by Karen Alexander, Sunshima guest blog writer
Only a few weeks left before the Christmas holidays so, here is our annual pick of movies to watch over the Christmas break and if I am being honest, after the last few months, we are all in need of some feel good escapism. So, snuggle down, grab a few of your favourite snacks and enjoy these festive delights.
Falling for Christmas – Netflix
Lindsay Lohan’s return to movies sees her as a newly engaged spoilt heiress, left in the care of handsome small town cabin owner and his precocious daughter after a skiing accident has caused her to lose her memory just days before Christmas. The film is fun, warm and welcome back Lindsay!
Your Christmas or Mine? – Amazon Prime
Young student lovers played by Asa Butterfield and Cora Kirk face spending the Christmas without each other after saying goodbye at the train station to go home to their respective families. They both decide to surprise the other by swapping trains and end up getting stuck with the other’s family. Add to this scenario, record snowfall across the entire country and the realisation that they don’t know each other as much as they thought they did. It’s British, has snow and Asa, what more could you want?
Spirited – Apple TV+
Another take on A Christmas Carol and I am completely here for it. This time Ryan Reynolds is the miserable human chosen for redemption and Will Ferrell is the Ghost of Christmas Present in this musical comedy. It does not take the usual route but instead focuses on the story from the ghosts’ point of view. It’s big and packed with singing, dancing and laughs. As one critic says “it may be overstuffed, but then again, overstuffed is partly what a holiday like this is all about.”
Disenchanted – Disney+
Yes, this is not really a Christmas movie but as it is out during the Christmas season and the Sunshima team have been looking forward to this sequel for some time, it is being included in this list. It is set years after the last film with Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey reprising their roles as Giselle and Robert. This film is 15 years after the original Enchanted and our protagonists are now married and decide to move from New York to the suburb. There is singing, magic and Giselle’s search for her happy ever after!
Something from Tiffany’s – Amazon Prime
Christmas rom com where Rachel (Zoey Deutch) has her life turned upside down when she receives an engagement ring meant for someone else. This sets off a series of twists, discoveries and surprises that will make you laugh and cry!
The Noel Diary – Netflix
Starring “This is Us” Justin Hartley as Jacob Turner a successful but single writer who returns home following his estranged mother’s unexpected death, days before Christmas. She left him the house and among her many belongings he finds a diary that may not only hold secrets to his painful past, but also that of Rachel played by Barrett Doss. A feel-good movie that will get you into the Christmas mood!
Other notable mentions
The Hip Hop Nutcracker – Disney+
This hip hop retelling of the Nutcracker ballet is set in New York and has RUN DMC’s Rev Run with a cameo by Mikhail Baryshnikov. Maria-Clara played by Cache Melvin has a festive adventure helped by the magical toymaker Drosselmeyer. Something a bit different for those who want a more modern version of this classic Christmas tale.
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol – Netflix
You can never have too much of a good thing and this animated musical version of Dickens tale is more traditional and has the voice talents of acting royalty Olivia Coleman and Jonathan Pryce.
Watching movies with your family and friends can be a great way to spend time together, especially when it’s cold outside and all you want to do is huddle together. We hope everyone has an enjoyable Christmas!