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.

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.

Count your blessings plus a dose of forgiveness are the ideas behind this movie. A divorced woman who seems to be hopelessly in debt thanks to her ex stumbles on the idea of making these bracelets to remind people to count their blessings. These main ideas plus some chemistry between Amanda Schull and Carlo Marks are enough to make this a pleasant watch.

The story is simplistic and predictable. There are no great highs or lows or surprises and very little tension beyond Dawn's financial crisis which the viewer knows is somehow going to be rescued by the bracelet business.

I often say that these movies struggle with any resemblance to reality but this one really stretches things. The business model portrayed in the movie is a confusing mess but somehow produces revenue enough to pay off months of back house payments and more. I was surprised when I did an internet search and saw one article claim the inspiration for these was an actual product on Amazon. Looking there I saw the subject bracelets were selling for nearly $30 each. Still.

There is an unintentional secret in the story which leads to a conflict. I thought that was overplayed, but they needed something and I guess the backstory does sort of explain the anger.

For those who don't like religious sermonizing, that part of this story is benign. While Dawn talks to God several times and emphasizes counting her blessings, the movie is far from preachy. And she could have been part of almost any mainstream religion.

What year is the wig that the actress playing the mother was designed in? This wig looks ridiculous for a 2023 movie. These hairdos reflect movies going back to Humphrey Bogart, Grace Kelly, and other deceased actresses. I do not know if I'm gonna continue watching it but PLEASE design WIGS that give the actress or actor some kind of style and allure for 2023! I have a lot of experience with hairdos and hairstyles, esthetics, wardrobe. You make-up and wardrobe artists need to realize that what you think is the new thing is old and passé. Use your creative juices to see beauty and also realism in whatever you create be at wigs, costumes or anything else.

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.