A Diet Of Christmas Films Menu (2008 - 2018)

This time tomorrow, the twelfth annual Diet of Christmas Films post would have been published and I thought, as a lead-in, I'd publish a long overdue index in which I list all of the movies that have been a part of the previous eleven editions.

For those who may not be aware - since 2008, I've been keeping a yearly record of the Christmas movies. Once I've watched each film, I write a comment about them in a post that I schedule to publish on Christmas Day.

All of the films I've covered are listed below. There are links below each section that should send you to that particular post.

A Diet of Christmas Films I (2008)
Deck The Halls (2006)
Road To Christmas (2006)
Mr St. Nick (2002)
Santa, Jr. (2002)
Will You Merry Me? (2008)
The Christmas Card (2006)
The Christmas Blessing (2005)
A Christmas Visitor (2002)
Merry Christmas, Drake and Josh (2008)
Jack Frost (1998)
Prancer Returns (2001)

View The 2008 Post

A Diet of Christmas Films II (2009)
Deck The Halls (2005)
Chasing Christmas (2005)
A Carol Christmas (2003)
His And Her Christmas (2005)
Home For The Holidays (2005)
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year (2008)
Eve's Christmas (2004)
Twelve Days of Christmas Eve (2004)
A Christmas Carol: The Musical (2004)

View The 2009 Post

A Diet of Christmas Films III (2010)
A Chance of Snow (1998)
Santa Who? (2000)
Christmas Lights (2004)
The Christmas Wish (1998)
Christmas in Wonderland (2007)
Mrs. Santa Claus (1996)
Holiday Wishes (2006)
Christmas Mail (2010)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Four Christmases (2008)

View The 2010 Post

A Diet of Christmas Films IV (2011)
The Christmas Suit (2010)
Cancel Christmas (2010)
Disney's A Christmas Carol (2009)
Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)
A Dream For Christmas (1973)
Moonlight and Mistletoe (2008)
A Nanny For Christmas (2010)
The Christmas Clause (2008)
One Magic Christmas (1985)
Christmas Every Day (1996)
It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie (2002)

View The 2011 Post

A Diet of Christmas Films V (2012)
Snowglobe (2007)
Nothing Like The Holidays (2008)
The Dog Who Saved Christmas (2009)
The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation (2010)
Christmas Town (2008)
One Christmas (1994)
The Days Before Christmas (1958)
November Christmas (2010)
The Snowman (1982)
Secret Santa (2003)
Santa Claus Conquers The Martians (1964)
The Snowman and the Snowdog (2012)

View The 2012 Post

A Diet of Christmas Films VI (2013)
A Christmas Story (1983)
Anything But Christmas (2012)
12 Wishes Of Christmas (2011)
Nativity! (2009)
Snow (2004)
Battle of the Bulbs (2010)
Snow 2: Brain Freeze (2008)
A Perfect Christmas (2012)
Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus (2004)
Meet The Santas (2005)
Gremlins (1984)

View The 2013 Post

A Diet of Christmas Films VII (2014)
Santa With Muscles (1996)
The Case For Christmas (2011)
The Elf Who Didn't Believe (1997)
Almost Christmas (2013)
Pete's Christmas (2013)
K-9 Christmas (2013)
A Golden Christmas (2009)
The Town That Banned Christmas (2006)
A Christmas Story 2 (2012)

View The 2014 Post

A Diet of Christmas Films VIII (2015)
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
One Bad Christmas! (2012)
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Home Alone (1990)
Elf (2003)
The Great Rupert (1950)
Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983)
The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)

View The 2015 Post

A Diet of Christmas Films IX (2016)
The Box of Delights (1984)
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Krampus (2015)
Christmas With The Kranks (2004)
Beverly Hills Christmas (2015)
Shelby (2014)
Bad Santa (2003)
Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas (1999)
Home Alone 3 (1997)
Santa's Little Helper (2015)

View The 2016 Post

A Diet of Christmas Films X (2017)
Jingle All The Way (1996)
A Road Trip For Ralphie (2008)
Nativity! 2: Danger in the Manger (2012)
Nativity! 3: Dude, Where's My Donkey? (2014)
Jingle All The Way 2 (2014)
Ralphie (2013)
Home For Christmas (2013)
Just In Time For Christmas (1998)
Abbott and Costello Christmas Show
March of the Wooden Soldiers (1934)
A Very Murray Christmas (2015)
Pottersville (2017)

View The 2017 Post

A Diet of Christmas Films XI (2018)
Bad Santa 2 (2016)
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Switchmas (2012)
Home Alone 4: Taking Back The House (2002)
Home Alone: The Holiday Heist (2012)
Christmas In Evergreen (2017)
48 Christmas Wishes (2017)
Die Hard (1988)
Get Santa (2014)
Tom and Jerry: Santa's Little Helpers (2014)
The Bishop's Wife (1947)
An American Christmas Carol (1979)
A Christmas Story: Live! (2017)

View The 2018 Post

A Diet Of Christmas Films XIV

Yes - this really is the fourteenth annual Diet of Christmas Films post.

Ever since December of 2008, I've dedicated each Christmas Day post to listing all of the festive films I've watched in the days leading up to the big day. 

The series has witnessed  me watch some great - and not so great! - movies. It has also seen me fight to get through an endless 'to watch' list: a fun battle that I will never win because I always find myself adding new titles to the pile each year.

I always begin writing these posts weeks, but sometimes months, ahead of Christmas Day. I write about the films as soon as I have watched them aiming to have each post ready to go live on Christmas morning.

This year's binge began on October 31st. I chose something appropriate to start with...

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Summary:

Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington longs to spread the joy of Christmas. But his merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere

Thoughts:

Here's something that might surprise you - I hadn't seen The Nightmare Before Christmas until this viewing. I was even more surprised that this film was made in 1993. I thought it was made later than that.

The film wasn't too bad. It slightly reminded me of The Grinch. More like a reverse Grinch, though, because Jack Skellington wanted to embrace the festive spirit. 

I started with a decent film. Next!?

The Amazing Mr. Blunden (1972)

Summary:

A mysterious, very old solicitor - Mr Blunden - visits Mrs. Allen and her young children in her squalid, tiny Camden Town flat and makes her an offer she cannot refuse. The family become the housekeepers to a derelict country mansion in the charge of the solicitors. One day, the children meet the spirits of two other children who died in the mansion nearly a hundred years previously. The children prepare a magic potion that allows them to travel backwards in time to the era of the ghost children. Will the children be able to help their new friends and what will happen to them if they do?

