Christmas Streaming Wrap-up - Part 2
Christmas Streaming Wrap-up - Part 2
17 December 2022
A Christmas special coinciding with The Chosen TV series released in theatres across America in 2021. Telling the the story of the birth of Christ, this year it is available to watch for free online. Photo: Angel Studios
Last week we wrapped up 10 great new Christmas releases available on streaming platforms. But, as we know, there is no shortage of holiday-related content. Don’t stress, though; Others Online writer Jessica Morris has reviewed another set of flicks that will put you in the mood to roast chestnuts over the open fire.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
Pom Klementieff as Mantis in Marvel Studios’ The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jessica Miglio. © 2022 MARVEL.
The tongue-in-cheek wit of Marvel’s Kevin Feige knows no bounds, and in this 45-minute Christmas special, we see rascal heroes, The Guardians of the Galaxy, try to celebrate Christmas. Try being the operative word because, unlike their leader Peter Quill who grew up on Earth, the rest of the motley crew have no concept of the holiday. So, when alien empath Mantis and Drax the Destroyer go on a mission to give Peter the best Christmas present ever, they take it to new ... depths. Knowing how much Peter loved actor Kevin Bacon as a child, they search the world for this alleged hero, resulting in a hilarious and comedically violent short film. And surprisingly, they don’t do too badly on the Christmas cheer either. Heads up for parents, though – the movie shows characters drinking excessively.
Rated PG. Streaming on Disney Plus.
The Noel Diary
Justin Hartley (This is Us) and Barrett Doss (Station 19) star in this romantic drama. Unfortunately, the dog pictured is the most faithful character in the bunch. Photo: KC Bailey / Netflix.
The romance reached #1 on Netflix the same week it was released, and with good reason. It delivers on the clichéd holiday happily-ever-after we all want. Starring Justin Hartley (This is Us) as a successful but grieving writer and Barrett Doss as a 30-something woman looking for her birth mother, their paths cross at (you guessed it!) Christmastime. In some ways, this film gives us a taster of real-life issues – we see how the tragic death of a child impacted a marriage and created estrangement, observe how social norms kept a young mum and her child apart, and see how an affair plays out. But therein lies my one criticism because, while all their circumstances are believable, the celebration of infidelity leading to true love leaves much to be desired.
Rated G. Streaming on Netflix.
Christmas Time Is Here
Building developer Julian (Dewshane Williams) and real estate agent Nia (Rukiya Bernard) have a rocky start when he attempts to buy out her family inn. Photo: Great American Family/Netflix.
At first glance, this generic title of this film makes you want to balk. But when you realise it’s a catchy pun about a magical family heirloom, you give it some grace. The heirloom is an antique watch worn by real estate agent Nia. As the story goes, it stopped working the night her mother died. So she can’t figure out why it has mysteriously begun ticking right as she meets suave developer Julian, who wants to buy out her family inn. Most Christmas couplings in these films are one-dimensional and just believable enough to watch. However, these two individuals are witty, focused, sometimes unaware, and extremely accomplished. It was a relief to see a holiday film celebrate the shared brilliance and humanity of both a male and female without demanding either compromise for ‘love’.
Rated G. Streaming on Netflix.
The Chosen: The Messengers Christmas Special
Joseph (Raj Bond) leads Mary (Sarah Anne) through the streets of Bethlehem as they look for a place to stay for Jesus’ impending birth. Photo: Angel Studios.
As the first multi-season crowd-funded TV show depicting the life of Christ, The Chosen has become a global sensation. And while the first season has recently dropped on Netflix, their 2021 Christmas episode about the birth of Christ is available exclusively on the website and app. In it, Mother Mary recounts to the disciples the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, and we are given a poignant and culturally aware take on the sacred event. Long-time fans of the TV show will be thrilled this ties into the original narrative, but even for newbies, this is a treat. And at just under 40 minutes, it is a manageable and delightful watch for the whole family.
Streaming on Angel.com.
