by Noella Noelophile\u00ae<\/h6>\n![\"Red](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/warm-and-cozy-1975215_1280-e1733187553651.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by Jill Wellington<\/a> from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\nHow can anyone<\/em> come up with a new angle on a Christmas movie?<\/p>\n“Dear Santa”, currently on Paramount+, manages to achieve this goal–and give audiences a hilariously good time in the process.<\/p>\n
Liam Turner (Robert Timothy Smith) is experiencing pre-teen angst at Christmas time.\u00a0\u00a0 His parents are on the brink of divorce.\u00a0 A family tragedy has prompted their move to a new town.\u00a0\u00a0 At school, Liam is a nerdy newcomer, with only one friend: his best buddy Gibby (Jaden Carson Baker).\u00a0 His crush on pretty classmate Emma (Kai Marie Cech) appears destined for a dead-end.\u00a0 And his dyslexia makes him an easy target for cruel jokes in his sixth-grade English class.<\/p>\n
Then, he writes a letter to Santa–“to make his mom happy”.\u00a0\u00a0 But dyslexia kicks in–and instead of going to the North Pole, Liam’s letter heads…well, very<\/em> far south!<\/p>\nAnd in response, a horned visitor (Jack Black) shows up in Liam’s bedroom.<\/p>\n
![\"Red](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mask-2014554_1280.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by anncapictures from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\n
The devil is in the…middle school<\/strong><\/h4>\nThe fun of the movie comes in entirely-believable exchanges between intellectual, kindhearted Liam and his earthy, wicked, yet somehow vulnerable, guest.\u00a0 One-liners and witty reactions abound, often evoking humor in unexpected ways.<\/p>\n
“Wow, you went there,” Satan exclaims, in response to Liam’s observation about his “chunkiness”.<\/p>\n
“What, you don’t put on a few extra pounds over the holidays?”<\/p>\n
Then, it’s down to business.\u00a0 Satan offers Liam the standard three wishes–in exchange for his soul.\u00a0\u00a0 But the diabolical representative has a tough sales job ahead of him: Liam politely declines.<\/p>\n
Hilarity ensues, as Satan schools Liam in the benefits of going for what he wants.\u00a0 In the process, the question gets explored: when does “assertive” become “obnoxious”?\u00a0 What are the limits to niceness, before the meaner residents of our planet are allowed to walk all over us?<\/p>\n
![\"Confetti](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/concert-2527495_1280-e1733188058517.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by ktphotography<\/a> from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\nHighlights and music<\/strong><\/h5>\nJack Black, of course, is a joy in his wicked-fun characterization.\u00a0\u00a0 His Satan is the classic lovable “bad boy” with a mischievous grin, playfully creating mayhem as he accompanies Liam through his day.\u00a0\u00a0 In one mildly-bawdy scene, he and Liam encounter Mr. Charles (P.J. Byrne), the jaded English teacher who humiliated Liam in class,\u00a0\u00a0 Satan promptly gives him a comeuppance that, admit it, we’ve all wished on one bully or another in our own lives at some point in time!<\/p>\n
Another standout scene is the concert, with topnotch music by Post Malone.\u00a0 Several scenes later, we see Satan, in his hotel room, dancing and singing to the catchy selections that have captured even his<\/em> imagination!<\/p>\nWhile we pretty much can conclude where “Dear Santa” is going, getting there is as much fun as a plate of devils-food cookies with peppermint ice cream (how’s that<\/em> for temptation?), and there’s still a surprise twist.\u00a0 No spoilers here–break out the popcorn and enjoy.\u00a0 (And don’t miss the fun, extra “Christmas gift” in the closing credits!)<\/p>\nContinue reading →<\/a><\/div><\/li>- “Best.Christmas.Ever!”: Extreme Fun<\/a> November 26, 2023
by Noella Noelophile\u00ae<\/h6>\n![\"Jackie](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/BCE_Unit_03443R-scaled-e1700700203957.jpg\")
<\/a>Best. Christmas. Ever! (L to R) Heather Graham as Charlotte, Brandy Norwood as Jackie in Best. Christmas. Ever! (Photo \u00a9 2023.Scott Everett White\/Netflix, and used with permission.)<\/p><\/div>\n
Who hasn’t<\/em> received one of those<\/em> Christmas letters and felt resoundingly “average”?<\/p>\nNetflix<\/a>‘s new seasonal offering, “Best. Christmas. Ever!”<\/a>, takes that phenomenon and has a great time with it.<\/p>\nAfter a year’s hiatus, Jackie Jennings (Brandy Norwood) is sending out her annual missive to her “fellow earth-dwellers”.\u00a0 Her ten-year-old daughter has just been accepted to Harvard, her son is providing water to underprivileged African communities, she just sold her company for a sum that landed her on the front page of a business publication, her husband is master of a karate dojo, and in charge of the town’s Christmas pageant…<\/p>\n
…and her college friend, Charlotte Sanders (Heather Graham) has had enough.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/BCE_Unit_06402R2-scaled-e1701042859456.jpg\")
<\/a>Best. Christmas. Ever! Heather Graham as Charlotte in Best. Christmas. Ever! (Photo
\u00a92023. Scott Everett White\/Netflix, and used with permission.)<\/p><\/div>\n
Reading Jackie’s latest edition of “The Jennings Family Newsletter”, Charlotte takes stock of her life.<\/p>\n
A frustrated inventor, her ideas never quite catch on. \u00a0 Her workdays involve troubleshooting an exploding vacuum cleaner at a faltering company, Startech.\u00a0\u00a0 Her husband Rob (Jason Biggs) is a likable dreamer who’s going to make big money investing in real estate…someday.<\/p>\n
Then there are her children.<\/p>\n
Older son Grant (Wyatt Hunt) thinks he’s a ninja warrior and has no friends, with the exception of an ugly stuffed toy named “Monkey Bob”.\u00a0\u00a0 He also has an unparalleled natural talent for getting into trouble.<\/p>\n
Younger daughter Dora (Abby Vilasmil) is convinced she must have some<\/em> kind of superpowers.\u00a0\u00a0 She’s going about crossing each off the list–with the latest discovery being her inability to fly.<\/p>\n![\"Red](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/christmas-1125147_1920-e1575519453493.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by TizzleBDizzle from Pixabay)<\/p><\/div>\n
Meanwhile, in Jackie’s world, all seems to be “splendiferous”…<\/p>\n
“I would love to show up at her house uninvited and see the actual truth,” an annoyed Charlotte comments to Grant.<\/p>\n
With a little help as a “Christmas gift” from her well-meaning son, that’s exactly what happens.<\/p>\n
![\"Charlotte,](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/BCE_Unit_03599R-scaled-e1700700631522.jpg\")
<\/a>Best. Christmas. Ever! (L to R) Jason Biggs as Rob, Wyatt Hunt as Grant, Heather Graham as Charlotte in Best. Christmas. Ever! (Photo \u00a9 2023., Scott Everett White\/Netflix and used with permission.)<\/p><\/div>\n
Jackie welcomes the family with open arms, insisting they stay for Christmas.\u00a0\u00a0 Immediately, Charlotte embarks on a quest to prove Jackie’s Christmas letters works of fiction.<\/p>\n
Much to her consternation, she keeps discovering the opposite.<\/p>\n
Worse, a spark still seems to exist between Jackie and Rob, who has admitted that she was his “first college girlfriend” and that they used to sing together in a band.\u00a0\u00a0 Much snooping ensues, from Charlotte–and she thinks <\/em>she’s caught her husband up to something…<\/p>\nPerfection to the extreme<\/strong><\/h4>\n![\"Green](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/new-year-3974099_12802-e1701039670234.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by
Anastasia Lavrinovich<\/a> from Pixaba.)<\/p><\/div>\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\nMy favorite aspect of “Best.Christmas.Ever!” is the fun it has with the idea of “over-the-top perfect” at Christmastime.<\/p>\n
Jackie’s house isn’t just huge and palatial.\u00a0 It’s decorated to the point that a Manhattan department store’s Christmas displays would seems dowdy, by comparison!<\/p>\n
(In an email interview provided by Netflix, director Mary Lambert comments that production designer Diane Millet “had her hands full on this movie. …All the locations had to be STUFFED with Christmas decorations.”)<\/p>\n
Then, there’s Jackie’s hunky husband Valentino (Matt Cedeno), who greets their guests at breakfast with Latin charm and fresh-squeezed orange juice.\u00a0\u00a0 And ten-year-old, matter-of-fact genius Beatrix (Madison Skye Validum), who mentions to Charlotte that she’s read, and found some errors in, the latter’s dissertation.<\/p>\n
![\"Jackie](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/BCE_Unit_00464R-scaled-e1701038766875.jpg\")