Thoughts:

The summary above, as is often the case, was found on IMDB. To answer the question - yes, the children from the present (or rather 1918 England) are able to help the children from 1818 England. 

I hadn't heard of this film before I saw it advertised on Talking Pictures TV last Christmas. I set the cable box to record it and held onto it until this year's Christmas movie viewing season. The problem I have with this film is I don't really know if I can call it festive.

Sure, it opened at Christmas when Mr Blunden visits the home of the Allens. But that's it. It is a regular time from then on.

My argument for movies like Die Hard and Gremlins being Christmas films is because they are set entirely during Christmas. The Amazing Mr Blunden is only set during Christmas for the first five minutes or so. If that.

With that said - if you're into ghost stories, this is the film for you.

November 8th Update: A few hours after watching The Amazing Mr Blunden, I found out that a 2021 remake is coming out in December. 

Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa (2018)

Summary:

Lisa Palmer's trip home to Evergreen for the holidays finds her fulfilling the wishes of a Christmas past and finding a romance full of Christmas magic.

Thoughts:

This has been a Christmas movie I have been on the lookout for since I watched the first part of the series in the Diet of Christmas films in 2018. There have been other films based in Evergreen in 2019 and 2020 as well as this one. I recorded the one from 2019 but have kept it on hold until I watched 'Letters To Santa'.

Well.. I have now done that. 

I found this to have a really nice story. I have forgotten almost everything that happened in the first Evergreen film, but that didn't matter because the main story focused on new characters. Holly Robinson-Peete, who is the only person I remember from the original because I know her from my favourite TV programme as a child - 21 Jump Street - is back in this.

Mr Krueger's Christmas (1980)

Summary:

An elderly widower relies on his daydreams and faith to get through a lonely Christmas

Thoughts:

Christmas 1989. That was when this TV movie first was brought to my attention. I saw it listed in Satellite TV Europe magazine in a list of movies. Silly old me assumed it was something to do with A Nightmare on Elm Street so recorded it. Imagine my reaction when I played the VHS back only to see it had nothing to do with Freddy Krueger celebrating the festive period. I cannot even recall if I watched the film again. Until this year.

I came across Mr Krueger's Christmas in 2021 while looking through YouTube. As soon as I saw it, I thought 'Ahhh.. I have got to watch this for the Diet of Christmas Films because it'll allow me to tell the story from the late-80s'.

As for the 2021 viewing - I thought it has aged significantly.

Jimmy Stewart plays the role of Mr Krueger - a lonely old man who spends most of the short film daydreaming about having a better Christmas with people. In reality, he is set to spend it with his cat - George - along with his memories of his deceased wife. 

The reason why I said this film has not stood the test of time is because of a couple of scenes in the film. In one, he singles out a little girl and tries to talk to her. The girl is ushered away by the parents. They kind of make it look like the parents are in the wrong (ie lacking in Christmas spirit) by shielding her away from the old man who wanted to talk. As someone who was told as a child not to talk to strangers, I felt Stewart came across as creepy in this part even though it's obviously not the intention.

Mr Krueger's Christmas is a far way away from It's a Wonderful Life.

Speaking of It's a Wonderful Life...

Unlikely Angel (1996)

Summary:

Dolly Parton plays a self-absorbed singer who meets an untimely death and gets the opportunity to earn her wings if she helps a family overcome the loss of its matriarch by getting the father and his children to once again embrace Christmas.

Thoughts:

Now here's an older film that hasn't aged at all and has a nice story to it. 

It has the usual angel help a family at Christmas tropes. I must have seen a ton of these movies over the years but - despite having identical plots - they're enjoyable. This one wasn't one of the rare exceptions.

Home Sweet Home Alone (2021)

Summary:

Alone for the holidays, Max Mercer will do whatever it takes to protect his home from trespassers

Thoughts:

Home Sweet Home Alone is a movie I had been looking forward to seeing since it was first announced back in 2019. Back then, the reports stated that the film would be a reboot. It didn't turn out to be the case.

In this film, the main child is an English lad who lives in the US with his mother. The reason why this is in no way a reboot is because Buzz McCallister - Kevin's bully of  a brother from the original movies - appears as a policeman. There is a funny part in the movie when the dispatchers ask Buzz to Max's home because there are reports of a child being left behind while his family travelled overseas. Buzz disregards the call by stating that the call was a prank by Kevin because of what happened in 1990 and 1992. That was a really funny addition to the film.

I've watched all six of the Home Alone franchise movies over the years. This is definitely not the best (the first one is!) but it's absolutely not the worst because this one had a good story to it. To avoid spoiling it - the baddies are not really THAT bad but are forced to be and end up proving how good they really are at the end.

So, yeah - this isn't the best Home Alone film, but I didn't expect it to be.

The Night They Saved Christmas (1984)

Summary:

An oil company is exploring two Arctic sites for oil. The needed blasting at the first site rocks Santa Claus' North Pole city/ He realises that any blasting at the second site will destroy is home. He enlists the aid of a woman and her children to convince her husband - who works for the company - that the first site is where the oil is. Along the way, Santa explains all his secrets in delivering presents all around the world.

Thoughts:

The summary, taken from IMDB, is very concise. This is exactly what happens in this made for TV movie. It was okay, but nothing special.

I had seen this film advertised on TV over here a few times over the years, but was never able to get a recording of it (this was when I had Windows Media Center on my PC). I stumbled upon a copy of it on YouTube (it was uploaded May 1 2020). 

One of the cool trivia notes about the film is one of the children is played by Scott Grimes, who would later star in Critters and Critters II. He's also a cast member of The Orville.

By the way, another 'film' I came across on YouTube shortly after finding The Night They Saved Christmas was this:

You know I had to watch it, right?

Jean Shepherd's A Christmas Story at the Grand Theatre (2013)

Thoughts:

This was a really cool performance of the A Christmas Story play. Granted, my only real experience in  A Christmas Story on 'stage' is by listening to the CD and watching A Christmas Story Live a few years ago. The less said about the latter the better.

This wasn't the musical, but was a straight up play. Everyone did a superb job. The adult Ralphie, who narrates throughout, appears to be the person who uploaded this to YouTube. 

I would watch this again if it's still available online in years from now.

Ebbie (1995)

Summary:

In this updated retelling of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, ruthless businesswoman and department store owner Elizabeth Scrooge (or 'Ebbie' for short), is taught the true spirit of Christmas by three spirits who visit her.

