The Best and Worst Movies I Saw in 2025

On December 31, 2025January 5, 2026 By 18cinemalane2 Comments

2025 has been a strange year for 18 Cinema Lane. That’s because most of the movies I’ve seen and/or reviewed this year have been ok or fine. After seeing so few good or bad films in 2025, I wasn’t able to create separate top ten best and worst movies lists like in years past. So, instead, I wrote a combined list where I discuss the movies I saw this year that I liked and didn’t like. What’s also different about this year’s end of year list is how there are no Honorable Mentions, due to how few good movies I saw in 2025. But there are two Dishonorable Mentions; Recipe for Murder and Black Bag. The only reason why these films are considered Dishonorable Mentions is because I DNFed (did not finished) both of them. For this year’s list, I will start talking about 2025’s worst movies then end the list by talking about 2025’s best movies. If I reviewed any of the movies on my list, I will provide a link to those reviews.

Worst Movies I Saw in 2025

7. Stalked by My Amish Boyfriend

Lifetime movies, like Hallmark movies, are not created equally. The 2024 film, Stalked by My Amish Boyfriend, is just one example of this statement. While it was interesting to see and hear how information about Amish culture was woven into the story, that part of the script couldn’t overshadow the major flaws of the movie. I was frustrated by how some characters would make dumb decisions simply for the sake of making dumb decisions. Stalked by My Amish Boyfriend was also, in my opinion, a mostly forgettable film. This is the reason why the 2024 picture is at the bottom of my list.

6. She Wore a Yellow Ribbon

As I said in my review of She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, I expected the 1949 movie to be an action-packed, suspenseful, and even intriguing story. What I got instead was an underwhelming film that prioritized presentation over product. I praised She Wore a Yellow Ribbon for its pretty looking scenery. But a photogenic background was unable to save the film from its weak script. A limited amount of action took away a lot of the story’s suspense and intrigue. It also doesn’t help how I only became familiar with most of the characters instead of truly getting to know them. She Wore a Yellow Ribbon is one of two movies I saw this year that almost made me fall asleep.

Take 3: She Wore a Yellow Ribbon Review

5. Kind Hearts and Coronets

Kind Hearts and Coronets is the second film I saw in 2025 that almost made me fall asleep. But the flaws in this movie greatly differ from She Wore a Yellow Ribbon’s emphasis on scenery over substance. Despite Kind Hearts and Coronets being classified as a “comedy”, I didn’t laugh at all while watching the film. I also had no idea what the story’s moral was supposed to be, due to the moral being treated as an afterthought. Like I said in my Kind Hearts and Coronets review, I’m not entirely sure what this movie was trying to say. That lack of clarity not only makes the movie underwhelming, it also makes the movie confusing.

Take 3: Kind Hearts and Coronets Review

4. Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

Having Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery on my worst movies of the year list and finding Pie To Die For: A Hannah Swensen Mystery slightly better than its predecessor feels like déjà vu. That’s because One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery was placed on my worst of 2024 list, with its follow-up, A Sprinkle of Deceit: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, being slightly better. Though Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery had its own set of flaws. Forced humor felt straight out of a sit-com, especially when Delores was involved in the story. As I said in my review, I wondered why a laugh track was missing. Both of the film’s mysteries contained such a small sense of urgency, the run-time felt a bit drawn-out. The story’s overall intrigue was weaker due to this flaw. If the Murder, She Baked/Hannah Swensen series continues in 2026, I’d like to see the quality become more consistent.

Take 3: Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery Review

*Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery* poster created by Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

3. Perry Mason: The Case of the Heartbroken Bride

Perry Mason: The Case of the Heartbroken Bride is the most disappointing movie I saw in 2025. There were so many missed creative opportunities in this story, the film itself was under-cooked and uninspired. The movie was sometimes boring because of the lack of urgency. Seeing Perry, Della, and even Kevin meanderingly take their time building a legal case sucked the energy out of the story. I said in my review how any movie series boasting over ten titles was going to have at least one “bad day at the office”. I also said in my review how Perry Mason: The Case of the Heartbroken Bride was one of those days for the fictional detective.

Take 3: Perry Mason: The Case of the Heartbroken Bride Review

2. My Gal Sunday

This 2014 movie is a perfect example of Hallmark putting the cart before the horse. Instead of creating a solid stand-alone film that could have naturally led to more chapters, the network put more effort into trying to build the foundation for a potential series. Parts of this story didn’t make sense. One glaring example is when an itinerary shows the protagonist couple’s plans of going dancing at 11 p.m. on Saturday then going to church at 8 a.m. on Sunday, begging the question of when these characters were supposed to go to sleep. The on-screen chemistry between Cameron Mathison and Rachel Blanchard made their characters, Henry and Sunday, feel less like a married couple and more like a couple who are about to start dating. It’s, honestly, a shame My Gal Sunday wasn’t a stronger picture. Mystery stories about married couples are uncommon from Hallmark, so this 2014 story could have offered something unique to the network’s table.