<\/a>Best. Christmas. Ever! (L to R) Heather Graham as Charlotte, Brandy Norwood as Jackie, Madison Validum as Beatrix in Best. Christmas. Ever! (Photo \u00a9 2023, Scott Everett White\/Netflix and used with permission.)<\/p><\/div>\n
And, of course, Jackie whips up custom pancakes for their guests–each shaped and decorated to match what she knows about the recipient.\u00a0\u00a0 Rob gets a crown-shaped pancake.<\/p>\n
“My king of rock and roll!” comments Jackie warmly.<\/p>\n
Brandy Norwood’s Jackie is joyful, upbeat and capable of weathering any circumstances while still looking photo-shoot ready.<\/p>\n
![\"Jackie](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/BCE_Unit_12401R-scaled-e1701038690350.jpg\")
<\/a>Best. Christmas. Ever! (L to R) Brandy Norwood as Jackie, Nadia Sine as Rose in Best. Christmas. Ever! (Photo \u00a9 2023., Scott Everett White\/Netflix, and used with permission.).<\/p><\/div>\n
Several scenes later, when the Christmas pageant rehearsal threatens to disintegrate into chaos, she takes the stage for a very intimate-sounding (and Grammy-worthy) duet of “Let It Snow” with Rob–to a beaming Valentino’s pride and Charlotte’s consternation.<\/p>\n
This is one of my personal favorite scenes of “Best. Christmas. Ever!”, showcasing Brandy’s breathtaking voice while staying true to the “superwoman” storyline.<\/p>\n
Another fun aspect?\u00a0 Grant and new friend Beatrix debate the authenticity of Santa Claus.\u00a0\u00a0 They begin a “research study”–and with her rational thought processes and his gift for creating havoc, the results are predictably hilarious.<\/p>\n
![\"Jackie,](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/BCE_Unit_12859R-scaled-e1701039185119.jpg\")
<\/a>Best. Christmas. Ever! (L to R) Jason Biggs as Rob, Abby Villasmil as Dora, Heather Graham as Charlotte, Brandy Norwood as Jackie, Madison Skye Validum as Beatrix, Matt Cede\u00f1o as Valentino, Wyatt Hunt as Grant in Best. Christmas. Ever! (Photo \u00a9 2023. Scott Everett White\/Netflix, and used with permission.)<\/p><\/div>\n
What isn’t predictable here, is a twist, at the end, that gets hinted at early on. \u00a0 While we know we’ll discover something isn’t perfect in Jackie’s world, there’s also an element you may not see coming.\u00a0\u00a0 It’s about a Christmas star, and fits in with the movie’s central themes of friendship and belief–and that’s all I’m going to say.<\/p>\n
Like most Christmas movies, “Best.Christmas.Ever!” does have a number of suspend-disbelief moments.<\/p>\n
![\"Jackie](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/BCE_Unit_08040R2-scaled-e1701039161584.jpg\")
<\/a>Best. Christmas. Ever! (L to R) Heather Graham as Charlotte, Brandy Norwood as Jackie in Best. Christmas. Ever!(Photo \u00a9 2023. Scott Everett White\/Netflix, and used with permission.)<\/p><\/div>\n
The only ones that really struck me: Jackie’s relentless hospitality and good cheer, in the face of Charlotte’s less-than-gracious actions.\u00a0\u00a0 Were a guest to poke into every corner and cranny, once we’ve opened our home to them, most of us would cheerfully show them the door!<\/p>\n
Then there’s the “research” Beatrix and Grant conduct.\u00a0\u00a0 If genius Beatrix can accurately predict a business’s future collapse from her observations, would she really<\/em> be fooled by…but no, I won’t ruin it.\u00a0\u00a0 And after all, she is<\/em> ten, and wants<\/em> to believe, which can cause anyone, ten or older, to ask fewer questions and just enjoy the moment.<\/p>\n![\"Awestruck](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/BCE_Unit_14640R4-scaled-e1701039143862.jpg\")
<\/a>Best. Christmas. Ever! (L to R) Wyatt Hunt as Grant, Madison Skye Validum as Beatrix, Abby Villasmil as Dora, Jason Biggs as Rob in Best. Christmas. Ever! (Photo \u00a9 2023. Scott Everett White\/Netflix, and used with permission.)<\/p><\/div>\n
All in all, “Best.Christmas.Ever!” is a lot of fun and a movie I’d recommend, for the close of your Thanksgiving weekend–or any time this Christmas season.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nContinue reading →<\/a><\/div><\/li>- Truth–Less “Glossy” Than Fiction?<\/a> October 23, 2023
by Noella Noelophile\u00ae<\/h6>\n![\"Christmas](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/wishes-3004800_1920-e1698087811870.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by Monika<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a>.)<\/p><\/div>\nYou’ve received at least one of those<\/em> Christmas letters.<\/p>\nThe annual mass-printed bragfests that go something like this:<\/p>\n
“George accepted a professorship at Cambridge last spring.\u00a0 My second novel has spent six weeks on the bestseller list. \u00a0 Sylvie’s startup was featured on a national talk show, while Bill graduated summa cum laude in June.\u00a0 A highlight of our year was a three-week summer visit to the French Riviera.\u00a0\u00a0 We plan to spend Christmas season skiing in Aspen…”<\/p>\n
Clearly, Netflix<\/a> has had some experience with them too.<\/p>\nThat’s why I’m looking forward to their new movie, Best.Christmas.Ever!, scheduled for release on November 16th.<\/p>\n
I’ll publish a full review once I’ve seen it.\u00a0\u00a0 But doesn’t this sound like a great comedy?<\/p>\n
![\"Festive](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/table-4718533_1280-e1698088143432.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by Alexander Fox\/Planet Fox<\/a> from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\nNetflix’s synopsis: every year, Charlotte receives a Christmas newsletter from her old college friend, Jackie.\u00a0 As Charlotte deals with the life of a “mere mortal”, Jackie’s missives appear to paint the picture of a life as perfect as the inside of a snow globe.<\/p>\n
But then…the unexpected happens.<\/p>\n
Suddenly, Charlotte and her family find themselves on Jackie’s doorstep, just days before Christmas.\u00a0\u00a0 And Charlotte sees an opportunity: can she prove to herself that Jackie’s life isn’t as “sparkly” as her press?<\/p>\n
Heather Graham, Brandy, Jason Biggs and Matt Cede\u00f1o star in this one, and you can bet I’m going to break out the popcorn and get back to you with a full report.<\/p>\n
Best.Christmas.Ever! releases at 12:00 am, Pacific time,\u00a0 Thursday, November 16th on Netflix.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nContinue reading →<\/a><\/div><\/li>- “Scrooge” for the 21st Century<\/a> December 11, 2022
by Noella Noelophile\u00ae<\/h6>\n![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/holly-7590229_1280-e1670344961959.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by Mariya Muschard from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\n
Very honestly, I didn’t expect to like Netflix’ 2022 version of Scrooge: A Christmas Carol.<\/em><\/p>\nMuch less love it.<\/p>\n
But by the time this reimagined animated version, scripted by the late Oscar-winning composer, playwright and lyricist Leslie Bricusse, introduced Old Fezziwig, I was as won over as the original “Bah, humbug” utterer himself.<\/p>\n
The strengths of the film are both in its storytelling and the new kinds of “music” it introduces.<\/p>\n
Leslie Bricusse has explored areas which other versions of the Charles Dickens classic tend to ignore: the backstory.<\/p>\n
![\"Wintry](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/winter-gf90e44bcf_1280-e1670799110405.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by Diana Parkhouse<\/a> from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\nWhy did Scrooge leave Old Fezziwig’s employ?\u00a0 What, in his past, finally convinced Belle to break their engagement?\u00a0 And what is an average workday like for the mean old miser, when he isn’t <\/em>in his counting house?\u00a0 All of these get explored in this new version of Charles Dickens’ classic story.<\/p>\nThe new “music”?\u00a0 Animation effects.<\/p>\n
While incorporating 3D animation effects which were not possible, even twenty years ago, Scrooge: A Christmas Carol <\/em>never gets lost in its own special effects.\u00a0 The production team appears to have had a lot of fun, re-imagining the story with new characterizations.\u00a0 Especially fun is the ghost of Past, a shapeshifting candle, as well as the herd of sprites that accompany Present.\u00a0 Plus, there’s the graveyard scene–with a gooseflesh-raising climax that fits right into the action while using 2022 technology.<\/p>\n![\"Book](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/christmas-3983887_1280-e1670344784695.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by Ylanite Koppens from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\n
And one of the movie’s best funny lines occurs when Scrooge balks at accompanying the second ghost on a look at Christmas present.<\/p>\n
