Movie Review: When Calls the Heart: Season 2

Purchase Complete Season HERE

My Review (4.5 stars):

When Calls the Heart (2014—) is like my new favorite TV movie series . . . (Not that I actually follow many TV series) . . . but anyway, I love it! I mean, movies based on author Janette Oke’s lovely, historical tales? Always worth watching! ^__^

After quite adoring the first season (read my reviews of Lost and Found: episodes one & two and A Telling Silence: episodes three & four), I was so looking forward to season two, and recently was able to watch it on itunes.

Let me first say, it was wonderful to be back in Coal Valley with Elizabeth Thatcher and Jack Thornton! The two are closer than ever after their first kiss, and our hopes soar as we wait eagerly for . . . a forever commitment, perhaps? Never mind that actress Rosemary is still squeezing her way into the picture for some reason, Jack and Elizabeth are just meant for each other! But then comes the dreaded telegram . . . Yep. That telegram sure paves the way into a lot of complications.

Other than that, we have Henry Gowen still trying to blame Abigail Stanton’s deceased husband for the mining accident; and the old villain is still as villainous as ever! If not more! Ooh, I just really want to smack him sometimes! What an awful guy. But he somehow worms his way into high positions.

People show up unexpectedly throughout the course of this season . . . sometimes to good results; sometimes creating havoc.

Eek! This season sure creates havoc with your emotions! Prepare to be really angry with at least three characters that can’t help but be utterly infuriating! Why don’t they take their noses out of other people’s business (and love life’s), and go back to where they belong! Just leave!! Leave so-and-so with the man she truly loves!! Stop tearing them apart . . . ! -_-

Romance abounds. Jack, Elizabeth, Rosemary, Abigail, Bill Avery, plus a passel of new characters have the ups and downs of their love stories displayed. Not to mention, Julie Thatcher finds herself a new man . . .

     Whew, that girl! She spells trouble, if ever someone did! O_O Wild, dreamy, and rather naïve, she’s always dreaming up some dangerous, romantic escapade with a darkly handsome guy. I had to roll my eyes a few times, but she does make for an interesting character, *smiles*, and you can kind of feel for her, even if she’s a little misguided at times.

     Rosemary . . . continues to be annoying. Though, I will say she’s not nearly as bad as the first season. And, she does change and shape for the better as season two progresses. She certainly adds some splash and drama!

     I probably like the character of Abigail Stanton even more in these episodes! Really such a sweet, strong, fun, gentle woman. She’s kind of a mother figure to a few different young ladies; yet also has a love life of her own going on.

     Jack and Elizabeth!!! <3 <3 There is just something about this couple that makes your heart burst in their happy moments, and shatter in their tough times! And you can’t help but dearly want the best for them as a couple, even during the hardest of their trials. They’re just sooo adorable together—and quite perfect for each other.

     Jack is so sweet, strong, and gentlemanly! He kind of has this shy side too. And Elizabeth . . . she truly does love him! Even if she doesn't quite realize it!

And though we’ve got lots of drama and up and downs in this season, they’re still just . . . just . . . ! I don’t know. I squeal internally when I watch a love story like theirs unfold. It simply beautiful. (AHH! When will season three come??)

     *Ahem* Sorry about that. Had to fangirl a little. There’s something about those old-fashioned, gentleman and lady, courtship-feel, rugged man on his horse and feminine woman in her sweeping skirts, type of romances that just are the best.

Anyway, we spend some time in Hamilton and some time in Coal Valley. There’s not so much of Elizabeth teaching the children this season, which is a bit disappointing, :( But it’s alright. There’s plenty of other things going on to keep us occupied.

And that season finale!!!! Is anyone else still feeling affected by it to this day?? ;P But seriously, it was epic, and beautiful, and shocking, and great, and swoony, and crazy . . . And ended with a dreadful cliffhanger. And—and how is my poor heart going to hold up under that until season three comes out??? O_O Traumatic stuff, guys. We most definitely need a season three. If they don’t make a season three . . . well, I’m sure I’ll get over it at some point. Haha. But Jack and Elizabeth!!! And Julie! And Abigail! I’m a storyteller. And we can’t leave this fabulous story unfinished!

*Sigh* Going on. Season two did have a different feel than season one. As I mentioned, there was less time spent in the schoolhouse, and more time spent in Hamilton. We got to know Elizabeth’s family better, which was nice . . . in some ways. Others not. We even got to know some of Jack’s family, which was quite wonderful. But it was feeling more, um, 1910 than “prairie days”.

