justified) get a job as a department store Santa. She meets and falls for a salesman at the store. It's a Hallmark Christmas movie, so it has a misunderstanding and then a happy ending.

Even though the editing is horrible - All in all, I say: SEE IT if you are obsessed with Hallmark movies this time of year like I am.

The Red Tent

IMDb writes, "Based on Anita Diamant's bestselling novel; the story of the twelve tribes of Israel is told through the eyes of Jacob's only daughter, Dinah." Brit Driver (Circle of Friends) and Brazilian Baccarin (V) are Dinah's mothers. Swede Ferguson (Mission Impossible 5) is Dinah. Scot Glen (Game of Thrones) is Jacob. Tudor (Game of Thrones) is Joseph. Rebecca is played by Winger (In Treatment). Record if interested so you can fast-froward through the commercials and the sex scenes to get to the meat of the matter. It's like a soap opera. All in all, I say: SKIP IT unless you read and liked either Diamant's book or the Bible.

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town

"The Mailman decides to answer some of the most common questions about Santa Claus, and tells us about a small baby named Kris who was left on the doorstep of the Kringle family (toymakers). When Kris grew up, he wanted to deliver toys to the children of Sombertown. But its Burgermeister (Herr Meisterburger) is too mean to let that happen. And to make things worse, there's an evil wizard named Winter who lives between the Kringles and Sombertown, but Kris manages to melt Winter's heart (as well as the comely schoolteacher's) and deliver his toys."                Written by Kathy Li

I liked the music and plot of this when I was a kid. I thought the stop motion was cool when I was little. It's well done, but seeing it as an adult - the plot. There is so much random stuff - why couldn't they stick to at least "real" myths and legends. It's a bit ridiculous. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Charlie Brown looks for the true meaning of Christmas. I liked this when I was a kid, but can not stand it as an adult. It seems extremely slow and quite depressing. Charlie needs therapy as does Linus. And someone needs to call social services on the parents of Pig-Pen. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Love at the Christmas Table

Milligan (Slither) realizes that a girl (McKellar from The West Wing) he's grow up with is the woman for him.Thompson (Caroline in the City) has a small part as a friend of the family. Patterson (Gilmore Girls), Huskey (Superbad), and Paul (Baywatch) also star. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Lifetime

Kristin's Christmas Past

Appleby (Roswell) goes back in time and ends up with her teenage self and her estranged family at the holidays. Marks (Accepted), Ryan (Jessie), Mitchell (Gia), Langer (My So-Called Life), and Nelson (The Breakfast Club) all star. It's a little frustrating when the mom and the teenager fight. It's on Lifetime. All in all, I say: SEE IT - if you like those Christmas movies were they go back and have to time to change things.

Jack Frost

IMDb writes, "A father, who can't keep his promises, dies in a car accident. One year later, he returns as a snowman, who has the final chance to put things right with his son before he is gone forever." It is really depressing and I know it's supposed to have a positive message, but it's just tragic. Keaton (Birdman), Preston (Twins), Addy (The Full Monty), and Cross (Lincoln). All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Christmas Magic

Hallmark describes the plot, "Carrie Bishop (Booth) lives for her successful career as an event planner in New York City, but her life changes in an instant after a nasty car accident in a snowstorm. Carrie suffers head trauma and regains consciousness in Central Park with an older man, Henry (Derek McGrath, "Little Mosque on the Prairie"). Henry is Carrie's spirit guide and is there to help her "pass over" to Heaven. But before Carrie can move on, she must fulfill one last task on Earth - a type of Angel Duty. Henry tells Carrie that she must help guide a widowed, young restaurant owner, Scott Walker, (McGillion) who has recently considered suicide because his beloved restaurant/catering business is utterly failing. Carrie befriends Scott and his 8-year-old daughter and immediately displays a knack for promoting the restaurant. But time isn't on Carrie's side on this mission. She has until midnight Christmas Eve to turn the eatery around. As friendship grows, romance blooms, and Carrie finds it a struggle to keep business and pleasure separate. Will the heat in Scott's kitchen be all about the food? Or is one Angel on a meteoric rise to earn her wings?"
It's cute. All in all, I say: SEE IT - you forget that McGillion was on Stargate Atlantis after the first few minutes.

Meet the Santas

"Because she is marrying the man who assumed the mantle of Santa Claus last December 26, Beth's postponed wedding has to be rescheduled for Xmas eve. Overwhelmed by selling the house she and her son share and the prospect of the duties of Mrs. Claus, she has to call on her estranged socialite Grinch of a mother to arrange the wedding. Of course her mom has never met the fiancé nor his family and has no inkling of his secret. This is a sequel to 2004's Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus." Written by ccomly
Same actors as the last movie - same horrible wig for Bernard. All in all, I say: SKIP IT - it's super irritating.

Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus

Guttenberg (Police Academy) needs to be married in order to replace his father as Santa Claus. He meets single mom Bernard (Wings) and must convince her to marry him. Her wig is horrible in this it makes me cringe every time I see her. It is cute though. All in all, I say: SEE IT - it reminds you of Guttenberg from the 80s.

Nine Lives of Christmas

Routh (Superman Returns) is a fireman who also restores homes to sell them, He doesn't want what his parents had a horrible marriage. He serial dates until they want more. A cat decides to take him on which leads him to meet Sustad - a vet student. She also has a plan. The two fall in love. All in all, I say: SEE IT (Hallmark) although Routh isn't a very good actor - it's a fun Christmas movie.