By Elisabeth Vincentelli
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” the song states. “There’ll be festivities for hosting/Billions of films for binge-watching.”
While the Andy Williams classic doesn’t actually refer to streaming, that’s merely because it was released long before Hallmark, UPtv, Great American Family, and Lifetime chose to inundate the season with films. However, since time is limited, the ensuing compilation of new seasonal releases highlights offerings from major streaming platforms. And remember: Spotting someone stuck in a snowstorm once is a plot twist. Spotting it 10 times is a cliche. Spotting it 50 times is a holiday-movie staple — and during this time of year, we adore those staples.
‘Dear Santa’
Available for streaming on Paramount+.
This year’s entry into the misfit Santa subgenre goes all in. That’s because the bearded, portly fellow in red is actually Satan (Jack Black). He has been summoned by young Liam (Robert Timothy Smith), who accidentally transposed two letters in his letter to Santa. Now, the devil won’t depart until Liam makes three wishes, which sounds simpler than it turns out to be. “Dear Satan” doesn’t completely fulfill this enticing premise, which is surprising given it’s directed by a Farrelly brother (Bobby) and features adept casting — you can tell Black has long awaited this role. Still, there are enough quirks to make this fruitcake palatable.
Watch for: gastrointestinal distress.
‘Hot Frosty’
Available for streaming on Netflix.
The path of holiday romance rarely runs smoothly, but the budding connection between Kathy (Hallmark star Lacey Chabert) and Jack (Dustin Milligan) faces an unusual hurdle: He “might wake up tomorrow as a puddle.”
That’s because Jack is a snowman who has come to life magically.
Director Jerry Ciccoritti skillfully blends hot (Milligan has clearly been hitting the gym since his role as Ted on “Schitt’s Creek”) and sweet (Jack possesses a newborn’s naivety), although one might desire a more dynamic performance from Chabert.
Watch for: nods to earlier films in the NCU (Netflix Christmas Universe).
‘Jingle Bell Love’
Available for streaming on the Roku Channel.
Another Jack (Joey McIntyre, from New Kids on the Block) is a widower visiting his former in-laws with his young daughter, Grace (Delia Lisette Chambers). There, he develops feelings for Jessica (Michelle Morgan), who needs to gather $25,000 in five days to save her struggling cafe. (Would it be too Scrooge-like to mention that she could raise her prices above $2.50 for a latte and not give away cake pops?)
Despite solid on-screen and stage resumes, McIntyre remains somewhat stiff, but luckily Morgan elevates their scenes together,
and their comfortable chemistry makes this film feel like a cherished old blanket.
Watch for: lively singing from the New Kid.
‘Meet Me Next Christmas’
Available for streaming on Netflix.
While holiday films aren’t typically renowned for their documentary-style realism, even with lowered expectations, “Meet Me Next Christmas” presents a parade of baffling choices and wild coincidences. Yet, it remains surprisingly engaging, thanks to Christina Milian’s charisma and her chemistry with Devale Ellis (“Sistas”).
In an effort to reconnect with her supposed soulmate (Kofi Siriboe), Milian’s Layla desperately seeks a ticket to Pentatonix’s fully booked Christmas Eve concert. Only one individual can assist, and it’s Ellis’ Teddy, who works for an elite concierge company. Director Rusty Cundieff throws challenges Layla’s way at a rapid pace while the members of Pentatonix offer commentary (thanks to an easily forgivable script-device). Strangely, it works.
Watch for: a lip-syncing contest that introduces queer elements in a holiday lineup largely lacking it.
‘The Merry Gentlemen’
Available for streaming on Netflix.
You don’t need to hear more than “‘Magic Mike’ adorned with tinsel” to add this film to your watchlist, but here it is. After losing her long-time position in a Broadway Christmas production, Ashley (the lively Britt Robertson) returns to her warm hometown, only to discover her parents are on the verge of losing their small music venue. To raise funds, Ashley organizes an all-male revue featuring local heartthrobs, including handyman Luke (Chad Michael Murray, from “One Tree Hill”).
