The 5th film tried hard to capture the mysticism of the first three movies but didn't and so they reintroduced spiced cookies and the magic shop. The film was more savoury than sweet. It tasted too much like a salad, instead of dessert. It was a pleasant story but the grandpa seems like a different character. He's not the same in this, and he's a lot more glum and negative here. The only solution Cassie had for him was an ancient pocket knife that didn't cheer him up, although it added salt to his wound. He was a lot more sad about ageing, and refused to go on a family trip. He pointed out to Cassie that he was too old for all the activities but she ignored him. She seems a lot more detached, maybe it's because her character has workload, running a shop, being a mayor and a new mother. The kids have totally grown up now. We're seeing Cassie and Jake's new baby daughter Grace, which was lovely. The elements in the film, such as the mysterious vanishing trick, the vanishing acts of Cassie, the ornaments, the scarab, snowglobe bear and even the enchanting swan lake give this a more fairytale feel than the last film, which was the 4th in the series. However, it lacked the haunting Grey House and the gorgeous cat Isis again. The former bakery lady was a Cinderella character but she disappeared from the last film, now Martha is the new baker. Martha is a likeable and cheerful character and I'm glad she's become a friend.

The Good Witch's saving grace was it's charm, sadly it seems to have worn thin.The Hallmark novelty seems to have waned as this 5th movie simply doesn't have "It" Thats not to say this is bad, it's just so generic and so predictable that it felt like I'd seen it already.When the franchise began I was thoroughly onboard but now, now I'm bored so very very bored.The Good: Still sweet in that sickly way The Bad: Seen it all beforeThings I Learnt From This Movie: Leaving babies alone outdoors is absolutely fine and supported by mothers worldwide If someone drags your families name through the dirt and damages their lives your first response should be to sleep with them

Although not the best in the series it was a vast improvement on the last one, The Good Witch's Family. The series seems to have rebuilt some of the magic that seemed to be lost. At the end of the movie I found myself wanting more which can only be a good sign.In this instalment the characters seem to be facing their usual trials but that doesn't stop them from keeping a good attitude. Baby Grace was also an adorable addition and I can't wait to see the value she adds now that Lori and Brandon are almost all grown.If I had to make one improvement I would develop some of the supporting cast and create a few more movie regulars. The cast is too small and don't build a dynamic story. But aside from that I cannot wait to get to the TV series. It may be the boost this franchise needs.

The fifth Good Witch movie has Cassie, now the mayor of Middleton, dealing with a crime wave as well as taking care of her new baby. She finds time to dish out advice and (possibly magic) help to her friends and family. Grandpa George is back, which is nice. He was missed in the last one. Brandon is mostly absent this time, save for a few brief appearances to let us know he's at school. The formula of the series is intact with two outsiders coming to town and causing problems for our heroine before the wise-beyond-her-years Cassie sets them on the right path. One is a reporter with no ethics (an oxymoron, I know) and the other is Cassie's foster mother, who looks a little like Veronica Cartwright. The foster mother's speech about how Cassie raised Lori is odd considering the girl was (almost?) a teen before Cassie married her dad and, earlier in this very movie, Cassie had praised Lori's birth mother as having done a good job raising her. Fun sequel in a fun series. Martha is particularly entertaining this time around.