Wednesday December 17th’s big headliner will be the 3rd Annual Michael Buble’s Christmas in New York. After that we have one Christmas classic and one underrated made for TV movie. The rest depend on your availability or willingness to roll the dice.
Farewell Mr. Kringle. Christine Taylor (Zoolander and The Wedding Singer) stars as Annabelle Wahl, a reporter sent on location to write a story of a local real life Santa. The movie is cute but slow-moving. Even I struggle with getting to the end of this one.
Holidaze. Jenny Garth and Cameron Matheson star in this holiday romantic comedy. Melody lives a hectic but productive life far from her roots. After taking a spill, Melody wakes up in an alternate reality where she is married to her childhood sweetheart living a life that in no way resembles her real one. Throughout this journey which Melody is more happy? And how will that effect which version of her wins in the end?
Santa Baby. A repeat. There are a few of these that will repeat excessively. For those just joining us. Mary Claus, the daughter of Santa Claus left home to pursue a career, changing her name to Mary Class in the process. She travels back home with her personal assistant when her Dad falls ill. She then attempts to streamline the north pole process and bring them into the 21st century.
A Season for Miracles. Carla Gugino plays Emilie Thompson, a down on her luck woman charged with caring for her niece and nephew. The struggles are significant. When an opportunity presents itself to provide them with suitable arrangements for a limited time, she jumps at it. The conflict arises when the townspeople grow to enjoy them as much as they enjoy the townspeople.
Disney’s A Christmas Carol. The CG animated version of the Dicken’s classic. Like Polar Express, the literal adaptation from live action to animated makes for a slightly creepy visual. Jim Carrey’s likeness plays eight different characters. While your kids might enjoy it, for my money it doesn’t even crack the top 5 versions of A Christmas Carol.
The Christmas Card. Ed Asner may be the only actor in this one you’ll know by name. Don’t let that discourage you. Of the made for TV romantic drama Christmas movies (I know that’s a specific list) it should be toward the top. Like most of them it is cute. Unlike most, it has the correct ending. Sometimes the movies overdo it or under do it. This movie is exactly what it should be. Sgt. Cody Cullen receives a random Christmas Card overseas from a woman just trying to boost morale. Cullen is sent on leave after a tragic event. He seeks out this woman and ends up being a big part of their holiday. And potentially more.
Michael Buble’s Christmas in New York. This is absolutely a special and not a movie. Michael Buble, known for his Sinatra-like sound host an evening of small talk comedy, Canadian references and Christmas Carol singing. If you enjoy Michael Buble, this is a quality special to record. If not, it might not be your cup of tea.
Crazy for Christmas. Andrea Roth plays a single mother who provides for her son by driving a limo. On Christmas eve-day, she is called into work to drive around a ‘big fish’ client. Howard Hesseman plays the wealthy eccentric hell-bent on giving his money to strangers in the street just to see them smile. All seems innocent enough until he refers to his driver’s mother like they were familiar. And the answer to that inquiry is crux of the entire movie.
Check back tomorrow as I can promise you no less than 5 must see movies and two more that require serious consideration.
