Here is a chica’s guide to 2022 holiday movies! These flicks come at us fast and it’s hard to keep up, much less figure out which to watch. Well, my dear friend Candy, of Candypolooza, joined me in reviewing some of this season’s small screen offerings.
Here are our thoughts on the new crop of magical snow-filled features.
KATHY: I’m a sucker for holiday movies because it adds to the experience of the season. Sometimes I don’t want to brave the shopping scene, but I still want to feel the magic – especially while I’m crafting or wrapping gifts. Even so, I’m kinda picky, I don’t want the usual formulaic rom-coms. I want to FEEL. I want deep meaning, I want to cry, and the end with a hearty laugh and satisfied sigh. Is that too much to ask?
CANDY: I love watching holiday movies. I agree, it adds to the experience of the season and just leaves me all warm and fuzzy. Yes, I am down to watch a variety of holiday films out there. It’s not just about two people finding each other during the holidays. Give me action, adventure, some caroling and of course that beautiful Christmas feeling.
KATHY: Doesn’t it seem like the industry has leveled up a bit? Not only in more interesting storylines, but also in diversity. It’s nice to see a variety of faces, lifestyles, and cultures. I hope the networks keep expanding the offerings.
CANDY: Oh most definitely. The variety is fantastic and being able to share those films with my kids is the best. It really changes the feeling when you see someone that looks like you on-screen. We’re looking at you, Freddie Prinze, Jr!
Okay, let’s do this – here is our guide to 2022 holiday movies!
KATHY: I wasn’t expecting this one to be my favorite of the season, but it is – Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. Isn’t it so random? And it’s soooo off-kilter funny. It’s the right balance of sentiment and brow-raising double-takes. I even made a craft project from it. And it’s a win for the peeps in your fam who are NOT into rom coms. This one was a pleasant surprise.
CANDY: I also really enjoyed the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. Not your typical holiday rom-com and if you are a Marvel lover – you’re going to really enjoy it. And don’t even think of missing it if you are a Kevin Bacon fan. I’m not going to spoil it for you!
But I would have to say this year’s favorite is A Christmas Story Christmas.
KATHY: Some may not go for this one, because how can it ever live up the the OG version? But I call it a win. It’s really heartfelt and underneath all the goofy antics, there is such a heartwarming story. And it was fun to revisit the cast. The ending was soooo clever. That alone is worth a viewing.
How do we feel about Lindsay Lohan’s Falling for Christmas? I love that she is “back” (have you tried pilk yet?). I thought it was cute, but kind of forgettable. But I did love that it co-stars the adorable Olivia Perez, remember she was that cute little girl from In The Heights? This one is not a remote thumbstopper like… I would with say… Queen Latifah’s The Last Holiday.
Ack. I think I give this one a pass. Sawree.
CANDY: I am a HUGE Lindsay Lohan fan and was very excited for it. You’re right, it was forgettable. A huge miss for LiLo but she came through and is on the yearly holiday list from now on. It’s the Christmas feeling that gets me every time. Which is why one of my favorites is A Christmas Story. That is one that just plays on repeat and the new sequel A Christmas Story Christmas has become another family favorite. I was so excited to be a part of the press and speak with Peter Billingsley aka “Ralphie” himself!
KATHY: We both give two thumbs up to Ralphie! You know who I’m impressed with? Brooke Shields. As a Gen Xer, it’s been interesting to see her career trajectory. She started as this goddess-like model of perfection, but she has really let herself play endearing comedic roles where she is a goddess for other reasons. I loved her in A Castle for Christmas last year, and I noticed her in a supporting role as a southern trailer park mama with a heart of gold in Holiday Harmony.
It’s a sweet little film about a singer who is on her way to her career’s big break (a spot on a national TV show) – when her van breaks down in the middle of Oklahoma! Brooke is one of the quirky townsfolk who comes to her aid. It’s a melancholy type of holiday flick, super chill.
CANDY: I am adding those movies starring Brooke Shields to my list! There’s still so much time to enjoy all of these new holiday films. And of course, time to watch your favorites from years past. Two of my favorites that we also enjoy is Jingle Jangle on Netflix and the Anna Kendrick film Noelle on Disney+.
Speaking of Disney+ I caught Hip Hop Nutcracker and was so excited to see Allison Holker Boss and Stephen “tWitch” Boss, I had the opportunity to meet them both during a Disney press event. Ah the good ol’ days. I miss those opportunities, but I love the memories we have of them.
KATHY: I also watched Spirited with Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds. Mucho singing and dancing, even more one-liners. These guys work so well together. There was so much to take in, I had to watch it twice just to catch all the jokes, because I was so focused on the dancing. It’s a good flick to play during the holiday festivities.
And we can’t forget Freddie Prinze Jr., in Christmas with You. It was muy predictable, and a lil boring. But I watched the whole thing out of obligation for our community. Last year we had the series, With Love. I’m def going to watch it again, because I truly want to!
Yes to Spirited, but Christmas With You – ehhh, don’t sacrifice your schedule, unless you are curious to see Freddie Prinze Jr. on screen again. That was my interest.
Although, when it comes to CWY, I just have to add – I hate it when the female character has to choose between a big show and her boyfriend’s kid’s event. Why can’t everyone work together so everyone wins and achieves their dreams? TRIGGERED! Okay, no more spoilers!
Okay, one more. The Great Holiday Bake War. It’s flakey, but only because it centers around a VERY IMPORTANT baking competition. A standard for many holiday movies, right? But this was super fun because it has an over-the-top conniving villain who stages baking fails in order to keep up the ratings for the televised show. Think The Great British Bake-Off-meets-Survivior with a dash of Tyler Perry high stakes drama, jealousy and betrayal. And lots of flirting and romance. And a few giggles. This one is a go because it stars singer LeToya Luckett (formerly of Destiny’s Child!) and she does a great job charming us with this plot.
I know we missed some, every Discovery+ has holiday movies out now! Have you seen any new ones?
What do you think of our guide to 2022 holiday movies?
Other holiday entertainment treats:
Holiday Reads to Enjoy and Share