On that note, I was rather appalled at how revealing some of the gowns got. Season one was definitely more old-fashioned, family-friendly feeling. This season, we have some plunging necklines and tight skirts . . . (goodness, how do you even sit down in that thing??). So that was disappointing to be sure! I dearly miss all the sweet, modest, fun, period costumes of the first season.

     There was also, between all the romances budding and blooming, quite a bit of kissing in this season. Several were like the zoomed up on the faces, drawn-out, “um, that’s probably enough now” kind of kissing scenes. Which, you know, we could do without. But, it’s not the worst thing ever.

     A “scandalous” scene/conversation or two. Feels like there’s a lot of teasing about kissing in the first episode or two (Jack and Elizabeth having just shared their first kiss in the end of season one). There was also a scene where a lady falls and hurts her knee. The guy asks politely, “May I?” before examining it; but to be honest, it all felt rather shocking to me. Haha! *winkles nose*. Most of the “scandalous scenes” weren’t actually inappropriate—but there were one or two that I felt maybe went a little too far or just felt kind of edgy. But my siblings still watched it, and besides yelling “EWW” at the kissing scenes, they didn’t seem to notice anything else. ;)

     For some more complaints about the romantic side of this season . . . there were just a lot of love stories going on. And a lot of drama. Some people complained that the series is starting to feel like a soap opera, and unfortunately, I could kind of agree at points.

But when all’s said and done, Jack and Elizabeth together makes up for everything. And overall, I just really love the When Calls the Heart (2014—) series. We get some really good values and themes; a, for the most part, Christian and family-friendly feel; and just a wondrous tale all in all. There’s a few amazing characters that just draw you into their stories and won’t let go. There’s trials and difficulties to solve and overcome. And beautiful romances that stand the tests of time and opposition. Little town schoolteachers and handsome Mounted Police. Bad guys, suspicious activities, counterfeiters, and a few punches and gunshots. A lovely café run by a strong, kindhearted widow. Silly children, dances, and one mysterious preacher.

It’s just too good to miss! If you’re into Janette Oke’s novels, the Love Comes Softly movie series, and period dramas, you must give When Calls the Heart (2014—) a try. You can also watch the movie When Calls the Heart (2013) if you want. It doesn’t perfectly precede the TV series, and doesn’t have the same actors/actresses, but still gives vital backstory.

Beware of some immodest gowns and a bit much of romance drama in season two of When Calls the Heart (2014—), but otherwise, it’s simply delightful. I love Jack and Elizabeth and so, so can’t wait for season three! ^__^

• Buy Complete Season One on Amazon
• Buy Complete Season Two on Amazon
• Buy Complete Season Three on Amazon

Movie Review: Mockingjay: Part 1

 

My Review (4 stars):

 

     Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014). *Heavy sigh* I was excitedly looking forward to this film since watching the incredible Catching Fire (2013). A bit nervous… nothing serious. Now my heart is utterly wrenched in two. I should have read the book series before watching this movie; I was not prepared, not at all. And now I sit here quite torn on how to think about Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014). Did I love it? Did I hate it? Some of both.

 

     I didn’t like The Hunger Games (2012) in the end. Too many violent characters with a sickening outlook. It told an intriguing story for sure, but it isn’t a movie I would re-watch. Catching Fire (2013) blew me away. While still more violent than I usually watch, the emotion was powerful, the continuation of the tale riveting. It was quite utterly fascinating. In addition, it had some great humor, :-D. I sat there at the end filled to the brim with amazing feelings, hardly able to wait for the next movie. But now that I’ve watched it, I shall warn you: Mockingjay: Part 1(2014) is a whole different world.

["If we burn, you burn with us!"]

 

     On a good note (in my opinion anyway), there is no more TV shows of pitting people against each other to the death as entertainment. The last year of the Hunger Games stunned all in the previous movie. I believe it’s the last at least. In Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014), Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is suffering from the trauma of having left Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) behind. She’s in the (mostly) demolished District 13 with a host of rebels who are ready to fight back against the tyrannical government of Panem. And they want her as their symbol.

[Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen]

 

     The first two movies were violent, gory, and grim with their horrid games. But now we step into an ominous world with war broiling on the horizons. War against an evil government. That being said, there is some extremely disturbing happenings in this movie, emotionally and otherwise. President Snow is seriously depraved and even inhuman in his lack of conscience.