“But we did a whole song and everything!” the ghost protests.<\/p>\n
Speaking of which–the songs.\u00a0 You’ll recognize several of them from the 1970 Scrooge <\/em>film, starring Albert Finney.\u00a0 And with good reason–most of those were also written by Leslie Bricusse, whose other compositions include “Pure Imagination” from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\nIncorporated into this new animated retelling, these songs not only have held up over the past fifty years (wow, doesn’t seem possible!)–they shine.\u00a0\u00a0 There are also some new ones, which are highly enjoyable and fit perfectly with the spirit (spirits?) of the film.<\/p>\n
In addition, the cast, including the guests at Scrooge’s nephew’s party, is now multicultural–a gentle reminder that our society is richer due to being composed of people from all over the world.<\/p>\n
![\"Chocolate](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/cake-1914463_1280-e1670344551261.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by \u0414\u0430\u0440\u044c\u044f \u042f\u043a\u043e\u0432\u043b\u0435\u0432\u0430 from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\n
And there’s also a great addition to the story, about which I’d always wondered when seeing the 1970 Scrooge.\u00a0<\/em> I won’t ruin it here!\u00a0 Suffice it to say that character’s reactions–including Scrooge’s–are completely believable during the climax scene in the graveyard.<\/p>\nNow, what elements of Scrooge: A Christmas Carol <\/em>took some getting used to, for me?<\/p>\nWell, for one thing, the Scrooge character is handsome and distinguished–though every bit as mean as Dickens’ original.\u00a0\u00a0 Which is a real departure from most portrayals.<\/p>\n
So is the fact that in this particular film, Scrooge has a pet.\u00a0\u00a0 A dog, Prudence, left to him by his late partner, Marley–and he’s actually kind to her.<\/p>\n
![\"Four](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/advent-candles-5798830_1920-e1608663431480.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\n
Perhaps what I missed the most, though, is the moment between Scrooge and his nephew when the miser declines yet another Christmas invitation.\u00a0 In the original, Scrooge demands to know why his nephew got married–and is flummoxed by the simple answer, “I fell in love.”\u00a0\u00a0 Having that moment in this version of Scrooge would have been fun.<\/p>\n
But, all of those are minor quibbles that don’t even rate a “3” on the “Bah, humbug” scale.\u00a0 Scrooge: A Christmas Carol<\/em> is a clever and fun update which may just interest the next generation in reading Dickens’ original.<\/p>\nThere’s also a heartwarming dedication at the end to Leslie Bricusse, who passed away unexpectedly in 2021. \u00a0\u00a0 Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, <\/em>along with his earlier musical works that have brought joy to innumerable movie viewers, is the final chapter in his legacy.<\/p>\nContinue reading →<\/a><\/div><\/li>- “Love Hard” Easy to Love<\/a> December 9, 2021\n
by Noella Noelophile\u00ae<\/h6>\n\n\n\n![\"Popcorn](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Christmas-popcorn1-e1541634501867.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nUh-oh. “Catfish” for Christmas!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And not the swimming kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That’s the premise of Netflix’s new Christmas movie, “Love Hard”, a good-time romantic comedy with some take-your-breath-away-gorgeous Christmas settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As in many comedies, plausibility doesn’t figure largely in the story line. But that’s a “Scroogey” consideration–this is about having fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the start of the film, single protagonist Natalie Bauer (Nina Dobrow) is navigating the dating waters in L.A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That pretty much sums it up, right there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Los](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/los-angeles-1768743_640.jpg\")
<\/a>Royalty-free image by David Mark<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHer search for The One on dating apps produces predictable results. Natalie gathers a major following in the digital publication for which she works, as she regularly updates readers on her latest romantic disasters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But then<\/em>…as she scrolls through a dating app for the nth time…<\/p>\n\n\n\n…A man who could put any Greek god to shame, stares back at her. And she’s smitten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After a flurry of texts back and forth to “Josh Lin”, who lives in New York, Natalie is determined to pursue her own “happy ending”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Accordingly, she boards a plane for the East Coast, set to surprise Josh for Christmas. But Natalie gets the surprise–she’s been catfished! Josh Lin turns out to be a shorter, endearingly-nerdy guy, living with his parents. Josh (Jimmy O. Yang) confesses to using his friend, Tag’s, photo so he can get hits on his dating profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/fairy-lights-11503_640.jpg\")
<\/a>Royalty-free image by Hans Braxmeier<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhen a furious Natalie storms out of the Lin house, Josh hurries after her to offer a deal: if she’ll pretend to be his girlfriend over the Christmas holidays, he’ll introduce her to Tag. He’ll even serve as matchmaker!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, Natalie accepts, embarking on the mission of becoming Tag’s “ideal woman”. Under Josh’s tutelage, she sets out to learn Tag’s interests, and to make all of them hers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For all its lightheartedness, “Love Hard” hits some real-life moments of honesty, dead center. Family dynamics, particularly as they relate to the youngest child, are on display at the Lin family Christmas gathering. There’s the loving and indulgent Grandma June (Althea Kaye), and the “can-do-no-wrong” older brother, Owen (Harry Shum, Jr.), as well as the parents who seem thrilled to see their younger son show up with an alleged romantic interest. Anyone who’s been the youngest child will relate to the way the family perceives Josh–as a work in progress! At Natalie’s introduction as Josh’s girlfriend, golden-guy Owen exclaims, “It’s a Christmas miracle!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Gold](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/candle-3837586_640.jpg\")
<\/a>Royalty-free image by Peggychoucair<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThere are also the all-too-familiar scenes in which Natalie does her best to fit into Tag’s world. “Seriously, girl?” is something you may find yourself thinking, more than once! Suffice it to say that Natalie is completely nonathletic, while Tag (played with “I-know-I’m-an-alpha-male-but-I’m-still-nice” coolness by Darren Barnett) could be the Original Outdoorsman. Her attitude of, “Oh, I got this” is hilarious but recognizable. (Who hasn’t<\/em> confused becoming your best self, with trying desperately to be something you’re not–with or without a rude awakening?)<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd I found myself wanting to wave a hand in front of Natalie’s face! Josh is cute and funny, while Tag is simply, as commented on in the movie, “smoking hot”. Of course we know where this is headed, as Josh and Natalie’s friendship grows to the point that she helps him re-take his profile pictures. But getting there is the fun that doesn’t always happen in real life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Red](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/candle-83148_640.jpg\")
<\/a>Royalty-free image by PublicDomainPictures<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nOne stand-out-wonderful scene occurs when Josh takes Natalie’s advice on dealing with his family. He follows her instructions all too well! I won’t ruin it by saying more, except that Grandma June’s warm and believable reaction hits just the right notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are also the breathtaking sets that made me want to decorate our house just like the Lins’. The Christmas lights shining through the snow (OK, as a Southern California transplant I can pass on the “snow“<\/em> part!) and the festive decorations add to the overall Christmas-gift feeling of “Love Hard”. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/christmas-2597344_640.jpg\")
