Film Festival: Contemporary Christmas Elf (2003) follows the journey of a man searching for his birth father. The young man is Buddy (Will Ferrell), who was raised by elves at the North Pole. He finds his father in New York at Christmas in the Empire State Building. Along the way he finds love and helps…
Christmas movies
Annotated Miracle on 34th Street: Lisa’s Home Bijou
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) is a clever fantasy Christmas film. It’s been shown on TV so many times it doesn’t really need a review. I think it’s time for an annotation for younger viewers since the film is now 72 years old. Here’s my take on some of the sayings and culture in the…
Prancer a reindeer and his girl: Lisa’s Home Bijou
Film Festival: Contemporary Christmas Prancer (1989) takes place in a farming community in the mid West. It’s a heart-warming Christmas fantasy with a very realistic look. The film opens in a country school room with the children practicing O Little Town of Bethlehem. Jessica (Rebecca Harrell Tickell) is singing too loudly and enthusiastically. All the…
The Santa Clause: Lisa’s Home Bijou
Film Festival: Contemporary Christmas The Santa Clause (1994) is a contemporary Christmas classic film that does a great job of contrasting reality (office meetings, custody hearings, principal’s office) with the fantasy of Santa’s world. The story begins with Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) getting honored at the office Christmas party for best sales for the toy…
Last Holiday gourmet romance: Lisa’s Home Bijou
Film Festival: Contemporary Christmas Last Holiday (2006) is a contemporary Christmas story starring Queen Latifah, LL Cool J, and Gerard Depardieu. I love a good Queen Latifah movie and I hope you will try this movie if you haven’t seen it! When we first meet Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) she is distractedly singing with her…