2021 Holiday Movies & TV
This holiday season of holiday movies see’s a whole new batch of great movies and even two TV shows that list worthy. I will admit that I have been worried that the Hallmark Channel was going to take over this genre but I am happy to report that Netflix and Amazon are still on top. With the cinema world still struggling to get people back in the theater, these two giants are still on top. I will admit the Hallmark machine is to repetitive. This season of holiday movies see many love stories, a little horror and the success of two former Ugly Betty co-starts. It’s also the year for the Danes who have 4 films on this list.
MOVIES
The Claus Family on Netflix is one of the best voice-over foreign films I’ve seen in a long time. This adorable tale of the Claus Family and the passing of the baton to a young Claus grandchild. Yes this story has been told many times but the visualization of this story perfectly mastered by Danish director. Critics were not kind about this tale to save Christmas but my kids really enjoyed this cute family film. Sadly it’s not making my watch list.
A Boy Called Christmas, cackling bitter old ladies, talking mouse side-kicks and an epic narrator, what more can you want from a magical adventure movie. The kids actually really loved the movie and the adventure. I’ve already added it to my Holiday Must Watch List below. One could want more Dame Maggie but lets be real the woman is still working hard in her late 80’s. Reminds me of my grandmother. Another plus about this film is the amazing cast that was assembled, from Kristin Wiig (USA), Michiel Huisman from Game of Thrones (Dutch), and joining Dame Maggie is fellow brits Jim Broadbent and Toby Jones.
Shaun and Sheep The Flight Before Christmas was a delifhtful movie, the twins enjoyed watching it and Margot even said it was “cute”, when asked would you watch it again, all I got was “SURE.” I’d put it down for watching it once.
A Castle For Christmas 11/26 Brook Shields master the holiday movie market, just wish I could say the same for Carry Elwies. His on screen connection with Shields is too cold. I get it, he’s supposed to be a modern day scrooge. If he really wanted deep down to keep his village intact. I wouldn’tt have gone so cold with your character. Overall it’s actually a pretty we rounded feel-good movie for the holiday season. Shields shines and the support cast (the knitters) shine even more bright. I would recommend a watch.
Ever wonder what’s really happening when a bird ends up being trapped inside a house? Robin Robin, on Netflix explains it all. The kids really enjoyed this little tale of a bird trying to learn how to fly. The animation and musical storyline are the highlights of this movie.
Father Christmas is Back is a delightful surprise. I don’t know why I initially cringed when I read about this movie, maybe it’s the fact seeing Kelsey Grammer is in the cast is a total turn off for me. This stems from my early RHOBH pledge to loathe Kelsey forever because of what he did to Camille. I guess if she can move on, it’s time for me to move on. What really drew me to the movie was the fact, John Cleese & Kris Marshall (Love Actually) were in it. But what truly made this holiday movie an add to my watch list, the amazing Elizabeth Hurley, who actually had some stellar acting moments in the movie, granted its more of a comedy.
The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star, Vanessa Hudghens is back, doing a triple casting of herself in this trilogy of movies. I’ve enjoyed this series and my girls enjoyed watch them as well. I think Netflix has done a pretty good job with these three films and this is where it should end
David and the Elves on Netflix is just okay. I really wanted to enjoy this movie but the overacting by the cast makes it hard to watch in subtitles. Don’t get me started on the casting of Santa. Who knew Santa was such a messy looking person. And the whole Mrs. Claus sense of smell is off storyline was annoying. This is a hard pass in my book.
Single All the Way, is the it’s movie of the season! Thanks to Netflix. Ugly Betty star Michael Urie leads a hilarious cast. This is not the only Ugly Betty alum on this years post. Urie isn’t the only highlight of this movie. Jennifer Coolidge and Kathy Najimy also co-star with Urie and the hilarious story of hidden love is a holiday delight. After the movie was over, I found myself wanting to watch it all over again, right away. Safe to say that it’s going on the watch list for sure. Another plus is Jennifer Robertson (Schitt’s Creek) is amazing as Urie’s older sister. Best moment in the film is Jennifer Coolidge speaking to her cast members with an inspiring words of wisdom that kind of came from someone else.
