2023 - R - 133 MINS - DRAMA
Nutshell: An instructor at a school is forced to remain on campus during the Christmas break to babysit a handful of students, forming an unlikely Christmas family sharing comic misadventures over 2 very snowy weeks.
Top Cast: Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph
Review: Oscar nominated, this simple story was perfectly executed. You are drawn into the real and relatable characters, spotlighting life's frailties and the importance on connections and bonds between people.
2020 - PG - 122 MINS - FANTASY
Nutshell: An imaginary world comes to life in a holiday tale of an eccentric toymaker, his adventurous granddaughter and a magical invention that has the power to change their lives forever.
Top Cast: Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key
Review: Cast was great. Visually appealing - costumes, set, CGI. However, too long, musical sections were pretty unmoving, a little slow, the mathematics was nonsense (sorry) and pretty predictable. Wanted to love it but came short.
1942 - Approved - 100 MINS - DRAMA
Nutshell: At an inn which is only open on the holidays with stunning live entertainment, two former members of a performing trio vie for the attention of a beautiful up-and-coming singer.
Top Cast: Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire
Review: A traditional must pick for that holiday list. Casual banter and offbeat humor sometimes cut a little close at times, but this is really a Christmas movie at heart.
2001 - R - 97 MINS - COMEDY
Nutshell: Bridget Jones is determined to improve herself while she looks for love in a year in which she keeps a personal diary.
Top Cast: Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth
Review: A feel good choice for Christmastime viewing and is bookended with strong holiday elements, but this is more a story of love and companionship and one you won't necessarily reach for first when you create your Christmas countdown.
2000 - PG-13 - 125 MINS - DRAMA
Nutshell: A fast-lane investment broker offered the opportunity to see how the other half lives, wakes up to find that his sports car and girlfriend have become a mini-van and wife.
Top Cast: Nicholas Cage, Tea Leoni
Review: A movie that calls a lot from 'A Christmas Carol'. A heartwarming and entertaining film that has a goodness in it that will make you feel great by the end. Maybe just a little too long.
2006 - PG13 - 112 MINS - COMEDY
Nutshell: Georgia who leads a life full of unfulfilled desires, is left shocked when she discovers her terminal illness. Soon she quits her job and sets out on a luxurious trip across Europe.
Top Cast: Queen Latifah, LL Cool J
Review: An optimistic and feel-good movie which kind of surprises you. Themes of renewal and joy in a winter and holiday setting just about qualify it but although it is funny, don't look to this for more traditional festive fun.
2022 - PG - 98 MINS - COMEDY
Nutshell: A long-awaited follow up to a holiday favorite. This time, Raphie must deal with Christmas as a dad, returning to his childhood home to give his kids a magical Christmas like the one he had as a child.
Top Cast: Peter Billingsley, Julie Hagerty
Review: "When you are a parent, all you want is for Christmas to be perfect." I found myself drawn to the story - the pressures and challenges to make one day so memorable. A nice if unspectacular sequel.
2005 - PG13 - 116 MINS - DRAMA
Nutshell: Based on a true story, in the trenches of WW1 battlefield on Christmas Eve in 1914. Four unlikely individuals from opposing sides bond during this bloodless respite to experience the hope and goodness in humanity.
Top Cast: Diane Kruger, Benno Furmann
Review: A film that really tries to amplify the power that Christmas Spirit can have on humanity at one of the darkest times in human history. This isn't a masterpiece and a little conventional, but it warms
2021 - PG - 97 MINS - COMEDY
Nutshell: In 1980s Chicago, a ten-year-old sets out on a herculean quest to secure the Christmas gift of his generation - the Nintendo video game system.
Top Cast: Winslow Fegley, Neil Patrick Harris
Review: Packed full of comedy and nostalgia, this cast really sets the tone for Christmas in the 80s and evoked many happy memories of my childhood. It will likely become a Christmas classic for the Gen-X crowd but may not make the heights for those born other generations.
2022 - R - 112 MINS - ACTION
Nutshell: When an elite team of mercenaries breaks into a family compound on Christmas Eve, a disgruntled Santa Claus must take them out to save both the hostages and his Holiday.
