Topic: Christmas 2015

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Normally I do a 25 Days of Christmas marathon every year. But this year I decided to start early... start watching my Christmas movies, specials and TV episodes today. There is a couple reasons for this...
 

1. I have been mad at and hating Christmas for 20 years now... every since my wife passed away right before the holiday back in 1995.  I am really trying to push myself and let go of this anger and hatred I have let consume me over the years. Every since my wife's passing I have went through the motions for my daughter's sake but I am thinking it is now over time for me to let things go!

2. Looking at DVD Profiler there is no way I will be able to get much watched if I start on the first... especially with me being back to work. Looking at profiler I have 60 movies and 187 TV Show episodes listed as being Christmas related. And it seems I add to these lists every year. So I am going to need the extra time to get some of this stuff watched.

And I will do my best to do better with reviewing then I did for Thanksgiving... as I watched several other things that I never got around to reviewing.

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Sliders
3.12: Season's Greedings
On a world where people are enticed by consumerism and giant malls in the sky, the Sliders get jobs as mall employees in order to find the mother of an abandoned child. Arturo is a reluctant Santa, Rembrandt and Wade are his elves, while Quinn gets an administrative job. Meanwhile, Wade faces some strong emotions when she meets her sister and father.

My Thoughts:

Talk about nice timing... I been watching Sliders for a while now. When I looked to see what the next episode was I found it to be this one. Perfect timing to start this marathon thread with! It was a good episode. Touching on both the commercialism of the holiday as well as the importance of family. A nice  start to the marathon.

My Rating:

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Dear Santa (2011/Canada) IMDb |Trailer |Wikipedia |Wikipedia | Image Entertainment (United States) Director: Jason Priestley Writing: Barbara Kymlicka (Writer) Length: 92 min. Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo Subtitles:

Stars:
Amy Acker as Crystal
David Haydn-Jones as Derek
Emma Duke as Olivia
Patrick Creery
Gina Holden

Plot:
Shopaholic Crystal's (Amy Acker, Alias) wealthy parents give her an ultimatum: change her irresponsible ways by Christmas or they will cut her off without a cent. With no job or romantic prospects, what's a girl to do? Fate intervenes when she finds seven-year-old Olivia's (Emma Duke) letter to Santa asking for a new wife for her widowed dad, Derek (David Haydn-Jones). Crystal tracks them down and vows to win over father and daughter before the fast-approaching holiday deadline. Only Derek's jealous and calculating girlfriend (Gina Holden, Harper's Island) stands between her and her newfound happiness. Share the gift of love and laughter with this heartwarming romantic comedy directed by Jason Priestley (Beverly Hills 90210).

My Thoughts:

This is a film I never even heard of before seeing it listed on Netflix. I must say.... I enjoyed every minute of it. Liked all the characters. It is a fun storyline. And I do think the entire cast did a wonderful job. Sure the entire movie was predictable. Especially if you are a fan of romantic comedies. But sometimes it isn't all about the ending... it's the journey that matters. I will definitely be wanting to add this one to my collection as I could easily see myself watching this one every year.

Rating:

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The Heart of Christmas (2011/United States) IMDb |Wikipedia |Trailer | Image Entertainment (United States) Director: Gary Wheeler Writing: Lance Dreesen (Writer), Matthew West (Original Material By) Length: 86 min. Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1 Subtitles:

Stars:
Candace Cameron Bure as Megan Walsh
Jeanne Neilson as Julie Locke
Dax LockeChristopher Shone
Nicholas Shone

Plot:
Based on a true story of hope and compassion, The Heart Of Christmas will touch your heart and bring home the spirit of the holidays. Austin and Julie Locke are devastated when they learn that their young son, Dax, has been diagnosed with cancer. But with courage, determination and faith, they decide to give Dax a one last Christmas, even if it has to be in October. When the community sees the holiday decorations and learns the heartbreaking truth, what happens next is a miraculous outpouring of caring and support. Starring Candace Cameron Bure (Make It or Break It), Jeanne Neilson (Faith Like Potatoes), George Newbern (Father of the Bride), Erin Bethea (Fireproof), Anita Renfroe (Bless This Mess), and Matthew West (Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter). The Heart Of Christmas is the greatest gift of all.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Bonus Trailers
• Music Videos

My Thoughts:

Wow! Now this one is a different kind of Christmas movie. It is a true story....and an extremely emotional one at that. If you are one that will cry from a movie this one will easily have the tears flowing. A very powerful movie with a strong message. It is one I definitely recommend and hope to add to my own collection as it is another one I watched on Netflix.

