As Christmas is almost here, it’s time for my yearly Movie Blogger’s Christmas Wish-List! If you’re new to 18 Cinema Lane, this is an annual tradition where I share the movie related things I’d like to receive for Christmas. The list’s format follows the quote; “Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read”. The items on this list, like in past years, are a combination of realistic requests and wishful thinking. So, let’s start 2025’s Christmas wish-list!
Puppies and hearts Christmas wish-list image created by Freepik at freepik.com.
Something You Want
Back in 2018, I saw the 1975 movie, Escape to Witch Mountain. One of the most memorable aspects of that film was an object belonging to Tia, one of the story’s protagonists. Throughout Escape to Witch Mountain, Tia carries a Starcase. This box contains a map that helps her and her brother, Tony, find their way home. But ever since I saw the film, I’ve always felt the term “starcase” was misleading. That’s because I don’t recall seeing Tia putting anything into the case itself, like small toys or trinkets. Despite this, the Starcase is one of the most unique movie props I’ve seen. So, for this portion of my Christmas wish-list, I would like to receive a replica of Tia’s Starcase. But I want a replica that is truly a case where items can be placed inside. Plus, I would like the Starcase replica to feature a purse strap, so the Starcase can be carried either as a purse or a clutch.
Tia’s Starcase images created by Walt Disney Productions and Buena Vista Distribution Company
Something You Need to See
Two years ago, I started my series, Sally Solves a Mystery. In this annual series, I talk about television related mysteries in an attempt to solve them. For my upcoming Sally Solves a Mystery article, I will write about two mysteries related to the same movie. On the forum for Lost Media Wiki, I came across a post about a lost teaser trailer for the 1997 film, Anastasia. While I do love that movie, I personally don’t remember seeing the teaser trailer in question. Another piece of Anastasia media I don’t remember is Anastasia On Ice, an ice skating show based on the film. The only footage of the show I’ve seen are a few television commercials and a behind-the-scenes news segment about the show. Why these lost media mysteries are featured in this part of my Christmas wish-list is how much I’d love to see them solved by November 21st, 2027, which is Anastasia’s 30th anniversary.
Promotional image for Anastasia On Ice found on the Youtube channel, Commerical Collections.
A movie related piece of clothing or accessory I’d want to wear
Looking back on past Christmas wish-lists, I haven’t selected a movie related piece of clothing or accessory that is holiday themed. But that is about to change with the Halloween themed sweater I will now discuss. In the Lifetime movie, Killing the Competition, my eye caught a gray sweater with pumpkins and black cats on it. Even though the sweater was featured very briefly in the film, it stuck in my memory, especially when it came time to create My Movie Blogger’s Christmas Wish-List. As I’m writing this article, I realized this is the second year in a row a sweater was chosen for this portion of my wish-list! With the Halloween sweater boasting a variety of colors, multiple outfits could be created around that sweater.
I apologize if this photo of the Halloween themed sweater isn’t the best. But as I explained in my Christmas wish-list, the sweater was featured very briefly in Killing the Competition. Screenshot taken by me, Sally Silverscreen.
A book I’ve read that I’d like to see adapted into a film
When I participated in the Eurovisionathon readathon, one of the books I read was A Prisoner in Malta by Phillip DePoy. It was, honestly, one of the better books I read for the event! A Prisoner in Malta is what would be considered a “page-turner”, as there was never a dull moment. The book contained other strengths like well-written banter between the characters, strong character development, and a mystery that was intriguing as well as complex. With all this said, I would be interested in seeing a film adaptation of A Prisoner in Malta! Based on what I’ve observed of the cinematic side of the mystery genre, historical mysteries seem far and few between. I also can’t think of many movies off the top of my head that are set in the 1580s. So, in my opinion, an adaptation of A Prisoner in Malta would offer something unique to the film-making table!
What are your thoughts on my Christmas wish list? Are there any movie related things you’d like to receive during the Christmas/holiday season? Tell me in the comment section!
Back in August, I published my review of the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, Face to Face. That article became my 425th published movie review. Then, when I published my review of Kind Hearts and Coronets, it became my 950th published post. To honor these milestones, I’m creating a type of list I have never written before. Over the seven years 18 Cinema Lane has existed, I have shared some of my “hot takes” on film. However, I haven’t created a list exclusively about movie “hot takes”. That is why, for this list, I will address my film related “hot takes” I didn’t previously discuss on my blog. This decision was made to keep the list itself fresh and interesting. I will also organize each “hot take” based on how “hot” each take could be perceived. Before I begin this list, I’d like to state how my list is not intended to be mean-spirited or negative. It’s just simply a way to express my opinion.
Campfire with marshmellows and shooting stars image created by macrovector at freepik.com.
10. Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit Should Have Been a Christmas Movie
I’m not saying Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit is a bad movie. I’m not even saying it’s a bad sequel, as I respect how the script tries to tell a new story instead of attempting to recapture the magic of the first film. However, I do believe it was a huge missed opportunity not to have Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit set during Christmas. I can picture Saint Katherine’s Parish, the church featured in the first movie, beautifully decked out in Christmas adornments. And can you imagine what Christmas songs like ‘O Holy Night’, ‘Away in a Manger’, and ‘Joy to the World’ would have sounded like under Deloris’/Sister Mary Clarence’s leadership? If those versions were even half as good as the songs were in Sister Act, the audience would have been in for a musical treat! Though there’s no guarantee making Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit a Christmas movie would have made it better or just as good as its predecessor. Therefore, this is the mildest “hot take” on my list.
9. Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones Should Have Shared More Screen-Time Together in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
One of my favorite movie scenes of all time is Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones’ interaction in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. Not only does this scene recontextualize everything the audience knew about Calypso/Tia Dalma up until that point, Naomie Harris and Bill Nighy’s on-screen chemistry made the attraction between Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones believable. This attraction makes me wish they shared more screen-time together. Throughout Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones’ interaction, issues are left unresolved and words are left unspoken. Yet their love for each other is still evident. Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones should have received an opportunity to resolve their issues and honestly communicate with one another. But in a movie like Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End with so many moving parts to it, aspects of the story like Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones’ relationship were overlooked.
8. Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch’s Story in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Should Have Been an Adaptation of Scarlet Witch, Vol. 3: The Final Hex
For this year’s Eurovisionathon readathon, I read Scarlet Witch, Vol. 3: The Final Hex. As I read the graphic novel, I couldn’t help but feel the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) missed a great opportunity to adapt this story. Based on what I know about the MCU, mentor figures aren’t common. Agatha Harkness could have provided mentorship to Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch like she did in the graphic novel, helping guide her throughout Phase 2 and beyond. Adapting Scarlet Witch, Vol. 3: The Final Hex would have given the MCU a reason to weave Serbian and Roma culture into Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch’s, as well as Pietro Maximoff/Quicksilver’s, narrative. Themes of family, identity, and what it truly means to be a superhero could have also been explored. While I haven’t seen any of the MCU’s projects after Avengers:Endgame, I have heard of the directions Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch’s story have taken. Had Scarlet Witch, Vol. 3: The Final Hex been adapted, maybe her story would have been better than what the audience received.
