“Signed, Sealed Delivered: The Impossible Dream” Movie Review

By Ruth on October 4, 2015 in movie, review, television
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SIGNED,SEALED, DELIVERED: THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM: The POstables – a special group of Post Office Investigators – are all in attendance at an emergency Senate committee hearing, declaring they have information that could help rescue a soldier and reunite her with her family, while Rita competes for the National Miss Special Delivery title in Washington, D.C. 

POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT: While I do all within my power to not reveal anything that would potentially spoil this movie, even Hallmark itself has released some pictures that I would consider “spoilers.” So read on only with the understanding that you may find out something you didn’t know previously about this movie or series.

Photo: Kristin Booth, Eric Mabius, Crystal Lowe, Geoff Gustafson, Mark Valley Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Photo: Kristin Booth, Eric Mabius, Crystal Lowe, Geoff Gustafson, Mark Valley Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

From the opening scene of the film to the very last, I was completely mesmerized by the acting, the storyline, and the message of this film. In fact, I will be as bold as to say this. This movie made me proud to be both a Christian and an American. This story reminded me of what is excellent, wholesome, and true in this country of ours. We are so often bombarded with negativism that we forget there are those who do the proper thing and are guided by their faith. And it is also a reminder that God can use any circumstance for the furtherance of His will. No vessel is too stained, charred, bruised or broken.

Mark Valley Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Mark Valley Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Let’s talk about Steve first, shall we? Yes POstable friends, we finally meet Shane’s old flame, and he is played brilliantly by Mark Valley. As I looked over Mark’s impressive resume, I discovered I had probably seen him in a couple of things here and there, and indeed he is perfectly cast in this role.  While it’s clear that he and Shane have a history…

Signed, Sealed, Delivered The Impossible Dream Final Photo Assets

Mark Valley, Kristin Booth Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

 

there is not a major cause for apprehension.  After all, we know that Shane and Oliver belong together, right? Mark and Kristin interact exactly in the way you would expect old flames to act. Not an effortless chemistry at all, but it is easy to detect that there was something there once.

Mark Valley, Kristin Booth Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Mark Valley, Kristin Booth Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Mark Valley, Kristin Booth Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Mark Valley, Kristin Booth Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

I know these pictures may disturb POstables (don’t worry, Oliver is perturbed, too), but I’ll let you discover the actual story. Steve turns out to be a more respectable guy than I thought he would be, and the way Mark portrays him, I almost found myself feeling sorry for him. After all, when Shane received the birthday card during the last film, I was certain he was only coming back into Shane’s life to break her heart all over again. And I was anxious that the old sparks were still there. All I can say is remember, this is Hallmark, and be confident in the fact that happy endings are always assured. It’s the journey that makes the show or film worth watching.  Although Mark fits the suave, debonair, pleasant Steve immeasurably well, I still say he needs to keep his character away from our Shane!

Eric Mabius, Kristin Booth, Crystal Lowe, Geoff Gustafson Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Eric Mabius, Kristin Booth, Crystal Lowe, Geoff Gustafson Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

What I noticed about our beloved Postables is that they have become a truly united team. I adore the scene when we first see them enter because it is as though they have so bonded that they are ready for any battle. No one is going to break up this team, and more importantly this, team is unstoppable. They shall never fail in their mission, and they will never permit anything to break them up.

Geoff Gustafson Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Geoff Gustafson Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Returning as the cherished  Norman, Geoff has given us another masterful performance.  Norman is one of those characters who always surprises me. In the beginning, Norman was just a delightfully quirky guy who is devoted to his job and did not know how to properly express himself in emotional situations. While much of that hasn’t changed, Norman has now become a force with whom to be reckoned. He has become fiercely protective of Rita, and it is her needs, wants, and desires that drive most of the things he does. In fact, Norman is the perfect example of putting others first.  He would do anything he could to aid another individual no matter the cost. And Rita is now foremost in his thoughts.

Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

This film will test Norman and Rita in a way they have not been tested before. While Norman is always putting Rita first, he doesn’t always think through all the potential consequences of his actions.  But again, this is Hallmark. And since it is Norman, we always know that we can forgive him if anything goes wrong (and I’m sure Rita will feel the same way). I sometimes wonder how much of himself Geoff has injected into the character of Norman, but regardless, every facial expression, vocal intonation, and body movement is so much a part of who his character has become that I sometimes forget Geoff is depicting a character.  I can categorically declare that no one else could play Norman the way Geoff does as he has been responsible for breathing life into this delightful character. I never question the authenticity he brings to the role, and I believe we fans have been treated to something very special in Geoff Gustafson as he has made Norman lovable more than laughable.

Crystal Lowe Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Crystal Lowe Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Equally so with Rita, Crystal gives a performance that has always resonated with us fans.  My daughter’s favorite character has always been Rita, and Crystal has crafted her character into the sweet, intelligent, sometimes offbeat character she has become. Rita reaches new heights in this film as she has come to Washington D.C. to compete for Miss National Special Delivery. In so many ways, Rita is so much more comfortable with the woman she has become, but once in a while, she still has those moments of awkwardness. While she knows that Norman is interested in her, there still are those times that she is not as sure of where she stands with him. Although an absolute beauty queen, there are still instants where she does not seem to be as comfortable in her own skin, i.e., the tap-dancing routine.

Crystal Lowe Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Crystal Lowe Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

But this scene at the pageant is one when the true nature and heart of Rita is revealed as none other. Seconds before this, Norman reveals something that changes the course of the pageant for her, but instead of wallowing in self-pity or anything antagonistic (as most women would have–when you see this scene you’ll understand what I mean), Rita rises to the occasion.  I was most proud of Rita because of her actions under pressure. And, of course, we have the fabulous Martha Williamson to thank for the writing of this scene and the lovely Crystal to applaud for her interpretation of this scene.

Christina Bianco, Crystal Lowe Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Christina Bianco, Crystal Lowe Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

This gal, Christina Bianco, gives an unbelievably stunning performance of The Impossible Dream, always one of my favorite songs. I was completely blown away, and it is Crystal’s character who gives this singer the chance to shine.

Christina Bianco, Crystal Lowe Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Christina Bianco, Crystal Lowe Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

I cannot applaud Crystal enough for the way she has injected so much authenticity into the character of Rita. Some actresses would come off as too “nerdy” or possibly even weak. Not so in Crystal’s case. She has given Rita the quiet beauty and strength of a woman who believes the best about everyone and when under pressure, always puts others first no matter what.

Christina Bianco, Crystal Lowe Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Christina Bianco, Crystal Lowe Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Crystal as Rita is never more radiant than in this scene. At the beginning of this series, Rita was not someone with whom I connected quite as much.  However, because of the way in which Crystal has continued to characterize her (and the fact that I have witnessed the graceful and down-to-earth way in which Crystal presents herself on social media with her fans), she has risen in my affections. It is her depiction that has endeared me to her character, and there is no way under the sun that anyone could play Rita as convincingly and as sweetly.

Kristin Booth Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Kristin Booth Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

From the beginning, I connected with the character of Shane on an immensely deep level. I always said I was a cross between Shane and Oliver, and thus, they were my favorites from the beginning. And Kristin Booth has delivered another striking performance as she always does. Over the course of the series, Shane has transformed for the better, but Kristin has kept Shane the wonderfully curious workaholic that she was in the beginning. It has been her dealings with Oliver who have caused her not to be as jaded as she once was. And as she returns to her “old stomping grounds,” we go on a somewhat sentimental journey with Shane.  Shane always wants to appear strong and in control, so when she has to deal with her emotions, she naturally wants to tuck them away. Especially when Oliver is around. Even though there is an understanding between Oliver and Shane, I think it’s still safe to say that neither one is exactly sure of where they stand with the other. We as spectators know, but communication between the two is still often stinted.

Kristin Booth Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Kristin Booth Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

As Shane, Kristin is absolutely matchless. She has so immersed herself in this role that I never question the authenticity of any of her mannerisms, facial expressions, or anything else she brings to the character. In fact, Kristin is responsible for creating the character we have come to know as Shane. Yes, Martha Williamson devised the character on paper, but Kristin brings Shane to life.  What I loved about this film was that we see the tower of strength that Shane has become. The Shane from the early days would have reacted more in the situations in which she finds herself in this film, but we witness  a determined and matter-of-fact Shane who controls the situation rather than the other way around. I applaud Kristin in her amazing portrayal. I thought I couldn’t love Shane more, and then I saw her performance in this film. I delightfully tip my hat to Kristin and say that I was wrong–I adore Shane even more now!

