Greetings all, or should I say Season's Greetings?
It is that time of year again for Christmas Movies to be filling up our watch Queues. Some of you may recall, that My wife loves Christmas movies and we have seen just about every single one out there on most common streaming services and a few more. Unless it was made in 2025, chances are she has seen it.
Well, it is that time to document them as I go through the season. We watched our first one this season of 2025.
Joy to the World An author of life-style books writes a Christmas book, and to promote it they decide to film a live show from her home on Christmas. The only problem is that her book family is all made-up. Instead, she recruits an old boyfriend, the neighbor's kids, her cleaning lady, and the postman to be her family. Predicatble hijinks ensue and that is the biggest issue. The whoel thing is very predictable and by the numbers, which can sometimes be a charm of these but it did not work for me this time.
My favorite part is that the ex-boyfriend is a painter, but all his paintings revolve around geese. However, he does not even know the plural of goose is geese. The paintings were fun to see in the background and on scree because they were so silly. Thomas Kincaid with Geese in them.
So, now it is your turn to help fill out this thread with the Christmas Movies you are watching this year. No need to fill up the Mini-Review thread with these seasonal appropriate flicks.Most were never meant for anything more than throw away content anyway!
Still looking for a decent Hanukkah movie. We’ll probably end up rewatching history YouTuber Sam Aronow’s Hanukkah trilogy, and if we get desperate The Hebrew Hammer.
For actual Christmas movies, Gremlins and Die Hard are guaranteed. My parents generally leave on 24 Hours of A Christmas Story, and my friends love quoting Scrooged. Might try to convince them to try new classics Violent Night and Santa’s Slay.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Oh, and at least one ritual watching of the “Garbage Day!” Clip.
Edit: are these supposed to be movies we watch for Christmas 2025 or Christmas movies released in 2025?
Not a film, but Metal Gear 2 all takes place on Christmas Eve and Big Boss uses Christmas music as the national anthem of Zanzibar, so do with that what you will.
Can't think of anything else.
Come Dec.1 I'll start watching 2-3 of whatever new ones come across my Prime/D+/HBO feeds.
Somewhere in there I'll also watch Nightmare Before Christmas & Die Hard.
Watch X-Mas movies, build WH stuff.
Christmas Eve? It'll be The Santa Clause I & II as I wrap presents. Then I'll fall asleep during SC III....
As far as more recent Christmas movies goes, Klaus is a legitimately good and surprisingly decent original from Netflix. Great classic 2D animation, heartfelt messaging and a classic Christmas movie you'd feel you'd see from Disney during the Renaissance days.
Otherwise, in terms of older offerings, these are some of my go to's:
Surprised no love for Home Alone or National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Those are high on my list, but often I don't even sit down long enough to watch movies these days.
BobtheInquisitor wrote: Still looking for a decent Hanukkah movie. We’ll probably end up rewatching history YouTuber Sam Aronow’s Hanukkah trilogy, and if we get desperate The Hebrew Hammer.
@Bob - Mistletoe and Menorahs is a 2020 Rom/Com that features Hanukkah.
BobtheInquisitor wrote: Still looking for a decent Hanukkah movie. We’ll probably end up rewatching history YouTuber Sam Aronow’s Hanukkah trilogy, and if we get desperate The Hebrew Hammer.
@Bob - Mistletoe and Menorahs is a 2020 Rom/Com that features Hanukkah.
Let me check this out…
Can a Hanukkah miracle keep fresh couple Molly and Jacob together after they realize that they are actually competing delicatessen owners?
Ha hah hah hah ha ha hah! I’ll see if I can get my wife to watch this. Good thing I don’t keep kosher because I’m expecting a lot of cheese with this pastrami.
My list changes a little every year as there is only so much available time. There are five movies that I will always watch though, often with multiple watches.
Muppet Christmas Carol - One of my favorite movies, not just Christmas movies, but all movies. Most people seem to be fond of this movie so I won't really go into its details. The only thing I will say is that the version without Belle's song, "When Love Is Gone", is the superior version.
Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer - Ok, sure it is technically a TV special, but I still am calling it a movie. I remember watching this claymation classic as a kid and still watch it today. I remember a patch through the 80's and 90's where this movie was seen as old and corny by a lot people. I was quite happy to see its resurgence in the 2000's and people begin to enjoy it again. It's a movie I'm always willing to watch.
A Muppet Family Christmas - Again, another TV special. Again, calling it a movie. I really enjoy this show. It is fun to watch, the music is catchy, and it reminds me of what I want Christmas to be. I also appreciate the fact that it combines all 3 of the Muppet families (the Muppet Show, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock) into the same shared universe and have them interact with each other. Bonus points for Mrs. Piggy having little screen time.
A Miracle on 34th Street - A true classic that makes the Christmas season better just by existing. The scene with the little Dutch girl gets me every time.
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians - Yes, I know the reputation this movie has. I don't care, I like it. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying it is good. I'm saying I like it. Instead of ridiculing the movie people should learn a little about the history of the film and appreciate it for what it is. It also has the first filmed depiction of Mrs. Claus so that has to count for something.
Santa Claus The Movie is a warm and fuzzy for me. We got to watch it in Primary School, I think the day of the Christmas Disco.
To be around by then strong friends and just have fun is a really nice memory, and one that film will always bring back.
Also? For British Dakkanauts of a similar vintage? A New Hope usually aired at some point over Christmas. In the days before you had a VHS, that was a treat looked forward to.
So whilst I missed it in the UK? It’s still just about 1st December somewhere in the world.
And I’m starting off with a low bar…
Home Sweet Home Alone
Ill-advised and spectacularly charmless latter day sequel.
Like the other non Macauley Culkin ones, the lead is just not a good actor. Rude, irritating, whinging, smart arsed. Exactly the sort of kid you want to do the Basil Fawlty “accidental” elbow to the head with. Or at least tell to Eff Off. Serious “serial killer in the making” vibes from this whiny, entitled brat.
Oh aye, and the wee fud is a thief, and it’s his theft that kicks off the whole debacle.
See, a couple have hit a spot of financial difficulty, to the point where they feel they need to sell their house. Only it turns out amongst their stuff is a very rare, very desirable antique doll - which is worth a lot of money. Enough to dig them out their hole.
It is said doll they believe Spoiled McFatkid has stolen. Because his Mum dared to tell him No. And so our “burglars” are in fact an otherwise innocent couple simply seeking to recover the property stolen from them, the property which may change their fortunes for the better. There’s evidence one sold at auction for princely $227,000.00
Turns out someone else stole it. But Spoiled McFatkid is still a thief, having instead stolen a soda, after the home owner said he couldn’t have one.
It’s only the victims of the theft that are in anyway likeable here in terms of the cast. Everyone else is either an enabler (Spoiled McFatkid’s mum) or just a human turd (everyone else).
Automatically Appended Next Post: Oh, and the kid chews with his mouth open.
I could also highly not recommend Jingle All The Way 2.
Take everything that made Jingle All The Way a fantastic and fun film. And put it in the bin straight away.
Then, bring in Larry the Cable Guy in place of Arnie, and realise you’ve committed a mortal sin against cinema and possibly humanity as a species.
Automatically Appended Next Post: No. Wait. The Mum is even worse than I remember.
Due to a cancelled flight, the 10 family members are split across 2 replacement flights.
Despite Spoiled McFatkid being, Y’know, her son, she decides it’s everyone else’s fault Spoiled McFatkid got left behind. Or that she didn’t notice he slept in his bed, because he went to hide in the car to get some peace and quiet - something he resolutely refuses to provide to anyone else.
Somehow, it’s who I think is the brother in laws fault, because Spoiled McFatkid was relegated to the second car.
So, no effort to check he was tucked up in bed the night before. No effort to make sure he was up and doing, ready to make his flight, especially when she knew that for reasons he’d be travelling in the second car and so on a separate flight.
Oh. And she clearly hadn’t told anyone else who was going in which car, otherwise the brother-in-law would’ve known Spoiled McFatkid wasn’t in the first car at all, and wasn’t intended to be in that car.
What a dreadful, awful family.
