A Dickens of a Holiday (2021)

Rated: G

Genres: Drama, Romance

Starring: Brooke D’Orsay and Kristoffer Polaha

Synopsis: To mark the 100th anniversary of a Victorian festival, Cassie invites movie star and former high school classmate Jake to place Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol.”

Review: I found it a little boring and slow in parts, but the rest was enjoyable.  Jake’s relationship with his family was the best part to me.  It’s possible that my not loving “A Christmas Carol” could have affected my opinion.  Given all that, D’Orsay and Polaha were delightful as always.

Scoring: 3

Die Hard (1988)

Rated: R

Genres: Adventure, Drama

Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, and Bonnie Bedelia 

Synopsis: John McClane, officer of the NYPD, tries to save his wife Holly Gennaro and several others that were taken hostage by German terrorist Hans Gruber during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles.

Review:  While the debate over whether or not this is a Christmas movie will never end, I’ll give you my opinion of it. Christmas is barely mentioned and barely plays a role in it. That being said, if you like action movies, and can get past it being made in 1988, you’ll really like it. If you’re looking for a Christmas movie, this probably isn’t what you want. 

Scoring: 3

Die Hard 2: Die Harder (1990)

Rated: R

Genres: Adventure, Drama

Starring: Bruce Willis and Bonnie Bedelia

Synopsis: John McClane attempts to avert disaster as rogue military operatives seize control of Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C.

Review: Like the first movie, many will argue, strongly, whether this is a Christmas movie or not. They mention it takes place at Christmastime but there’s no real Christmas here.  If you like adventure films, you’ll enjoy it.  If you want a happy movie full of Christmas, this isn’t for you.

Scoring: 2

A Different Kind Of Christmas (1996)

Rated: PG

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Starring: Shelley Long and Barry Bostwick

Synopsis: When you're the city attorney you don't need the kinds of problems that her father was giving her. After her mother died, her father began doing his "Santa Schtick," as she called it, much more intensely... which meant that he turned his home into a kind of year-round Santa Claus castle where children of all ages could come to see the wonderful presents and no child ever left without a gift. But what's wrong with this kind of philanthropic generosity was that it totally embarrassed her when, as city attorney, it fell to her to make him stop his 'commercial' enterprise in an area zoned for private homes. But there's more to it than that and the outcome is not quite what you'd expect.

Review: I didn’t care for the negatives in the father-daughter relationship but I love the feeling of keeping the Christmas spirit year-round and of giving to others.

Scoring: 3

Discarding Santa (2018)

Rated: NR

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Denise Morris

Synopsis: In 2010, the city of Leitchfield, Kentucky decided to outlaw any and all references to Santa Claus for Christmas, in an attempt to de-commercialize the holiday. The events that happened leading up to Christmas are still under investigation. The evidence, discovered in 2017, has been pieced together with news footage, security footage, police footage and City Counsel footage.

Review: This is supposed to look like a documentary.  Instead, it’s odd, ever shifting angles, and bad camera shots.  The acting is bad and the writing is horrible.  The idea, being done as a movie rather than a fake documentary, is interesting.  It’s a shame they ruined it.

Scoring: 1

A Discovery Christmas Story (2022)

Rated: TV-14

Genres: Adventure, Documentary

Synopsis: Christmas celebrations, extra gold mining and dangerous Alaska moments.

Review:  It was way too graphic for me. It’s basically parts of Discovery shows. I don’t watch the shows so it didn’t hold my interest. 

Scoring: 2

Disney Channel’s Epic Holiday Showdown (2020)

Rated: G

Genres: Fantasy, Musical

Synopsis: The holidays are in peril as Ebenezer Scrooge casts an evil curse on the season.  Disney Channel stars are tasked with saving the holidays by taking on a series of challenges.

Review: A cute series of fun challenges children should love.  There’s even a nod to the classic I Love Lucy chocolate conveyer belt scene.  There’s music and dancing.  I like how they include Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.

Scoring: 3

Disney Holiday Magic Quest (2020)

Rated: G

Genres: Documentary

Starring: Raven-Symoné, Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Kylee Russell, Ariel Martin, and Pearce Joza

Synopsis: Disney Villains have stolen the holiday magic from the Magic Kingdom Park.

Review: As someone who has been to the park more times than I can count, I loved just seeing a glimpse of the park.  This adventure is for children or for those who are a kid at heart.  It’s tons of fun.  I’m jealous I didn’t get to do it.

Scoring: 3

Disney Holiday Singalong (2020)

Rated: G

Genres: Musical

Starring: Ryan Seacrest, Michael Bublé, Andrea Bocelli, Caroline Bowman, BTS, Chloe X Halle, Ciara, Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, Pink, and Willow Sage Hart

Synopsis: Sing along with Christmas classics.

