A Mrs. Miracle Christmas (2021)

Rated: G

Genres: Drama, Family

Starring: Caroline Rhea, Jason Cermak, Kaitlin Doubleday, and Roark Critchlow

Synopsis: When a family faces loneliness and loss of faith, Mrs. Miracle swoops in to renew their Christmas spirit, and they experience a holiday of heavenly proportions.

Review: Within five minutes I was totally hooked. This movie is magical. It made me want to believe in miracles. The cast was amazing especially Caroline Rhea.  There was Christmas everywhere. A great movie about hope and healing.  I’m hoping for a sequel.

Scoring: 5

Ms. Christmas Comes to Town (2023)

Rated: G

Genre: Romance

Starring: Barbara Niven, Brennan Elliott and Erica Durance

Synopsis: A shopping channel host known as Ms. Christmas receives a terminal diagnosis, which inspires a multi-city excursion set to spread Christmas cheer before her farewell broadcast.

Review: I found this movie to be disappointing. Even though it’s focused on the lead’s dying, I had hope it would have enough Christmas spirit to rally the movie, but it didn’t. There’s a lot of references to Christmas but it’s more depressing than anything. 

Scoring: 2.5

Ms. Scrooge (1997)

Rated: G

Genres: Drama, Fantasy

Starring: Cicely Tyson, Katherine Helmond, and Michael Beach

Synopsis: A retelling of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens.

Review:  I adore Tyson and Helmond but I found this movie to be so boring. I appreciate their making Scrooge a female but that’s about it. It’s difficult to sit through. 

Scoring: 1.5

Much Ado About Christmas (2021)

Rated: G

Genres: Drama, Family

Starring: Susie Abromeit and Torrance Coombs

Synopsis: A modern day re-imagining set at Christmas of William Shakespear’s play “Much Ado About Nothing.”

Review: For starters I should let you know I’m unfamiliar with the Shakespeare play this comes from. The movie started out so slowly. I was bored and it seemed to take forever. The plot is typical and expected.  It didn’t help that the commercials were poorly placed and halted the story abruptly.  It picks up about half way through and has a decent ending. 

                                                          Scoring: 3

Mule-Tide Christmas (2014)

Rated: PG

Genres: Animation, Fantasy

Starring: Steve Vernon

Synopsis: Santa’s trusty mule goes after a goblin who wants to ruin Christmas.

Review: This was a sweet movie.  A boy who wants to help Santa lets the king of the imps loose and must help capture him.  Meanwhile, the imp is creating chaos in town.  There are good messages in here for children, such as counting on friends for help and owning up to your mistakes.  This is one I believe children will love and adults will enjoy watching.

Scoring: 3.5

The Munsters’ Scary Little Christmas (1996)

Rated: NR

Genres: Comedy, Family

Starring: Sam McMurray, Bug Hall, and Ann Magnuson

Synopsis: Get ready for some holiday spirits as the first family of fright rallies to show melancholy Eddie some of the holly, jolly magic that only Santa can bring.

Review: I watched reruns of the television show growing up.  I felt like this movie was a satire of the original.  Rather than a modern take it’s almost like it’s making fun of it.  It also has some scenes that I would consider inappropriate for children.

Scoring: 2

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Rated: G

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Musical

Starring: Michael Caine

Synopsis: Kermit, Miss Piggy and friends play Dickens characters as Scrooge meets the characters of Christmas past, present, and future. 

Review: I enjoy the Muppets but I’m not one of the people who loves them. I did love them in this movie. It takes the story of The Christmas Carol and adds a little humor and great music. This would be a wonderful way to introduce the story to children and adult will enjoy it as well. 

Scoring: 3.5

A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa (2008)

Rated: G

Genres: Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Jane Krakowski, Nathan Lane, and Uma Thurman

Synopsis: When Gonzo accidentally diverts three letters to Santa, he talks Kermit and his friends into delivering them to the North Pole personally.

Review: I’m not a huge Muppets fan but I really loved this one. It has such positive messages. The beginning was a little slow for me, but I got sucked into it and even forgot they were Muppets instead of people for a little bit. A good family film. 

Scoring: 4

Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery (2015)

Rated: PG

Genres: Family, Romance

Starring: Alison Sweeney, Cameron Mathison, Barbara Niven, Lisa Durupt, and Gabriel Hogan

Synopsis: At Christmas season, Hannah comes for a check for goods from her bakery/café and finds Larry shot dead.  Her detective friend tells her in vain to stay out of the investigation.  The “ex-wife” isn’t the only suspect.

Review: This is one in a series of movies.  I haven’t seen any of them, and I was able to follow the story and characters just fine, but I felt like I was missing some backstories.  It’s a mystery but because it’s Hallmark it’s not scary.  I liked it and enjoyed it but the person I watched it with, who has seen all the movies in the series, seemed to like it more. 

Scoring: 3

Must Love Christmas (2022)

Rated: PG

Genre: Romance

Starring: Liza Lapira and Neal Bledsoe

Synopsis: A renowned romance novelist famous becomes involved in a love triangle between her childhood crush and a reporter.

