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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: 'Deliver by Christmas'
Oct 25

Oct 25 'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'Deliver by Christmas'

Paul Carlson
film review

Strangers fall for each other over the phone ... without knowing they've actually already met.

'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas Tree Lane'
Oct 24

Oct 24 'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas Tree Lane'

Paul Carlson
film review

The future of a historic holiday neighborhood hangs in the balance in this dramatic romance.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Jingle Bell Bride'
Oct 24

Oct 24 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Jingle Bell Bride'

Paul Carlson
film review

A wedding planner literally goes to the end of the Earth for her client, finding love along the way.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Chateau Christmas'
Oct 21

Oct 21 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Chateau Christmas'

Paul Carlson
film review

Two musicians pulled apart by their different ambitions are reunited in this romance of love rediscovered.

My favorite Hallmark Channel 'Countdown to Christmas' movies
Oct 19

Oct 19 My favorite Hallmark Channel 'Countdown to Christmas' movies

Paul Carlson
film review

Some people constantly play Christmas music in their car in around the clock in November and December - I'm the same, but with TV and the Hallmark Channel.

'Fall Harvest' movie review: 'Sweet Autumn'
Oct 17

Oct 17 'Fall Harvest' movie review: 'Sweet Autumn'

Paul Carlson
film review

Two of Hallmark's most delightful stars clash over a small town candy shoppe in this fall romance.

'Fall Harvest' movie review: 'Country at Heart'
Oct 4

Oct 4 'Fall Harvest' movie review: 'Country at Heart'

Paul Carlson
film review

Folksy and full of romance, the music-infused love story is an endearing celebration of autumn and country music.

'Summer Nights' movie review: 'Wedding Every Weekend'
Aug 16

Aug 16 'Summer Nights' movie review: 'Wedding Every Weekend'

Paul Carlson
film review

Hallmark faves Kimberley Sustad and Paul Campbell are perfectly cast as perfect strangers realizing they are perfect for each other in this celebration of love.

'Summer Nights' movie review: 'Romance in the Air'
Aug 1

Aug 1 'Summer Nights' movie review: 'Romance in the Air'

Paul Carlson
film review

This great bit of tourism marketing for Lake Tahoe is a better mid-career drama than it is a convincing romance.

Hallmark Channel movie review: 'Bad Date Chronicles'
Mar 1

Mar 1 Hallmark Channel movie review: 'Bad Date Chronicles'

Paul Carlson
film review

More “rom-com” than the typical Hallmark movie, this dating disaster flick is more “com” hijinks than “rom” charm.

'Love Ever After' movie review: 'Love in Store'
Feb 22

Feb 22 'Love Ever After' movie review: 'Love in Store'

Paul Carlson
film review

Co-stars Alexandra Breckenridge and Robert Buckley absolutely crackle and pop as the perfectly mismatched hosts, who go together like peanut butter and chocolate in this romantic drama.

'Love Ever After' movie review: 'The Secret Ingredient'
Feb 16

Feb 16 'Love Ever After' movie review: 'The Secret Ingredient'

Paul Carlson
film review

Set in the high stakes realm of cooking reality television and filled with decadent baking sweetness, this flick has fun playing in the realm of romance and reality TV - even if it strings along the "surprise" a bit too long.

'Love Ever After' movie review: 'Matching Hearts'
Feb 8

Feb 8 'Love Ever After' movie review: 'Matching Hearts'

Paul Carlson
film review

Stalwart Hallmark stars Taylor Cole and Ryan Paevey make this lovely romance a Valentine's charmer.

'Love Ever After' movie review: 'A Valentine's Match'
Feb 1

Feb 1 'Love Ever After' movie review: 'A Valentine's Match'

Paul Carlson
film review

An obnoxious cast of characters and a stilted, objectively bad script makes this flick a Valentine not worth sending or receiving.

'Winterfest' movie review: 'Hearts of Winter'
Jan 25

Jan 25 'Winterfest' movie review: 'Hearts of Winter'

Paul Carlson
film review

Accented with the fun of home decor and unexpected love, this winter romance has a lovely core of new beginnings for an up-and-coming design genius and a single father living in the home he started with his late wife.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'A Cheerful Christmas'
Dec 16

Dec 16 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'A Cheerful Christmas'

Paul Carlson
film review

At their best, Hallmark Channel movies tap into the best, most meaningful parts of the Christmas season - usually by wrapping the sentiment with compelling characters in engaging stories. This movie is the opposite of all that.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Holiday Date'
Dec 14

Dec 14 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Holiday Date'

Paul Carlson
film review

With its ridiculous plot and a stellar lead performance, this romantic comedy is a laugh out loud hilarious delight.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas at Dollywood'
Dec 8

Dec 8 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas at Dollywood'

Paul Carlson
film review

For a movie set at Dollywood, this Hallmark flick doesn't lean hard enough into the built-in love for Dolly Parton's iconic Smoky Mountain theme park.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'A Christmas Love Story'
Dec 7

Dec 7 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'A Christmas Love Story'

Paul Carlson
film review

Broadway sensation Kristin Chenoweth dazzles in this holiday's Hallmark Hall of Fame movie.

'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas in Rome'
Nov 30

Nov 30 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Christmas in Rome'

Paul Carlson
film review

This refreshing bit of cultural immersion practically dares the audience not to fall in love with Italy.

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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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