"The Magic of Ordinary Days" is a heartwarming story that captures the beauty and simplicity found within everyday moments. It emphasizes the idea that even the most ordinary days can hold immense joy, love, and transformation. The novel takes place during World War II and follows the life of Livy, a young woman who reluctantly marries a stranger named Ray due to an unexpected pregnancy. Livy's initial disappointment and feelings of being trapped soon dissipate as she begins to discover the magic that lies within her seemingly ordinary days. One of the main themes explored in the story is the power of love. Livy slowly develops a deep connection and love for Ray, despite their arranged marriage and limited interaction.
Hallmark films pack in a few more minutes of content thanks to a reduced commercial load. In this case, it isn’t an asset. It merely delays the inevitable conclusion of a story otherwise uninterrupted by conflicts, issues, events or anything else that might keep viewers from dozing off. Three women chasing a butterfly is the major action scene. There’s little Magic, just a lot of Ordinary Days.
Well educated, intellectually curious and formerly from Southern California, they are a metaphor for Livy s situation, biding their time until they are free to resume the lives of their choosing. Well educated, intellectually curious and formerly from Southern California, they are a metaphor for Livy s situation, biding their time until they are free to resume the lives of their choosing.
Livy slowly develops a deep connection and love for Ray, despite their arranged marriage and limited interaction. Through small acts of kindness and understanding, Ray shows Livy the importance of mutual respect and acceptance. Their evolving relationship demonstrates that love can be found in the most unexpected places and circumstances.
HALLMARK’S ORDINARY DAYS TOO ORDINARY TO BE SPECIAL
Keri Russell must have a thing for characters who relocate to a distant place to start over.
As the title character in Felicity, she followed her heart from Northern California to college in New York, chasing a high school dream boy. After lying low since Felicity ended almost three years ago, Russell resurfaces Sunday in CBS’s The Magic of Ordinary Days, playing a college student who is banished to a remote locale after a fling with a naval officer puts her in the family way.
The Hallmark Hall of Fame production is a throwback piece, set in 1944, when there was still a stigma attached to pregnancy outside marriage. These days, Livy’s predicament would be fodder for a sitcom.
Livy Dunne, a grad school archaeology major in Denver, is exiled by her angry father to Wilson, Colo., a dot on the map that’s an hour from the nearest library. Waiting for her is a lonely guy named Ray (Skeet Ulrich), who has agreed to be the father of her child, and a minister, so anxious to make Livy an honest woman that he doesn’t even give Ray time to get a ring.
Ray’s a prince of a guy, a soft-spoken farmer with his own piece of land and a large, if slightly run-down, home. There’s even indoor plumbing. Ulrich isn’t tough to look at, either. But Livy’s heart still belongs to the sailor who is her baby’s father, and she has no intention of serving as a wife in any of the traditional ways, other than to live under the same roof — she on one floor, he on another.
Nevertheless, Ray looks at her like he’s the president of the stamp-collecting club who has been set up with the homecoming queen. There is nothing he won’t do for her. She obliges by letting him, without so much as a platonic kiss goodnight to show her appreciation.
“She got there and thought, ‘I’m not going to give this guy anything. I’m just going to do what I have to do to get through this,'” Russell said of her character.
The Magic of Ordinary Days is a prototypical chick flick, but Ulrich thinks his character is one guys can identify with. “I think it’s easy for anybody to relate to falling for somebody and not having it returned.”
The entire town, all 20 or so residents, is predisposed to accept Livy. They’ll gossip when she delivers a child several months premature but, Ray assures her, they’ll embrace her, because she’s his wife and that’s the way the town is. Leading the welcome wagon is Mare Winningham as Ray’s sister Martha, who doesn’t seem bothered about the way Livy is making a chump of her brother.
The only people Livy becomes close to are a couple of Japanese women who are being detained in an internment camp on the outskirts of town. Well educated, intellectually curious and formerly from Southern California, they are a metaphor for Livy’s situation, biding their time until they are free to resume the lives of their choosing.
Anyone who has ever watched a TV movie knows where this is going. However, the story is like being stuck in rush-hour traffic heading downtown. You can see the destination but know it’s going to take forever to get there.
Hallmark films pack in a few more minutes of content thanks to a reduced commercial load. In this case, it isn’t an asset. It merely delays the inevitable conclusion of a story otherwise uninterrupted by conflicts, issues, events or anything else that might keep viewers from dozing off. Three women chasing a butterfly is the major action scene. There’s little Magic, just a lot of Ordinary Days.
Tom Jicha can be reached at [email protected].
Program: The Magic of Ordinary Days
Stars: Keri Russell, Skeet Ulrich, Mare Winningham
Airs: 9 p.m. Sunday on WFOR-Ch. 4, WPEC-Ch. 12
Alone on the evening of his wedding day, Ray wonders about the choices he's made and the future that awaits him.
Another underlying theme in the book is the significance of family and community. Livy's experiences in her small rural town force her to rely on the support of her neighbors and loved ones. The interactions she has with different characters illustrate the importance of human connection and encourage an appreciation for the simple joys found within these relationships. As the story unfolds, Livy's perspective on life gradually shifts. She begins to find beauty and contentment in the everyday routines and tasks that once seemed mundane. The author, Ann Howard Creel, skillfully captures the quiet moments that shape Livy's growth and showcases the transformative power of finding happiness and purpose in the ordinary. "The Magic of Ordinary Days" reminds readers to appreciate the present moment and find joy in the simplicity of life. It teaches that it is not the grand gestures and extravagant events that hold the most meaning, but rather the small, seemingly insignificant moments that have the power to shape and transform our lives..
Reviews for "Embracing the Everyday Miracles: Celebrating the Magic in Ordinary Days"
1. - Mary - 2/5
I found "The Magic of Ordinary Days" to be quite disappointing. The story had potential, but it fell flat for me. The characters lacked depth and development, making it hard to connect with them or care about their journey. The romance felt forced and contrived, leaving me unsatisfied. Overall, I was left wanting more from this film.
2. - John - 1/5
I really did not enjoy "The Magic of Ordinary Days". The plot felt predictable and cliché, and I found myself bored throughout most of the movie. The acting was subpar, with wooden performances and unconvincing dialogue. The whole film lacked any real emotional punch, and I was left wondering why I even bothered watching it. I would not recommend this film to anyone looking for a captivating and engaging story.
3. - Sarah - 2/5
I had high hopes for "The Magic of Ordinary Days" based on the positive reviews, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing of the film was slow, and it dragged on unnecessarily. The chemistry between the main characters was lacking, making it hard to invest in their relationship. The ending was also quite underwhelming and left me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, I found this film to be a forgettable and unremarkable experience.
4. - Michael - 2/5
"The Magic of Ordinary Days" failed to captivate me as I had hoped. The plot was uneventful and lacked any real depth. The story felt predictable, and I found myself disengaged from the characters and their struggles. The pacing was sluggish, making it difficult to maintain my interest. Overall, this film was a missed opportunity and left me wanting for more.