Redemption in Cherry Springs

The movie was painfully slow. I kept pausing it to do other things because it just wasn't very interesting or suspenseful. I blame the writing staff. I've loved Rochelle Aytes and Frankie Faison in all the things they've done and the entire cast did a good job with what they were given. The storyline and the plot development were the problem. Hopefully Hallmark takes another stab and does a second installment but uses the Aurora Teagarden writers. They know how to write a good story and make the most of the cast chemistry.

6/10 - an okay new mystery to join the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries slate, but a lot of loose ends that remained unresolved at the end hindered my enjoyment of it.

The storyline was very unimaginable. I feel for the actors. The dialogue was nothing to write home about. Sorry.

This murder mystery is often streamlined with scenes jumping one to another quickly as evidence is gathered for the viewer. At times it feels fast paced and choppy at the same time. Interpersonal scenes are inserted at times developing relationships. Jake is very direct and to the point even with Melody. The focus of the movie is more on the investigation than on any chemistry between the two.

There are a lot of clues. It gets complicated. Something ominous is hanging over Melody which is reinforced by her backstory as an investigative reporter with enemies. Is it related to Tony's murder? Are the mysteries tied together or is something being set up for a sequel?

Some of Melody's activities are illegal and jeopardize potential prosecution, but at one point they acknowledge at least one instance of this. Melody is also careless about her own personal safety, which is one reason I don't like some "amateur detective" mysteries.

This is a good mystery movie even if it is a bit choppy at times. I think that is intentional so as to squeeze more details into the mystery. But Melody's insane carelessness and her B&E's take too much away from the movie for my preferences.

The actors are great! The script needs work. Slow.