by Karen Alexander and Sunshima Team
Welcome to the now traditional Sunshima run down of Christmas Movies. And I am sure that just like us, you are looking forward to the festive break and while it can be an extremely busy time of the year, some of the best memories are made when we sit together, grab some mince pies and enjoy a Christmas film. So, what are this year’s contenders for seasonal movie entertainment.
Candy Cane Lane – Amazon Prime Video
Eddie Murphy returns in this Christmas comedy adventure as a man determined to win the neighbourhood’s annual Christmas home-decoration contest. And what could possibly go wrong when he accidentally makes a pact with an Elf named Pepper who brings the 12 days of Christmas to life! Can Murphy and his family save Christmas from the havoc that ensues?
Your Christmas or Mine 2 – Amazon Prime Video
Having enjoyed the first film, we are looking forward to the sequel where this time James and Hayley played by Asa Butterfield and Cora Kirk plan to spend Christmas as a couple. However, there is a mix-up once again when Lord Humphrey invites the Taylors to celebrate Christmas at a luxury ski resort to meet his new American girlfriend and the two families end up on different sides of a valley. Is the universe trying to tell them something? And will there be a happy ending for James and Hayley? Watch to find out!
EXmas – Freevee
Rom Com regular Robbie Amell stars in this Christmas offering where he surprises his family by coming home for Christmas only to find his ex, already there celebrating with them. There is clearly no love lost between the two so they decide to compete for which one the family will choose to keep for Christmas.
Family Switch – Netflix
Who doesn’t love a good old family body switching comedy. And this time our family led by Jennifer Garner are emotionally disconnected from each other in the run up to Christmas, so with some magic from an astrologer, they wake up to find parents and children have swapped bodies and of course on an important day for them all. Will they now understand each other more and will they return to their original bodies?
Best. Christmas. Ever! – Netflix
With the singer Brandy (Jackie) and Heather Graham (Charlotte) as frenemies, this Christmas comedy has Jackie boasting online each year of her perfect life through her annual Holiday Newsletter. So, when a twist of fate sends Charlotte and her family to Jackie’s home before Christmas, she is determined to find the truth behind the perfection.
The Naughty Nine – Disney+
Andy wakes up on Christmas morning to find no presents under the Christmas Tree. Realising that he is on the naughty list, he assembles a crack team of other children on the naughty list. Their goal to pull off a North Pole Heist and get back the Christmas they feel they deserve. Think Ocean 11 but with naughty kids and Santa as the mark.
Dashing Through the Snow – Disney+
Rapper Ludacris plays a good man (Eddie) who hates Christmas after an awful childhood experience. This Christmas his estranged wife asks him to look after their daughter on Christmas Eve where they meet a man in a red suit named Nick (coming down their chimney no less) and embark on a magical adventure. Will Eddie’s faith in Christmas be restored?
The Velveteen Rabbit – Apple TV+
A gorgeous looking film based on the classic children’s book. Be prepared for tears as you watch the story of a velveteen rabbit given as a Christmas present to a lonely boy whose intense love for the toy transforms it. This is a tale that explores the transformative power of love and the enduring magic that comes from being truly loved.
The Classics
And of course don’t forget the classics that we all know and love for a touch of nostalgia:
- Elf (2003)
- Love Actually (2003)
- Home Alone (1990)
- The Holiday (2006)
- Polar Express (2004)
- Die Hard (1988)
- A Christmas Carol (1984)
- It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
- The Grinch (2000)
- Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
So whether you’re into comedy, romance, or heart-warming tales of redemption, this list has got you covered. Grab some hot chocolate, snuggle up in a blanket, and let the holiday movie marathon begin!