1. Mystery by the Book

This film actually has two titles; Mystery by the Book and Key to Love. However, I saw the movie on Great American Family under the title, Mystery by the Book. Therefore, I will be referring to that title for the sake of my list. For a movie with the word ‘mystery’ in the title, the story’s mystery is an afterthought, which makes the title itself very misleading. Instead, the characters develop other priorities, like playing dress-up and tapping glasses four times during one dinner date. Parts of the script don’t make sense, like how the protagonists find a treasured antique key. Mystery by the Book is even so bad, it’s, at times, unintentionally funny. A perfect example is when Corey Sevier’s character, Josh, is looking for a set of keys, only to find a set of keys seconds later on a key hook labeled “Keys”. Thank goodness Great American Family’s Ainsley McGregor Mysteries series is growing stronger in quality. But if the network wants to expand their mystery library, they have a long road ahead of them.

*Perry Mason: The Case of the Heartbroken Bride* poster created by Fred Silverman Company, Viacom Productions, Dean Hargrove Productions, National Broadcasting Company, and Viacom

Best Movies I Saw in 2025

**8. The Phantom of the Opera (1925)**

I’m still shocked by how the 1925 version of The Phantom of the Opera was never included on any of American Film Institute’s 100 movies lists, even months after I reviewed the film. Looking at everything the movie has to offer, I believe there is an argument to be made for its inclusion on, at least, one of those lists. Lon Chaney’s performance alone highlights how make-up, body language, and even the eyes can enhance an acting performance. Each area of the Opera House was presented through color coded film, which gave the movie a unique identity. What also helps 1925’s The Phantom of the Opera standout is how the cinematic lens showed the audience the expansive nature of storytelling. This is why, in my opinion, the story of the Phantom and his opera house is better suited for film than the stage.

Take 3: The Phantom of the Opera (1925) Review (Silent Pioneers Double Feature Part 2)

7. Fist of Fury

For an introduction to Bruce Lee’s filmography, I think Fist of Fury is a good one! The martial arts choreography was definitely one of the strengths of this film. But the movie contained other aspects I liked as well. Bruce’s portrayal of Chen is a reason why Fist of Fury was so memorable. Clever writing and higher stakes woven into the script create a story that was clever, suspenseful, and intriguing. Because of how much I enjoyed watching Fist of Fury, I hope to check out more of Bruce’s movies in 2026!

Take 3: Fist of Fury Review

6. The Chalk Garden

Even though I reviewed this film back in February, I still think about what Laurel said about not liking being told “good morning”. How well-written the dialogue was is one of the reasons why I remember Laurel saying, “what is a good morning to someone else is rarely a good morning to me”. Speaking of Laurel, Hayley Mills’ utilization of animated expressions and a variety of emotions helped the audience see how complex her character truly is. But Hayley is not the only actress whose performance was strong. The Chalk Garden is a movie where every actor and actress does a great job with the acting material they were given. The 1964 presentation is part character study, part mystery that works!

Take 3: The Chalk Garden Review + 505 Follower Thank You

5. The Night Before the Night Before Christmas

The Night Before the Night Before Christmas is another movie I saw (and reviewed) this year where it was difficult to choose a favorite acting performance. The strength of the cast’s acting abilities not only made watching the story unfold more enjoyable, it even helped characters become more likable. Emphasizing the theme of giving painted a portrait of Santa I hadn’t really thought of before; someone who has a reputation for giving. It was also a clever way to remind viewers of one of the Christmas season’s important components. How Christmas activities were included in the script was a breath of fresh air as well. As I said in my review, I wish Hallmark went back to creating titles that didn’t rely too much on a formula, tropes, and/or cliches.

Take 3: The Night Before the Night Before Christmas Review + 515 Follower Thank You

*The Chalk Garden* poster created by Quota Rentals Limited, Ross Hunter Productions, and Universal Pictures

**4. Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925)**

It’s amazing how two movies on this year’s best films list not only turned 100 years old, they also utilized color coded film to their advantage! But what sets Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ apart from The Phantom of the Opera is how title cards went above and beyond in Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ due to how well-written they were. Another aspect that distinguishes Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ is the cinematography’s capturing of the scope of the film. Long and medium shots effectively showcased a world that looked and felt larger than life. The visual presentation of the movie was certainly impressive. However, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ found a balance between style and substance!

Take 3: Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925) Review

3. The Man Who Invented Christmas

Despite being the most recently reviewed movie on my list, The Man Who Invented Christmas is one of the best biopics I’ve ever seen! How the creation of A Christmas Carol lent itself to exploring Charles Dickens’ life story brought a unique element to the biopic genre. Watching Charles’ iconic tale come to live, literally and figuratively, provided the film a creative and memorable identity. The “Easter Eggs” related to A Christmas Carol sprinkled throughout the story was an engaging way to stay invested in the movie. The Man Who Invented Christmas is a solid Christmas title that would make a good double feature with I Heard the Bells.

Take 3: The Man Who Invented Christmas Review

2. The Wild Robot

I first talked about The Wild Robot in my list of The Top Ten Best Stand-Alone Films. Even though I published that list back in March, the 2024 animated movie has still held up as one of the best titles I saw this year! Like I said in The Top Ten Best Stand-Alone Films list, the animation was gorgeous, appearing as a blend of paintings and priceless photographs. A pleasant surprise was how much emotional depth the story contained. What adds a sense of timelessness to the production was the abundance of good messages and themes. While it’s too early to say how The Wild Robot will stand in the test of time, I think it has potential.