We can only hope Child Services prosecute, then Spoiled McFatkid ends up in a children’s home for a harsh dose of reality.
Yes. The film is that bad. Even when it’s meant to engender a cosy family feeling? It’s turned me into a grinch wishing punishment on all the characters, but the people in dire financial straits.
Yeah Home Sweet Home Alone was quite a disappointment - but I'd watch it again just for Rob Delaney, who I have a bro-crush on; and Aisling Bea, who I have a crush-crush on...
In which a lifestyle guru, called Joy, with a series of successful books on the subject called Joy to the World. Only…it’s all a naughty fib, isn’t it?
So when a cookery show wants to film her house at Christmas? She needs to find a husband, two kids and a set of parents!
Things of course go wonky. And of course the hunky artist type she rents out her guest house to ends up declaring his love for her.
Honestly not as cheesy or bad as I’m making it sound here. Very Hallmarkian, but for my money a superior take on a well trodden Christmas tale.
Our cast are very likeable, and it’s not saccharine sweet. Not my usual fare, but I’ve genuinely enjoyed it.
Peterhausenn wrote: Muppet Christmas Carol - One of my favorite movies, not just Christmas movies, but all movies. Most people seem to be fond of this movie so I won't really go into its details. The only thing I will say is that the version without Belle's song, "When Love Is Gone", is the superior version.
Wait, what? Removing the song breaks the flow of the Ghost of Christmas Past segment, and leaves with Scrooge emerging travelling into the next scene in tears, when he was dry-faced seconds before, with nothing obvious as a trigger for the waterworks. And the song still appears over the credits!
I’ve been a good boy so far and have watched Utter Dreck, but also challenged my usual taste in movies with some straight up Christmas Feel Good Shcmaltz.
And all good boys get presents, yeah?
So it’s back to my usual fare wiiiiith….
Violent Night
Which is kind of a Santa themed Die Hard.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Also, just in general? Are we including movies you associate with Christmas? Like things that back in the olden days, would only air on telly over the festive period?
These are some of the usuals around our house, in no particular order:
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
A Christmas Story
Four Christmases
It's Christmas Time, Charlie Brown
It's Christmas Time Again Charlie Brown
8-Bit Christmas
Office Christmas Party (new to us last year)
Eight Crazy Nights
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carrey)
Muppet Christmas Carol
Edit: forgot Bad Mom's Christmas!
and if I can ever find it: Emmett Otter's Jugband Christmas
I’m not familiar enough with Blues Brothers. Can’t stand John Belushi.
Tonight’s viewing is Gremlins
To my mind, one of the finest movies ever made.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Puppetry and overall effect have held up really well. I really hope they stick with practical effects for the third movie.
Santa’s daughter, Noelle, goes on a quest to find her missing brother, Nick.
See, rather jollily Santa himself died five months before, and Nick is to take over.
Stars Anna Kendrick. So far it’s scored a negative point by naming Santa (which is a perfectly good name) Kris Kringle (which is a stupid name).
I was going to agree with you but on checking "By 1845 "Kris Kringle" (from "Christkindl(e)", German for "Christ-child") was a common variant of Santa in parts of the United States."
so since it does actually have historical gravitas rather than being a 50s hollywood invention (like originally expected) i guess Kris Kringle is fine
Sincerely, Truly Christmas There are a lot of plot points and threads in this flick, so many it is hard to summarize. The main theme revolves around a Christmas Wish where everyone must tell a woman what they want for Christmas. These wishes give her (and the viewer) insight into each character's arc. This is a Lifetime Christmas movie so all the many, many plot point get neatly tied up in a tidy run time with everyone putting in a competent and workman-like effort! The possible exception being the main love interests co-worker/friend. He was a bit wooden and almost felt dubbed.
Everyday is Christmas Hey, how about a modern day retelling of A Christmas Carol only with Toni Braxton and Michael Jai White! It is no Scrooged but I would watch Michael Jai White in just about anything, and it probably won't be good, but it will entertain me!
I think the best part for me, was a glance ito what Lifetime thinks "Black Affluence" looks like in America. These Lifetime movies go hard to sell you what a "perfect" cosumer-driven life should look like.
For me, the better film of the two. The first one laid so much groundwork, and here they just ran with it leading to even more silliness, without overly changing the premise.
I love Gremlins, me. They’re basically how I imagine Grots behave when there’s no Ork around to give them an attention focussing clout. Just petty, mindless mischief and malice.
2023 retelling of Its a Wonderful Life with a slasher flavour.
Young woman loses some friends to a property developer turned slasher, before taking him out.
A year later nobody seems to care, and so we get to the “but if you never existed” portion, where of course she didn’t exist to stop him, and so the killer is still active.
This is a bit odd. The premise is kind of interesting, but it’s not quite coming together. The kills aren’t particularly inventive, and it feels almost hesitant in what it’s trying to do.
Overall it is enjoyable. But I think a spit and polish from a skilled producer might’ve elevated it. Certainly I’ve seen far, far worse. Just as with many Slasher type films? It’s painfully, irritatingly close to glory.
Officially added Violent Night to the rotation this year. It's a little gory to blindly recommend, but its the second best Christmas themed Die Hard movie.
Other regulars are Christmas Vacation and a Christmas Carol of some sort (usually Muppets). Bad Santa used to be up there but kind of dropped off. Couldn't say why. Plus endless Hallmark style garbage.
On the latter, Hot Frosty is not, in any way good, but its also fully aware it's a terrible idea and rolls with it. There's probably a drinking game to vastly improve things.
It’s got Malcolm McDowell in it. Otherwise? Avoid this turgid, unengaging lazy snoozefest.
Unless you’re really looking forward to Santa coming and want to get to sleep straight away, having lapsed into a boredom coma. Just be aware you might be under for a long, long time.
Ben Stiller is the high flying corporate executive suddenly guardian to his sister’s kids when they’re orphaned.
The kids are of course wild ones, quite diametrically opposed to their Uncle’s outlook on life.
Being a Christmas movie I fully expect the conflict to be resolved by the end with everyone more or less meeting in the middle and learning lessons and love from each other.
My main concern at this early juncture is that in arriving at his sister’s farm/ranch, Mr Stiller puts his foot square in a Dog Egg.
Yet…..we’ve not seen a Dog……wait. There they are. Still not entirely sure it’s a Barker’s Link though.
Automatically Appended Next Post: This is actually quite sweet. Not sickly. But the kids are genuinely pretty charming. And as their care worker says? They’re going through a lot of grief at a young age what with being orphaned and all.
Ben Stiller is also quite a sympathetic character. For better or worse, he wasn’t exactly prepared for parenthood, let alone to four boisterous kids.
That title and the inspector of the naughty or nice guild having a fling on the job… This film better have some “kids won’t notice” references to shibari, BDSM, knifeplay or hot wax dripping or it’s a total waste of potential.
Have they ever made a Skinemax-style Hallmark movie? Why the heck not??
In which Santa is actually Satan or something and therefore you’re all terrible Christians and deserve for your bottom to wish it had never been born and that.
Seems because Santa was worshipped more than anyone else on Christmas, he became evil. Not entirely sure if that stands up to scripture. And it does kind of suggest that excess worship is a bad thing.
I don’t think this is a Christian Movie though. Rather someone who decided Santa sounds a bit like Satan. Certainly it’s on Prime and not Pureflix.
Apparently the Director/Producer takes inspiration from Leonardo DiCaprio to ensure excellence in all he does.
I guess it really is a long way to the top. Suffice to say I’m not a person of faith, and I’ll feeling pretty insulted so far.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Actually, maybe it is trying to evangelise?
It’s hard to tell, because the script is bobbins and the dialogue stilted. Which really isn’t helped by a general lack of background music for most of it.
The people are also really daft. It seems in this world it’s accepted Santa has gone to the daft, and likes to off children. And that’s because people “worship” him instead of your man. And so……they keep worshipping him and allowing non-Christcentric imagery and decorations and that?
Given that’s apparently the root cause….you’d think they’d at least try to get it right.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Utterly dreadful. Bills itself as a psychological horror. And it’s just dreck.
