FOUR NEW CHRISTMAS TITLES WORTHY OF STREAMING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
With many folks out there homebound for the holiday season, it should be noted that there’s plenty of brand new yuletide treasures to stream from the comfort of your living room. Here are 4 brand new Christmas titles worthy of your viewing pleasure during the most wonderful time of the year.
“THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES 2”
Given the success of 2018’s “The Christmas Chronicles,” a sequel was inevitable. In this 2020 follow-up, a jolly and undeniably cool Kurt Russell returns as Santa Claus. Once again, Kris Kringle teams with young Kate, this time in a magical adventure that finds them battling a mysterious individual (played by an amusing Julian Dennison of “Hunt For the Wilderpeople” fame) with a chip on his shoulder who sets out to wage a war on Christmas! Why? The answer to that question is at the very heart of this lighthearted, sentimental, and straightforward Christmas romp from “Home Alone” director and “Gremlins” screenwriter, Chris Columbus. “The Christmas Chronicles 2” isn’t quite as strong as the first film and it certainly doesn’t break any new ground in the plot department but Russell is charming and his real-life sweat heart Goldie Hawn proves to be a fun little addition as Mrs. Clause. Holiday entertainment for the entire family.
“The Christmas Chronicles 2” is currently streaming on Netflix.
“JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY”
If the Greatest Showman, Peter Pan, and Willy Wonka got together and threw a big old Christmas party, it might look a little something like “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey”; A magical, sentimental, toe-tapping, holiday-inspired musical about a down-on-his-luck inventor who attempts to get his mojo back after reconnecting with his adoring granddaughter. “Jingle Jangle” has a wonderful energy about it that’s clearly punctuated by lively song and dance numbers, but best of all, it features a winning turn by the great Forest Whitaker as a quiet but warm individual who needs to relearn that sometimes, it takes a little more than talent to invent. You also have to believe in what you’re creating.
“Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” is currently streaming on Netflix
“ALIEN XMAS”
This animated holiday gem might be the best Christmas special you haven’t heard of. It comes from the creative minds of the Chiodo Brothers who, over 30 years ago, burst on to the scene with the outstanding cult classic, “Killer Klowns From Outer Space.” With the wonderfully old-fashioned “Alien Christmas,” they’ve fashioned something considerably more family-friendly; A sweet-natured, offbeat fusion of “The Grinch,” “Mars Attacks!,” and a Rankin and Bass Holiday special. That’s quite the combo and “Alien Xmas” pulls it off with flying colors! In this quirky little delight, an extra-terrestrial called X comes to Earth to secretly set the stage for an alien invasion but upon bonding with the kind and gentle souls of the North Pole, X begins to have a change of heart. A wonderful, lively, feel-good animated short for all ages.
“Alien Xmas” is currently streaming on Netflix.
THE LEGO STAR WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Leave it to the clever folks over at Lucasfilm and Disney to deliver one of the most entertaining efforts of the holiday season. Rather than getting off their high horses and making 1978’s much-despised “Star Wars Holiday Special” commercially available, they’ve gone and created a brand new “Star Wars Holiday Special”…This one of the Lego variety. And the end result is pure Force-inspired joy. In this creative little time-travel adventure, Rey sets off on a journey in an effort to gain more knowledge of the Force but she gets a little more than she bargained for. “The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special” throws comical gags at a fast and furious rate and while it certainly references the original Holiday Special–This adventure does take place on Life Day, after all–it also takes a handful of playfully colorful potshots at various Saga entries in general. It’s all in good fun and quite frankly, I enjoyed this animated short more than the “Star Wars” prequels and sequels. The only negative thing I can really say about it is that I wish some of the film cast members would have jumped on board and voiced their animated counterparts. No matter though. Between “The Mandolorian” and “The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special,” it’s clear that the Saga is truly hitting its stride on the streaming market.
“The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special” is currently streaming on Disney+
Viewpoints and perspectives expressed throughout The Independent are those of the individual contributors. They do not necessarily reflect those held by the staff of The Independent or our advertising sponsors. Your comments, rebuttals, and contributions are welcome in accordance with our Terms of Service. Please be respectful and abide by our Community Rules. If you have privacy concerns you can view our Privacy Policy here. Thank you!
Click here to submit an article, guest opinion piece, or a Letter to the Editor