7. Cheryl Frasier from Miss Congeniality is More Intelligent Than Most People Give Her Credit For
The “April 25th” scene from Miss Congeniality is one of the most quotable and meme-able moments in film history. This scene is how most people know Cheryl Frasier (a.k.a. Miss Rhode Island), one of the story’s key characters. The moment where Cheryl chooses “April 25th” as her answer for her idea of a perfect date is presented as giving the wrong answer. Though whenever I think of this scene, I see it very differently. In an interview/question segment of a pageant, contestants must utilize their time wisely to earn enough points to progress to the next segment. With that said, Cheryl utilized critical thinking skills, logic, and looking outside the box to not only select her iconic answer, but to also come up with an explanation for that answer all within a limited period of time. Plus, I can understand how she would describe a date on the calendar, as the question is vague enough to be interpreted in different ways. This is one of the best examples from Miss Congeniality of Cheryl being more intelligent than most people give her credit for.
6. Pennywise from Stephen King’s IT (1990) is More Annoying Than Scary
Years ago, I saw Stephen King’s IT for the first time. But I found the experience underwhelming. One contributor was how Pennywise was more annoying than scary. While there were horrifying moments involving Pennywise, these moments were far and few between. One scene that always comes to mind is when Pennywise is in a library. In this scene, he was so over-the-top, loud, and obnoxious, his act got old really fast. I couldn’t take Pennywise seriously as a horror movie villain, as his silliness made him less threatening. Even in the film’s climax, his role was such a let-down, sucking all the suspense out of that scene. Tim Curry, the actor who portrayed Pennywise, is not at fault because he tried his best with the acting material provided. The fault lies with the director and screenwriters of Stephen King’s IT.
5. Gabby Gabby from Toy Story 4 is a Poorly Written Character
When I saw Toy Story 4 in 2019, I thought Gabby Gabby was a poorly written character. Six years later, I still feel this way about her. It seemed like the creative team behind Toy Story 4 couldn’t decide if Gabby Gabby should be the story’s villain, anti-hero, or simply misunderstood. So, instead of giving her one role and sticking to that creative decision, the creative team gave her all three roles. When Gabby Gabby received a redemption arc, I didn’t feel that was earned. How am I supposed to root for her when I don’t even know what her true role in this story is supposed to be? Last year, when I published my list of ten movie trends I don’t understand, I explained how adopting the ‘villains receiving the spotlight’ trend gives the audience mixed messages and makes villainous characters less straight-forward. Reflecting on that list and Toy Story 4, I wonder if how Gabby Gabby was written is the result of that trend?
4. ‘Elizabeth’ is the Most Overused Name in Historical Fiction/Period Drama Movies and TV Shows
In 2019, I created a list of the top ten worst clichés from Hallmark movies. The clichés featured in that list were those that were poorly or overly used. If I created a similar list about the worst clichés from historical fiction/period drama movies, characters named ‘Elizabeth’ would be near the top of the list. Personally, I find it hard to believe directors, producers, and screenwriters would keep selecting ‘Elizabeth’ despite having thousands of names at their disposal. The name, ‘Elizabeth’, keeps finding its way into scripts no matter the story’s time period. Some examples include Felicity: An American Girl Adventure, the Pirates of the Caribbean series, any version of Pride and Prejudice, and When Calls the Heart’s Christmas/seasonal films. This specific cliché is also present among historical fiction/period drama tv shows, ranging from Emily of New Moon to The Waltons. I don’t know when the cliché started being utilized or if it will ever stop. But if someone is considering creating a historical fiction/period drama movie or tv show, I hope they think outside the box when it’s time to name their characters.
3. I Don’t Find National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Funny
I’ve only seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation once. Though it’s been years since I’ve seen it, I didn’t find it funny. I don’t remember laughing at any joke. Even when I see clips of the movie in other pieces of media, it doesn’t get a reaction out of me. I’m aware how comedy, as well as film itself, is subjective. But I just don’t understand the hype around National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. If I revisited the movie, maybe I’d change my mind on it. For now, though, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is not a must-watch title for me this Christmas season.
2. Bucky Barnes Should Have Received His Own Superhero Title Instead of Becoming the Next Captain America
Around the time Avengers: Infinity War was released, I was one of those fans who wanted to see Bucky Barnes become the next Captain America. I even expressed this wish in my very first movie blogger’s Christmas wish-list. But looking back almost ten years since Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers:Endgame premiered, I believe instead of becoming the next Captain America, Bucky should have received his own superhero title. As he grew into it over time, Bucky could have shaped this brand-new title to become truly his. So, when people think of that specific title, they’ll think of Bucky and vice versa. There would be no preconceived ideas or expectations due to the lack of comparisons to measure Bucky to. With his own superhero title, he could have received official Avenger status as well, which is why I wanted Bucky to become the next Captain America in the first place. I know he took up Captain America’s shield in Marvel’s comics. However, Bucky adopting his own, unique superhero identity would have added a fascinating chapter to Phases 4 and 5.
1. The Breakfast Club and Clue are Two of the Most Overrated Movies of the 1980s
It’s been years since I’ve seen The Breakfast Club or Clue. But from what I remember, I wasn’t a fan of either title. The Breakfast Club contained way too much swearing for my liking and I found its story too simplistic. When it came to Allison Reynolds’ reason for being in detention, the script was building up to what ended up being an underwhelming revelation. Meanwhile, in Clue, I laughed at only one joke throughout the entire film. The movie prioritized showing the characters running around and yelling/screaming at each other, which I find less hilarious and more headache-inducing. Having multiple endings based on when and where someone saw the film might work at the movie theater. Including all three endings in Clue, however, not only felt overwhelming, it also felt like the movie’s creative team couldn’t decide which ending best fit their script, leaving that ultimate decision to the audience. Perhaps if I revisited The Breakfast Club or Clue, my opinion on these titles might change. As of the publication of this list, though, I find Clue and The Breakfast Club overrated.
What are your thoughts on my movie “hot takes”? Do you have a film related “hot take” you’d like to share? Please tell me in the comment section below!
Every Christmas season, viewers receive a smorgasbord of festive films. The most wonderful time of the year turns into a battle between television networks and streaming services to obtain the most viewership numbers and even increase revenue. Though one company has joined the competition in 2025. Earlier this month, the international entertainment center, Chuck E. Cheese, released a trailer for their new Christmas movie. Titled A Chuck E. Cheese Christmas, the film will premiere on Thanksgiving (November 27th). Viewers can watch the film either on Chuck E. Cheese’s official Youtube channel or Amazon Prime Video. According to the movie’s IMDB page, A Chuck E. Cheese Christmas is about the following:
“Chuck E. Cheese and his friends has plan a surprise Christmas party for Santa Claus, who is always exhausted from working on Christmas Eve. Their celebration also serves to save their town from a holiday-hating villain”.
A Chuck E. Cheese Christmasposter created by CEC Entertainment, HappyNest Entertainment, Pixel Zoo Animation Studios, Stampede Ventures, United Talent Agency (UTA), Youtube, and Amazon Prime Video
I’ve said before on 18 Cinema Lane how I don’t receive many opportunities to cover animated films on my blog. Based on what I’ve been hearing about the animation side of the movie industry, it seems like there’s a lot of uncertainty. So, when I discovered the trailer for A Chuck E. Cheese Christmas, I was pleasantly surprised by this piece of movie news, especially since the project is presented in what looks like 2-D animation! It also seems like, within the past five years, Chuck E. Cheese (as a company) has made decisions to help maintain their relevancy. This summer, Chuck’s Arcade (a version of Chuck E. Cheese’s that only feature arcade games) opened in ten malls in the United States. While conducting research for this Word on the Street story, I discovered A Chuck E. Cheese Christmas is not the first time the company has created a movie, let alone a Christmas film. Chuck E. Cheese in the Galaxy 5000 is a straight-to-video presentation that was released in 1999. A decade prior, in 1983, The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t premiered as a television film back when the company was known as Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theatre.