It’s a Santa Slasher! ‘Raaaaaaaayyyy! This time a British effort.’Raaaaaaaayyy! From 1984…oh…erm…not our finest period for producing horror.
Someone is going around Contemporary London, offing Santa Impersonators. Presumably Because Reasons.
On the upside? Four kills in no time at all see us off to the races with minimal mucking around. So hopefully I’ll at least get a gory giggle if nothing else.
Yeah. This is a mess. The editing is ridiculously bad, and the background music laughable. The kills are alright though. Not too graphic, and just silly enough. Also there’s a question of how the loony knows there’s a Santa Impersonator nearby. I mean, one was in a booth in a Naughty Peep Show!
There is an extended sequence of cat and mouse in the London Dungeon. Which is certainly one way of stretching your budget.
And as we enter the home stretch? For me it’s stone cold classics all the way home. Starting with….
Home Alone
The film that launched a franchise which defined diminishing returns. You all know it, and I’m fairly sure you all love it.
As for the various sequels? Particularly the utterly awful and irredeemable Home Sweet Home Alone? They seem to forget that whilst a wee horror, Kevin is the victim here.
He’s the youngest of his family, overlooked by all and sundry except when his siblings decide to torment him. And he’s smart, rather than a smart arse. Ultimately he’s a sympathetic character.
Home Sweet Home Alone? A spoiled brat so awful, we have no issue making the necessary assumption he did steal the doll. He cheeks his Mum not out of frustration at never being believed over Buzz, but because he’s a little turd that never learned boundaries.
Vitally? Kevin is defending his home, because he sees himself, in that moment, as the man of the house and so it was his duty. Home Sweet Home Alone? Kid convinces himself the people just trying to recover their property are targetting him.
I’ve got a near complete display of modern figures Jabba’s Palace.
There’s two I’m struggling to get hold of, outside of signed, graded versions. Which aren’t for me, given even if I have to go carded? They won’t be carded for long!
Please note wider internet, this would be an appropriate use of the relatively new word which apparently means there’s nothing more to be said.
Ready?
Welp.
Given it was on TV tonight, a good choice. Is it really Christmas until (or unless) Alan Rickman gets surprised by people not counting to 3 as promised?
Please note wider internet, this would be an appropriate use of the relatively new word which apparently means there’s nothing more to be said.
Ready?
Welp.
And then Die Hard 2?
I just watched Die Hard a couple of days ago, in honor of my late father. It was one of our favorite movies. Tonight, on to Die Hard 2, home of the best weaponized icicle ever.
A fun Hanna-Barbera romp in Jellystone Park involving sabotage, threat of highway construction, and the usual limited animation, because apparently not even movies get a proper lining budget.
Oh,and Cindy Bear may have been someone's furry awakening. Catchy songs, too.
I have been watching movies all month so I'll mention a few I have seen commented on yet.
Santa Baby
Jenny McCarthy stars as Santa's (George Wendt) daughter who needs to fill in for Santa when he becomes sick, something she has waited her whole life for. Using her skills and background in business she tries to put a modern view on Christmas much to Santa's dismay. This movie is probably what you would expect from a Hallmark movie. If you can tolerate Hallmark movies than this is worth the 90 minutes.
Santa Baby 2
Because why not. Jenny McCarthy is back again in the sequel though most other actors from the original (including George Wendt) are not. This movies plot feels almost like the inverse of the original. One other thing that always stood out to me is there are quite a few musical montages in this movie where as I only recall 2 or so short ones in the original. This isn't really important, just something I always thought about. If you were ok with the first movie you should be ok with the second. Both seem to be available on Youtube right now.