<\/a>Royalty-free image by StockSnap<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nGrab the popcorn and settle in–“Love Hard” is a sled ride to enjoy, at Christmastime or any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\nContinue reading →<\/a><\/div><\/li>- A Movie to Make Christmas Last<\/a> December 26, 2020
by Noella Noelophile\u00ae<\/h6>\n
![\"Popcorn](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/warm-and-cozy-1975215_19201-e1609026573424.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by Jill Wellington<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a>.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\nThat’s it?\u00a0 Already?<\/em><\/p>\nNo, not really.<\/p>\n
December 25th may be over.\u00a0 But Christmas, technically, continues until Twelfth Night–January 6th.<\/p>\n
With that in mind, here is a Netflix<\/a> movie we found a lot of fun, for this Christmas season: Christmas Inheritance.<\/em><\/p>\nWhile this isn’t a new film (according to Netflix’s webpage, it was released in 2017) it was new to me, this year.\u00a0 And it’s a good time, with fun performances by a cast who clearly enjoyed crafting their interpretations of a familiar theme.<\/p>\n
![\"Giant](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/christmas-3027448_1920-e1609027119706.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by Robert Jones<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a>.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\nIn the opening scenes, Manhattan corporate heiress Ellen Langford (Eliza Taylor)\u00a0 “has everything”: a fancy apartment, a handsome fiance, Gray (Michael Xavier)\u00a0 and hopes of helming Home and Hearth, the gift business her father and his partner have built from the ground up, upon her dad’s retirement.\u00a0 She also has a sense of fun and considerable intelligence.<\/p>\n
What she lacks, though, are leadership skills.\u00a0 Ellen has never had to take initiative or work to earn anything–and it shows.<\/p>\n
After her antics during a Christmas fundraiser–a great scene which establishes her likability and sporting nature–her father, Jim (Neil Crone) seriously questions her ability to take over at Home and Hearth.\u00a0\u00a0 To his mind, his pampered and irresponsible daughter just isn’t CEO material.<\/p>\n
However, he does give her a chance to redeem herself.\u00a0\u00a0 Yearly, Jim sends a Christmas letter to his partner Zeke.<\/p>\n
This year, he tells Ellen, if she will hand-deliver the letter, he just might<\/em> reconsider.<\/p>\nEllen is onboard and she sets off to catch her–wait, her what?\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n![\"tall](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/bus-19069_1280-e1609026736832.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay<\/a>.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\nBus.\u00a0 To the ultimate small town: Snow Falls, which looks like any number of upstate New York towns.<\/p>\n
And the catch: Jim confiscates Ellen’s credit cards and sends her off with just $20 in her pocket.\u00a0 She will have to manage on her own initiative, for the first time in her life.\u00a0 Plus, she’s to travel incognito.<\/p>\n
Her adventures, from there, are what make the journey fun.\u00a0 Starting with her search for the bus’s “stewardess”, after boarding.<\/p>\n
![\"Country](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/snow-4730553_1920-e1609028185511.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by Ioannis Ioannidis<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a>.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\nPredictably, when Ellen arrives in Snow Falls, the bus station is sneeze-and-you’ll-miss-it small.\u00a0 The weather is less than welcoming (appropriately, the snow is falling).\u00a0 And the town has one cab, driven by local Jake Collins (Jake Lacy), a man-of-all-trades who also manages Snow Falls Guest House Inn–which is Ellen’s destination.<\/p>\n
As in the tradition of romances, Ellen cannot stand Jake on sight.\u00a0 She just wants to deliver that letter and get the heck out of Snow Falls.\u00a0 But Zeke isn’t around, Jake has no idea where he’s gone or when he’ll be back, and Ellen must adapt to her new surroundings.<\/p>\n
![\"Star-shaped](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/christmas-3810068_1920-e1609028035488.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by Jae Rue from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n
Gradually, her annoyance at being “stuck” in the small town gives way to interest and exploration.\u00a0 Gradually, she and Jake find common ground.\u00a0 And Ellen’s natural skills and creativity begin to come to the fore, as she begins to grow in her unfamiliar environment, just before Christmas.<\/p>\n
A favorite performance, from this particular movie, comes from Andie MacDowell, who shines as warmhearted and knowledgeable Debbie Collins, proprietor of Debbie’s Diner.\u00a0 The scene where Ellen tries to fake her way through Christmas baking is great.\u00a0 However, my all-time favorite sequence comes shortly thereafter–as Ellen comes into her own, using her people skills and powers of persuasion to benefit the local Christmas fundraiser.\u00a0 The music for this particular sequence is classic–and no, I won’t ruin it by saying anything more!<\/p>\n
![\"Candles](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/candles-220752_1920-e1609027598277.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by RitaE<\/a> from Pixabay.<\/a>)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\nGrab the popcorn and check out Christmas Inheritance; <\/em>it’s likely to leave you feeling “Christmasy”, whether today is December 26th or sometime in mid-April.
\n<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nContinue reading →<\/a><\/div><\/li>- Her (Snowy) Road Less Traveled<\/a> December 15, 2020
by Noella Noelophile\u00ae<\/h6>\n
![\"Red](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/christmas-2947257_19201-e1608070612571.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by anncapictures<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a>.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\nWhat if you were college-age–and your family had already mapped out your life?<\/p>\n
What if those plans included an arranged marriage, and\u00a0<\/em>taking over the family business?<\/p>\nNow, just to complicate things–what if your dad is Santa Claus?\u00a0 That “family business” is his whole North Pole enterprise–and your “intended” is Jack Frost’s son?\u00a0 Worse, what if you’ve never even met<\/em> that son–because you’ve been “promised”, since childhood, in what amounts to a business merger?<\/p>\nThat’s the premise of “Santa Girl”, from Netflix<\/a>.\u00a0 And the cast and crew manage to have a lot of fun pulling it off, while treating viewers to a great Christmas romp.<\/p>\n![\"Stack](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/christmas-2979751_1920-e1608071385932.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by Larry White from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n
At the start of the movie, Cassie Claus (Jennifer Stone) is far less than enchanted with the path set out for her. \u00a0 She wants to experience the “real world”.<\/p>\n
When she secretly applies to college and is accepted, she must convince her father, now a dour and jaded Santa (Barry Bostwick), that she needs this one small concession before she accedes to his wishes.<\/p>\n
Dad agrees, under two conditions.<\/p>\n
First, Cassie must fulfill her part of the bargain after one semester.\u00a0 And second (to her chagrin), she must be chaperoned by her endearingly-annoying personal elf, Pep (McKayla Witt).<\/p>\n
Cassie isn’t thrilled with the second condition, but accepts it.\u00a0 And off she goes, to her new on-campus adventure.<\/p>\n
Not surprisingly, complications arise.<\/p>\n
![\"Gold](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/christmas-4704061_1920-e1608072350911.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by S. Hermann<\/a> & F. Richter<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a>.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\nShe doesn’t fit in with her fellow students.\u00a0\u00a0 Her calculus class proves daunting.\u00a0 An attractive young undergraduate, JR (Joshua Cody) strikes up a friendship with her, despite Pep’s warnings–and is not what he seems.<\/p>\n
And Cassie feels more than a shiver of attraction to fellow student\u00a0 Sam (Devon Werkheiser) when he sets up regular calculus tutoring sessions.\u00a0 Although the feeling is mutual, Cassie is mindful of her engagement–and her promise to her father.<\/p>\n
But her fiancee’s father–Jack Frost himself (Hank Stone) isn’t so sure.\u00a0 Wanting to cement the merger between his family and Santa’s enterprise, he shows up on-campus and takes steps to protect his investment.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, December is coming ever closer.<\/p>\n