Review: Fun for the whole family. They have the words on the bottom, but the songs are familiar, and you’ll have fun watching or singing along. 

Scoring: 4

The Dog Days of Christmas aka Sit. Stay. Love. (2022)

Rated: G

Genres: Drama, Romance

Starring: Georgia Flood

Synopsis: After finishing a mission, aid worker Annie Blake is going home to Vermont to spend the holidays with her family. When the local animal shelter closes, Annie steps in to save it with the help of the local vet and old school nemesis, Dylan.

Review: I really found this movie to be so-so. It’s not that I was bored, I just wasn’t happy or truly enjoying it. Maybe the fact that Annie doesn’t want to be there made me not want to. It’s a cute movie and the animals are adorable. 

Scoring: 3

A Dog For Christmas (2015)

Rated: NR

Genres: Comedy, Family

Starring: Dean Cain and Richard Karn

Synopsis: The entire family stays at Dave and Sandy's home for the holidays. Kassandra wants a puppy for Christmas, but Mom and Dad aren't ready for that. Will Santa grant Kassandra's only wish for Christmas?

Review: Other than the parents putting out the gifts from Santa, which would be bad for young believers, this is a fun family film. A lot of it will go over young heads but the children have enough adventures for entertainment. Adults will love seeing the stress and work that goes into Christmas because it’s so relatable but done in a fun way. 

Scoring: 3

The Dog Who Saved Christmas (2009)

Rated: PG

Genres: Comedy, Family

Starring: Mario Lopez, Dean Cain, Gary Valentine, Elisa Donovan, Mindy Sterling, and Adrienne Barbeau

Synopsis: The Bannister family's new addition, Zeus, the yellow Labrador, appears to be less than the dependable guard dog the family needs. However, when two burglars set out to break into the Bannister's home while they're away for Christmas, Zeus seizes the chance to be a hero, proving every dog - even this one - has his day.

Review:  If you liked Home Alone and/or you like dogs, you may enjoy this movie because that’s what it is. A watered-down Home Alone with a dog instead of a child. I found it to be overly silly but children may enjoy it. 

Scoring: 1

The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation (2010)

Rated: PG

Genres: Comedy, Family

Starring: Mario Lopez, Dean Cain, Paris Hilton, Gary Valentine, Elisa Donovan, Casper Van Dien, David O’Donnell, Mindy Sterling, and Adrienne Barbeau

Synopsis: The Bannister family - including former K-9 police hero Zeus - is back, and this time they're spending their holidays at a beautiful Rocky Mountain resort. But toss in an unexpected visit from cocky Uncle Randy and his foxy poodle Bella and a familiar pair of bumbling jewel thieves, and this holiday may be headed downhill fast! Can Zeus solve the crime, save Bella and hit the slopes, all in time for Christmas Day?

Review:  A sequel to The Dog Who Saved Christmas, this is only a smidge better than the first. Unless you really like dogs, you probably won’t like it. Like the first movie, children may enjoy it more. 

Scoring: 1.5

The Dog Who Saved The Holidays (2012)

Rated: PG

Genres: Comedy, Family

Starring: Joey Lawrence, Mario Lopez, Dean Cain, Gary Valentine, Elisa Donovan, Shelley Long, and Michael Gross

Synopsis: The Bannisters are back with a new family addition - a mischievous pup named Eve. Watch as everyone's favorite dog, Zeus, learns to love his new sister and take down some bumbling thieves.

Review:  Part three of the series is as bad as the first two. I’m not sure why they’re making sequels. I hate repeating myself but this movie may only appeal to children and dog lovers, if them. 

Scoring: 1.5

A Doggone Christmas (2016)

Rated: NR

Genres: Comedy, Fantasy

Starring: Zachary Cirino, Jaret Sacrey, and Dominique Swain

Synopsis: A dog with telepathic abilities escapes a government lockdown and runs straight into the loving arms of two young brothers.  But the Washington brass won’t give up their secret weapon that easily.  These spunky two boys must channel the spirit of Christmas to save their gifted canine friend.

Review: This movie may appeal to children.  But probably only children.  The story is silly, the acting is bad, the direction is poor.  It’s definitely a B movie.  But a talking dog and children may appeal to the young ones.

Scoring: 1.5

Dognapped: Hound for the Holidays (2022)

Rated: G

Genres: Drama, Romance

Starring: Vivica A. Fox, Sara Ball, and Noah Fearnley

Synopsis: When an egotistical social media influencer's dog is shockingly kidnapped, her long-suffering assistant teams up with charming local vet to find the puppy before Christmas. As the two investigate suspects, they form a romantic bond along the way.

Review: This movie is so cheesy and corny you could make a snack with it.  I did like Emily and Johnathan’s relationship is the only really interesting part of the movie for me.  Sadly, I did actually want to know who took the dog.

