Snowbound for Christmas (2019)

Title: Snowbound for Christmas
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Release Date: December 15, 2019
Genre(s): Romance
Director: Marco Deufemia
Starring: Zarrin Darnell-Martin, Henderson Wade, Scott Thompson


Who would I recommend this to?
Christmas romance fans.

What is this about?
A marketing exec gets snowed in with her new boss and sparks fly!

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

Where does it take place?
Italy.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Finally some brown skin in these holiday movies!

How did I like this?
It's boring. I was not drawn to any of the characters. Their personalities are so bland.

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

Mistletoe Mixup (2021)

Title: Mistletoe Mixup
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Release Date: December 1, 2021
Genre(s): Romance
Production Co.: Two Sherpas
Director: Andrew Lawrence
Starring: Danielle C. Ryan, Joey Lawrence, Matthew Lawrence


Who would I recommend this to?
Those of us who want to reminisce about the good ol' days when the Lawrence brothers were it.

What is this about?
A woman meets two Mr. Rights the same day then later finds out that they're brothers.

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

Where does it take place?
In the snowy mountains somewhere...

Why did I decide to watch this?
It sounded fun and I remember being in love with the Lawrence brothers.

How did I like this?
It was pretty fun! I liked how the truth came out early on so there was a friendly competition between the brothers rather than a "you liar" moment later on. I had a clear favorite from the beginning and he "wins"! Yay!

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

A Naija Christmas (2021)

Title: A Naija Christmas
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 2 hours
Release Date: December 16, 2021
Genre(s): Romance, Comedy
Production Co.: Netflix
Director: Kunle Afolayan
Starring: Rachel Oniga, Efa Iwara, Abayomi Alvin


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone looking for different Christmas cultures, or fans of Nigerian movies.

What is this about?
A mother tells her sons that the first to get married gets her house for Christmas.

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

Where does it take place?
Nigeria.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I wanted to try something different.

How did I like this?
It didn't really grab my interest. I like the idea of the brothers competing to find a bride, but I wasn't particularly drawn to any of them. The mother also wasn't dying, so that part was misleading. She just set up a friendly rivalry between her boys in an effort to see them settled down.

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

A California Christmas: City Lights (2021)

Title: A California Christmas: City Lights
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Release Date: December 16, 2021
Genre(s): Romance
Production Co.: ESX Entertainment
Director: Shaun Paul Piccinino
Starring: Lauren Swickard, Josh Swickard, Ali Afshar


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the first movie.

What is this about?
Callie and Joseph are ready to start their lives together on the farm, but business calls him back to the city.

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the first one, around Christmas.

Where does it take place?
San Francisco, California.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I liked the first one.

How did I like this?
Manny gets his love story here! He and Brandy are super cute! Callie and Joseph have the stereotypical storyline of trying to balance their simple country life and the big city business life. What do they want for their future?! It was sweet.

Have you seen A California Christmas: City Lights? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Holiday in the Wild (2019)

Title: Holiday in the Wild
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 1 hour 26 minutes
Release Date: November 1, 2019
Genre(s): Romance
Production Co.: Advantage Entertainment
Director: Ernie Barbarash
Starring: Rob Lowe, Kristin Davis, Felize Mpela


Who would I recommend this to?
Animal lovers who also love Romance.

What is this about?
A woman's husband leaves her right before their second honeymoon to Africa, but she goes anyway!

When would be a good time to watch this?
This would actually make a great Christmas in July movie, since it actually starts in August.

Where does it take place?
Lusaka, Zambia.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I like Kristin Stewart and this sounded different than the other Christmas movies.

How did I like this?
Well, it made me cry a few minutes in with that orphaned baby elephant. I love animals! Elephants are so cute! This movie is so cute!

Have you seen Holiday in the Wild? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Four Christmases (2008)

Title: Four Christmases
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Release Date: November 26, 2008
Genre(s): Comedy, Romance
Production Co.: New Line Cinema
Director: Seth Gordon
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn, Mary Steenburgen


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes Vince Vaughn's brand of RomCom.

What is this about?
A happily unmarried couple spends Christmas with each of their parents and learns a lot about each other.

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

Where does it take place?
Around San Francisco.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I like Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon and had totally forgotten that this movie existed.