Netflix’s Boxing Day is a delightful UK treat this holiday season. The best part of this movie is seeing Marianne Jean-Baptiste in a leading role along with the amazing Aja Naomi (How to Get Away with Murder.) The women are the crowning glory of this film, they shine and drive this movie. Love stories are always complicated and this one is just as complicated. I enjoyed watching it and recommend it for a watch, even though they steal a little from love actually. Sadly it’s not list worthy.
A Ninja Christmas is a delightful story of a mother trying her hardest to marry her kids off. The real story is about three men learning who they are and realizing the people they need to be is far more important. It’s freshman movie and story but its entertaining. It’s worth a watch but I don’t think it’s a watch over and over movie.
Love Hard is another stellar movie from Netflix. Probably the most original storyline this holiday season. Nina Debrov (Vampire Diaries) is brilliant in this flipped love tale, which also has an actor who typically plays supporting roles. Jimmy O. Yang may not sound familiar but his resume is extensive, most notably Silicon Valley and Crazy Rich Asians. I am adding this great movie because it takes you on journey through unexpected love but it also has delightful surprises throughout the movie. And mostly because Jimmy O. is a completely different actor in this film and I love he’s giving us a whole new Jimmy in this film.
TV SERIES
Elves on Netflix is a mix of Christmas along with Horror. Don’t be scared, the gore is not that intense. A family decides to spend Christmas out on a island. What could go wrong. I think the fact a large portion of the island is surrounded with an electric fence should have been a warning. Another Danish treat this holidays season. It’s worth the watch but not worth a repeat because once you know the story, the show becomes a Sixth Sense moment. That said, they could show up next year with season 2.
With Love is a new series that was released on Amazon Prime. The first episode ropes you into the many love triangles swirling around. This show is certainly the Dash & Lily for this holiday season. If you missed Dash & Lily last year, you have watch it, it’s a wonderfully written series, which sadly only live one season. With Love, is a kaleidoscope view into the lives of the Diaz family. I love that the amazing Isis King was casted in this series and she truly shine in this wonderful cast. The added plus is seeing Mark Indelicato (Ugly Betty) taking on a new chapter in his career. This was added to the Must Watch Holiday List. I also have to note the guest appearance EJ Johnson and Brandon Routh (did anyone else have no clue Brandon’s toro was that long…)
2021 Movie List (kids movies in BOLD)
Almost Christmas
Arthur Christmas
Auntie Mame
A Bad Moms Christmas
A Boy Called Christmas
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2
A Christmas Story
Christmas with the Kranks
The Christmas Candle
Desk Set
The Family Man
Family Stone
Four Christmases
Fred Clause
Giant
The Grinch
Grumpy Old Men
The Holiday
Holiday
Home Alone 1&2
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
It’s Christmas Again, Charlie Brown
Jingle Jangle
Joyuex Noel
Last Christmas
Love Actually
Love Hard
The Man Who Invented Christmas
A Medea Christmas
Meet Me in St. Louis
Miracle on 34th Street (new version. I fall asleep during the original)
Mixed Nuts
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Nutcracker: The Motion Picture
Office Christmas Party
The Philadelphia Story
Pocket Full of Miracles
The Polar Express
The Princess Switch
Rudolph’s Shiny New Year
The Santa Clause 1, 2, 3
Serendipity
Single All the Way
Unaccompanied Minors
We’re No Angels
While You Were Sleeping
White Christmas
It’s A Wonderful Life
You’ve Got Mail
TV Shows
A Christmas Prince / Royal Wedding / Royal Baby
Christmas with the Darlings
The Holiday Calendar
John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together
The Vicar of Dibley
With Love