Welcome to My Holiday Movie Marathon
'Tis the season to grab a cup of cocoa, assemble your comfiest blanket, and revel in the delights of new Christmas offerings. This year, I took it upon myself to binge-watch as many new festive films as I could fit into a day—a tall order—but hey, someone's got to do it in the name of cultural critique!
This year's roster features heavy hitters—Kiefer Sutherland, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kate Winslet—and a few others who might inspire you to click 'play' in between nibbles of gingerbread cookies. Grab your remote and settle in as I sort the Christmas crackers from the turkeys.
7:17 AM - A Very Jonas Christmas Movie
Start your day with a jolly good laugh! This flick features the Jonas Brothers trying to make it home for Christmas, only to be thwarted by an evil Santa insisting they rediscover their 'brotherly magic'. It's a fluffy blend of comedy and holiday spirit, albeit not exactly a cinematic masterpiece. But who cares? The banter and nostalgia will please fans while making their family members cringe.
Christmas tree rating: 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄 for fans; 🎄🎄 for the family members.
8:45 AM - Tinsel Town
A Hollywood star finds himself in a pantomime while grappling with his fading fame. Kiefer Sutherland is hilarious as he directly faces panto traditions, cluelessly navigating the chaotic world of theatre. In the mix are comedy veterans like Rebel Wilson and Danny Dyer, ensuring that while the film won't win awards, it provides hearty holiday chuckles aplenty.
Christmas tree rating: 🎄🎄🎄🎄
10:19 AM - Christmas Karma
Next up, we meet Mr. Sood, played by Kunal Nayyar in a retelling of Dickens' classic. While the influential ghosts are present, I found Nayyar's Scrooge to lack the charismatic investment needed to pull it off. It aims to be charming, but falters with a lack of depth. Perhaps a more engaging lead would've worked wonders?
Christmas tree rating: 🎄🎄
12:04 PM - Stuffed
In this BBC special, Guz Khan plays a grouch surprised by his unexpected Christmas trip to Lapland. It's a familiar tale wrapped in holiday spirit, offering laughs but fading into forgettable territory. If you need a break from more serious fare, this will suffice.
Christmas tree rating: 🎄🎄
1:12 PM - Champagne Problems
A sophisticated romance unfolds against a French chateau backdrop. While Christmas feels incidental, it still exudes cozy vibes. It's a film that masterfully blends romance and holiday cheer, elevating it beyond the typical fare—this film might just stick with you.
Christmas tree rating: 🎄🎄🎄
3:29 PM - Finding Father Christmas
A gentle film focused on belief, this touching tale takes you on a quiet journey to uncover Santa's elusive magic, told through the eyes of a teenage protagonist. It's not a blockbuster, but its charm is palpable. A perfect warm-up before the big day!
Christmas tree rating: 🎄🎄🎄
4:39 PM - Oh. What. Fun.
Finally, we return to the matriarch, Michelle Pfeiffer, who draws us into a sprinkle of family chaos, channeling holiday classics as she bends the rules a little to show what real holiday spirit looks like. While it lacks an original spark, it does tap into a familiar, cozy nostalgia.
Christmas tree rating: 🎄🎄
Wrapping Up My Day
With a mix of heartwarming tales and head-scratchers, 2025 brings a blend of sparkling joy and the occasional clunker. This year, the films reflect a journey of self-discovery that the holiday season often embodies. Will we see any future classics? Perhaps not—but they have certainly ignited my holiday spirit. Now, off to decorate that Christmas tree!
Source reference: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c709j87l6geo
