Christmas for Sale (2021)

Rated: TV-14

Genres: Drama, Romance

Starring: Shanti Lowry, Nadine Ellis, and Aaron D. Spears

Synopsis: Real Estate Mogul Terri McKenzie finds herself with a case of mistaken identity when Billionaire George Camden needs help with his divorce proceedings. When she falls in too deep, can the truth save her company and her heart?

Review: Even though Terri wasn’t being truthful with George, the way their relationship evolves is interesting.  Terri’s motivation to help her sister and put her wants aside is sweet.  I really enjoyed watching it.

Scoring: 3

Christmas 9 To 5 (2019)

Rated: G

Genres: Drama, Romance

Starring: Tiya Sircar, George Wendt, and Joe Dinicol

Synopsis: Jennifer is a tough crime beat reporter who gets the assignment of her life: to find the true meaning of Christmas.

Review: This movie has a unique and refreshing plot. As Jennifer goes undercover at a department store, she learns about people and tradition. The relationships are one of the best parts of the movie. They’re so special. I really enjoyed this, especially Wendt as the wise elevator operator. 

Scoring: 3.5

Christmas A La Mode (2019)

Rated: PG

Genre: Romance

Starring: Katie Leclerc and Ryan Cooper

Synopsis: A woman needs a miracle in order to save her family’s farm and her father’s legacy.

Review: This is not really about Christmas but it does play a background role, like the mother’s Santa collection.  A lot of the movie is very heavy but the characters were interesting and I wanted them to save their farm.  I just wish the journey to get there was also interesting.

Scoring: 2.5

A Christmas Adventure…From A Book Called Wisely’s Tales (2001)

Rated: G

Genres: Animation, Fantasy

Starring: Dean Cain, Joey Lawrence, and Tiffani Thiessen

Synopsis: Wisley the owl reads a story to a group of children. Santa is forced to land in the woods. At the same time, a vehicle carrying circus animals crashes. The woodland creatures, the circus animals, and Santa's reindeer all come together and learn the difference between naughty and nice.

Review: This was a sweet story with an original plot.  The woodland animals have to learn what Christmas is and everyone has to learn to get along and be friends.  Lots of lessons for children about friendship, surrounding yourself with good people, believing in yourself, and the Christmas spirit.  Adults can handle watching it with children but may not care for it on their own.

Scoring: 2.5

Christmas Again?! (2021)

Rated: G

Genres: Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Starring: Daniel Sunjata, Scarlett Estevez, Gary Anthony Williams, and Ashlyn Jade Lopez

Synopsis: A high-spirited 11-year-old hopes to add more spunk to her Christmas celebrations when her parents’ divorce is going anything but smoothly.

Review: This movie is a kid’s Christmas version of Groundhog Day. Rowena goes through the typical stages of taking advantage, trying to change things, and finally becoming a selfless loving person. It’s not as appealing to adults, but kids and preteens should enjoy it and parents will like watching as a family. 

Scoring: 3

Christmas, Again (2014)

Rated: NR

Genres: Drama, Romance

Starring: Kentucker Audley

Synopsis: A heartbroken Christmas tree salesman returns to New York City to put his past behind him.

Review: I appreciate the theme of people who are lonely, hurt, or sad having to face Christmas, the happiest time for so many, without the joy.  Just waiting for it to be over.  The problem with this film is it was so slow.  How many times can we just look at a sad face.  I kept waiting for something really interesting to happen.  Instead we just watch his never-ending Christmas season.  It wasn’t horrible.  If you like documentary-style serious films you may enjoy it.  For me it was just too blah.

Scoring: 2

Christmas All Over Again (2016)

Rated: PG

Genres: Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Starring: Sean Ryan Fox and Joey Lawrence

Synopsis: A mischievous, swag-obsessed boy must overcome his inner Scrooge, or remain caught in a cycle where every day is a Christmas without presents.

