Christmas Movie Review : The Christmas Angel

'The Christmas Angel' is a touching film about a little girl who makes friends with a mysterious lady, played by Della Reese, living in a rundown house next door. Without giving much away, she discovers the woman's many secrets and in the end, the two are bonded.

There is also a love story between her mother (Teri Polo) and a new doctor in town (Kevin Sorbo). The supporting cast is marvelous including one of Disney's former childhood actresses.

I rate this film at about a four. It's a great family film.

Christmas Movie Review : Under the Mistletoe

The final film in the Christmas movie review series is 'Under the Mistletoe'. Starring Michael Shanks (Stargate SG1) and Jamie Ray Newman (Drop Dead Diva) throws together an unlikely couple during a radio contest where the heroine must pick a winner on who she is going to date. Included is her eight year old son who instigated the whole stunt, his enjoyment of hockey, and the coach.

There is an unusual aspect to the movie which the blogger won't ruin.

Available from amazon and rated at about a Four.

Christmas Movie Review : White Christmas

A true classic starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye two World War 2 vets. After the war they began a career in show business. They join forces with a sister singing act and set up a show at a ski lodge in Vermont. The men become romantically involved with the women, there's a falling out and reunion, making their former CO's Christmas one of the most memberable ever.

And yes, the song 'White Christmas' is featured.

This film is a four and half.

Christmas Movie Review : The Muppet Christmas Carol

The first major feature film made after Jim Henson's death, this movie lives up to the legacy he left behind. It is full of wonderful musical numbers, good acting and a great re-telling of an old familiar story. Kermit is cast as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as his wife, and Robin as Tiny Tim. Michael Caine is Ebenizer Scrooge. The story teller is Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat. The scene with the Ghost of Christmas Future is so frightening, even the narrators duck out leaving the audience alone with the specter.

Most of the Muppet favorites appear in various roles. Definitely a family film and a soon to be classic.

Rated at four and half.

Christmas Movie Review : Miracle on 34th Street

'Miracle on 34th Street' has two verisons, one is in black and white with a remake in color. Both are good movies with the original classic being slightly better. Much of the story centers around whether or not Kris Kringle, who is hired to play Santa in Macys, is really who he says he is or crazy. Some of the action is the store, the heroine's apartment, and court room.

Is he really Santa? You the viewer decide.

Original is a Four. Remake about a Three.

Christmas Movie Review : The Santa Clause trilogy

'The Santa Clause' is a delightful twist on the Santa Claus mythos with a strong and touching story line, great supporting cast, and humor, despite the fart from the reindeer. The newly found father/son bond despite a falling out over the divorce of his parents, the great lines from the head elf, and the shrink who thinks the main character is crazy, makes this movie a must see.

A four and half.

'The Santa Clause 2' has some very silly moments beginning with the meeting of the Legendary Leaders at the North Pole and the silly full sized plastic Santa who nearly wrecks havoc on the holiday. What makes this movie is the courtship between Santa Scott and his son's principal. Not to mention the introduction of Lucy, the daughter of Scott's ex-wife and her new husband. Of, and let us not forget Chet, the reindeer in training.

A three and half.

'The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause' is probably the worst of the three. Focusing on Jack Frost wanting to be Santa and turn the holiday into a consumer nightmare. The hero of this film is Lucy.

A two. 

Christmas Movie Review : Homeless for the Holidays

This week begins the Christmas Movie Review series beginning with the blogger's newest film, 'Homeless for the Holidays'.

On the upside, this film reflects the current economic conditions and a family living 'the good life' who suddenly find themselves having to face financial ruin due to the husband's job loss. There are beautiful moments with the family reconnecting, learning what is really important, and giving to those less fortunate.

Although based on a true story, using a narrator is a bit tacky, and quite a bit of over acting to the point of silliness. Not to mention way too much goodie-goodie and not enough reality to match the circumstances.

Good for one watch only and on a scale of one to five, with one the lowest and five the highest, this film is about a two and half.