Thoughts:

It wouldn't be the Christmas film watching season without some sort of narrative that uses A Christmas Carol as inspiration.

This was okay. It had a few interesting adjustments to the Scrooge story. The main one obviously being the name for the feminine Scrooge . I thought the 'Ebbie' - short for Elizabeth - was a funny touch considering she was this story's Ebenezer. 

I'm sure I'll see more films like this over the years. This isn't one I care enough to want to revisit, though.

Miracle on 34th Street (1973)

Summary:

A department store Santa Claus ends up on trial trying to prove that he's the real Santa.

Thoughts:

I watched the original Miracle on 34th Street in the Diet of Christmas Films VIII and have had this 1973 TV movie edition on my cable box for a couple of years.

This edition was very good. In fact - I'd go so far as to say I found it just as enjoyable as the 1947 edition. Mainly because - for some reason - I find myself enjoying 70's films or TV programmes. There's something charming about that era in TV/Movies. 

I also have the 1994 movie version of Miracle on 34th Street on the cable box, so I'll watch that one soon enough.

To quote The Smiths -  How soon is now?!

Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

Thoughts:

The 1990's version of Miracle on 34th Street was an adequate remake. Richard Attenborough played Kris Kringle and Mara Wilson - who seemed to be everywhere back then - played Susan.

This was the first time I had seen the 1994 film. I remember seeing the key scene (see above) on TV when it first came out, but that was all.

With all that said, if the original is number one - I kind of have to lean on the 70's film ahead of this one. 

One other interesting thing about 1994's Miracle on 34th Street is the department store - Macy's - did not want its name used like it has been in the previous editions. What a bunch of Scrooges!

Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy (2019)

Summary:

A sceptical writer shows up in Evergreen to get the scoop on the town's famed passion for Christmas during a search for a long-lost time capsule

Thoughts:

We're back to Evergreen. 

I've got to be straight up here. I liked the first Evergreen film and - as you've seen above - the second film in the series was also good. The third? Well - I did not enjoy it as much as the earlier couple. 

What I will say about these films, though, is that they're a really cool idea. Having the same characters hovering around underneath the main love story in each film is a nice touch. I can't help but think that people who watched these films over the consecutive years they aired found it welcoming to revisit the townspeople each year.

A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

Summary:

In this origin story of Father Christmas, an ordinary boy named Nikolas - with a loyal pet mouse and reindeer at his side - sets out on an extraordinary adventure to find his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of Elfhelm

Thoughts:

Based on the novel by Nick Haig, this was the big Christmas movie produced by Sky this season. It was co-produced by Netflix and aired on Sky Cinema in the Britain and Ireland and Netflix in other countries.

It told a really nice story and was packed full of well-known stars. The special effects were also great.

Children will really enjoy it.

The Holly and the Ivy (1952)

Summary:

A heart-warming tale of an English minister and his family reunited at Christmas. Their story includes remembrance of their World War II trials.

Thoughts:

This was the oldest film I have watched so far this Christmas season (up to this point?). It was also the one I found the least appealing (up to this point!?).

It's more than likely my fault. I was interested to start, but I lost my way somewhere in the middle and I was unable to find my bearings in regards to what the story was all about. I kind of found my way back into it right at the end, but - by then - I had already decided this wasn't an enjoyable film despite knowing many of the actors and actresses in it.

Christmas in Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing (2020)

Summary:

As Michelle's wedding approaches, Hannah steps up to help finish the launch of the new Evergreen Christmas museum while questioning her relationship and future with Elliot

Thoughts:

This was a major improvement from the third film in the Christmas in Evergreen series. 

What was really cool about this edition is that one of the minor characters from all three of the previous films steps up is the main in this one. All of the Evergreen residents we have regularly seen in those films are also back.

There wasn't a new Christmas in Evergreen film released in the US this year, so this might have been the last one. Had it ended with the third film, I would have thought it was time. This one made me want to see a few more made.

'Twas The Fight Before Christmas (2021)

Summary:

In this true-life twist on a holiday fable, Jeremy Morris brings a while new meaning to Christmas spirit when his extravagant seasonal display sparks a dispute with his neighbours that lands them all in court

Thoughts:

This is a documentary that is available on Apple TV+. It's about a man who hosted Christmas light shows from his house and angered the local neighbourhood. There were times in the film in which I sided with the man, then - at other moments - I found myself rooting for the neighbours. By the end, I was in the middle. 

I also spent a lot of this film wondering if it was a mockumentary because of some of the craziness which went on between the warring parties.

I've watched films about neighbours arguing about Christmas lights a few times over the years, so 'Twas The Fight Before Christmas deserves its place in this list of festive films I've watched this season.

Before I get to the next film, I must give you a backstory.

One of the things I have been doing this Christmas viewing season is watching the films that have been stored on my cable box for three to four years. After watching Ebbie, I deleted the film and saw that The Christmas Train (recorded from Christmas 24 in 2018) was next.

The following morning, I received an email from Amazon with the 99p Kindle Deals of the Day. The Christmas Train by David Baldacci was one of the titles on the list.

I immediately thought it would be fun to buy the book, read it and then watch The Christmas Train film to compare them. 

The book has been read. Now it's time for the film..

The Christmas Train (2017)

Summary:

A cynical journalist decides to take a train from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles for Christmas to get inspiration for a story in honour of his late father. He gets to know the other passengers and runs into an old flame while aboard

Thoughts:

I enjoyed both the book and the film. It was an easy read / watch. The story of the two journalists falling back in love was perfect to made into a film for Hallmark.

With that said, and as is often the case, there are some things from the book which didn't make it to the screen. Some characters didn't even make it to the screenplay. A couple of characters had some major transformations that didn't really hinder the narrative.

One of the characters of note is a priest named Father Kelly. In one of the subplots, there is a thief on board the train. Passengers' items are stolen along the way. By the end of the novel, it is revealed that Kelly is not a priest but a petty thief who has returned to his criminal ways after forty years due to the recent passing of his wife. In the film, Kelly is not a priest, but the story about him being recently widowed and a crook from before his forty-year marriage is still told. So, they got to the point without having the swerve which was the revelation that it was a fraudulent priest who carried out the thefts only to see the light at the end.

How The Toys Saved Christmas (1997)

Summary:

A group of toys take matters into their own hands when their Christmas delivery is in jeopardy

Thoughts:

This is an animated film that was made in Italy, but given English-speaking voiceovers. I can't exactly put my finger on what it reminded me of, but it sure does look like a foreign cartoon from the 1990's. 

As for the film itself - it had a charming story with the toys finding their own way to new owners on Christmas Eve after a baddie has prevented a good witch from delivering the presents.

8-Bit Christmas (2021)

Summary:

In 1980s Chicago, a 10-year-old sets out on a quest to get the Christmas gift of his generation: the latest and greatest video-game system.

Thoughts:

This is another film based on a book, but I hadn't heard of its existence until after the movie ended. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this. A strong reason why is because it relates to my generation as a fan of Nintendo and having wanted an NES for Christmas (albeit they became a big thing over here in the UK three years after this film is set).

There is a swerve at the end of the film that I don't want to spoil. It caused some damp eyes because I felt lulled into believing this film was all about a boy's wish to get a Nintendo for Christmas 1988.

The picture I've chosen is from a scene in the movie when the boy is at a Nintendo display in a department store. This brought back memories of me also falling in love with the console with those displays. 

The scene is also appealing to me because of the game that is played on the store's Nintendo system. The Commodore 64 version of Rampage was given to me - by my aunt and uncle - as a Christmas gift in 1987. I wrote about it in a tribute to my uncle in 2017.

Good Morning Christmas! (2020)

Summary:

Two squabbling TV hosts are sent to a festive town over Christmas. While pretending to get along for the sake of appearances, they discover there's more to each other than they thought

Thoughts:

This film had a similar storyline to other Hallmark films with the two protagonists at loggerheads until near the end where they find their true feelings for each other. I liked how they found their way together.

The Santa Squad (2020)

Summary:

Allie, an out of work art teacher, has to accept a job with the Santa Squad to help wealthy widower - Gordon - and his two precious daughters rediscover the magic of Christmas

Thoughts:

This film has a score of 6/10 on IMDB. I'd rate it slightly higher., but not by much. 

It's one of those Christmas films which has an outsider coming in to help look after the children of a person whose job has taken over their life. The newcomer brings them all together and ends up saving the relationship between the man and his daughters. And - as you would expect for a narrative for a made for TV Christmas movie - love blossoms between the man and his employee.

Switched For Christmas (2017)

Summary:

When identical twin sisters are stuck planning their respective Christmas parties, they're convinced the grass is greener on the other side. Deciding to swap lives for the holidays.

Thoughts:

I found this to be a pleasant film. Seen many identity switch films in my lifetime and this certainly wasn't the best. It absolutely wasn't the worst, however.

There's something interesting about the film in that it appears to be set in the same universe as Evergreen because it's mentioned by one of the characters at the start. If you look at the picture below, the character is the first man starting from the left. He's the same actor from 'Christmas in Evergreen: Letters from Santa' (see above). Both were different roles!

A Very Merry Toy Store (2017)

Summary:

Two rival toy shop owners reluctantly join forces when an unscrupulous toy magnate opens a box store in their town 

Thoughts:

The story in this film seemed quite rushed to me. It started off with the two opposing shop owners at loggerheads before the new store opens. They then fall in love shortly after teaming up and end up married by the end. I'm used to these kinds of romances developing across the film right up to the end. I guess I have to give them credit for surprising me.

The fall of the magnate was also rushed. It seemed the closing scenes just came out of nowhere even though we were set up for it earlier in the film.

A Christmas Number One (2021)

Summary:

A young girl desperately wants her uncle to find love and for his song to hit the number one spot by Christmas Day

Thoughts:

Another film produced by Sky. 

I don't really know what to write about British Christmas films. Some are not good. Some are okay. This was better than okay although it took me a while to go from 'this is rubbish' to 'okay, this isn't too bad'. It has a nice heart-warming story and it did make tears well up (slightly!) near the end.

Santa's Boot Camp (2016)

Summary:

Willy Wonka meets 'The Breakfast Club' at Christmas. When kids become so bratty and self-centred that Santa's elves go on strike, Santa - in desperation - must bring six unscrupulous youths to his boot camp to help save Christmas.

Thoughts:

Willy Wonka meets 'The Breakfast Club'? Are they having a laugh? This was more like Why Don't You meets your local amateur dramatics society.

I did not like this film at all. The story was rubbish (I lost the plot at key points) and the acting was not very good.

This film has been on my cable box's hard drive since 2017 or 2018. It was such a pleasure to finally hit delete. 

Christmas Cookies (2016)

Summary:

A corporate agent is sent to a small town to buy a cookie company and shut down its factory. When she starts falling in love with the factory's owner, the town's Christmas spirit overtakes her

Thoughts:

This had the usual 'outsider coming into a Christmas town' plot that you would expect from a Hallmark movie. However, there was a really nice twist at the end which allowed everything to end happily ever after

Last Train To Christmas (2021)

Summary:

Tony Towers is a local celebrity, a successful nightclub manager and he is engaged to a younger woman, Sue. Things get a little strange when he embarks upon the 3:17 to Nottingham for a Christmas family reunion

Thoughts:

This is another film produced by Sky with a load of famous British stars. 

I thought it was brilliantly done.

It would be foolish of me to say that this film is like a modern-telling of A Christmas Carol because it isn't. However, it did make me think about that narrative in way because Tony travels to the past, present and future - by entering different train carriages - and sees his life just like Scrooge did in Dickens' work. It doesn't have the themes of A Christmas Carol, though.

Such a wonderful story. The thing which really made me enjoy it that much more is the way the camera changes with each era Tony enters. For example, it starts in 1985 and the screen is made to look like a standard definition with a camera style of that period. In some of the concluding scenes, the film is in black and white because it has Tony on the train as a child. 

I really wanted to end there with Last Train to Christmas, but there is one more I must do....

The Amazing Mr. Blunden (2021)

Thoughts:

The 2021 remake of The Amazing Mr. Blunden, which I referred to earlier in this post, aired on Sky yesterday, so I thought - considering I watched the original earlier in this marathon - I would conclude this year's Diet of Christmas Films with the new one.

Just like the 1972 edition, it begins at Christmas. However, the majority of the story is set in the middle of summer, so I still find difficulty in considering this a festive film. The closing scenes of the 2021 edition seem to be set during Christmastime, though.

In some ways, I found this edition better than the original. It obviously had better effects than the 1970s which allowed the story to be told in a better way. 

I'd have to be fair and say the acting was equal between the two films. 

An interesting thing about the original is the close of the film had the actors and actresses break the fourth wall and say goodbye to the viewer. This was reintroduced at the conclusion of the remake, which - I felt - was a cool nod to the original.