 

     ***SPOILER ALERT*** GAH! Peeta!!! Poor, dear, sweet Peeta!! No, no, no! HOW COULD SHE (Suzanne Collins) DO THIS??!! It’s… it’s worse than death! Now he doesn’t remember Katniss. Their story. His devotion to her. All the sweet things he said to her. He won't know she finally realized how much she loves him! He doesn’t even know who he is. He’s been made into a monster…a weapon of the deranged capital! This is what he was so afraid of!! AHHH!! *Buckets of tears* Okay. *Ahem* *sniff* I just had to get that out of my system. If anyone has a remedy for Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014) induced trauma, please let me know. If things don’t look up for Peeta in the next (last) movie, I will hate this series forever. I’m dying a thousand deaths for Peeta and Katniss! *More tears* Alright… let me get a hold of myself. ***SPOILER ALERT ENDS***

[Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark]

 

     Now that I was able to get all that out, I will try to go on with this review. :-p It wasn’t all tears, and eyes wide in horror, and all that. I was thrilled to be back into Katniss’s story at the beginning of Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014). It was good to see Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Effie (Elizabeth Banks), Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), Primrose (Willow Shields), Finnick (Sam Claflin), and Beetee (Jeffery Wright). Effie's transformation was...a bit shocking, haha. Also, it was quite interesting to delve more into Finnick's story. They were all together and safe for the moment. But of course, Peeta and Joanna and Annie weren’t there. Again, there was real, breath-taking, gut-wrenching emotion. The actors do an amazing job in making this story come to life. I was stunned and captivated by it all once again. There were a few brief moments of humor, but not nearly as much as Catching Fire (2013) had. This is a grim story. Heart-breaking separation. War. Desperate escapades. Even so, it was all quite epic. We watch Katniss struggle and grow and rise to her feet, ready to be a warrior. Ready to be the mockingjay. Ready to fight for the oppressed and her loved ones.

[Katniss Everdeen - the Mockingjay]

 

[Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket]

[Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair]

 

     I really liked this movie for the most part. Yes, some parts were agonizing. Some parts were a bit violent. But it’s a superb story. Awesome acting. Entrancing emotion. It was a thrilling action film with a heart-breaking love story.

 

     But yeah. I WAS NOT prepared for the end. I think I pictured it more a Divergent (2014)-like scenario. It was…um…nothing like that. Brings the incident to a whole new level.

 

     That being said, I’ll add in that besides the end part, I didn’t feel that the violence was too graphic in this movie. The film-makers were pretty good about cutting it away from anything dramatic. Until the end. *Clears throat* Yep, that was rather brutal. Plus it wreaks havoc with your emotions. Huge caution to younger audience. This is older teen to adult content. Depending on what you can handle. I’m “adult”, but that scene was a little much for me.
     As for gory… we have a few scenes of terrible deaths caused by the brewing war. You can’t see much, but you get the gist, and it’s really sad. Oh, there is one scene of a hospital where more is shown. That was a bit disturbing. Some people, main characters even, are bruised, cut, really look in bad condition at various points.

     No swearing that I can remember.

     We still have that frustrating love triangle. I do not like this love triangle. However, it is starting to lean one way; Katniss is starting to realize who she really loves I think (romantically, that is). But poor Gale! We see a lot of him in Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014); and definitely see more into his heart and what he is suffering. *sad face*

[Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne]

 

     I don’t know what else to say. I really liked most of this movie. It wasn’t what I expected. But still fascinating. I nearly died (you know, in my little land of Katniss and Peeta) with the ending parts. I’m so scared that the series is going to end terribly… eek!! So badly want to watch Mockingjay: Part 2 (2015), but at the same time, I’m so worried…

 

     Ah! Help me out here, fellow watchers! I’m a happy-ending kind of girl. Though Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014) thrills, the end leaves you rather in an emotional wreck. That’s how close I get to fictional characters, ha! I have hope though. Mockingjay: Part 2 (2015), please bring some good things for our beloved, strong, broken couple. I didn't completely hate this movie, despite what my review might imply. I'm just imagining the depressing ways they could end the series. If Part 2 goes better, than this movie will be so much easier to watch!

 

     Never mind. I can’t stand this. I think I’ll go read the books so I know what to expect!

 

     So tell me. I'm dying to know. What are your thoughts on Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014)?

 

[Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson. HUGS. Just to make me feel better, :-)]

 

*For more detailed information about Mockingjay: Part I (2014), visit pluggedin.com: http://www.pluggedin.com/videos/2015/q1/hunger-games-mockingjay-part-1.aspx*

Movie Review: Cinderella



My Review (5 stars):

I could just swoon. *Big grin* This movie brought on all the fluttery feelings and happy sighs that a really good fairytale romance does!

