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The Man Who Invented Christmas  (2017)
The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
2017 | Biography, Comedy, Drama
Two years after the success of Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens is suffering financial hardship from the failure of his last three books. Rejected by his publishers, he sets out to write a new book to restore his finances. Seeing inspiration around London, most notably a rich man's funeral that is largely unattended, he begins writing A Christmas Carol, due in six weeks in order to be published by Christmas. As Charles begins to develop his story, he interacts with the characters he is writing about, most notably Ebenezer Scrooge.



Christmas spirit abounds this month, and I was so happy to see it start with this film. I'm fed up of saying "I hadn't heard anything about this film until it was on"... seriously, what are these people doing with their advertising budgets??!

Dickens' struggle with his writer's block is incredible to watch. When the idea snaps into his head and the characters appear it really does put a smile on your face. It feels like you can really see the joy in his eyes as an idea materialises in front of him. Seeing them all interact together as the tale progresses is so much fun too.

This film made me genuinely feel happy. Just like a Christmas film should. I laughed out loud and I cried, but I still left with a smile, and an abundance of Christmas spirit in me to help me muster the enthusiasm for another three Christmas films and tree decorating. I hate to dethrone any of my favourites from their positions... but this might have entered straight into the top three... it's honestly got me stumped. I'll have to watch more seasonal films until I can work it out.
  
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Kevin Phillipson (10072 KP) rated Black Christmas (2006) in Movies

May 30, 2018 (Updated May 30, 2018)  
Black Christmas (2006)
Black Christmas (2006)
2006 | Horror, Mystery
6
5.8 (9 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Cast (1 more)
Kills
X mas slasher remake is it good its okay not as good as the orignal some good kills young cast most of them famliar to auidences if you want to be scared at christmas this is youre kinda movie
  
Die Hard (1988)
Die Hard (1988)
1988 | Action
Who Doesn't Love Die Hard?
This is a fun movie (whether you agree it's a Christmas movie or not). All the actors brought on board did a great job at their roles, and the dialogue is still iconic decades later.
  
CA
Christmas at Cold Comfort Farm
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a collection of short stories - I did think it was just one story! The Christmas at cold Comfort Farm story is set pre-flora Poste, but was still probably the best story in the collection. worth a read.
  
Everything, Everything
Everything, Everything
Nicola Yoon | 2015 | Children
9
8.3 (49 Ratings)
Book Rating
Story line (3 more)
Great strong character
Imaginative
Romance
Slightly predictable (0 more)
Glued
I was absolutely glued to this book. Received it on Christmas day. I had started the book and finished it in 4 hours. I could not put it down. I'm so happy I read this book and even happier to own it.
  
Hollyberry Homicide
Hollyberry Homicide
Sharon Farrow | 2020 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Will Marlee Make it on Stage as a Ghost?
Marlee Jacobs is looking forward to celebrating Christmas, but before she can get there, she has a few things on her plate. In addition to the usual decorating and present buying, there’s the town hollyberry festival. Plus, she’s taking over the role of Jacob Marley in the town’s annual adaptation of A Christmas Carol at the last minute. The actor who normally plays the part died unexpectedly. Well, maybe not quite so unexpectedly since he was ninety-five. While everyone is certain it was natural causes, something feels off to Marlee. Couple that with the rumors that the play is cursed, and Marlee will have to find time to add sleuthing to her December schedule. What will she uncover?

As you might have guessed, this book’s plot unfolds a little differently from the typical cozy mystery, and I loved it all the more for that fact. Don’t worry, there is always something happening to keep your attention, and I loved how Marlee unraveled everything in the end. The characters in this series are charming, and that’s the case here once again. We get plenty of Christmas spirit in the pages of this book, which is a must for a Christmas entry in a series. Rounding out the book, we get three berry inspired recipes at the end. When you are making a list of Christmas cozies to read this December, make sure this book is on it. No need to check it twice, you’ll definitely enjoy it.
  
A Boy Called Christmas
A Boy Called Christmas
Matt Haig, Chris Mould | 2016 | Children
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
A wonderfully festive story
Until now, I don't think I've ever read a specifically Christmas themed book and especially not one based around the origin of Father Christmas. Until now that is, and what a wonderfully festive book to choose.

This is ultimately a kids book, so it's nothing fancy language-wise but it's still very well written and engaging. Nikolas is an endearing and lovable main character, although I think him and the rest of the characters in this book are not as well developed as they could be (probably because it's a kids book). The story itself is such fun and heartwarming and quite amusing at times, and it's a great idea for the origin of Father Christmas. It has definitely helped me to get into the festive spirit!