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“Everything I learned I learned from the movies.” 
― Audrey Hepburn

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  • Paul Carlson
Escape Into Film
'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Window Wonderland'
Oct 25

Oct 25 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Window Wonderland'

Paul Carlson
film review

With a pair of great lead characters and a lighthearted script, the delightful 'Window Wonderland' is the sharpest and most endearing romantic comedy in the Hallmark Channel library of holiday movies.

2019 Hallmark Channel's 'Countdown to Christmas' movie preview
Oct 7

Oct 7 2019 Hallmark Channel's 'Countdown to Christmas' movie preview

Paul Carlson

This year’s Hallmark holiday offerings include a long-awaited sequel to a ‘Countdown’ favorite, yet another return to the picturesque town of Evergreen — and more holiday delight than should be possible in a two-month long Christmas celebration!

'Fall Harvest' movie review: 'Over The Moon In Love'
Oct 6

Oct 6 'Fall Harvest' movie review: 'Over The Moon In Love'

Paul Carlson
film review

Hallmark Channel favorite Jessica Lowndes ("A December Bride") doesn’t just start in this matchmaking romp - she's also the flick's screenwriter and executive producer.

Hallmark Channel movie review: 'Forever in My Heart'
Sep 14

Sep 14 Hallmark Channel movie review: 'Forever in My Heart'

Paul Carlson
film review

Although infused with Irish charm, this romance has all the makings of a rekindled love story - but it just doesn't quite become a movie that will stay in your heart forever.

'Summer Nights' movie review: 'My One & Only'
Aug 31

Aug 31 'Summer Nights' movie review: 'My One & Only'

Paul Carlson
film review

The fun of this meta romance is watching a patently and unabashedly romantic movie play in the reality TV dating genre.

'Summer Nights' movie review: 'A Summer Romance'
Aug 17

Aug 17 'Summer Nights' movie review: 'A Summer Romance'

Paul Carlson
film review

Part fish-out-of-water story and part opposites attract flick, this down-home delight that beautifully balances romance and character-driven story.

'Summer Nights' movie review: 'A Taste of Summer'
Aug 10

Aug 10 'Summer Nights' movie review: 'A Taste of Summer'

Paul Carlson
film review

Although this summer-infused romance takes a while to get moving, once it finally takes shape this summer offering becomes an encouraging story of entrepreneurship and starting anew.

'June Weddings' movie review: 'The Last Bridesmaid'
Jun 22

Jun 22 'June Weddings' movie review: 'The Last Bridesmaid'

Paul Carlson
film review

Despite being set during a wedding and focusing on bridesmaid holding out for true love, at its core this is the story of a woman torn between obligation and her sincere passion.

'June Weddings' movie review: 'Wedding at Graceland'
Jun 1

Jun 1 'June Weddings' movie review: 'Wedding at Graceland'

Paul Carlson
film review

After the whirlwind of a holiday season romance, the next chapter for Laurel and Clay is throwing together a wedding Elvis Presley’s estate.

'Countdown to Summer' movie review: 'From Friend to Fiancé'
May 25

May 25 'Countdown to Summer' movie review: 'From Friend to Fiancé'

Paul Carlson
film review

Despite the fact that the plot is summed up by the title, this charmer has plenty of lovely twists and is anchored by a delightful lead performance.

'Countdown to Summer' movie review: 'Sailing Into Love'
May 18

May 18 'Countdown to Summer' movie review: 'Sailing Into Love'

Paul Carlson
film review

Hallmark movies are not typically accused of having too much plot - but this small-town romance is actually best when its subplot is ignored, and the focus is squarely the romance.

'Countdown to Summer' movie review: 'Paris, Wine and Romance'
May 4

May 4 'Countdown to Summer' movie review: 'Paris, Wine and Romance'

Paul Carlson
film review

This beguiling Hallmark romance is a pure escapist, French delight.

'Spring Fever' movie review: 'Easter Under Wraps'
Apr 20

Apr 20 'Spring Fever' movie review: 'Easter Under Wraps'

Paul Carlson
film review

It's kind of surprising that it took Hallmark so long to make an Easter-themed movie - but thankfully this holiday charmer is a sweet treat.

Hallmark Channel movie review: 'Love on the Menu'
Feb 23

Feb 23 Hallmark Channel movie review: 'Love on the Menu'

Paul Carlson
film review

It's hard to resist smiling watching a laid-back chef and strait-laced executive slowly fall for each other in this earnest and light romance.

'Countdown to Valentine's Day' movie review: 'Love, Romance, & Chocolate'
Feb 16

Feb 16 'Countdown to Valentine's Day' movie review: 'Love, Romance, & Chocolate'

Paul Carlson
film review

This decadent and delightful romance is a picturesque getaway - even if its light on story, its rich in charm.

'Winterfest' movie review: 'Winter Love Story'
Jan 21

Jan 21 'Winterfest' movie review: 'Winter Love Story'

Paul Carlson
film review

The instant and undeniable chemistry between co-leads Jen Lilley and Kevin McGarry fill this delightful romantic road trip with buoyant charm.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'My Christmas Love'
Dec 1

Dec 1 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'My Christmas Love'

Paul Carlson
film review

Adorable and fun, this lighthearted mystery is steeped in romantic sentiment and is unlike any other Hallmark holiday movie in all the best ways.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'A Cookie Cutter Christmas'
Nov 22

Nov 22 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'A Cookie Cutter Christmas'

Paul Carlson
film review

Steeped in festive holiday fare and driven by a great competitive edge, this Hallmark “classic” is kind of the quintessential 'Countdown' holiday flick.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Reunited at Christmas'
Nov 20

Nov 20 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Reunited at Christmas'

Paul Carlson
film review

Amid a catalog of some high-concept or overly complicated stories, this refreshingly grounded holiday romance is closer to a sincere romantic drama than the typical Hallmark holiday movie.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas Getaway'
Nov 13

Nov 13 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas Getaway'

Paul Carlson
film review

This wonderfully uncomplicated story is what every Hallmark holiday movie should aspire to be: watching two lovely people fall in love during an immersive winter escape.

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““No subject is terrible if the story is true, if the prose is clean and honest, and if it affirms courage and grace under pressure.””
— "Midnight in Paris"

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