What makes Santa Girl <\/em>fun is the humor and imagination with which the story is told.\u00a0 (Who would ever have envisioned an elf as a dedicated career woman?)\u00a0\u00a0 Cassie exhibits an almost-impossible predilection for sweets (an early scene where Pep brings her her breakfast, is classic!), which is believable, given her genetics.<\/p>\n![\"Santa's](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/santa-claus-1906513_1920-e1608064443414.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by Jill Wellington<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a>.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\nBarry Bostwick, as a widowed Santa, gives the less-than-jolly old saint a human perspective: wanting, and believing he knows, what is best for his only daughter.\u00a0 And he proudly boasts, at one point, of the “reindeer power” in his top-of-the-line, Christmas-red sports car.<\/p>\n
In addition, the movie is a visual treat.\u00a0 The holiday-ball scene gleams like the sparkliest gold ornament.\u00a0 Jack Frost’s chilling makeup, with his dead-blue eyes, fits the character perfectly.\u00a0 And then there’s Santa’s fantasy castle, which I personally found reminiscent of Neuschwanstein and which provides a great metaphor for the established and impenetrable traditions which Cassie’s future is meant to uphold.<\/p>\n
I’ll do no spoilers, but expect a twist in what otherwise might have been a predictable movie climax.<\/p>\n
And a side note, which was a lot of fun: the beautiful college campus, in which the action is set, is more than a setting.\u00a0 It’s Shenandoah University, which, according to the university’s website<\/a>, co-produced Santa Girl <\/em>and involved 62 students in the project, in a first-of-its kind collaboration!<\/p>\n“Santa Girl”, co-produced by Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, is available now on Netflix.<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\nContinue reading →<\/a><\/div><\/li>- A New Christmas Classic<\/a> December 9, 2020
by Noella Noelophile\u00ae<\/h6>\n
![\"Popcorn](\"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/warm-and-cozy-1975215_1920-e1607535172607.jpg\")
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n
Some of the best handcrafted gifts are made with loving attention to detail.\u00a0 They also carry a sense that creating them was fun.<\/p>\n
<\/a>(Royalty-free image by Jill Wellington<\/a> from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\n How can anyone<\/em> come up with a new angle on a Christmas movie?<\/p>\n “Dear Santa”, currently on Paramount+, manages to achieve this goal–and give audiences a hilariously good time in the process.<\/p>\n Liam Turner (Robert Timothy Smith) is experiencing pre-teen angst at Christmas time.\u00a0\u00a0 His parents are on the brink of divorce.\u00a0 A family tragedy has prompted their move to a new town.\u00a0\u00a0 At school, Liam is a nerdy newcomer, with only one friend: his best buddy Gibby (Jaden Carson Baker).\u00a0 His crush on pretty classmate Emma (Kai Marie Cech) appears destined for a dead-end.\u00a0 And his dyslexia makes him an easy target for cruel jokes in his sixth-grade English class.<\/p>\n Then, he writes a letter to Santa–“to make his mom happy”.\u00a0\u00a0 But dyslexia kicks in–and instead of going to the North Pole, Liam’s letter heads…well, very<\/em> far south!<\/p>\n And in response, a horned visitor (Jack Black) shows up in Liam’s bedroom.<\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by anncapictures from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\n The fun of the movie comes in entirely-believable exchanges between intellectual, kindhearted Liam and his earthy, wicked, yet somehow vulnerable, guest.\u00a0 One-liners and witty reactions abound, often evoking humor in unexpected ways.<\/p>\n “Wow, you went there,” Satan exclaims, in response to Liam’s observation about his “chunkiness”.<\/p>\n “What, you don’t put on a few extra pounds over the holidays?”<\/p>\n Then, it’s down to business.\u00a0 Satan offers Liam the standard three wishes–in exchange for his soul.\u00a0\u00a0 But the diabolical representative has a tough sales job ahead of him: Liam politely declines.<\/p>\n Hilarity ensues, as Satan schools Liam in the benefits of going for what he wants.\u00a0 In the process, the question gets explored: when does “assertive” become “obnoxious”?\u00a0 What are the limits to niceness, before the meaner residents of our planet are allowed to walk all over us?<\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by ktphotography<\/a> from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\n Jack Black, of course, is a joy in his wicked-fun characterization.\u00a0\u00a0 His Satan is the classic lovable “bad boy” with a mischievous grin, playfully creating mayhem as he accompanies Liam through his day.\u00a0\u00a0 In one mildly-bawdy scene, he and Liam encounter Mr. Charles (P.J. Byrne), the jaded English teacher who humiliated Liam in class,\u00a0\u00a0 Satan promptly gives him a comeuppance that, admit it, we’ve all wished on one bully or another in our own lives at some point in time!<\/p>\n Another standout scene is the concert, with topnotch music by Post Malone.\u00a0 Several scenes later, we see Satan, in his hotel room, dancing and singing to the catchy selections that have captured even his<\/em> imagination!<\/p>\n While we pretty much can conclude where “Dear Santa” is going, getting there is as much fun as a plate of devils-food cookies with peppermint ice cream (how’s that<\/em> for temptation?), and there’s still a surprise twist.\u00a0 No spoilers here–break out the popcorn and enjoy.\u00a0 (And don’t miss the fun, extra “Christmas gift” in the closing credits!)<\/p>\nContinue reading →<\/a><\/div><\/li> Best. Christmas. Ever! (L to R) Heather Graham as Charlotte, Brandy Norwood as Jackie in Best. Christmas. Ever! (Photo \u00a9 2023.Scott Everett White\/Netflix, and used with permission.)<\/p><\/div>\n Who hasn’t<\/em> received one of those<\/em> Christmas letters and felt resoundingly “average”?<\/p>\n Netflix<\/a>‘s new seasonal offering, “Best. Christmas. Ever!”<\/a>, takes that phenomenon and has a great time with it.<\/p>\n After a year’s hiatus, Jackie Jennings (Brandy Norwood) is sending out her annual missive to her “fellow earth-dwellers”.\u00a0 Her ten-year-old daughter has just been accepted to Harvard, her son is providing water to underprivileged African communities, she just sold her company for a sum that landed her on the front page of a business publication, her husband is master of a karate dojo, and in charge of the town’s Christmas pageant…<\/p>\n …and her college friend, Charlotte Sanders (Heather Graham) has had enough.<\/p>\n Best. Christmas. Ever! Heather Graham as Charlotte in Best. Christmas. Ever! (Photo Reading Jackie’s latest edition of “The Jennings Family Newsletter”, Charlotte takes stock of her life.<\/p>\n A frustrated inventor, her ideas never quite catch on. \u00a0 Her workdays involve troubleshooting an exploding vacuum cleaner at a faltering company, Startech.\u00a0\u00a0 Her husband Rob (Jason Biggs) is a likable dreamer who’s going to make big money investing in real estate…someday.<\/p>\n Then there are her children.<\/p>\n Older son Grant (Wyatt Hunt) thinks he’s a ninja warrior and has no friends, with the exception of an ugly stuffed toy named “Monkey Bob”.\u00a0\u00a0 He also has an unparalleled natural talent for getting into trouble.<\/p>\n Younger daughter Dora (Abby Vilasmil) is convinced she must have some<\/em> kind of superpowers.\u00a0\u00a0 She’s going about crossing each off the list–with the latest discovery being her inability to fly.<\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by TizzleBDizzle from Pixabay)<\/p><\/div>\n Meanwhile, in Jackie’s world, all seems to be “splendiferous”…<\/p>\n “I would love to show up at her house uninvited and see the actual truth,” an annoyed Charlotte comments to Grant.<\/p>\n With a little help as a “Christmas gift” from her well-meaning son, that’s exactly what happens.<\/p>\n Best. Christmas. Ever! (L to R) Jason Biggs as Rob, Wyatt Hunt as Grant, Heather Graham as Charlotte in Best. Christmas. Ever! (Photo \u00a9 2023., Scott Everett White\/Netflix and used with permission.)<\/p><\/div>\n Jackie welcomes the family with open arms, insisting they stay for Christmas.\u00a0\u00a0 Immediately, Charlotte embarks on a quest to prove Jackie’s Christmas letters works of fiction.<\/p>\n Much to her consternation, she keeps discovering the opposite.<\/p>\n Worse, a spark still seems to exist between Jackie and Rob, who has admitted that she was his “first college girlfriend” and that they used to sing together in a band.