1. An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving

I actually revisited this film in preparation for my review of An Old Fashioned Christmas. Watching An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving again after so many years reminded me why I love this movie! Attention to detail and historical accuracy created the illusion of taking the audience to another time and place. How the messages and themes of the Thanksgiving holiday were woven into the story allow An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving to truly embrace the holiday itself. The more I think about the 2008 movie, it makes me surprised it wasn’t a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation. My belief is due to An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving containing elements that would likely be found in a Hallmark Hall of Fame project, such as strong acting performances and a historical fiction lens.

*The Man Who Invented Christmas* poster created by The Mazur Kaplan Company, The Mob Film Company, Ingenious Media, Nelly Films, Parallel Films, Rhombus Media, and Bleecker Street Media

Have fun in 2026!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: The Man Who Invented Christmas Review

On December 25, 2025December 31, 2025 By 18cinemalane5 Comments

December’s theme for Genre Grandeur is “Movies about Legends we lost too soon (in any field)”. But since it is December, I wanted to write about a Christmas movie. This is why I selected the 2017 film, The Man Who Invented Christmas, for the blogathon, as it satisfies the best of both worlds. The movie revolves around how Charles Dickens created the iconic story, A Christmas Carol. With Charles living to the age of fifty-eight, one would think he lived a full life. However, there are celebrities who have outlived Charles. A few of them have even lived to the age of one hundred. Therefore, there’s an argument to be made about Charles being a “legend” the world lost too soon. About The Man Who Invented Christmas, it’s a movie I have heard of, but never saw. In fact, I have heard very few people talk about the 2017 film. So, as a Christmas present, here’s my review of The Man Who Invented Christmas!

Things I liked about the film:

The acting: What can make or break a biopic is the lead performance. Depending on the quality of that performance, it can help the audience determine if the person that actor or actress is portraying is worth learning about. Dan Stevens’ portrayal of Charles Dickens in The Man Who Invented Christmas is, in my opinion, one of the best casting decisions in the history of biopics! Throughout the film, Dan was very expressive. He was even able to convey Charles’ thoughts without using dialogue. A great example happens toward the beginning of the movie. On-screen text reveals the film takes place after three of Charles’ books have been unsuccessful. The very next scene shows Charles in a state of panic. His eyes are wide and filled with fear and stress. A grimace is also present on Charles’ face, emphasizing how he feels under pressure. This one shot of Charles perfectly tells the audience how overwhelmed he is about his next creative choices.

While we’re still on the subject of acting, I want to talk about the interactions in The Man Who Invented Christmas. Charles’ interactions with various people consistently felt realistic. What works in the cast’s favor is the strength of their on-screen chemistry! Despite sharing only a few scenes together, the on-screen chemistry between Dan Stevens and Morfydd Clark (who portrayed Charles’ wife, Kate) allowed Charles and Kate’s relationship to appear as a believable marriage. In one scene, Kate wistfully reflects on all the things she wishes she could do. Throughout their conversation, however, both Kate’s and Charles’ expressions effortlessly adapt to what is being said to each other. Later in the movie, Kate tearfully explains how Charles’ personality has been unpredictable, especially since he started working on A Christmas Carol. As Kate’s explanation goes on, Charles’ frustrated demeanor softens as he realizes how his actions and choices have negatively impacted his wife. Performances like Morfydd’s and Dan’s allowed me to stay invested in the movie!

The humor: According to IMDB, The Man Who Invented Christmas is classified as a comedy. Despite the inconsistency of the comedic elements, they were well-written and executed effectively. When Charles and his friend, John, go to a restaurant, Charles tries to avoid an acquaintance named Thackeray by hiding his face behind a newspaper. As Charles is walking past Thackeray at the restaurant, however, the newspaper’s headline reads ‘Charles Dickens’, informing Thackeray Charles has arrived. Even though the execution of this scene was simple, I found it hilarious!

Charles’ creative process: As I said in my review’s introduction, The Man Who Invented Christmas revolves around how Charles Dickens created the iconic story, A Christmas Carol. Throughout the film, Charles looks for inspiration, (literally) brings characters to life, and uses parts of his past to craft the story. During this process, the audience can glimpse “Easter Eggs” related to Charles’ Christmas tale. From hearing a random passerby in a graveyard say “Bah Humbug” to Charles’ nephew, Henry, walking with a crutch like Tiny Tim, these “Easter Eggs” emphasize the attention to detail and collection of pieces it takes to create stories of any kind. Seeing Charles have conversations with Ebenezer Scrooge illustrates how a good writer should take the time to get to truly know their characters. Even learning about Charles’ past can help the audience (and even readers) understand why Charles is the writer he is. The way Charles’ creative process is incorporated into The Man Who Invented Christmas was creative, informative, and gave the film a memorable identity!

