FOR THE LITTLE ONES

1993 - PG - 103 MINS - COMEDY

Nutshell: An 8yr-old trouble-maker is mistakenly left at home when his family go on their vacation. A pair of local burglars attempt to break in on Christmas Eve and comedy ensues as Kevin must prevent the home invasion.

Top Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci

Review: This isn't high art, but this live action comedy with cartoon high jinks delivers a wonderful experience.  Plenty of Christmas spirit here as we remember it is a time for being with the ones we love.

2003 - PG - 97 MINS - COMEDY

Nutshell: Raised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, who doesn’t know he exists and who is in desperate need of Christmas spirit. 

Top Cast: Will Ferrell, James Caan

Review:  A charming and ridiculous laugh out loud movie that keeps you coming back for more every year.  What makes this most rewatchable is the message of holiday cheer and that we should not take ourselves too seriously.

2019 - G - 96 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: When Smeerensburg's new spoiled young postman, Jesper, befriends a reclusive toymaker Klaus, they inadvertently start a tradition that transforms the town and inspires joy and kindness. 

Top Cast:  Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons

Review: A refreshing and beautifully animated reimagining of the origin of Santa Claus.  The story's warmth, wit and meaningful message about the power of selflessness make Klaus a modern Christmas classic that appeals to all ages!

2004 - G - 100 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas. 

Top Cast: Tom Hanks

Review: I struggle with critic reviews on this film - it is a definite annual favorite that is even more magical wearing 3D glasses.  The songs, the animation, the characters all make this a wonderful story that makes you want to Believe.  Hot Chocolate anyone?

2024 - PG - 103 MINS - COMEDY

Nutshell:  It's an unforgettable Christmas for the townsfolk of Wellington-on-Sea when the worst snowstorm in history alters everyone's plans, including Santa's. 

Top Cast: Bill Nighy, Brian Cox

Review: A heartwarming British contemporary classic in the making

1992 - G - 85 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the unfortunate clerk of the miserly Mr. Scrooge, who is visited by the 3 spirits of Christmas, to show him the error of his self-serving ways. 

Top Cast: Michael Caine, Dave Goelz

Review: With catchy songs and enchanted sets, the story adds to its core with warmth and whimsy making it a great entry for the young ones to this Christmas classic!

2011 - PG - 97 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: Santa's clumsy son Arthur sets out on a mission with Grandsanta to give out a misplaced present to a young girl in less than two hours on Christmas day.

Top Cast: James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent

Review: A clever and amusing yuletide thrill ride bringing a mix of naughty and nice to deliver a Christmas miracle. A worthy addition to the Christmas rewatch list.

2018 - PG - 104 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: The story of sister and brother, Kate and Teddy, whose Christmas Eve plan to film Santa Claus turns into an unexpected journey that most kids could dream about.

Top Cast: Kurt Russell, Darby Camp

Review: Full of holiday spirit, festive puns and a lot of ridiculous (throwing presents down seems inefficient), this Christmas Eve thrill ride is able to amuse and warm the heart while reminding us the importance of the good in people if they are given the chance

2018 - PG - 85 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: A grumpy Grinch plots to ruin Christmas for the village of Whoville.

Top Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Rashida Jones

Review:  This is a version that divides opinion.  Despite being closer to the original story, but the Grinch is maybe a little too nice.  The music and children of Whoville really create a charm and the comedy spots made me laugh out loud.

1989 - G - 103 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell:  A farm girl nurses a wounded reindeer she believes is one of Santa's, hoping to bring it back to health in time for Christmas, her holiday spirit inspiring those around her. 

Top Cast: Sam Elliott, Cloris Leachman

Review:  Sometimes to truly enjoy Christmas, you need to step back into the eyes of a child and this heartwarming movie provides a more innocent point of view.  Not spectacular but a nice easy watch and definitely special for little girls.

2021 - PG - 106 MINS - FANTASY

Nutshell: In this origin story of Father Christmas, an ordinary boy, with a pet mouse, sets out on an extraordinary adventure to find his father, who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of Elfhelm.

Top Cast: Maggie Smith, Henry Lawfull

Review: Offers few surprises in this Santa origin story but sprinkled with wholesome holiday spirit. Personally I feel that the mouse was mis-cast but I will let you judge.  It was enjoyable if not memorable.

2002 - TV-G - 100 MINS - COMEDY

Nutshell: After the muppet theatre faces closure on account of financial hardships, angel Daniel requests Boss to help its owner Kermit and his team of muppets.

Top Cast: Steve Whitmire, Dave Goelz

Review:  There are better The Muppets movies and this is a bit of a throwback, but it still offers lots of laughs and for the adults, some clever little jokes that will fly over the little ones heads.