Rating:

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Christmas Town (2008/United States) IMDb |Wikipedia | Phase 4 Films (United States) Director: George Erschbamer Writing: Ron McGee (Writer) Length: 82 min. Video: Widescreen 1.78:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo Subtitles: Spanish

Stars:
Nicole De Boer as Liz
Patrick Muldoon as Kevin O'Reilly
Gig Morton as Mason
Gary Chalk as Jack Travers
Jocelyne Loewen as Alison Kay

Plot:
Disillusioned Liza McCann and her son travel to Hollyville to visit her estranged father. The town's profuse decorations and intense Yuletide spirit exasperate Liza, who has hated the holidays ever since she was a little girl. But a series of magic and inexplicable events force Liza to rethink everything she thought was true. Will the magic of this Christmas town help Liza reconnect with her father and open her heart to the true spirit of the holidays? Heart-warming and fun for the whole family, CHRISTMAS TOWN stars Nicole de Boer (DEAD ZONE), Patrick Muldoon (STARSHIP TROOPERS), Garry Chalk (DECK THE HALLS), and Gig Morton (SNOW BUDDIES).

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Feature Trailers
• Closed Captioned

My Thoughts:

This is another film I found on Netflix. It is entertaining enough to be worth the time put in to watch it... but at the same time I would say very average. While I can see myself watching this one again it is not one I would feel I have to see every Christmas. That being said... I would add it to my collection if I got it cheap enough.

Rating:

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The Big Bang Theory
2.11: The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis
Penny gives Sheldon the most exciting, wonderful, amazing Christmas present ever. Sheldon gives Penny soap.

My Thoughts:

This one is an absolute must see for the holiday season! I loved every minute of it! Once again it is Sheldon that steals the story. First his obsession of what to give Penny when he finds out that Penny got him a Christmas gift.. then his reaction to that gift was I don't know... it couldn't have been done any better!

My Rating:

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The Big Bang Theory
3.11: The Maternal Congruence
I saw Mummy kissing…who? Christmas time brings Leonard's mother and a number of surprises, including that smooch.

My Thoughts:

While I still enjoy this series very much... this Christmas episode just wasn't up to the challenge. Especially compared to the excellent season 2 Christmas episode. I mean sure... a good episode... it had a laugh or two in it for me... I have just grown to expect so much more then an average episode from this series.

My Rating:

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The Big Bang Theory
6.11: The Santa Simulation
Sheldon revisits some Christmas memories during a game of Dungeons and Dragons, while Penny, Bernadette and Amy try to find a girl for Koothrappali when he joins the girls for ladies' night.

My Thoughts:

This Christmas episode I enjoyed quite a bit. Not quite as good as the season 2 episode but better then season 3. I thought the whole Dungeons and Dragons idea was a fun one.

My Rating:

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Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus (2004/) IMDb |Wikipedia |Trailer | Goodtimes Entertainment (United States) Director: Harvey Frost Writing: Pamela Wallace (Writer) Length: 85 min. Video: Full Frame 1.33:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo Subtitles: None

Stars:
Steve Guttenberg as Nick
Crystal Bernard as Beth
Dominic Scott Kay as Jake
Thomas Calabro as Andrew
Armin Shimerman as Ernst

Plot:
Steve Guttenberg (Three Men and a Baby), Crystal Bernard (Wings), and Thomas Calabro (Melrose Place) star in a Christmas charmer about Santa's son and his search for a wife. Nick (Guttenberg) is due to replace his retiring father, and needs a Mrs. Claus, so Santa's advisor sends him down to Southern California. There he meets Beth Sawtelle (Bernard), a workaholic whose advertising job with Andrew West (Calabro) leaves precious little timefor her son, Jake (Dominic Scott Kay). Concealing his identity, Nick stars in a series of Christmas commercials for the agency as he tries to make sure Jake and Beth both believe in Santa Claus-no easy task in her case!

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Bonus Trailers

My Thoughts:

This one I really enjoyed a lot. I enjoyed the storyline... I liked the cast. I basically found myself hooked from the very beginning of the movie. This one I can see myself watching every year at this time. This is a made for TV movie that originally aired on Lifetime. It is just a sweet and innocent holiday film. If you enjoy a good Christmas film this time of year I definitely recommend giving this one a chance. I don't think you will be sorry.

Rating:

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A Very Brady Christmas
Mike and Carol Brady decide to spend their savings on bringing their kids and relatives in for the holidays, but the kids are having their own problems: Greg (now a doctor) has to make the trip alone since his wife Nora is spending the holidays with her family; Peter is embarrassed to bring his girlfriend home since she is his boss; Bobby is hiding the fact that he dropped out of business grad school to race cars; Marcia's husband, Wally, has been laid off from his job at Tyler Toys; Jan and stuffy husband Phillip are separating; and Cindy is tired of the fact that mom and dad can't respect her as a grown woman. Just another day in the life of the Bradys.