Review: Unlike so many other movies patterned after “Groundhog Day”, this one admits to it in the beginning.  It’s a children’s version that adults will enjoy.  Children will especially like that instead of waking up each day with an alarm, Eddie wakes up to his dog farting in his face.  As it goes on, we realize Eddie’s behavior is more about hurting and loss than selfishness.  Good family film.

Scoring: 3.5

Christmas Angel In The House (2011) aka Angel in the House aka Foster

Rated: PG

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy

Starring: Toni Collette and Ioan Gruffudd

Synopsis: A toy factory owner and his wife have their lives turn upside down by an unexpected visit by a 7-year-old boy.  When they decide to take him in as a foster child, the new parents begin a miraculous journey that showcases the joys and experiences of family life.

Review: I absolutely loved this movie.  It’s one that stays with you.  It is, however, a difficult movie to review because sharing what makes it so special would ruin it for anyone who hasn’t seen it.  All the actors are amazing.  It’s funny, sweet, and yes, I cried a little.  Christmas is just a small bit of the movie but the spirit of family and love carries throughout.  This is one not to miss.

Scoring: 5

Christmas Apparition (2016)

Rated: PG-13

Genre: Drama

Starring: Katie O. Jones

Synopsis: As Emma works to create a beautiful Christmas for the children she is looking after, the warm glow of the Christmas tree and the sparkling of the ornaments are in stark contrast with the hostility of the children in their freezing house.

Review: This movie felt like it was desperately trying to build suspense for a climactic ending but then just fizzled like air being let out of a balloon.  There are too many questions left unanswered, like why Emma won’t go home, why does William stay silent then speak.  It’s like being given a puzzle with half the pieces.  It’s slow and boring.  With a better ending sitting through the movie may have been worth it.

Scoring: 1

Christmas Around The Corner (2018)

Rated: PG

Genres: Drama, Romance

Starring: Alexandra Breckenridge and Jamie Spilchuk

Synopsis: A venture capitalist from New York travels to a small town for Christmas. Upon arrival, she discovers that the town’s bookstore is in a dire state of disrepair and immediately takes it upon herself to revitalize the store.

Review: An original plot that’s well executed by talented actors. It’s not exciting. You won’t be sitting on the edge of your chair. However, it’s still charming and fun to watch. I expected the ending but had no idea how they’d get there. The character of Alicia was especially endearing.

Scoring: 4.5

Christmas Around the USA (2022)

Rated: G

Genres: Documentary, Musical

Starring: Dean Cain and Laura McKenzie

Synopsis: Showcases how Christmas is celebrated around the United States of America, remarking different holiday traditions and festive seasonal arrangements from all corners of the country.

Review: Half of the two hours is singing performances (the best part of it) and hosts talking. They actually shared minimal things about the states. I live in Florida and they said we all eat key lime pie for Christmas. I don’t know anyone who does. Waste of time. 

Scoring: 1.5

A Christmas Arrangement (2018)

Rated: TV-14

Genre: Romance

Starring: Nicky Whelan, Miles Fisher, and Daphne Zuniga

Synopsis: When Poppy Benson, a struggling flower shop owner, joins the local holiday floral show in an effort to win a cash prize and keep her store afloat, she starts to fall for handsome Garrett Hurley, her direct competitor in the show.

Review: It’s a little corny and it took me a while to get into it but I actually cared how it ended and what happened to the characters. While Christmas is merely a backdrop, the Christmas spirit is quietly everywhere.

Scoring: 3

Christmas At Castle Hart (2021)

Rated: G

Genres: Romance

Starring: Lacey Chabert and Stuart Townsend

Synopsis: Brooke Bennett goes to Ireland for Christmas to search for her Irish roots.  While there, she meets Aiden Hart.  Mistaken for an elite event planner, she’s hired to host his castle’s epic Christmas party.

Review: This is a basic Christmas movie where commoner falls for a royal.  I normally adore Lacey Chabert movies but this one was just okay.  It seemed to lack focus and went back and forth between over the top silly and drama.  It lacked the consistency needed to keep our emotions engaged.  It may be how wacky the sister was or the hiding of their identities.  It’s decent to watch once but a little too blah to watch twice.

