B&B Merry (2022)

Rated: G

Genres: Family, Romance

Starring: Jen Lilley and Jesse Hutch

Synopsis: Tracey a travel blogger is invited by Graham Cooper to Christmas getaway for family's small bed and breakfast. B&B is facing tough competition from a hotel resort that has been stealing guests and threatens survival of the family business.

Review: I loved this movie.  It’s one of my favorite new ones this year.  Graham with his mom and aunt are so special.  There’s such a feeling of Christmas and family.  I adore the feeling and I enjoyed the ending.  Yes, there are plot parts that are typical but it still works.  A must-see.

Scoring: 4.5

Babes In Toyland (1934) AKA March Of The Wooden Soldiers

Rated: PG

Genres: Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Musical

Starring: Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy

Synopsis: Ollie Dee and Stanley Dum try to borrow money from their employer, the toymaker, to pay off the mortgage on Mother Peep's shoe and keep it and Little Bo Peep from the clutches of the evil Barnaby. When that fails, they trick Barnaby into marrying Stanley Dum instead of Bo Peep. Enraged, Barnaby unleashes the bogeymen from their caverns to destroy Toyland.

Review:  This is my favorite of all the versions. It has a certain whimsy and magic the others can’t capture. Laurel and Hardy shine here. It’s fun for the family. I loved seeing familiar Mother Goose characters and elements.

                                                            Scoring: 4

Babes In Toyland (1961)

Rated: NR

Genres: Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Musical, Romance

Starring: Ray Bolger, Tommy Sands, Annette Funicello

Synopsis: Tom the Piper's Son is about to marry Mary Quite Contrary. On the eve of their wedding, evil miser Barnaby hires two henchmen to drown Tom and steal Mary's sheep, cared for by Little Bo Peep, thus depriving Mary and the children she lives with of their livelihood, forcing her to marry Barnaby. The sheep are stolen, but Gonzorgo and Roderigo, Barnaby's henchmen, double-cross him by selling Tom to a band of gypsies instead, leaving Tom with the opportunity to escape and make his way back to Mary, Bo-Peep, and other Mother Goose characters to Toyland.

Review:  This is a movie that most young children will like. Especially with familiar characters like Little Bo Peep. Adults will probably love it or hate it. I didn’t mind it but it’s not one I’d list as a favorite. 

Scoring: 2

Babes In Toyland (1986)

Rated: G

Genres: Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Musical, Romance

Starring: Drew Barrymore, Keanu Reeves, Eileen Brennan, and Richard Mulligan

Synopsis: 11-year-old Lisa has no time for toys; she's too busy taking care of her siblings and cooking for her mother. During the Christmas Eve blizzard, Lisa travels to Toyland in Wizard of Oz-like fashion and arrives just in time for a wedding. Young Mary Contrary is about to marry mean, old Barnaby Barnacle, despite the fact that she loves Jack Be Nimble. Lisa tries to stop this terrible wedding, and together with her new friends, discovers that Barnaby wants to take over Toyland. Lisa, Mary, Jack, and Georgie Porgie ask the Toymaster for help, but he can't help them as long as Lisa doesn't truly believe in toys.

Review:  I should preface this with I love Keanu Reeves but even he couldn’t save this for me. It was so over-the-top sweet and slow and silly. Maybe really young children would like it but it’s a one and done for me

                                                       Scoring: 1

Babes In Toyland (1997)

Rated: G

Genres: Animation, Comedy, Fantasy

Starring: Charles Nelson Reilly, Lacey Chabert, Christopher Plummer, Bronson Pinchot, and Jim Belushi

Synopsis: Everyone's favorite nursery rhyme characters come magically and musically to life in this animated adventure based on the classic holiday tale.

Review: This is the type of animated movie that children will love and most parents will be able to sit through, though it is juvenile.  Children will be able to follow and appreciate the story even if they aren’t familiar with nursery rhyme characters.  It’s cute, like Jack and Jill when Jack falls down the hill again, and a great way to familiarize young children with the story.

Scoring: 3

A Baby For Christmas (2015)

Rated: PG

Genre: Family

Starring: Malinda Williams and Karon Riley

Synopsis: It's Christmas with the Chandlers but no one seems to have the Christmas spirit - except for Stephanie, that is. Marci and Blair are obsessing over being the perfect parents, Myra and Donald have retired and suddenly feel useless and Elizabeth is bending over backwards to get a promotion at work. Add to that Stephanie's blooming romance with Lawrence - who is torn between being with her and continuing his mission work - and Christmas seems to be taking a back seat. That is, until a group of kids at an orphanage help the family to realize that there's more to Christmas than wrapping gifts and baking cookies.

Review:  Watching the third movie in the series, at first I was disappointed with how disconnected the family was. As the movie went on I got the reason for it.  You’ll enjoy it more if you’ve seen the first two movies.

