There is a prevailing belief in our world, that the holiday season truly is quite the magical time. One where no harm can come to people because the season is about unity and giving, and looking toward a better tomorrow, and there is merit to this. Since we do find joy during the season, and we do find wonder and somehow… everything is just brighter alongside family and friends. And of course, those good vibes extend beyond our own observations, since others seem to share in it and popular media even gets in on the fun. Since so many holiday films showcase wondrous times during the holidays and if there is a problem to be solved in those stories, its minor and conquerable through love and hope.

But while there is merit to that line of thinking, and joy to find in those tales, deep down we know the holiday and those stories offer true escapism. Since life doesn’t end when the holidays begin, and tough times fall upon people during the season. As do massive challenges that can tax a person’s joy and potentially remove it. Which means that it would likely be more helpful to enjoy holiday stories that showcase that, to help us find a more realistic brighter path during the holidays, and we should also think less of the magic and more of how we can properly spread cheer and well, different perspective is top of mind today, simply because a Hallmark Channel holiday movie sequel offers up just that in Three Wise Men and a Boy.

Which is indeed the follow-up to Three Wise Men and a Baby, and reunites us with the Brenner men no problem, some years after that all-important adoption took place and well, they are in unique places this time around. For Luke is struggling with playing single dad for a moment during the holiday season, while Taylor is hitting hard times as his attempts to get a video game company off the ground continue to falter, and Stephan is struggling to balance work and life, and they’re all dealing with this during the holidays and while their mother is shaking up their lives with a new relationship. All of which strains them to no end and to complicate life further, they’re trying to salvage the school play they… basically nearly ruined with a touch of overzealousness. 

All of which provides us with a fascinating, realistic look at the holiday season. Because that is it to a tee. For not everyone is feeling holiday cheer and enjoying prosperity during the season. They’re struggling like anyone else. And some folks are stuck working heavily while trying their best to juggle the season and their job and all the chaos life sends our way. Which makes for a refreshing feature for certain. One that really does feel as though we’re in the midst of it with the Brenners and truly, we can relate to just about everything they go through here. Since we’ve had our tough seasons where we don’t know where the New Year will take us, and we’ve also pulled our hair out plenty when the stress just piles up.
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But of course, with this being a Hallmark Holiday Feature, the film doesn’t just focus on grit and realism. It is eager to show us as well, how we get through those tough times and how the season does help with that. Which is why we see the family come together as needed, and hold one another up when they’re struggling, and that’s the real magic of the season. Believing in one another, and propping one another up when the going gets tough, and that’s what we need to focus upon when it comes to the season. What we can do for one another and how best we can be there for folks who might be going through it. For that is how you make change in the world and if by chance we can extend that line of thinking beyond the holidays, imagine what we could accomplish.

All of which brings forth, another charming Hallmark Holiday Feature. One that is a delightful sequel as well. Since it is just wonderful to reunite with the Brenner boys and see how they’ve come along since we first met them a couple of years ago. Plus, it means we get more charming performances from this cast and once again, this movie shows that Hallmark is trying some new things with its Holiday Features. Since we don’t always see sequels to them, and we tend to not see such realistic messaging. But they are trying to do more and expand and take these stories in a new direction and they succeed here thanks to this charming tale that offers up a different look at the reason for the season, and the other gifts we can give people during it.

It is definitely safe to say that first responders are presented in popular media in a supremely unique light. For a fair number of shows and a fair number of movies, show them as grizzled and bold heroes. Who are fearless in nature and will stop at nothing to bust criminals or fight fires or save lives in a hospital and well, it makes sense as to why this is the case. Because they are heroes, and they are people that make a powerful choice to stand before trouble and help others, so it stands to reason that we see them as individuals that are fearless and hungry for justice. But while that is lovely to see on screen, constantly seeing first responders in that light can be problematic in nature.
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Because it means we put them on a pedestal, and we translate that view of them to real life and that can put undue pressure upon them and can put them in a tough spot when someone is disappointed with them for not being able to catch the bad guy or prevent something bad from happening. As though they’ve failed us when they have not. For they are in fact, human beings, who are fallible and have limitations like anyone else in this life and the sooner we see that, the more we can respect their chosen career field in a far more powerful manner. Since they are willing to deal with failures and mistakes that we cannot, and thankfully, we are starting to see a shift in how these individuals are perceived. Courtesy of shows and films that are starting to showcase the human side of the equation, such as the recent release on the Hallmark Channel, Christmas on Call.

