REVIEW: The Hallmark Sequel "Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up" Is as Silly as the First One

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Emily and Jared are looking forward to celebrating the holidays together as a couple, and they prepare to work with their neighbors on Evergreen Lane to make this year's Christmas celebrations the best yet.  When a house on the block goes up for sale, the soon-to-be-neighbors are holiday royalty, but they are so competitive that they nearly ruin Christmas for everyone. Starring:   Lacey Chabert, Wes Brown, Stephen Tobolowsky, Ellen Travolta, Melissa Peterman, Seth Morris, and Jennifer Aspen Image:  Hallmark Media Haul Out the Holly:  Lit Up Has a Moral When the residents of Evergreen Lane learn that their new neighbors are the Jolly Johnsons--famous holiday reality stars--they are thrilled to welcome them to the block.  Everyone assumes the Johnsons will fit right in since they share their same affinity for elf culture. Emily, Jared, and the rest of the holiday crew quickly realize that the Johnsons aren't interested in joining in on the fun--they plan to take over. Image:  Tw
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Take This QUIZ On Hallmark's "A New Year's Resolution"

Starring:  Michael Rady and Aimee Teagarden

Released:  2021

Summary:  Kelly Leone is a Milwaukee producer who makes a New Year's resolution of saying "yes" to every social invitation for a full month.  The "challenge" is all part of her morning show's month-long, on-air experiment about New Year's resolutions.

I would say "yes" to Michael Rady any day!  How about you?  Image:  Crown Media

Michael Rady Is Definitely A Hallmark A-Lister

Whether Michael Rady is paired with a good actress in a Hallmark movie or not, fans can count on him to deliver a top-notch performance no matter what the overall movie quality.

For example, Rady meets his match with Jessica Lowndes in Christmas in Pemberley Manor and Nikki DeLoach in Two Turtle Doves--two actresses who are able to create believable chemistry with Rady while delivering their own stellar performances within the framework of two great stories. 

Michael Rady is compelling as an aloof and debonair character, but he's also irresistibly charming as the boy-next-door.  No matter how he is cast, he always delights his audience.

https://www.hallmarkseasonsoflove.com/2022/06/hallmarks-hidden-gems-thoughts-golden.html
Contrast the movies above with You're Bacon Me Crazy where the script is unique, but Natalie Hall is simply awful.  Rady still shine and makes the movie enjoyable, even though he has to carry the weight of it on his own.   


While Aimee Teagarden is a step-up from Hall, she is not captivating in any way and does not command attention on-screen.  She's simply too ordinary to make much of an impression.  Conceptually, the 2021 release is refreshing.  Imagine saying "yes" to every social invitation for a month!  It's a fun twist, but how many of us are actually bombarded with an avalanche of back-to-back opportunities in only four weeks? 

Regardless, A New Year's Resolution is worth the watch because Rady's presence alone ascribes it value.  Plus, viewers don't have to wait until the end of the movie for romance to blossom because the wooing is deliberate early on and continues through the story from beginning to end.

Did You Make Any Resolutions This Year?


Are you hoping to lose weight, eat healthier, or read more this year?  New Year's resolutions are easy to make, but much harder to keep.  Life gets in the way, and many resolutions require behavior modification or more determination than what we are willing to muster!  

How are you doing on your New Year's resolutions?  The poll below gives you an opportunity to weigh in on the intensity of your commitment!

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