\u00a0\u00a0 Much snooping ensues, from Charlotte–and she thinks <\/em>she’s caught her husband up to something…<\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by My favorite aspect of “Best.Christmas.Ever!” is the fun it has with the idea of “over-the-top perfect” at Christmastime.<\/p>\n Jackie’s house isn’t just huge and palatial.\u00a0 It’s decorated to the point that a Manhattan department store’s Christmas displays would seems dowdy, by comparison!<\/p>\n (In an email interview provided by Netflix, director Mary Lambert comments that production designer Diane Millet “had her hands full on this movie. …All the locations had to be STUFFED with Christmas decorations.”)<\/p>\n Then, there’s Jackie’s hunky husband Valentino (Matt Cedeno), who greets their guests at breakfast with Latin charm and fresh-squeezed orange juice.\u00a0\u00a0 And ten-year-old, matter-of-fact genius Beatrix (Madison Skye Validum), who mentions to Charlotte that she’s read, and found some errors in, the latter’s dissertation.<\/p>\n Best. Christmas. Ever! (L to R) Heather Graham as Charlotte, Brandy Norwood as Jackie, Madison Validum as Beatrix in Best. Christmas. Ever! (Photo \u00a9 2023, Scott Everett White\/Netflix and used with permission.)<\/p><\/div>\n And, of course, Jackie whips up custom pancakes for their guests–each shaped and decorated to match what she knows about the recipient.\u00a0\u00a0 Rob gets a crown-shaped pancake.<\/p>\n “My king of rock and roll!” comments Jackie warmly.<\/p>\n Brandy Norwood’s Jackie is joyful, upbeat and capable of weathering any circumstances while still looking photo-shoot ready.<\/p>\n Best. Christmas. Ever! (L to R) Brandy Norwood as Jackie, Nadia Sine as Rose in Best. Christmas. Ever! (Photo \u00a9 2023., Scott Everett White\/Netflix, and used with permission.).<\/p><\/div>\n Several scenes later, when the Christmas pageant rehearsal threatens to disintegrate into chaos, she takes the stage for a very intimate-sounding (and Grammy-worthy) duet of “Let It Snow” with Rob–to a beaming Valentino’s pride and Charlotte’s consternation.<\/p>\n This is one of my personal favorite scenes of “Best. Christmas. Ever!”, showcasing Brandy’s breathtaking voice while staying true to the “superwoman” storyline.<\/p>\n Another fun aspect?\u00a0 Grant and new friend Beatrix debate the authenticity of Santa Claus.\u00a0\u00a0 They begin a “research study”–and with her rational thought processes and his gift for creating havoc, the results are predictably hilarious.<\/p>\n Best. Christmas. Ever! (L to R) Jason Biggs as Rob, Abby Villasmil as Dora, Heather Graham as Charlotte, Brandy Norwood as Jackie, Madison Skye Validum as Beatrix, Matt Cede\u00f1o as Valentino, Wyatt Hunt as Grant in Best. Christmas. Ever! (Photo \u00a9 2023. Scott Everett White\/Netflix, and used with permission.)<\/p><\/div>\n What isn’t predictable here, is a twist, at the end, that gets hinted at early on. \u00a0 While we know we’ll discover something isn’t perfect in Jackie’s world, there’s also an element you may not see coming.\u00a0\u00a0 It’s about a Christmas star, and fits in with the movie’s central themes of friendship and belief–and that’s all I’m going to say.<\/p>\n Like most Christmas movies, “Best.Christmas.Ever!” does have a number of suspend-disbelief moments.<\/p>\n Best. Christmas. Ever! (L to R) Heather Graham as Charlotte, Brandy Norwood as Jackie in Best. Christmas. Ever!(Photo \u00a9 2023. Scott Everett White\/Netflix, and used with permission.)<\/p><\/div>\n The only ones that really struck me: Jackie’s relentless hospitality and good cheer, in the face of Charlotte’s less-than-gracious actions.\u00a0\u00a0 Were a guest to poke into every corner and cranny, once we’ve opened our home to them, most of us would cheerfully show them the door!<\/p>\n Then there’s the “research” Beatrix and Grant conduct.\u00a0\u00a0 If genius Beatrix can accurately predict a business’s future collapse from her observations, would she really<\/em> be fooled by…but no, I won’t ruin it.\u00a0\u00a0 And after all, she is<\/em> ten, and wants<\/em> to believe, which can cause anyone, ten or older, to ask fewer questions and just enjoy the moment.<\/p>\n Best. Christmas. Ever! (L to R) Wyatt Hunt as Grant, Madison Skye Validum as Beatrix, Abby Villasmil as Dora, Jason Biggs as Rob in Best. Christmas. Ever! (Photo \u00a9 2023. Scott Everett White\/Netflix, and used with permission.)<\/p><\/div>\n All in all, “Best.Christmas.Ever!” is a lot of fun and a movie I’d recommend, for the close of your Thanksgiving weekend–or any time this Christmas season.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nContinue reading →<\/a><\/div><\/li> (Royalty-free image by Monika<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a>.)<\/p><\/div>\n You’ve received at least one of those<\/em> Christmas letters.<\/p>\n The annual mass-printed bragfests that go something like this:<\/p>\n “George accepted a professorship at Cambridge last spring.\u00a0 My second novel has spent six weeks on the bestseller list. \u00a0 Sylvie’s startup was featured on a national talk show, while Bill graduated summa cum laude in June.\u00a0 A highlight of our year was a three-week summer visit to the French Riviera.\u00a0\u00a0 We plan to spend Christmas season skiing in Aspen…”<\/p>\n Clearly, Netflix<\/a> has had some experience with them too.<\/p>\n That’s why I’m looking forward to their new movie, Best.Christmas.Ever!, scheduled for release on November 16th.<\/p>\n I’ll publish a full review once I’ve seen it.\u00a0\u00a0 But doesn’t this sound like a great comedy?<\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by Alexander Fox\/Planet Fox<\/a> from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\n Netflix’s synopsis: every year, Charlotte receives a Christmas newsletter from her old college friend, Jackie.\u00a0 As Charlotte deals with the life of a “mere mortal”, Jackie’s missives appear to paint the picture of a life as perfect as the inside of a snow globe.<\/p>\n But then…the unexpected happens.<\/p>\n Suddenly, Charlotte and her family find themselves on Jackie’s doorstep, just days before Christmas.\u00a0\u00a0 And Charlotte sees an opportunity: can she prove to herself that Jackie’s life isn’t as “sparkly” as her press?<\/p>\n Heather Graham, Brandy, Jason Biggs and Matt Cede\u00f1o star in this one, and you can bet I’m going to break out the popcorn and get back to you with a full report.<\/p>\n Best.Christmas.Ever! releases at 12:00 am, Pacific time,\u00a0 Thursday, November 16th on Netflix.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nContinue reading →<\/a><\/div><\/li> (Royalty-free image by Mariya Muschard from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\n Very honestly, I didn’t expect to like Netflix’ 2022 version of Scrooge: A Christmas Carol.<\/em><\/p>\n Much less love it.<\/p>\n But by the time this reimagined animated version, scripted by the late Oscar-winning composer, playwright and lyricist Leslie Bricusse, introduced Old Fezziwig, I was as won over as the original “Bah, humbug” utterer himself.<\/p>\n The strengths of the film are both in its storytelling and the new kinds of “music” it introduces.<\/p>\n Leslie Bricusse has explored areas which other versions of the Charles Dickens classic tend to ignore: the backstory.<\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by Diana Parkhouse<\/a> from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\n Why did Scrooge leave Old Fezziwig’s employ?\u00a0 What, in his past, finally convinced Belle to break their engagement?\u00a0 And what is an average workday like for the mean old miser, when he isn’t <\/em>in his counting house?\u00a0 All of these get explored in this new version of Charles Dickens’ classic story.<\/p>\n The new “music”?\u00a0 Animation effects.<\/p>\n While incorporating 3D animation effects which were not possible, even twenty years ago, Scrooge: A Christmas Carol <\/em>never gets lost in its own special effects.\u00a0 The production team appears to have had a lot of fun, re-imagining the story with new characterizations.\u00a0 Especially fun is the ghost of Past, a shapeshifting candle, as well as the herd of sprites that accompany Present.\u00a0 Plus, there’s the graveyard scene–with a gooseflesh-raising climax that fits right into the action while using 2022 technology.<\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by Ylanite Koppens from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\n And one of the movie’s best funny lines occurs when Scrooge balks at accompanying the second ghost on a look at Christmas present.<\/p>\n “But we did a whole song and everything!” the ghost protests.<\/p>\n Speaking of which–the songs.\u00a0 You’ll recognize several of them from the 1970 Scrooge <\/em>film, starring Albert Finney.