Which is a story that introduces us to a bevy of first responders during the holiday season in Philadelphia. In fact, we meet first responders from all the major agencies, with a focus on two particular characters, Wes and Hannah, who work as an EMT and Emergency Room Doctor, respectively, and well, Hannah is new in town and looking for a guide and Wes is happy to help since they have chemistry. But alas, there is no quick love affair that takes shape here, instead… we spend a lot of time seeing how Hannah and Wes struggle to make time for one another because of how busy they are since their day jobs demand much of them. Which leads to a story… that is supremely realistic in nature and unlike anything else that Hallmark has ever done.

Because the romance is merely the secondary focus, and we truly spend a great deal of time just seeing how first responders live and the surprises they run into in their day to day lives and how they navigate the ups and downs of it. Making this less a traditional Hallmark holiday movie and more a slice of life tale. One that truly showcases the various first responder jobs out there in a surprisingly human way. Since we see doubt creep in for some, and worry that they can make miracles happen, and in between when they are not caring for others, they are trying to care for themselves and navigate life and their careers and their dreams… and that’s just lovely to see play out. 
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For in many ways, it just makes this feature a tribute story to the people that risk so much for one another and this is definitely a welcome change of pace film, one that doesn’t lose sight though, of what we love about Hallmark Holiday Movies. Because there is romance to be found here, and we do enjoy seeing that play out in these stories, and in between the heavier stuff, there are some beautiful moments of unity to be found. The kind where we see people that care about others, go the extra mile for the co-workers they love and adore and want to see succeed. Which all hammers home the ‘peace on earth’ and unity concepts that permeate the season and it all works here and gives life to an outright refreshing holiday feature. 

Since it is just nice to learn/be reminded of the fact that our first responders do sacrifice a lot to keep others safe and breathing, and that they go through some tough times in doing so, and we really do need more of that on television and in popular media period. So that we do hold them in a different light, one that is less about expectation and involves far more empathy. For people who have made a stunning choice and carry quite the burden, and Hallmark deserves a round of applause for giving this story life. Because this is a brave choice for the network, one that pays off in spades since we are treated to something new and something original, that also informs us… that this network is about to enter a bold new chapter in its storytelling. One filled to the brim with bold new ideas that add new depth to the holiday season.

One particular hope that we all harbor in this life when we head out into the world to live our dreams and conquer the planet, is that we will keep moving forward. Because that is of course, how we make progress in life and how we accomplish wonders. Which is why we hit the ground running when our time arrives and do our best to become the best in our career field, because we know the rewards will be endless in nature. Yet… despite our best efforts to keep pushing forward to have everything we need in life physically and emotionally… there comes a point when we realize that something drastic has changed in our lives.

In that, we will hit a wall at some point and become stagnant. Wherein we’ve settled for a plateau and revel in comfort and routine and well… what’s wild is that we rarely realize that. Because we think we are in motion and still kicking tail and taking names and in the end, it takes external forces to point out that we have halted our progress and that we aren’t quite as driven as we used to be. Which is a stunning moment to experience for certain, one that gives us pause and leaves us wondering, how then do we break out of the grind and get back to living life to the fullest and moving forward like we used to? Well, as it turns out, a new movie that recently debuted on the Hallmark Channel explores just that in Jingle Bell Run.
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A feat that this story accomplishes by introducing us to a pair of individuals that are in fact… stagnant in life. For there’s Wes, a former hockey star that thinks he’s doing just fine with his career long gone. Only for him to discover that he’s a shell of himself and no longer moving forward in a competitive state, and he’s not alone here. Since we also meet Avery. A woman that has truly settled into routine and has become genuinely stagnant in life, and well, thanks to a support network and an understanding that perhaps they need a little pep in their step, they both make their way onto a holiday reality television show that tests like them never before. But that’s not a bad thing. Because just like that, they’re able to discover how much they’ve lost by being stagnant in life and how much they have to gain by throwing caution to the wind and going for broke.