Scoring: 2.5

Christmas at Cattle Hill (2020)

Rated: NR

Genres: Animated, Comedy, Family

Starring: Henriette Faye-Schjøll

Synopsis: Klara the Calf is excited to spend her first Christmas on Cattle Hill with her father, but when they arrive at the farm Klara is disappointed to see he has not attempted to decorate for the holidays. When her father is unexpectedly called away for work, Klara sees it as an opportunity to make Cattle Hill a Christmas paradise with the help of the cheeky Christmas gnome who lives on the farm, but as Klara finds out it is about being together at Christmas which is the most important.

Review: I would give this a G-rating.  It’s a wonderful film for the whole family.  My 79-year-old mother enjoyed it and was laughing at points.  It has good messages and a fun variety of characters.  I had never heard about farm gnomes and I loved the sense of community.

Scoring: 4

Christmas at Dollywood (2019)

Rated: G

Genres: Drama, Family, Romance

Starring: Dolly Parton, Danica McKellar, and Niall Matter

Synopsis: A Broadway producer travels to Tennessee in an effort to save her Holiday extravaganza.

Review: It does have a little bit of a Dollywood advertisement aspect to it but the characters and their relationships are the majority of it. There’s just enough Dolly Parton and Dollywood to make it look like an amazing time.  McKellar and Matter make a good duo. It’s a sweet and charming movie even if it’s a little slow at times. It gives a little bit of the culture and spirit of southeast Tennessee.  I did enjoy it. Especially all the Christmas.

Scoring: 3.5

Christmas at Graceland (2023)

Rated: G

Genre: Musical

Starring: Riley Keough, Alanis Morisette, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Lana Del Rey, Post Malone, Dolly Parton, John Bon Jovi, Cher, and The War and Treaty

Synopsis: Music’s biggest stars celebrate Elvis Presley, his music and his favorite time of year, live from the Graceland estate.

Review: I should preface this with the fact that I’m a huge Elvis fan.  I even have a bust of him on my piano.  If you love Elvis, you will love this.  If you aren’t an Elvis fan this isn’t for you.  I will say seeing John Legend play Elvis’ piano was very upsetting.  It’s like no one should every play that.  I could have done without the behind-the-scenes bits.  The highlight for me was Kacey Musgraves closing the show.  She gave me goosebumps. 

Scoring: 3.5

Christmas At Graceland (2018)

Rated: G

Genres: Drama, Family, Musical, Romance

Starring: Wes Brown and Kellie Pickler

Synopsis: A Chicago-based business executive travels to Memphis to secure one of the city's oldest family-owned banks. While in Memphis, Laurel reunites with an old flame Clay, a local music promoter with loftier aspirations.

Review: I love all the new twists on the traditional plot. I didn’t spend the whole movie expecting the end. The backdrop of Graceland and Memphis along with the music was icing on the cake. Laurel is the type of character you wish you were friends with. She's a pure and kind person. It’s a sweet movie I’ll be watching many more times.

Scoring: 4

Christmas At Graceland: Home For The Holidays (2019)

Rated: G

Genres: Family, Romance

Starring: Adrian Grenier, Kaitlin Doubleday, and Priscilla Presley

Synopsis: World-traveler Harper returns to Memphis for the holidays and nannies for wealthy widower Owen while awaiting news about a job overseas. 

Review: This movie is really special. Pretty much every scene has some Christmas imagery. Everyone is flawed but with soft perfection.  The families are wonderful. I knew how it would end but I was so entertained I wasn’t really thinking about it.  The best thing is when a movie seems to be really short and you can’t believe it’s already over. It also has lots of Graceland and Elvis. 

Scoring: 4.5

Christmas At Grand Valley (2018)

Rated: G

Genres: Family, Romance

Starring: Brennan Elliott, Dan Lauria, and Danica McKellar

Synopsis: Burned out from the Chicago gallery world, artist Kelly returns home to Grand Valley just in time for Christmas. Leo, businessman and all-star dad to his children, struggles to balance his time this holiday season. When he is assigned to review a hotel in Grand Valley for its value, he sees this as the perfect opportunity for a Christmas family vacation. It isn't long until Kelly and Leo's worlds collide.