How Charles’ life story was told: Biopics typically present the story of a person’s life in chronological order. This creative decision gives the audience an introduction to that person, especially for those who are not familiar with the person in question. But the way The Man Who Invented Christmas presents Charles’ life story provides a breath of fresh air! The creation of A Christmas Carol is like the trunk of a tree, as the movie itself primarily focuses on that part of Charles’ life. However, the creation of A Christmas Carol provides opportunities to incorporate other parts of Charles’ life, such as his childhood and his relationship with his family. These parts of the script act as branches, connecting back to the tree trunk I referenced earlier. By telling Charles’ life story in this fashion, it gives the genre of biopics a more unique form of storytelling!

Hand-written letter image created by Veraholera at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Veraholera – Freepik.com</a>. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/love-letter-pattern_1292902.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

What I didn’t like about the film:

Things that were left unexplained: While Charles is looking for inspiration for A Christmas Carol, he travels to a section of the city known for its poverty. During his time in that section, he spots two children that appear to be kidnapped. Concerned over the children’s wellbeing, Charles chases after their kidnapper in an attempt to rescue the children. But when Charles reaches a graveyard, he quickly abandons his mission. In fact, the kidnapped children aren’t seen or brought up again. Though there were only a few instances like the one I described in The Man Who Invented Christmas, I wish the script had taken the time to explain them.

A hypocritical author: Toward the beginning of The Man Who Invented Christmas, Charles mentions how Christmas is a time when people should be thoughtful of those less fortunate. But this sentiment is forgotten when he considers having Tiny Tim die in A Christmas Carol. Both John and his maid, Tara, insist Ebenezer Scrooge save Tiny Tim, suggesting people can change during Christmastime. Charles sticks with his creative choice until toward the end of the movie, when he chooses the ending A Christmas Carol is known for. Even though it was interesting to think about how different Charles’ iconic story could have been, the stubbornness over Charles’ creative choice made Charles look hypocritical.

Charles’ emotional crossroads: One of the tropes of biopics is the “emotional crossroads”. This is when the person in question reaches an emotional breaking point that will create a domino effect for other choices in their life. In The Man Who Invented Christmas, Charles experiences an “emotional crossroads” related to his father as well as his childhood. His interactions with characters from A Christmas Carol help him address this “emotional crossroads” in order to move forward with his life and his story. I’m not sure which parts of The Man Who Invented Christmas are based on fact or creative liberty. However, the inclusion of the “emotional crossroads” trope kind of felt clichéd, like that trope was incorporated into the movie just because the movie is a biopic.

Merry Christmas banner created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/merry-christmas-decorative-vintage-background_1359013.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

My overall impression:

Biopics are not created equally. Even though film is subjective, there has been shared discourse over which biopics are better than others. Though I can only speak for myself, I think The Man Who Invented Christmas is one of the stronger biopics I’ve seen! The way Charles’ life story was told felt like a breath of fresh air. Using A Christmas Carol to connect parts of Charles’ world brought a unique element to the biopic genre. I liked watching Charles’ creative process unfold because it added a creative and memorable identity to the movie. The cast’s strong on-screen chemistry also works in the film’s favor. As I watched The Man Who Invented Christmas, I was reminded of another Christmas movie I reviewed last year; I Heard the Bells. This was a Christmas-related biopic I ended up liking. If you haven’t seen these films, I would actually recommend watching The Man Who Invented Christmas and I Heard the Bells as a double feature. But as I wrap up this review, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays!

Overall score: 8.2 out of 10

Have you seen The Man Who Invented Christmas? Are there any Christmas-related biopics you would recommend? Let me know in the comment section!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Sally Silverscreen

Oh Lil Christmas Tree: 2025’s Official Ornament

On December 22, 2025 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

One of the movies I reviewed this year is 1964’s The Chalk Garden, a film I ended up liking. The movie’s title, The Chalk Garden, is based on a metaphor Miss Madrigal (the film’s protagonist) uses to describe Laurel, the teenage girl Miss Madrigal is charge of taking care of. Using the garden of Laurel’s grandmother, Mrs. St. Maugham, Miss Madrigal explains how it’s more difficult for flowers to grow in chalk because chalk can’t sustain nourishment. What Miss Madrigal is trying to say is how Laurel needs figurative nourishment, such as patience, understanding, and love. With all that said, this year’s Christmas ornament is a gardener nutcracker! The reason the year 1997 is written on the flower pot is because this ornament is from Hallmark’s Nutcracker Guild collection, with this particular ornament released in 1997. Considering the only movie from 1997 I’ve reviewed is Red Corner (with the flower itself also being red), this actually makes sense for my Oh Lil Christmas Tree project.

I wonder if other ornaments from Hallmark’s Nutcracker Guild collection will be included in my Oh Lil Christmas Tree project? Screenshot taken by me, Sally Silverscreen.

Have fun on Christmas!

Sally Silverscreen

My Movie Blogger’s Christmas Wish-List 2025

On December 18, 2025 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

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 21^st, 2027, which is Anastasia’s 30^th 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!

*A Prisoner in Malta* by Phillip DePoy book cover found on Goodreads.

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!

Have fun during the Christmas/holiday season!

Sally Silverscreen

A Movie Blogger’s Ten “Hot Takes” on Film

On December 1, 2025 By 18cinemalane3 Comments

Back in August, I published my review of the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, Face to Face. That article became my 425^th published movie review. Then, when I published my review of Kind Hearts and Coronets, it became my 950^th 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 25^th” 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 25^th” 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.

