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Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977)
Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977)
1977 | Comedy, Family
Heartwarming and fun
I have watched this so many times. It one of my favorite Christmas stories directed by Jim Henson.

When a poor otter family sees the opportunity of a town talent show to make some much needed cash, they seize on the opportunity.

The songs and morals in this short TV movie make this great fun for the whole family.

The songs from Paul Williams will keep you humming.

  
Klaus (2019)
Klaus (2019)
2019 | Adventure, Animation, Comedy
It's unique animation style is gorgeous (0 more)
The part of the film that made me cry. I don't want to cry in front of my kids. (0 more)
Worth the hype
A lot of people said this was great but I get dubious of hype but this lives up to it. With animation like the illustrations from a children's book, Klaus is a touching, heartwarming and even sometimes magically sad story. This is quickly going to become a firm Christmas favorite.
  
A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
2017 | Comedy
A disappointing sequel
I always start my reviews of movie comedies by complaining how most of them just aren't that funny. Usually having a raucous trailer which combines every single one of the movies mildly funny moments into two or three minutes of high energy in an attempt to con you into buying a ticket. And I usually make a comparison to Bad Moms when I'm complaining about them too, probably the funniest comedy I've seen in a couple of years now. My enjoyment of Bad Moms was probably helped by the fact that I was watching it while say next to a busy, overworked mom in the shape of my wife, but it was still very enjoyable all the same. A lot of other people must have thought so too, as they managed to quickly rush out this inferior sequel in order to cash in.

Bad Moms Christmas kicks off on Christmas day, with Amy (Mila Kunis) sitting on the stairs of her home, Christmas tree toppled over, and other Christmas mess all around her. She looks beat, and a real life camel calmly walks past her. This must have been some big crazy party that we're going to rewind and watch unfold in full horrific detail. Spoiler: we do get to see the party, and it's definitely not crazy.

We do go back a few days though and the movie starts counting down each day in the run up to Christmas. All the original cast are back, but this time, in an attempt to double up on the number of Bad Moms (it's a sequel after all), all the moms of our three leads show up to make their lives that much worse. With another upcoming sequel, Daddys Home 2, set to do exactly the same thing, this must just be the thing these days.

With the older moms looking to dictate and ruin the holiday season, their daughters vow to take back Christmas. Unfortunately though, this just involves a bit of drunken bad behaviour in a shopping mall and some grinding/gyrating around an elderly Santa Claus. All a bit disappointing really.

While it's heart is in the right place and everyone is friends again by the time the end of the movie and Christmas day dinner rolls round, overall this is a much less enjoyable movie than the first. While there are some funny moments, the laugh rate is way, way down on the last movie too and a rethink of further 'holiday moms' planned movies is seriously needed.
  
Six Cats a Slayin'
Six Cats a Slayin'
Miranda James | 2018 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Kittens and Murder at Christmas
Charlie Harris's feline family has grown quite a bit. Someone left him a box with five kittens in it, and he's taking care of them while trying to track down the owner so he can figure out what to do with them next. Fortunately, Charlie's Maine Coon cat, Diesel, has taken to the kittens and is helping take care of them as only a cat can. That isn't the only problem Charlie is facing this Christmas, however. There's also his new neighbor Geraldine "Call Me Gerry" Albritton. Gerry is rubbing everyone the wrong way, including Charlie. Charlie isn't prepared for murder, however, and when one happens, he begins to investigate. What will he uncover?

Fans of this series know to expect a wonderful puzzle wrapped in a cozy shell, and that's just what we get here, with the Christmas setting only helping the cozy feeling. The mystery of the kittens occupies much of the early book while the foundations of the main mystery are being laid. Once the dead body turns up, we focus more on that with the kittens taking their place as a sub-plot. The twists of the mystery keep the pages flying, and the story takes a more serious tone. That tone provides a nice contrast to the Christmas season and the kittens, both of which keep the book from becoming too dark. I was thrilled to get to spend so much time with the series regulars; I just love Charlie's family and extended family. This book left me with happy tears in my eyes and Christmas carols in my head. What more could you want?
  
Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa (2013)
Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa (2013)
2013 | Comedy
8
7.0 (6 Ratings)
Movie Rating
I have never really watched any of the Alan Partridge stuff although I do find Steve Coogan funny. This was on over Christmas and I recorded it, it sat for ages on the planner and then finally one evening I watched it, not expecting much. To my surprise I thought it was hilarious!
  
Naughty or Nice
Naughty or Nice
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I really enjoyed this, it was a sweet, romantic Christmas themed story. It had a nice build-up to their relationship and I was willing them to get together from early on, especially with all the interruptions that kept happening and I just wanted them to ignore everything and get it on already!
  
Candy Slain Murder
Candy Slain Murder
Maddie Day | 2020 | Mystery
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Skeleton at Christmas
This Christmas is bringing plenty of surprises to Robbie Jordan’s life. The first is the young man who walks into Pans N’ Pancakes, Robbie’s country store and restaurant, and claims to be Robbie’s assistant’s half brother. Danna never knew she had any siblings. The bigger surprise is the skeleton discovered when a house catches fire. As gossip about who the remains belong to heats up, a fresh murder takes place, and Robbie is once again drawn into the case. Can she figure out what happened?

Since the last book took place outside of South Lick, it was fabulous to be back and see all the regulars again. Everyone gets a scene or two to shine and give us updates on their lives. Unfortunately, the plot could be stronger. While there are plenty of suspects and red herrings, the suspects are weaker than they need to be. The climax is suspenseful and does answer all our questions, however. I’m a sucker for Christmas set cozies, and I enjoyed that aspect of the book. The scenes in the restaurant will make you hungry for the six recipes at the end. Fans of the series will certainly welcome this Christmas entry.