31 Christmas Films in 31 days... okay, maybe 24.

Who else will agree with me that December is the BEST month of the year???

You've got crisp mornings, you've got endless amounts of coats and scarves that you can bundle on at the same time. You've got wintery walks and epic sunrises and sunsets. You get holiday cheer. You get beautifully decorated Christmas trees, and Christmas songs, and Mulled Wine. (Yes, I like Mulled Wine!). You've got chilly winds and the potential of snow.

But what I love when December 1st rolls around, other than the obvious -no, not the chance to FINALLY open my advent calendar - is that I know the nights are getting longer. And that means longer to watch films. We get our blankets out, turn the heating up, cue the cheesiest Christmas movies and snuggle up and enjoy them.

Now, I don't know about anyone else, but I'm always happy to watch a Christmas film at whatever time of the year... even in June. However December is when HUNDREDS more of them appear. All new, all (probably) on Netflix and all perfectly tacky and Christmassy that they really can't be beat.

So in that spirit (the Christmas spirit aha aha ahahaha) I've set myself a little wee Christmas challenge of my own. 31 Christmas Films in 31 days. It's probably the easiest challenge because a) I love Christmas and b) I love films ... so the only challenge is choosing which ones to actually watch... because there are literally SO many Christmas films I could probably watch 8 day and I'd still have hundreds left.

Now you'll be pleased to know that I won't be doing one blog post a day but rather than I'm going to keep adding to this one post... so that we're left with a monster blog post with reviews of all 31 Christmas films I've decided on.

I've tried to mix them up... some classic ones, some new ones, definitely some tacky ones, some sad ones... but most importantly they are all about the most wonderful time of the year... CHRISTMAS.

So without further ado/adieu (however you spell it) let us begin shall we? (I think it is ado)

***

DAY 1: Love Actually, 2003 (dir. Richard Curtis)

If someone asked me to describe what happens in this film without using either the DVD sleeve (yes DVDs still exist - most of them on my shelf) or the IMDb page, I would definitely be able to do it. And just like The Holiday, I'd probably be able to tell you whereabouts we were if all I could hear was the soundtrack.

Love Actually is a truly wholesome film. There isn't anything wrong it. It's got an absolutely stellar cast: Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman (interesting fact Emma/Alan/Hugh were all in Sense & Sensibility together), Liam Neeson... It's got a great soundtrack, both by various artists and by the beautifully melodic piano tones of Craig Armstrong. It's got great humour too. The humour is actually awesome... The Prime Minister dancing (see above), Christmas Is All Around, the naked art gallery (They're not funny, they're art...), the carol singing copper... ugh, everything. I just love everything. If people ask me to choose a favourite scene I'd probably go for........... Nope. Nope I can't choose. There are too many.

People might ask me why I started off on day one with this film... why I started off with what is arguably one of the best Christmas films out there. Well, Reader... I think the question is actually why wouldn't you start with Love Actually? I don't know about anyone else but it puts me in the Christmas spirit... it's all about love and family and friendships, with a whole lot of dry English humour along the way, and it's the perfect way to start off a cracking December.

So before I start giving away the entire plot to the film for those (very rare) people who haven't seen it... predictably... I hereby give this film a 5* rating. Because it's just that. 5 STAR.

And here's more dancing Hugh...

***

DAY 2: The Muppet Christmas Carol, 1992 (dir. Brian Henson)

The Muppet Christmas Carol is one of those timeless classics that I try (and usually fail) to watch every Christmas. The last few years have been scuppered by the fact it's not on any terrestrial channels and it seems to be the one film on earth I don't have on DVD. But this year - and now every year - I can find it on Disney Plus.

I actually like the story of A Christmas Carol, Dickens' classic - although I think Gonzo definitely tells it a lot quicker than Charlie D does - because it's about how your past, present and your plan for your future can sculpt your outlook on life. People hate Scrooge because he's made it his business to be miserable and therefore make everyone else miserable... and therefore fear, hate and avoid him. And yet when he's been visited by Christmas Past, Present and Future, the people all gather around him because he sees the person he was, the person he is and the person he could be... and he decides to change that. In time for Christmas. (Cue the tears).

Alright, okay, you caught me: I haven't actually read A Christmas Carol, but I have seen various adaptations of it - including the Jim Carrey version (potentially stay tuned at a later date for that one) - but who doesn't love a timeless classic being told by Gonzo and Rizzo, with SIR MICHAEL CAINE as Mr Ebenezer Scrooge.

But that's the thing. The Muppet Christmas Carol really is timeless. I wasn't really a Muppets fan when I was younger... I was more of Snorks, Simpsons or a Smurfs fan myself... but I love that the Muppets is still accessible, no matter what age you are.

I was just about to turn 1 year old when this film came out, and now I'm nearing the terrifying age of 30 (thankfully not this year but it is soon) and I still thoroughly enjoy the jokes, the songs and the simplified story just as much as the next person. Another example is my dad... He doesn't really like watching films (I know, I know, how am I his daughter) and he seemed to enjoy it. Yes, okay, he fell asleep at one point (I have photographic evidence in case he tries to say otherwise) but in the bits he was awake for, he was laughing and reacting just as much as I was, which means it really is accessible to all ages.