Eric Mabius, Kristin Booth Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Eric Mabius, Kristin Booth Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

With Oliver, Shane has become much more assured of herself.  I promise that I cried for the last several minutes of the film, and not only because of the obvious ending that had to occur for the girl and her grandfather, but because of what Oliver did for Shane. I hadn’t expected to cry over that, but the love he showed Shane went beyond what I even expected from Oliver. I won’t ruin this part for you except to say make sure you have a box of tissues handy as you are going to need them.

Eric Mabuis Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Eric Mabius Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

It has never been any secret that my favorite character in the series is Oliver as played by Eric Mabius. I can never forget the actor who sent me my first “celebrity tweet,” but my admiration for Oliver goes far beyond that.  Oliver is one who has an appreciation for words, and that alone captures my attention since I am a writer. I love the fact that he is old-fashioned in so many ways, and his faith is what guides his every decision. Eric gives such a masterful performance every time he portrays this complex character, and I think he has more to do with my adoration for this character than anything else.

 Photo: Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Photo: Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

While I have raved about Eric’s performance as Oliver in the past, I have to say that he has yet again topped himself. I always expect Eric to give a stupendous performance, but every time he blows me away with his massive talent. While I know that Eric has had an astounding career with well-loved characters throughout, Oliver is one to whom he seems to give special attention.

Kristin Booth, Eric Mabius, Crystal Lowe Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Kristin Booth, Eric Mabius, Crystal Lowe Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

It is Oliver’s stirring speech here that caused me to almost shout, “Eric Mabius deserves and Emmy!” (Actually, I whispered those words instead.) Seeing the conviction with which Oliver speaks to government and pleads the case of this family who is awaiting news of a missing family member really resonated with me to the core.  Moreover, as can always be expected in this series, faith and the Bible occupt a prominent place in solving the mystery at hand.  Seeing the very heart of Oliver not only persuades the government, but it also reminds me why I revere this series so much. The interplay between the four POstables is phenomenal, but it will always be Eric’s portrayal of Oliver that is the pinnacle for me. Yes, we need the other three characters, and they are stellar in their own right, but without Oliver, all would be for naught, at least in my humble opinion. He is the force behind this crew (he is the leader after all). Furthermore, it is Martha Williamson who is the true genius behind the entire production, and I cannot thank Hallmark enough for allowing this gifted woman to continue to bring her stories to their screen.

Kristin Booth, Eric Mabius, Crystal Lowe, Geoff Gustafson, Mark Valley Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Kristin Booth, Eric Mabius, Crystal Lowe, Geoff Gustafson, Mark Valley Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

So whatever you choose to do on this Sunday, October 4, don’t forget to tune into Hallmark Movies & Mysteries this evening for a film that you will soon not forget. As I said in the beginning, if this film does not make you proud to be a Christian and an American, I may question whether there is breath within your soul.

For more information:

http://www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com/signed-sealed-delivered-the-impossible-dream

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About the Author

RuthView all posts by Ruth
“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” — Franz Kafka Ruth is an inspirational entertainment journalist who instinctively sees the best in all and seeks to share universal beauty, love and positivity. She is an artist who leads with her heart and gives readers a glimpse of the best of this world through the masterful use of the written word. Ruth was born in Tacoma, Washington but now calls Yelm, Washington her home. She lives on five acres with her parents, a dog, two miniature goats, cats and a teenage daughter who is a dynamic visual artist herself. Ruth interviews fellow artists both inside and outside of the film/television industry. At the core of all she does is the strength of her faith.

19 Comments

  1. Sandra K Skidmore July 9, 2021 Reply

    This is my favorite episode, I have seen them all many times, loving, heartfelt, clean, Love them all.

  2. Joan Van Wyckhouse January 28, 2021 Reply

    I noticed that most of the reply’s are in 2014-15. Well it is now 2021 and this program is needed more than ever. It is clean, not full of sex, crime, murder, bloodshed, vulgarity, and swearing. What a refreshing change.
    I almost threw out the TV and was done with it, but kept it for this special series.
    Trusting they can make many more.
    Your comments do reflect your faith and I’m a Sister with you.
    Blessings on your day and your writings.