Speaking of goodbyes, that is all for this year's edition of A Diet of Christmas Films. Of the many films I've watched for 2021, I'd have to give the 1973 Miracle on 34th Street the thumbs up for the best on this year's list. There are close seconds. The one which was the least enjoyable has to go to Santa's Boot Camp.

I still cannot believe that this is fourteenth edition of ADOCF. On to number 15!

Merry Christmas

A Diet Of Christmas Films XI

In December of 2008, I watched a handful of Christmas films, listed them and wrote a few things I liked - or disliked - about them in a post on Christmas Day. I decided to have another go at doing it the following year. And then the year after that.

You're now reading the eleventh edition.

When I last left you in the early hours of Christmas Morning 2017, I wrote that I had a movie in mind to watch for the 2018 edition. I had wanted to view it for the 2017 post, but was unable to find it on Sky Movies or Netflix. Well, as luck - or lack thereof - had it, I was browsing Amazon Prime a few hours after the post went live and stumbled upon the movie in question. I decided there and then that the 2018 edition of A Diet of Christmas Films must start.

And so, here we are. A year before it sees the light of day, I shall begin the 2018 Diet of Christmas Films with....

Bad Santa 2 (2016)

Summary:
Fueled by cheap whiskey, greed and hatred, Willie teams up once again with his angry little sidekick, Marcus, to knock off a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve.

Thoughts:
I liked the original and think this sequel was just as good.
It was interesting to see how they managed to bring the original characters back together after thirteen years. The last time we saw Willie and Marcus team up ended in Marcus double-crossing his partner in crime. You could tell the same thing was going to happen at the denouement of this one as well. And it happens, but there is another twist that comes with it.

The months have flown by. It is November 23rd as I write this part of the post. Yesterday was Thanksgiving in the USA and Netflix dropped one of its new movies for the festive period. This is where I'll restart this year's edition after watching Bad Santa 2 eleven months ago..

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

Summary:
The story of a sister and brother, Kate and Teddy Pierce, whose Christmas Eve plan to catch Santa Claus on camera turns into an unexpected journey that most kids could only dream about.

Thoughts:
This was a really enjoyable film. It stars Kurt Russell as Santa Claus. It's one of the best produced Christmas films I've ever seen. There are some really cool special effects as the elves that appear in it are animated. I also found myself laughing at some of the funny scenes or lines. I have a feeling this could be one of the films my nephew will want to watch for Christmases to come.

Switchmas (2012)

Summary:
A Christmas obsessed Jewish boy on his way to sunny Florida figures out how to get the Christmas of his dreams by trading airline tickets and places with another boy on his way to snowy Christmastown, WA.

Thoughts:
I decided to watch this because I noticed that David DeLuise's name on the cast when browsing through Amazon Prime. I don't know David, but I know of his father (Dom) and brothers (Peter and Michael, who appeared in my favourite TV show when I was younger - 21 Jump Street).
As for the film - I thought it was really good and I also learned some interesting facts about some of the most popular Christmas songs (most were made by Jewish people).
Oh yeah - Ray Donovan fans will also notice a familiar face in this in the form of Elliott Gould, who played Ezra in a few of the earlier seasons.

Home Alone 4: Taking Back The House (2002)

Summary:
Amidst his parents' impending divorce, Kevin McCallister must foil his old nemesis Marv and his wife Vera's plot to kidnap a Crown prince despite opposition from his dad Peter, Peter's fiancee Natalie and Natalie's butler, Mr. Prescott.

Thoughts:
I've watched the first three Home Alone movies in the years I've published the Diet of Christmas Films posts. I first watched the third movie in 2016, The third was all about a new child as Macaulay Culkin was obviously too old to play Kevin McCallister in 1997. So - after moving in a different direction with no McCallisters - they go back to the McCallister family in 2002. All different actors. I didn't like this.
Home Alone 3 proved that it is possible to do anthology movies with the Home Alone name, so I don't get why they went back to the family from the first movie. It isn't a reboot either as the previous films are referred to in this one.
With that said, it was okay. It just would have worked a lot better if they did this movie with a different characters. Heck, I would have been okay with Marv the villain being brought in to be outsmarted by a child that wasn't Kevin McCallister. Which leads me on to...

Home Alone: The Holiday Heist (2012)

Summary:
Finn Baxter sets up booby traps to catch the ghost of his new home's former occupant, only to discover he must protect the house and his sister from three bumbling art thieves.

Thoughts:
The fifth - and currently final - Home Alone movie. And I evidently got my wish with this one as it's about a different family but uses the same sort of ideas that are associated with Home Alone (kids at home at Christmastime stopping burglars from their property).
Despite this being a Home Alone movie in name, I wasn't too keen on it. It wasn't as good as the fourth (and that's saying something).
One thing I did laugh at was seeing Eddie Steeples in this film. I haven't seen him since he played Darnell in My Name Is Earl. He played one of the bad guys.

Christmas In Evergreen (2017)

Summary:
Hoping to spur her longtime beau to action, a small-town veterinarian wishes upon a snow globe that this will be her most romantic Christmas ever.

Thoughts:
Okay the synopsis/summary is quite rubbish here. Yes, the film is about a small-town veterinarian who wishes on a snow globe. However, there's a lot more to THAT story. She is about to leave for Washington to stay with her boyfriend over Christmas but then she winds up stuck at home and meets a widower and his daughter who are also trapped in Evergreen due to the weather. By the end, the boyfriend has managed to pop up in Evergreen, but they both realise that they aren't compatible. It ends with Allie and Ryan falling in love.
I liked it.
Oh, and on another 21 Jump Street theme, Holly Robinson-Peete - who played Judy Hoffs in the show - plays one of the characters in the movie.

48 Christmas Wishes (2017)

Summary:
For the first time ever, two junior elves have to leave home after losing an entire town's letters to Santa. Wile attempting to blend into small town life, they set out to retrieve every missing wish before Christmas Eve.

Thoughts:
When I was on IMDB getting the synopsis after watching the film, I came across a review of this movie. It was given one star and had the title 'Kids Might Enjoy...'
I couldn't agree more. I wasn't too keen on this, but I am sure that children will like it more than I did.

Mid-December Update - I've just been on the phone to my nephew, who is nine years old. I asked if he had watched 48 Christmas Wishes and he told me he had watched the beginning, but didn't like it. I'm now not so sure about that statement I made about the film being more enjoyable to children!


Die Hard (1988)

Summary:
John McClane, officer of the NYPD, tries to save his wife Holly Gennaro and several others that were taken hostage by German terrorist Hans Gruber during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles.

