Fun holiday movies for the family

AFTER a busy year, some rest and relaxation is high on many lists for the December holidays, and there’s often nothing better then settling in for a good film with family or friends. Here are some festive flicks to watch if you are looking for a reason to Netflix and Chill – we have included some recent releases and a few old favourites.

Falling for Christmas (2022)

Lindsay Lohan makes a comeback in Falling for Christmas (2022), an American romantic comedy directed by Janeen Damian and adapted from a screenplay by Jeff Bonnett and Ron Oliver. Lohan plays hotel heiress Sierra Belmont who is striving for independence after being appointed as vice-president for a luxury ski resort owned by her father, Beauregard Belmont (Jack Wagner). Despite the top job, Sierra wants to follow in the footsteps of her influencer boyfirned, Tad Fairchild (George Young). When she hits her head in a skiing accident and loses her memory, Sierra gets a taste for the simple life, and her dreams change.

Embed trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsNIJd45jYM

A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

This British Christmas fantasy film is directed by Gil Kenan, based on the 2015 book of the same name by Matt Haig. In the film, 13-year-old Nikolas (Henry Lawfull) who lives in a forest, sets out in search of his father, Joel (Michiel Huisman), who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of the elves, Elfhelm. Taking with him a headstrong reindeer called Blitzen and a loyal pet mouse, Miika (voiced by Stephen Merchant), Nikolas soon meets his destiny.

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zg00Q7YK48

Dolly Parton Christmas on the Square (2020)

A fresh take on a Scrooge-inspired story, this American Christmas musical is directed and choreographed by Debbie Allen. The wealthy Regina Fuller (Christine Baranski) returns to her hometown with less than festive intentions – to evict the town’s residents and sell the land to a mall developer. Angel (Dolly Parton) appears to Regina, confronting her plans with the power of song.

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBRXZedpC2k

The Holiday (2006)

In this romantic comedy, directed by Nancy Meyerswo, workaholic Amanda (Cameron Diaz) trades her Californian mansion with Iris’ (Kate Winslet) picturesque English cottage. Both women want to get away from romance after battling relationship issues. That all changes when Iris’ brother, Graham (Jude Law), comes knocking after a drunken night at the pub. And love is in the air across the pond as a windy Californian day brings Miles (Jack Black) to Iris’ doorstep.

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDi5zH18vxU

Love Actually (2003)

Directed by Richard Curtis, this firm favourite needs little introduction. With a star-studded cast, the heartwarming romantic comedy follows several London couples and singletons grappling with matters of the heart. From the Prime Minister (Hugh Grant) developing a crush on a member of his staff, Natalie (Martine McCutcheon), to Colin’s (Kris Marshall) quest to pick up American women in pubs, there are several interlinking narratives all set during the festive period. The cast includes A-listers like Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Gregor Fisher, Martine McCutcheon, Kris Marshall and Rowan Atkinson.

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9Z3_ifFheQ

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

This American animation is directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton. The musical dark-fantasy film tells the story of Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween Town, who stumbles upon Christmas Town and plots to take over the holiday. Chris Sarandon (speaking voice) and Danny Elfman (singing voice) are cast as Jack Skellington with Catherine O’Hara as Sally, a rag doll who becomes Jack’s love interest.

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr6N_hZyBCk

Home Alone (1990)

When the McCallister family sets off on their Christmas holiday abroad, they can’t shake the feeling that they have forgotten something important – their youngest son, Kevin, has been left behind. This 90s comedy film is directed by Chris Columbus and written and produced by John Hughes, staring Macaulay Culkin.

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEDaVHmw7r4

ENDS