The Christmas Movies Tag!

On December 23, 2024December 24, 2024 By 18cinemalane2 Comments

Two weeks ago, Hamlette (from Hamlette’s Soliloquy) tagged me in the Christmas Movies Tag! The timing of this tag was perfect because in 2024, I 1) wrote only four list articles and 2) participated in only one tag. With Christmas just around the corner, I found another reason to accept Hamlette’s invitation. Over 18 Cinema Lane’s six-year history, several Christmas movies have been reviewed. This helped when choosing titles for the Christmas Movies Tag. For films covered on my blog, I will provide the links in this tag if anyone is interested in reading my full thoughts on the featured movies. Before I begin the Christmas Movies Tag, I need to list the tag’s official rules, which are the following:

Fill out the prompts (expound as much or as little as you like)
Tag some friends (however many or few you feel like)
Have fun (this is mandatory)

The Christmas Movies Tag banner found on Hamlette’s Soliloquy

1. A favorite funny Christmas movie

Back in 2019, I discovered why The Nine Lives of Christmas is so beloved in the Hallmark fan community. One appealing aspect of the movie was definitely the humor! In my review of the 2014 film, I pointed out how the dialogue among the characters helped make the story’s very first scene hilarious. The genuineness of the dialogue was well-written and good-natured. I also mentioned how Ambrose the cat served as some of the film’s comic relief. Memorable moments, such as when the cat sits on Zachary’s chair, made my viewing experience enjoyable. At the time, most of Hallmark’s Christmas movies seemed light on humor. So, watching a humorous picture like The Nine Lives of Christmas was refreshing!

Take 3: The Nine Lives of Christmas Review

2. A favorite poignant Christmas movie

For this prompt, I chose two movies. The first is 2016’s Winter Thaw. From what I remember, the religious messages and themes associated with Christmas are prioritized over the holiday itself. In fact, there are so few references to the Christmas holiday, it’s easy to forget Winter Thaw is a Christmas movie at all. The second movie is one I reviewed last year; Christmas Princess from 2017! As I stated in my review, this film avoided several Christmas related tropes and clichés because Donaly’s journey to the Rose Court was the story’s main focus. Similar to Winter Thaw, the secular elements of Christmas don’t take center stage in Christmas Princess. But, like It’s a Wonderful Life, the 2017 presentation presents a story about a person trying to do “something big, something important”.

Take 3: Christmas Princess (2017) Review

3. A favorite romantic Christmas movie

Before I was a movie blogger, I saw the 2015 made-for-TV production, The Spirit of Christmas. Though it’s been almost ten years since I’ve seen the film, I remember how strong Thomas Beaudoin and Jen Lilley’s on-screen chemistry was! Because of this on-screen chemistry, I was invested in the story. I also rooted for Daniel and Kate to find a way to be together. The Spirit of Christmas is a film I’d love to revisit on 18 Cinema Lane!

4. A favorite feel-good Christmas movie

In 2022’s edition of my top ten best movies of the year list, A Godwink Christmas: Miracle of Love made history by becoming the first and, so far, only Christmas movie to be the best movie I saw in any given year! How the 2021 title earned this honor was having their story revolve around a group of people using their skills and talents to help a family in need. Including Advent gave this film a more unique identity and provided a newer approach to the Christmas movie genre. Showcasing Christmas activities, such as gift exchanging, in creative ways crafted A Godwink Christmas: Miracle of Love’s identity as well. Movies like this one make me wish Hallmark continued the Godwink series.

Take 3: A Godwink Christmas: Miracle of Love Review

5. A favorite movie adaptation of A Christmas Carol

Years ago, I saw the Hallmark Channel production, It’s Christmas, Carol! What I remember the most was how good Emmanuelle Vaugier’s and Carrie Fisher’s performance was! They were not only strong actresses individually, they also worked well together. The acting became one of the reasons why I liked this film. However, it’s been over ten years since I last saw it. Hopefully, I’ll receive a chance to revisit It’s Christmas, Carol!

*Christmas Princess* (2017) poster created by Entertainment One and Really Real Films

6. A Christmas movie you watch any time of year

Similar to prompt number two, I’m selecting two films. I have reviewed both of these titles recently. My first choice is the 1991 television movie, Christmas on Division Street. One of the reasons why I liked this film is how the story’s messages and themes apply to the Christmas season as well as outside of Christmastime. But the appearance of Christmas is inconsistent in Christmas on Division Street, as the holiday isn’t recognized until forty minutes into an hour and thirty-three-minute story. My second choice is I Heard the Bells. In my review of the 2022 title, I compared I Heard the Bells to It’s a Wonderful Life. This is because both of these films are about more than just the Christmas holiday. They focus on a man and his story, also exploring how that man’s relationships affect his existence.