It's one of those films I can't really put down in terms of rating. I hate to. It's a childhood classic, everyone has heard of it and it's nearly everybody's film favourite around this time of year. So although it's not quite as high a rating as Love Actually - I really have started with good ones here - so I'm going to give this a 4.9/5. Because it's almost 5 STAR. Just not quite.

And I'm just wanting to give a gentle reminder that there are now 23 days until Christmas...!!!

***

Day 3: Operation Christmas Drop, 2020 (dir. Martin Wood)

Day 3 out of 31 on my Christmas fest and today I'm heading to Netflix.

Over the last few years, Netflix has been the new place to find some very tacky Christmas flicks that everybody seemingly enjoys. It succeeds in giving you new content to watch around Christmas that isn't you constantly rewatching Suits or Gossip Girl (or in my case, Heartland). As soon as December 1st hits, the new (and the old) Christmas films get bumped to the top of your 'Recommended...' list and this year there are some whoppers.

Now I have to admit that I watched this one as soon as it was released on November 5th. I tried to wait, but I will hold my hand up to say I may be a huge fan of both leading stars - Kat Graham and Alexander Ludwig - so I just couldn't. And I will also hold my hand up to the fact the cast drew to the film, rather than the story. (But then who watches these films for their stories... I mean, really...) HOWEVER........ although it may have started out watching just because it was there and it was new (and stars Kat and Alex), by the time I finished the film, I knew that I was actually watching it for the right reasons. And that I enjoyed it for the right reasons. Sure, it's tacky and follows a predictable storyline as most of the other Christmas films you've already seen - grouchy worker finds Christmas spirit in far off location storyline - but the actual underlying story, the Christmas Drop, is absolutely real, and the relief effort did truly blow me away.

Soldiers in the US Army based in Guam genuinely do donate their time and resources, helping to sort thousands of donations coming from across the world. This happens throughout the year, and is all done to help provide life-supporting supplies across the 600 remote islands of the Pacific, spanning nearly 1.8 million nautical miles... and I bet I'm not the only one to learn that this year.

Having searched Google for the above picture, I learned that this film was actually one of Netflix' least-watched Christmas films this year, having been (probably) blown out of the water by Holidate or the long-awaited sequel to The Princess Switch. But I can happily say that my sister and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and we were both extremely happy to learn that Operation Christmas Drop is a real thing and not a thing of fiction.

Now unfortunately, coronavirus has dealt a blow this year, Operation Christmas Drop - the real Operation Christmas Drop - won't be happening this year for the protection of the Micronesian islands due to the ongoing pandemic, so I think the film makes it even more poignant, showing how important those drops really are. The drop has been cancelled this year for the first time in its history.

Now, I do encourage people to watch this to show just how much goes into this operation, with help coming from all over the world, with donated free time and food, medicinal and schooling resources... with none of it costing a cent to taxpayers... And then there is also the eye-candy. And a very cute - but definitely very crap - CGI Gecko called Lucky.

Overall rating though... it's a 3/5. It's not Netflix' best, and even I have to admit I did want to watch it for the cast rather than the story... but the true story is a bonus that picks it up off the floor of a potential score of 1.5.

Onto day 4... What will I choose next?!

***

Day 4: How The Grinch Stole Christmas, 2000 (dir. Ron Howard)

Firstly can I just say this film is TWENTY. YEARS. OLD. WHAT THE FUDGING HELL.

And secondly I'm actually regretting putting this one so near the beginning because I just love it so damn much. There is no moment in this that doesn't make me laugh. God. Jim Carrey is a comedic genius all by himself but when you bring in the poetic genius of Dr Seuss... Christ alive you're in for a treat. All the holy adverbs/adjectives (not quite sure which is which tbh (and I probably should given I'm writing a book!!)).

Anyway. I digress. Right, what were we talking about? Oh yeah. The Grinch.

I mean. It comes down to one thing and one thing alone, doesn't it? And that's Jim Carrey. The man just embodies the Grinch so well. His accent, the prosthetics, the jokes, the hilarity... and I know the Grinch is a story, but Jim Carrey well and truly brings it off the page and straight into your face in a truly amazing way.

Favourite bits... again, can't choose. Probably the Whobilation (before he destroys everything, probably). The echoing in his cave, miss-sorting in the mail room, Max the dog. All the best dogs are called Max aren't they. But also... ANTHONY HOPKINS is the greatest narrator in all history. If ever my life gets made into a movie - although I apologise now because it'll probably just entail lots of me just sitting on the sofa watching a film or talking weirdly with Josie - I want Anthony Hopkins to narrate. And you know what? I'm even more proud that my dad guessed him from just his voice at the beginning... Legend. A true legend.

Now I know quite a lot of people really don't like Jim Carrey as an actor and think his in your face humour is a bit much to handle, but here is where you need it. Can you imagine the Grinch without a personality? And can I just say his Grinchy smile is UNCANNY to the cartoon Grinch (see gifs below!!). He just makes this film what it is. And if you don't like him in anything else, this is the film that will redeem him I can guarantee it.

