Mystery Island: House Rules

I don't understand how this series continues to be made, this episode is even worse than the previous ones. And really good series, murder 101, crossword mysteries get canned. The acting is terrible the costumes and terrible and the whole thing is completely wooden I watched 10 minutes and had to turn it off.

Hallmark has been churning out some fun movies and I especially love these serialized films that give you more of what you want. Like The Love Club series or Unwrapping Christmas. This was my favorite of the 4 in terms of mystery, like I was actually scared at some points and I really didn't have any clues of who'd done it lol. These films feel like a lower budget (not a bad thing) Masterpiece series, I'm talking Endeavour or Grantchester vibes. I wish it was a series, I would watch many more seasons of these! And I absolutely love how ridiculous it is that people keep going back to Mystery Island! Camp!

Don't read the review titled, "An unfortunate waste of time" before watching the movie!! It should have been tagged as a spoiler. Personally, I loved the twist and think it's well worth the watch so don't spoil it by reading that review first.

I like murder mystery dinner theater, Clue is one of my favorite games and movies, and I love all the Hallmark Mysteries. So, I've been thoroughly enjoying this series. It's fun, has good characters, and has been steadily improving, with this being the best installment so far, imo. I really hope it continues.

One recurring theme in the reviews of all the installments is that the love interest storyline seems forced. I definitely see what those reviews are saying and maybe I'm giving too much credit here, but I think the characters are meant to be very guarded because of personalities, occupations, and logistics. The characters know that about each other, but they are still drawn to each other (you can see it in their eyes). Assuming that is true, I think the writing and actors' portrayals are spot on. I kind of like a truer-to-life romance now and then between complex characters, that isn't rushed and then halted temporarily with a contrived crisis.

Side note: I would love if future negative reviewers of any Hallmark Mysteries would list the Hallmark Mysteries they did enjoy. It would help me in a project I'm working on.