On November 1, The Hallmark Channel begins their “
Countdown to Christmas”, this
year they are showing 17 original holiday movies. A few weeks later, Lifetime
Chanel starts their “
Very
Merry Christmas” with 7 all new Holiday movies.
So with only a week to go, it is time for a preview of what’s coming up. While
I firmly believe there is no such thing as a bad Christmas movie, some are less
spectacular than others. Since not all of you are insane and will watch all of
these movies, I am picking out what I think are going to be the best 5. I make
no guarantees! Before you start reading this year’s blog, you may want to read
this
post about the 6 types of Christmas Movies.
CHRIS’S Pre-Season
Picks for Best Original Christmas Movie – 2015
November 1, 2015 –
‘TIS THE SEASON
FOR LOVE (Hallmark)
This one looks like a “Christmas Heals a Broken Heart” when an out of work
actress goes back to her small town for Christmas. It stars Sarah Lancaster
(The Judge) and Brendan Penny, and kicks of Hallmark’s season. So get some hot
chocolate, and a stale candy cane from last year and enjoy the (likely too
early for most people) first Christmas Movie of the season.
November 8, 2015 -
CHARMING CHRISTMAS
(Hallmark)
A “Santa Clause is Real!” movie with a bit of a twist. Julie Benz (Darla from
Buffy the Vampire Slayer) plays the heir to a department store dynasty who
doesn’t have time for love or Christmas, until she puts on an antique “Mrs.
Claus” costume. Also starring David Sutcliffe (Rory’s dad from Gilmore Girls).
THE SAME MOVIE – TWO NETWORKS
The next two movies only count as one pick because they are seemingly the
same plot on two different networks.
December 5, 2015 - THE
FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (Lifetime)
Both of these movies involve people on planes that are
detoured because of a snow storm and the subsequently find the magic of
Christmas. I wish they were on the same night. The Flight Before Christmas
stars Mayim Bialik (Blossom) and Ryan McPartlin (Chuck). Christmas Detour stars Candace Cameron (Full
House) and Paul Greene.
November 29, 2015 – THE CHRISTMAS GIFT (Lifetime)
This “Inspired by a true story” Christmas movie is about a woman wanting to
thank a Secret Santa from her childhood. I expect this one to be tear inducing
from the first scene. It stars Michelle Trachtenberg (Buffy the Vampire Slayer).
December 12, 2015 – BECOMING SANTA (Lifetime)
“Santa is Real” is alive and well and coming to your T.V. on December 12. This
soon to be classic stars Michelle Gross and Meredith Baxter (Mr. & Mrs.
Keaton from Family Ties) reuniting as Mr. and Mrs. Claus. I think this may be
the one I am most looking forward to.
HONORABLE/DISHONORABLE
MENTION
Last year Hallmark’s overly hyped
NORTHPOLE was disappointing
at best. This year they are repeating that overhype (and of course the
disappointment with
NORTHPOLE:
OPEN FOR CHRISTMAS . This seems to be a typical “Christmas Saves the Town”
staring Lori Loughlin (Full House). I will watch it on November 21 and see if I
can yet again be disappointed in what I am fearful will be an ongoing franchise
for Hallmark.