What are your thoughts on this piece of movie news? Will you consider checking out A Chuck E. Cheese Christmas? Let me know in the comment section!
For this Blog Follower Dedication Review, I wanted to write about an animated film. That’s because the last animated movie I reviewed was hoops&yoyo’s Haunted Halloween last October. As I was looking for the right title to choose, I realized I don’t often talk about animated films involving puppetry. Therefore, my Blog Follower Dedication Review will highlight 1982’s The Dark Crystal! On 18 Cinema Lane, the only projects of Jim Henson’s I’ve reviewed were 1981’s The Great Muppet Caper and 1985’s Follow That Bird. Choosing to write about The Dark Crystal has now become ironic, as all three of these movies were released in the 1980s. While I thought Follow That Bird was Sesame Street’s fine first attempt at making a movie, The Great Muppet Caper was a fun, joyful experience. Where will The Dark Crystal rank among these two pictures? Journey through this review to find out!
The Dark Crystalposter created by Incorporated Television Company (ITC), Henson Associates (HA), Henson Organisation, The Jim Henson Company, Associated Film Distribution (AFD), and Universal Pictures
Things I liked about the film:
The puppetry: Jim Henson has set the bar high when it comes to the art of puppetry! Through his work with The Muppets and on Sesame Street, Jim created characters that were fascinating to watch and were adoringly memorable. In The Dark Crystal, his craftmanship, direction, and artistic vision contribute to the quality his style of puppetry is known for. The way characters move provide just one example. Jen, the movie’s protagonist, goes on a quest to fulfill a prophecy by finding a crystal shard. This quest shows Jen walking, climbing, riding, and even jumping. The execution of these movements were so well-done, there were times I forgot I was watching a puppet. How Jen was able to blink and move his head was also impressive!
The scenery/set design: Films in the fantasy genre, like The Dark Crystal, have a reputation for presenting imaginative, fantastical worlds. Good movies in this particular genre will make these respective worlds immersive through an emphasis on attention to detail. I can honestly say the creative team behind The Dark Crystal truly cared about how the world surrounding the characters was showcased. An excellent example is when Kira and Jen meet for the first time. The location itself is a tropical oasis; complete with green plants, soft earth on the ground, and even a small body of water. It feels like an actual jungle because of the realistic appearance of the materials. More often than not, the tropical space is peaceful, which gives the audience a break from the tension of the film’s conflict. The tonal and visual pairing of the jungle helps the audience stay invested in the story.
Use of practical effects: In the 21st century, CGI (computer generated imagery) has become the go-to tool of film-making. The popularity and accessibility of CGI has caused a debate over whether this film-making tool is over-used. So, watching a film like The Dark Crystal in 2025 is refreshing, as the 1982 production utilizes practical effects. In one scene, the Skeksis Emperor dies. Instead of the Skeksis Emperor simply laying unconscious, the body literally crumbles like rocks being broken down. Another scene shows Jen and Kira rowing on a lake. The foliage surrounding the lake appeared life-like, as did the body of water itself. This is because the film’s creative team incorporated actual water and other related props to make the scene feel as realistic as possible.
An underutilized character: When the Skeksis General becomes the next Emperor, he shuns the Chamberlain from the Skeksis kingdom. The Chamberlain then tries to find ways to get back into the Emperor’s good graces. Despite these attempts, the Chamberlain was underutilized in The Dark Crystal. He appeared in only a handful of scenes and his role in the film’s plot was minimal as well. I was hoping the Chamberlain’s rejection would express the ideas of standing against group mentality and changing a person’s way of thinking. Sadly, these ideas were not incorporated into the Chamberlain’s story.
Scenes that became padding: The run-time of The Dark Crystal is an hour and thirty-three minutes. However, the movie’s run-time seemed longer because some scenes became padding. One example shows a group of Skeksis eating dinner. This scene features a medium shot of each dinner guest eating their meal, making the scene feel drawn out. If The Dark Crystal’s run-time had been less than an hour and thirty-three minutes, scenes like the Skeksis’ dinner would be trimmed.
A confusing resolution: For this part of my review, I will spoil The Dark Crystal. If you haven’t seen this movie and are planning on watching it, skip to the part of my review titled ‘My overall impression’.
A voice-over at the beginning of The Dark Crystal explains how the Skeksis and Mystics were at odds with each other after the titular crystal broke. The upcoming Great Conjunction will determine who will rule the land, with Jen’s quest to find a crystal shard playing a role in this decision. The way this conflict was explained made me believe the overall story was a battle of good versus evil. But when Jen reunites the crystal shard with the titular crystal, the resolution became confusing. As the Skeksis kingdom falls apart and the Skeksis themselves are running around in fear, the Mystics arrive and surround the titular crystal. The Mystics and Skeksis then merge to become one ghost-like being. The reunion between these groups was never explained throughout the movie. Maybe a scene explaining why this particular resolution was reached was left on the cutting-room floor?
When it comes to quality, the art of puppetry is a spectrum. On the higher end of this spectrum has always been the work of Jim Henson. The Dark Crystal provides a strong example for why that statement is true. The puppets’ artistry and execution were truly impressive, with their movements making me sometimes forget I was even watching puppets at all. Set design and scenery from the 1982 production looked like the film’s creative team truly cared about how the story’s world was presented. I also liked how practical effects were used, which brought a sense of realism to certain moments! Even though The Dark Crystal had its strengths, it had its flaws too. From a confusing resolution to an underutilized character, the film wasn’t perfect. But it was a fine, interesting presentation, definitely one of Jim Henson’s more ambitious projects. Before I conclude this review, I’d like to thank my blog’s followers for their support of 18 Cinema Lane! These articles always encourage me to expand my cinematic horizons!
Overall score: 7 out of 10
Have you seen The Dark Crystal? Which Jim Henson presentation would you like to see in a future Blog Follower Dedication Review? Please tell me in the comment section!
On this day in 2000, The Road to El Dorado made its official debut. While the movie didn’t meet or exceed DreamWorks’ expectations, it certainly found an audience, which stuck with the film for all these years. I once heard The Road to El Dorado was intended to be the first story in a trilogy. But fate decided it worked better as a stand-alone picture. This caused me to think about the other stand-alone movies I’ve come to love. So, in honor of The Road to El Dorado’s 25th anniversary, I have compiled a list of what I believe are the top ten best stand-alone films! For my list, the criteria for a stand-alone film is not only a title that didn’t receive a sequel, but also isn’t affiliated with a series/franchise. If I covered a film on 18 Cinema Lane, I will provide a link to that article or review in this list. Each title will be presented in order of release year and each choice is based on my opinion.
