3 chambres, 1 fantôme, 2 salles de bain

Starting with its clever and appealing title, "3 BED, 2 BATH, 1 GHOST" is my vote for The Hallmark Channel's best new Saturday night feature of the year...and, trust me, I've seen (or, perhaps more apropos, endured) them all.

This is not Hallmark's first go at a story involving a ghost or an old estate, by any means, but, compared to the channel's usual offerings, this one feels rather fresh. Anyone familiar with The Hallmark Channel should be pleased with the return of the highly affable Julie Gonzalo and Chris McNally, who are apparently one of Hallmark's real-life power couples. As always, their performances here do not disappoint, mostly because they're consistently just so darn likable.

What's different this time is that this story features a third lead, and she's a true scene-stealer. Madeleine Arthur (2014's "Big Eyes" and Netflix's 2022 limited series, "Devil in Ohio," just to name a couple) as Roaring '20s youngly deceased socialite, Ruby, is a gem. Like her character, Arthur shines like gold here, and anyone would be blessed to be haunted by the likes of her. Speaking of shining like a gem, Arthur (Ruby) has the most gorgeous blue eyes that, in exterior daylight shots and interior shots where the light hits them just right, shimmer like sun-soaked shallow Caribbean tides. If Arthur were a devil in the aforementioned Netflix series, she's an angel this time around. That's versatility for ya!

This feature, I'm quite happy to state, left me genuinely satisfied, rather than disappointed. "3 Bed..." = 3 lead artists that, under competent direction and a well-written romantic story, gift Hallmark with a long-awaited crowning achievement (pun intended).

While watching this new Hallmark production, I just could not help wandering back to the 1974 project where bits and stretches of Fred Astaire and other dancers' old films were glued together under the title: "That's entertainment!" This is entertainment!

It is refreshing that somebody at Hallmark has dared to forgo patent or hidden messages and overused cliches, to produce something innovative, light and "spirited", with the only intention to offer a couple of hours of levity and fun. Actually, under its gaiety, the movie conveys deeper sentiments, rich emotions and its own moral. It takes a ghost to chase Anna's ghosts and lead her to find herself.

All is done with a pinch of pleasant silliness, as expected in a total fantasy, softness and delicate humor. The story is gentle, with endearing characters, including the the most captivating specter since Casper, with elements to please many tastes. Among the background of a fascinating historic house and lively flashbacks to the roaring 1920ies, we get to explore the bonding developing between Anna and the ghost, Ruby, separated by a hundred years and, yet, sharing much in common, in a friendship that enriches one another. Julie Gonzalo is at her best in the role of Anna, Chris McNally is rock-solid and Madaleine Arthur simply fantastic as the spirited ghost. Even the final revelation, perhaps a bit forced and anachronistic, fits well in a work of pure fantasy that warms the heart. Which proves that, when one puts heart and mind into it, one can, still, produce valuable and enjoyable cinematography without sensationalism, perversions, and expensive special effects. Conscious that gems come rare to find, I hope Hallmark will continue trying for selective quality, rather than easy quantity.

This is a fabulous Hallmark movie. The premise is silly, but it works. The casting is perfect, costuming brilliant, just a flat out good cute movie.

The actress who plays Ruby was perfectly cast as the 1920's Flapper girl ghost. She is adorable, but doesn't overplay her part. She throws herself into the role and truly nails it.

Julia Gonzalo is always fun to watch, and her pairing with Chris McNally works really well. They have good chemistry.

Julia's father in the movie is a tad overbearing, but he is supposed to be. The protagonist is icky, just like he is supposed to be.

Overall, this is a fun entertaining movie, and nothing like the usual Hallmark fare. What a pleasure to watch. So nice to see a fairly new idea and plot.

Ruby has just turned 25. Charlie loves her, but she shuns his love, saying they are just too different, and her Father does not approve of him.

We jump ahead 100 years, and the house Ruby lived in is up for sale. Anna is a real estate agent working for her Dad. Having just received her license, her Dad hands her a house that's been listed several times - apparently being jinxed.

As a matter of fact, the house is not jinxed, but it has a live-in ghost. Oh no, this is not a haunted house story, this is a delightful romantic comedy with a ghost not able to leave the house. The ghost in question is Ruby, who tragically died in a car accident on her 25th birthday. She is wonderfully portrayed by Madeleine Arthur. I absolutely loved this bubbly and energetic character!

Anna has just broken off her engagement with Elliot, but they are still good friends. Anna is determined to sell the house, but Ruby refuses. Noticing the similarities between her and Charlie's relationship and Anna and Elliot's, she is determined to bring them together - and the house is her chance to make it happen.

'3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost' is every bit as predictable as most romantic comedies are, but this was nevertheless fun. I enjoyed the chemistry between Anna and Elliot - maybe because Julie Gonzalo and Chris McNully are indeed a real-life couple. The film also has underlying messages, telling us not to have regrets. I enjoyed the contrast between the time periods. We actually have so much to learn from yesteryear....

This is a ghost story that won't give you nightmares, and is a delightful movie the entire family can enjoy!

I really liked this movie. I had expectations of a Hallmark re-tread story of some sort, but was pleasantly surprised by this story. The story wasn't the usual girl goes to big city for work then has to return home to small town for some obligatory reason. Love the main actors but especially loved Madeleine Arthur as Ruby. This is my first time seeing her and I have to say I loved her! She gave a super performance and I think she stole the show! She was such a natural. The other cast members were great, too, and they all combined to make this movie a fun time. A little something different from Hallmark, much appreciated.