Star Spangled Banners (2013)

In their late teens and early 20s, the Banner siblings made it big as a rock group. But at the height of their fame, Desiree decided to leave the group, and everything fell apart. Fast forward years later and this is where it's at in this movie. Are there annoying things in this movie? Yes, like the overdone characters. But the movie has enough to keep you entertained and the directing and cinematography are well done. And you better believe that all the characters struggle against a system that has perpetuated falsehoods. From an artistic standpoint, there were some plot elements and character developments I didn't think were totally needed. Overall rating: 7/10.

A terrific family movie with heart and humor, not to mention an outrageously fine soundtrack. Surprising plot lines, accomplished actors and a great script combine to make this a must-see for every Independence Day! Mercedes' unexpected turn as the mother is delightful. Everyone who knows small towns will know these characters. I really enjoyed the subtle nuances given by the cast in playing out the complicated familial relationships and the way the actors brought fresh humor and wit that made every scene engaging. You find yourself in these characters and their struggle to maintain independence and keep the home fires burning at the same time. As I said, this is a movie to 'look forward' towards when the 4th of July rolls around. Kudos to a great cast and the writers. This is a great 'go to' movie that the entire family can enjoy.

In typical Hallmark movie fashion, there's conflict followed by redemption. Here, Mayor Mom (Mercedes Ruehl) pulls a fast one in an attempt to prevail upon her children, a former music trio known as the Banner Project, but now estranged for a decade, to save their hometown, along with the family's relationships. Christian Campbell is given top billing, but Brooke White, insofar as one can discover, is the only professional musician in the group, having been a fifth place finalist on American Idol, now with several albums under her belt. I enjoyed the music enough that I bumped my rating of the move up one notch, and even bought the 4-track soundtrack EP (released under the U.S. title for the movie, "Banner 4th of July".)

This movie about a family music act that disintegrated ten years earlier but reunites when their mother, the mayor of their home town, has a heart attack just as the town goes bankrupt, is a well written, well performed musical drama that never quite interests me in its details. Part of it is that the lead roles are rather bland. Part is that their music does not particularly appeal to me, and the outcome of the movie is never in doubt. This is clearly a case where you may enjoy it far better than I.As with many of these Hallmark movies, what makes it worthwhile for me is the older, supporting actors. Mercedes Ruehl, as the mother, is clearly the manipulative scene stealer; trying to figure out what she will do next is interesting to me. The result was a movie that I kept watching to the end.