The Road to El Doradoposter created by Dreamworks Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and DreamWorks Distribution
1. Singin in the Rain (1952)
I start my list with a classic I was introduced to because of my blog. Now that I have finally seen Singin in the Rain, I have an understanding and appreciation for why the movie is so beloved. Gene Kelly’s iconic musical number, “Singin in the Rain”, should provide enough explanation for why you should check the film out! The number itself feels immersive, as it takes place within the story’s context. Gene adds uniqueness to the number by jumping and splashing in puddles. “Singin in the Rain” successfully represents the spirit of the film, while also delivering the message of seeing the good in a not-so-good situation. That number is just one reason why Singin in the Rain is a solid musical!
If you’re going to watch any classics, you have to see 1959’s Ben-Hur! Though the three-hour run-time can seem intimidating, that time flew by for me, as I was so engrossed in the story. The emotional intensity of Charlton Heston’s, Stephen Boyd’s, and Haya Harareet’s performance complimented the scope of the overall film. Ben-Hur contains other likable qualities as well, from the magnificent sets/scenery to the interesting cinematography. How Christianity/faith was incorporated into the story sets the 1959 production apart from other “sword and sandal” pictures. Those who celebrate Easter may find Ben-Hur an appropriate seasonal title.
While the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, received a sequel, the film adaptation did not. The 1963 movie presents one of the few times where, in my opinion, the film was better than its source material. Getting straight to the point a lot sooner was a main focus for the creative team. The film’s visual nature worked in the favor of certain elements from the book. Showing suspenseful moments from the source material makes those moments seem real, as well as intensifies uncertainty. Leaving out scenes that feel like padding helps the movie maintain a steadier pace.
When I first saw The Boy Who Could Fly, it subverted my expectations. That’s because the 1986 picture aged surprisingly well! Through Milly and Eric’s friendship, the script shows how people with Autism can create and maintain meaningful relationships. Helping someone with Autism based on their personal preferences and accommodations may have seemed ahead of its time back in the mid to late ‘80s. Timeless messages and themes make up one of the reasons why I love the 1986 film. Showing compassion for others, dealing with grief, and understanding people’s differences take center stage.
In 2022, I wrote an editorial explaining why The Bodyguard held up thirty years later. Because I love the 1992 film, finding explanations wasn’t difficult. “The kitchen scene” is, in my opinion, the best scene from any action movie. One reason why is how the kitchen’s smaller space is seen by the actors as a challenge instead of a hindrance. What also worked in The Bodyguard’s favor was Whitney Houston’s portrayal of Rachel Marron. Throughout the story, Whitney realistically showcases emotions and expressions. This helped Rachel become a multi-layered character.
Swept from the Sea was one of the earliest hidden gems I discovered in 2019. It’s a movie that’s so great, I just had to include it on this list. There are so many things to like about Swept from the Sea. From Vincent Perez’s captivating performance to the beautiful scenery, the film’s components came together to create an endearing and emotional presentation! The 1998 film is a character-driven story, relying on on-screen chemistry in order to work. Because of Vincent Perez’s and Rachel Weisz’s differing acting styles, the on-screen chemistry between Yanko and Amy was very sweet and genuine.
This is another movie I just had to include on my list. But this time, it’s because Phantom of the Megaplex is also celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! The Disney Channel picture showed that the movie-going experience can be fun. As I explained in my editorial celebrating the film’s 20th anniversary, the made-for-TV movie also serves as a time capsule of how the cinema operated in the beginning of the millennium. Phantom of the Megaplex even shows how movies can influence our lives. Though I’m not sure if that aspect of the story was intentional, it makes the 2000 title, somewhat, thought-provoking.
I Am David was the biggest pleasant surprise of 2024. It became the year’s best movie in March and stayed number one until the very end! What set I Am David apart was the film’s genuine emotion and sincerity. This was seen and felt through every aspect of the production. The 2004 movie emphasized visual depth. Achieved by exploring light and darkness, as well as showcasing Europe’s natural landscape, the creative team used the visual nature of film to their project’s advantage. Two effective plot twists are another reason why I liked I Am David. Their delivery in the story was well-written.
This 2011 presentation is one of Studio Ghibli’s stronger projects. A reason is one of the overarching themes; honoring the past. The film intelligently and creatively shows its audience how important history is in our lives and our world. Whether referencing the 1964 Olympics or focusing on the characters’ relationships, the theme of honoring the past acts as an umbrella sheltering Poppy Hill and its surrounding areas. Studio Ghibli’s signature colorful palette is consistently on display in the 2011 film. The strong understanding for how and when to use color makes scenes look like priceless pieces of art! Personally, I think movies like From Up on Poppy Hill present an argument why 2-D animation still has its time and place.
I think it’s fitting to close this list with a DreamWorks movie, as a DreamWorks movie is the reason why I created this list in the first place. Though this was a recent watch for me, The Wild Robot is, so far, the best film I’ve seen this year! The animation itself is absolutely gorgeous! Sometimes, scenes look like paintings and other times, they look like priceless photographs. I was not expecting the story to contain as much emotional depth as it did. An abundance of good messages and themes add a sense of timelessness to the production. Though it’s unknown right now if The Wild Robot will gain an audience like The Road to El Dorado has, I can confidently say it was a really good movie!
For the recent We Are Family Blogathon, I had planned to review the Diagnosis Murder episode, “Guardian Angel”, and the 1964 movie, The Chalk Garden. While I wrote about the aforementioned television episode, I wasn’t able to discuss the movie due to those plans falling through at the last minute. I still want to review The Chalk Garden. It just didn’t happen as soon as I hoped or expected. So, to make it up to my readers who were anticipating a review of the 1964 film, I decided to write about a Halloween themed picture. I read an article on Business Insider about the thirty things you can’t find in malls anymore. One of the mentioned points was movies set in malls. As soon as I read this, I immediately thought of the 2012 Hallmark film, hoops&yoyo’s Haunted Halloween! I brought this movie up in my review of The Legend of Billie Jean, when a scene in the 1985 film was reminiscent of Hallmark’s production. In that review, I said I only saw pieces of the movie. That, paired with the fact the only other animated movie I’ve written about this year, so far, was Cricket on the Hearth, is the reason why I chose hoops&yoyo’s Haunted Halloween for this review! Is this film a trick or treat? Keep reading to find out!
The use of color: In my review of Cricket on the Hearth, I talked about how well color was used throughout that movie. I even mentioned how some of the best animated movies boast bright, colorful hues. hoops&yoyo’s Haunted Halloween followed Cricket on the Hearth’s footsteps by displaying a strong understanding for how to effectively incorporate color into their production. During their mall adventure, Hoops, Yoyo, and Piddles take advantage of the different shops and attractions at North Escapades Mall. One of these stores is called “bling you phone!”. The store’s sign and window frames are coated in a deep purple hue. This simple creative choice drew the audience’s attention to this particular location, especially since the colors surrounding the “bling you phone!” store are warm beige, faded brown, and cream. Later, at a sporting goods store, Hoops and Yoyo are camping in a big, orange tent. Surrounding the tent are products displaying shades of green, red, and yellow. Even in the smallest of details, the hoops&yoyo’s Haunted Halloween’s creative team took advantage of every opportunity to include color in their project!