We all know that the true story of the Grinch is how the Whos of Whoville finally learn that Christmas is not just about presents... as much as they want it to be. No, they finally realise it's about family, and spending time with the people you love. And I just absolutely love that it's a grouchy, green, gritty Grinch that teaches everyone that lesson in his own special and hilarious way.

I still can't get over the fact that this film came out 20 years ago. I was 10... and I remember being completely terrified of the Grinch the first time I saw it. His creepy grin, those long, furry green fingers and the fact he ate a raw onion - fun fact everybody: Jim Carrey did actually eat that raw onion - all sent me running from the room... but now I'd happily sit and watch that film on repeat.

I'd say this one's a 4/5 for me. It is truly amazing, and it's a great, entertaining kids film... but it's not quite as epic as the film I did on day one is it. I think everyone can agree with me there. So yeah. 4/5... But Jim is a 5. Good on ya, Jim.

ALSO LOOK AT THESE UNCANNY SMILES! You can see why this terrified me, can't you.

***

Day 5: The Snowman, 1982 (dir. Dianne Jackson)

I love this film. And what I love about it is that it is purely music. There's no dialogue, no chattering, no background noise... just music.

The sound of a light switch, the sound of jingling bells... you name it and the composer, Howard Blake, has done it.

The Snowman is the shortest Christmas film I can think of, being at a running time of only 26 minutes, but it packs a whole lot of Christmas punch in the meantime. It's the story of how a boy from Brighton, James, creates a Snowman in his back garden and, spoiler alert, the snowman comes to life. He does what all kids his age would do to his now-alive snowman, he invites him inside, shows him around the house - including his mother's wardrobe and the freezer - before being whisked across the sea to the North Pole...

Cue Walking in the Air. In my opinion, Walking in the Air is probably up there as one of the most of iconic songs you will hear. The voice, Peter Auty, is one of the beautiful voices I've ever heard, with the trills on the Rs... and the animations to go with it are awesome, even if it is basic. Basic works in this case... and it works so well.

But being 26 minutes long, it doesn't take you long to watch it, which worked out perfectly for me because I went out for dinner for the first time since like August yesterday, so managed to watching this between 11:30pm and 12am and still get to bed by 12:30...

Out of 5 then? Probably a 4. And I'll be watching this one again on Christmas Eve like I always do. Tradition is tradition, of course.

***

Day 6: Family for Christmas, 2015 (dir. Amanda Tapping)

Today we head to Amazon Prime, mostly because Dad was sick of me watching The Mandalorian all afternoon. (Just reached the end of the episodes available and OH MY GOD GUYS!!!! #nospoilers but... WHOA!)

Okay back to the Christmas film at hand. Family for Christmas. One word for you... and that word is meh.

It's what you'd expect really... Suitably tacky and very-well suited to the Hallmark Channel it belongs to, and in this particular Christmas episode of Cheer, the story gives you a married-to-her-work news correspondent who's made it to the top but finds herself wishing for the life she'd never realised she wanted with her high school sweetheart, two daughters and... being happy at Christmas. Cue the tears.

I mean... to put it bluntly, it was rubbish. It was predictable, the acting was terrible, the main cast together seemed robotic and no chemistry... BUT that's what you're supposed to love about these types of Christmas films right? You love them because the houses are always WAY too over-decorated and have really tacky decorations on their front lawns, or that they throw Christmas parties at their houses where there's a Christmas tree made out of broccoli nibbles.

I'm not under the illusion that any of these films are award-winningly amazing, especially when ALL of the stories follow a similar pattern. But what is very safe to say is that this one is probably the worst one I've seen in a long while...

Not much more to say really. Oh! Wait! There was one good bit! The family have a HUGE big shaggy dog called Toby. That is literally the highlight. 2/5. Please say Day 7 brings something a whole lot better.

***

Day 7: Jack Frost, 1998 (dir. Troy Miller)

Now this is a film I haven't seen in a while. And what a fun film it is!

I love the premise. Despite the slightly melancholy fact the little boy's father dies, the fact he spend one final Christmas with him as a snowman that comes to life...

And I love Michael Keaton. He's one of those actors that do everything. He's been Batman, he's done Beatlejuice, he's done bad guy... you name it, he's probably done it. But there's something different with him as snowman. And he really does a great snowman...

It's not necessarily a Christmas film this one, but it's more about family... It just happens to be set around Christmas. It's about a boy bonding with his father, getting to say a proper goodbye, after parting on less than savoury terms. To get a second chance and spend time with someone you thought was gone forever... well there's no way anyone would say no.

It's a kids film - first and foremost - but it's one that I actually still love, despite it being an absolute age since I've last seen it.

Waaaaaaaaaaaay better than the film I watched yesterday... but still not up there with the greats. 4/5. And definitely worth a watch if you want a fun one for the kids... It's got a few sad bits, but for the most part, it's fun and lighthearted.

***

Day 8: A Christmas Prince, 2017 (dir. Alex Zamm)

Day 8... and today we head back over to Netflix. And here we'll stay as we sample the delights of the threequel beauties that are A Christmas Prince, A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding and A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby.

