Rent (2005)

Title: Rent
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Release Date: November 23, 2005
Genre(s): Drama, LGBTQ+, Musical
Production Co.: 1492 Pictures
Director: Chris Columbus
Starring: Taye Diggs, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Rosario Dawson


Who would I recommend this to?
Musical fans.

What is this about?
People living and loving with AIDS and poverty.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have more than two hours for some music and probably some tears.

Where does it take place?
New York.

Why did I decide to watch this?
When it first came out because it's a musical. Now because...it's a musical.

How did I like this?
I use to be super obsessed, but mostly just with the soundtrack rather than the whole movie. I still mostly feel the same way.

This movie is kind of a bummer, despite having so many great upbeat songs.

Have you seen Rent? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Jingle All the Way (1996)

Title: Jingle All the Way
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 29 minutes
Release Date: November 22, 1996
Genre(s): Comedy
Production Co.: 1492 Pictures
Director: Brian Levant
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, Phil Hartman


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes slightly off-beat '90s Christmas comedies.

What is this about?
A workaholic father forgot to pick up the hottest new toy for his son, so hijinks ensue!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Every Christmas.

Where does it take place?
Minnesota.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I don't remember the first time, but I do know I watch it almost every single December since then.

How did I like this?
This is a nearly perfect Christmas movie. It's so over-the-top and fun. There's no way in heck it'd ever get made today, but I consider it a classic that everyone needs to see.

It has the typical workaholic neglecting his family during the holidays type plot, but completely flipped around and awesome.

Have you seen Jingle All the Way? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)

Title: The Christmas Chronicles 2
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Release Date: November 25, 2020
Genre(s): Fantasy
Production Co.: 1492 Pictures
Director: Chris Columbus
Starring: Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Darby Camp


Who would I recommend this to?
Christmas junkies.

What is this about?
Kate runs away right before Christmas and winds up helping Santa save Christmas again.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Christmastime.

Where does it take place?
The North Pole.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because the first one was super good.

How did I like this?
It started off rough. It was so cliche with the blended family holiday vacation, teenage girl temper tantrum, "evil" character swooping in at just the right time to sweep her away. I missed grumpy, sassy Santa who has a jam sessions with criminals and hookers! This one was much more the typical family friendly holiday adventure movie, rather than the slightly offbeat version of the first movie.

Unfortunately, it doesn't get better. It was lacking the charm and any kind of sense.

Have you seen The Christmas Chronicles 2? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

Title: The Christmas Chronicles
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Release Date: November 22, 2018
Genre(s): Fantasy
Production Co.: 1492 Pictures
Director: Clay Kaytis
Starring: Kurt Russell, Darby Camp, Judah Lewis
 

Who would I recommend this to?
Christmas enthusiasts.

What is this about?
A pair of siblings attempt to catch Santa on film on Christmas Eve and wind up as stowaways on his sleigh.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Christmastime.

Where does it take place?
Chicago.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Christmastime and this is a Christmas movie.

How did I like this?
I had so much trouble accepting Kurt Russel as Santa Claus, since I'm so use to him as Stunt Man Mike in Deathproof. Is he going to crash the sleigh and kill the kids?! Aahhh! I mean, obviously he doesn't. Well, he does crash the sleigh, but no one dies, except maybe the world's Christmas spirit. But once I got into it, I loved seeing a grumpy, possibly serial-killer Santa!

This is a pretty typical must help Santa save Christmas movie, but like I said, grumpy Santa was a fun change. And PAIGE MICHALCHUK cameo! It's always a good time when Santa gets arrested.

Have you seen The Christmas Chronicles? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?