Thoughts:
I have seen this film many, many times. It seems that - every now and again - I come across the question 'Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?' I've noticed it asked a lot more this year because it was brought up in a commercial (Co-Op?) and Sky Cinema has been asking it on Twitter. It's a debatable point, but I'm going to claim that it is a Christmas movie. If Gremlins is, then this is.
As you can see above, the film first came out thirty years ago. I remember seeing a pirate copy of it from a guy who used to own a video shop near me. This would have been some time in '88 (it came out in US cinemas in the summer of 1988, but reached the UK later in the year). I definitely remember telling people at my junior school class about this film long before it made its way to these shores. This is such a great action film. Nay, this is such a great CHRISTMAS action film.

Get Santa (2014)

Summary:
A father and son team up to save Christmas once they discover Santa Claus sleeping in their garage after crashing his sleigh and finding himself on the run from the police.

Thoughts:
This is a British movie and it's very good. From memory, I believe the most recent British Christmas films that I watched are from the Nativity series. This film right here is so much better. I found myself laughing out loud at many parts in this movie. I have seen this film in the TV listings and also saw it on streaming many times over the years, but I obviously passed on it until this year. I'm glad I finally caught it.

Tom and Jerry: Santa's Little Helpers (2014)

Summary:
Jerry and Tuffy are living the good life in Santa's workshop, until the unfortunate day on which Tom is rescued by the Claus family. With Tom in the house, merry mayhem ensues at the North Pole, but when the dust settles, the destructive duo now have to work together to save Christmas and learn the true meaning of friendship

Thoughts:
First of all - who the heck is Tuffy?! Have I become so ancient that I don't even remember a grey mouse that was also in the old school Tom and Jerry cartoons or is this a new character? I have no time to worry about these things. Yet.
I wasn't too keen on this film. The cartoon was more jazzy than I am used to when it comes to Tom and Jerry. Thankfully, it was only a short film. Even though I didn't like it, I'm sure children will.

By the way, I can now confirm that Tuffy IS in the older cartoons. Shows how much I remember!

The Bishop's Wife (1947)

Summary:
An angel in human form enters the life of a bishop in order to help him build a new cathedral and repair his fractured marriage.

Thoughts:
I watched a couple of TV specials about Christmas films in the space of a few days and The Bishop's Wife was brought up in both of them. I thought I'd check it out.
I had never heard of this Cary Grant movie before seeing it mentioned in the two TV specials. It is reminiscent of It's A Wonderful Life. However, it isn't as good as it despite the fact that I did find it enjoyable.

An American Christmas Carol (1979)

Summary:
In an American town, an old bitter miser is given a ghostly chance at redemption on Christmas Eve.

Thoughts:
This TV movie was mentioned on one of the TV specials I watched about Christmas movies. It is one of those films that uses the Christmas Carol plot but - instead of Ebeneezer Scrooge - we get Henry Winkler's Benedict Slade. I enjoyed this film a lot. This states a lot considering I usually avoid anything that uses the Christmas Carol as inspiration because I find them to be samey. I didn't feel that with this title.

A Christmas Story: Live! (2017)

Summary:
A live broadcast of the Broadway hit 'A Christmas Story: The Musical' in which Ralphie wishes for nothing more than a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas

Thoughts:
I first came across A Christmas Story five years ago after it was recommended by a late friend. From there, I became hooked on the work of Jean Shepherd and anything to do with A Christmas Story. I've watched the film every single Christmas since. Not only that - I also watched A Christmas Story 2 (and didn't hate it as much as many people out there). I also am aware of the Broadway stage show that is inspired by the book and movie, so - when I found out that they did a live version of the show on American TV last Christmas - I knew I had to make sure I found a copy of it as the main event of this year's Diet of Christmas Films.
Well, like in pro wrestling and boxing, sometimes the main event doesn't deliver the goods.
This didn't deliver.
I own the CD from the Broadway play, so I knew most of the songs already. The CD is superior to this. I suppose it was cool to finally see the play albeit a TV version of it. I don't think I'll watch it again.

I can't finish this year with a dud. Therefore, I have one final film to watch. No need for a Summary or Thoughts here. It's been done to death...

A Christmas Story (1983)

....Merry Christmas!

A Diet Of Christmas Films XVI

You should know the score by now. After all - this is the SIXTEENTH edition of A Diet of Christmas Films.

Ever since 2008, I've dedicated every Christmas Day post to sharing the list of Christmas films I've watched in the months, weeks, days - and hours - leading up to midnight on Christmas morning. 

After watching each film, I write a few words about them and then - at midnight on Christmas morning - the post goes live.

Here's everything I've watched for Christmas 2023.

Christmas in Paradise (2022)

Summary:
Joanna's holiday is shattered when her sisters tell her that their dad has dumped his partner, he isn't responding to any calls and disappeared to a Caribbean island. The sisters decide to go to save their father and bring him home for Christmas

Thoughts:

Christmas in Paradise is a sequel to a film I watched last year. I had looked out for it on Netflix because that is where the original came out in 2021. However, for some reason, the second in the series found its way to Amazon Prime instead.

A small handful of stars, that appeared in Father Christmas is Back, return for this follow-up set overseas. Also added to the sequel's roster is Billy Ray Cyrus whose main job was to add some musical interludes along the way in this fairly slow-yet-short film.

I preferred the original even though I felt it went OTT on the British humour. On a plus side, I didn't really notice that niggle in Christmas in Paradise.

Richard Burton's Christmas Story (1990 or 1991)

Summary:

Set in a Welsh mining village - Richie is disturbed by the mysterious absence of Cis - his sister-mother, and is being teased mercilessly by his friend, Trevor, about whether or not his Christmas present will be new or second-hand.

Thoughts:

This film reminded me of Christmas stories, or films in this case, from Truman Capote. Obviously set closer to my home, though.

Speaking of being close to my home - one of the actors in this was a couple of years older than me at high school. There was someone else in the film I vaguely remember from somewhere but spent half of the film trying to recall how I did.

I'd recommend this film to anyone who enjoys period Christmas films just to see how the Welsh do them.

It's time for the other Christmas Story...

A Christmas Story (1983)

You all know the summary. It's a film I watch every single year. Although, there's a big upgrade this time.

In August, I bought a copy of the 4K Ultra HD edition of A Christmas Story. I am keen to rewatch the film with the enhanced picture, but - most importantly - with the audio commentary by the film's director, Bob Clark, and its main star - Peter Billingsley.