How did I like this?
I know I would have liked this even more if I had watched it when it first came out, but I still fully enjoyed it! I was excited to see a couple who was perfectly happy not getting married or having kids, just being together. But of course the plot has to turn serious when one of them changes their mind. Why can't couples just be happy being together without all the extras?!

The chaotic family visits were a lot of fun though!

Have you seen Four Christmases? What did you think?
If not would you watch it?

A Very Boy Band Holiday (2021)

Title: A Very Boy Band Holiday
Rating: NR
Run Time: 40 minutes
Release Date: December 6, 2021
Genre(s): Musical
Production Co.: ABC
Starring: Joey Fatone, Wanya Morris, Christ Kirkpatrick


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone who loved '90s and early '00s boy bands!

What is this about?
Has-been boy band members come together and sing Christmas songs.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Right now.

Where does it take place?
On an ABC stage somewhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Boy bands.

How did I like this?
This made me ridiculously happy within the first five minutes! I was obsessed with boy bands and this brought back so many fond memories. Sure the guys are old and their voices are shot and they can't dance, but who cares?! This was sooo good!

Have you seen A Very Boy Band Holiday? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (2021)

Title: The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 1 hour 46 minutes
Release Date: November 18, 2021
Genre(s): Romance
Production Co.: Netflix
Director: Mike Rohl
Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Remy Hii, Sam Palladio


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the first two, particularly the second.

What is this about?
A priceless relic goes missing right before Christmas, a queen and princess must team up with shady characters to get it back.

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the first two and/or around Christmas.

Where does it take place?
Montenaro.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I liked the first two.

How did I like this?
I was entertained, but also confused. This plot was such a stretch. It makes zero sense and felt forced just to fit Fiona in again to find her true love. They could have picked anything else to get her there, but I did enjoy her romance with Peter.

Have you seen The Princess Switch 3? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020)

Title: The Princess Switch: Switched Again
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Release Date: November 19, 2020
Genre(s): Romance
Production Co.: Netflix
Director: Mike Rohl
Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, John Jack, Sam Palladio


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the first movie.

What is this about?
A princess and a duchess attempt to switch places again, but then a third look-alike wants her own switch.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Around Christmas, after the first one.

Where does it take place?
Montenaro.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I liked the first one.

How did I like this?
Vanessa is great again at playing three distinct personalities who all are pretending to be each other as well! Fiona was a great addition, but I found her sidekicks to be annoying and unnecessary. The triple switch was a lot of fun, since no one was in on the other switches! Twisted! Of course, Fiona wants to switch for selfish reasons, while Margaret and Stacey were doing it for love!

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

The Princess Switch (2018)

Title: The Princess Switch
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
Release Date: November 16, 2018
Genre(s): Romance
Production Co.: Netflix
Director: Mike Rohl
Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Sam Palladio, Nick Sagar


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of life swap movies and baking competitions.

What is this about?
A duchess and a baker switch places for a couple days before Christmas.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Christmas, or anytime you want something cute.

Where does it take place?
Belgravia.

Why did I decide to watch this?
My mom said I'd like it and Netflix said it was 98% match for me. And I like Vanessa Hudgens.

How did I like this?
It's so cute! I actually forgot that Vanessa was playing two parts, since she did so well at being two totally different people. I also really liked how the switch wasn't for nefarious purposes or to trick anybody. Just the girls wanting to experience something different for once.

Have you seen The Princess Switch? What did you think?
It not, would you watch it?

A California Christmas (2020)

Title: A California Christmas
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 46 minutes
Release Date: December 14, 2020
Genre(s): Romance
Production Co.: ESX Entertainment
Director: Shaun Paul Piccinino
Starring: Lauren Swickard, Josh Swickard, Ali Afshar


Who would I recommend this to?
Christmas romance junkies.

What is this about?
A playboy businessman pretends to be a ranch hand to get a rancher to sell her land.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you want some Christmas romance.

Where does it take place?
Petaluma, California.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It sounded like the type of romance novel that I'd pick up.

How did I like this?
This was unexpected! It was a lot more fun than it seemed! Joseph is waaay over his head, and it was funny to have the real ranch hand on speed dial to help him out with even the most basic tasks. There are some definite emotional moments too, but it's an overall light movie.

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

Let It Snow (2019)

Title: Let It Snow
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Genre(s): Drama, Romance
Production Co.: Netflix
Director: Luke Snellin
Starring: Isabela Merced, Shameik Moore, Odeya Rush


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes holiday movies with large casts.