Blessed with three wonderfully tacky plot lines - a journalist goes undercover whilst trying to find out the truth about the elusive prince of a tiny snow-covered kingdom (who she predictably falls in love with), said journalist then gets sucked into royal politics amidst planning a royal wedding whilst helping solve a royal crisis and then finally said journalist and now-husband (also the King) must fight off a curse that seems to be directly affected by an impending royal baby - you really can't make these stories.

But you know what? I absolutely love them.

2017 and 2018 was Netflix' year in terms of making near-to-okay Christmas films, and with characters you can properly find a connection to (I empathise with Amber because I love to write too, and I mean who wouldn't fall for Ben Lamb) it's hard not to get sucked in.

I won't go too far into the plots and my thoughts of the other two (you'll have to wait and see for the next few days) but I will say that when the sequels were announced, I wasn't unexcited like I usually am with these sorts of films. It's like when they announced The Prince & Me 2... only the main female role had been recast. It doesn't quite work when the actors change in the main roles... But here, we've kept the same people all the way through, and despite the acting being terrible at times, the stories are actually not hard to love.

Right... without further ado (see I told you it was ado) let's move on to Day 9! And the sequel...

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Day 9: A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding, 2018 (dir. John Schultz)

A sequel Netflix can be proud of. Mostly...

A new King amidst a new economical reform? And it all goes tits up? We all know what this brews, and of course it can only be trouble...

I mean the tack-o-meter is ringing non stop in this film, not to mention that Prince, sorry King Richard’s acting is getting worse with each new film... But I still heartily enjoyed it with a pinch of salt.

Alright fine, maybe I only started watching it because I’d watched the first one yesterday, but I have a soft spot in my heart for terrible films. I can never admit that a film is terrible - although I do make an exception for Suicide Squad which was utterly terrible - and instead of saying I hate it, I say it was alright. And this film was just that. Alright.

When A Christmas Prince came out, I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed it - to be honest I wouldn’t even say it was crap - and when they announced a sequel I was amongst the hundreds of thousands of people that logged on the day it came out and watched it... and I mean... I was a little disappointed. But then what did I expect? A) it’s a Christmas film... ultimately designed to be tack-central, and B) it’s a sequel... so my expectations shouldn’t have been so high to begin with.

So you can imagine what I’m going to be saying for the Threequel... And I'll give it a 3/5 as well.

***

Day 10: A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby, 2019 (dir. John Schultz)

A short and snappy quick fire review here... And you know when you finish a Christmas film where it ends with a happy ending... and you think to yourself that you want to see what happens next? Well this is it... and I’m sorry to say this is the worst one.

Even for a tacky Christmas film the story is crap and it’s clear the writers are grasping at straws in order to make it entertaining... As well as expecting a royal baby, the royal couple have to host the Royal Penglian family... and when the treaty they have to sign goes missing - threatening a curse on the family’s first born child if the treaty isn‘t signed by Christmas Day - the whole castle goes into an uproar. Of course, given her journalistic background, of course the heavily pregnant Amber is the one that plays Sherlock. And of course everyone is under scrutiny.

I enjoy this film to a point, because you accept that it’s going to be crap given it‘s a Threequel, but even if I did enjoy it... I hope to God there isn’t a fourth one. 2/5. And even that's generous to be honest...

***

Day 11: Home Alone, 1990 (dir. Chris Columbus)

Yaaaaay, moving on to proper Christmas classics!! And who doesn't love Home Alone, in all it's wondrous glory.

And, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to let people know that this film is in fact 30 years old this year. Yep. Does that make people feel old? Okay I'll be quiet now.

But man I love this movie. And I love this movie even more now that it's on Disney Plus (even if I already have them on DVD) meaning that more people can share in the amazingness that is Home Alone.

It starts off with a bumpy ride, doesn't it. To be honest, sometimes I completely understand where Kevin is coming from in terms of having a large family to deal with at Christmas. Now, I love every single human being in my family with every inch of my heart and soul, but I'm sure they'll agree with me when I say that a couple of hours of quiet time - or even a couple of minutes - is appreciated in amongst all the madness. And the first scene, where it's people everywhere, with a family of over 20 people on my mum's side - including dogs, of course - it really does hit home. And I have most definitely been sent upstairs with no tea my fair share of times. It's a Christmas tradition for kids... To be honest it's not even reserved for Christmas.

Now, onto the main crux. Kevin gets accidentally left behind after an argument with his mum, so cue the celebrations. But... being home alone isn't the reason I love this film. It's Kevin's dealing with the Wet Bandits that always gets me... And I know it's all for complete show, but who doesn't cringe when Marv steps on that nail. *SHUDDERS* Gives me the heeby-jeebies.

But what's the true theme in this? Well it's family isn't it. Despite being the one picked on the most or the one that's called a jerk or sent upstairs with no dinner, the fact that Kevin's mum tries everything to get back to her son as soon as possible shows that a mother will do anything for her son. And that Christmas isn't the same without family.