My Thoughts:
For some reason I like the Brady Bunch reunion movies more then I do the actual series. This one in particular. For some reason this movie gets me in the mood for Christmas. Something that has been difficult for me the past several years. Seeing a large family celebrating Christmas reminds me of my childhood Holidays where I was the youngest child of a large family. It was fun to see most of the cast back after all the years that past. The reunion movies in this complete series set is the main reason I bought the complete series set... instead of the individual seasons. Since that is the only way to get them.

Rating:

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How The Grinch Stole Christmas!/Horton Hears a Who: Special Edition (1966/United States) IMDb |Wikipedia |Trailer | (United States) Director: Chuck Jones Writing: Length: 53 min. Video: Full Frame 1.33:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, French: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Stars:
Boris Karloff as Narrator/The Grinch
Thurl Ravenscroft as Singer
June Foray as Cindy Lou Who/Jane Kangaroo
Chuck Jones as Horton and Dr. Hoovey
Hans Conried as Narrator

Plot:
From one of the greatest fable-writers of all time come two enchanting tales for the whole family!

Few storytellers are as delightfully unique as Dr. Seuss - and few animated tales are as beloved as his "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" and "Horton Hears a Who!" All of your favorite Suess characters are here - and the whole whild, wooly, completely adorable and outrageously imporobably menagerie comes parading your way in one mammothly entertaining presentation!

In "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!," the crotchety Grinch, with "termites in his smile" and "garlic in his soul," tries to wipe out Christmas for the cheerful Whovillians - only to discovere that the true spirit of the season lies beyond his covetous grasp! Just the opposite of the miserly Grinch is Horton, the big elephant whith an even bigger heart, who protects the miniscule inhabitants of Whoville from impending disaster in "Horton Hears a Who!" Filled with songs and tongue-twisting verse galore, these Dr. Seuss favorites are a festival of fun for the entire family.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Audio Commentary
• Featurettes
• Interactive Games
• Pencil Tests, Music Selections

My Thoughts:

This is a very good Christmas special that I try to watch every year. While watching this I can't help to somewhat feel like a kid again. A true classic in every meaning of the word. Definitely one I feel safe recommending.

Rating:

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The Love Boat
1.11: LONELY AT THE TOP / DIVORCE ME. PLEASE! / SILENT NIGHT
On a Christmas cruise, a parolee (John Gavin) starts a new life with his wife. A priest (Dick Sargent) chaperones six young hellions. A couple (Florence Henderson, Shecky Green) find their marriage disintegrating.

My Thoughts:

I must say... I had a good time watching this episode. I forgot how fun this old series was. the Christmas theme was worked in well. As always there was a few familiar faces to enjoy. Watching this episode makes me think 2 things. First I need to get the entire first season watched. And also I need to check to see if there is any releases beyond the first season to add to my collection.

My Rating:

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The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries
2.12: WILL THE REAL SANTA...
The distinction between who's naughty and who's nice becomes blurred as Nancy works to restore the honor of a gentleman who is accused of burglary — and who claims to be Santa Claus.

My Thoughts:

Now this one is a real trip down memory lane! I used to love this show when I was no more then a little tyke. This id one of the episodes that Pamela Sue Martin played Nancy Drew (Janet Louise Johnson [AKA Janet Julian] took over shortly after). And she happens to be my favorite Nancy Drew to date. This is a good episode. It is strong on the holiday spirit... at the same time has a good mystery. I can see this episode becoming a regular part of my annual Christmas Marathon.

My Rating:

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Batman: The Brave and the Bold
1.04: INVASION OF THE SECRET SANTAS
After taking care of Sportsmaster with the Blue Beetle, Batman teams up with Red Tornado in order to stop the villain Fun Haus from ruining Christmas.

My Thoughts:

Not a bad episode... I did enjoy it. But I do have to say this is probably my least favorite of the Batman cartoons that I have seen. I think it might be geared to a little younger crowd. But it turned out to be a nice watch for the holiday marathon.

My Rating:

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Wonder Woman
2.12: THE DEADLY TOYS
Scary Christmas: During Yuletide, a demented toymaker user android scientists for a nefarious purpose.

My Thoughts:

The only Christmas episode of Wonder Woman's three year run. It is a cute, fun episode... and as always... Lynda Carter looked fabulous in it.  And she even got to play an extra part in this episode... as there was an android of Wonder Woman made in this episode. So it was pretty cool to watch her fight herself.

My Rating: