Uriah43

Sent by her father to prepare a report on the condition of a recently purchased ski resort, a young woman named "Stephanie Beck" (Candace Cameron Bure) tries to hide her criticisms from the family managing the property to avoid alarming them about some major changes planned once her father approves the modifications. At first, this isn't difficult, especially since she doesn't particularly like the holiday atmosphere or, for that matter, the current manager's adult son, "Brady Lewis" (Jesse Hatch). However, after participating in a few Christmas activities and getting to know the previous owners a bit better, she begins to question whether some of her recommendations might not be so great after all. I'll just say that I think this film is one of the better Hallmark holiday romance movies I've seen, with solid acting, good chemistry between the two leading actors, and a decent plot overall. Admittedly, I would have liked a little more comedy, but I still enjoyed this film, and I have rated it accordingly.

This film begins at a costume ball where a young woman named "Sophie von Riedesel" (Marina von Ditmar) dances with the host, "Baron Hieronymus von Münchhausen" (Hans Albers), while her fiancé, "Baron von Hartenfeld" (Hans Brausewetter), stands by and watches. After excusing himself from the dance, Hieronymus is followed by Sophie, who then tries to seduce him. When he politely declines, she drives off in her car, leaving her fiancé alone at the party. The next day, after some reflection, Hieronymus invites both Baron von Hartenfeld and Sophie to dinner and entertains them with stories about his distinguished ancestors. What his guests don't realize at the time, however, is that there is more to the story than Hieronymus is initially revealing. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that many people consider this film one of the best movies made by the German film industry during the Third Reich, earning both commercial success and critical praise. Admittedly, the special effects are somewhat primitive compared with modern technology, but even so, it turned out to be an enjoyable fantasy film, and I rated it accordingly.

This unusual movie starts with an attractive young woman named "Mary Meadows" (Katie Holmes) moving into a suburban neighborhood that has recently seen an increase in criminal activity. Although her neighbor, "Mrs. Davenport" (Mary Kay Place), warns her about the dangers of walking alone on the sidewalks, Miss Meadows responds that she isn't worried at all. The reason quickly becomes clear when, after being assaulted at gunpoint by a man in a pickup truck, she pulls out her own pistol and shoots him dead. Even more surprising is the fact that, after killing this man, she continues her walk as if nothing had happened. Needless to say, this murder attracts the attention of the local police, with "Sheriff Mike Dunn" (James Badge Dale) assigned to investigate. During this time, he encounters Miss Meadows, and a romantic relationship develops between them. What he doesn't realize is that, as the murders keep happening, he's dating the person responsible for them. Now, rather than reveal any more, I'll just say that, although it was a fairly entertaining movie, I would have preferred more genuine comedy instead of the dark humor shown, as the film seemed more weird than funny. But that's just my opinion. Despite that critique, I thought Katie Holmes performed her role quite well, and all things considered, I have rated this film accordingly.