\u00a0 And with good reason–most of those were also written by Leslie Bricusse, whose other compositions include “Pure Imagination” from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n Incorporated into this new animated retelling, these songs not only have held up over the past fifty years (wow, doesn’t seem possible!)–they shine.\u00a0\u00a0 There are also some new ones, which are highly enjoyable and fit perfectly with the spirit (spirits?) of the film.<\/p>\n In addition, the cast, including the guests at Scrooge’s nephew’s party, is now multicultural–a gentle reminder that our society is richer due to being composed of people from all over the world.<\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by \u0414\u0430\u0440\u044c\u044f \u042f\u043a\u043e\u0432\u043b\u0435\u0432\u0430 from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\n And there’s also a great addition to the story, about which I’d always wondered when seeing the 1970 Scrooge.\u00a0<\/em> I won’t ruin it here!\u00a0 Suffice it to say that character’s reactions–including Scrooge’s–are completely believable during the climax scene in the graveyard.<\/p>\n Now, what elements of Scrooge: A Christmas Carol <\/em>took some getting used to, for me?<\/p>\n Well, for one thing, the Scrooge character is handsome and distinguished–though every bit as mean as Dickens’ original.\u00a0\u00a0 Which is a real departure from most portrayals.<\/p>\n So is the fact that in this particular film, Scrooge has a pet.\u00a0\u00a0 A dog, Prudence, left to him by his late partner, Marley–and he’s actually kind to her.<\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div>\n Perhaps what I missed the most, though, is the moment between Scrooge and his nephew when the miser declines yet another Christmas invitation.\u00a0 In the original, Scrooge demands to know why his nephew got married–and is flummoxed by the simple answer, “I fell in love.”\u00a0\u00a0 Having that moment in this version of Scrooge would have been fun.<\/p>\n But, all of those are minor quibbles that don’t even rate a “3” on the “Bah, humbug” scale.\u00a0 Scrooge: A Christmas Carol<\/em> is a clever and fun update which may just interest the next generation in reading Dickens’ original.<\/p>\n There’s also a heartwarming dedication at the end to Leslie Bricusse, who passed away unexpectedly in 2021. \u00a0\u00a0 Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, <\/em>along with his earlier musical works that have brought joy to innumerable movie viewers, is the final chapter in his legacy.<\/p>\nContinue reading →<\/a><\/div><\/li> Uh-oh. “Catfish” for Christmas!<\/p>\n\n\n\n And not the swimming kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That’s the premise of Netflix’s new Christmas movie, “Love Hard”, a good-time romantic comedy with some take-your-breath-away-gorgeous Christmas settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As in many comedies, plausibility doesn’t figure largely in the story line. But that’s a “Scroogey” consideration–this is about having fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the start of the film, single protagonist Natalie Bauer (Nina Dobrow) is navigating the dating waters in L.A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That pretty much sums it up, right there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Her search for The One on dating apps produces predictable results. Natalie gathers a major following in the digital publication for which she works, as she regularly updates readers on her latest romantic disasters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But then<\/em>…as she scrolls through a dating app for the nth time…<\/p>\n\n\n\n …A man who could put any Greek god to shame, stares back at her. And she’s smitten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After a flurry of texts back and forth to “Josh Lin”, who lives in New York, Natalie is determined to pursue her own “happy ending”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accordingly, she boards a plane for the East Coast, set to surprise Josh for Christmas. But Natalie gets the surprise–she’s been catfished! Josh Lin turns out to be a shorter, endearingly-nerdy guy, living with his parents. Josh (Jimmy O. Yang) confesses to using his friend, Tag’s, photo so he can get hits on his dating profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When a furious Natalie storms out of the Lin house, Josh hurries after her to offer a deal: if she’ll pretend to be his girlfriend over the Christmas holidays, he’ll introduce her to Tag. He’ll even serve as matchmaker!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, Natalie accepts, embarking on the mission of becoming Tag’s “ideal woman”. Under Josh’s tutelage, she sets out to learn Tag’s interests, and to make all of them hers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For all its lightheartedness, “Love Hard” hits some real-life moments of honesty, dead center. Family dynamics, particularly as they relate to the youngest child, are on display at the Lin family Christmas gathering. There’s the loving and indulgent Grandma June (Althea Kaye), and the “can-do-no-wrong” older brother, Owen (Harry Shum, Jr.), as well as the parents who seem thrilled to see their younger son show up with an alleged romantic interest. Anyone who’s been the youngest child will relate to the way the family perceives Josh–as a work in progress! At Natalie’s introduction as Josh’s girlfriend, golden-guy Owen exclaims, “It’s a Christmas miracle!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also the all-too-familiar scenes in which Natalie does her best to fit into Tag’s world. “Seriously, girl?” is something you may find yourself thinking, more than once! Suffice it to say that Natalie is completely nonathletic, while Tag (played with “I-know-I’m-an-alpha-male-but-I’m-still-nice” coolness by Darren Barnett) could be the Original Outdoorsman. Her attitude of, “Oh, I got this” is hilarious but recognizable. (Who hasn’t<\/em> confused becoming your best self, with trying desperately to be something you’re not–with or without a rude awakening?)<\/p>\n\n\n\n And I found myself wanting to wave a hand in front of Natalie’s face! Josh is cute and funny, while Tag is simply, as commented on in the movie, “smoking hot”. Of course we know where this is headed, as Josh and Natalie’s friendship grows to the point that she helps him re-take his profile pictures. But getting there is the fun that doesn’t always happen in real life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One stand-out-wonderful scene occurs when Josh takes Natalie’s advice on dealing with his family. He follows her instructions all too well! I won’t ruin it by saying more, except that Grandma June’s warm and believable reaction hits just the right notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also the breathtaking sets that made me want to decorate our house just like the Lins’. The Christmas lights shining through the snow (OK, as a Southern California transplant I can pass on the “snow“<\/em> part!) and the festive decorations add to the overall Christmas-gift feeling of “Love Hard”. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Grab the popcorn and settle in–“Love Hard” is a sled ride to enjoy, at Christmastime or any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\nContinue reading →<\/a><\/div><\/li> (Royalty-free image by Jill Wellington<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a>.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n That’s it?\u00a0 Already?<\/em><\/p>\n No, not really.<\/p>\n December 25th may be over.\u00a0 But Christmas, technically, continues until Twelfth Night–January 6th.<\/p>\n With that in mind, here is a Netflix<\/a> movie we found a lot of fun, for this Christmas season: Christmas Inheritance.<\/em><\/p>\n While this isn’t a new film (according to Netflix’s webpage, it was released in 2017) it was new to me, this year.\u00a0 And it’s a good time, with fun performances by a cast who clearly enjoyed crafting their interpretations of a familiar theme.<\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by Robert Jones<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a>.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n In the opening scenes, Manhattan corporate heiress Ellen Langford (Eliza Taylor)\u00a0 “has everything”: a fancy apartment, a handsome fiance, Gray (Michael Xavier)\u00a0 and hopes of helming Home and Hearth, the gift business her father and his partner have built from the ground up, upon her dad’s retirement.\u00a0 She also has a sense of fun and considerable intelligence.<\/p>\n What she lacks, though, are leadership skills.\u00a0 Ellen has never had to take initiative or work to earn anything–and it shows.