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Whitney: Can I Be Me – Review
Whitney: Can I Be Me – Showtime – 1 hour and 40 minutes
Whitney Houston was a diamond in the ruff when she first met Clive Davis. As the only girl in a family of 5, she was the apple of her father Michael’s eye and fell under the tough rule of her mother Cissy. She was trained to be a singer and take the reigns to become a global sensation. Living through riots and drugs was not the image Clive and the record label wanted to present with their latest artist. They wanted a polished pop princess. And with a strict church going family, Whitney could play the role of All-American Good Girl. In high school, Whitney kept her success quiet. Only her friend Robyn knew the truth because Whitney had a lot of insecurities. However, the turning points in her career both came at the Soul Train Awards. The first turning point was getting booed while her nomination was announced. She could not believe she was booed after years of success. But she was too pop for the Soul Train audience. The second turning point was meeting Bobby Brown. The Bad Boy of R&B met his match with Whitney Houston. While the outside world didn’t believe the Princess of Pop was with the Bad Boy, everyone who truly knew her understood. She was a tough girl from Newark who needed a tough guy. But as her relationships with Bobby, Robyn, and her family fall apart, so does Whitney. At what point do you speak up? Her personal bodyguard wrote a letter detailing her drug addiction and its effect on her performance. He gave a sad warning of her fate and asked her management to bring in people to help. But he was fired for his good deeds. Her make-up artist was disgusted with people “compliments” on her appearance; she made sure she let Whitney know she was dying. Robyn tried to stay in Whitney’s corner as a friend but as drugs and Bobby got in the way, Robyn left Whitney’s side. This documentary reveals that drugs were not the real downfall of Whitney Houston, just a symptom of bigger issues. She felt like she didn’t just let down her fans but she let down God. That knowledge was the true fall of Whitney Houston.
This documentary is unlike others. It doesn’t try to shine Whitney up or make her look like a villain. It shows a woman falling apart under her own fame. Now don’t be fooled, several people spoke up for Whitney and attempted to help. But as people tried to help, even more, brought her down. Unlike a lot of documentaries, they don’t place all the blame on Bobby. While both had their demons before they first met, they shared their addiction when they were together and amplified each others habit. Also, this documentary goes deeper into the relationship of Robyn and Whitney; as well as the effect it had on Whitney’s marriage. With never-before-seen footage of Whitney, this movie may be the first time Whitney could be Whitney. This documentary was only missing current interviews from Bobby and Cissy to give it validity. However, it’s obvious to see why they would decline.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
I absolutely would – Cissy
She was trying t get my attention because I was fly – Bobby
He loved her as herself – Pattie
I’ve never seen nothing like it – Toni
Success doesn’t change you. Fame does – Whitney
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Garage Sale Mystery: Murder Most Medieval – Review
Garage Sale Mystery: Murder Most Medieval – HMM – 2 hours and 0 minutes
While at a garage sale, Jenn finds a suit of armor that would be perfect for one of her clients, Mr. Bill Wallace. He is excited to have the knight’s armor and names it Sir Rags to Riches (after Jenn’s store of course). The next day another buyer, Prof. Robert McNary, comes into Jenn’s store asking to buy the armor. Jenn informs him that the armor is sold and declines to give up the buyers information. The next morning, Jenn and Dani notice their store’s front door is open and objects have been moved. She doesn’t report it because nothing was stolen. Later, Jenn goes to Bill’s house to appraise the armor but notices the sword has changed and there is blood dripping from it. The open the armor to find a man inside. It’s Prof. McNary. Jenn tells Det. Lynwood about the break in and that she believes he was the culprit to get the armor. After talking to Dr. Trammel, she learns he was murdered. With a list of suspects (disgruntled student, an ambitious teacher’s assistant, a neglected spouse, and a romantic rival), Jenn and Det. Lynwood will have their work cut out for them.
Based on the Garage Sale Mystery by Suzi Weinert, this tale has a lot of misdirects that will keep watchers guessing (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). You will not be able to look away and you shouldn’t, missing one moment will throw you off. For seasoned fans of the series, you will not be disappointed. Dr. Trammel makes is famous dad jokes, while Jenn’s family begrudgingly supports and gets involved in her cases. New fans will wonder if Jenn is so good at finding criminals, how come she gets gypped at finding antiquities for her clients.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
Lives – Jenn
The last one I went to, I thought I was with all my classmate’s parents. Turns out, I was with all my classmates – Dina
Because the other guy got more votes – Jason
Don’t do this, I’m telling you – Tim
I would never hear the end of it – Det. Lynwood
I will be – Emma
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At Home in Mitford – Review
At Home in Mitford – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Cynthia, a famous author, has writer’s block. Since her divorce, a year ago, she has not been able to come up with a title, yet alone a book. Her publisher warns her that she has 45 days to turn something in or lose her deal. She decides to go to her uncle’s home in Mitford for inspiration. He encouraged her to read and write; along with being her biggest fan. She has been avoiding his home since he passed away because she knows she will have to sell it. But now she will go to Mitford, sell his home, and write her book. On her first day, she meets everyone in town. Everyone knows her and her uncle. Cynthia learns that in small towns, talk travels faster than the speed of light. While at her uncle’s home, she has an impromptu meeting with her neighbor Tim and “almost” his dog. She snaps at the Tim and returns to her writing. Later, Cynthia learns that Tim is the neighborhood Episcopal priest and the guy she almost ran off the road when she came into town. She instantly feels bad and starts to talk to him. She learns that he is the most eligible bachelor in town and is often visited by the town’s single women. Cynthia also meets Jack. An Atlanta relator that has his eyes on Cynthia and her property. He is determined to get the woman and the deal. When Cynthia’s friend Marjorie tells her to take the bull by the horns, Cynthia misunderstands and goes out with Jack. However, Marjorie wanted her to ask out Tim. With time winding down on her book and her uncle’s home, Tim knows he has to make his feelings known before Cynthia heads back to Boston or falls in love with Jake.
Based on At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon, this movie doesn’t feel like a movie (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It feels more like a pilot to a TV series. It introduces a slew of characters and gives them back stories beyond normal TV movies. At times it’s slow and frustrating to see these two adults act like teens. They whisper to their friends and all the neighbors about their feelings but don’t talk to each other. And what makes it worst is they often complain about the town being in everyone’s business. This a decent start to a series but not the best Hallmark has to offer.
I give it 2 out of 5 stars
I was talking about Tim – Marjorie
Well she doesn’t know it yet, but she will – Jack
See you are acting like a natural dog owner already – Howell
That’s a classic – Tim
I know I over packed but you never know how many shoes you’re going to need – Cynthia
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Eat, Play, Love – Review
Eat, Play, Love – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Carly comes to her friend Michelle’s aid by volunteering as a vet for her dog shelter. Of course, Michelle didn’t tell Carly that Don (Carly’s high school sweetheart and Michelle’s brother) is working there as a dog/person match maker. Dan the Dog Man believes that dogs adopt their owners, not the other way around. Carly is quickly taken back to her high school feelings the moment she lays eyes on Dan. However, just when Carly builds hope for a second chance at love she sees Kristi. Her old high school bully and dog hater is the top correspondent for the local news channel and Dan’s girlfriend. Kristi makes her position in Dan’s life known before Carly can get one word out. When Kristi’s new job offer in New York brings a move and an engagement for Dan’s life, Carly wants to act fast. So, Michelle (the Meddler) offers to makeover Carly to get her brother’s attention. The two reconnect over dogs, duty, and the past. And just when Carly believes there is hope for the two, Kristi’s timing is impeccable. Kristi found a job for Dan as Executive Regional Assistant for the National Dog Rescue Association in New York. Carly knows Dan could never pass up that opportunity. But she refuses to give up. She decides it’s time to have a Countdown to Love before Dan leaves for New York and gets married to Kristi.
This is a cute story about dogs and love. This movie is good because a makeover isn’t the answer. It’s the connection between the couple and their love for animals that bring them together. But you must ask yourself, who is setting up who, who is training who, and who is teaching who. With so many players invested in this love game, it’s hard to understand who is running the board. While this movie has a predictable ending and villain, the subtle jabs and dogs are fun to watch. Also, the connection between Rita and Dr. Monroe is adorable.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Oh we have a secret weapon – Michelle
The might grow up and be accountants – Dan
Make man’s best friend, your best friend – Kristi
So will I – Carly
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Categories: Andie MacDowell, At Home in Mitford, Bobbi Kristina Brown, Bobby Brown, Cameron Mathison, Cissy Houston, Connor Stanhope, David Roberts, Eat Play Love, Eva Bourne, Garage Sale Mystery, hallmark, Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, HMM, Jason Cermak, Jay Brazeau, Jen Lilley, John Russell Houston Jr., Kevin O'Grady, Lee Majors, Lindsay Wagner, Lori Loughlin, Made for TV, review, Robyn Crawford, Sarah Strange, Showtime, steve bacic, tv review, Whitney Houston, WhitneyFilm
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