Review: While a lot of plot points were typical romance, the movie was fresh and interesting. I enjoyed it from start to finish. The characters were relatable and interesting.  It’s rare I find a movie that keeps me so engaged.

Scoring: 4.5

My Best Friend’s Christmas aka Christmas Sweethearts (2019)

Rated: G

Genre: Romance

Starring: Breanne Parhiala, Colton Little and Tanner Novlan

Synopsis: When a woman returns home to find her ex in a relationship, she enlists her best friend to act as her fake boyfriend.

Review: This is a really cute movie.  It’s a take on My Best Friend’s Wedding.  The acting is sometimes a little blah, especially Ashley’s whispery voice.  Other than that, the story is really cute if not predictable.  I was invested enough that I was rooting for Liam. 

Scoring: 3

My Christmas Fiancé (2022)

Rated: NR

Genres: Comedy, Romance 

Starring: Jennifer Freeman and Jack Parr 

Synopsis: A part-time student at a resort restaurant in beautiful Italy is hired by her boss to be his fiancée for the holidays, so he can avoid getting married.

Review: This isn’t a very Christmasy movie. It is a cute romcom, even though it’s got some odd transitions and doesn’t have a great flow. If you like food and are a romance movie lover this is for you. 

Scoring: 3

My Christmas Guide (2024)

Rated: G

Genres: Family, Romance 

Starring: Amber Marshall and Trevor Donovan

Synopsis: A college professor connects with a guide dog trainer after losing his eyesight and adopting a seeing eye dog.

Review:  I enjoyed this movie. It was different from other Christmas movies. It also is not about Christmas but has some Christmas in it. Definitely nice to see a disabled lead. 

Scoring: 3.5

My Christmas Inn (2018)

Rated: G

Genre: Romance

Starring: Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Rob Mayes

Synopsis: With the holiday season in full swing, Jen Taylor is about to score a big promotion at the San Francisco ad agency where she works. But her life is unexpectedly turned upside down when she inherits a cozy inn in Alaska from her aunt. When she goes to inspect the property, she meets handsome town attorney Steve Anderson. Jen starts wondering if the inn might just be the place she belongs, and if Steve could be the Mr. Right, she has been waiting for.

Review:  While the plot is typical for a Christmas movie, the actors make it their own. You know how it will end but not how it will get there. Jen’s journey is worth sharing. The town and its Christmas traditions make me want to live there. Overall, it’s a sweet movie and I enjoyed it. 

Scoring: 3.5

My Dad Is Scrooge (2014)

Rated: TV-Y

Genres: Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Starring: Charles Shaughnessy

Synopsis: A Christmas Carol turns into "A Christmas Corral" as the animals of Woodsley Farm help Oliver shock his Dad into embracing the holiday spirit.

Review: I am not typically a fan of talking animal movies as they are often super silly.  This one, however, was thoroughly entertaining.  Children will love it and it’s a good family movie.  It’s a take on the Christmas Carol but it’s lighthearted enough for even the youngest children.

Scoring: 3

My Dad’s Christmas Date (2020)

Rated: TV-14

Genres: Drama, Family

Starring: Jeremy Piven

Synopsis: A 16-year-old tries to play matchmaker for her widowed father during Christmastime.

Review: There’s a lot to like about this movie but you really have to pay attention.  It tends to go back and forth too much which causes the stories to not have the depth they deserve.  Despite that, I enjoyed the father and daughter relationship portrayed here.  They are both damaged and hurting and have a push-pull relationship.  It’s very relatable.  This is one I’d like to watch again.

Scoring: 3

My Dog’s Christmas Miracle (2011)

Rated: G

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family

Starring: Cynthia Gibb and Greg Evigan

Synopsis: Cinnamon, a spoiled Maltese puppy, loves to have Madeline to herself. When Madeline meets the man of her dreams, Kevin, and his son Jordan, Cinnamon doesn’t like sharing Madeline’s attention. Cinnamon works hard to break them up and get Madeline’s full attention again. 

Review:  I didn’t enjoy this movie.  It’s boring and just bad. I think they are searching for new ways to feature dogs but usually the dogs are the most likable characters not the ones causing problems. 

Scoring: 1

My Family Christmas Tree (2021)

Rated: G

Genres: Drama, Romance

Starring: Aimee Teegarden and Andrew W. Walker

Synopsis: When Vanessa receives the results from her Family Tree DNA test, she discovers a family she didn’t know existed and travels to their home for Christmas.

Review: Being a Hallmark movie I knew there would be a happy ending. The movie surprised me with all the twists and turns. I wasn’t sure how it would end. It made for an emotional and enjoyable movie. Well written, well-acted, full of Christmas, and pretty much everything you could want. 

Scoring: 4

My Favorite Christmas Melody (2021)

Rated: PG

Genres: Romance

Starring: Mya Harrison and Rainbow Sun Francks

Synopsis: A singer-songwriter rediscovers her voice as she tries to save a school arts program.