Group of Christmas figures image created by Pikisuperstar at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by Pikisuperstar – Freepik.com</a>. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/hand-drawn-cute-christmas-character_3188970.htm’>Designed by Pikisuperstar</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

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.

*Avengers: Endgame* Bucky Barnes poster created by The Walt Disney Company and Marvel Studios. © Disney•Pixar. All rights reserved. Marvel and Avengers Characters: ©2017 Marvel. Image found at https://www.marvel.com/articles/movies/mcu-heroes-unveil-avengers-endgame-character-posters

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!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: The Night Before the Night Before Christmas Review + 515 Follower Thank You

On November 27, 2025November 27, 2025 By 18cinemalane1 Comment

With today being Thanksgiving, I wanted to share my thanks to all the followers of 18 Cinema Lane. I am grateful for having a reason to keep writing and sharing my thoughts on film! For this Blog Follower Dedication Review, I decided to select a movie from one of my recommendations. In fact, the film I chose has been on my Pinterest Film Recommendation board for so long, it has been on the very bottom. That movie in question is 2010’s The Night Before the Night Before Christmas! Suggested by a reader named T. Ann, this is a film I actually recall watching before. Though the only clear memory I had of the movie was the teenage daughter being upset over receiving a hamburger phone for Christmas. This isn’t the first time (nor will it be the last time) I revisited a film from Christmas past. One of my more recent movie reviews was The Christmas Choir, a title I had expressed interest in watching again. But in that review, I shared how I didn’t find the film as strong as I had initially believed. What will my thoughts be on The Night Before the Night Before Christmas? Keep reading my review to find out!

*The Night Before the Night Before Christmas* poster created by Muse Entertainment Enterprises and Hallmark Channel

Things I liked about the film:

The acting: The Night Before the Night Before Christmas is one of those movies where I found it difficult to choose a favorite acting performance. That’s because the cast as a whole was strong! Expressions and emotions appeared genuine. Whether it was Hannah (portrayed by Rebecca Williams) looking forlorn when her younger brother, Toby, runs away or a volunteer named Yolanda (portrayed by Kim Roberts) being surprised when she receives an unexpected donation, the acting performances made watching the story unfold more enjoyable. There were even times when the strength of the acting talents helped characters become more likable. Two great examples are Toby and Nigel. The youngest member of the Fox family, Toby has such a sweet personality. Gage Munroe, the actor who portrayed Toby, does an excellent job showing what’s in his character’s heart through his face. In a scene where Toby and his mom are having a heart-to-heart conversation, Toby’s tear-streaked face and tear-filled eyes present how troubled he’s been over his parents’ decision to prioritize their jobs over their family. Meanwhile, Jordan Prentice’s portrayal of Santa’s head elf, Nigel, was very animated. His liveliness and comedic timing made Nigel one of the most memorable characters I’ve seen in a Hallmark, let alone Christmas, presentation! Out of the films I’ve seen (and reviewed) this year, so far, Jordan’s performance was one of the best.

Emphasis on giving: One of the interconnected conflicts in The Night Before the Night Before Christmas is the disappearance of Santa’s sack of presents. This particular conflict could have produced one of two types of stories; a villain stealing Santa’s sack in order to ruin Christmas or a selfish character taking the sack of presents for themselves. Instead, Santa’s sack of presents is mistaken for donations to those less fortunate. The recipients of the gifts and the volunteers of various non-profits are surprised and even grateful for the “donations” received. This decision in story-telling helps emphasize the movie’s major theme of giving. Toward the beginning of the film, Toby tells Hannah if they want Santa to give them presents, they should consider giving presents to others. What Toby said, as well as the movie itself, frames Santa in a way I hadn’t really thought of before; someone who has a reputation for giving. These two examples show the clever and thoughtful ways the creative team behind The Night Before the Night Before Christmas remind their viewers of an important component of the Christmas season!

How Christmas activities were incorporated: In Hallmark’s more recent Christmas offerings, activities related to the holiday feel like they’re incorporated into the story just for the sake of completing an unspoken checklist. This creative decision contributes to the network’s Christmas projects feeling repetitive. But in The Night Before the Night Before Christmas, whenever a Christmas activity was featured in the movie, it was there to compliment the story itself as well as the themes of the film. Santa losing his memory is the movie’s major conflict. In order to help Santa reclaim his memory, the other characters partake in activities like decorating a Christmas tree and baking cookies. Before the tree is decorated, Hannah and her mom talk about choosing a very tall tree because it looked similar to a tree the family had years prior. The activity of picking out a Christmas tree expresses one of the story’s main themes of sharing and keeping memories. What I selected as the examples for this review show how the creative team behind The Night Before the Night Before Christmas put effort and thought into how the aforementioned activities were included in the script.

