Weirdest Christmas movie tropes that you can't look away from

 Some tropes happen in every Christmas film and are left with a big fat question mark on it to leave the audience confused. Or just for the simple pleasure of leaving the audience with the unknown.

Why is the Christmas tree always put up til the very last minute?

It seems as if the Christmas tree is always put up the day before if not the day of Christmas and it has become a trend with recent films that makes some people question if putting the Christmas tree up after thanksgiving is acceptable.

Dad is always too busy

Why is it that the dad is always working on Christmas and doesn't get home until late at night when the kids are already asleep? Isn't everything closed?

There is always time to fall in love

Something about these Christmas movies leaves anyone with the hope of maybe not being single for next year's thanksgiving dinner when aunt Janice asks you where your significant other is this year. it is impossible to miss the connections that are formed throughout these films even if they are a little cringe.

The kid is always the savior

It always works out that the kid who believes in Christmas so much always saves the day in some way, they see something disturbing like their parent struggling and make a wish to Santa to help his family. Magically by the end of the film their wish comes true and all issues are solved.

Parents don't believe in Santa

The parents in these Christmas movies are typical parents who plan their gifts ahead of time and go along with the story that Santa is real. Come to find out that their kid saying I saw Santa last night was real, but how?

It goes to say all these tropes are what keep people coming back for more because even though it is very predictable acting like it was never seen coming is so fun.

Diversity in Christmas movies improves

 

'A Holiday in Harlem'

Knowing the typical Christmas movie trope, the helpless woman gets saved by the manly man and they spend Christmas together is getting a bit old. It is time for directors to start being more inclusive with who they cast and how they portray stories to the audience.

Times are changing and so should movies along with that, some films like 'Single All the Way' and 'A Holiday in Harlem' have stepped up to the plate and are being more inclusive.

'Single All the Way'

It is nice to know that the LGBTQ+ community is being featured in movies like this and getting the representation they need. There is always that push that needs to happen in order to have directors see what the audience sees in order to be inclusive.

 

It has only been in recent years that this has been happening and there is still more pressure to be put on companies in order to get everyone involved. 

Hallmark is releasing a variety of films involving the LGBTQ+ community to ensure all audiences see themselves on the big screen for the holidays. That also includes people of color and different ethnic groups around the world being involved.

'A Holiday in Harlem'

These movies don't call out anything we don't already know so there shouldn't be an issue with inclusivity and this issue should only get better from here.

'Falling for Christmas' starring Lindsay Lohan

 

Who would have thought Lindsay Lohan would star in a Netflix Christmas film. The bar was set very low when starting to watch this film especially because other than Lohan the cast didn't really stick out. 

Chord Overstreet plays the leading man in this film and to be quite honest the last project he was seen in feels like Glee. 

A spoiled and rich girl is sent away to her dad's hotel in the mountains because he wants her to work for him to continue the family business. Her boyfriend takes her for a nice walk in the mountain and takes a fall down the mountain losing her memory. Lohan's character (Sierra) does not remember her name or who she is but Overstreet (Jake) comes to the rescue but has no idea who she is either.

A little over halfway through the movie things started to slow down and having a short attention span doesn't help. I need something to happen for me to want to continue watching. 

The plot was the same as any other Christmas movie where the leading man comes to the rescue and he has his own problems he's dealing with but out of the kindness of his heart, he decides to help. Lohan playing the spoiled brat in the movie created a bit of hatred towards the character.

During the film, Lohan referenced the iconic scene in 'Mean Girls' which did not disappoint.

Overall the story seemed like every other Christmas film made but there was something to appreciate in the sense that usually these films revolve around people in their 20s or even 30s. Lohan played her own age which is respectable and made the movie a little better.

Regal Cinema

 

During the holiday new movies tend to come out and movie theatres start filling up quickly. People will buy their tickets online far in advance if they know one of their favorites is coming out. 

There is that question of why Regal Cinemas doesn't play older Christmas films during the holidays.

 Victoria Chavez works at Regal Cinemas at the Kaleidoscope and knew why older movies were not being played.

How long have you worked for Regal Cinemas and is it something that you love to do?

Victoria Chavez- "I have been here for over two years now and it has been something I love to do, I was always a movie dork, and growing up my family was as well so being able to work at a movie theatre only seemed fitting".

Do you see an increase in people coming in during the holidays?