Review: It was a good movie and I enjoyed it but I didn’t walk away with any Christmas spirit or any strong emotions. It’s got some good music but it’s more about the people. It’s definitely worth a watch. 

Scoring: 3

My Favorite Christmas Tree (2022)

Rated: G

Genres: Family, Romance

Starring: Emma Johnson and Giles Panton

Synopsis: Kyla is a genealogy researcher who travels to the charming town of Conifer, hoping to piece together her ancestry. The search leads Kyla to a Christmas tree farm, its stubborn but handsome owner - and, possibly, love.

Review: I really enjoyed the whole research project and the relationships developed along the way. I wasn’t sure how it was going to end but it didn’t disappoint. The twists and turns keep it interesting. The characters are likable and relatable. 

Scoring: 3.5

My Grown-up Christmas List (2022)

Rated: G

Genres: Family, Romance

Starring: Kayla Wallace and Kevin McGarry

Synopsis: A journalist and a military man share a special bond that grows between them over the course of several Christmases they spend together and apart.

Review: I wish they focused more on the relationship. Taylor’s job just took time away from the romance and didn’t add to the story. They went from let’s not say goodbye to a year later and they’re in love. All that being said, it was a good movie. I really liked it. It had the emotions that give you all the feels and lots of Christmas                                                                spirit. 

                                                          Scoring: 4.5

My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas (2005)

Rated: G

Genres: Animation, Fantasy

Starring: Chiara Zanni

Synopsis: When Minty breaks a magic candy cane, she must make it right by going to the north pole so that Christmas can come to Ponyville. But is the magic of Christmas in Ponyville already?

Review: I had heard of My Little Pony but didn’t really know anything about them.  I found this to be a tolerable but not enjoyable movie.  Young children may enjoy it but I think it’s best for children who are already fans.  Adults can sit through it.  Yes, there are some where that isn’t the case.  I wouldn’t recommend it to adults who aren’t fans of the franchise.

Scoring: 2

My Norwegian Holiday (2023)

Rated: G

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Starring: Rhiannon Fish and David Elsendoorn

Synopsis: JJ, grieving the loss of her grandmother and seeking inspiration, stumbles upon an unexpected holiday destiny. Meeting Henrik, a Norwegian from Bergen, their connection deepens when he discovers she has a troll figurine from his hometown.

Review: I loved this movie.  It felt so original and fresh.  We get to experience so much of the Norwegian culture and Christmas traditions but in a way that feels organic and not forced.  To me the best part is all the characters.  They each add a colorful thread to this movie tapestry.  There are some things I’d like to say but I don’t want any spoilers.  I've watched it several times already and still enjoy it.

Scoring: 4

My Santa (2013)

Rated: PG

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy, Romance

Starring: Samaire Armstrong, Matthew Lawrence, and Julie Brown

Synopsis: Single mom Jen, lost the Christmas spirit when her ex-husband Paul walked out on her six years ago on Christmas Eve, when their son Eric was only one-year-old. Despite her disdain for Christmas, she seems also to be falling under the spell of Chris, the mysterious man who is the shopping center Santa Claus. What Jen is unaware of, but what Eric truly believes, is that Chris is really Kris Kringle Jr. Chris, who believes Jen is the one, has to try and get her to believe in Christmas again all before the stroke of midnight on Christmas morning. 

Review:  I enjoyed this movie. It’s similar to Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus and just as adorable. The plot is simple but the movie is full of Christmas magic. 

Scoring: 3

My Southern Family Christmas (2022)

Rated: G

Genres: Comedy, Drama

Starring: Jaicy Elliot, Ryan Rottman, Moira Kelly, and Bruce Campbell

Synopsis: Turned into a journalist, Campbell gets the chance to meet his biological father for the first time without him knowing. In the end, Campbell must decide if she will reveal the truth, a decision that will change Christmas forever.

Review:  It was so lovely. I was so invested in the story. Would she tell him?  When? How? What would happen?  The ending gave me goosebumps. Definitely a must see. 

Scoring: 4

My Sweet Holiday AKA Chocolate Covered Christmas (2020)

Rated: PG

Genre: Romance

Starring: Malone Thomas, Jason Burkey, and Alexandra Ficken

Synopsis: A holiday romance blossoms between a woman and the man who bought her parent’s chocolate store.

Review: This movie starts out very slowly due in large part to the amount of time focused on the ingredients and mixing them.  Eventually the characters develop more and the story picks up.  It’s a nice romance but it has one too many misunderstandings and miscommunications.

Scoring: 2.5

Mystery on Mistletoe Lane (2023)

Mystic Christmas (2023)

Rated: G

Genres: Family, Romance

Starring: Jessie Schram and Chandler Massey

Synopsis: An animal expert answers a call for help from an old friend and that puts her in the path of an ex at Christmas.

Review: Despite the amount of Christmas in this movie, it doesn’t feel like Christmas. The characters were all nice and there were interesting traditions. It was sweet but didn’t make me feel the spirit of the holidays. 

Scoring: 3