Tag: Christmas 2023

A Christmas Gift from Bob (2020) Christmas Film Review

Rating 12
Length 1h32
Release 06.11.2020
Director Charles Martin Smith
About ames Bowen remembers his last Christmas when he was in a bad place and how his life turned around after he adopted Bob.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime (for rental or purchase)/ Now TV
Trailer:

Naughty

While I enjoyed the film and followed it just fine, I think it would benefit from me seeing the 2016’s A Cat Named Bob first. There’s a lot that I think would be added had this been a stand alone film.

Nice

There’s everything you need in this film for the feel good warm and fuzzies: good winning out, a community united for a good cause, selflessness and a very happy ending.

Anna Wilson-Jones as a fictional Nigella is a charming addition to the proceedings. Yes, its a little too sweet but Christmas is a perfect time for that.

The character of Moody and his beautiful stories that help not only James, but anyone watching too are truly heartwarming and will bring you to the point of cathartic tears more than once throughout the film.

Final Thoughts

Not going to be one I’ll rush to watch again, but even with the final act tears I was left feeling very uplifted.

Serendipity (2001) Christmas (sort of) Film Review

Rating 12
Length 1h31
Release 01.02.2023 (In the US)
Director David Hunt
About Jon and Sara decide to separate after a night of romance when they were shopping for their respective spouses. But destiny has other plans as it brings them together before their respective marriages.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Now TV
Trailer:

Naughty

How is this considered a romantic classic? Within the first 5 minutes the film establishes that they both have partners. Not casual partners either. Very “committed” to their people given that Beckinsale’s Sara says yes to a proposal and most of the film post meet-cute takes place during the wedding weekend of Cusack’s Jon.
I don’t know about anyone else, but it’s hard to root for these people when they are at best uncommitted to the person they’re with and at worst, actively and emotionally cheating on their soon-to-be spouse.

The partners, while on the topic, seem more like a plot obstacle than actual characters. I guess that’s so we don’t feel too bad for them that our two leads are thinking about other people. It also doesn’t leave me feeling great for Sara and Jon’s future post-credits.

The transitioning “joke” doesn’t land how it perhaps did back in 02 (However do note that Beckinsale’s Sara does correct Cusack’s use of pronoun) and the navigation of perceived homosexuality feels clunky.

Nice

Beckinsale and Cusack have chemistry and the support cast is really good.

It’s a short film, and the premise of leaving everything to fate works. Just not with both of them being in relationships and being total dicks about it.

Final Thoughts

What a horrible, horrible, fucking film. Why it’s listed among Christmas movies is beyond me.

Christmas Advent 2023: It’s a Wonderful Knife (2023)

Rating 18
Length 1h27
Release 1.12.2023
Director Tyler MacIntyre
About What would happen if George Bailey stopped a serial killer before asking to have never been born? Winnie, a year after ending a psychotic murder spree is consumed with PTSD. It doesn’t help that the whole town she saved has moved on.
So in a Christmas classic wish, she is shown a town in which she was never part of and that’s where the nightmare begins…
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Online in the US
Trailer:

Naughty

  • There’s what appears to be a final act rewrite that just doesn’t quite mesh with the rest of the film that we’re meant to buy due to some magical inclusion.
  • While the slasher outfit is incredible once you know what it is; it’s impractically for a spree and really just takes me slightly out of it.
  • The happy ending for happy ending sake! Bullshit! Let it be the start of something new and not some magic loophole.

Nice

  • Some great casting going on from the get go; from tween show stars taking their leap to movie horror, to character actors Joel McHale and Justin Long.
  • It’s an ideal blend of Christmas kitsch, meta comedy and all out horror.
  • Short run time is always a win for me. Especially with these types of films that play fast and loose with the meta sheen.
  • Stay put for the credits because Joy 2 the Girls by Hael is a bop.

Final Thoughts

Could this have been sacrilege? Oh yes, this could have easily been the worst film ever made for taking the greatest film and making it into a horror comedy! However, it works.