Adorable Santa image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/christmas-background-with-funny-santa_1324597.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

What I didn’t like about the film:

A drawn-out sense of urgency: As I mentioned earlier in my review, the major conflict in The Night Before the Night Before Christmas is Santa losing his memory. What gives the film a sense of urgency is how Santa must reclaim his memory before Christmas Eve so he can successfully deliver presents. While this conflict was eventually resolved, it ended up being drawn-out. The drawn-out nature of the conflict was caused by the story trying to divide its time between Santa searching for his memory, the whereabouts of his missing sack of presents, and the Fox family learning to reconnect. At one point in the movie, Nigel, as well as the other characters, frantically search for Santa’s sack of presents. The search then becomes interrupted by the characters’ attempts to help Santa get his memory back. These attempts last for about fifteen to twenty minutes, with the characters going back to looking for the sack of presents. This balancing act between the main conflict and subplots stretched out the story’s sense of urgency as well.

Things that don’t make sense: Christmas movies, like any fictional story, require the audience to suspend a certain amount of disbelief. But in The Night Before the Night Before Christmas, a few things didn’t make sense, sometimes requiring more than enough disbelief to be suspended. Like I said earlier in this review, Toby runs away. Santa and Toby’s mom find him riding on a carousel. As Toby’s mom and Santa are about to share a heart-to-heart conversation with Toby, the carousel is still moving. This raises the question of how Santa and Toby’s mom got on the carousel while it was still in motion?

Mrs. Claus’ minimal involvement: At the beginning of The Night Before the Night Before Christmas, Santa shares a heartfelt moment with Mrs. Claus. The on-screen chemistry between R.D. Reid and Marcia Bennett was so sweet and adorable, they effectually sold the idea of the loving relationship between Mrs. Claus and Santa. This aforementioned moment with Santa and Mrs. Claus is one of the few times she appears in the movie, as she is only featured in two scenes within the hour and twenty-eight-minute film. Personally, I found Mrs. Claus’ minimal involvement in the story disappointing. She could have played a larger role in helping Santa regain his memory sooner or locating his sack of presents faster.

Image of Thanksgiving dinner created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

My overall impression:

In the introduction of this review, I said The Night Before the Night Before Christmas was suggested by one of my readers. Looking back on the 2010 picture, I can honestly say I’m glad it was recommended to me! The Night Before the Night Before Christmas is, in my opinion, one of Hallmark’s better films, especially among their collection of “older” titles! The acting alone helped make my movie-viewing experience enjoyable, as every actor and actress gave a solid performance. How Christmas activities were incorporated into the story was a breath of fresh air. They ended up complimenting the story itself and the film’s themes instead of trying to complete an unspoken checklist. The story’s emphasis on giving was woven into the script in clever and thoughtful ways as well. Even though The Night Before the Night Before Christmas has its flaws, it felt like the movie’s creative team got more right than wrong. A film like this one makes me wish Hallmark went back to creating titles that didn’t rely too much on a formula, tropes, and/or cliches.

Overall score: 8 out of 10

Have you seen The Night Before the Night Before Christmas? What “older” Hallmark Christmas movie would you like to check out this Christmas/holiday season? Share your thoughts in the comment section!

Have fun on Thanksgiving!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: The Christmas Choir Review

On November 20, 2025 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

November’s theme for Genre Grandeur is “Movies about Music or Musicians”. As I was looking for a potential title to review, I remembered how this is the time of year when I write about Christmas movies. This then led me to recall my list of the top five Hallmark films based on a true story, where I brought up the 2008 movie, The Christmas Choir. Since I expressed interest in revisiting the film, I selected it for this month’s Genre Grandeur! In that aforementioned list, I stated my surprise over how The Christmas Choir isn’t a Hallmark Hall of Fame production. That’s because the story of a choir forming in a homeless shelter seems like perfect material for the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection. Though when it comes to Hallmark Hall of Fame presentations, I have wondered what the criteria is for a story or script to be chosen. While that topic would make a great editorial or list article, that will have to wait for another day. For now, let’s begin this review for 2008’s The Christmas Choir!

*The Christmas Choir* poster created by Muse Entertainment Enterprises, Towers Pictures, and Hallmark Channel

Things I liked about the film:

The cast’s on-screen chemistry: In my list of the top five Hallmark films based on a true story, I mentioned how the quality of the acting talents in The Christmas Choir allowed the characters to come across as realistic and endearing. To further articulate my point, the on-screen chemistry among the cast helped create interactions that felt believable. One of my favorite examples is when Juan (portrayed by Luis Oliva) sang for the first time. A rule for staying in the choir is to come to practices and performances sober. Hector (portrayed by Roc Lafortune) is not happy about this rule, angrily throwing the sheet music and storming toward the door in a huff. The other members, like Bob and Fred, and even the choir’s director, Peter, plead with Hector to stay. Worry, concern, and even disappointment are reflected on the men’s faces and in their voices. When Juan begins to sing, however, the look of surprise on everyone’s faces appears genuine. This is because, at the homeless shelter, Juan had a reputation for remaining silent. As Juan finds a nearby can and turns it into a makeshift drum, that surprise turns into joy, lifting the men’s spirits and boosting choir morale. Juan’s voice ended up becoming the glue that held The Christmas Choir together!

Incorporating Christmas’ religious elements: I said in my list of the top five Hallmark films based on a true story how it’s been years since I saw The Christmas Choir. Because of that, I had forgotten about Christmas’ religious elements woven into the film. Most of the songs performed by The Christmas Choir are religious. In fact, the only secular Christmas song the choir sings is ‘Deck the Halls’. Sister Agatha will occasionally quote the Bible and bring up Biblical examples when the situation calls for it. Even one of the movie’s overarching themes is serving as Jesus would have. Personally, I liked The Christmas Choir’s incorporation of Christmas’ religious elements because they’re not often found in Hallmark’s Christmas movies. This creative decision also allows The Christmas Choir to form its own unique identity!