Expressive characters: A strength of any animated movie is how expressive the characters are. Facial expressions, body language, and even the vocal inflections of the voice actors can show the audience how a character is feeling. Despite the simpler designs, the characters in hoops&yoyo’s Haunted Halloween were very expressive! This was achieved through the movement of eyes, mouths, and eyebrows. When Hoops, Yoyo, and Piddles discover their local store has sold out of Halloween costumes, they are shocked by the emptiness of the surrounding shelves. Hoops’ and Yoyo’s eyes are wide, with Hoops even looking at the top shelves. Piddles’, Yoyo’s, and Hoops’ mouth is in an open frown, emphasizing how shocked they are. Hoops’ and Yoyo’s eyebrows are shown in an upward curve, which adds to their feeling of shock. These simple movements allowed the characters to effectively display their emotions!
Self-awareness: Skilled screenwriters will weave self-awareness into a script to subtly and cleverly make jokes or present an interesting point. hoops&yoyo’s Haunted Halloween featured some moments of self-awareness through dialogue and “Easter eggs”. While Hoops, Yoyo, and Piddles are looking at a mall directory, a large Christmas advertisement is shown next to these characters. On this advertisement, a picture of Santa is next to a statement claiming “Santa Claus is coming”. Later, Piddles rides near an animatronic of Santa. Next to Santa is a sign saying “It’s Halloween! That means you’re already late for Christmas!” The placement of these “Easter eggs” addresses how early Christmas has been advertised. I found this piece of self-awareness ironic, as Hallmark now starts their Christmas movie line-ups weeks before Halloween.
An unclear demographic: Animation is typically associated with an audience of children or families. However, some animated programs were created with an older audience in mind. With that said, I’m still trying to figure out who was hoops&yoyo’s Haunted Halloween’s intended audience. Toward the beginning of the film, the reference to cinnamon buns sounds like a comparison to a smoking addiction. Hoops even reminds Yoyo how he’s wearing his “cinnamon bun patch”. After Hoops, Yoyo, and Piddles become trapped inside the mall, they are chased by ghosts. During the chase, Yoyo randomly screams “We need to find a bathroom”, leading to a scene where Hoops and Piddles wait for Yoyo outside of the mall’s bathrooms. This scene was one of two moments of “bathroom humor” throughout the film. Was hoops&yoyo’s Haunted Halloween created for a younger audience, with certain jokes going over their heads, or was this movie always intended for an older audience?
Parts of the story that don’t make sense: Earlier in this review, I mentioned the “bling you phone!” store at North Escapades Mall. The reason this store was featured in the movie was Piddles’ desire to decorate her phone case. Piddles’ phone can be seen a total of three times. This fact raises the question of why she didn’t call for help after she, Hoops, and Yoyo became trapped inside the mall? What also doesn’t make sense is how Piddles would easily agree to take advantage of the mall after hours, especially since, before the mall closed, she reminded Hoops and Yoyo of a Halloween party they needed to attend that night. I know fictional stories, including those from animated movies, require their audience to suspend a certain amount of disbelief. However, in the case of hoops&yoyo’s Haunted Halloween, that suspension of disbelief caused some parts of the story to not make sense.
Scenes that were too long: At the beginning of hoops&yoyo’s Haunted Halloween, Hoops is driving Yoyo and Piddles to the store. This scene establishes the reason for the trip and the date of the story. But Hoops’, Yoyo’s, and Piddles’ trip to the store takes up almost three minutes in a twenty-one-minute movie. Though I understand the scene’s purpose of setting up the story and providing exposition, I think it should have been trimmed shorter to under two minutes and thirty seconds. This is just one example of how some scenes were too long in hoops&yoyo’s Haunted Halloween.
When explaining why I chose to review hoops&yoyo’s Haunted Halloween, I brought up the Business Insider article about the thirty things you can’t find in malls anymore. If there was an article of the things you can no longer find from Hallmark, Hoops & Yoyo would be included. This movie serves as a time capsule of how different Hallmark Channel was twelve years ago. As I mentioned in my review, the Christmas “Easter eggs” were ironic because, as of 2024, Hallmark starts their Christmas movie line-ups weeks before Halloween. The 2012 movie also provides a more unique story when it comes to Halloween cinema. The mall is a location not typically associated with the holiday. While I won’t spoil the reveal of what’s haunting North Escapades Mall, I will say this revelation paired with the chosen location is creative and well-written. Though Hallmark is not known for their efforts in animation, the simple creative decisions like knowing when and where to use color worked in the network’s favor. The expressiveness of the characters also helps. If you’re looking for a Hallmark movie that’s found off the beaten path, I’d suggest getting to know Hoops & Yoyo!
Overall score: 7.1 out of 10
Have you seen hoops&yoyo’s Haunted Halloween? Would you like to see me review hoops&yoyo Ruin Christmas during the Christmas season? Let me know in the comment section!
Whenever I review a movie that’s based on a book or pre-existing piece of literature, I usually find myself stating how the film is based on a book I haven’t read. This has led me to create the “Based on a Book I Haven’t Read Yet” award for my annual Gold Sally Awards. But for this piece of movie news, an upcoming adaptation is based on a book I’ve actually read! Reported two months ago by Bill Desowitz from IndieWire, Susanna Clarke’s novel, Piranesi, will be brought to life by animation studio, Laika. Travis Knight, the CEO and president of Laika, will direct the movie. Though not much else is known about the Piranesi adaptation, Susanna herself gave her approval, stating, “I’ve been inspired by so many animated movies; and Laika has produced such extraordinary work – movies like ‘Coraline’ and ‘Kubo and the Two Strings,’ full of beauty and wonder and weirdness. I’m thrilled that ‘Piranesi’ has found a home with them and I can’t wait to see what they do.” Meanwhile, Travis expressed his enthusiasm over the project, saying how Susanna is “one of my all-time favorite authors” and how “I can scarcely imagine a more joyful experience than wandering through the worlds Susanna dreamed into being”.
Like I said earlier in this article, I have read Piranesi. In fact, I read this book recently as one of my selections for this year’s Eurovisionathon readathon. When I first discovered the news about Piranesi’s adaptation, I wondered how this story would translate to the screen. This is because the story is written in a logical way, encouraging the reader to actively pay attention to what they’re reading. My interest piqued upon learning Laika would be creating the adaptation! I reviewed Kubo and the Two Strings back in 2019. The film was not only one of the top three best movies I saw that year, it was the first time an animated picture had earned a spot on my year-end best of list! The fact the same director and studio behind Kubo and the Two Strings will be working on the Piranesi adaptation makes me excited! It gives me a chance to check out more of Laika’s work, as well as showcases the creativity of a studio that, in my opinion, is underrated.
What are your thoughts on this piece of movie news? Are you looking forward to seeing Piranesi adapted as a movie? Let me know in the comment section!
You probably think it’s strange how, after a week and a half long hiatus, my first review back on my blog would be for a Christmas film (in the middle of August). However, I have a very good explanation for this choice. The first reason is how the 1967 animated movie, Cricket on the Hearth, is what I selected for Realweegiemidget Reviews’ (Aaron) Spellingverse Blogathon, as Aaron Spelling was one of the film’s executive producers. The second reason is how animated movies are reviewed so infrequently on my blog. In fact, Cricket on the Hearth is the first animated film to be reviewed on 18 Cinema Lane in 2024. When I chose to participate in the (Aaron) Spellingverse Blogathon, I knew I wanted to write about a made-for-tv movie. So, when I discovered the 1967 film on Aaron’s IMDB filmography, I felt I found the perfect movie for the blogathon, especially for the previously mentioned reasons! But did Cricket on the Hearth end up being the perfect choice to write about? Keep reading my review to find out!