                                                         Scoring: 4

Baby In A Manger (2019)

Rated: G

Genres: Drama, Religion, Romance

Starring: Monica Knox and Michael Morrone

Synopsis: Christmas is about a miracle baby, but when CPS agent Alison and police officer Brock find a lost baby lying in a nativity scene, it'll take a miracle for them just to stop bickering. Can the magic of Christmas help this baby find a home - and maybe even help Alison and Brock see each other in a different light?

Review: While the primary focus of this movie isn’t religion, it is woven throughout.  The baby was adorable, of course.  Brock and Alison coming to terms with their past happens at the right pace and doesn’t take over the story.  Of course, there’s a happy ending.  But I won’t ruin it.

Scoring: 3

Back To Christmas AKA Correcting Christmas  (2014)

Rated: PG

Genres: Drama, Family, Romance

Starring: Kelly Overton

Synopsis: A woman travels back one year in time to the Christmas before her broken engagement and tries to repair what went wrong. She discovers that this is a challenging undertaking.

Review: While the premise is an overused one, here it is done in a good way. Ali truly struggles with the decisions she has to make and it’s got some small surprising moments. The concept of wanting to change choices we made in the past is relatable.  Enjoyable movie.

Scoring: 3

The Back-Up Bride (2011)

Rated: TV-PG

Genres: Comedy, Romance

Starring: Daniel Bonjour, Leena Huff, Jen Lilley and Richard Karn

Synopsis: Joe has one night to find out if there’s a chance of getting Amy back before he marries Daisy.

Review: To me this really isn’t a Christmas movie.  There are some decorations around and a rare mention but it’s mostly about the people and their relationships.  It’s a bit over the top and corny but it was funny enough to enjoy it.  There’s nothing overly special about it but it does contain many family and life situations that people can relate to.

Scoring: 2

A Bad Mom’s Christmas (2017)

Rated: R

Genres: Comedy, Family

Starring: Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Christine Baranski, Peter Gallagher, Susan Sarandon, and Cheryl Hines

Synopsis: As their own mothers drop in unexpectedly, our three under-appreciated and over-burdened moms rebel against the challenges and expectations of the Super Bowl for mothers: Christmas.

Review: I didn’t see Bad Moms so maybe I would’ve liked this one more had I seen the first movie. It took quite a while before I even laughed once.  It seemed so far-fetched, in a bad way, that it became ridiculous rather than funny. I wouldn’t even classify it as so bad it’s good. If you liked the first one, give this a try. It was far from the worst movie I’ve ever seen but it’s a one and done for me.

Scoring: 2

Bad Santa (2003)

Rated: R

Genres: Comedy, Drama

Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Bernie Mac, Lauren Graham, and John Ritter

Synopsis: A miserable conman and his partner pose as Santa and his Little Helper to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. But they run into problems when the conman befriends a troubled kid.

Review: This is the movie for everyone who wants something different. There’s cursing and adult content. I found myself sort of shocked at first but I was still laughing. It’s crude, rude, and irreverent but it works. If you want a sweet and magical Christmas movie this isn’t for you. 

Scoring: 3

Bad Santa 2 (2016)

Rated: R

Genres: Comedy, Drama

Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Kathy Bates, and Christina Hendricks

Synopsis: Fueled by cheap whiskey and greed, a foul-mouthed criminal, his mean mother and their angry sidekick conspire to bilk a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve. 

Review: Just like the first one, this movie is crude with an abundance of adult language and themes. Also like the first one, it’s funny. It’s a break from the typical Christmas movie. Bates and Thornton do excellent jobs. 

Scoring: 3

Bahum Bug (2019)

Rated: NR

Genres: Animation, Fantasy

Synopsis: The grumpiest bug in the North Pole hatches a plan to wrest control of Christmas from Santa.

Review: I was really looking forward to this.  The premise sounded really unique and fun.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t get past the basic animation and horrible voices, like Santa slowly and painfully over annunciating every word.  Skip this one.

Scoring: 1

Baking All The Way (2022)

Rated: PG

Genres: Comedy, Family, Romance

Starring: Cory Lee and Mikaela Bisson

Synopsis: A pastry chef from Chicago finds herself in Wisconsin convincing a baker to give her his gingerbread recipe for her new cookbook.

Review: This movie was a big surprise. The description sounded predictable and a little boring. It absolutely wasn’t. The casting was perfect (although I always think Jayne Eastwood gives an amazing performance). I know all Christmas movies have their happy ending but I wasn’t 100% sure how it would look and I like that. Check this one out. 

Scoring: 4.5

Baking Christmas (2019)

Rated: PG

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family

Starring: Tim Reid, Aloma Wright, Khalilah Joi, Ninja N. Devoe, and Dawan Owens

Synopsis: Patty, the founder of a popular bakery, announces her intention LS to retire at year’s end, which prompts her three children to step up and offer their ideas for the future of the family business. 