<\/p>\n After her antics during a Christmas fundraiser–a great scene which establishes her likability and sporting nature–her father, Jim (Neil Crone) seriously questions her ability to take over at Home and Hearth.\u00a0\u00a0 To his mind, his pampered and irresponsible daughter just isn’t CEO material.<\/p>\n However, he does give her a chance to redeem herself.\u00a0\u00a0 Yearly, Jim sends a Christmas letter to his partner Zeke.<\/p>\n This year, he tells Ellen, if she will hand-deliver the letter, he just might<\/em> reconsider.<\/p>\n Ellen is onboard and she sets off to catch her–wait, her what?\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay<\/a>.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n Bus.\u00a0 To the ultimate small town: Snow Falls, which looks like any number of upstate New York towns.<\/p>\n And the catch: Jim confiscates Ellen’s credit cards and sends her off with just $20 in her pocket.\u00a0 She will have to manage on her own initiative, for the first time in her life.\u00a0 Plus, she’s to travel incognito.<\/p>\n Her adventures, from there, are what make the journey fun.\u00a0 Starting with her search for the bus’s “stewardess”, after boarding.<\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by Ioannis Ioannidis<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a>.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n Predictably, when Ellen arrives in Snow Falls, the bus station is sneeze-and-you’ll-miss-it small.\u00a0 The weather is less than welcoming (appropriately, the snow is falling).\u00a0 And the town has one cab, driven by local Jake Collins (Jake Lacy), a man-of-all-trades who also manages Snow Falls Guest House Inn–which is Ellen’s destination.<\/p>\n As in the tradition of romances, Ellen cannot stand Jake on sight.\u00a0 She just wants to deliver that letter and get the heck out of Snow Falls.\u00a0 But Zeke isn’t around, Jake has no idea where he’s gone or when he’ll be back, and Ellen must adapt to her new surroundings.<\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by Jae Rue from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n Gradually, her annoyance at being “stuck” in the small town gives way to interest and exploration.\u00a0 Gradually, she and Jake find common ground.\u00a0 And Ellen’s natural skills and creativity begin to come to the fore, as she begins to grow in her unfamiliar environment, just before Christmas.<\/p>\n A favorite performance, from this particular movie, comes from Andie MacDowell, who shines as warmhearted and knowledgeable Debbie Collins, proprietor of Debbie’s Diner.\u00a0 The scene where Ellen tries to fake her way through Christmas baking is great.\u00a0 However, my all-time favorite sequence comes shortly thereafter–as Ellen comes into her own, using her people skills and powers of persuasion to benefit the local Christmas fundraiser.\u00a0 The music for this particular sequence is classic–and no, I won’t ruin it by saying anything more!<\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by RitaE<\/a> from Pixabay.<\/a>)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n Grab the popcorn and check out Christmas Inheritance; <\/em>it’s likely to leave you feeling “Christmasy”, whether today is December 26th or sometime in mid-April. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\nContinue reading →<\/a><\/div><\/li> (Royalty-free image by anncapictures<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a>.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n What if you were college-age–and your family had already mapped out your life?<\/p>\n What if those plans included an arranged marriage, and\u00a0<\/em>taking over the family business?<\/p>\n Now, just to complicate things–what if your dad is Santa Claus?\u00a0 That “family business” is his whole North Pole enterprise–and your “intended” is Jack Frost’s son?\u00a0 Worse, what if you’ve never even met<\/em> that son–because you’ve been “promised”, since childhood, in what amounts to a business merger?<\/p>\n That’s the premise of “Santa Girl”, from Netflix<\/a>.\u00a0 And the cast and crew manage to have a lot of fun pulling it off, while treating viewers to a great Christmas romp.<\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by Larry White from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n At the start of the movie, Cassie Claus (Jennifer Stone) is far less than enchanted with the path set out for her. \u00a0 She wants to experience the “real world”.<\/p>\n When she secretly applies to college and is accepted, she must convince her father, now a dour and jaded Santa (Barry Bostwick), that she needs this one small concession before she accedes to his wishes.<\/p>\n Dad agrees, under two conditions.<\/p>\n First, Cassie must fulfill her part of the bargain after one semester.\u00a0 And second (to her chagrin), she must be chaperoned by her endearingly-annoying personal elf, Pep (McKayla Witt).<\/p>\n Cassie isn’t thrilled with the second condition, but accepts it.\u00a0 And off she goes, to her new on-campus adventure.<\/p>\n Not surprisingly, complications arise.<\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by S. Hermann<\/a> & F. Richter<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a>.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n She doesn’t fit in with her fellow students.\u00a0\u00a0 Her calculus class proves daunting.\u00a0 An attractive young undergraduate, JR (Joshua Cody) strikes up a friendship with her, despite Pep’s warnings–and is not what he seems.<\/p>\n And Cassie feels more than a shiver of attraction to fellow student\u00a0 Sam (Devon Werkheiser) when he sets up regular calculus tutoring sessions.\u00a0 Although the feeling is mutual, Cassie is mindful of her engagement–and her promise to her father.<\/p>\n But her fiancee’s father–Jack Frost himself (Hank Stone) isn’t so sure.\u00a0 Wanting to cement the merger between his family and Santa’s enterprise, he shows up on-campus and takes steps to protect his investment.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, December is coming ever closer.<\/p>\n What makes Santa Girl <\/em>fun is the humor and imagination with which the story is told.\u00a0 (Who would ever have envisioned an elf as a dedicated career woman?)\u00a0\u00a0 Cassie exhibits an almost-impossible predilection for sweets (an early scene where Pep brings her her breakfast, is classic!), which is believable, given her genetics.<\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by Jill Wellington<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a>.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n Barry Bostwick, as a widowed Santa, gives the less-than-jolly old saint a human perspective: wanting, and believing he knows, what is best for his only daughter.\u00a0 And he proudly boasts, at one point, of the “reindeer power” in his top-of-the-line, Christmas-red sports car.<\/p>\n In addition, the movie is a visual treat.\u00a0 The holiday-ball scene gleams like the sparkliest gold ornament.\u00a0 Jack Frost’s chilling makeup, with his dead-blue eyes, fits the character perfectly.\u00a0 And then there’s Santa’s fantasy castle, which I personally found reminiscent of Neuschwanstein and which provides a great metaphor for the established and impenetrable traditions which Cassie’s future is meant to uphold.<\/p>\n I’ll do no spoilers, but expect a twist in what otherwise might have been a predictable movie climax.<\/p>\n And a side note, which was a lot of fun: the beautiful college campus, in which the action is set, is more than a setting.\u00a0 It’s Shenandoah University, which, according to the university’s website<\/a>, co-produced Santa Girl <\/em>and involved 62 students in the project, in a first-of-its kind collaboration!<\/p>\n (Royalty-free image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay.)<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n Some of the best handcrafted gifts are made with loving attention to detail.\u00a0 They also carry a sense that creating them was fun.<\/p>\n<\/a>The devil is in the…middle school<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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\u00a92023. Scott Everett White\/Netflix, and used with permission.)<\/p><\/div>\n<\/a><\/a>Perfection to the extreme<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Anastasia Lavrinovich<\/a> from Pixaba.)<\/p><\/div>\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>“Santa Girl”, co-produced by Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, is available now on Netflix.<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\nContinue reading →<\/a><\/div><\/li>
by Noella Noelophile\u00ae<\/h6>\n
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