Top Cast: David Harbour, John Leguizamo
Review: Late night and you want something a bit different? This cross between Die Hard and Home Alone, sees Santa McClane cracking jokes and kicking ass. The was fun but don't concentrate too much on the story line, acting, script etc.
2015 - PG13 - 98 MINS - HORROR
Nutshell: A boy who has a bad Christmas accidentally summons a festive demon to his family home.
Top Cast: Adam Scott, Toni Collette
Review: A ho ho ho horror film, which works through the underbelly of festive norms with freaky creatures and interesting ideas. It probably just falls short of leading the pack (see Gremlins) but is a nice alternative story, which reminds us of the risk of not being thankful...
1974 - R - 98 MINS - HORROR
Nutshell: During their Christmas break, a group of sorority girls are stalked by a stranger.
Top Cast: Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea
Review: A bit of unnecessary violence with not all too believable characters. It does however provide real slasher chills, if that is what you are looking for in a scary Christmas movie. Watch if you like a thriller.
2002 - PG - 101 MINS - COMEDY
Nutshell: Will, who attends single parent meetings to woo women, meets Marcus, a troubled 12 year old boy. As they become friends, Will learns to be responsible while he helps Marcus with his studies.
Top Cast: Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult
Review: Although some scenes are set at Christmas, this really isn't a "Christmas movie". But, a warm and uplifting story with the usual sprinkling of comedy - one that can certainly compliment the traditional alternatives.
2005 - PG13 - 103 MINS - DRAMA
Nutshell: An uptight liberal businesswoman accompanies her boyfriend to his eccentric outgoing family's annual Christmas celebration and finds that she's a fish out of water in their free-spirited way of life.
Top Cast: Dermot Mulroney, Sarah Jessica Parker
Review: An entertaining comedy, reminding us of the pressures of the Christmas season. Unfortunately, you do not feel the warmth and empathy to make this compare to other festive Rom-Coms on the top list.
2022 - PG13 - 127 MINS - COMEDY
Nutshell: A modern rendition of the Dickens' classic. Every season the Ghost of Christmas Present selects one dark soul to be reformed by a visit from three spirits, but this season, he picked the wrong Scrooge.
Top Cast: Will Ferrel, Ryan Reynolds
Review: A movie that divides opinion but will age well. This bromance fueled festive adventure stirs the spirits with humor and a captivating musical score. Enjoy it, don't overthink it and watch for the surprise ending
2017 - PG - 104 MINS - DRAMA
Nutshell: The journey that led to Charles Dickens' creation of "A Christmas Carol", a timeless tale that would redefine Christmas.
Top Cast: Dan Stevens, Mark Schrier
Review: The traditional story told from the man who made it, this is an interesting twist on the classic and one that wonders what the true inspirations were for the iconic ocharacters and plot.
1947 - Approved - 109 MINS - COMEDY
Nutshell: Dejected by his efforts to raise money to build a cathedral, Bishop Henry beseeches heaven for guidance and is immediately visited by Dudley, an angel. But help isn't always something that is wanted.
Top Cast: Cary Grant, Loretta Young
Review: Full of witty, polished, sentimental amusement, where a suave angel Cary Grant sucks in the audience. For some this is a perennial favorite, maybe a stretch but a nice alternative to some of the modern options.
2006 - PG-13 - 136 MINS - ROMANTIC
Nutshell: Amanda lives in L.A., Iris lives in Surrey UK. The two decide to swap houses for 2 weeks at Christmas, both trying to forget their troubled love lives, until romance finds them anyways.
Top Cast: Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz
Review: This charming story is perfect for the festive period, with a stellar cast. It is corny, pretty predictable and a tad too convenient, but a reminder that to truly love others, you need to start to love yourself first.
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.
2019 - PG-13 - 103 MINS - ROMANTIC
Nutshell: Kate is a young woman subscribed to bad decisions. Working as an elf in a year-round Christmas store is not good for the wannabe singer. However, she meets Tom and her life takes a turn, that seems too good to be true.
Top Cast: Madison Ingoldsby, Emma Thompson
Review: A warm, if imperfect Christmas tale, with charming performances and an interesting twist. I tried to find the Christmas store in London but disappointingly not found it yet.
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