Cricket on the Hearth(1967) title card created by Rankin/Bass Productions, Thomas/Spelling Productions, and National Broadcasting Company (NBC)
Things I liked about the film:
The animation: Some of the best animated movies boast bright, colorful hues. These hues can be utilized in various ways, from creating imaginative worlds to providing interesting visual contrasts. Cricket on the Hearth was a very kaleidoscopic production! Scenes either burst with a bundle of color or at least one bold color sparkled against a darker background. Presenting Cricket Crocket in a mustard yellow suit jacket and shoes, paired with an orange vest and a red bowtie, was a smart creative decision. It forces the audience to focus on Cricket Crocket, especially when he’s standing on a dark wood table or a deep green top hat. The toys in Caleb’s toy shop come to life during the song, ‘Smiles Go With Tears’. Despite the title’s contraction, the song’s tone is joyful because the song is about someone shedding tears due to being happy. The joyful nature of ‘Smiles Go With Tears’ is wonderfully depicted in the presentation of the toys. From a doll’s bubble-gum pink dress and bonnet to a pair of bright yellow and blue elephants, this scene was great to look at!
While looking for a place to live, Caleb considers moving into a poor house. Because Cricket Crocket is perched on Caleb’s top hat, Cricket Crocket hangs upside down in order to face Caleb. While looking upside down, Cricket Crocket sees a nearby toy factory. As he is readjusting himself, the image of the toy factory flips from appearing upside down to becoming right-side up. Animated films from the 1960s, especially those that were made-for-tv productions, were created with limited resources compared to animated pictures from the twenty-first century. Therefore, scenes like the one I just described seem ahead of its time.
The songs: Before reviewing Cricket on the Hearth, I had never seen the 1967 movie. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered the movie was a musical! The songs featured in this film sounded like relics of the late ‘60s, the time when Cricket on the Hearth was released. But these sounds, from emotional ballads to cheery tunes, felt nostalgic. Danny Thomas, who voices Caleb, sings a ballad titled ‘Through My Eyes’. Throughout this song, Caleb expresses his desire for his daughter, Bertha, to see the world how he wishes he could present it to her. The combination of Danny’s vocals and the orchestral music felt reminiscent of Judy Garland’s ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful World’, songs that exude a sense of hope and contain timeless elements. Another song of Danny’s I liked was ‘The First Christmas’! Before this song, Caleb wonders how he will provide the kind of Christmas Bertha hopes for. He learns how to resolve his conflict as the song carries on. The lyrics of ‘The First Christmas’ illustrate how Christmas doesn’t have to look the same for those who celebrate the holiday. The inclusion of the Norman Luboff Chorus added gravitas to this song!
The religious aspects of Christmas: Based on what I know about Charles Dickens and his stories, A Christmas Carol, one of his most well-known pieces of literature, is typically not known for addressing the religious aspects of Christmas. Though it was briefly incorporated in Cricket on the Hearth, I was pleasantly surprised by the recognition of Christmas’ religious aspects! As I previously said while talking about ‘The First Christmas’, the lyrics of the song illustrate how Christmas doesn’t have to look the same for those who celebrate the holiday. This point is emphasized by reminding the audience how Jesus had very little in terms of decorations and presents during the First Christmas. By the end of the song, the message is made clear; it’s not about what you have, but who you spend Christmas with that’s important. Before closing out the movie, Danny quotes a poem by Edmund Cooke. The quote itself goes “Tis not the weight of jewel or plate, or the fondle of silk or fur, ‘tis the spirit in which the gift is rich, as the gifts of the Wise Men were. And we are not told whose gift was gold or whose was the gift of myrrh”. Edmund’s poem brings up an excellent point, as the Nativity story does not specify which gift came from which Wise Man. This quote also highlights the point made earlier about Christmas being about who you spend the holiday with.
Scenes that serve as padding: In order to satisfy a film’s run-time, a film’s creative team will, sometimes, choose to pad the story out by incorporating additional scenes or establishing shots. This creative decision was utilized in Cricket on the Hearth, mostly in between songs. During the song, ‘Through My Eyes’, a scene of Bertha dancing in a ballgown lasts for almost thirty seconds. The song itself takes up two minutes and twenty-three seconds of the movie’s run-time. I don’t think Cricket on the Hearth needed padding, especially since it lasted a little over forty-nine minutes.
The randomness of the ‘Fish and Chips’ song: I liked the featured songs in Cricket on the Hearth. However, there is one song that, in the context of the story, felt random. A cat named Moll, voiced by Abbe Lane, sings a song about the finer things in life called ‘Fish and Chips’. This song is sung to a jazzy, ragtime tune. During the performance, Moll dances in a red, low-cut, sleeveless dress and even attempts to flirt with the male characters in her audience. The animation in this scene didn’t look bad. Abbe Lane also did a good job with the material given to her. But the story appearing to take place somewhere in the 1800s and with the movie’s tone being mostly heartwarmingly gentle, Moll’s ‘Fish and Chips’ song feels out of place in Cricket on the Hearth.
Parts of the story that don’t make sense: For this part of my review, I will spoil Cricket on the Hearth. If you have not seen the 1967 film and are interested in watching it, please skip ahead to the part of my review titled ‘My overall impression’.
Cricket on the Hearth’s antagonist, Tackleton, has a pet bird named Uriah. More often than not, Tackleton and Uriah are inseparable. After Tackleton orders Uriah to get rid of Cricket Crocket, Uriah and two of his friends kidnap Cricket Crocket and try to sell him to a sea captain. During the scene of Uriah’s attempted business transaction, it is heavily implied Uriah and his friends died. Fast forward toward the end of the movie, Tackleton is upset by Bertha’s rejection of his marriage proposal. In fact, he’s more upset about Bertha’s rejection than the absence of his bird. If Tackleton and Uriah were as inseparable as they appeared to be earlier in the movie, wouldn’t Tackleton wonder what happened to Uriah? Wouldn’t Tackleton ask the other characters if they know where Uriah is? This is just one part of Cricket on the Hearth that, to me, didn’t make sense.
As I watched Cricket on the Hearth, I was reminded of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the 1983 Christmas movie I reviewed last December. Both films are not only made-for-tv productions, they both feel more like television specials than movies. It’s expected to suspend some disbelief in stories from animated films. But Cricket on the Hearth tried to suspend disbelief to the point parts of the story didn’t make sense. Despite the movie being under an hour long, some scenes, including those in between songs, served as unnecessary padding. Throughout Cricket on the Hearth, however, I could tell the movie’s creative team tried their best to make their project as special as possible. The songs were not only well performed, the music and visuals provided a good combination for the song itself. Though briefly incorporated, I also liked the recognition of Christmas’ religious aspects. I have not read Cricket on the Hearth’s source material. But based on what I know about Charles Dickens’ work, this story seems different from his other adaptations, as Cricket on the Hearth relies more on elements of fantasy and magical realism.
Overall score: 6.5 out of 10
Have you seen or read Cricket on the Hearth? Which adaptation of Charles Dickens’ stories would you like to see me review? Please tell me in the comment section!
