Les Lumières de Noël

I've seen this movie twice and I loved it both times. It's Lacey Chabert who I adore on the Hallmark Channels for sure. She's very cute and charming. This reminded me of a movie similar to a TV Series I grew up watching, called 'The Brady Bunch', minus one child. I even said that the first time I watched this movie and prior to hearing Lacey say it on this movie. It was like Deja Vu. I love the kid dynamic in this movie though because all the kids seem to adjust and adapt very well to a coming together. There is even a very cool song that plays while they are either getting ready to eat dinner or cleaning up after the dinner. I'll have to look up the song that played. It was great teamwork and that's what we should all strive for in our lives, working together on a common goal. But seriously, watch this movie and remember The Brady Bunch.

If you've read the synopsis, you pretty much know the story. There aren't any exciting twists. The acting is solid by not exciting. (Actually a pretty decent job for the kid actors.) After seeing two families, two parents, struggle with their loss, there is also some light humor.

That doesn't mean it isn't worth watching if you want to see a story about 7 people who together turn mourning into dancing.

'The Color of Rain' (2014)

Opening thoughts: 2014's 'The Color of Rain' did sound very charming even if the plot synopsis was nothing earth shattering. My Hallmark film completest quest (which has gradually overtime included Lifetime and UPTV), that is still ongoing with no intent to stop just yet, has been a very uneven endeavour but an interesting one with some real winners. Lacey Chabert is one of Hallmark's most frequent stars and to me she is one of the best and most consistent regardless of the film. Am less familiar with Warren Christie, but have liked him enough in other things.

This was really not one of Hallmark's best years, while having some good films there were a fair share of misfires and the worst missing big time. Of a hit and miss batch, where only 'A Ring by Spring' was above good of the previous films in the batch, 'The Color of Rain' is easily one of the best 2014 Hallmark films and a much needed refreshment after struggling through two 2014 Hallmark films in a row ('Looking for Mr Right' and 'When Sparks Fly'). Hallmark has done mature themes and family dilemmas very well a good deal and 'The Color of Rain' is no exception.

Bad things: It is a little bit of a slow starter with the first half an hour or so taking time to find its feet in momentum, while also being very over-familiar and too on the slight side.

Did think also that the dialogue was not always great and that it did get a little corny.

Good things: Chabert and Christie however are very sincere and charming leads, especially Chabert. They have a natural and genuine chemistry together that doesn't feel too subdued and develops at a realistic pace and it was easy to connect with their characters and very early on. The supporting cast charm and move too in nicely fleshed out and relatable roles that have strengths and flaws. Had no issue with the character interaction, the family dynamic when in the grieving process being true to life and honestly done.

Script sounds natural and has real sincerity throughout, it doesn't sugar coat the serious theme (far from it) but it didn't to me come over as over serious or soapy. Apart from some pacing problems early on, the story is very heart warming and moving with a very true to life and sincere depiction of grief and loss. The ending touches and isn't too neat. The drama is not too soapy or over sentimental and it doesn't feel forced. Visually it looks pleasing, with the photography and scenery being equally attractive. The music isn't constant or overscored.

Concluding thoughts: Bottom line, very well done and one of the best 2014 Hallmark films.

8/10.

Some may think they moved too fast to become a couple. But finding your way out of grief is very difficult. If you find someone that helps you out of the fog of grief grab your n to them and don't let go.

The people who think it's too fast must be expecting the deceased to return. As sad as it is, they are not returning. We will be with them again after we've lived our time here. But I am the kind of person that feels falling in love again, after losing a spouse, is a blessing. This couple months ved through a sad situation with grace and ease. Hold on to the ones that understand and help you through grieving. If you are able to build a new life with them all the better.

This was a real emotional roller coaster, filled with so many hard life lessons...like why do other people always think they know what's best for you? And why do others have trouble watching people be happy.

This was based on a true life Brady bunch like story.

It was beautiful to watch these two grieving families come together and support one another. I appreciated without any outside influences, that the family together was happy.