I'm back logging my Christmas viewing as it happens. I don't really do detailed synopses or critical deep dives, if you haven't seen a flick yet i don't want to spoil too much and if you have seen it then you already know. So, mostly just short off the cuff stuff.
Feature-length Christmas special that slotted in between the Canadian rural drama series’ fourth and fifth seasons. Being part of a historically popular (In Canada) show with well-established characters and serialized story lines, makes for above-average Christmas TV movie, even if you are unfamiliar with the series as a whole.
Is it Hallmark? Nope, though it’s the type of show they might air and this Christmas special is in their lineup.
Is it Christmastime? Yep.
Does it look like Christmas? Yep.
Does it sound like Christmas? I guess.
Does it feel like Christmas? Sure.
Did it make me cry? Nope, but the horses in peril plot line got my wife a bit misty-eyed
Did I finish it? Yep.
Is it a good movie? For what it is.
Is it a good Christmas Movie? Pretty good, even better if you are a fan of the series.
The Flight Before Christmas (2015)
Mayim Bialik is terrific in this slightly above average, fantasy tinged, romantic comedy.
Is it Hallmark? Nope, Lifetime.
From the director of? The Dog that Saved Halloween and Netflix's Secret Obsession.
Any guest stars? Brian Doyle Murray, Candace Azzara, Reginald VelJohnson, Jo Marie Payton.
Is it Christmastime? Yep.
Does it look like Christmas? Slightly.
Does it sound like Christmas? Meh.
Does it feel like Christmas? A little bit.
Did it make me cry? Nope.
Laugh? Nearly, a couple of times.
Did I finish it? Yes.
Is it a good movie? Meh.
Is it a good Christmas Movie? It's okay.
227 - "The Night They Arrested Santa Claus" (S4 E9 - 1988)
A young girl’s holiday cynicism nearly ruins Christmas for everybody. Solid festive sitcom corn, some decent one-liners. I’d watch again.
Is it a Christmas Episode or Special? Episode
Am I familiar with the series? Vaguely.
Is it Christmassy? Absolutely
Is it a good Christmas episode? Yes.
Birds of a Feather - "There's a Girl in My Souk" (2016)
Takes place at Christmas but really just a travel stunt episode as the ladies jet off to Morocco to find Tracey’s missing son.
From the ITV revival and not a patch on the original.
Is it a Christmas Episode or Special? Special.
Am I familiar with the series? Yes.
Is it Christmassy? Not really.
Is it a good episode? It’s okay, if a bit long.
Is it a good Christmas episode? No.