For everyone this year, Christmas without some or all of the family is going to be a bit strange. We always have quite a large gathering for Christmas, or if it's not on Christmas Day then it's on Boxing Day, so I'm with everybody else in thinking that it won't feel the same this year. But after the news that Boris isn't changing the 3 house bubble for Christmas, at least we'll be able to see a few more people.

But anyways - back to the film - I challenge ANYBODY to say they don't like Home Alone. The hilarity, the immense amounts of Christmas decorations and the theme of family all the way through it, as well as the stupidity of an 8 year old outsmarting two house burglars, just makes it one of those Christmas traditions you always take part in.

Definitely a 5/5 on this one. I can't score it anything else. Merry Christmas ya filthy animals! Oh wait is that Home Alone 2? hehe.. Stay tune, guess what's coming next?

***

Day 12: Home Alone: Lost in New York, 1992 (dir. Chris Columbus)

Bet you didn't see that coming...? And of course we move on to Home Alone: Lost in New York for Day 12 of the Christmas marathon. With 13 days left until Christmas, s*** is getting real now.

Now for people that LOVE Home Alone as much as I do, you're seriously not disappointed with Kevin's second attempt at being lost, because this time it's in the Big Apple... and he's lost with his dad's credit card. Convenient. And with the added comedy of Tim Curry, plus the STICKY bandits (previously Wet Bandits) making a reprise, this film is packed with fun, laughter and more fun.

For the whole film you see the Sticky Bandits and Kevin circling, and you do start to think how is he going to do what he did last time... he doesn't have a home in New York. But conveniently his uncle is renovating (although if you ask me the house looks completely abandoned!) and he can more than make do with all the stuff left behind.

I love the slapstick comedy of these films. The way Kevin always gets away and comes back harder, using films or tape recorders to get away with things. And can I just say... Poor Marv. A nail in the foot in the first film and then six bricks and a staple in the butt this time around... you'd think they'd learn?

Now for films 3 and 4 (which I won't be reviewing amongst this list) Macauly Culkin is replaced, as are the Sticky Bandits, but the films kind of lost their charm after Lost in New York. And with the news of a Home Alone remake (can we all get a large 'REALLY' sigh) as Disney seems to think all the classics need to be remade... But that's the thing. Home Alone and Home Alone: Lost in New York are Christmas gems, and given they could quite literally be classed as iconic (in my opinion they are, but in others they're not), I think they need to be left alone to remain so... and not be nitpicked once the new film makes its appearance.

I can't score this less than a 5/5 either. I just love them too much. And now I can say Merry Christmas ya Filthy Animals...

***

Day 13: Noelle, 2019 (dir. Marc Lawrence)

Now today we head over to Disney Plus... for a Disney Plus original (well a Christmas film that was made last year but made its Christmas debut on Disney Plus this week). And I absolutely loved it.

Anna Kendrick is amazing. Her bright and bubbly personality shines through as the child of Santa Claus that receives his Twinkle (weird,I know) but does all she can to help he brother accept the mantle of Santa. It’s got fun, it‘s got Christmas and it has THE cutest little flying reindeer I have ever seen... well, I mean it IS a Disney film after all.

After saying to her brother that he should have a weekend away a week before Christmas, the mantle falls to Santa’s daughter, Noelle Kringle, to find and bring back her brother, Nick Kringle, in time to deliver presents on Christmas morning. Of course, she meets several both charming and not-so charming people on the way, and starts to realise she has the power to speak in many languages (including a very exchange in sign language with a young girl whose Christmas wish is for her mum to find a job she loves) and decipher whether children are naughty or nice. And of course, she finds help in the form of a handsome Private Detective called Jake who is, predictably, less than enthused around Christmas time. See... All fun!

What I love about it is that it has a different take. I love how they have the hilarity of how even the North Pole is attempting to start to push into the 21st century (presents delivered via Amazon Prime, etc) because the technology department are IT nerds who prefer the company of code than actual human contact. And on top of that, I love the comedy of someone from the North Pole - used to Christmas 24/7 and subzero temperatures all year round - experiencing culture for the first time, as well as the sunny Christmas weather in Arizona whilst wearing a fleecy snow suit.

Now, I may have rose-tinted glasses when it comes to Disney - I am a full-blown Disney fanatic and will admit that I will always give Disney films at least a 4/5 (apart from The Lion King, which I actually really didn’t enjoy as much as my expectations hoped) and I will quite happily give this one the same. And I will recommend it to people who love a good Disney-fied, cheesemas movie with a cute reindeer.

***

Day 14: A California Christmas, 2020 (dir. Shaun Paul Piccinino)

I’m slowly catching up! And we’re back to Netflix today to watch a film made entirely during the Covid-19 pandemic, proving the film industry can keep going... mostly. Although I suppose it does help when the main leads are married to each other in real life and the relationship on screen is just an extension of their relationship off the screen. It’s kind of cute really.

Now this Netflix tells of a corporate company looking to push Dairy Farm owners off their land just before Christmas (can I get a big BOOOOOO), so they send an up and coming (and attractive) VP to speak to the farmers. Of course, as predicted, things don't go according to plan. He ends up posing as a ranch hand - whilst keeping the original ranch hand secret - and helps out in an attempt to find the right time to tell her... only he falls in love with her. N'aww.

It has everything expected from a Netflix Christmas film. And I think this one deserves a few more props given it was made entirely through this pandemic, and there aren't very many that have. The story is a bit different - it isn't the usual prince falling in love with a commoner - so I'm going to give it a 3/5. I may end up changing my mind but let's keep it like that for now...

***

Day 15: The Princess Switch, 2018 (dir. Michael Rohl)

As a Brit, I can categorically tell you that Vanessa Hudgens' accent is one of the worst I have ever heard. And it does cast a major shadow over most of the enjoyment of the film. If you can call it enjoyment.

To be honest, I was already reaching the end of my tether in terms of princess movies by the time this one came along. There reaches a point where Netflix, Hallmark, Prime Video and every single other film studio must have to start thinking that they need a new storyline? Even if you change the bit in the middle, the bit where *gasp* the duchess (ugh, she's not even a princess as the title suggests!) switches with an identical-faced baker, it's still the same. Prince falls in love with out-spoken, royal-opinion-changing commoner...

Okay. Paired with the fact I'm really not a fan of Vanessa Hudgens at all, I really REALLY didn't like this film. And the only saving grace in it is the beautiful Sam Palladio, who I missed from my screen after he left Nashville. He was probably the only reason I watched this film...

Many people would agree with me when they say they only watched this because it was the easiest thing to choose. As it's December, Netflix' entire catalogue of Christmas films is at the top of the screen and will save you the 40-50 minutes it will take you to choose something else. And I would never recommend this film to anyone to be honest, mainly because I'm biased in how much I actually do NOT like Vanessa Hudgens (I think the word despise comes to mind...) but 12-16s would probably love this. Everyone else... please don't waste your time.

And definitely don't waste your time on the sequel. I'm reviewing that one next and spoiler alert... it's bad.

***

Day 16: The Princess Switch: Switched Again, 2020 (dir. Mike Rohl)

Okay yes, noooow she's a princess, fine *rolls eyes*, but this film is still just as terrible as Vanessa Hudgens' English accent... and worse, she has to do it twice as is now not just two Vanessa Hudgens. There are THREE. MASSIVE UGH.

Nope. Terrible. I don't even want to have to think about it again it's that bad. And to be honest... There just isn't enough Sam Palladio in it and Vanessa Hudgens acting really is terrible.

I'm done with the princess movies now guys, I've decided. My poor brain can't take them anymore.

1/5. And I'm only giving it 1 because of the 5 minutes of screen time Sam Palladio has and he gets to punch someone's lights out. Woo Sam! I mean look at him... (this isn't him in the film btw. This is just him.)

Moving swiftly on........... and away from Netflix for the time being. And again I promise, no more Princess movies, I swear.

***

Day 17: Miracle on 34th Street, 1994 (dir. Les Mayfield)

Now this will come as a shock to quite a few people, but this is the first time I've seen Miracle on 34th Street. And I was NOT disappointed. And how better to get yourself into the Christmas spirit by watching a film that is completely engulfed in it.

Santa - Kris Kringle - decides he wants to see how society lives, and he finds himself hired by Cole's department store for Christmas... playing Santa. There he brings joy to the kids by saying he'll bring them their toys whilst bringing joy to adults by telling them where to get it cheaper! But in amongst this, he meets the daughter of department store marketing exec, who is on the verge of not believing in Santa.

It's a story of wishes, and of lessons. Santa grants Christmas wishes - which include a wish for a real family - whilst teaching of the true spirit of Christmas, which all climaxes in a court case where Santa is put on trial... with his lawyer Brian Bedford charged to convince the great American public that Santa does indeed exist. It's a court case where the opposing council brings forth a reindeer as a witness... which I must admit, made me laugh... as it's supposed to.

I don't know about any of you guys, but in the last 17 days (or actually 23 days because I'm so far behind) I have seen so many versions of Santa, and Richard Attenborough is by far my favourite. Despite being John Hammond from Jurassic Park for all these years, now he is Santa... and David Attenborough's brother!!!! (I'm sure you all knew that already though, but just wanted to remind people).

I really love this film. And as the days before Christmas get less and less, I'm glad I've finally been able to watch it. It's fun, it's emotional, it's sad, it's joyful and it makes me smile... so for that I'm giving it a 4/5. Despite saying I watched this on the 17th, I watched this on the 20th... and given I felt lower than I ever had after the news of Tier 4 and not being able to spend my Christmas with all of my family, this one really picked up my spirits and put a smile back on my face.

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Day 18: Holidate, 2020 (dir. John Whitesell)

I'm not sure if it counts as a Christmas movie to be honest... but seeing as it starts and ends with the Christmas holidays, we'll run with it.

Holidate was a breath of fresh air in my opinion. You know why? BECAUSE IT WASN'T A CHRISTMAS PRINCESS FILM! This one came out at the end of October, along with Operation Christmas Drop a week later (also not a Christmas Princess film) and it was such a relief. It was purely comedy, with two seemingly unattached people who don't want their families and friends on their backs about not having dates for special occasions ultimately ending up falling in love by accident... because they can be themselves.