Review: I was completed absorbed in the movie within ten minutes. I adore this family. The more the movie went on the more I liked them. I loved the mom’s challenge to them as well. I won’t spoil the ending but I hope there’s a sequel. 

Scoring: 4

Baking Spirits Bright (2021)

Rated: PG

Genres: Family, Romance

Starring: Rekha Sharma and Dion Johnstone

Synopsis: Mira Varma will do everything it takes to protect the core and heart of the family fruitcakes company she loves.

Review: I love this movie. It has diverse cultures and ages but they let them shine organically. The family and relationships are special and the romance is subtle but effectively done. Wonderful. I only wish there was more about how they made the fruitcakes.

Scoring: 3.5

Barbie: A Perfect Christmas (2011)

Rated: NR

Genres: Animation, Family, Musical

Starring: Diana Kaarina

Synopsis: Join Barbie and her sisters in this heartwarming, musical adventure where they discover what truly makes A Perfect Christmas – being together!

Review: The beginning is so corny I was dreading the rest.  Boy was I wrong.  It was a good story with decent music.  I actually enjoyed it.  This is one of those movies made for children that the family can watch.  I did have to suspend my Barbie prejudices, like the completely unrealistic perfection.  There’s lots of Christmas and winter fun and helping some very entertaining shelter dogs.

Scoring: 3.5

Barbie in ‘A Christmas Carol’ (2008)

Rated: TV-Y

Genres: Animation, Fantasy

Starring: Kelly Sheridan

Synopsis: Barbie tells the story of Victorian era singer Eden Starling and how she is visited by three Christmas ghosts after becoming a Scrooge.

Review: I really enjoyed this take on the story.  Eden is taught that in a selfish world you have to be selfish to succeed.  The ghosts, which are more like fairies, teach her to hold Christmas in her heart.  They emphasize friendship and giving to others.

Scoring: 3.5

Barbie In The Nutcracker (2001)

Rated: TV-Y

Genres: Animation, Fantasy, Musical

Starring: Kelly Sheridan and Tim Curry

Synopsis: Barbie shows that if you are kind, clever and brave, anything is possible in this tale of Clara and her amazing Nutcracker, who set off on an adventure to find the Sugarplum Princess.

Review:  I think this would be a good introduction to the Nutcracker for young children.  It’s definitely not horrible for adults to sit through but I don’t think you’d enjoy it as much.

Scoring: 2.5

Battle Of The Bulbs (2010)

Rated: PG

Genres: Comedy, Family

Starring: Daniel Stern, Matt Frewer, Teryl Rothery, and Emily Tennant

Synopsis: Bob Wallace makes sure to go all out every year on Christmas decorations so that he can have the brightest and most festive house in his neighborhood. This year, he notices that his new neighbor has put up an even brighter and more lavish display. The fight is on when they declare war for the best Christmas decoration display in the neighborhood.

Review:  A watered down version of Deck The Halls makes this movie an exercise in comparisons. There’s plenty of Christmas to see. It’s still enjoyable for at least one viewing.

Scoring: 3

Beaus of Holly (2020)

Rated: PG

Genres: Comedy, Romance

Starring: Jennifer Freeman, Johnny Pacar, Nikki Leigh, and Michael Copon

Synopsis: A woman must make a decision about her love life during the holidays after she proposes to her boyfriend and he confesses that he needs to work things out with an ex.

Review:  This movie was really enjoyable.  It has lots of unexpected moments, tons of Christmas, a few laughs, and yes, a little corniness.  This movie captures the magic of Christmas in a way most movies don’t.  I was sad when it ended because it was over.  I will definitely be watching it again.

Scoring: 4

A Beauty & The Beast Christmas (2019)

Rated: G

Genres: Family, Romance

Starring: Leah Pipes, Ryan Kelley, and Donna Mills

Synopsis: Ginger Holiday, a peppy Christmas influencer, is convinced by her agent to fake a holiday romance with viral bad boy Beau Bradley to gain more followers.

Review: If you’re looking for a new take on the traditional story, you’ll be disappointed.  I also don’t think this is for children.  The subject matter will go right over their heads and some may be inappropriate.  It is a sweet story about an innocent girl and a well-meaning guy being influenced by those around them finding themselves.

Scoring: 2

Beauty And The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997)

Rated: G

Genres: Animation, Fantasy, Musical

Starring: Robby Benson, Tim Curry, Angela Lansbury, Paige O’Hara, Jerry Orbach, Haley Joel Osment, Bernadette Peters, Paul Reubens, David Ogden Stiers

Synopsis: Astonished to find the Beast has a deep-seeded hatred for the Christmas season, Belle endeavors to change his mind on the matter.

