3 chambres, 1 fantôme, 2 salles de bain

Well now, another refreshing surprise from Hallmark. This is about the fourth or fifth recent Hallmark production which has deserved a great rating. Clearly Hallmark must have some new management as their recent batch of movies are far more creative and lively.

In this movie, while most aspects of it were well done, the real star is the ghost, Madeline Arthur. Ms. Arthur really made this movie and added zest and a lot of character. I hope to see her again in upcoming movies.

Probably some folks will have issues with the ghost elements and what the ghost can and cannot do. Okay, maybe this doesn't follow official ghost rules (not that any of us really know) but it really did not detract from the movie.

Love the set/mansion the movie was based in and, again, the acting and production were top notch.

The true star, and savior, of this movie is hands down Madeleine Arthur. (Recognized her straight away from now-iconic Supernatural ep About a Boy 10x12, a scene-stealer even opposite JA's adult Dean, no easy feat.) What a gem is she and character Ruby. Without her sublime performance, this would be just another meh HC seasonal entry whose trailer you bought into w/high hopes, only to be disappointed. Well, no worries, this one doesn't disappoint, mainly due to Arthur. Her presence almost single-handedly transforms a typical flawed HC offering into something memorable and fun, despite its lackluster and shallow writing, laughably stereotypical villain (he all but twirls his nonexistent mustache), and nonsensical romantic conflict. (Still unclear what the issue was between the two leads and, IWL, pretty quickly didn't care.) The redeeming aspects include the big energy she brings to the interactions between her ghost character and the realtor played by talented and usually reliable-but-lo-key Julie Gonzalo. Their lively chemistry is palpable, an absolute joy to watch from beginning to end and, in THIS case, far beyond even that of Gonzalo and her hottie talented co-star/IRL partner, Chris McNally. Maybe living together w/new baby has temporarily reduced their sizzle to a fizzle. In any case, it's not a stretch to say that the real love story here is the platonic love that develops between The Ghost and Ms Annie. Have to say, the ending moved even this jaded old bird. I'd love to see a sequel or even a series reuniting these two, perhaps to cement the still uncertain fate of Ruby's historic estate once and for all, and in the process help reconcile another troubled couple. Starting w/Annie's sourpuss, emotionally stunted dad. He's clearly embittered due to some great lost love and needs to learn how to show love again. A series could have a troubled romance of the week. You're welcome.

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.

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.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie for many reasons. The story was really unique and combined romance, comedy and a bit of a mystery. The setting was gorgeous and it starred two of my favourite actors Julie Gonzalo and Chris McNally. The actor who played Ruby was excellent too. It certainly broke out of the usual Hallmark formula and was a refreshing change. The musical number at the beginning was so catchy and the ending was heartwarming. Hopefully Hallmark will continue to make more movies that aren't cookie cutter storylines. More movies with these stars would be welcome too. Thank you for an entertaining evening.