Tag Archives: christmas movies

I’ll Be Home for Christmas (1998)

I watched “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” on the recommendation of a friend, and I really enjoyed it. The only way I could get my hands on it was to buy a used copy at Blockbuster, and I’m glad I forked over the money. It’s a keeper. Jonathan Taylor Thomas plays Jake Wilkinson, a college freshman who hasn’t spent Christmas at home since his mom died. The memories are just too painful for him, especially when his dad remarried not even a year after his mother’s passing. He’s become cynical and manipulative, not wanting to think about anyone but himself. … Continue reading →

The Nativity Story (2006)

Last year, when I first saw ads for “The Nativity Story,” I was concerned that Hollywood had taken this most sacred of events and commercialized it. However, I was impressed and surprised. The story was beautiful and well-done, and I highly recommend it. We get the story from a couple of different angles. We see King Herod and understand more about his position, why the coming of the Christ-child was such a threat to him that he would murder so many babies in order to keep Christ from taking over his throne. Not that Christ would have done such a … Continue reading →

Deck the Halls (2006)

The perfect Christmas movie uplifts and inspires, sometimes makes us laugh, often makes us cry, and always gives us the warm, fuzzy feeling of Christmas. “Deck the Halls” did absolutely none of those things for me. Matthew Broderick plays Steve Finch, the town eye doctor and also the chairman of the Christmas Festival. The town has been getting ready for the holidays and so has Steve, with his obsessive-compulsive need to organize everything down to the last speck. His wife (Kristin Davis) tries to help him see that they don’t need to be so uptight about the schedule, but he’s … Continue reading →

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

I started this blog earlier this afternoon, and my computer kept shutting down on me while I was writing. It was a shame, really, because this is truly a marvelous movie and the thought of not getting to share it with you had me all depressed. But my husband worked his marvelous magic and now we’re up and running again. Heather and Libby watch “Miracle on 34th Street” every year. Let’s take a closer look and discover why it continues to be such a holiday favorite year after year. Natalie Wood stars as Susan Walker, a young girl who has … Continue reading →

Mr. Krueger’s Christmas (1980)

My very first memories of this movie take me back to the Visitor’s Center on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. I was about five, and we settled into the plush seats, knowing we were about to see something special. Jimmy Stewart stars as Willie Krueger, a widowed janitor who lives in the basement of the apartment building where he works. He’s spent the day sweeping pine needles out of the lobby as the tenants brought their trees up to their apartments, and now he’s ready to get his own place decorated for the day. His apartment is small … Continue reading →

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (1983)

Yesterday, Lauri reviewed the book “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” by Barbara Robinson. Today I’m reviewing the made-for-TV movie of that book, which is a must-see for me each and every holiday season. Our narrator is Beth Bradley, a serious-minded young lady who has a wide-eyed view of life and is learning to be a little cynical. She’s the daughter of Grace (Loretta Swit) and Bob (Jackson Davies) devout members of their local church. She and her brother Charlie attend Sunday School every week and are looking forward to the Christmas pageant, although Charlie really doesn’t want to be a … Continue reading →

The Santa Clause (1994)

Comedian Tim Allen stars in this modern Christmas classic about a man by the name of Scott Calvin who works at a toy factory. He is divorced and has a young son named Charlie, and they are scheduled to spend Christmas Eve together. However, the after-work party keeps Scott from being on time, making Charlie even more sure that Christmas is ruined. Scott can’t even put together a decent meal, and they end up eating at Denny’s. Scott tucks Charlie into bed after reading him the Christmas story, only to be awakened a short time later by a thumping on … Continue reading →

Tristi’s Favorite Christmas Movies

It was Thanksgiving yesterday, and that means Christmas movies! I always kickstart my holiday season on Thanksgiving night by watching a Christmas movie, and at least once a week until the Big Day arrives, I watch another. Christmas movies are a wonderful way to bring the joy of the season into our homes. In no particular order, here are the films I watch every year, without fail. 1. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The Herdsmans are the worst behaved kids in the whole town. When they catch word that the local church serves refreshments, they start attending, and they even … Continue reading →

The Star of Christmas (2002)

Bob the Tomato stars as Cavis Appythart and Larry the Cucumber as Millward Phelps in this Christmas movie by the creators of VeggieTales. Cavis and Millward are hopeful British composers, somewhat after the style of Gilbert and Sullivan, who are trying to make it big with their production, “The Princess and the Plumber.” They’ve asked Miss Effie Pickering (Madame Blueberry) to head up their cast, and now they need a big show stopper, a main attraction. If they don’t get a good crowd, their entire dream will go up in smoke and they won’t be able to pay for all … Continue reading →

Christmas Movies for Couples

As promised in my previous article, Christmas Eve Traditions for Couples, here are some Christmas movies that you might enjoy. Heather shared her favorites in Holiday Date Night – Celebrate with Christmas Movies. Do You Like Chevy Chase? ““National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” isn’t exactly a romantic holiday movie, although there are some sweet parts. If you like crazy slapstick adventure combined with some tender moments, you may enjoy this movie. Chevy Chase is married to Beverly D’Angelo and the two are very cute together, even as all their plans for a perfect Christmas turn to chaos. Is this a Couple’s … Continue reading →