Review: If you go into this expecting the quality of the original, you’ll be disappointed.  The original is so amazing nothing could live up to it.  It’s not a sequel.  It’s set when Belle is still a captive and the Beast is his growling nasty self.  There’s lots of Christmas and it’s still a sweet story.  This will probably be enjoyed most by children, families, and true Disney fans.

Scoring: 3.5

Beebo Saves Christmas (2021)

Rated: G

Genres: Animation, Fantasy

Starring: Yvette Nicole Brown, Victor Garber, and Chris Kattan

Synopsis: When an efficiency-obsessed elf decides that Christmas would run better without Santa, Beebo and his friends travel to the North Pole to help discover what makes Christmas meaningful.

Review: A sweet cartoon about the importance of love and traditions instead of just gifts. It’s clearly geared for children but adults will find some humor and heart in the story. Yes, the characters are sort of fluffy blobs and Santa has a gap so big he looks like he’s missing a tooth but that’s what makes it fun. 

Scoring: 3.5

Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (2011)

Rated: PG

Genres: Comedy, Fantasy

Starring: John Cleese

Synopsis: A Christmas Elf accidentally takes off in Santa's sleigh, crash lands in a small town, and loses the magic toy bag. Beethoven must rescue the Elf, recover the bag from greedy crooks, and return the sleigh to Santa in time to save Christmas.

Review:  As silly as the other Beethoven movies. If you like others in the series you’ll like this one. I think it’s more for children.  I found it to be lacking in appeal to adults. 

Scoring: 2

A Belgian Chocolate Christmas (2022)

Rated: G

Genre: Romance

Starring: Jaclyn Hales and Zane Stephens

Synopsis: Photographer takes her best friend's place at a Belgian culinary school at the holidays and connects with the chocolatier leading the class. As romance begins to bloom, the only problem is a case of mistaken identity.

Review: Yes, the romance follows an expected path. It’s a Christmas movie. Happy endings are practically mandatory. That being said, I loved the feeling of the movie. It felt like Christmas and like a warm blanket by a fire. I know that sounds cheesy but it’s true. It was a perfect mix of chocolate, Christmas and romance.  I also enjoyed seeing two new actors.  It helped make the movie feel even fresher.

Scoring: 4

Believe (2016)

Rated: PG

Genres: Drama, Family, Religion

Starring: Ryan O’Quinn, Shawnee Smith, and David Deluise

Synopsis: After his family-run factory falters, jeopardizing his town's beloved holiday pageant, businessman Matthew faces a crisis of character and faith.

Review:  The synopsis and the beginning of the movie don’t do it justice.  Hang in there because it’s amazing.  It’s all about hope, faith, giving, and community.  It’s religious but in a more subtle way.  The little boy will steal your heart.  Definitely one to watch.

Scoring: 4

Believe: The True Story of Real Bearded Santas (2017)

Rated: NR

Genre: Documentaary

Starring: N/A

Synopsis: A cinematic sleigh ride deep into the strange but true world of the 'real bearded Santas,' including visits to Santa Claus University, and the annual convention of the Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas. 'Believe' chronicles a year in the life of several actual real-bearded Santas from across the country. For these men, it's not just a job - it's a calling. And they'll

stop at nothing to perpetuate the myth and magic of Santa Claus. 

Review: I found it to be a really interesting behind the scenes look at not only how these Santas do what they do but the emotional reward they do it for. It also shows the reality of how it affects their marriages and what it’s like to be a black Santa. If you’re interested in seeing behind the curtain, give it a try. It won’t make you believe less but it may make you believe more.

Scoring: 3

A Belle For Christmas (2014)

Rated: PG

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family

Starring: Dean Cain, Kristy Swanson, and Haylie Duff

Synopsis: When a sweet young boy and his precocious sister discover their newly adopted puppy Belle has been nabbed by the beautiful gold digger dating their widowed dad on Christmas Eve, the kids recruit their neighborhood friends and set out on an adventurous rescue mission to save her.

Review:  Another dog movie. They all feel and seem the same. Children should enjoy watching the kids and the puppy. Adults not so much. It just feels like a recycled plot. 

Scoring: 2

The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945)

Rated: NR

Genres: Drama

Starring: Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman

Synopsis: At a big city Catholic school, Father O'Malley and Sister Benedict indulge in friendly rivalry, and succeed in extending the school through the gift of a building.

Review: As a fan of older movies, I was a little disappointed.  It’s quite a simple and slow story.  It’s missing a little magic that I was looking for.  As someone who went to Catholic school, I found comparing it to today interesting.  All that being said, Crosby and Bergman are fantastic, as always.  If you enjoy the oldies, you’ll probably like it.  Either way, give it a chance.

Scoring: 3