I really thought I’d watch at least one Christmas film a day, as I’ve always wanted to do a film advent, but that did not happen in the slightest. I did watch three films in just one evening though, I don’t know what balance is apparently.
Films
Family Switch
I actually watched something I said I would, everyone cheer. No seriously, this is huge, I never watch the things I say I will.
I really enjoyed this film, so much so, that I’m definitely going to watch it again. Emma Myers is very quickly becoming a favourite of mine (most definitely because of the upcoming A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder adaptation) and I love her. Also, Jennifer Garner is an icon so it’s just all round great. If you like Freaky Friday-style films, this is for you. The whole family swaps, even the dog and baby.
Synopsis: When a chance encounter with an astrological reader causes the Walkers to wake up to a full body switch, can they unite to land a promotion, college interview, record deal, and soccer tryout?
Your Christmas or Mine? 1&2
I spent the majority of the first film slightly bewildered, but I did enjoy it. Not quite as funny as I had hoped, but it was an entertaining watch. I don’t know if I’ll ever watch this again, but it was ok.
Now the second one was way better in my opinion. I think it was the location that really made it. I do love a cosy at home Christmas film, but the snowy mountains were lovely and I liked the antics they got up to. Also, this one has Rhea Norwood from Heartstopper is in it and I love her. I’d probably rewatch the second film.
Synopsis: Hayley and James are young and in love. They both make the same mad split-second decision to swap trains and surprise each other. Passing each other in the station, they are completely unaware that they have just swapped Christmases.
EXmas
This is yet another slightly ridiculous Christmas film, but again, I did enjoy it. I had it on in the background while I decorated my tiny Christmas tree in my bedroom, so I wasn’t giving it my full attention. But it was pretty entertaining. I love that Leighton Meester seems to be popping up in films and shows again. Blair Waldorf will always be her most iconic role though.
Synopsis: Graham surprises his family at Christmas only to discover his ex-fiancee is already celebrating the holiday with his family when he arrives.
Candy Cane Lane
This was nothing like I expected. I thought it was going to be a similar vibe to Deck the Halls, but nope. There’s legit magic and an evil elf in this. It was very entertaining, if not a little strange, I did spend most of the film again bewildered. Apparently, that’s a common occurrence this month.
Synopsis: A man is determined to win the neighborhood’s annual Christmas decorating contest. He makes a pact with an elf to help him win–and the elf casts a spell that brings the 12 days of Christmas to life, which brings unexpected chaos to town.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
My tradition of watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas on Christmas Eve is alive and thriving. However, for once, I’d only watched it on this date. This is my all-time favourite Christmas film and I can pretty much quote the entire script. I will never get bored of this film.
Synopsis: Inside a snowflake exists the magical land of Whoville, wherein live the Whos, who all love Christmas. Just outside of their beloved town lives the Grinch, a nasty creature that hates Christmas and plans to steal it from the Whos, which he equally abhors. Little Cindy Lou Who decides to befriend the Grinch.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Another tradition that is still thriving is watching this film on Christmas day. Usually, my boyfriend and I watch this while we are cooking/about to sit down to eat. But for some reason, the cooking took a very long time htis year and we didn’t get to start it until we literally sat down to eat in the evening. It felt a little strange to be doing it so late, but I do love this little tradition.
Synopsis: A retelling of the classic Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, miser extraordinaire. He is held accountable for his dastardly ways during night-time visitations by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and future.
TV shows
Doctor Who
Much like most of the UK right now (I’m assuming), I’ve been rewatching the older Doctor Who episodes ahead of the new doctor. I started at Christopher Eccelston for anyone interested. I stopped watching part way through Matt Smith’s Doctor, despite him being my second favourite (David Tennant is my favourite), so a lot of these have been very nostalgic. I couldn’t get over the loss of Amy and Rory and at the time, Clara really annoyed me, so I haven’t seen any episodes past that point. I don’t know if I’ll bother watching all of them before the enw episodes, we shall see.
Synopsis: The Doctor, a Time Lord from the race whose home planet is Gallifrey, travels through time and space in their ship the TARDIS (an acronym for Time and Relative Dimension In Space) with numerous companions. From time to time, the Doctor regenerates into a new form.
YouTube
In classic Mel style, I started watching multiple vlogmasses and then halfway through the month fell very behind. I still haven’t caught up and I’m really not feeling the festive vibe anymore, so they’ll either stay unwatched, or I’ll catch up next year. Who knows.
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Like this post? Why not read this one too: To Be Read: January 2024
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