What is this about?
A snow storm hits a small town on Christmas Eve and hijinks ensue.

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

Where does it take place?
Laurel, Illinois.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked interesting and my mom said it was good.

How did I like this?
I never love these movies with so many different storylines happening, because there's always some boring ones mixed with the good ones, which makes me just want to get to the good ones during the boring people scenes. Overall, it's good though. I liked that it's not overly Christmasy despite being set on Christmas Eve. Everyone is getting up to something different. Breakups, makeups, friends, neighborhood weirdos, celebrities. There's a nice mix of stuff going on.

Have you seen Let It Snow? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

A Christmas Movie Christmas (2019)

Title: A Christmas Movie Christmas
Rating: NR
Run Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Release Date: October 27, 2019
Genre(s): Romance, Fantasy
Production Co.: MarVista Entertainment
Director: Brian Herzlinger
Starring: Brant Daugherty, Lana McKissack, Kimberly Daugherty


Who would I recommend this to?
Christmas movie fans.

What is this about?
Two sisters wake up in a Christmas movie.

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

Where does it take place?
Holiday Falls.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It sounded very meta and fun.

How did I like this?
It is very cheesy! VERY! But I think that's the point and it works. It's predictable and cute and full of Christmas cheer and holiday movie cliches!

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

Christmas Again (2021)

Title: Christmas Again
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Release Date: December 3, 2021
Genre(s): Fantasy
Production Co.: Disney Channel
Director: Andy Fickman
Starring: Daniel Sunjata, Scarlett Estevez, Gary Anthony Williams


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who's into these Groundhog Day-esque holiday films.

What is this about?
After ruining Christmas, a girl has to relive the day over and over, but decides to have fun with it.

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

Where does it take place?
Chicago.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's a new movie on Disney+, so duh.

How did I like this?
It was fun! Rowena totally didn't ruin Christmas. She was being a typical 12 year old girl reacting to her family being kind of awful. I felt most bad for Uncle Gerry though; don't put people on the spot like that! But she does purposely ruin a few repeat Christmases by being selfish, but I'd probably do the same thing knowing I'd just get to do it over the next day. Of course, she has to learn a lesson about the meaning of family and the spirit of Christmas.

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

 

Holiday in Handcuffs (2007)

Title: Holiday in Handcuffs
Rating: NR
Run Time: 1 hour 26 minutes
Release Date: December 9, 2007
Genre(s): Comedy
Production Co.: Alberta Film Entertainment
Director: Ron Underwood
Starring: Melissa Joan Hart, Mario Lopez, Timothy Bottoms


Who would I recommend this to?
No one.

What is this about?
A desperate waitress kidnaps a man to bring home as her boyfriend for Christmas.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Never.

Where does it take place?
The middle of nowhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I like Melissa Joan Hart and it sounded fun.

How did I like this?
This movie is horrifying. Not only is it bad, has tasteless jokes, and is generally not funny. It's just straight up horrifying. I don't understand why Trudie kidnapped this man...at gun point! She waves a loaded gun at him, ties him up, and convinces her family and strangers that he has a "problem" where he makes up lies when he's nervous. Can you imagine if this movie was gender-swapped?! No one would find Trudie endearing. She's scary!

I was expecting the kidnapping to be some kind of misunderstanding or a mishap, not a straight up crime. It doesn't get better when "Nick" decides to play along, because again, imagine if he was a kidnapped woman made to look deranged rather than her kidnapper. It's not funny.

Have you seen Holiday in Handcuffs? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Single All the Way (2021)

Title: Single All the Way
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 1 hour 39 minutes
Release Date: December 2, 2021
Genre(s): Romance, Comedy, LGBTQ+
Production Co.: Muse Entertainment Enterprises
Director: Michael Mayer
Starring: Michael Urie, Philemon Chambers, Kathy Najimy


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes holiday RomComs.

What is this about?
A guy asks his best friend to come home with him for Christmas, where his family realizes that the two are unknowingly in love.

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

Where does it take place?
New Hampshire.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Queer Christmas.

How did I like this?
I really liked it! The description was a bit misleading as Peter and Nick do not pretend to date. At all. That was disappointing since fake dating is my favorite Romance trope, but I liked how it was Peter's family who noticed the spark between them and tried to nudge them in the right direction. The family is hilarious and embarrassing and full of love.

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

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?