Review: This was such a pleasant movie. No, there aren’t tons of surprises but it’s not a cookie cutter plot. The children and Dan Lauria add a warmth to it. It's wonderful to see people discover themselves. Definitely worth seeing.

Scoring: 3.5

Christmas At Maple Village (2020) aka A Christmas Village Romance

Rated: PG

Genres: Romance

Starring: Jeni Ross and Jake Epstein

Synopsis: Sparks fly between a romance novelist and a blacksmith as they try to save a charming village.

Review: It’s a little romance, a little history, a few relationships, and a little save the small town. That’s the problem. It needed a stronger primary plot. It was fun to watch and the characters were likable. It just could’ve been better. 

Scoring: 3

Christmas At Maxwell’s (2006)

Rated: PG

Genres: Drama, Religion

Starring: Andrew May and Jack Hourigan

Synopsis: Andrew Austin seems to have everything. When his wife falls extremely ill, they go to their cabin for a last Christmas. Away from the demands of the city, their world opens up to a moment in time they will never experience again as their small lakeside community quickly brings them its own wonderments.

Review:  This is a heavily dramatic and religious movie that won’t appeal to many. The theme of redemption and prayer at Christmas is beautiful but the movie is poorly shot. If you want a deep and religious film you should give it a shot. If not, I’d skip it. 

Scoring: 2

Christmas At Pemberley Manor (2018)

Rated: G

Genre: Romance

Starring: Jessica Lowndes and Michael Rady

Synopsis: Loosely based on Pride and Prejudice, event planner Elizabeth Bennet is initially at odds with Mr. Darcy, the owner of Pemberley Manor, which she intends to be the venue of her next event, but soon finds herself irresistibly attracted to him.

Review:  Don’t let comparing this movie to Pride and Prejudice take away from the story. It’s original and special all on its own. It’s in a beautiful setting with enjoyable characters. It evokes a feeling of Christmas in a subtle way. This is one I’ll watch again. 

Scoring: 4

Christmas at the Amish Bakery (2023)

Rated: G

Genres: Family, Romance

Starring: Alexandra Harris and Sean Koetting 

Synopsis: New York book editor Sarah heads back to her Amish family farm. With the help of a handsome local outsider, Dean, a friend of the Amish, they hope to save her family's bakery.

Review:  I felt the movie was very respectful of the Amish culture. However, it was so slow it became boring at times. It just felt very amateur. It’s worth watching once, especially if you want a peek at Amish life.

Scoring: 2.5

Christmas At The Castle AKA A Christmas In The Highlands (2019)

Rated: PG

Genre: Romance

Starring: Brooke Burfitt and Dan Jeannotte

Synopsis: Sparks fly between a perfumer and a Scotsman as she tries to learn his formula for a rare fragrance.

Review: It has all the standard plot points of a romantic comedy with royalty and a commoner. As the granddaughter of a Highlander, I found it lacking. Perhaps they could have hired one Scottish actor or one who could do a proper accent. Between no one sounding Scottish and the music not sounding Scottish it didn’t take me there. I was so disappointed. It’s okay as a story but you have to hang in there.  It gets better as it goes along.

Scoring: 3

Christmas at the Chateau (2019)

Rated: PG

Genres: Comedy, Family, Romance

Starring: Kinsey Leigh Redmond and Justen Jones

Synopsis: How will 3 sisters save the Shakespeare Chateau, historic mansion and beloved family home, from a corrupt bank that threatens to foreclose on Christmas Day? Especially when one of them falls in love with one of the bankers.

Review: I loved this movie.  Between the sisters and their attachment to each other and the chateau, the texting relationship, and the relationship in real life, there’s so much to it.  I even teared up a few times at the end.  For a low budget movie, the main actors are amazing and it’s done very well.