And I love Emma Roberts in this. She's witty and she's sarcastic and she fits this role so well, and BONUS she has natural chemistry with Luke Bracey. And I am SO glad they kept him as Australian for the film because I absolutely love the Australian accent... and you don't get many Australian Christmas heroes these days. Or ever really? (it's actually got me thinking...)

But of course this film is predictable. And despite going through holidays that some people may not class as a holiday (Cinco de Mayo for example... I wish the UK had that off!!) you could see the ending coming from a mile away. But I like that. And can recommend to anyone (especially those who enjoy Netflix tack) to watch this. Obviously it isn't Oscar worthy, but it's a hell of a lot better than any of the Christmas Prince or Princess movies the studios have coming out of their ears.

And I mean Luke Bracey... he's not in enough in my opinion. I've only seen him in a few things, but he brought one of my favourite Nick Sparks book characters to life - Dawson Cole - and for that I think I will always be a little bit in love with him.

Okay, okay. Stop rambling... Ahahaha see what I did there? Okay... well the rating for this is probably going to be 3/5. It's not amazing, and I wouldn't be the first thing on my list to watch at the moment given I have a whole list left to write on here, but it's certainly a fun one to watch for a movie night in with the girls.

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Day 19: Elf, 2003 (dir. Jon Favreau)

Okay. This is it. The day you've all been waiting for. The day I watched Elf. Well the day's finally here and let me tell you... I STILL BLOODY LOVE IT!

It's just so clever. And Will Ferrell is the PERFECT man for the job. And he's so good!!!!!! This scene... where he's interacting with New York for the first time, he was told to improvise, and a camera was following him round... getting his shoes shined, hopping over crosswalks, taking pamphlets in the street, going into cafes to congratulate them on the world's best cup of coffee...

You watch this film for the hilarity and the over-enthusiasm of just how much Christmas can mean to a person like Buddy. There's a Buddy in all of us... and I know there are some years where Buddy is definitely more present in me than others (this year it's been lacking). But I mean why wouldn't you eat Spaghetti topped with Maple syrup? To be honest that does sound amazing. Anything with maple syrup is amazing.

I always get in the festive spirit with Elf. Quite a few people say it's too much but I think it's exactly the right amount. And Will Ferrell is the perfect guy to do it. He just has comedy running through his veins. I wouldn't be able to do any of what he does without laughing.

But Buddy the Elf is now 17 years old people, which means Elf is fast becoming one of those films that we've grown up with. Elf didn't used to be one of my go-to Christmas traditions, but to be honest, now... if I go a Christmas without seeing it, something feels wrong.

4/5 for Buddy's excitement at seeing Santa alone to be honest. And just sooooo many moments that we just KNOW without even having to watch the film.

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Day 20: Arthur Christmas, 2011 (dir. Sarah Smith and Barry Cook)

I think this is a beautiful film. And of course it gives another spin on Santa's Christmas routine and just how much of an operation it is.

Santa 1 - which is a huge alien-spaceship-looking sleigh - is run by a NASA-sized staff of elves, it's the elves that drop off the gifts to countries across the world, and they are basically super-spies. Santa delivers one present, and the elves are, the main star of the show. (And to be honest I kind of like that!) But then you have the Claus family. Grand-Santa, who has retired (voiced hilariously by Bill Nighy) and still goes on about the good old days, Santa (voiced by Jim Broadbent) is still just about Santa, but is about to retire... and then Santa's sons Steve and Arthur (voiced by Hugh Laurie and James McAvoy). A glorious set of voices to go with a beautiful film.

When a child is missed (SHOCK HORROR) Arthur - the youngest of Santa's sons who is scared of heights, wears reindeer slippers and always forgets to close the door - is horrified that both his dad and his brother are resigned to missing one child out because delivering the present 'can't be done'. So naturally, him and Grand-Santa take the old sleigh and go to deliver the present themselves... Cue the fun!

This film is too cute, and the hilarity as well where Santas don't know how to use SatNavs as they both end up in the wrong place. It is also hilarious that Santa's sleigh gets mistaken for an alien ship and is fired upon by government planes.

BUT... after all that, the present is delivered (spoilers) and it becomes clear who the next Santa is. Someone who cares about the children and makes sure that every child is remembered and gets what they wanted.

I think for the pure hilarity - and EXCELLENT voices used (including Imelda Staunton as Mrs Santa) - I'm giving this one a 4/5. Going the wrong way around the world, losing reindeer along the way and getting the alien-like sleigh blown up sounds like a fun way to deliver a deserving child their Christmas present!

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Day 21: The Polar Express, 2004 (dir. Robert Zemeckis)

WHAT. A. FILM! I revisit this one every Christmas and even though I've seen it nearly thirty times, it still gets me right in the feels at the end. Gah.

A boy - who is on the cusp of not believing in Santa Claus - is visited by a steam train, which is taking kids to the North Pole. Along the way we have dancing waiters, ice fields, a brake that doesn't work, 180 degree climbs and falls in the rail tracks, caribou crossing... everything that could happen on a dream train ride... Awesome.