Thoughts:

Bob Clark passed away in 2007, so the commentary must have been featured on other editions of the movie. However, I hadn't heard it before this viewing.

It was really interesting to hear the insight from both director and main star as the film played. 

One of the things Bob Clark said, which stood out, concerned Jean Shepherd. Apparently, Shepherd and Steven Spielberg met for lunch to talk about a project and Spielberg got back to Clark and asked the director how he was able to get along with Shepherd. Going by that comment, it appears Spielberg and Shepherd mustn't have hit it off. Clark kind of says Shepherd wasn't for everybody and was very hands-on during the filming of this movie.

Another part of the commentary, which I already knew about but is a fascinating trivia note, is the acknowledgement that Jack Nicholson could have played the part of Ralphie's father in the film. 

Darren McGavin is brilliant in the role of 'The Old Man'. I'd love to go to the alternate world where Nicholson accepts the offer. I think it would turn into a totally different movie because Nicholson has historically been a scene stealer whenever he's cast as a supporting actor. 

The Nine Kittens of Christmas (2021)

Summary:

Cat lovers Zachary and Marilee are thrown back together at Christmastime when they're tasked with finding homes for a litter of adorable kittens.

Thoughts:

I recorded this film on Channel 5 when I was doing a mass recording session on the TV planner. When I finally came around to watching it, I saw 'Brandon Routh' in the title credits and then thought 'Ohhh, I've seen this one!' 

However, I continued to watch the opening few minutes and realised this is a sequel to a film I watched for the 2020 edition of A Diet of Christmas Films.

To be quite frank, I didn't recall much about The Nine Lives of Christmas but - as I continued to watch everything unfold in The Nine Kittens of Christmas - some memories flooded back. 

2020 seems like such an age ago. I wasn't a cat owner back then. I am now, so I feel I enjoyed this film more than I may have done its predecessor. 

I especially liked the kitten named Rudolph (the last kitten left in the litter) because he slightly resembles one of my cats - Oreo.

In 2020, I noted that The Nine Lives of Christmas felt rushed near its end. I kind of felt the same way about the sequel even though it did conclude on an obvious happy note.

A New York Christmas Wedding (2020)

Summary:

As her wedding nears, a bride-to-be is visited by an angel who reveals what could have been if she'd followed feelings for her childhood best friend

Thoughts:

I was given only a few hours to watch this film because it was in the 'Leaving Soon' section of Netflix when I was browsing through Christmas titles.

I am glad I was able to catch it before it was taken down.

This is another one of those films where the lead character finds themself in an alternate world seeing how their life would have panned out had outside forces not caused different paths to be taken.

The childhood best friend - in this story - is another female, so - in the different life- the pair is in a same-sex relationship.

Even though this was set at Christmastime, and there is a visit from an angel, this film could have been set at any other time of year and still told the same story.

Good job I caught it when I did otherwise I would have missed out on seeing it.

Christmas Eve on Sesame Street (1978)

Summary:

Big Bird worries when Oscar tells him that if Santa Claus can't fit down the chimney on Christmas Eve, no one will get presents

Thoughts:

This TV special from the late-70s was a YouTube recommendation. As soon as I saw it listed, I knew I had to add it to my list for 2023.

I used to watch Sesame Street a fair bit back in my childhood. It was cool to see this special for what I believe to be the first time.

One of the funny parts of this was the beginning because they had the characters ice skating. They had real skaters dressed in costumes of the characters. It seemed quite silly because, when the 'film' returned to Sesame Street they had reverted back to their original size.

Big Bird was the only one to stay the same size, for obvious reasons.

Christmas Sail (2021)

Summary:

Liz receives a call for help from her father to return home for Christmas and she wants to create a whimsical Christmas celebration

Thoughts:

This was a charming film set in a seaside town. It uses an old school narrative of a person who has moved away finding a reason of some sort to return home for the holiday and becoming reacquainted with a childhood crush.

Yes - it is a Hallmark Movie!

It should go without saying it all ends happily ever after.  

A Beverly Hills Christmas (1987)

Summary:

An evening of Christmas music from stars living in Beverly Hills, California

Thoughts:

This wasn't a film or movie. It was a TV special which aired from the church James Stewart was a parishioner of. He had a bunch of friends help with singing and reciting of stories. For example, Burt Reynolds and Stewart reciting Twas the Night Before Christmas to the congregation.

Lucille Ball, Walter Matthau, George Burns, Bobby McFerrin and even Alisan Porter (the girl from Curly Sue before she starred in that film) are some of the other people who appear in this.

The Claus Family 3 (2022)

Summary:

When the delivery of presents goes wrong and Grandpa Noel gets into trouble, siblings - Jules and Noor - must work together to save Christmas. Can they do it?

Thoughts:

It's a family Christmas movie, of course they can do it.

I watched the first two films in this series last year, so it was cool to see the third part appear on Netflix's list this year.

All of the major characters from the first and second movies return for this one. The youngest member of the cast has a more significant role with Grandpa Noel's granddaughter assisting Noel and Jules in preparing for their roles as Santa Claus.

I have become quite attached to these films. I hope there are more.

Jingle Around the Clock (2018)

Summary:

Elle's plans for a Christmas reunion are thwarted by work. In order to get a career-altering promotion, she's forced to team up with advertising campaign 'fixer' Max, who has a completely different take on the holidays

Thoughts:

I don't know about Max having a 'completely different take on the holidays' per the summary that is written on IMDB. Max and Elle's 'clash' came by their different take on how the products they were creating advertisements for should be promoted. 

This was another Hallmark movie. Very predictable in a lot of places, but.. isn't that the norm?!

A Christmas Karen (2022)

Summary:

Karen is an entitled middle-aged woman whose demanding natures has alienated her neighbours and family. After a series of instances displaying her privilege and prejudice, Karen receives an 'intervention' by some unconventional spirits. 

Thoughts:

This was the first film which uses the plot of A Christmas Carol I watched in 2023. Whether it's the only one remains to be seen (read below and find out).

A Christmas Karen had its funny moments, to be fair. I laughed out loud at some parts especially in the scenes after the four ghostly visits when Karen is trying to make peace with everyone.

Best. Christmas. Ever! (2023)

Summary:

Snowbound at her frenemy's swanky house days before Christmas, Charlotte decides to do a little snooping. Guess who's about to make Santa's naughty list?

Thoughts:

I believe the 'summary' does not do this film justice. At all. 

