Beech Tree News Network

As we transition from Thanksgiving to the Christmas season, there are a few things traditions that we will not get to enjoy because of COVID-19.  There are some, however, that are made for staying in.  One of those is Christmas movies.  I watched my first Christmas movie of the season Friday night.

Happiest Season was the Christmas movie of choice.  If you’re not familiar, it stars Daniel Levy of that show you can’t say on tv or, probably, write in a column.  It also stars Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Aubrey Plaza, Alison Brie, Victor Garber, Mary Steenburgen among others.

Holidate has premiered on Netflix.  Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey join forces in sort of a Plus One meets Office Christmas Party.  Their characters, Sloane and Jackson, agree to be each other’s plus one to every Christmas party.  Of course they end up falling for each other and things get complicated.  I really didn’t spoil anything for you.  That’s how these movies go.  

Jingle Jangle, also on Netflix, is David E. Tolbert’s first entry into musicals.  It’s about a toymaker, played by Forrest Whittaker, who needs a miracle.  Hugh Bonneville, Anika Noni Rose and Keegan-Michael Key.  John Legend is the producer.  

Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square, also on Netflix, is a musical directed by Debbie Allen.  This movie is the companion to Parton’s Holly Dolly Christmas album.  As for the movie, expect a gender-switched take on A Christmas Carol-with a Dolly twist, of course.  I’m thinking I might need to watch that one.

The Christmas Chronicles 2 is also on Netflix.  Chris Columbus, who might as well be Mr. Christmas-he directed, among others, the Home Alone movies-takes over the director’s chair for subsequent chapters starring Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn reuniting with Darby Camp for another magical adventure.

There are plenty of Lifetime movies (as always) as well as Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special on Apple TV starting December 4.  I hear it’s a music, dancing and animation special.  There are plenty of viewing choices for this Christmas season.  If you want the complete lineup, check out the full 12 Best New Christmas movies of 2020 article on www.harpersbazaar.com