But of course we all know who the main star of the show is. And no it's not the boy. It's Tom Hanks. He plays six characters - including the train conductor that every train conductor should aspire to be - and he does so with SO MUCH enthusiasm that it's hard not to love the characters.

But of course the true meaning of this story is the fact that a kid is on the cusp of not believing in Santa. And the way it beautifully culminates in the sound of a bell, a bell off of Santa's sleigh, I think is perfect.

I don't really know what else to say about this film, because I can quite literally go on all day about how great the effects are, the storyline is beautiful, the train is AWESOME, the animation is different and how the music is fun, bright and bouncy, but I am four days behind on my reviews so I should probably get on...

4/5. Top stuff from Tom Hanks and the whole gang... and if you have a moment, please take the time to watch this (kids and adults alike) because you really won't regret this choice of film.

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Day 22: The Grinch, 2018 (dir. Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier)

Now... this one really is one of my favourites. When they announced that a new Grinch was being made, I was a bit suspicious because I do love both the classic and the Jim Carrey version so much, but when I found out it was going to be an animation... well to be honest I was even more suspicious. So suspicious that I nearly didn't see it in the cinema...

But... when my trusty cinema sidekick told me I simply had to see it, and that he'd see it with me (something Matt never does) I knew it must be good. And you know what... I was not disappointed. The story is obviously the same, and the characters are only made more loveable with their personalities, with Cindy-Lou's plan to trap Santa to make sure he got her wish to help her mum.

And Benedict Cumberbatch is EPIC as the Grinch. Absolutely epic. And the scene with the choir following Grinch around... oh my god, that had me cackling. And when I say 'the goat', he is possibly the best thing about the film with his comedic timing.

Thank you Illumination Studios for making this film!!! Again, same as Polar Express, I could go on and on about how much I love this film, and tell you each and every thing that happened in detail, but I'd like you all to experience this for yourselves! Grinch has got a bit more personality this time... and it really makes the film!

Grinch is 5/5. Benedict Cumberbatch and that goat are amazing enough to tip it up over to the 5.

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Day 23: The Holiday, 2006 (dir. Nancy Meyers)

This film, as most people well know, is up there in my favourites of all time. The story, the music, the characters and the emotions. I know this movie backwards and forwards... and probably sideways, and love every single minute of it.

I think the thing I love about this film is most definitely the music... and the fact it isn't necessarily centred around the fact that Santa's arriving. It's purely about two women who decide to take a trip over Christmas, and those trips end up changing their lives for the better. Santa Anas.

Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet are perfect as Amanda and Iris. And then Jack Black and Jude Law, as well as Eli Wallach are great too. The scene in the video store never fails to make me laugh, and I want to relive that moment in my life at some point... "Two notes... and you got a villain."

Every single minute of this film is enjoyable, from minute 1 to the end. And I'm fairly certain that I don't need to convince anyone to watch it. 5/5 for the soundtrack alone, the genius of Hans Zimmer along with the feel-good stories and all the emotions, it sends the score through the roof just in time for Christmas Eve!

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Day 24: The Nightmare Before Christmas, 1993 (dir. Tim Burton)

Okay! Having previously thought I had seen this before... it appears I hadn't! And what a film it is!

It's Tim Burton through and through really. And with the music and lyrics created by the genius Danny Elfman there's nothing not to like about this film.

And when the Halloween King Jack Skellington gets his Christmas spirit, what can go wrong when Santa's present-giving is replaced by a second, more-scary Halloween. The answer is absolutely everything.

The genius behind this is the music and the songs, because it really shows how the Halloween King has grown tired of scaring people, he accidentally falls into Christmas land, sees all the joy behind what happens at Christmas, and heads home to recreate it. It's a great idea. And you can see how much heart they all put into it... but seeing as everyone in Halloween Town is dead, you can see where it all went wrong.

I just love how clever it is. And I still can't believe I hadn't seen it before... I'm shocked at myself. 4/5. Tim Burton really is a genius... and Jack Skellington is one of his greatest characters. For sure!

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Okay... so it seems I failed in my challenge to watch the last week of Christmas films. We were celebrating in our bubble, and then I was back at work on the 29th, then at my dad’s for New Year without internet... I know it’s just excuses but I can only promise I’ll try harder next year. Or this year...

But here are the movies I didn’t manage to see... and I’ve rated them anyway. Some Netflix tacksters, some classics and some proper tearjerkers... all Christmassy!

Day 25: The Family Stone, 2005 (dir. Thomas Bezucha) - 4/5

Day 26: A Christmas Carol, 2009 (dir. Robert Zemeckis) - 3/5

Day 27: It’s A Wonderful Life, 1946 (dir. Frank Capra) - 5/5

Day 28: Rise of the Guardians, 2012 (dir. Peter Ramsey) - 3.5/5

Day 29: Christmas with a View, 2018 (dir. Justin G. Dyck) - 1.5/5

Day 30: Christmas Wonderland, 2018 (dir. Sean Olson) - 2.5/5

Day 31: The Christmas Chronicles, 2018 (dir. Clay Kaytis) - 3.5/5

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Happy New Year everyone :D