I would have written something like this 'Snowbound at her frenemy's swanky house days before Christmas, Charlotte learns the true meaning of friendship and hope'. 

This was one of the best films I've watched so far. It might have even brought a little tear to my eye at certain points even though I saw the little clues a mile off (if you've seen Planes, Trains and Automobiles, you may notice them as well).

Double thumbs up for this Netflix film.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

Thoughts: 

Okay, I know - Planes, Trains and Automobiles is not a Christmas movie. BUT.. I chose to watch it over Thanksgiving in-between running this Christmas movie marathon.

If I have calculated this correctly, 2023 is the 35th anniversary of when I first watched this John Hughes classic. I've seen it many, many times since.

Next year will also be the thirtieth anniversary of when the world lost John Candy, so I think it's even more appropriate to include Planes, Trains and Automobiles in my festive viewing.

I love this film so much. 

Click and Collect (2018)

Summary:

In order to redeem himself as a dad, a man and his overly friendly neighbour go on a cross-country road trip to pick up his daughter's Christmas present

Thoughts:

I'm not a fan of Stephen Merchant, but Click and Collect popped up on Netflix and - seeing as it's less than an hour long - I thought I'd give it a try.

It turned out to be a good decision. I was entertained. There are a few similarities to Jingle All The Way and even a bit of Planes, Trains and Automobiles in this. 

Violent Night (2022)

Summary:

When a group of mercenaries attack the estate of a wealthy family, Santa Claus must step in to save the day (and Christmas)

Thoughts:

This isn't for everyone. As for me -  I thought it was a brilliant 'Christmas Film' because it was so out there and.. violent. Think Die Hard crossed with Santa Claus: The Movie but then sprinkle a bit of Santa Claus Conquers The Martians (but replace the Martians with mercenaries in this case) and you have Violent Night.

You do kind of have to throw in a little bit of First Blood into the mix as well, to be fair.

It's a fun film, but - like I said - it isn't your conventional 'Christmas Film' and that is what makes it appealing.

Candy Cane Lane (2023)

Summary:

A man is determined to win the neighbourhood'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

Thoughts:

As soon as I saw the movie poster, I instantly added Candy Cane Lane to my 'to be watched' list for this year.

I used to enjoy Eddie Murphy movies back during his peak, but have not been keen on anything beyond The Nutty Professor, so I didn't have high expectations.

Well - it turned out better than okay. 

Candy Cane Lane is very enjoyable. It might have dragged a little bit at the end, but - other than that - I thought it was brilliant. 

As an aside, of sorts, the animation of the toys in this film made me clamour - once more - for a movie based on The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale. I know that book could make it to the big screen. The way the animation works Candy Cane Lane would be how I'd expect it to come across in The Toymakers. If you've read the book you'll get what I mean.

The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday (2023)

Summary:

To keep their annual Holiday Heist-acular afloat, Mr. Fox and his crew of animal outlaws will have to restore the whole city's Christmas spirit - fast!

Thoughts:

To quote a line from a Christmas movie - 'I'm too old for this sh*t'.

The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday is perfect for children, though!

And yes, I consider Lethal Weapon a Christmas movie because 'Jingle Bell Rock' is the opening song!

A Very Nutty Christmas (2018)

Summary:

After getting dumped by her boyfriend, a bakery owner receives a special gift that turns her Christmas season around

Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this one. 

Melissa Joan Hart plays the main character who ends up with a living Nutcracker as a house guest in the days leading into Christmas. 

I felt quite sad near the end when it was time for the Nutcracker to turn back into its wooden entity. 

Dashing Through The Snow (2023)

Summary:

A good-hearted man who has lost his faith in Christmas befriends a mysterious character named Nick

Thoughts:

This was very entertaining. Another one when I had the warm fuzzy feeling at the end when Eddie finally realises that Nick really is Santa Claus and eases a thirty-year long unease with anything and everything associated with Christmastime.

It is at this point in the marathon when one of my cats - Squeak - passed away. I initially decided to halt watching Christmas films because - to be frank - I wasn't in the mood to do so. However, I had a plan on how I wanted to finish this year's edition off and decided to see it through to a conclusion even though I wasn't really feeling it. 

Your Christmas Or Mine? 2 (2023)

Summary:

James father had invited Hayley's family to spend Christmas in a luxury ski resort in the Austrian Alps so that they can meet his new American girlfriend. However, after a mix-up at the airport, the two families end up at each other's accommodations on different sides of a valley and opposite ends of the TripAdvisor rating scale. Can Hayley and James' relationship survive another turbulent Christmas?

Thoughts:

I watched the first 'Your Christmas Or Mine?' last year, and wanted to see the sequel. Looking back at what I wrote last year, I stated that I laughed out loud at some bits. I found myself having a chuckle at some of the parts in this one as well. I wouldn't say the second film is worse than the first. I guess I'd go so far as to say they're equal. I would, however, recommend watching them back-to-back and not waiting a year in-between viewing each instalment. 

There was a tease, late in the movie, which could be read as a hint of a third film possibly set where the Taylors originate from. 

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Thoughts:

I've watched The Muppet Christmas Carol many times. I have even watched it for A Diet of Christmas Films.

Some of my family members watch this film every Christmas Eve, and I joined them this year.

Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983)

Summary:

The classic Disney animated characters play the roles in this animated retelling of the Charles Dickens masterpiece

Thoughts

I watched Mickey's Christmas Carol in a previous edition of A Diet of Christmas Films. However, I wanted it to be the 'main event' of this year's viewing because 2023 is the fortieth anniversary of when I watched this film in a cinema.

It would have been around this time of year (obviously) when I went to see Mickey's Christmas Carol with my mother. However, it wasn't the reason why I went to the cinema. 

Back in '83, Mickey's Christmas Carol was the opening act - if you will - to The Jungle Book. I didn't know I was seeing TWO films on that visit. 

Considering how young I was back in '83, this was - without a doubt - one of the first films I had ever gone to see at the movies. Return of the Jedi would have been the first film, but Mickey's Christmas Carol could very well have been the second!

I'm sure it was the first film I watched at the cinema with my mother.

It's only fitting that this is the final film of this year's marathon. After all - Mickey's Christmas Carol was my introduction to the Dickens story and Christmas movies in general. It has a right to be this year's main eventer!

And that's all for this year's marathon. I am a little disappointed in not getting everything I had recorded or planned to watch. With that said, I am happy I have been able to finish this year's list with the film I wanted to close out with.

The films I didn't get to will always be there next year. And beyond.

Merry Christmas!