All I Want For Christmas is You (2017)

Title: All I Want For Christmas is You
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Release Date: November 14, 2017
Genre(s): Animation
Production Co.: Magic Carpet Productions
Director: Guy Vasilovich
Starring: Mariah Carey, Breanna Yde, Henry Winkler


Who would I recommend this to?
Toddlers.

What is this about?
All Mariah wants for Christmas is a dog, so her dad tests her by having her take care of her uncle's dog.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Never...or as background noise during the holidays.

Where does it take place?
Mariah Carey's imagination.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Mariah Carey....

How did I like this?
You know straight to video sequels? Most of those are better than this. There was no imagination at all. The animation looks bad, and the voices don't match at all.

Have you seen All I Want For Christmas is You? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

8-Bit Christmas (2021)

Title: 8-Bit Christmas
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
Release Date: November 25, 2021
Genre(s): Comedy
Production Co.: New Line Cinema
Director: Michael Dowse
Starring: Winslow Fegley, Neil Patrick Harris, Steve Zahn


Who would I recommend this to?
Children of the '80s and '90s who um...don't mind dog death "jokes" (no actual death).

What is this about?
Nostalgia. A man tells his daughter about the Christmas where he just wanted a Nintendo.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Around Christmas, of course.

Where does it take place?
Chicago, Illinois.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Nintendo.

How did I like this?
It automatically loses points because there was no reason to fake kill the dog and then discuss the dog dying like it's a joke. Then continue discussing it as a plot point. NO! They easily could have just broken the TV and had that be the big drama. I'm glad the dog wasn't dead though, but still injured.

Other than that, the nostalgia factor was strong with this one. Nintendo and Cabbage Patch.

Have you seen 8-Bit Christmas? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

A Castle for Christmas (2021)

Title: A Castle for Christmas
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Release Date: November 26, 2021
Genre(s): Romance
Production Co.: Motion Picture Corporation of America
Director: Mary Lambert
Starring: Brooke Shields, Cary Elwes, Lee Ross


Who would I recommend this to?
Romance readers who also like movies.

What is this about?
An author faces scandal and runs away to Scotland

When would be a good time to watch this?
Around Christmas, obviously.

Where does it take place?
Edinburgh, Scotland.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It sounded like the exact kinda Romance novel that I'd read, so why not?

How did I like this?
A grumpy duke with a cute dog. An author who pissed off her fan base. A drafty castle. What's not to like!? It's seriously cute and happy-making.

Have you seen A Castle for Christmas? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Happiest Season (2020)

Title: Happiest Season
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 46 minutes
Release Date: November 25, 2020
Genre(s): Romance, Comedy, Drama
Production Co.: TriStar Pictures
Director: Clea DuVall
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Mary Steenburgen


Who would I recommend this to?
K-Stew fans or those dreaming of a queer Christmas.

What is this about?
A young woman plans to propose to her girlfriend during Christmas, but learns she isn't out to her family.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Around the happiest season.

Where does it take place?
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Queer Christmas and K-Stew.

How did I like this?
First, it is definitely not a RomCom. There are some humorous moments. It's more Dramady based on the type of humor, but it's not a RomCom, so don't go into it thinking it is. I enjoyed it though. I felt really bad for Abby. She already didn't like Christmas, and this situation was not helping her change her mind.

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

A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa (2008)

Title: A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa
Rating: G
Run Time: 46 minutes
Release Date: December 17, 2008
Genre(s): Comedy, Short Film
Production Co.: The Muppets Studios
Director: Kirk R. Thatcher
Starring: Steve Whitmire, Dave Goelz, Bill Barretta


Who would I recommend this to?
Muppet Christmas fanatics and kids.

What is this about?
Gonzo, Kermit, and Fozzie must deliver some forgotten letters to Santa!

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

Where does it take place?
New York City and the North Pole.

Why did I decide to watch this?
'Tis the season, and I'd never seen it before.

How did I like this?
I didn't really. Obviously, this is no Muppets Christmas Carol, but it's also missing that extra something that makes Muppets movies special. The songs felt forced, like they were just stuck in because it was time for a song. The only one that truly fit and felt special was "I Wish I Could Be Santa Claus." Other than that, this is a disappointment.

Have you seen A Muppets Christmas? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Home Sweet Home Alone (2021)

Title: Home Sweet Home Alone
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
Release Date: November 12, 2021
Genre(s): Comedy
Production Co.: 20th Century Studios
Director: Dan Mazer
Starring: Ellie Kemper, Rob Delaney, Archie Yates


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who can't get enough of the Home Alone franchise.

What is this about?
A married couple break into a neighbor's house to steal back a valuable item the son stole.

When would be a good time to watch this?
During the holidays when you have nothing better to watch.

Where does it take place?
Chicago.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I wanted to give it a chance despite the terrible trailer.

How did I like this?
I liked it more than I expected. It wasn't as bad as it looked, but it also didn't make much sense. I did think it was kind of funny that Max assumed they were trying to kidnap him when they just wanted their doll back. Unfortunately, everything was so convenient and contrived to set up each scene, I was not into that. It does have heart though and I felt like the ending was more realistic.

The scene with the negligent cop? Was that suppose to be funny? Because that is horrifying! Cops already have a bad rep in the media and that did not help.

Have you seen Home Sweet Home Alone? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Love Hard (2021)

Title: Love Hard
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour 44 minutes
Release Date: November 5, 2021
Genre(s): Romance, Comedy
Production Co.: Wonderland Sound and Vision
Director: Hernan Jimenez
Starring: Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O. Yang, Darren Barnet


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who enjoy RomComs with a dash of Christmas.

What is this about?
A writer believes she's found the one but realizes she's been catfished, yet still agrees to pretend to be his girlfriend for the holidays.

When would be a good time to watch this?
The holiday season.

Where does it take place?
New York and Los Angeles.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Nina Dobrev and catfishing.

How did I like this?
First, fake dating is my favorite romance novel trope, so I'm so here for it in film form! I also just thought it was genuinely funny and adorable, crush on Nina Dobrev not withstanding. Yes, it's 100% formulaic and predictable, but it's a formula like works for me.

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