Second Half Of 2017 Film Round Up
Posted 10th January 2018
Category: Film Genres: N/A
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In late November, I found out that Channel 5 was showing (and then, crucially, putting online) a large number of TV Christmas films. In addition to my decision to take advantage of that I thought it time I get out my Audrey Hepburn box set, which I’d been saving for that mythical perfect moment. Due to the number of Christmas films – admittedly not nearly as many as Channel 5 had available because I soon realised quality had nothing to do with their selection – I’ve split the films into two categories.
Get Smart (USA, 2008) – A fun and silly spy movie.
Great Expectations (UK, 2012) – Lacking some of the book’s humour, but not bad overall.
He’s Just Not That Into You (USA, 2009) – I’d seen the so-so ratings but I’d wanted to see this for a few years and found it didn’t disappoint. Were the endings predictable and sometimes too sweet? Yes. But I liked the overall execution and the little things included, like the way the camera panned out from Bradley Cooper and Scarlet Johansson and they were standing on different sides of the line of a parking space.
Leap Year (USA/Ireland, 2010) – I was surprised to find out this is credited as half Irish because it felt very much like Ireland through Hollywood’s eyes.
Madagascar (USA, 2005) – Good.
Roman Holiday (USA, 1953) – Loved this. I wrote about it in November, so I’ve keep it short here.
Sabrina (USA, 1954) – That age difference and the lack of character development…
Christmas Under Wraps (USA, 2014) – One of those average, overly sweet, films to have on in the background to help you feel festive.
A Prince For Christmas (USA, 2015) – Although this is what you expect – sickly sweet – the two leads are particularly good to the extent that it’s not a bad film at all. And the lack of any royal trappings, whilst almost certainly due to budget constraints, means it seems more realistic.
Family For Christmas (USA, 2015) – The makers of this film would like you to note that having children is better than a career in all circumstances. They also want to tell you that a woman who has had children must remain at home forever, and that if (spoiler following) you get a second chance with your ex-boyfriend, quitting your awesome job before the first date, so that you’re completely ready for the horse and carriage, is a very good idea. It’ll make the date incredibly awkward, but we’ll not mention that.
Cinderella Christmas (USA, 2016) – An interesting spin on the story, but there’s a lot of angst.
Four Christmases (USA, 2008) – Horrendous.
With 3 films on January’s list already and a couple I’m looking forward to, the new year is going well so far.
Do you like to watch holiday-themed films?
January 11, 2018, 7:39 pm
Over the holidays I like to re-watch old favourites like The Grinch, Cool Runnings, A Muppet’s Christmas Carol and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation :-P This year I also caught two lovely new period dramas on the BBC: Little Women and The Miniaturist.
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January 10, 2018, 4:39 pm
My daughter and her husband watch all the old Christmas classics (and some of the newer ones) every year. I hate to admit I’ve seen very few of them. I do love Christmas Vacation and try to watch it every year (though I missed out this time, despite having the DVD on my shelf).