Last Christmas (2019)

Title: Last Christmas
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Genre(s): Drama
Production Co.: Calamity Films
Director: Paul Feig
Starring: Madison Ingoldsby, Emma Thompson, Boris Isakovic


Who would I recommend this to?
People who like Romantic Dramadies.

What is this about?
Kat makes bad life choices until she meets Tom during the holiday season.

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

Where does it take place?
England.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Everyone kept saying it was good despite the boring previews.

How did I like this?
I am surprised how much I liked it. I kind of guessed the twist at the very beginning, but not quite. It was clever and sweet.

The soundtrack is great! I love George Michael!

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

Elf (2003)

Title: Elf
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
Release Date: November 7, 2003
Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
Production Co.: New Line Cinema
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who needs some holiday cheer.

What is this about?
Buddy just found out that he's adopted and not really an elf, so he heads to NYC to find his father.

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

Where does it take place?
New York City.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I saw it when it first came out and could not remember a single thing other than "Santa! I know him!" and "You sit on a throne of lies."

How did I like this?
It's cute! I was nervous that I'd hate it, but I do not! It's awkwardly hilarious and heartwarming.

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

The App That Stole Christmas (2020)

Title: The App That Stole Christmas
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
Release Date: November 20, 2020
Genre(s): Comedy, Short Film
Production Co.: BreakOut Music
Director: Monica Floyd
Starring: Ray J, Jackie Long, J. Anthony Brown


Who would I recommend this to?
People I want to torture.

What is this about?
App creator gets forced to see the error of his ways or something.

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

Where does it take place?
No idea.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I honestly don't even know. The concept seemed unique, but I didn't think I'd like it.

How did I like this?
I was hoping to be surprised, but this "movie" is garbage. The acting is terrible. The story makes no sense. It's just a big mess. Thankfully it's only an hour.

Have you seen The App That Stole Christmas? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Holidate (2020)

Title: Holidate
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Release Date: October 28, 2020
Genre(s): Romance, Comedy
Production Co.: Wonderland Sound and Vision
Director: John Whitesell
Starring: Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey, Kristin Chenoweth
 

Who would I recommend this to?
Rom-Com fans.

What is this about?
Sloane and Jackson are sick of failed relationship, so they agree to be each other's dates for all of the upcoming holidays.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime you need a laugh, since this movie covers every season.

Where does it take place?
The east coast somewhere...

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was part of my holiday movie marathon, and I like Emma Roberts.

How did I like this?
It was fun and funny. If this was a Romance novel, I'd have been all over it. I appreciate that for once they two mains don't fall in love within a week as the movie covers them hanging out for an entire year.

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

The Grinch (2018)

Title: The Grinch
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Release Date: November 9, 2018
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy
Production Co.: Universal Pictures
Director: Yarrow Cheney, Scott Mosier
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Cameron Seely, Rashida Jones


Who would I recommend this to?
Christmas fiends.

What is this about?
The Grinch steals Christmas from the Whos.

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

Where does it take place?
Whoville.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I love the other two movies. I actually had no idea it existed until I walked past a movie theater in November 2018.

How did I like this?
It's crazy bright and colorful as one would expect. However I was not expecting this focus on Cindy Lou and her overworked mom. It was a sweet twist on the story, but I honestly did not care. I'm here for the Grinch and Max.

Speaking of the Grinch...he's not that grinch-like. Other than stealing all of the Christmas stuff he didn't come across as grouchy or as a Christmas-hater. It was strange. I loved his interactions with Max though.

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

Christmas on the Square (2020)

Title: Christmas on the Square
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Release Date: November 22, 2020
Genre(s): Musical, Drama ,Fantasy
Production Co.: Warner Bros.
Director: Debbie Allen
Starring: Dolly Parton, Jenifer Lewis, Josh Segarra


Who would I recommend this to?
Christmas musical fans. Dolly Parton lovers.

What is this about?
A Scrooge-like woman sells off her small town on Christmas despite protests from the residents. She's visited by an angel to show her the error of her ways through song.

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

Where does it take place?
On the square...

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's a lady-centric Scrooge movie with Dolly Parton. Duh.

How did I like this?
It sickeningly sweet, and I liked it. And I totally did not see any of those "twists" coming!

We need more lady-Scrooge movies. Or really more lady-centric Christmas movies in general.

Have you seen Christmas on the Square? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Jingle Jangle (2020)

Title: Jingle Jangle
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 59 minutes
Release Date: November 13, 2020
Genre(s): Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Get Lifted Film Company
Director: David E. Talbert
Starring: Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Hugh Bonneville


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of Christmas musicals.

What is this about?
The world's greatest inventor get his invention stolen, ruining Christmas! Forever! Until...

When would be a good time to watch this?
Christmas season 2020.

Where does it take place?
The Christmas village of Cobbletown.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I like Christmas movies and musicals.

How did I like this?
It was pretty good. I was expecting to love it based on the preview, but it was just okay. The scenes between songs didn't quite hold my attention.

The sets and costumes are gorgeous though.

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