Christmas at Mistletoe Farm
This family film is chaotic but will charm children, the young at heart and those who enjoy romance. Photo: Netflix
Young families will love this film, detailing the chaotic life of a single dad and his kids after they move from the city to their inherited Mistletoe Farm. Naturally, with five children under the age of 10 and raucous farm animals, chaos ensues. But it is the quirky community they enter into that brings the most change to this family. Don’t expect great acting for this one, but you will laugh at the slapstick humour and cringe a lot.
Rated PG. Streaming on Netflix.
A Christmas Miracle for Daisy
Can Whitney (Jill Wagner) and Cormac (Nick Bateman) overcome their past hurts and find true love again? Photo: Great American Family/Netflix.
When interior designer Whitney picks up her dream job decorating a luxurious home, she is all in – until she learns the property is owned by her ex-boyfriend Cormac. Naturally, she wants nothing to do with the formerly work-obsessed tech millionaire. But things change once Whitney meets his adopted orphaned niece, Daisy. Can people change their priorities, and will this couple give love another chance? Obviously, but the journey there (with a little bit of Christmas magic) is delightful. Now all we need is a sequel about two adoptive parents raising the niece into her teenage years!
Rated G. Streaming on Netflix.
A Kindhearted Christmas
Canadian actor and TV host Cameron Mathison stars opposite 90210’s Jennie Garth in this delightful Christmas romance. Photo © Eric Milner.
When an anonymous citizen starts doing good deeds in the small town of Cooperville, the morning show host, Scott (Cameron Mathison), makes it his mission to discover the secret Santa by Christmas. In the meantime, he meets small-business owner and widower Jamie (Jennie Garth), and they hit it off. But there’s a catch – she’s the secret Santa, and this could be a make-or-break situation for the journo. Garth and Mathison are endearing in their roles and are standouts for their chemistry and acting chops. This is worth a watch for the fact it celebrates love after loss.
Rated G. Streaming on Netflix.
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol
Actor Luke Evans voices Ebenezer Scrooge in this Netflix original movie. Image: Netflix
This delightful animation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a joy to watch for all ages. Slick animation and musical numbers are met with life lessons and some wit. And while Scrooge’s visitation by ghosts could be frightening to young children, they temper it with comical moments due to the addition of Scrooge’s dog Prudence (who goes on this adventure with him, obviously). The vivid themes of death, terminal illness, greed, and family estrangement make the story richer but could scare younger children. Best to pre-screen this or shelve it for a few years if your little ones have big imaginations.
Rated G. Streaming on Netflix.
Single all the Way
Philemon Chambers (Nick) and Brendan Urie (Peter) are charming in this recent holiday flick. Photo: Netflix.
Last year, this romantic comedy featuring Brendan Urie and Philemon Chambers hit Netflix, and as one of the few in the genre starring an LGBTQI+ couple, it stands out for its celebration of diversity and inclusion. Telling the story of long-time friends and housemates who have never confronted their feelings for each other, ad executive Peter and author Nick must grapple with the nature of their friendship when they go home for the holidays. Initially, Peter invites Nick to the family celebrations as a buffer for questions about his relationship status. But as the family plays matchmaker between the two, things change. Drama ensues when mum sets him up on a date with her personal trainer, and suddenly there is a love triangle.
Rated PG. Streaming on Netflix.
Angel Falls Christmas
Chad Michael Murray’s character is almost as devoted to his turtleneck as he is to doctor Ally (Jessica Lowndes). Photo: Great American Family/Netflix.
Chad Michael Murray, the famed 2000s teen star, in a Christmas film? I was sold before I even hit play. However, this is the strangest role he has ever stepped into – he is an angel named Gabe (tasteful). And along with a colleague, she has been sent to Angel Falls to ensure doctor Ally (Jessica Lowndes) gains the Christmas spirit by ticking off a Christmas activity list to regain her ex’s affection. Somewhere in this adventure, which is syncopated by Murray’s dedication to turtlenecks and steely expressions, Gabe falls for Ally, which is ... altogether awkward. This carries all the elements of a stereotypical Christmas romance, but I struggled to get past the Noahic theme of fallen angels co-mingling with humans. Best to put your theology to the side in order to enjoy this one or give it a miss.
Rated G. Streaming on Netflix.
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