Take 3: Christmas on Division Street Review

Take 3: I Heard the Bells Review + 500 Follower Thank You

7. A Christmas movie that surprised you

My best movies of the year list of 2023 saw A Biltmore Christmas earning a spot in the list’s top three! When I wrote about the film, I explained how I had developed low expectations for the movie due to how much hype and publicity it received. I’m glad I gave A Biltmore Christmas a chance, as I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was! There were so many likable elements to this story, with the attention given to historical accuracy being just one of them. The script gave Hallmark Channel a different type of narrative for their Christmas pictures, utilizing historical fiction and aspects of time travel. A Biltmore Christmas even won the Gold Sally Award’s inaugural Top Gun: Maverick Award!

8. A favorite “but is it really a Christmas movie?” movie

One of the movies I reviewed in my Halloween Double Feature was 2002’s The Case of the Whitechapel Vampire. The most surprising part of that movie was the story taking place during the Christmas season. Even though Christmas played a minimal role in the film, it was interesting to see the holiday associated with vampires. It was also fascinating to watch an alternative Christmas mystery from Hallmark. The Case of the Whitechapel Vampire shows how the concept of vampires can be incorporated into almost any type of movie in almost any time of year. The 2002 picture is also proof how, when they put their mind to it, Hallmark can think outside-the-box when it comes to their Christmas movies.

Take 3: The Case of the Whitechapel Vampire Review (Halloween Double Feature Part 1)

9. The oldest Christmas movie you’ve seen

When I reviewed Meet Me in St. Louis in 2019, it became the oldest Christmas movie I saw and wrote about on my blog! Released in 1944, this film represents the best the Breen Code era had to offer, especially when it came to the musical genre. The acting keeps this movie going and the songs provide a good tonal balance throughout the production. Judy’s rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is so iconic! While there have been many versions of that song, Meet Me in St. Louis’ version is my favorite.

Take 3: Meet Me in St. Louis Review + 75 Follower Thank You

10. The newest Christmas movie you’ve seen

Due to Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker’s popularity, I reviewed the 2024 Great American Family presentation, A Little Women’s Christmas. To me, this was a fine, wholesome, and pleasant picture. I liked how the creative team showed respect for the source material. But I wasn’t a fan of how confusing the ending was. I also didn’t like the inclusion of the “it’s not what you think” cliché, as it added predictability to the story. However, A Little Women’s Christmas is still a movie I would recommend.

Take 3: A Little Women’s Christmas Review

*Meet Me in St. Louis* poster created by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Loew’s, Inc. Image found at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Meet_Me_in_St._Louis_poster.jpg

Since the month of December is usually the busiest time of year, not only because of the Christmas/holiday season, but also because of the days leading up to New Year’s, it can be challenging to set aside time to participate in a tag. I also want to express my gratitude for 18 Cinema Lane having another successful year. So, I’m giving my readers an open invitation to the Christmas Movies Tag! If you like what you’ve read, you’re welcome to create your own tag post any time you wish!

Have fun on Christmas!

Sally Silverscreen

Ten Classic Movies I Watched Because of My Blog

On December 29, 2022 By 18cinemalane8 Comments

18 Cinema Lane is almost five years old. In that time, I have reviewed many films; from the blockbuster to the underrated and everything in between. Sometimes, I had the opportunity to talk about “classic” films. These opportunities were formal introductions to these titles. This list highlights some of the “classic” movies I watched because of my blog. Whether it was a blogathon entry or a Blog Follower Dedication Review, I’m thankful I was able to see these films. That way, I can now have an honest opinion about them. Since I have reviewed all the films on my list, I will provide links in this article. I will also be sharing my thoughts on these films, so anything I say is not meant to be mean-spirited or negative.

The Discovering Classic Cinema Blogathon banner created by Maddy from Classic Film and TV Corner

The Bridge on the River Kwai

Starting this list is the most recent “classic” I reviewed. I chose to write about The Bridge on the River Kwai for The 5^th Golden Boy Blogathon, where I was the only participant to select it. This movie made me question why some movies do or don’t end up on AFI’s list of The 100 Greatest American Movies Of All Time. Until I watched The Bridge on the River Kwai, I believed these titles met one of two criteria: those that represent the time they were released and those that brought something new to the cinematic table. With the 1957 film, I still haven’t figured out why it’s on the list. I am not saying this is a bad movie. But, at best, I thought it was just fine.

Take 3: The Bridge on the River Kwai Review

A Star Is Born (1937)

Before participating in the Fredric March Blogathon, I didn’t have an interest in watching any version of A Star Is Born. Because this story has been remade on more than one occasion, I thought each version was going to share a recycled plot, with little variation among them. As of this list’s publication, I’ve only seen the 1937 original. However, I was surprised by how impressive the movie was! Fredric March’s performance was so strong, not just among the Breen Code era films I’ve seen, but among any movie I have seen. He worked well alongside Janet Gaynor, sharing really good banter between each other. A Star Is Born made me want to actively seek out more films from Fredric’s filmography!

Take 3: A Star Is Born (1937) Review

Funny Face

As Fred Astaire famously said, “Do it big, do it right, and do it with style”. When it comes to his movie, Funny Face, that’s exactly what happened. This is a pleasant looking production! I remember loving the use of color, as pops of color were placed in scenes with a primarily plain color palette. The musical numbers were also entertaining to watch, with creative ideas woven through them. Though I haven’t seen many of Audrey Hepburn’s films, Funny Face is one of her projects I like. She appeared to be enjoying whatever she was doing, whether it was dancing in the “Basal Metabolism” number or portraying Jo traveling to Paris. Then again, Audrey did famously say “I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls”.

Take 3: Funny Face Review (Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly Blogathon Part 2)

All About Eve

As the last movie I reviewed for 2019’s Clean Movie Month, All About Eve is a film I thought was just fine. A peek behind the theater world’s curtain was refreshing, providing the story with interesting perspectives. The use of voice-overs not only allowed the audience to witness Eve develop as an individual, but connect with the other characters as well. However, I found the title to be misleading, as the story was led by Margo. As I said in my review, the film would be called “Mostly About Margo” or “Sometimes About Eve” if given an honest title.

Take 3: All About Eve Review (Clean Movie Month — #5)

Nosferatu

Screenshot taken by me, Sally Silverscreen.

The same year I reviewed All About Eve, I also wrote about Nosferatu. My review of the 1922 “classic” was for 2019’s A Month Without the Code. I’m thankful for the opportunity I had to see Nosferatu, as the film was not only created under strict copyright rules, but has also been preserved over time. This film serves as a stone in cinema’s foundation, showcasing elements still found in today’s movies, such as using music to elevate the story’s tone. I don’t often talk about horror films on 18 Cinema Lane. But out of the ones I have reviewed, Nosferatu is definitely one of the better titles!

Take 3: Nosferatu Review (A Month Without the Code — #1)

To Kill a Mockingbird

Like I recently said in my list, ‘The Top 10 Best Movies I Saw in 2022’, there are few movies I found better than their source material. To Kill a Mockingbird is one of those films! I like this adaptation because the script gets straight to the point sooner than the book did. It also places more emphasis on the trial, the part of the book I found the most interesting. The visual nature of film elevated the suspenseful moments from the original story, presenting realistic situations with an intensified level of uncertainty. This is one of those times where I would suggest skipping the book and going straight to the film.

Take 3: To Kill a Mockingbird Review

Citizen Kane

In my opinion, Citizen Kane is an over-hyped movie. I know that’s a controversial opinion. But when I reviewed the movie in 2019, I didn’t find it the flawless masterpiece others have made it out to be. For starters, I don’t think the film needed an hour and fifty-nine-minute run-time. I also found it difficult to connect with the characters. Despite my view on Citizen Kane, I don’t think it’s a bad movie. If anything, I thought it was decent. But like I said with The Bridge on the River Kwai, I wonder why Citizen Kane is number one on AFI’s list of The 100 Greatest American Movies Of All Time?

Take 3: Citizen Kane Review (Clean Movie Month — #2)

Lawrence of Arabia

This is another “classic” I feel is over-hyped. However, the over-hyped status of Lawrence of Arabia is not to the same degree as Citizen Kane, in my opinion. The 1962 film is one of the most iconic “sword and sandal” titles. But beyond this simplified distinction is a World War I story from a unique perspective. Reviewing Lawrence of Arabia for The World War One On Film Blogathon was not my first choice. I had actually planned to review a different movie, which ended up being released on DVD after the blogathon took place. This last-minute decision was a blessing in disguise, as it gave me an excuse to check out Lawrence of Arabia!

Take 3: Lawrence of Arabia Review

Ben-Hur (1959)

When I chose to watch this movie for a Blog Follower Dedication Review, I had no idea how much I would love it! I remember being so invested in Judah’s journey, I wasn’t too bothered by the film’s three-hour run-time. This is another iconic “sword and sandal” picture. But only referring to this film by that simplified title does it such a disservice. That’s because the movie is, in my opinion, one of the better faith-based films! I’ve heard 1959’s Ben-Hur is a remake of a film from the ’20s. Maybe that version will be covered in a future review!

Take 3: Ben-Hur (1959) Review + 60 Follower Thank You

Meet Me in St. Louis

The Breen Code era gave us some good musicals. Meet Me in St. Louis is no exception! A musical is only as strong as its musical numbers. In the 1944 film, there was an assortment of enjoyable songs. From Judy’s iconic rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to my favorite, “Under the Bamboo Tree”, this part of the story added to my movie viewing experience. While the film does have its flaws, it is a pleasant production. If I were introducing someone to the Breen Code era, Meet Me in St. Louis is a film I would recommend!

Take 3: Meet Me in St. Louis Review + 75 Follower Thank You

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen