And no. That shrieking harridan does not say when it’s Christmas.
Anyways a thread for all those many, many Christmas, Xmas, Yuletide and so on movies. Maybe you’ve watched a classic? Maybe a new Hallmark. Perhaps a hidden gem or “forgotten for a reason” fare, which was about as welcome as second helping of sprouts. Or indeed, a first helping of sprouts in my case.
I’ll kick us off.
Deck The Halls
Matthew Broderick and Danny De Vito star in this gentle, family friendly comedy about competitive neighbours and their approach to celebrating the season.
Now, if I’m honest? This should’ve been a Tom Hanks or Dan Aykroyd and Danny De Vito vehicle. Broderick is fine, but it very much feels like an 80’s throwback. All small town America, weird petty insecurities and people not really disliking each other all that much.
Very family friendly with knockabout laughs and no bad language. Not a classic, but perfectly enjoyable and suitable for an afternoon’s viewing.
Take a Hallmark movie format, add in some English accents, and away you go! Nothing really unexpected to see here.
Sure, they are cliche but they do a few things right. First, they know their formula and deliver on it every time. Two, they are very professionally done and workman-like. Three, they have workman-like, solid, writing.
Six-Degrees of Christmas
What is interesting about this movie is that the woman does not leave the big city to go to the country. She stays in the big city the whole time!
The main idea of the movie is that you buy a gift, and then keep passing it around after a few days to the next person. This is the foundation of the Rom-Com set-up.
Red One Have you seen any Action-Comedies starring the Rock? You have? This is pretty much a Action-Comedy starring the Rock that is Christmas themed. It also has Chris Evans, Lucy Lui, and JK Simmons.
Honestly, it is by the numbers but cute. All the characters have actual character arcs and story beats. There is a deep dive into Christmas lore and leaning into Polar cliches. Here I need to point out that Penguins are not native to the North Pole.
It was entertaining enough, but no need to see it in theatres. This is NOT an instant classic.
Christmas in the Spotlight
Is this even a Christmas movie, or just a cheap ripped from the headlines movie about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelsey? Hint: It is the later. The Christmas part is simply marketing hype as nothing in this film requires Christmas to make it work.
That said, it is fun to see them avoid copyright law without paying the rights, try to cheaply make you feel like you are watching the NFL, and on a shoestring budget make someone look like a superstar mega-billionaire with legions of fans. For being so wealthy, everyone sure seems to be living the usual White Collar upper-middle class dream! No extravagant displays of wealth here!
I think this one is from Lifetime, but was not 100% sure. It did not have the same successful, derivative Christmas formula of something from Hallmark.
The Christmas Intern
A retired VP of marketing, who goes to visit her daughter who is running a Christmas themed- start-up company. They are struggling and she steps in to help as an intern.
Starring Jacee Carter, Vivica Fox, and Michael Pare. I pretty stacked cast for what this is, but there are a lot of younger performers as well.
Honestly, these things are craft. No dialogue is wasted and every scene relentlessly moves the story along. Hollywood blockbusters should be this full of craft, but they aren't. Just to be clear, everyone is mailing it in just enough to get paid.
Speaking of actors still getting work.....
A Nutty Christmas
Starring Sabrina, The Teenage Witch only she isn't much of a teenager anymore. The idea is that she owns a cookie shop and a magical Nutcracker comes to life and steals her heart! This one is low budget even by made-for-cable Christmas movies. However, I still found a few things to like.....
1. The kitchen in the Cookie shop was on point. It reminded me a bit of my old Bakery. However, no way you can keep that kind of inventory on hand at the shop.
2. The small-town community actually felt like a small town community. The events and the scale of things was on point. Unlike many Christmas movies where the Community Events are far to extravagant and well-attended for an actual small town event.
3. The girlfriend has a bunch of kids and lives in a less than middle class house.
4. They slip in a reference to Sabrina: The Teenage Witch 5. The main actress looks like a real person with a real person body
Cheap, but overall enjoyable and whimsical little flick from 2018 or so.
Christmas at the Chalet
Oh, Terri Hatcher? I am interested.
This is exactly what you would expect from a Christmas movie with the premise that a divorced, minor celebrity has to work as a "chalet girl" over the Holidays to spend time with her son. You get exactly what you would expect out of this.
I think my favorite part of the ridiculousness is that the Chalet Girl's room is a fething suite+. I have seen the accommodations that hotels and resorts put temp workers in..... they are nothing like what we see in this film. That maybe the understatement of understatements.
A modern take on A Christmas Carol, where the titular Karen is our Scrooge. An Amazon original.
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting much. In fact I was expecting a lazy, overexcited moan about Karens.
But it’s translated pretty well, with our lead being equally reprehensible and pitiable, as the Ghosts show us not only the error of her ways, but shows she is, to some extent, a product of her environment. I wouldn’t say she comes out sympathetic overall, but I am feeling some empathy.
American woman somehow gets stuck in a Yorkshire village over Christmas, and ends up lodging with the widower Handsome Single Father, Because Of Course She Does.
Filmed in and around Knaresborough, but somehow is yet to feature a single Yorkshireman.
Not Flatcaps, no Whippets, no Ferrets. There is some Black Pudding though, yet no Parkin. And I’d very surprised if there’s an outbreak of Ecky Thump, despite the ominous presence of Black Pudding. And given our lead is American (the actress isn’t), she’s having a disappointingly easy time of understanding t’words of t’simple Yorkshire folk.
Probably because, as said, there are no Yorkshire folk.
Oh. Wait. There’s one now. Only he’s keen on everyone selling his land and everyone else’s land. Because Reasons.
As you might be able to tell, I’m not enjoying this one.
Maybe it’ll brighten up later, and turn out to be a horror where Postman Pat goes on a rampage.
I have to say I bloody HATED this film. Protagonists Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis are empty-nesters who can't be bothered with the hassle of celebrating Christmas and decide to go off on a cruise instead. They seemingly live in some Christmas-fixated commune where this positively scandalises their neighbours to the point that they run a hate-campaign of harrassment against the protagonists. THEN their daughter announces last minute that actually she's going to come home for Christmas with her new wonderful boyfriend, the protagonists have to ditch their plans for their cruise and enlist the help of their now smug-as-FrenchConnectionUK neighbours to pull off the perfect Christmas for their little girl. Moral of the story, don't you bloody dare try to be different in suburban America - karma will gak you right up for it. Screw everyone involved in making this crap.
Wee Jimmy Krankie, an 8 year old boy played by Jeanette Krankie, a grown woman, and Ian Krankie, Jimmy’s Dad played by Ian, husband of Jeanette Krankie,
A staple of Scottish kids’ TV in the 80’s. And the rest of the UK I think.
Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote: Wee Jimmy Krankie, an 8 year old boy played by Jeanette Krankie, a grown woman, and Ian Krankie, Jimmy’s Dad played by Ian, husband of Jeanette Krankie,
.
I don’t want to kink shame that couple, but yikes.
Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote: Wee Jimmy Krankie, an 8 year old boy played by Jeanette Krankie, a grown woman, and Ian Krankie, Jimmy’s Dad played by Ian, husband of Jeanette Krankie,
.
I don’t want to kink shame that couple, but yikes.
Flinty wrote: Next you’ll be saying that Glen Michael’s Cavalcade wasn’t a worldwide media sensation.
Am I going to have to track every British Pop Culture Reference? I'll have to update my signature every day.
Just retaliate with Gen X and early Millennial references no one will get. That’s how you Wow Wow Wibble Woggle Wazzie Woodle Woo.
Sometimes trying to figure out these British references are like trying to find the meaning of life in a 'Fernwood 2 Night' episode.
In other news, let's bring up a holiday classic that features Bill Murray. Scrooged about a TV executive that is producing A Christmas Carol for television, and gets visited by three spirits. Meta enough for ya?
Christmas Vacation
The Griswolds (including Chevy Chase) celebrate christmas. Overall just a funny, family friendly, enjoyable film. Entertaining for all our folks ranging from 4 to 70 years old and therefore a staple of Christmas for us.
Clark Griswold wants to celebrate a big old "family Christmas" in his house, including his family of four, his parents, parents in law and some older uncle and aunt... Chaos ensues and gets even worse when his cousin Ed with his family arrive unexpectedly.
Noelle (from 2019, starring Anna Kendrick)
Also a very funny take on a Christmas movie. Noelle is the younger daughter of Santa Clause, who recently died, so it is upon her older brother to take up the red suite and become the new Santa. But he is seriously stressed out about it and after Noelle tried to calm him down and recommends him to relax a little, he disappears and she follows him to Phoenix, Arizona to try and set things right.
Sympathetic characters, family friendly fun and a quite unconventionel location for a christmas movie.
Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel (english: Three Wishes for Cinderella, but it might be easier to find under the german title or the Czech one: Tři oříšky pro Popelku).
An old and much beloved fairytale from Eastern Germany/Czechia which is an extremely popular christmas movie around here. The story is kind of similar to Cindarella, but differs enough to stand on its own. After her fathers dead Aschenbrödel has to work as a maid for her stepmother and daughter. Her friend, the servant Vinzek promises her to bring her some little gift when he comes back from town and on his way three hazelnuts fall into his lap, which he gifts her. As it turns out, each nut equals one wish. I think you can guess the rest overall. Aschenbrödel does come across a lot more active, self-confident and brave than the usual cinderellas though.
Also some really nice historical costumes and a beautiful soundtrack.
Blackadder’s Christmas Carol (1988) A bit of a special one I liked to watch with my sister when we still lived with our parents. Admitedly it is most enjoyable if you watched the Blackadder series (starring Rowan Atkinson). It's basically a "reverse Christmas Carol", with Ebenezer Blackadder being a kind and caring man at first, whom everybody tramples upon and takes advantage of, transforming into a much more selfish version of himself upon the visit of the ghosts.
Very british humor and as mentioned better if you liked the historical-satirical series but if so it's great.
A classic among classics. Often imitated, never bettered (though Home Alone 2 is very neatly just as good. The less said about the other three, the better. Especially Home Sweet Home Alone, which is just bloody awful).
Kind rad to know I was the same age as Kevin when it came out, and right now? I’m the same age as his Dad when it came out. Did I say rad? I meant “a wee bit depressing” 🤣
Terrific cast, original at the time plot, and just an absolute joy to behold, even 34 years later.
Also, Frank and Buzz can get in the bin. The jerks.
In other news, let's bring up a holiday classic that features Bill Murray. Scrooged about a TV executive that is producing A Christmas Carol for television, and gets visited by three spirits. Meta enough for ya?
When the formula ain’t broke or tired yet, don’t fix it. But do ramp up the violence some! Add in some Tim Curry, and the remarkable fact a young Rob Schneider’s presence doesn’t automatically ruin it, and you’re in for a Christmas treat.
And I swear it’s Harry and Marv taking it like champs that makes these films.
Jack Whitehall races against time to get from the US to the UK for Christmas. His frantic four-day journey involves various modes of transport and encounters with celebrity friends as he battles holiday chaos to reach home.
Jack Whitehall is about as funny as the least funny thing you can possibly imagine.
He's got worse as he's got more popular. Saw him at a London comedy club in the early days of his career and he was very funny. Greg Davies compering too, great night out.
He’s just incredibly untalented. You can tell he’s a nepo baby.
Anyways.
Home Alone 3
In which none of our original cast return, and the family aren’t the McAllisters.
Is it any good? I’ll let you know, as I’ve never seen this before.
Approx 36m in now, and it’s so-so. The good news is the plot isn’t a carbon copy. Yes there’s a kid foiling burglars, but he’s only alone due to having Chicken Pox.
Our lead is no Macaulay Culkin, but he’s not awful. And to be honest, that kinda sums up the film. It’s a poor imitation of the first two, but isn’t completely dreadful.
Jack Whitehall is about as funny as the least funny thing you can possibly imagine.
He's got worse as he's got more popular. Saw him at a London comedy club in the early days of his career and he was very funny. Greg Davies compering too, great night out.
I’ve been to the cinema a couple of times in the past few weeks and this is prominently displayed.
It looks as bad as you are probably imagining. Do you want to see a disjointed ensemble cast of bored looking famous people absolutely phoning it in for a quick pay check, while Jack Whitehall utterly fails to channel the energy of John Cleese? Then you are in the right place.
Jack Whitehall is about as funny as the least funny thing you can possibly imagine.
This guy?
Jack Whitehall: A National Treasure of British Comedy
Jack Whitehall has firmly established himself as a national treasure in the realm of British comedy, embodying the quintessential elements of British culture with his unique blend of wit, charm, and self-deprecation. Born on July 7, 1988, in Westminster, London, Whitehall's ascent to fame has been marked by his ability to resonate with audiences through relatable humour and a distinctive style that reflects the nuances of British life.
One of the defining characteristics of Whitehall's comedy is his ability to draw from his own experiences, often highlighting the absurdities of everyday situations. His upbringing in a privileged environment, coupled with his keen observational skills, allows him to navigate the complexities of British society with both humour and insight. This relatability is a hallmark of his work, making him a beloved figure across various demographics. Whether he is recounting tales of his family dynamics or poking fun at the quirks of British culture, Whitehall's comedic narratives resonate deeply with audiences, fostering a sense of connection and shared experience.
Interestingly, Whitehall has also garnered a dedicated following among internet posters, particularly on gaming forums like Dakkadakka. Users such as "Mad Doc Grotsnik" spend endless hours extolling Whitehall's comedic genius, showcasing how his humour transcends traditional boundaries and resonates with diverse communities online. This enthusiastic support from fans further underscores his status as a modern comedic icon.
Moreover, Whitehall's versatility as a performer is evident in his diverse body of work. From stand-up comedy to television and film, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of his craft. His role in the hit series "Bad Education" showcased his talent for blending comedy with poignant social commentary, while his appearances on shows like "The Royal Variety Performance" and "Celebrity Juice" have further solidified his status as a comedic powerhouse. Each project he undertakes seems to build upon the last, with his films and television shows only getting better as he hones his craft and explores new comedic territories.
In addition to his comedic prowess, Whitehall's charm and charisma have endeared him to audiences both in the UK and internationally. His ability to engage with fans and his genuine enthusiasm for his work create a warm and inviting atmosphere that is often lacking in the entertainment industry. This authenticity is a vital aspect of his appeal, making him not just a comedian, but a cultural icon who embodies the spirit of British humour.
Furthermore, Whitehall's contributions to British culture extend beyond mere entertainment. He has become a voice for a generation, tackling issues such as mental health, relationships, and the challenges of modern life with a refreshing honesty that resonates with many. His willingness to address these topics through humour not only entertains but also encourages important conversations, making him a significant figure in contemporary British society.
In conclusion, Jack Whitehall is undoubtedly a national treasure, epitomising the essence of British culture through his relatable humour, versatility, and genuine charm. As his films and television shows continue to evolve and improve, he remains a beloved figure in the world of comedy, capturing the hearts of audiences and solidifying his place in the pantheon of British entertainment. With each new project, Whitehall not only entertains but also enriches the cultural landscape, ensuring that his legacy as a comedic icon will endure for years to come.
Kevin returns. Except it’s not Kevin, is it? Oh and at least one of his siblings have just sort of….disappeared. And Buzz is years younger. And his parents are divorcing. And it’s meant to be Christmas, but nobody has any decorations up. And there’s a Royal Family from an undisclosed country involved.
This is crap. Pure, unadulterated, amateurish crap.
Home Alone[a] is a series of American Christmas family comedy films originally created by John Hughes. Chris Columbus directed Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), Raja Gosnell directed Home Alone 3 (1997), Rod Daniel directed Home Alone 4 (2002), Peter Hewitt directed Home Alone: The Holiday Heist (2012) and Dan Mazer directed Home Sweet Home Alone (2021). The films revolve around the adventures of surrounding children who find themselves alone during the holiday season and faced with the challenge of defending their family's house or themselves from invading burglars and criminals.
Die Hard is my goto Xmas movie. Lots of fun, some over the top acting and showing the real meaning of Xmas as he ends up back with his family. Yippee kai yay!
The Empire Strikes Back. Hoth is like opening up one's presents, while a trip to Dagobah is then like visiting an elderly relation. Later stopping by Bespin for Christmas Dinner. Finally, at the secret alliance rendez vous, you wave good bye to your hosts after promising to catch up with them in the new year.
"He betrayed you...for sweeties!"
The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe When Father Christmas hands you a sword and shield, you know you're in for a something special!
The best bit for me of the big Narnia films is how utterly crap Peter is with the sword to become with. He gets handed a sword to be the big hero but has no real idea what to do with it
Flinty wrote: The best bit for me of the big Narnia films is how utterly crap Peter is with the sword to become with. He gets handed a sword to be the big hero but has no real idea what to do with it
And why should he, after all.
I thought all proper English children were taught fencing...
Lathe Biosas wrote: Home Alone[a] is a series of American Christmas family comedy films originally created by John Hughes. Chris Columbus directed Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), Raja Gosnell directed Home Alone 3 (1997), Rod Daniel directed Home Alone 4 (2002), Peter Hewitt directed Home Alone: The Holiday Heist (2012) and Dan Mazer directed Home Sweet Home Alone (2021). The films revolve around the adventures of surrounding children who find themselves alone during the holiday season and faced with the challenge of defending their family's house or themselves from invading burglars and criminals.
Why did you post a Wikipedia/AI paragraph with no commentary or reason of your own given? This is just spam.
Lathe Biosas wrote: Home Alone[a] is a series of American Christmas family comedy films originally created by John Hughes. Chris Columbus directed Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), Raja Gosnell directed Home Alone 3 (1997), Rod Daniel directed Home Alone 4 (2002), Peter Hewitt directed Home Alone: The Holiday Heist (2012) and Dan Mazer directed Home Sweet Home Alone (2021). The films revolve around the adventures of surrounding children who find themselves alone during the holiday season and faced with the challenge of defending their family's house or themselves from invading burglars and criminals.
Why did you post a Wikipedia/AI paragraph with no commentary or reason of your own given? This is just spam.
Ehhhh.... now that you mention it, my funny little quip didn't make it.
I usually type in my notepad and then cut/paste into here (so I can fix my atrocious spelling first).
Flinty wrote: The best bit for me of the big Narnia films is how utterly crap Peter is with the sword to become with. He gets handed a sword to be the big hero but has no real idea what to do with it
And why should he, after all.
I thought all proper English children were taught fencing...
The would be even worse. All the movements would be wrong. He would have to unlearn so much.
OFF TOPIC: Speaking of proper English things... this can't actually be true can it?
This really doesn't anger you folks, does it?
Non-wargaming image removed - off-site hosting is fine, but please do NOT attach non-wargaming images directly to your posts via our attachment system.
The can that you are carrying, the can within which the finished film project has been placed, the can that you are pooping in, or the can that holds your food?
Flinty wrote: The can that you are carrying, the can within which the finished film project has been placed, the can that you are pooping in, or the can that holds your food?
I love English
Man in Machester:Toss the bin into the can.
Me: Do you mean the dumpster?
Man: No. The can.
Me: Huh?
Only the... before I anger you fine folks anymore... do you prefer British or English?
Depends largely on whether the person you are speaking to is from England or not. The assumption that all British people are English often doesn’t go down well with those from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Lathe Biosas wrote: So I shouldn't tell the jokes my old boss from Hull (-on-something-or-other) used to tell me about why God created Ireland and Scotland?
All his jokes took forever to tell.
But, I will default to British... thanks!
I refer you to the video that launched CGP Grey’s career:
I was born in Scotland, lived in Edinburgh for 11 years, then moved to Saaaaaarff East Ingerlund as some of the natives call it, and have been here a smidge over 33 years.
I consider myself Scottish and British. But not English.
Others will describe themselves differently.
As for British things? The song that launched a thousand, pig ignorant, Daily Mail comments.
Automatically Appended Next Post: The Muppet Christmas Carol
Busting out a classic on this Saturday evening.
We all know the story, but man it’s well told here with all the charm only the Muppets can provide. And whilst a comedic telling, not in a way which seeks to ridicule the central story.
Automatically Appended Next Post: The Santa Clause
Tim Allen comedy vehicle where he becomes Santa.
Not a great start, as we’re soon into Carol of the Bells, the sort of Christmas carol which strongly implies if you don’t have a good time, someone is gonna set about your face with a hammer until you do. And one, for my money, much overused in American Christmas movies in particular.
What’s interesting about this is Tim’s character isn’t a miserable anus determined to bring everyone else down until he learns a life lesson. He is however a slightly grumpy divorced father, but not in a mean spirited way. And whilst a bit bumbling, he is trying. So that’s nice, and a bit refreshing.
Probably should’ve watched this years ago, because it’s really good fun!
We all know the story, but man it’s well told here with all the charm only the Muppets can provide. And whilst a comedic telling, not in a way which seeks to ridicule the central story.
Interesting enough, while a comedy, the story hews pretty closely to the original with Gonzo's narration taken directly from the text. Even at the end when Gonzo gives a very Gonzo-like delivery with "And to Tiny Tim who did not die" --that's word-for-word Dickens.
It's probably my second favorite movie adaptation of A Christmas Carol with Alastair Sim's version taking the top spot. Anyone else have a favorite version?
Seems the Dickens Society considers it the most accurate on-screen translation.
Not just because Dickens (well, The Great Gonzo) narrates as per the book? But Scrooge isn’t bullied into repenting. Rather, he’s shown what his love of money has cost him throughout his life, and how little it’s actually bought him.
So, my wife finished her school for the semester with all As, so her reward was a Christmas movie marathon weekend! We literally watched about 12+ Christmas movies that she had not seen before. To put that in perspective, we dropped Netflix last year, because she had seen ALL the Christmas movies on the platform.... all .... of..... them!
I won't review all of the ones we watched this weekend, because most of them blur together in a sea of Meh! I know you all want a review of Hot Frosty, but we did not watch that one.
I will therefore limit my review to the two Christmas movies I actually recall, and maybe a couple honorable mentions.
A Cowboy Christmas Romance
God, that title sounds like a cheap Wal-mart paperback romance.... and I guess this is the movie equivalent!
A big city real-estate woman comes back to her home in order to close the deal on a local Ranch. Instead, she reconciles with her family, finds love, and ends up owning a Ranch.
The summary is generic as all get-out. I groaned when I saw this one come up. However, this movie is much better than it sounds. The performances are actually pretty solid, the character arcs are solid, and the melodrama is really done well. It actually felt like an adaptation of a book.
The one downside is they quickly try to wrap up in about 5 minutes, and that is a big issue. However, I actually found this one interesting.
Show-stopping Christmas
This was by far the best one!
A small-town theatre is preparing for their annual production of The Christmas Carol. However, the wife of the deceased Theatre-owner decides to sell the theatre to a Condo developer. The Theatre Manager and the out-of-town Hollywood Actor nephew of the Owner try to put on the play and save the Theatre with the help of local friends.
This is actually a very clever modernization and re-telling of A Christmas Carol without bashing you over the head with it. The show within a show aspect allows you to see the parallels, but it never says it out right. We only see them prepping the show, and almost never them performing the show. Instead, we see the visitations of Past, Present, and Future in various plot developments involving a Christmas party, Caroling, and a Lock-out. Honestly, really well-done for a made-for-lifetime Christmas movie.
This is just a really good movie. I unironically recommend it and this would make a fun companion to A Muppet Christmas Carol for two very different ways to modernize a classic.
The Honorable Mentions include:
A Taste of Christmas - About an Italian restaurant
- Not terrible
A Snowglobe Christmas - Hey, that guy is from Clueless - Kind of a It's a Wonderful Life vibe
A Nanny for Christmas - I had never heard of the Christmas Ghost poem before.
Final Thoughts - The titles for most of these are just awful.
- It is also clear that these things are just commercials for modern consumerism and beauty products.
- Some are cheaper than others and obviously so.
- They are also inherently "Conservative" in nature.
- However, they all knew their formula and hit all the marks.
- No one was trying to "Subvert expectations" and I appreciated that. They knew what they were and put their all into delivering that experience.
- God, I love me some B-roll padding!
- If I was a script writer, this is about the level of writing I would aspire too.
We all know the story, but man it’s well told here with all the charm only the Muppets can provide. And whilst a comedic telling, not in a way which seeks to ridicule the central story.
I have exactly one complaint with most home media versions of The Muppet Christmas Carol - and this is coming from someone who would have it in their top 3 Christmas films of all time.
Why in the blue blazes did they cut Belle's song from the Ghost of Christmas Past sequence? Scrooge's change of demeanor coming out of the sequence makes no real sense without it, and it is still used over the end credits.
I'm sure the VHS I had of it as a wee 'un had the song in there, and I do believe they've recovered & restored the footage to add it to the streaming version on Disney+ (I think), but I do look forward to a DVD version with it back in coming out again.
We all know the story, but man it’s well told here with all the charm only the Muppets can provide. And whilst a comedic telling, not in a way which seeks to ridicule the central story.
I have exactly one complaint with most home media versions of The Muppet Christmas Carol - and this is coming from someone who would have it in their top 3 Christmas films of all time.
Why in the blue blazes did they cut Belle's song from the Ghost of Christmas Past sequence? Scrooge's change of demeanor coming out of the sequence makes no real sense without it, and it is still used over the end credits.
I'm sure the VHS I had of it as a wee 'un had the song in there, and I do believe they've recovered & restored the footage to add it to the streaming version on Disney+ (I think), but I do look forward to a DVD version with it back in coming out again.
My understanding is on Disney+ you have to go to “extras” and there’s a special cut version with that song re-added.
Kind of a modern take on the Schwarzenegger 'Jingle All The Way'. Slightly tight-fisted Dad (Stephen Merchant) refuses to pay for the reserved christmas toy for his daughter after the price goes up. Toy is of course the must-have christmas gift and is now sold out everywhere. His annoying christmas-nut neighbour (Asim Chaudhry) helps out, manages to reserve the last one in stock in the country - but it's 400+ miles away. Cue last-minute Christmas road trip with many setbacks to get the toy.
It's good! It's funny, it's big-hearted, not too cliched (without too much of a spoiler, there's a very funny gasp-is-that-the-real-santa moment followed immediately by a subversive no-very-much-not), and comes in a tight under-an-hour run time. Well worth a watch if you've not seen it.
Funny, in the states we call it Ship to Store and not Click and Collect.
The Holiday Junkie
Written, directed, and starring Jennifer Love-Hewitt and her actual husband! Honestly, I never would have known that was her.
This movie has a lot of issues with grief. It is the centerpiece of the movie. How to manage grief and move on with your life, especially during the Holiday season. Therefore, many parts of the movie are not as fun and festive as your average Christmas movie-watcher may want.
However, all is well that ends well. It is an almost 2 (!) hour long movie though, which is very unnecessary. I like a lot of these in their tight 90 minute formats thanks!
Interestingly, Whitehall has also garnered a dedicated following among internet posters, particularly on gaming forums like Dakkadakka. Users such as "Mad Doc Grotsnik" spend endless hours extolling Whitehall's comedic genius, showcasing how his humour transcends traditional boundaries and resonates with diverse communities online. This enthusiastic support from fans further underscores his status as a modern comedic icon.
I have always wondered what the end times will resemble.
Not a film, but a BBC Children’s series based on the eponymous book. Part mystery, part ghost story. And definitely one I’m fond of. Mostly because when it first came out in 1988, when I was 8, I was just cutting my little gothic teeth, and had a massive crush on the lead.
And I dunno if it’s a British thing, or a Generational and British thing? But this sort of gothic ghost story type thing feels very Christmassy to me.
Perhaps it’s because as a nipper, when the weather was good I’d be out mucking about in the garden or terrorising the neighbourhood with friends, so it was only really the dark, dreary months of winter I’d regularly watch the TV of a weekday. Perhaps it’s the former tradition of a Christmas ghost story, and not just A Christmas Carol.
A Simpsons Christmas special. I had feared it was going to be one of those dreadful shorts they’ve farted onto Disney+ in recent years, but it’s instead a double episode.
It’s alright. I mean, latter day Simpsons is still fine, just always the hope they’ll recapture the original magic.
In which Jake Lloyd turns in a decent enough performance, suggesting The Phantom Menace’s issues lie with the Director.
I mean, like most child actors he’s still somewhat irritating. But here. I’m not hoping the character gets kicked out an airlock.
And Arnie once again shows off his pretty impressive comedy chops in a fun and memorable bit of seasonal silliness.
It is odd in its cultural timing though, being a spoof of idiocy like panic and fights over Cabbage Patch Dolls, and the big parade feeling like an 80’s thing to me (so far as I know. We didn’t have them in the UK)
Several people stay at a ski lodge over the Holidays. This is interesting for two reasons:
1. There is an Indian mother and daughter in the cast. Yes, that means there is a dance number.
2. The main female lead is Sabrina: The Teenage Witch. Glad she is still getting gigs, as she actually looks like a normal, slightly above average woman.
3. Lot's of other familiar faces who I did not bother looking into.
The rest is..... perfectally mediocre filler.... but not nearly as compelling or tight as some of the others I have watched. More of an ensemble piece, with its rewards and hazards.
This is…weird. A set of short films in a portmanteau, with linking narrative by William Shatner as a radio DJ.
Normally I’m a sucker for this format. But rather than each story being presented, then on to the next one? We drop in and out of each. Not sure I’m sold on that format, as it can make things trickier to follow.
Though I will say the stories are pretty interesting overall.
Nope. It is a Christmas vampire film, but in a genuine surprise to me, it’s not a comedy. And not “a comedy I don’t find funny”. This isn’t intended as a comedy.
Instead we get a loosely festive themed loose knock off of From Dusk Till Dawn.
Whilst not awful by any stretch, I’m just not really sure of the purpose of this film. There’s far better Festive Horror flicks, and frankly, I think you’d be best off watching From Dusk Till Dawn Dawn, and pretending they’re wearing Santa Hats.
Youtube Channel Goodbadflicks recently uploaded a video about SyFy Channel christmas movies. Some of these seem absolutely bonkers.
(not sure If I'm allowed to link to the video, so just search for the channel if you're interested.Its a very fun channel that also introduced me to Brandon Tenold's channel and his terrible movie riffs)
I'm gonna be trying to track these down and watch them. I shall report back on my progress
My wife finished every Christmas movie on LIfetime..... all of them! Thankfully, I did not have to watch them all.
Noelle
Some woke Santa nonsense starring Anna Kendrick and Bill Haider (sp)!
Santa dies and the title is suppose to go to his son. He is not interested and flees to become a yoga instructor in CA. His sister Noelle goes to bring him back and save Christmas.
Spoiler:
Plot twist! Noelle has the Twinkle, and becomes the new Santa instead!
I am sure this movie will bring howls from the usual suspects, if they ever get around to seeing it. Has some cute bits and Anna is adorable in it!
We have now seen Red One also. It was better than I expected. Not an instant classic, but fun and well paced.
My one big complaint is every time I read or hear the title—every single time!—my brain follows it up with “Konvict, Gaga”. Listening to that song might also help wash away all the Mariah Carey in the soundtrack.
Flinty wrote: The best bit for me of the big Narnia films is how utterly crap Peter is with the sword to become with. He gets handed a sword to be the big hero but has no real idea what to do with it
And why should he, after all.
I thought all proper English children were taught fencing...
Which is exactly ZERO help when handed a late medieval arming sword.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Flinty wrote: How angry does it make you when we take fast food and make it slowly and badly?
Isn't that just.... fast food? Two lies for the price of one?
Taking a break in a Christmas double feature, Muppet Christmas Carol and Die Hard...
Easy E wrote: I wrapped up my Christmas viewing last night with the families traditional viewing of White Christmas starring Bing, Danny, Ella, and Rosemary.
Great little flick.
I might look up a few other Bing movies in 2025. I also have a great Bing vinyl collection of his greatest hits on 6 records that is fantastic.
I always get White Christmas and Holiday Inn. confused. It seems like they should have the opposite title. To me anyway.
I managed to sneak in 1 more Christmas movie before the end of the year......
The Santa Box A tween woman moves into a new neighborhood after her apartment burned down. She has had a series of unfortunate Christmas experiences, and is not a fan of the season.
At her new apartment, she received a mysterious wooden box, with a poem in it that offers her a Christmas wish. She uses the box to help others in her new neighborhood and school. Therefore, the box keeps returning to her.
The origin of the box is not a surprise. However, it is a very nice heart-warming story (but very low budget) that ties back to experiences during WWII. A very nice, touching story that reminds you of the Spirit of Christmas.