Since 2024 is a Leap Year, I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to publish the Gold Sally Awards on Leap Day! For new readers of 18 Cinema Lane, the Gold Sally Awards are one of my blog’s annual traditions to commemorate 18 Cinema Lane’s anniversary. These award categories are created by me, based on topics I’ve brought up on my blog. While most of the awards are the same as in 2023, a few of them have changed. For those awards, I’ll explain the significance of those categories. But just like last year, I will discuss why I chose each recipient. So, now, the moment you’ve been waiting for! The 6th Annual Gold Sally Awards are about to begin!
6th Annual Gold Sally Awards Winners created by me, Sally Silverscreen.
The “She Won’t Give Me My Chocolate” Award
(Best Quote from a Movie)
“Heroes know who they are” – Evel Knievel, Evel Knievel (1971)
In my review of the 1971 biopic, Evel Knievel, I mentioned how surprised I was by the story’s messages and themes. One example I provided was when Evel explained to Linda why he doesn’t want a lettermen sweater. To elaborate how he doesn’t need to prove he’s a hero, Evel says to Linda, “heroes know who they are”. This quote is not only though-provoking, it is also profound without trying too hard to be. To me, that quote (as well as that scene) was given a lot of thought by the biopic’s creative team!
The Standing Ovation Award
(Character Most Deserving of Receiving Their Full Potential)
Sydney Carton from Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Tale of Two Cities
My favorite character from Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Tale of Two Cities is Sydney Carton! Because of his personality, I wanted to know more about him. I was also curious to see where his story would go. Without spoiling this movie, though, all I’ll say is Sydney deserved more than the story provided him. Similar to Kili from The Hobbit trilogy, Sydney is, in my opinion, the MVP of A Tale of Two Cities!
The They Deserve an Award Award
(An Actor or Actress Who Deserves Recognition)
Sarah Drew (for her performance in Guiding Emily)
In the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries film, Guiding Emily, the protagonist loses her eyesight. This prevented Sarah Drew, the actress who portrayed Emily, from using her eyes for emotional expression. However, she used other acting techniques to her advantage; such as body language, vocal inflections, and movements of the mouth. Sarah’s performance in Guiding Emily was so good, I specifically highlighted it in my review of the 2023 movie! Through versatility in her acting abilities, Sarah’s portrayal of Emily appeared believable! In fact, I think Sarah should have, at least, been nominated for an award.
The Cowboy Award
(Character Who Makes an Unnecessary, Drastic Change)
Margot from Christmas at Castle Hart
Cowboy, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, A Painted House, is a character I’ve mentioned on 18 Cinema Lane. The context was when he was featured in the dishonorable mentions section of my list of the top ten characters ruined by Hallmark. Because I won’t spoil the aforementioned Hallmark Hall of Fame film, all I will say is Cowboy makes an unnecessary, drastic change that, in my opinion, was jarring to witness. It was also jarring to watch Margot, from Christmas at Castle Hart, drastically change. For most of the 2021 movie, Margot comes across as a somewhat annoying character obsessed with Irish stereotypes. But when her sister, Brooke, confronts her about how they should stop lying, Margot becomes a selfish and manipulative person. She even convinces Brooke into believing that if their lies fall apart, it will be Brooke’s fault. In an instant, Margot became a character who cared more about her career than about how others would be affected by her lies.
The “Based on a Book I Haven’t Read Yet” Award
(Movie Based on Source Material I Have Not Yet Read)
Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Caroline?
Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Caroline? became my favorite movie of 2023! After watching the film, I remembered how it was based on the book, Father’s Arcane Daughter by E. L. Konigsburg. As well as trying to check out as many Hallmark Hall of Fame movies as I realistically can, I’d like to read as many books based on Hallmark Hall of Fame movies as possible. In fact, I even created a Hallmark Hall of Fame reading challenge! Since I haven’t read Father’s Arcane Daughter yet, I need to find an excuse to finally seek this book out.
The Edward Boult Award
(Missed Opportunity in Cinema)
Not Addressing Bullying in TheBest Christmas Pageant Ever
If you’re going to create a story for a younger audience, you need to be mindful when it comes to addressing serious, real-world issues. That’s because a younger audience can be very impressionable. The creative team behind the 1983 television production, TheBest Christmas Pageant Ever, should have kept this in mind when they chose to not address bullying in their film. As I talked about in my review, the Herdman children bully their peers. The bullied children don’t stand up for themselves against the Herdmans. It also doesn’t help how the adults in the story do not resolve this issue. Because of everything I just said, some younger audience members might believe they shouldn’t bring up bullying if it occurs in their life.
The Top Gun: Maverick Award
(Movie That Exceeded My Low Expectations)
A Biltmore Christmas
When I included Top Gun: Maverick in my list of the top ten best movies I saw in 2022, I admitted how skeptical I was about the movie’s quality. As I said in that list, sequels released over ten years after their predecessor can be hit or miss. But Top Gun: Maverick exceeded my expectations, becoming my second favorite picture from that year! In 2023, I was skeptical about A Biltmore Christmas due to its hype and publicity. Similar to Top Gun: Maverick, A Biltmore Christmas was so good, it ended up in the top three of my year end best movies list! Like I said in my list of the best movies I saw in 2023, there were so many things Hallmark got right in this Christmas movie. It also helps how the story provided a different type of narrative for Hallmark’s Christmas presentations. Because of how much I liked A Biltmore Christmas, I’m looking forward to seeing what Hallmark has in store for this year’s Christmas season!
The Dishonorable Mention Award
(Worst Movie from the Dishonorable Mention Category)
Christmas at Castle Hart
Because I didn’t see enough movies to include an honorable mention category, I wasn’t able to award a winner for the Honorable Mention Award. Since my worst movies of 2023 list featured a dishonorable mention category, I was able to find a recipient for this year’s Gold Sally Awards. Christmas at Castle Hart is the most disappointing film to not make my worst films of the year list. In my review of that movie, I stated how I had waited since 2018 to see Stuart Townsend star in a Hallmark production. Sadly, the final product Hallmark gave me wasn’t worth the wait. Stuart’s acting talents were underutilized to the point where his character, Aiden, spent most of the story driving the female protagonist around Ireland. Christmas at Castle Hart contained other flaws, such as bad CGI and an underutilized subplot. Looking back on the Dishonorable Mention Award, I realized how both recipients were Hallmark films.
The Far and Few Between Award
(Best Movie from a Genre, Film Category, or Decade Not Often Covered on 18 Cinema Lane)
Frankenweenie (2012)
Even though 18 Cinema Lane has been around for six years, there are some areas of cinema that are not often covered on my blog. One of those areas is animation. While it’s rare for an animated movie to receive a movie review, it’s even rarer for an animated movie to appear on my best films of the year list. 2012’s Frankenweenie achieved these feats in 2023, presenting a collection of good creative choices as well as heart. This movie was such a pleasant, memorable surprise, which surpassed my expectations. I’m thankful I took the chance to write about it!
The Hallmark Hall of Fame Award
(Movie That Feels Like It Belongs in the Hallmark Hall of Fame Collection)
Guiding Emily and A Biltmore Christmas
When I shared my overall impression of Guiding Emily, I said how the movie felt reminiscent of Hallmark Hall of Fame projects of yesteryear. This is because the film tells a more unique story from what Hallmark typically creates today. In the case of A Biltmore Christmas, the story provided a different type of narrative within Hallmark’s Christmas films. It also included a historical component to the story. When Hallmark Hall of Fame was in its prime, historical/period films or movies with inspirational themes were added to the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection. If this collection still existed, Guiding Emily and A Biltmore Christmas would have been chosen as 2023’s Hallmark Hall of Fame presentations.