Which is… the perfect way to explore how we get our swagger back when we settle in life, and the cure is indeed… just living in the moment. Without giving much thought to our actions. Which might seem irresponsible, but we always act accordingly when we’re chasing our goals, and that makes a second go round no different and in going that route, do we start to realize the power and the value of living in the moment. Of the thrill it gives us and the freedom it provides our very soul with. Which is expressed through Avery and Wes’s emotional growth in this film. Since we watch them transform before our eyes and that really does hammer home the value of living life in this manner and how it can re-energize us in a prompt and inspiring manner.  
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But while that would be enough to carry this feature, it does have more to say about the negatives of being stagnant in life. in that, it also prompts us to close ourselves off to people and just worry about our little world, and while that isn’t the end of the world, since there are folks who thrive within their own journey… it can be problematic for others and starve them of interactions they need and keep them away from relationships/friendships that are life changing and powerful in nature. So, it stands to reason that we should always be willing to meet new people and take a little time to get to know them, because we never know what that will provide us with emotionally.

All of which gives rise, to a supremely unique Hallmark holiday movie. One that not only features what we love about these films, since it has romance, holiday cheer and moments and fun, but dives far deeper than expected. Because few holiday features ask us if we are happy with where we are at the moment or if we are doing enough to chase our dreams and if we are living our lives to the fullest. But this one does, and it handles such thoughts in a supremely subtle manner through those elements that we love and that makes this, a delightful watch for certain. Simply because you can never go wrong with a movie that gently nudges you to be the best version of yourself, so you find real peace in your soul and in your life.

There was a time in Hollywood, where epic motion pictures about the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, were everywhere to be found. In fact, some of the biggest films in motion picture history, revolved around this era, since films like Ben Hur featured the empire in its twisted glory in a grand and sweeping manner, and well, it makes sense as to why audiences flocked to these stories. For they were nothing short of the epitome of Hollywood magic, since these movies perfectly recreated the empire and explored life in these stories in a dynamic manner and wowed us every step of the way with stunning action and adventure and performances that truly sold an era long gone. But what’s interesting, is that these stories all but faded from the silver screen following the release of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator in 2000.
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For reasons that have become clear as time as rolled along. After all, a mere eight years after the release of that epic, came the dawn of the superhero epic and audiences truly demanded more of that. But also, there was an understanding that the genre had grown stagnant and was no longer offering what audiences wanted. Such as rich stories that tie into universes and ponder upon more than baseline concepts and provide us with commentary on our world and feature characters that are more than caricatures. Granted, Gladiator accomplished some of that, but it was indeed too little, too late and it left all of us wondering, if such stories would ever return to the silver screen and impress us again. Well as it turns out, there is still a home for these films on the big screen, and they can resonate with audiences and adapt with the times and continue to wow us, as evidenced by the latest release from Paramount Pictures, Gladiator II.

Which are feats this film accomplishes, courtesy of a magnificent and grandiose plot. One that takes us sixteen years after Marcus Aurelius’ death at the hands of his son Commodus, wherein we learn that Rome has plunged further into darkness. For now, it is ruled by a pair of pedantic twin Emperors named Geta and Caracalla, who have inadvertently set in motion more chaos in Rome. For their highly respected general, Acacius has returned from the empire’s latest conquest, and he has brought with him an incredible warrior named Hanno. Who is so talented and so fierce that he sets in motion a grand plan to change the balance of power of Rome. For the city always believes in its war heroes and his gladiators and if Hanno can do in the games what his keeper, Macrinus, believes he can accomplish… there is a chance that a new Rome can come forth, a hope that only grows when several people in the city discover the secret that Hanno harbors.

