LittleStorpingInTheSwuff A lot of reviewers seem to forget that these mystery movies are Hallmark productions, which probably means low budget. Don't expect a Kate Hepburn performance from the leading lady! Another common complaint is that the movies don't follow the book. Well, duh! How many movies based on books actually follow the book? And they also forget that is based on a 'cozy' mystery, meaning lighthearted (well, lighter than usual) murder mystery.If you view this movie as a stand alone and don't try to compare it with a book, it's an enjoyable murder mystery without tons of blood and gore. The acting isn't world class, but it isn't intended to be. Remember, it's a Hallmark movie, not a mega bucks production. If you do that you may surprise yourself and actually enjoy it.

Stephen Abell Aurora (Bure) is having plumbing problems and with the help of her friend, Sally (Doig) they set about fixing it. While checking out the well's pump in the garden, the body of Chief Of Police, Captain Burns (March), falls from an aeroplane... at their feet. Being the compulsively curious amateur sleuth she is, Aurora sets out to track down the cop killer...Storywise, this isn't as solid as previous instalments of the enthusiast crime solver. In a few scenes, it feels especially contrived. Specifically where the two sisters are concerned. The reaction of Bess Burns' (Cairns) reaction to her husband's death is kind of unbelievable. She doesn't appear to mourn him and at times even sees a bright side to his death. Then there's her sister, Lillian Tibbit (Harvie), who has an episode where she's the complete opposite of her normal personality, This would have been okay had Bess been more realistic. But to have two strange personalities in one story is one too much. This does pull the audiences attention away and out of the story and film.This though is pretty much the only downside to the movie. The rest of the story is strong and sound. Filled with red herrings and false suspects. Though it shouldn't be too hard for you figure out whodunnit... though you may find yourself changing your mind a couple of times.There's nothing too interesting in the direction, it's pretty standard stuff. Also, the special effect of the falling body looks cheap and nasty. Luckily it's at the start of the film and over in a couple of seconds.It's the acting along with the story that will keep the attention of the audience. Just like the previous episodes, the acting is above average and nobody stands out more than anyone else. Everybody has the limelight, allowing the story to take precedence and helps to extend the mystery (there's nothing worse than having some actor or actress walk on screen and you know they're the bad guy or gal).If you're a fan of the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries you will like this chapter of her life. You needn't have watched the previous episodes to enjoy this film, though you would probably get more enjoyment if you had.

utgard14 The fifth Aurora Teagarden movie starring Candace Cameron Bure. This time around Aurora is trying to solve the murder of a minor supporting character in the series: the police captain that barks at her about meddling in murder cases. I've remarked on this clichéd character before in my reviews for other Aurora movies, so I'm certainly not sad to see him go. And no, his death is not really a spoiler since it happens in the first few minutes of the movie. Despite killing off this character I didn't like, this is my least favorite Aurora movie so far.For starters, the terrible love interest Secret Agent Spray Tan McGuyliner is back and I just can't stand this guy. He's obviously going to be around for the rest of the series, which I'm afraid will hurt my enjoyment of them going forward. He's given quite a bit of focus here because....well, I don't know really. Friends in high places at Hallmark, I guess. Then there's the murderer, who is so obvious that I spotted him or her in their very first scene. The red herrings sucked, as well. One in particular was so unlikable that I couldn't help but be disappointed when they weren't arrested for SOMETHING by the end of the movie. The writing throughout is clunky and full of more "suspend disbelief" moments than is personally acceptable for me. I'll let the crappy murder mystery slide most times if the character stuff is enjoyable. But it isn't that great this time. The only highlights are the scenes where Aurora and her buddy Sally (played by Lexa Doig) are investigating together. Unfortunately that's not nearly enough.Once again, I call on Hallmark to dump the unnecessary metrosexual boyfriend and focus on the two ladies but I already know that plea is reaching deaf ears. Hallmark rulebook states a love interest is required for every one of their films, whether it fits or not. Anyway, I'll continue to watch the series because I enjoy Candace and Lexa and Marilu (when she's given something to do). I doubt any of these movies are ever going to be amazing but they're enjoyable time passers. Even this one has its moments.

hilary_mae-912-80561 I suspect that Candace Cameron Bure is blackmailing people in order to keep herself working. Her acting is vacant as usual; lacking depth, appropriate mood and emotion. Her presence in the movie was only made worse by the weak script of this movie. The supporting actors are more skilled than Candace, but even they struggle with the weak and error riddled story.The series hasn't met expectations of a mystery; instead presenting us with vacuous, predictable, and campy stories cracked by technical errors. Each scene has one or two dialogue lines and then it switches to a new scene, so as a result there is no character development, just layer upon layer of "steps" This series reminds me of the Dummy how-to books. The audience is not stupid; they need to stop making movies for dummies.