The Grinch (2018)
As a large fan of the original (I have the book displayed on my permanent Christmas shelf in my room) and an appreciator of the Jim Carrey version I went into this movie with a bit of curiosity to see what they would do. Now this was the first time I have watched this and I understand that I am not in the age demographic this movie was made for and I am not that up to date with American pop culture and movies. With that said I made it about 20 minutes in and I turned it off. From the opening scenes my thoughts were that the animation looks so crisp and clean that they looked too crisp and clean. It didn't feel like it was a lived in environment, just one where things were. Again, I understand that this is probably just the way things are these days so I put those thoughts to the side. Then I heard the opening narration and I reached for the remote. The only reason I didn't turn it off then was because my wife was also with me watching this and she is more willing to give things a chance. The narrator did not have the voice I expected, or wanted, and felt like there was no "weight" in the words they were saying. It felt like they were speaking with a feather and when you compare it to the earlier adaptations if was quite off putting. The same can be said about the person voicing the Grinch. It was too friendly and soft with none of the danger or emotion of the other films. And why on earth was the Grinch friendly? I know there was some criticism of the Jim Carrey Grinch for being too "mean", but that is the character. And speaking of mean, the horrible version of "You're A Mean One" that played towards the beginning was just, why? I don't know if this is a "You're not making Christianity better, you're just making rock n' roll worse" or a "Just because you can doesn't mean you should" situation, but either way no. From what little of this movie I saw it just felt that they sanitized the classic story and adaptations to the point where there was no point. Actually I'm sure the point was to make money. How ironic that the story and a character who was a commentary against consumerism now only exists for the pursuit of more money.
Scrooge (1951)
In an effort to remove the Grinchy taste out of my mouth I pivoted to the Alistair Sim classic. A Christmas Carol is my favorite Christmas story (again, I have a copy of the book displayed on my permanent Christmas shelf) and this adaptation is considered one of the best. The only reason why I wouldn't label it as the best is because The Muppet Christmas Carol exists.
I'll spend the rest of Christmas eve watching classic tv specials and get to my favorite movies tomorrow.
Before bed tonight I think it'll be a change of pace with a film pairing of Krampus (slightly over the top monstery fun) followed by Violent Night
( VERY over the top actiony fun)
Probably accompanied by an amount of drink made of apples (well, mostly apples).
Our local cinema had matinee performances of Home Alone and no. 2 for very reasonable prices, so took the kids. The cinema was full of kids who exclaimed loudly and excitedly every time the poor sticky bandits got major trauma, followed by parents trying to quiet them down again afterward. I booed at Trump. It was glorious fun
I read a chunk of it, and even watched the Sean Astin movie (Colour of Magic) and Hogfather.
Last time I brought it up I was shin-kicked into oblivion for saying that the only Terry Pratchett Discword book I own is "Where's My Cow?" Which I've said was my favorite book of his (which is apparently an unpopular opinion).
Last Christmas is based on the George Michael song, and uses a lot of his music, so not for George Michael haters.
For the first two thirds, Last Christmas is pretty much a Hallmark movie with swears and adult situations. There are some funny comedy moments and a bit of schmaltz. Then the last part of the movie elevates it enough to me to heartily recommend it. Love the ending or hate it, it’s a big swing.
Bloody love this film with its heavier horror leanings. Again not a Christmas Theme movie, no. But a Christmas Telly Staple all the same.
And to be honest, the ending is quite a wholesome Christmas Message. Not the massacre of the natives, but bringing the kids back to their parents, and not for promise of reward beyond feeling really good about yourself.
Tonight I got to see A Christmas Story Christmas.
The completely lackluster sequel to the classic A Christmas Story.
Its not a terrible movie - Lord knows I've seen far more insipidley stupid crap from Hallmark....
Its just got none of the charm or entertaining bitz/scenes that makes the original.
40 years from now? People will still remember parts of the original - the kid licking the frozen flag pole, the awful pink bunny suit, maybe the Leg Lamp, etc. This? Nothing.
It’s The Muppet Christmas Carol. Genuine cinematic perfection!
Well, the version with Belle's Song present is - without, it falls maybe one step short of cinematic perfection.
I feel quite the opposite. I think the song slows the film down to a complete stop. I understand that it is supposed to be emotional, but there are better ways to convey that without creating a 3 minute dead space in the middle of your movie.
Watched a few things with the wife and even more with out her.
Ernest Saves Christmas Been a long while since I have watched this movie so it felt like a brand new viewing. Arguably the best "Ernest" movie, I really enjoyed the movie as did my wife which surprised me as I figured Ernest's antics would have annoyed her. In the movie Ernest finds himself trying to help Santa "save Christmas" by finding a new Santa. Definitely worth a watch. On a side note there was a scene...
