December 2024
- 17 films/series total (not including Hallmark films)
- 7 foreign films/series
- 7 re-watches
- 1 TV series
- 4 classic films
Biggest Disappointment: Our Little Secret
Favorite Discovery: Ooh, tough decision. It’s a toss up this month among The Trunk, Family by Choice and Beyond Goodbye
television series
Matlock (2024) – I have vague memories of the original series. so there was no issue with me comparing it to this new version with Kathy Bates. The first episode surprised me with a refreshingly shocking twist, but successive episodes didn’t do much to distinguish this show from other legal dramas. The cast, which also includes Beau Bridges and Jason Ritter do a good job with their complicated characters.
Foreign Films & Series
Family by Choice (2024) – It’s hard not to compare this to the original Chinese drama Go Ahead. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, but this one does stand on its’ own. The created family with the three unrelated siblings and the two dads is so sweet. The way the dad love each kid equally is beautiful and the way the siblings alternately bicker and defend each other feels true to life. The main romance feels less dysfunctional in this adaptation and I do appreciate that the issues with the mothers is less angsty.
The Trunk (2024) – Though generally not my oeuvre, this psychological mystery drama was addicting! It explored dysfunctional and toxic relationships through the lens of an arranged marriage where both parties have prior trauma. The non linear timeline added to the disorientation of the story. The symbolism of their living spaces also enhanced the characters’ emotional states. The ex-wife’s malicious and controlling behavior was so enraging to watch. But it was comforting to see the two leads slowly heal and gain strength from each other as they confronted their pasts. The chemistry between Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun Jin was outstanding as was their individual portrayals of broken people. They were flawed and imperfect but ultimately kind and thoughtful toward each other’s pain. The overall experience was akin to watching a trainwreck – you can’t look away, but you know you should respect those who are suffering. It’s definitely a story which I can’t quit thinking about long after finishing.
Brewing Love (2024) – I enjoyed this pleasant little healing drama with its’ sensitive beta hero and outwardly tough but inwardly sensitive heroine who work together to create a new beer. I’m somewhat familiar with how wines are made so it was really interesting to see the process of how beer is produced. My favorite part of this show were the neighborhood aunties. They were so funny but also thoughtful and kind.
Drawing Closer (2024) – I ran across this Japanese film on Netflix about two teenagers with terminal illness who find solace and joy in appreciating each day they are given. Despite its’ somber story, it’s one which celebrates life and shines hope in addressing a difficult topic. The innocence of the two leads is sweet and lends itself to the brighter tones and cinematography. Even though the sad ending had me crying, it also left me feeling grateful for my life.
Beyond Goodbye (2024) -In this Netflix Japanese drama, when a woman’s beloved dies unexpectedly, she eventually meets the man who received her fiance’s heart. What a bittersweet tale that is sensitively and thoughtfully told! I’m fascinated by the idea of cellular memory and even though I think the series took the idea of it further than science does, it made for an engrossing story. I was so emotionally torn by the idea of two people brought together by the memories and feelings of the deceased who then start to question what part of their connection is real and what part is fabricated by the heart. It is a conundrum made even more complex by the fact that they sincerely love their significant others but can’t help but be drawn to each other and also because they are both good people who want to help each other heal. I’m not generally a fan of love triangles that involve potential cheating, but this one was handled well, showing the honest emotions of all those involved without villifying or glorifying any. I felt the most sorry for the man’s wife who was so happy that her husband would live only to find out his new heart introduced personality changes and other complications. Throughout the plot, themes of grief, kindness, closure and love are explored in ways that gave me food for thought. On top of it all, the settings and scenery are so beautiful and peaceful AND the Jackson 5’s song I Want You Back plays a pivotal part of the heroine’s healing journey.
Serendipity’s Embrace (2024) – Another month, another rom-com. There’s nothing very memorable about this grumpy-sunshine romance between two former classmates. I will say, I’ve never seen a group of people so invested in getting the lead couple together. The whole thing with the hero’s mother interfering in his life and relationship was somewhat extreme and annoying, not to mention overly controlling.
Le Coup de Foudre (2019) – While I found the very cute source novel a little too short and lacking in details, the television adaptation was too long with unnecessary filler scenes. Unlike some viewers, I actually preferred the early school years, before the couples all get together, the career drama took over the relationship focus and the twins interactions took backseat to those with their significant others. As much as I love a good romance, I really fell for the brother-sister love and squabbling between the twins. It WAS nice how they all stayed good friends throughout the years, loyally supporting each other through thick and thin. The secondary romance between the heroine’s best friend and brother was not very credible to me. Despite some of my complaints, this was a pleasant watch.
Classics
Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1945) – It was a pleasure to re-watch this simple and charming film with my mom since it jogged her memories about growing up in a similar way as young Selma does here. The vignettes of farm life in a small insulated rural community were sweet and entertaining and definitely reminiscent of “the good ol’ days” when people had common sense, children minded their parents, kindness was the norm and helping your neighbor was expected. It left me feeling all warm and cozy.
Other re-watches – It’s a Wonderful Life, Never Say Goodbye, Holiday Affair
Post 1980’s
All I Want for Christmas (1991) – Over the years, this has slowly become a holiday favorite. Seeing New York City in all it’s old holiday glory is such a joy. The story about two kids trying to get their parents back together isn’t an original one but the child actors are so cute and talented that it’s still a pleasure to watch. Of course, adding Lauren Bacall in a supporting role as the grandmother is just icing on the cake.
Our Little Secret (2024) – Lindsey Lohan stars in this Netflix holiday flick about two exes who discover they are dating siblings. It’s a fun and entertaining picture, but it lacks some of the charm of some of my favorite Christmas movies.
A Castle for Christmas (2021) – This holiday romance caters to 80’s nostalgia thanks to the casting of Cary Elwes and Brooke Shields as the leads. It’s a little jarring seeing them looking so aged, but also refreshing to have a film that features an older romance. The Scottish setting adds some charm as does the village knitting group that adopts Shields’ character. It’s a pleasant, inoffensive but unremarkable movie from Netflix.
Re-watch -While You Were Sleeping, The Holiday
Hallmark: Hearts of Christmas, Deck the Halls, On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, Sealed with a List, Believe in Christmas, Scouting for Christmas, Sugarplummed, The Finnish Line, Holiday Touchdown A Chiefs Love Story, Scouting for Christmas, A Carol for Two, Trading Christmas, Love at the Thanksgiving Parade, The Christmas Quest, Christmas with Holly, Christmas Cookies, Love at the Christmas Table, Private Princess Christmas, Christmas Under the Lights, Hanukkah on the Rocks, A Christmas Wish, The Christmas Promise, Miss Christmas, All I Need for Christmas, Following Yonder Star, The Santa Class, The Angel of Christmas, Heaven Sent, Debbie Macomber’s Joyful Mrs. Miracle, A Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas, The Christmas Card, Christmas by Starlight, A Godwink Christmas Miracle of Love
I quite liked Our Little Secret. Silly, yes, but fun. Made me curious to see what the Freaky Friday sequel will be like! 🙂