  3. Bobbi Hershberger February 14, 2016 Reply

    I was a late-comer to the series, I started recording in early January 2016, and have already ear-marked the next episode about the diary. I can’t wait! I love all the characters, and have loved watching them grow throughout the series. I hope there will be more POstables in the future, after the diary one. I love each character for themselves and relate to them,wholeheartedly. (I will use “love”too much in my comments, and I am sorry for that).
    I am going to school for my Master’s, but in a different category from the book I will write in the near future. This whole team- Hallmark, producers, directors, writers, and especially the actors need to be kept together. While I see Oliver with a very strong faith, the others have great faith also. I can relate to them all. I hope my Christian faith is as strong as Oliver’s; that I have the strength of Shane to stand up for what I believe; that I can put others before myself like Norman, and have the childlike (NOT childish) faith of Rita, willingness to help if I have the special abilities like to do so; Harper’s and Phoebe’s hope and faith; and Randilynn’s faith and courage to do whatever it takes to get home to her family. I am from a military family and this really meant a lot to me on that level, also. (When her brother-in-arms called her Soul Sister, I really cried!!!) Love and respect to all who made this happen. Please bring us more.

    • Author
      Ruth February 16, 2016 Reply

      Thank you Bobbi for all your kind thoughts and words here. And we’re getting ready for the next one, and I have an interview with Crystal Lowe to share. So it will be quite a weekend!

  4. Kelli =) October 8, 2015 Reply

    Ruth, this was a great review. I had bookmarked it to read after I was able to see the episode, which was just earlier today (one thing after another happened and I wasn’t able to get to it when I wanted to). You wrote a wonderful review! And I agree, the cast they have portraying the main characters is just spot on, no one could do better! The mannerisms and facial expressions and every thing they bring to the characters is just amazing! They also work so very well as a team. Loving the #POstables! Can’t wait for more episodes! = )

    • Author
      Ruth October 9, 2015 Reply

      Thank you Kelli. I’m honored that you came back and read my review. And I agree with you completely.

  5. Sara October 8, 2015 Reply

    i think this be a good show

  6. Nicole Carter (Weasley) October 6, 2015 Reply

    This looks like an awesome movie! Thank you for sharing.

  7. Patsy Newman October 6, 2015 Reply

    I totally agree with every word you have written here. I have watched this episode twice and I am sure I will watch it many more times. I LOVE all of the Postables, and am not sure I could pick a favorite, but Eric as Oliver really goes beyond anything I could ever imagine! I have a question: WHY has he not been nominated for an Emmy? Is this series “too nice” to suit the critics?

    • Author
      Ruth October 7, 2015 Reply

      Oh I wish I knew Patsy. I completely hear ya. He deserves an Emmy. The cast does. Martha Williamson does. I just think it’s on the wrong network and not mainstream enough.

  8. Debbie S October 5, 2015 Reply

    I loved this and was blow away buy The beautiful voice singing The impossible Dream. I watched this episode twice and had chills when she sang each time. And of course I cried at the end, both times, not little tears but rolling down my checks tears. And I love the patriotic emphesis in this episode, something so lacking in todays society.

    • Author
      Ruth October 5, 2015 Reply

      Debbie I couldn’t agree more!

  9. Kristina G October 5, 2015 Reply

    Looks like a good movie. Thanks for the review.

  10. Cheryl Heckler October 4, 2015 Reply

    Wonderful — and wonderfully written — review. Perfectly stated: “If this film does not make you proud to be a Christian and an American, I may question whether there is breath within your soul.” I’ve watched every Signed, Sealed, Delivered episode, and this one stopped me dead three times.

    • Author
      Ruth October 5, 2015 Reply

      Cheryl thank you–I loved that line in my review too–and I’m glad you felt as I did!

  11. June S. October 4, 2015 Reply

    (“Signed, Sealed Delivered: The Impossible Dream” Movie Review) After reading the movie review up above, this sure sounds like a movie that I would really enjoy.

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