Spoiler:
where Santa gets put in a jail with a bunch of scary and threatening looking people. The scene is set as to worry the audience for Santa's well being amongst the violent hoodlums. Then in the next scene you see Santa leading them all in singing Christmas carols as a bit of subversion. This surprised me a bit as almost the exact same scene can be found in a movie I mentioned earlier, Santa Baby 2 which came out 20 years after Ernest. I think Jenny McCarthy ripped off Ernest.
Gavin and Stacy Finale Ok, so when we started watching this we didn't know it wasn't a Christmas show. It was released at Christmas and the other specials that released at Christmas were always Christmas themed. Why wasn't this Christmas themed? Anyway, I first stumbled across this show on netflix 16 or 17 years ago and eventually introduced my wife to it. We have watched all of the other episodes and were eager to watch this one. Now to be honest, we weren't really impressed with the prior special and the fact that it ended on a cliff hanger with no resolution in sight was quite annoying. We were both thankful that this special wrapped everything up nicely and agreed that even if they did release another special that we wouldn't watch as the series is complete for us. Some thoughts I had about the special are...
Spoiler:
I appreciated that they didn't just continue on where the previous special ended. They basically moved the story 5 years forward which was easily the best decision. I also appreciated what I saw as a bit of misdirection with the opening wedding planning where you may have been expecting it to be Smithy and Nessa, but instead it was Smithy and the girl from the previous special. There was plenty of nostalgia and call backs to the prior episodes (corn on the cob) that made the viewing enjoyable enough. My only gripes are the length of this special (an hour and a half, really?) and how over the top they made the fiance into bridezilla. We know she is the bad guy, you don't have to keep reinforcing it. By the end I was actually laughing at how insane it became.
Spongebob Christmas Special It is Spongebob, at Christmas.
Charlie Brown Christmas A classic that I personally feel punches above its weight. It feels surprising to me that this is as well regarded as it is. I have nothing against it and enjoy it enough to watch it every year. It just isn't much.
Aqua Teen Hunger Force "Cybernetic Ghost Of Christmas Past From The Future" Yah, this episode is something. If you enjoy the odd this episode has you covered. Plus a guest spot by Glenn Danzig.
Invader Zim "The most Horrible X-mas Ever" More animated insanity. Bow down before the power of Santa or be crushed...
Spoiler:
by his jolly boots of doom.
Futurama "Xmas Story" and "A Tale of Two Santas" Christmas in the year 3000. "Xmas Story" introduces Santa and why he should be feared. "A Tale of Two Santas" reinforces that fear and comes with festive song.
Kappa Mikey "A Christmas Mikey" This episode sees the Lily Mu gang in a mash up of "Its a Wonderful Life" and "A Christmas Carol". My favorite part of the episode is when...
Spoiler:
the ghost of Christmas past sees why Ozu hates Christmas and not only understands and agrees with him, but also shows it to the ghost of Christmas present who then also decides to hate Christmas.
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians Again, I don't appreciate the mockery this film receives. While not a cinematic masterpiece, this film accomplishes the one thing it was made to do, make kids at Christmas happy.
Scrooged Bill Murray is easily my favorite actor and stars in my favorite movie (The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou). I am behind him in this movie 100%, until we get to the last 10 or so minutes. I'm sorry, the whole ending just doesn't do it for me. It is too manic for me, even in a film with Bobcat Goldthwait running around with a shotgun. Everything else is pretty great.
A Miracle on 34th Street Holiday perfection. Darn that little Dutch girl. It is also surprising that even as early as the 40's there were commentaries about how commercialized Christmas had become. If only they knew what was to come.
The Johnny Cash Christmas Show - 1977 I stumbled across this a few years back and it has since entered into my holiday rotation.
And finally,
Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special A pretty standard episode of Pee Wee's playhouse except it is filled with plenty of cameos from former b-list celebrities and then current c-list celebrities.
Now to start planning next years Christmas watch list.