Like many, many holiday films this year, “The Merry Gentlemen” (directed by Peter Sullivan) centers around rescuing a struggling business, a sign of the broader sense of unease in this country. The resolution this time involves a group of men so confident in their masculinity that they prefer to mostly strip to help rather than lecture Ashley about cryptocurrency.
Watch for: the exceedingly cute dog Gizmo Nolan.
‘The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland’
Available for streaming on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
On Christmas Eve, St. Nick (voiced by Gerard Butler) receives a letter from the Princess of Hearts (Eliza Riley), who requests a bandersnatch. He’s read Lewis Carroll, so he knows what it is and sets out for Wonderland to make the delivery. Unfortunately, the Christmas-disliking Queen of Hearts (Emilia Clarke) has other designs.
Directed by Peter Baynton, this captivating blend of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” is an excellent choice for the youngest family members, although older viewers will enjoy the stylized animation — the film is based on a book by Carys Bexington and follows the style of its illustrator, Kate Hindley. Amy Wadge (whose songwriting credits include Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud”) and Guy Chambers contribute excellent songs.
Watch for: surprisingly impressive rapping by Butler.
‘Nutcrackers’
Available for streaming on Hulu.
Ben Stiller as a high-strung real estate executive seems spot-on, but David Gordon Green’s film — a return to the director’s indie roots — never travels the path you expect while also fulfilling its holiday objectives.
Stiller’s intentionally single Michael must locate a new foster family for his late sister’s four sons (played by real-life brothers Atlas, Arlo, Homer, and Ulysses Janson), who were home-schooled on their dilapidated Ohio farm. Tone is crucial in this intimate gem, which resembles something François Truffaut might have filmed in the Midwest. “Nutcrackers,” which often feels somewhat improvised, is a heartfelt tale that sidesteps saccharine sentiments, brimming with emotion but avoiding sentimentality.
Watch for: a genuinely moving rendition of “The Nutcracker.”
‘Our Little Secret’
Available for streaming on Netflix.
Delivering a sermon in church after consuming a handful of THC gummies, devouring a jar of cookies then blaming the dog: Lindsay Lohan returns!
Two years following her role in one of Netflix’s biggest holiday hits, “Falling for Christmas,” Lohan now stars as Avery in this comedy directed by Stephen Herek. Throughout the film, Avery discovers to her dismay that she and her ex, Logan (Ian Harding, from “Pretty Little Liars”), are dating siblings. The best course of action appears to be concealing that connection during a Christmas family get-together, which, of course, will spiral completely out of control.
Watch for: Kristin Chenoweth’s every appearance as the siblings’ overbearing mother.
‘The Snow Sister’
Available for streaming on Netflix.
For those who appreciate films that genuinely consider children’s emotions, Cecilie Mosli’s “The Snow Sister,” hailing from Norway, is a must-watch. When we meet young Julian (Mudit Gupta), he is still struggling with the loss of his sister from a few months prior, with the film handling the subject delicately. Julian befriends Hedvig (Celina Meyer Hovland), a new girl in town, and slowly she helps him emerge from his sadness. However, Hedvig is shrouded in secrets: Where are her parents? And who is the elderly man (Jan Saelid) lurking near her home? The revelations are heart-wrenching, so be sure to have tissues handy while you watch.
Watch for: the poignant revelation of the old man’s identity.
‘Style Me for Christmas’
Available for streaming on BET+.
Join for R&B singer Mario as R&B singer Tedee, and stay for the vibrant Raven Goodwin as the dynamic stylist Tiffany. The setup is familiar at this point: Tiffany is behind on her rent for her Atlanta boutique. Being hired to enhance Tedee’s style appears to be the miracle she has long sought, but unfortunately, the role is a ruse to restore Tedee’s tarnished image and boost his Christmas album’s sales.
Director LazRael Lison wisely lets Goodwin showcase her charm, and she navigates “Style Me for Christmas” with the confidence Tiffany initially lacks — as this narrative is all about Tiffany finding her groove.
Watch for: a montage of Tiffany and Tedee having fun together.
