The Reckoning

I know it's hard to get the same actors after a couple years, so I can for go that one. The other things.... So much of this fantastic story was left out, not even mentioned or changed. I know they didn't mention Katie's best friend in the second movie, I thought they might make up for it in this one. Seems like they focused a lot on Katie and not on the whole story. It is frustrating to think this is what people will see when it doesn't do the books justice. I know that it is a fictional story but there are just some things you don't change. Please read the books! I am so glad I did, before watching the movies.

I really loved the storyline, and they were all three well made, but I couldn't have been more disappointed with the roles being played by other people. It nearly made me wish I would have not seen any of it to be honest. The original actress Danielle Panabaker was absolutely stunning and fit the role perfectly as did the original actor who played Daniel. They were perfect and they drew you in to fall in love with them. The actors who took on the roles were not bad actors, but just didn't fit, especially Katie. She just didn't look the part whatsoever. If new actors have to be brought in at least make sure they look the role. Just my opinion I suppose, but it really took the heart out of it for me. Even Katies Dad was played by someone else in the end. Without the changes I likely would have given this a 9 or a 10, but not now. At least I'm forewarned on Beverly Lewis movies to check these things out before making a purchase in the future.

7.2 stars.

All three of these movies were average for me, so I don't plan on seeing them again. This one was no different than #2 in that once again they changed the cast, but now a new actor portrays her long lost Amish boyfriend, Daniel. I really liked the actor portraying Daniel in the second film, but they switched him out for some scruffy looking guy. And along with Mr. Scruff is a questionable scrub whom he associates with. These dudes look like shady trailer trash. But as time passes, Daniel's character becomes more palatable. And then we have her adoptive Amish parents who appear to also be different actors as well. I thought they were likable enough. And we also meet a couple other characters that are fine.

So, suddenly, I prefer the new guy in her life. He's tall, handsome, and relatable. Why did the author have to diminish her old flame into a half a man? If I were the author, I would have deleted his character from the franchise. Either resurrect him as the long lost love interest and soulmate that he should've been, or remove him altogether. And when he finally sees her for the first time in so many years, the meeting is anti-climactic. This was the moment I was anticipating since finishing 'The Confession' (a few hours ago...*snicker*), but it was a disappointment. The last 10 minutes wrapped up a bit too fast. At that point I was thinking they packed too much material into the ending. All in all this is not the most impactful conclusion for the trilogy.

The main actress (Leclerc) grows on the audience even more profoundly than in the second film. I really liked her in this, and so the romance has some redeeming value that make this watchable. Notwithstanding, 'The Reckoning' is not an improvement over the first two.

I agree with other reviews, too many cast member changes across the three movies: The Shunning, The Confession and The Reckoning. I'm not sure there were any actors in all three movies. They even used a different mansion in the third movie and it was pretty ugly. Katie's accent in third movie was terrible, sounded more like Russian accent German. In the second movie, Daniel was buying a necklace for Katie at the end of the movie, never mentioned in third movie. Also not mentioned that he is the guy who pretended to be Katie's cousin in The Confession. It was fairly entertaining but could have been better.

The third and final film, based on the Beverly Lewis' 'The Heritage of Lancaster County' novel trilogy. This was an unexpected watch. I mean I was not going to watch these films. But I had a short time, so I had to pick a short film and television films are always less than 90 minutes long. Once I saw the first, I could not leave behind the remaining two. After all it was not a bad watch. If you are like close enough to 30 or above that, you will find these films decent. Because that's what life is about. You are mature enough to understand them. Ten years ago definitely I would have not enjoyed them as of now.

As I've mentioned in the previous review, that I did not know what to expect from it. For me, the actual story had ended in the previous part itself. This was just an extension, extension of Katie Lapp's new world's new life. Surely some people would be very interesting to know how she makes her new lifestyle. Because there's a lot to learn, especially being too kind in this tough world. Every step forward is a new lesson. Anyway, she has trusted people all around her. What she now needs is a man and his unending love and care.

After inheriting wealth from her mother, now herself entangled in a new situation. The first film was about unveiling the truth, followed by in the second, she reconnected with her root, and now the romance. It's a three way romance, she does not know whom to choose. Caught between past and present, the film focused on her journey of self-discovery. She's helping those who needs it. Besides, it helped her to realise what her heart says. In the end, it all ended up happily as always for a Hallmark film.

-xX] I think before you make a future with Justin, you need to make peace with your past. [Xx-

To watch it on an average day, it won't be that bad. But if you pick it with lots of expectations, then you are in a wrong film. The families would approve it easily. Yet this third film was not as good as previous two. Because the romance theme they have used in this was so common in most of the same themes. What uplifted the film was those orphan segments. It had told some meaningful aspect of the wealthy people with a good heart. And that's the that, the film did not impress me on the overall. One of the reasons was, again, the casting.

Three films and each time a bunch of new actors stepped-in on someone's role we were very used to. I know what you might be thinking. It's not Katie Lapp, but some supporting characters. Katie's Amish parents particular. The original actors were brilliant. They never had more scope for their parts, but I loved them in their short span. It was too late to switch to a new pair. So, I felt out of synch with the narration when their parts came in. I have never seen a trilogy that messed up like this.

My pick is the middle one. I liked the second film very much. But the first was decent and expected to end the trilogy in a same way. Despite re-cast, the actors were good. At least they should have stuck with the same director. Though this director was okay. Another thing is, the end. That's not what I'd expected, but that's fine for not giving what the viewers had expected, but it did make sense, except leaving a bad impression on Katie of what she has chosen. I mean not the man, but what kind of life. So my conclusion is, this part was least decent in the series. But as a trilogy not bad for once trying.

6/10