As I mentioned in my list of the top ten worst movies I saw in 2023, I saw enough films to create a best movies of the year list! But because I saw more movies I disliked than liked, there aren’t enough films to create an honorable mentions section. When I look back on the best films I saw this year, I realize the majority of the titles are made-for-TV productions. Looking specifically at the top three best movies of 2023, I noticed a shared theme; all of the movies contain historical fiction stories. Since I reviewed most of the films on this list, I will provide the links to those reviews in this article. So, as the sun sets on 2023, let’s start my list of the top ten best movies I saw this year!
Out of all the movies in the Curious Caterer trilogy, I’d say Curious Caterer: Grilling Season is the best film! It improves on some of the predecessor’s flaws, like adding more humor into the script. The film also made different creative decisions, such as giving Marla more involvement in the mystery, that proved this series still has many ideas at the creative team’s disposal. One of the strengths of the Curious Caterer series, including the sequel, is the quality of the acting performances! From the main actors to the supporting talent, each on-screen interaction appeared so natural, it allowed the story to feel immersive. As of late 2023/early 2024, there have only been two mystery movies announced by Hallmark Movies & Mysteries; True Justice: Family Ties and Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers. Hopefully, the network will consider continuing the Curious Caterer series.
Revisiting this film after seeing it for the first time six years ago, Christmas Princess still holds up! What works in this movie’s favor is how it focuses on Donaly’s journey to the Rose Court. This creative choice not only prevented the 2017 made-for-TV project from adopting several Christmas related tropes and cliches, it also gave the movie a chance to tell a more unique story for a Christmas production. Other good creative decisions include Donaly’s wardrobe and providing a thorough explanation of the Rose Court process. Looking back on Christmas Princess, I’m surprised there hasn’t been more movies made related to the Tournament of Roses. It’ll be interesting to see if a studio or network finds a story inspiring enough to adapt into a film!
As I’ve said in past reviews, I rarely receive an opportunity to write about animated movies. So, it is even rarer for an animated title to appear on my best of the year list. What made 2012’s Frankenweenie so memorable was a collection of good creative choices. Some of them include the creatures within the story, presenting the film in black-and-white imagery, and sprinkling “Easter Eggs” throughout the movie. But another reason why Frankenweenie landed on my best movies of the year list is how much heart this story contained. Sure, I knew this project would be a cute take on Mary Shelley’s book. However, the heart-filled nature of the film’s story was such a pleasant surprise!
After the release of Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery, I’ve always wondered why Hallmark Movies & Mysteries didn’t create more Christmas themed mystery films. Mystery on Mistletoe Lane proved that the network should, at least, consider making more mystery stories that take place around Christmastime. With festive clues and well-written riddles, the mystery itself left me on the edge of my seat, curious to see how the mystery would be resolved. I also liked the movie’s subplot, as it was interesting to see the creative ways Christmas activities were incorporated into the story. Another factor that worked in the favor of Mystery on Mistletoe Lane is how the mystery provided lower stakes. This allowed the movie to maintain the cheerful and light-hearted tone most viewers expect from Hallmark’s Christmas offerings.
6. RKO 281
Toward the end of my review of RKO 281, I said good films leave a lasting impression. Not only did the 1999 movie leave a lasting impression, it earned a spot on my best of the year list! There are many aspects of RKO 281 that are so good, you will find yourself saying, “Wait, this is an HBO film”? Every component of this movie goes above and beyond, looking and feeling like it should have received a theatrical premiere. For every “classic” or “iconic” film, there is a journey for how that film came to exist. The journey shown in RKO 281 made me appreciate the efforts taken to bring Citizen Kane to the big screen. Reflecting on both Citizen Kane and RKO 281, it makes me wonder if other well-known movies have an incredible behind-the-scenes story worthy of its own film?
When I talked about Jesse Stone: Night Passage in my top ten worst movies I saw in 2023 list, I mentioned how, for me, 2023 was not the year for mysteries. However, there were a few stand-out mystery movies, with Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Murder in G Major being one of them. In the 2020s so far, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries have premiered mystery films that lack the “coziness” viewers have come to expect from the network’s mystery projects. Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Murder in G Major brought that “coziness” back, filling a void Hallmark Movies & Mysteries have been abandoning. Because the story incorporates a ghost, it gives this movie a unique identity and adds more creativity to the realm of Hallmark’s mystery library. As I said earlier in this list, there have, so far, only been two mystery movies announced by Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Sometime in 2024, I hope Hallmark turns Haunted Harmony Mysteries into a series, as there is so much potential for this story to lend itself to a multi-chapter title!
4. The Great Muppet Caper
If I could describe The Great Muppet Caper in one word, it would be “joyful”. That’s because, as I said in my review, this movie exudes so much joy! Each Muppet character had a specific purpose within the story, making every Muppet feel important. The jokes were well delivered, thanks to clever writing and solid acting. The Great Muppet Caper contains a simpler story that is easier to follow. But because of how good other aspects of this film are, that simplistic story works in The Great Muppet Caper’s favor. Since I liked the 1981 movie, maybe, in 2024, I’ll check out other productions featuring the Muppets!
Similar to Top Gun: Maverick, I had low expectations for A Biltmore Christmas. Hallmark’s decision to give the 2023 Christmas movie a lot of hype and publicity made me skeptical of the movie’s quality. When I finally checked the film out, I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was! There was so many things Hallmark got right; from the strength of the cast to the attention given to historical accuracy. While this type of story is nothing new for romance films, it does provide Hallmark Channel with a different type of narrative for their Christmas pictures. Within the 2020s so far, I noticed how Hallmark is creating more projects that have historical fiction elements. I’m interested to see what the network’s next big, historical fiction, Christmas movie ends up being in 2024!
2. Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Tale of Two Cities
When I shared my overall impression of A Tale of Two Cities, I stated how both Oliver! and Nicholas Nickelby found a place in my year-end best movies lists. I also stated how that tradition would continue, as the Hallmark Hall of Fame adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities left such a good impression on me. However, this is the first time a Charles Dickens adaptation has earned a spot in my best list’s top three! Even though this film is longer than most Hallmark productions, it never feels like two hours and thirty-six minutes. Instead, A Tale of Two Cities feels like a well-paced, well-written, and well-acted depiction of Charles Dickens’ work. The creative team’s attention to detail also added to the movie’s great quality. It showed me the people who created this adaptation cared about the project they were working on. I have said before how I wanted to see as many Hallmark Hall of Fame productions as realistically possible. I hope to find more Hallmark Hall of Fame movies that are just as good as A Tale of Two Cities!
I know there’s no such thing as the “perfect” Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. But 1990’s Caroline? is the closest thing to it! The strengths of the project far outweigh the flaws, coming together to create a film that is intriguing, creative, and even thought-provoking. I liked seeing the characters’ interactions, as they made the movie captivating to watch. Similar to Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Tale of Two Cities, the creative team behind Caroline? gave attention to detail. In the case of the 1990 film, this attention to detail was placed in differentiating between the past and the “present”. In my opinion, Caroline? is one of the more underrated Hallmark productions. I also believe it should have been re-released on DVD.
18 Cinema Lane 