Scoring: 3

Christmas at the Drive-In (2022)

Rated: G

Genres: Comedy, Romance

Starring: Danica McKellar and Neal Bledsoe

Synopsis: A property lawyer works to prove that her town's drive-in theater, a local institution is not closed down at the holidays, finding romance with the very person who is trying to sell the property

Review: I will say I had trouble at first because this is the 3rd movie I’ve seen with McKellar and Bledsoe as romantic interests.  There aren’t many surprises but it’s sweet and easy to watch.

Scoring: 3

Christmas at the Golden Dragon (2022)

Rated: G

Genres: Drama, Family

Synopsis: When a beloved Midwestern Chinese restaurant announces its closing right before Christmas, it prompts their clientele to re-examine their relationships in a series of interconnected stories amid the chaos of its busiest week of the year.

Review: I adored this movie. There were enough stories to keep the pace moving but they were handled in a way to feel the connection and make it easy to keep track of them. The characters were all relatable with everyday flaws and strengths. It was like a warm hug. 

Scoring: 4

Christmas At The Palace (2018)

Rated: G

Genres: Family, Romance

Starring: Merritt Patterson and Andrew Cooper

Synopsis: Katie, a former professional ice skater, is hired by the king of San Senova, Alexander, to help his daughter in a Christmas ice skating performance. As Katie spends time in the castle and with the king, she and Alex begin to develop feelings for each other and ultimately fall in love. But will the tradition-loving people of San Senova allow their king to make a foreigner their queen?

Review:  Delightfully expected yet as lovely as every other fairy tale. It’s sweet and as charming as the prince.  I was not surprised as the story unfolded but I was too caught in the magic to mind.  One I’ll watch again. 

Scoring: 4.5

Christmas At The Plaza (2019)

Rated: G

Genres: Drama, Romance

Starring: Elizabeth Henstridge, Ryan Paevey, Julia Duffy, and Bruce Davison

Synopsis: When historian Jessica is hired to create the Plaza’a Christmas display, she finds more than facts while teaming up with handsome decorator Nick to bring the display to life. 

Review: There’s lots of beautiful Christmas imagery and some family traditions to bring the Christmas spirit. However, the movie is less about Christmas and more about people and the importance of our legacies and preserving the past and present for the future. It’s a lovely, leisurely, experience. 

Scoring: 3.5

Christmas at the Ranch (2021)

Rated: PG

Genres: Family, Romance

Synopsis: When Haley Hollis returns to her family ranch to try and save it from closure, she wasn't banking on spending so much time with ranch hand Kate - or falling for her.

Review:  This movie was okay.  The characters switched emotions so quickly I felt like I was getting whiplash.  It’s a typical romance except it’s a lesbian couple.  This is one of those movies that just didn’t live up to its potential.  It had some sweet Christmas moments.

Scoring: 2.5

Christmas At The Royal Hotel (2018)

Rated: NR

Genre: Drama

Starring: Harry Oram

Synopsis: In 1941, Hong Kong was the Casablanca of the East, a city full of war refugees, profiteers and spies. With the sudden attack by Japanese troops, a Canadian soldier's Christmas promise is broken during the Battle of Hong Kong.

Review: This movie had so much potential. The problem wasn’t that it’s clearly a low budget indie film. There were truly gripping scenes that were wrought with emotion. It was also interesting to see a WWII movie in Asia rather than Europe. Unfortunately, it was also filled with too many seemingly irrelevant side stories and bad acting. It felt like the movie was three times as long as it was. The good scenes aren’t worth sitting through the rest. 

Scoring: 1.5

The Christmas Aunt (2020)

Rated: PG

Genres: Family, Romance

Starring: Keshia Knight Pulliam and Jarod Joseph

Synopsis: Two weeks before Christmas, Rebecca Miller returns home to Tennessee to take care of her niece and nephew and ends up reconnecting with her childhood best friend.

Review: The best part of the movie was the 12 days of Christmas cards from Santa with fun activities for the children. There’s a real Christmas feeling in this movie as well as a celebration of family. The lead romantic couple were missing chemistry but the rest of the movie makes up for it. 

Scoring: 3.5