LiveLoveLead

This Christian based Thanksgiving themed movie is based on a true story. A single dad who is let go from his DJ job lands a last minute job at a nonprofit. Unknown to him when he took the job he is in charge of getting 4000 turkeys donated In 30 days. Needless to say, this will not be an easy task to accomplish. Weaved through the story are Christian themes and parables, as well as flashbacks to how he and the girls lost their mother, and side stories of one of his daughters working on the school play, mean coworkers, and romance. The problem is that this is a very low budget, B - movie. Although filmed in 2023 it looks like it was filmed in the 70s or 80s. I hate to criticize the hard work, but the acting is very amateur, the writing/dialogue and directing are bad.

That being said, it is a heartwarming Christian movie that the whole family can watch... I just don't think with the slow pace, dull colors, and lack of energy, that the younger family members will stick with it. Probably would've been better as a book IMHO!

This inspirational true story was filmed at a slow meandering pace that held little tension or build up. The acting was average and the film lacked creativity and character building. With the setting of the mountain wilderness it should have had more stunning cinematography. The film is interspersed with interviews of the real people and ends with some information/updates and pictures of the family and of the person who made the film. Although I believe, and respect, that it seemed to stay true to the authentic story, in someone else's hands this could have been a more engaging and moving piece of work IMHO. 5.5/10 stars for me.

Happy's Place takes place in a bar, but has a very similar feel to McEntire's last sitcom, "Reba" in some respects. Probably because this new sitcom has two of the same leads (McEntire & Peterman) whose character's interactions are nearly identical to the previous show, and it's written by someone who wrote for both shows as well. If you loved "Reba", you'll probably enjoy this.

Happy's Place does have a couple of fun, quirky characters and I think Belissa Escabedo, as Isabella, will steal the show, but Melissa Peterman's characters have always been too over the top and annoying for me.

Although there were some funny moments, the humor is often too corny IMHO. If they tone down the cheesy humor and make it a bit more character driven and clever, it might be more enjoyable, but judging from this pilot episode, they aren't even close to the caliber of something like Cheers, Friends or The Office. 5.5 stars It's watchable but I would seek it out!