The Blessing Bracelet

I was drawn to this movie because of the casting directors. Jackie Lind and Penny Perry are two of the top casting executives in the world. It has been a while since I have seen them team up because every time they did I loved the movie. I know it may be stupid to an average viewer, but these two are like Batman and Robin. They just never go wrong. Their movies are classic Hallmark.

I was absolutely shocked that Hallmark would return to a faith based movie. Hallmark has returned to a wholesome show. To be honest, I have turned off many a recent Hallmark movie within the first 15 minutes. The chemistry between the two leads is excellent, and the supporting cast fills in many of the lulls between the lead interactions. To hear Hallmark mentioned the word God unabashedly is absolutely fundamental for those of us who remember and wish Hallmark would return to the good all days.

I don't review movies to tell you what to expect and give a synopsis of the show. I did enjoy the show and would recommend it.

First, Amanda's flat wig was a cross between Nicole Kidman and Veronica Lake, and looked old fashioned for 2024. The U. S have always been a bit behind in the fashion stakes, with some lead ladies looking like 1960s country singers.

The storyline was different, but whereas we know that Hallmark scriptwriters love lines that include "listen to your heart" and ""follow your heart" - (do people actually talk like that ? They do in Hallmarkland apparently), I found that the constant referrals to faith, God and community, a bit OTT. Maybe it's because here in the UK we don't "do" faith films we're just not that preachy. We go to whichever church our God dictates - if we go, but we're pretty much low key in our faith so yes, I do find this film a bit cheesy.

The two leads were well matched, and it was an OK watch. I've seen much worse.

I like it for fair exploration of sensitive themes. For nice simplicity of bracelets. For the fair reference to faith, God, comunity solidarity. For dog and for return of husband and for trust problem.

Each of them just mazzers because ech Hallmark romance, having same recipe, can be interesting only for smart use of spices. In this case, sure, in old dusty formulas, the touch of religious area is inspired option.

In rest, familiar things, from single mother to the secret of her boyfriend, to the nice work of supporting actors - Marilyn Norry is the revelation of film, offering the so useful - realistic portrait of Pearl - and the boy working for his mom happiness.

In short, just beautiful surprising.

This Hallmark movie is just a little different from the run of the mill Hallmark movie. There is a mother who has been betrayed by her (now ex) husband and her son who misses his Dad who he has not seen in 3 years. The Mom has been (unsuccessfully) struggling to get herself caught up on all the debt that's been accumulating since the hubby walked away. Thankfully she has great friends who are willing to help. On the way to an annual Valentine dinner with her friends, she finds a "Blessing Bracelet" she and her friends used to make in high school. She wears it to the dinner and the blessings start. Of course, a romance begins and a complication arises, but the "Blessing Bracelet" she wears is a reminder that faith and hope can work miracles.

Let's forget about the faith based aspects of this film for a moment and just say that overall it was an above average Hallmark film.

The script was pretty sharp and acting was solid. It was obviously predictable but you still were rooting for various characters, even with the outcome already known.

One of the ways that I rate these movies is how frequently I have to suspend disbelief, and how ludicrous those moments are. This film only had 2 or 3 aspects which made me roll my eyes...which is pretty low compared to the average Hallmark film.

Ok...now to the faith part and overall message. I know this angle will be divisive but I thought it was well done, with things even non-Christians could take from it. It is unusually direct in its Christian references, which I liked but understand how others might not be.