The messages and themes: As I just mentioned in this review, one of the overarching themes in The Christmas Choir is serving as Jesus would have. Other themes and messages sprinkled throughout the story perfectly fit the Christmas season as well. When Peter gives a monetary donation to the homeless shelter, Sister Agatha tells him that while money is appreciated, what the homeless shelter really needs is for people to give their time. Sister Agatha’s words inspire Peter to utilize his time (and talents) to form The Christmas Choir. The conversation between Peter and Sister Agatha alone is such a perfect example of how money doesn’t always solve a problem, especially when it comes to being charitable. This overarching theme actually encourages the film’s audience to think outside the box in the season of giving.

Three Wise Men themed wish list paper image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

What I didn’t like about the film:

Too many conflicts: Within my review’s introduction, I brought up how The Christmas Choir is about a choir forming in a homeless shelter. While this is the movie’s main conflict, other conflicts like Peter’s issues with his father and The Christmas Choir competing for a permit are included in the script. As I watched the film, however, it felt like the creative team behind The Christmas Choir tried to squeeze as many conflicts as they could in an hour and thirty-minute timeframe. This choice made the movie overwhelming and the runtime feel longer. Though the 2008 movie is based on a true story, I’m not sure which parts of the script are based on fact or creative liberty. Therefore, the script should have focused on one main conflict with at least two subplots.

Sister Agatha’s inconsistent personality: When Sister Agatha was introduced in The Christmas Choir, she had a friendly personality with a bit of spunkiness. As I mentioned earlier in this review, Sister Agatha occasionally quotes the Bible and brings up Biblical examples when the situation calls for it. But as the story progressed, she became pessimistic and discouraging toward Peter and The Christmas Choir. Sister Agatha eventually returns to her spunky, friendly personality by the end of the film. However, the inconsistency of her personality is a flaw I couldn’t unsee. Rhea Perlman, who portrayed Sister Agatha, did a good job with the acting material provided. This mistake, though, lies with the screenwriter.

Things that don’t make sense: Sometimes, there were things in The Christmas Choir that didn’t make sense. One example happened at Peter’s office building. While at work, Peter’s colleague, Rita, tells Peter there are a group of homeless men singing in the office building’s lobby. Those “homeless men” were The Christmas Choir. Several scenes prior to this impromptu performance, however, Rita saw The Christmas Choir singing on television while at work in the aforementioned office building. Wouldn’t she have recognized The Christmas Choir when they spontaneously showed up in the office building’s lobby?

String of musical notes image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/pentagram-vector_710290.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a> <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

My overall impression:

By revisiting The Christmas Choir, I was reminded of the film’s aspects I had forgotten about, like the inclusion of Christmas’ religious elements. This is one aspect of the movie I liked, as religious elements associated with Christmas are not often found in Hallmark’s seasonal presentations. I was also made aware of the flaws I overlooked. This is not a bad movie, but it wasn’t as strong of a picture as I initially believed. The abundance of conflicts in The Christmas Choir’s script made the film overwhelming and the runtime feel longer than an hour and thirty-minutes. There were not only some things in the story that didn’t make sense, Sister Agatha’s personality was also inconsistently written. But as I said in my list of the top five Hallmark films based on a true story, the 2008 picture is one of Hallmark’s more unique Christmas titles. This is due to the movie not following a formula or containing a certain set of Christmas movie tropes and cliches. What works in The Christmas Choir’s favor as well is the on-screen chemistry among the cast and the messages and themes stitched throughout the story. If you’re looking for a Christmas film from Hallmark that stands out within their festive collection, I’d recommend checking out The Christmas Choir.

Overall score: 7 out of 10

Have you seen The Christmas Choir? Are there any “older” Hallmark Christmas movies you’d love to see reviewed on 18 Cinema Lane? Please tell me in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Word on the Street: International Entertainment Center, Chuck E. Cheese, to Release Christmas Movie

On November 18, 2025 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

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 27^th). 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 Christmas* poster 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!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

References:

Official IMDB page for A Chuck E. Cheese Christmas: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt37343166/?ref_=ttco_ov_bk

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/07/03/chucks-arcade-chuck-e-cheese-locations/84458734007/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_E._Cheese

‘A Chuck E. Cheese Christmas – Official Trailer (2025)’ from the Youtube channel, IGN Movie Trailers

‘FIRST LOOK | A Chuck E. Cheese Christmas | Official Trailer | Streaming November 27’ from the Youtube channel, Chuck E. Cheese

Sally Reads…‘Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea’ by Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark

On September 1, 2025September 3, 2025 By 18cinemalane2 Comments

When I signed up for Midnite Drive-In’s Hit The Road Blogathon, one of the basic rules was to choose “a movie, TV show or book” that had something to do with travel. Since I figured I’d be one of the few participants selecting a book for the event, I found an opportunity to write a book review! On 18 Cinema Lane, I occasionally talk about books in an effort to bring a sense of variety to my blog’s content. My last book review was published last September, when I wrote about Murder, She Wrote: Dying to Retire by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain. This is ironic, as that book revolved around Jessica traveling to Florida. For the Hit The Road Blogathon, I selected another mystery story; Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea by Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark! Years ago, I saw this book’s film adaptation, 2013’s The Mystery Cruise. Though I was not a fan of the film, I still wanted to read its source material, as I had heard of the book before seeing the movie. Is this a case where the book is better than the film? Keep reading my review to solve this mystery!

*Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea* book cover found on Goodreads

If you’re going to write a story that involves travel, the journey or destination needs to sound appealing. Whether the travels of characters are exciting or the characters arrive somewhere intriguing, the reader may stay invested in what is happening in the story. In Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea, the protagonist, Alvirah, won an all-expenses paid cruise through a charity auction. She, along with her husband, Willy, and their friends embark on an oceanic adventure where there is never a dull moment. Mary and Carol worked well together to create a setting that felt realistic. Descriptive imagery and attention to detail worked in the favor of the story’s world-building. One example is when rooms on the ship, Royal Mermaid, are described. While observing Alvirah and Willy’s room, one of their friends, Nora, states “The closet is practically a room unto itself”. This statement alone provides context for the size of the space. It also addresses the luxurious nature of not just the room itself, but the ship as a whole.

Cruise ship near an island image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/holiday-background-on-a-cruise_1182003.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Mystery stories, sometimes, include a group of characters. If these characters are working together to solve a mystery, it’s important for them to maintain a sense of camaraderie. This way, genuineness can be felt as the characters come together to reach a common goal. Throughout Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea, solving mysteries was a team effort among Alvirah, Willy, and their friends, the Reillys. It helped how these characters possessed their own set of skills and life experiences, allowing them to bring something unique to the table. It also helps how they knew each other before the events of the story. Because of how well-written the dialogue was, readers can pick up on how Willy, Alvirah, and the Reillys got along. Toward the beginning of the book, Alvirah is encouraging her friends, Regan and Jack, to join her and Willy on the cruise. Bringing up the couple’s already known vacation plans, Alvirah says, “I just heard from Jack’s own lips that he’s on vacation for two weeks”. She addresses this in an effort to give them a once-in-a-lifetime experience, keeping the best interests of her friends in mind. Because she recognizes Alvirah’s good intentions, Regan replies to Jack, “we’ve never been on a cruise together. I think it would be fun”.

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Two of the villains in Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea are Bull’s-Eye and Highbridge. These criminals are on the run to avoid being sentenced for their crimes. There were times while reading this book where I had difficulty telling these characters apart. That’s because their personalities were not distinct enough. Another flaw of Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea was how some mysteries were solved before the reader could figure it out for themselves. During the titular Santa Cruise, two Santa suits go missing, becoming one of the story’s overarching mysteries. But shortly after this mystery is introduced, the “whodunit” is already revealed. This felt reminiscent of an episode of Columbo, where the audience is forced to observe the protagonist solving the mystery themselves instead of interacting with the story by figuring out the mystery alongside the characters.

Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea is, in my opinion, a fine book that is interesting and entertaining enough. Carol and Mary use attention to detail and descriptive imagery in their favor to build a literary world that feels realistic. They also utilize dialogue to create strong camaraderie between the protagonists and their friends. However, I wish the story’s villains were given more distinct personalities, as it could have allowed them to stand out more. Having more interactive mysteries for the readers would have helped as well. There were parts of the story that were, sometimes, repetitive. Examples include referencing the number fifteen and the same events being brought up over and over again. Despite these flaws, the book does have a steady to faster pace, which makes Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea a quicker read.

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Overall score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Have fun sailing!

Sally Silverscreen

Disclaimer: Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea is a mystery story that occasionally features violence and characters receiving injuries. There’s also brief references to grief.

That’s a Wrap for my Second Chance Christmas Double Feature

On April 5, 2025April 5, 2025 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Now we’ve come to the end of another double feature, as both chosen titles, Young at Heart and An Old Fashioned Christmas, have been watched and reviewed! In the introduction, I brought up the following question:

Did these two movies deserve a second chance?

For my answer, I’ll say Young at Heart was more deserving of a second chance than An Old Fashioned Christmas. With Young at Heart, I not only received an opportunity to check out more projects from Frank Sinatra’s and Alan Hale Jr.’s filmography, I was also given an official introduction to Doris Day’s movies. I found a good excuse to see more musicals, as well as films from the 1950s. Overall, I enjoyed Young at Heart more than Hallmark’s 2010 presentation. As someone who loves An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving, the sequel left a lot to be desired. Despite being titled An Old Fashioned Christmas, the film didn’t feel like a Christmas film. Instead of prioritizing the messages and themes of the holiday, the script primarily focused on stories that could have taken place any time of year. It also doesn’t help how so much of the story revolves around a love triangle. Looking back on An Old Fashioned Christmas, it makes me wonder if the sequel’s poorer quality, as well as becoming forgotten by time and Hallmark themselves, is the reason why I’ve, more often than not, seen DVD copies of the movie included in Christmas movie box sets?