Which is… the perfect way to resurrect this type of film. In large part because it really does update the genre for a new generation of moviegoer that wants that depth and wants that connective tissue. For this is indeed a true sequel to the original, complete with elements we won’t spoil here, that expand the franchise and extend the story we fell in love with, and it does indeed offer more. Since this particular script harbors some hard commentary on our modern world, regarding politicians in our world that are as bombastic as they are incompetent and the era of excess and ignorance that we currently live within. Not to insult but to warn, as good commentary does and that does indeed offer depth and wonder to a story that makes sure to not forget what makes this genre so great and so powerful. Specifically, grandiose action.
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Of which you will find in spades here. Simply because this is indeed a true epic through and through, and the battles in the coliseum are about as incredible as they get. Courtesy of wonderful direction from Mister Scott and sequences that hold nothing back when it comes to the savagery the games once harbored in the coliseum and that oddly ties into the excessive nature of the era as well. Since the Romans here spare no expense in giving the masses matches, they want and desire, complete with spectacle that would rival even the biggest entertainment we enjoy today. All of which brings forth just some stunning action sequences. The kind that truly put people on the edge of their seat in the screening that this particular writer attended, and all of these elements give rise to a triumphant return of the Roman epic, courtesy of an outright magnificent motion picture.

For this one truly has it all. Stunning action, powerhouse moments and visuals that take our breath away, and wondrous depth and intelligence. Not to mention, it harbors magnificent performances, courtesy of a cast that consists of heavy hitters such as Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Connie Nielsen, who turn loose here with their talents, and revel in the majesty of being part of a story that some of them have never done before. But Paul Mescal also deserves a round of applause, since he anchors this film with his beautifully nuanced performance of Hanno, and one has to mention Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger, who bring a stunning madness to the creepy twin emperors in this tale, and all of this results in a must-see spectacle. For this one really is a powerhouse feature that signals a brand-new era for the Roman epic and all the wonder it can still send our way.

There comes a point for all of us in adulthood, where we begin to question a great deal about the universe. In that, we start to ponder upon life, and its meaning and why we are here, and why we suffer and endure. Because for the majority of our youth, we are invincible and everything seems to last forever and it is shocking to learn otherwise and gives us great pause, and this is usually brought forth… via death. For there also comes a point where we begin to lose the people we love in this life and seeing them just… disappear from our orbit is jarring and shocking and it really does put us on quite an unpredictable path emotionally, as grief takes hold.
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But in the midst of those tears and those emotions, are those thoughts, and they are important to embrace and focus upon regardless of how they make us feel, of how much they confuse us and how much they outright scare us. Because that exploration, is what teaches us the meaning of life, and well… we don’t talk about the gravity of that process and what it looks like all that often or in popular media for that matter. We find grief should be the focus, but we should look at it all, because there is so much to learn from one another and our unique experiences when we work to discover the meaning of our existence, and it just so happens… that a new film from writer/director/actor Jesse Eisenberg ponders upon such matters.

A feat that A Real Pain accomplishes, by introducing us to a pair of cousins named, David and Benji, who are vastly different individuals that are embarking on quite the emotional quest when we meet them here. In that, their grandmother, who they adored, has recently passed and in order to honor her and her memory they are headed to Poland. To learn about her life, and the trials and tribulations she endured in escaping Poland at the start of the Holocaust. To give them both perspective in this powerfully emotional time, and well, this is THAT journey. That journey of discovery where David and Benji will not only examine a life that influenced them greatly but ponder upon their own journeys and what will bring them great meaning as they forge ahead. 

Which really is, the perfect way to explore that grandiose quest of how we find the meaning of life through death. Since this story plunges us square into the middle of that process, wherein we can see it play out in real time, and it does so, in a supremely raw manner. Which immerses us into the film immediately, since we are, have been or will be this duo. Stuck in that state of pain and worry and confusion that accompanies the end of a loved one and eager to find meaning in it all, and that in turn… allows for the film to break down that discovery process in stunning detail. In part by watching this duo think upon the life their grandmother lived and ponder deeply upon how much they never got to see. Which is a big part of the process. Since it truly opens up our eyes to what we are desperate to learn.
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Which is… what is the point of it all? Why do we suffer? Why do we hurt and lose so much? And thankfully this story explores in detail, that we do so because we can. Because we are a privileged species that can ponder upon so much and feel so much, but when we do focus upon this, and choose to… we can find so much beauty in the bittersweet nature of our existence and come to understand that meaning of life, is the moment. For they are precious, magical and teach us so much and that is why we cherish them and the memories of them. Because they are what makes life worth living and they are what give us strength and everything we need, and that is why we grieve. Because we know we cannot make more moments with a particular person, and that is why, we must live life to the fullest and create moments and do new things… as our path allows us.

