You can curl up with a warm drink and these Christmas movies. Joe Addison // AS Review
By Jack Taylor
One can always count on Netflix to supply a fresh batch of Christmas movies each November and December. With school winding down and the days getting shorter, there isn’t a more perfect time to grab a cup of hot chocolate, snuggle up and watch Christmas movies. This year, Netflix released movies include a time traveling knight, an adaption of a young adult novel and an African safari.
The Knight Before Christmas
(4 out of 5 Candy Canes)
All you need to know about this film is that it stars Vanessa Hudgens as a school teacher who finds herself taking care of a knight who has time traveled from 14th century England to present day United States. While the film lacks depth, “The Knight Before Christmas” has everything anyone would want in a Christmas film; a swoon worthy lead, cheesy romantic moments and even cheesier acting.
Let it Snow
(3 out 5 Candy Canes)
While other Christmas movies take being cheesy in stride, “Let it Snow” aims to be a more serious Christmas film. Featuring an ensemble cast, “Let it Snow” is based on the young adult novel by Maureen Johnson, John Green and Lauren Myracle. Centered in a small town during a snowstorm, the film follows a group of teens during the storm. “Let it Snow” is full of heart, it is riddled with young adult clichés that make the movie feel less like a Christmas film and more like a romantic comedy.
Holiday in the Wild
(2.5 out of 5 Candy Canes)
The theme of Christmas is not central to “Holiday in the Wild.” his film stretches the definition of a Christmas film, due to Christmas not being the main focus. Focusing on a recently divorcee’s trip to Zambia, the film centers itself on endangered elephants and the hazards of poaching. Featuring the beautiful scenery of South Africa, the movie is also elevated by the chemistry between the lead actors, Rob Lowe and Kristin Davis. Nonetheless, the film just doesn’t feel enough like a Christmas movie to get anyone into the holiday spirit.
Holiday Rush
(3 out of 5 Candy Canes)
Centered on the character Rush Williams, who is played by actor Romany Malco, “Holiday Rush” is about a single father who, after losing his high power radio job, must adjust to a poorer life while still wanting to provide for his children. The central theme is discovering the true meaning of Christmas and that material things are not everything in life. While this is an overplayed trope in storytelling, the movie is still enjoyable and heartfelt.
A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby
(1 out of 5 Candy Canes)
One of the staples of Netflix Christmas movies is the “A Christmas Prince” film series. Following a journalist played by actress Rose McIver, who falls in love and marries a prince, the third installment in this series focuses on the two lead characters having a baby amidst Christmas time. Despite having Christmas in the title, the bulk of this movie was about a peace treaty between the two countries [fictional countries Aldovia and Penglia] which seemed unnecessary and contrived. Additionally, the acting felt forced and stale. They say third times the charm, but there’s little charm in this third film.