Scoring: 2.5

Dolly Parton’s Coat Of Many Colors (2015)

Rated: G

Genres: Drama, Family

Starring: Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder, Gerald McRaney, and Dolly Parton

Synopsis: Based on the true story of Dolly Parton's remarkable upbringing, this movie special takes us inside the tight-knit Parton family as they struggle to overcome devastating tragedy and discover the healing power of love, faith and a raggedy patchwork coat that helped make Dolly who she is today.

Review:  Such a precious story about family, acceptance, and love. Because it's a true story I see a little Dolly Parton. It’s also fascinating to see the way of life people experienced at that time and I love the message that faith will see you through.

Scoring: 4.5

Dolly Parton’s Christmas On The Square (2020)

Rated: PG

Genres: Family, Musical

Starring: Dolly Parton, Christine Baranski, Mary Donnelly Haskell, Jenifer Lewis, Vivian Nixon, and Treat Williams

Synopsis: An embittered "Scrooge" of a woman plans to sell her small town, regardless of the consequences to the people who live there.

Review: This movie is deeply poignant. The story, the acting, and the music all lend to a film that is Broadway worthy. I did tear up toward the end but I was completely absorbed in the story. I don’t want to give any specifics that might spoil it but I loved the little girl bartender.  A must see!

Scoring: 5

Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas (2022)

Rated: G

Genres: Family, Musical

Starring: Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, Tom Everett Scott, Ana Gasteyer, and Jimmy Fallon

Synopsis: Follow Dolly's desire to uplift an exhausted world's spirits by sharing the unique "mountain magic". Throughout the chaos, Dolly finds herself taking a journey guided by the mysterious appearances of her Three Wise Mountain Men.

Review: This is a fake documentary of them making a special. I love Dolly but not this special. It was so scattered and lacked a consistent Christmas presence. I actually found it to be a little boring. All the hoopla took away from her message. 

Scoring: 2.5

Double Holiday (2019)

Rated: G

Genres: Drama, Family. Romance

Starring: Carly Pope and Kristoffer Polaha

Synopsis: Rebecca endures working with her colleague, and rival, Chris to plan the office Christmas party in the hopes of getting a promotion. While spending so much time together, will they take their eyes off the prize and see each other anew?

Review: Chris joins Rebecca’s family to learn about and celebrate Hanukkah while he teaches her about Christmas.  In the end, the central message is that no matter how you celebrate, family is at the core.  It’s a sweet love story with lots of holiday traditions.

Scoring: 3.5

Dr. Seuss’ Grinch The Musical (2020)

Rated: G

Genres: Fantasy, Musical

Starring: Matthew Morrison and Booboo Stewart

Synopsis: A live-action TV adaptation of the Broadway stage musical based on the Dr. Seuss classic "How The Grinch Stole Christmas." 

Review: If you like Broadway musicals, this is for you. If you’re just a fan of the Grinch, you may not like this. The costumes and makeup are clearly made to be seen from a distance. Up close the Grinch looks like the Jolly Green Giant. The music is good and it’s fanciful but I prefer the cartoon and Ron Howard movie by far. 

Scoring: 3

Dreamworks Holiday Classics (2011)

Rated: NR

Genres: Animation, Comedy, Fantasy

Starring: Antonio Banderas, Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Cedric The Entertainer, Cameron Diaz, America Ferrara, Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, T.J. Miller, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Eddie Murphy, Mike Myers, Carl Reiner, Andy Richter, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig

Synopsis: Featuring Shrek and Donkey, Hiccup and Toothless, and the wacky animals from Madagascar this is a compilation of Merry Madagascar, Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury, Donkey’s Caroling Christmas-tacular, and The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper.

Review: I’ll review them separately.  Merry Madagascar: I liked the movie Madagascar but I do not like this special.  It’s as if the writers sat in a room and asked how they could make every character annoying and make the story blah at the same time.  Kids may still like the zany antics but not me.  Dragons: I saw the first movie years ago and don’t remember much.  I liked this story okay but it’s more about dragons being born while celebrating Snoggletog and not about Christmas. Donkey’s Caroling:  If you liked Shrek, or just like fairy tale characters, you’ll enjoy this.  It’s just a lot of fun.  I especially liked when they walked behind nuns to blend in. 

Scoring: 2.5

DreamWorks Home: For The Holidays (2017)

Rated: TV-Y7

Genres: Animation, Fantasy

Starring: Kelly Clarkson

Synopsis: Oh experiences his very first Christmas.  Tip and Oh decide to bring some holiday magic to Boovsland.

Review: In my opinion, this is for children only.  It was so ridiculous that silly doesn’t begin to cover it.  I found it so annoying I couldn’t wait for it to be over.  I wouldn’t have children watch just because of the horrible grammar and use of English. 

Scoring: 1