It was just a good, old-fashioned Cinderella tale through and through. I was delighted with how true the movie producers stayed to the classic fairytale! From the cool, horrid stepmother, to the tittering, outlandish stepsisters, to Ella’s own sweet self; this movie was like watching the animated version come to life in a much more beautiful, bright, emotional version! I enjoy varied adaptions of fairytales ... but following the original is just the best! So happy! Cinderella (2015) is classic yet its own. Stunning.

Lily James (whom I first met as Lady Rose in Downton Abbey (2010—) *smiles*), played Cinderella. She did a lovely job! I have to mention again how sweet, gentle, and good this character was! Also spirited, passionate, and full of life! I so appreciate when the leading lady characters have such a lovely, tender demeanor paired with a striking inner strength! Loved this version of Ella! Beautiful inside and out!

[Lily James as Cinderella]

The wicked stepmother was played by Cate Blanchett. I’m used of seeing Cate as an ethereal wizardess in white from Lord of the Rings (2001, 2002, 2003) and The Hobbit (2012, 2013, 2014)! But she did an amazing job as the cold stepmother in this fairytale. …Appearing quite different with insensitive laughter, extravagant gowns and hats, and a sorrowful past. She's by far the best of Cinderella's stepmother that I've seen/read about. There was a depth to her character beyond just heedless cruelty.

Sophie McShera (also from Downton Abbey (2010—), as a maid) and Holliday Grainger portrayed Drisella and Anastasia quite perfectly. I had to laugh time and again, even though they were so spoiled and snobbish! The horrible singing. The flamboyant outfits. The overeager attitudes. *Shakes heads* Very true to the original animated version of Cinderella! And yet it wasn't overdone at all.

[Sophie McShera as Drisella; Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine; Holliday Grainger as Anastasia] 

Oh, and just a quick mention of the Prince (Richard Madden) and the Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter). Both characters were lovely! The fairy godmother … eccentric, funny, and sweet. The Prince … what a wonderful young man, *smiles*!! He’s such a thoughtful, charming, gentle person. A perfect match for Cinderella!

 [Richard Madden as the Prince]

[Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother]

The colors, the gowns, the detail— I could go on and on! It was all so exquisite and beautiful!! Cinderella’s blue ball-gown has to be one of the loveliest dresses I have ever seen! The way it rippled and sparkled when she ran. The way it flounced and flew as she danced. And those shoes!! Even the stepmother and her daughters’ outfits are enough to be gushed over. The costumes of Cinderella (2015) were just perfectly glamorous. You have to watch it for yourself to feel the affect!

[Cinderella's ball-gown]

[Glass slippers]

[Amazing dancing!]

So much emotion too! Absolutely enthralling to watch familiar scenes from the animated movie come about with so much feeling and detail. Ah! *Sighs and smiles*! It was so lovely. And poignant. There were little moments and things added that gave moving profoundness. You simply must watch this grand new version of our beloved fairytale, Cinderella. You can never get enough of that rags to riches story for the mistreated serving girl. Of a considerate young prince who falls in love with a lowly, sweet-hearted maiden. Believe me, its swoon-worthy … ! *smiles* Every woman loves a good fairytale deep down inside, right?

Cinderella (2015) is true to its PG rating. The only downer would be the low-cut gowns worn by Ella and her stepmother and stepsisters. Otherwise, there’s dancing where a man puts his hand on the woman’s waist; several scenes of slipping a shoe on a woman’s foot; and a sweet kiss. Two girls also dance around in their corsets and hoopskirts, snickering.

Otherwise, I can’t say enough good things. A classic fairytale. A poignant story. An ardent romance. Gorgeous film. I loved it.

I could go on about so many other things that I liked and scenes I adored ... But you really just need to experience it for yourself! I won’t give anymore away …

Top 10 Movies I'm Excited For

     Just thought I'd share some movies I'm so excited to watch, and their trailers (if they have them)...

THE SILVER CHAIR (2016/2017)

 

CINDERELLA (2015)

 

 

BEYOND THE MASK (2015)

 

 

WHEN CALLS THE HEART: SEASON TWO (2015)

 

 

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (2016)

 

THE YOUNG VICTORIA (2009)

 

 

MOCKINGJAY: PART I (2015)

 

 

ALONE YET NOT ALONE (2013)

 

 

INTO THE WOODS (2015)

 

 

THE RECKONING (2015)

 

     Eep!! They're all just so EPIC and BEAUTIFUL! Yay for fairytales!! And I can't wait to see that Revolutionary War drama! And Narnia!!! :D :)

 

     Are any of the above on your want-to-watch list? Or have you watched any of them already? What are your thoughts? :)



Movie Review: When Calls the Heart, Lost & Found, A Telling Silence

My Review (4 stars):

     I’ve long looked forward to watching When Calls the Heart (2013), another rendition of one of Janette Oke’s book series. I adore her prairie-style tales of young teachers in one-room schoolhouses, sweet romances, and simple faith. (The Love Comes Softly movie series is an example of such).

     For the most part When Calls the Heart (2013) did not disappoint. It was delightful and touching.

     But the When Calls the Heart (2013) movie doesn’t actually tell the When Calls the Heart book’s story. When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke is about a blonde-haired, young woman named Elizabeth Thatcher who wants to be a teacher, moves to a more remote town, is relocated to an even more remote town by a disgruntled, spurned suitor, meets a handsome Mountie named Wynn Delaney, and all that. The When Calls the Heart (2013) movie does show lengthy flashes of this story, but it mainly focuses on a different Elizabeth Thatcher, dark-haired niece of the original. She also is from a rich family, yet wants to be a teacher, meets a Mountie… and so on. So it’s a different story, yet bears a lot of similarities to the original story. –Which can be weird; aunt and niece with the same name having stories quite similar. But it was fine overall.

     I was kind of sad not to get the full story of the first Elizabeth Thatcher (Delaney), but the second Elizabeth Thatcher also proved to be an interesting character. Along with her slightly spoiled and snooty younger sister, Julia; her proper mother, and sympathetic father. It was definitely entertaining to journey along with pampered young Elizabeth as she strived to follow the path she felt God putting on her heart.

     When Calls the Heart (2013) kind of ends just as Elizabeth is beginning her life as a school teacher. And I must say, the slightly romantic relationship between her and old-acquaintance, Mountie Edward, was not too pleasant for me… as you’ll see in the TV series that follows this movie, Edward vanishes from the scene, and a new Mountie takes his place. I never was one for unfinished, unnecessary romances.

     But overall, this movie was quite enjoyable and fun.

 

 

 

My Review (5 stars):

 

     The first of the When Calls the Heart TV series, Lost & Found (2014) takes off basically where the movie When Calls the Heart (2013) ends. There’s a different actress for young Elizabeth Thatcher and it does show her arrival at Coal Valley different than in the movie, but for the most part, it’s easily overlooked.

 

     From beginning to end, Lost & Found (2014) was thoroughly interesting, emotional, and just perfectly lovely. I am so happy that I didn’t stop at the movie, but went on to this delightful TV series! Even not considering that I got the complete first season for just $19, I am quite pleased with my purchase.

 

     A slight complaint would be that Lost & Found (2014) almost seemed to have a hidden agenda of women in competition with men. Not my thing. Let men be men, and women be women—and appreciate them both equally for their roles! But it wasn’t huge, so it’s a minor complaint.

 

     Also, both Elizabeth Thatcher and Jack Thornton seem a bit spoiled and prideful, and thus argued a lot. But it’s all part of the story, and understandable considering their backgrounds and former stations.

 

     So far, the movie (2013) and TV series (2014-) of When Calls the Heart, don’t exactly follow either the first Elizabeth Thatcher (Delaney)’s story (When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke) or the second Elizabeth Thatcher’s story (Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan); but it does a bit I suppose, and it’s still an old-fashioned, one-room schoolhouse, small town story…

 

     A little mining town. School in the saloon. Fires and other such mysteries. Drama with a certain, handsome Mountie... I love it! :)

 

 

 

My Review (5 stars):

     In this second installment of the When Calls the Heart TV series, Elizabeth Thatcher is settling more comfortably into her role as Coal Valley’s schoolteacher… even with her classroom being a saloon! Breaking up fistfights... coping with a little boy's admiration of her, and trying to solve the mystery of one little girl's silence. And she’s getting along better with Mountie Jack Thornton, who’s turning out to be quite the nice guy, with a sense of humor to boot.

     New mysteries and troubles turn up, and Elizabeth is determined to help out her new, dear friends of Coal Valley; as is Jack, who is the constable after all.

     I continue to very much enjoy this series. In A Telling Silence (2014), I was especially pleased at how well Jack and Elizabeth are getting along, and how they learned to work together in time of trouble. –And Elizabeth learning to just trust Jack.

     A Telling Silence (2014) was definitely more intense than Lost & Found (2014) but all ended well, and it seemed to be perfectly fine for my younger siblings to watch, :) We, as well as my mom, have all been enjoying it.

     I’m very impressed. Yay for Janette Oke’s books being made into movies! :)