But we all live in those moments, and we create such wonder within them and all of that is explored in a subtle and magnificent way, courtesy of an amazing script and amazing direction and amazing acting. Since Kieran Culkin (Benji) and Jesse Eisenberg (David) are simply electric on screen and sell the reality of this experience and its impact upon us, and all of these elements come forth to give us a powerful motion picture. One that is thoughtful, moving, and genuinely deep, and explores the human condition in a refreshing manner that few films do. Because it dares to ask some tough questions about how we find meaning and strength and that makes this a must-see feature. For this is that rare film that truly offers direction and catharsis for questions that have plagued mankind for ages.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, “’Tis the Season to Be Irish”.
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The vast majority of us out there in the world, uncover how to attain fulfillment pretty early on in life. Something we can attribute primarily to our upbringing. For so many of us can think upon direction we received from our parents regarding what lie ahead and how to get there, and perhaps a good sit-down chat with one of them… where they really wanted to know our plans for the future and what made us happy so we could properly pursue it. Which in turn really helped us to find our true north and get it and belong and settle into a place where we find joy and contentment, and that sense of fulfillment, and where we find time to reflect upon the wonder… of those chats and what they did for us.  

But not everyone gets that wondrous discussion, and sometimes their family life teaches them something different. Wherein they step into adulthood in a more aloof manner. Where the moment matters more and where peace is a little harder to come by, as is purpose and a sense of direction or belonging. Which for some is fine. They’ll find value in just moving about and enjoying the day as it comes. But others… others will struggle badly with this. To the point where they begin to wonder what they are missing in life, and how to find it, and that does beg a hug question. How do people find that sense of fulfillment when they spend a lifetime rarely thinking of that concept? Well, it just so happens, that a new film from Hallmark ponders upon that very question.  

A feat that ‘Tis the Season to Be Irish accomplishes by introducing us to Rose Walsh. A real estate investor that truly lives in the moment. Courtesy of her upbringing and circumstances and she truly does seem to enjoy this life. Since she often gets to live in new places as she invests in property before flipping it, and well… she’s done so well with her work that she’s ready for a new challenge. Specifically, a lovely cottage she’s discovered in her mother’s hometown in Ireland, which she is quick to purchase. But soon, buyer’s remorse settles in. Simply because the cottage is a mess and will require a stunning investment, and to complicate matters further… being in the very place where her mother grew up informs Rose, that maybe there is more to life than being a modern-day nomad, adding a new complication to the life she so loves.

Which is… the perfect way to explore the core concept of this story. Because Rose is indeed, that person who isn’t necessarily lost in the world, but moves to the beat of a different drum. Since she is all about living in the moment and not worrying about where tomorrow takes her. But she definitely isn’t aware that there can be more and well… that realization allows for a stunning exploration of that answer to come into play. One that informs us that what gives us that sense of purpose and direction, and fulfillment, is connection. Connection to a dream, connection to a community and family ties, because that helps us to realize that we are more than the sum of ourselves, but something greater. A place where we can create memories with others and enrich more lives by showcasing who we are. Which of course, the story explores through her actions.  
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Since she makes friends in that hometown, she learns about her mother and her family’s history and yes. She finds love. Because that is a Hallmark staple, but it also provides its own special value. Since that too speaks to the power of connection, the power of love and how that too changes us and transforms us to want to shoot for something different. Which leads to a cerebral story for certain, one that does provide some measure of guidance to those who are in Rose’s shoes. Because there are folks who think they have what they want… but feel the call for something more. Feel as though they’re missing something, and it should be noted, that this story makes a point to not insult those who find happiness in not going this route.

For the story also explores how people who believe in the moment and a life that takes them where the wind goes, find a different kind of connection. One that relates to fate, one that relates to the thrill of just seeing where life takes us, and that both paths, are fine paths. All of which makes, for another Hallmark feature that is decidedly different from the norms. Since it ponders upon the crises we reach in life when we feel the call for more and how finding what we want, and need requires some work and some time and that it is okay if we don’t find it in the traditional manner. For life does indeed take us on some wild twists and turns on our way to finding exactly what we want in life. Be it the moment or the connections we seek.