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

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  • Paul Carlson
Escape Into Film
'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen'
Nov 30

Nov 30 'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen'

Paul Carlson
film review

Anchored by three of Hallmark's strongest actors, this lovely romance finds its compelling protagonist trying to prove her responsibility to her sister, to her client and to herself.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy'
Nov 29

Nov 29 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy'

Paul Carlson
film review

The third entry in the lovely Hallmark series is a warm return to the tiny, holiday-themed town.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas at the Plaza'
Nov 28

Nov 28 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas at the Plaza'

Paul Carlson
film review

Even in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, this romance relishes in a New York landmark's past with a protagonist struggling with her own conflicted present.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'The Christmas Club'
Nov 26

Nov 26 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'The Christmas Club'

Paul Carlson
film review

On paper, very little happens in this holiday romance, allowing this character-driven romance to leisurely tell a genuinely sweet story about rediscovering love and finding the courage to take a risk.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Check Inn to Christmas'
Nov 26

Nov 26 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Check Inn to Christmas'

Paul Carlson
film review

Featuring the always great Rachel Boston and Wes Brown, this holiday romance is a great example of a Hallmark movie that puts story first (even if its script is imperfect).

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Cherished Memories: A Gift to Remember 2'
Nov 24

Nov 24 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Cherished Memories: A Gift to Remember 2'

Paul Carlson
film review

This follow-up to the original sweet romance” is the Hallmark sequel you didn't know you needed this holiday season.

'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'Holiday Hearts'
Nov 23

Nov 23 'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'Holiday Hearts'

Paul Carlson
film review

Three of the best actors in the Hallmark Channel troupe of familiar faces make this a warm and lovely Christmas romance.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays'
Nov 23

Nov 23 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays'

Paul Carlson
film review

Hallmark returns to Elvis Presley's iconic mansion with the holiday romance - with a movie with a needlessly complicated plot that takes too long to take shape.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Write Before Christmas'
Nov 17

Nov 17 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Write Before Christmas'

Paul Carlson
film review

Fans of "Love Actually" will find a lot to love about this holiday romance, which follows a handful of people whose lives are changed by a Christmas card they receive.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas Under the Stars'
Nov 16

Nov 16 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas Under the Stars'

Paul Carlson
film review

Despite its romantic name, this holiday movie gets a tripped up on its tangled web of subplots - which sadly includes much of a lead character's entire plot.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Picture a Perfect Christmas'
Nov 9

Nov 9 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Picture a Perfect Christmas'

Paul Carlson
film review

The fate of a business or a town doesn't hang in the balance. There's no crazy, high concept plot. This Hallmark romance is simply a streamlined, elegant and refreshingly forthright "Countdown" gem.

'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'Holiday for Heroes'
Nov 8

Nov 8 'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'Holiday for Heroes'

Paul Carlson
film review

This holiday romantic drama is a heartfelt tribute to those that serve and the family members that support America’s heroes in uniform.

'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'A Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas'
Nov 8

Nov 8 'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'A Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas'

Paul Carlson
film review

There are plenty of Hallmark movies that take place over the course of a weekend that have more compelling, dynamic character arcs than this holiday romance - a story that takes place over weeks, with only the minimal story arc.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas Scavenger Hunt'
Nov 4

Nov 4 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas Scavenger Hunt'

Paul Carlson
film review

Packed with endearing holiday traditions, the sweet reunion of two former flames and a young woman split between her career and her hometown, this ‘Countdown’ gem is waiting to be found.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Merry & Bright'
Nov 2

Nov 2 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Merry & Bright'

Paul Carlson
film review

The "love interests try to save a business" plot is so common among Hallmark Channel movies that it's practically a subgenre. And this latest movie in that crowded category is far from the best entry.

'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'Two Turtle Doves'
Nov 1

Nov 1 'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'Two Turtle Doves'

Paul Carlson
film review

Warm and honest, this gentle tearjerker captures the essence of rediscovering the Christmas spirit, despite harboring a broken heart.

'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'Nostalgic Christmas'
Oct 31

Oct 31 'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'Nostalgic Christmas'

Paul Carlson
film review

For a movie about woman finding her way back home, this romantic drama kinda loses its way - yet, still manages to warm the heart.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Marry Me at Christmas'
Oct 28

Oct 28 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Marry Me at Christmas'

Paul Carlson
film review

A wedding planner and her client's famous big brother unexpectedly find romance in this earnestly sweet ode to small-town life.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses'
Oct 26

Oct 26 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses'

Paul Carlson
film review

With its unapologetic love for holiday traditions, the winsome story is a great movie to kick off Hallmark’s slate of 2019 Christmas movies.

'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'A Merry Christmas Match'
Oct 25

Oct 25 'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'A Merry Christmas Match'

Paul Carlson
film review

Lead Ashley Newbrough's performance makes it so easy for the audience to fall in love with her turn as a small-town girl with reservations about leaving her beloved hometown.

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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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