2020 Holiday Movies & TV
Well we are all spending more time at home for the holidays and this list and past year lists, might provide comfort for you all. I started writing this annual blog post around 2011 or 2010 and writing this years post is kind of surreal. Not only because movies and tv have become a staple in all our lives during shelter in place but because for the first time ever, I am breaking a silent rule I’ve had for most of my adult life. More on that rule later.
First, lets begin with one of the late Christmas presents that didn’t show up until right before Christmas last year and probably the only holiday movie released in 2019. Yes, I am talking about the brilliant Last Christmas. They grab your chestnuts with the wonderful casting of Michelle Yoeh and Patti LuPone (if only for two minutes in the film.) Then there is the George Michael theme soundtrack which is brilliant. And of coarse FREEDOM 90 is the pivotal moment in the movie, which will literally leave you gutted. This moment put the movie on my must watch list below. I will admit the film does loose you at the half way point, hang in there. Its all worth Praying for Time!
Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square on Netflix is a lovely day on the soundstage. Kuddos to Josh Seggara’s jump from RuPaul to Dolly in such a short time span, and for going from grifter to pastor. And who can’t say no to the amazing Jennifer Lewis and Christine Baranski. I like to think that the movie is like walking around Dolywood and Dolly walks around the park with the auto-lighting moving around with her. Going back to Seggara, his straight pastor was a little hard bite and then there is the duet with his “wife”, singing around “their special love”. Then there are those little moments that were ripped from Best Little Horror House in Texas. Little surprised to see that Carol Hall wasn’t connected to the project. Sadly this won’t be a repeat, which is absolutely heartbreak since Dolly’s third holiday album release is beyond a treat this holiday season.
Now back to the silent rule, which was never watch or write about Hallmark channel movies. Well looking back I think I let that one slide once or twice but this year I found myself with a huge viewing of this years Holiday movie on Hallmark. My reason for letting my guard down, Hallmark has made a great strides with their first movie featuring a gay couple. With the recent news that Jonathan Bennett (Mean Girls) has been tapped to play the lead role in Hallmark’s first gay couple storyline holiday movie. I must give Hallmark the credit for swinging in the right direction.
Christmas with the Darlings was my first foray into this season of holiday movies and first step into the world of Hallmark movies. And to be honest, it was a perfect movie to start off the super sappy endeavor with Hallmark Holiday Specials. I loved the Darlings and their sad story line, which I will admit, I need to wait till next year to really understand the family dynamic of the kids with the uncles. That said, the casting of unknowns was pretty good, although the older uncle was a little green in the acting department. Yes it made the list for next year but under TV movies. I think by next year Paley will enjoy this movie.
Hearts of Winter with Victor Webster, was just okay. I think the widower at Christmas storyline is a little over done. Based on home improvement tv show host falling in love with one of her clients. The overacting kid is actually where I got lost with this movie. A solid pass in my book.
The Christmas House is a tale of two brother who go home and one arrives with his husband just before they are to possibly start a family. The bottom line the family used to be coco for Christmas and for some reason they stopped “emptying their house and turning it into the set of Bad Moms Christmas. Treat Williams plays the dad and this was the better one of two holidays he released this season. He also played Baranski’s love interest in Dolly’s movie. All in all I liked it but I don’t think it’s list worthy.
Netflix for the Win! Holidate staring Emma Roberts and Kristin Chenoweth is brilliant. Christmas love stories are a must but fake snow is probably the worse part of this movie. The dynamic between Roberts and Luke Bracey, (who I will admit, I am in love with as well) is near perfect. Right up there with her aunt and Richard Gere. Yes, that level. A must watch movie for the season and definitely going on my list. Did I mention Chenoweth was brilliant as the slutty aunt. The chorus scene just hit it home!
Next on Netflix is Operation Christmas Drop. One thing is for certain, Netflix is cornering the market on unknown hot gents for its movies. Not looking to good when you first major background son is Ceelo Green, I didn’t’ know we had moved past his Rape and Bigoted tweets. The story line is based on the whole season of giving. Beautifully shot in the Pacific Islands. What I love about the movie is that while Ceelo open the movie there are several songs worth enjoying and adding to your holiday playlist. I personally fell in love with Colbie Caillat’s “Christmas in the Sand”, which was release back in 2012, not sure how I missed this great song, it’s been permanently add to my holiday playlist. I will give the movie an overall feel good status for holiday movies. Not an add to my list though. Once you’ve seen it, you’ve seen it, not worth watching year after year. What was amazing is to know this is a real operation effort that has been going for almost 60 years.
Then there is the Dash & Lily tv series from Netflix. A holiday love story that is sad and loving at the same time. Paley fell head over heals for the show and binged 10 episodes in 3 days, back to back. She’s written her own review of the show and a What To Watch post will follow this post next week. All in all, this show is extremely entertaining for anyone age 10 and up. The show is perfectly casted with a lot of unknowns and the book is already on order for Paley.
Jingle Jangle, hands down the best treat this holiday season on the television screen. This movie is beyond magical. From the amazing score and stage direction, to the amazing sets. Then there is the amazing cast lead by Anika Noni Rose and Forrest Whittaker, who balanced out you newcomers Madalen Mills & Diaana Babnicova, who’s talent is amazingly showcased in this movie. This movie was added to our yearly watch list immediately. The kids said the movie was magical, right after proclaimed it being beautiful crafted.
The Princess and Prince of Aldovia are back to make it a trio this holiday season. The cast of A Christmas Prince has been in demand with this series of movies over the last three years. Where do we go from the American girl, turned princess? A baby, an expansive cast, the introduction of neighboring Asian country to sign a treaty that just seems to disappear. Although I want the “Top of the TREE” game. Sadly the game doesn’t exist, and my wood working skills are nil. Overall A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby was entertaining but predictable sadly not an add to 1 & 2 on the list.
The Princess Switch: Switched Again, was not another hit. Ever wonder if they did Parent Trap 2, and there were 3 Lindsay Lohan’s on screen, would make it a better movie. This is proof, that equation is heavily flawed. Which is sad because I actually enjoyed the first film.
Then there is, The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two. Which thankfully delivered the gift of a holiday duet. I love Goldie Hawn. This continued story was a real treat on thanksgiving night this year. Russel and Hawn have a great series on their hands and I hope they come out with the third film My kids loved it like crazy and the design and graphics were amazing already addded to my holiday watch list below. This show is extremely kif friendly and my kids couldn’t wait to watch the first movie this year. The story continues from the first film, but keep you kids attention, they’ve replaced the older brother sidekick with a soon to be stepbrother. Goldie and Russel’s chemistry is just amazing since their “Overboard” days.
Kristin Chenorwith Belting it for 2020 in HOLIDATE
The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special was a solid Meh! For me. It’s was cute to see the comedic moments that are seen in the last three movies and the Mandolorian TV Series but it was nothing new on camera. Of coarse the graphics are memorable. The kids said it was just ok. Not a really memorials dialogue or storyline. Pass for me.
Well we had a few adds this season to the Movie List, but overall, Covid robbed us of fuitful options. Overall I think this list will