Victoria Chavez- "There are definitely more people coming in during the holidays because movies tend to be released in November or December. Not to mention a lot of people go on break due to Thanksgiving and Christmas so they come and watch a movie while they can".

Why do you think Regal just sticks to the newer films and doesn't show older ones?

Victoria Chavez- "We aren't necessarily a newer theatre because Regal has been around since 1924 but there is that sense of being newer and more developed than some other theatres. Now and then we do show some old movies but nothing special like theatres that stick to that specific brand".

Do you think Regal will ever play old Christmas films right before the holidays?

Victoria Chavez- "I really hope so because I know that would attract a different group of people and who wouldn't want to see classic Christmas movies on the big screen other than on a tv at home. It would make the holidays so much better especially since I am already here I would get to see the excitement on everyone's faces".

If you could choose one Christmas movie to be played on the big screen again which one would it be?

Victoria Chavez- "Wow this is a hard one because there are so many classics, but I would have to say 'Home Alone' it is such a staple in my household and there is no way people wouldn't want to come watch it and enjoy some popcorn and maybe some hot chocolate". 

Why are these hallmark movie trends sticking?

 Hallmark Christmas movies are known to be a little on the questionable side, the trope is always very confusing and why are people time-traveling? Some trends just tend to stick around for the long hall but most people may question why.

There is no questioning that this seems a little much, maybe not using the same background for each film would help.

In this article written by Mustafa Gatollari, he touches on subjects that may be even more questionable.

"Others noted that the holiday flicks don't necessarily feature the most diverse of casts, and delineated the "rubric" for making a Hallmark Christmas movie poster: a white couple wearing red and green, a tree, and some type of glowing light assortment in the background," Gatollari says.

Bringing up the fact that every single person in these posters looks the same, I think the Hallmark channel is sticking to a specific trend.

Looking for diversity is something important in every film, if everyone looks the same in each and every movie a lot of people are gonna look in the other direction when something comes out. There are more options when it comes to Christmas movies, maybe not as cringe-worthy but for sure ones with more diversity.

Clearly, the Hallmark channel knows its audience and there is a reason why they are still around, turning a summer set into a winter wonderland and using the same set for every movie may be why the audience tends to think it is always the same movie just a different trope.

"It’s easy to turn to the Hallmark Channel around the holidays and start watching whatever fluffy movies are on during its seemingly endless marathons. But out of all the Hallmark movies we asked about, only a few people have seen any of these real titles.

We can’t say exactly whether folks never watched these flicks, or they just can’t remember them out of the slew of holiday movies. It seems that Hallmark movies, like beautiful unique snowflakes, they all start to blend together after you clump them up," Trevor Wheelwright speaks on Hallmark films for an article on Cabletv.com.

Dolly Parton Christmas special

 

Dolly Parton is known for her lifting spirits and overall being a wholesome person. This year Parton decided to gather her loved ones and make a Christmas special.

Parton created this show with the intention of having it take place in Dollywood, located in Tennessee in her self-created amusement park. 

 Revealing that 3 guests will make an appearance fans are excited to see what Parton has up her sleeve because she never disappoints. After all, she is known for her holiday magic.

This special premiered on NBC on Dec. 1 with the chance to stream as many times as one would like. The hour-and-a-half special is still available on NBC and Peacock for streaming alongside her past film 'Circles of Love'.  Don't miss out on the special that will also feature new music Parton says with of course some hits like "9 to 5".

Dolly Parton sings hit song on Christmas special

Are the 'Harry Potter' films considered Christmas movies?

 'Harry Potter' deals with wizards and that may not seem very Christmasy but these movies carry some sort of nostalgia that brings back memories of
winter and Christmas.

Warner Bros. | Courtesy

"But that surely shouldn’t stop you from watching Harry Potter as a Christmas movie. The first film, especially, is one of the more heartwarming films, even if it has its share of dark moments.

They were showing the Harry Potter movies during the 25 Days of Christmas, Freeform would often include a mix of Christmas/holiday movies in their lineup as well as general family films, hence the inclusion of Harry Potter. And the only reason Freeform stopped playing the films was because the broadcast rights were given to new networks." Mia Johnson from fan sided talks about how 'Harry Potter' is a Christmas-related movie.

Being completely honest the only times any of the 'Harry Potter' movies have popped up on any sort of device is only while it's been Christmas time. There would be no other way to watch all 8 movies than to be sitting next to a Christmas tree with hot cocoa and Christmas music playing quietly in the background.

There are a lot of heartwarming moments that give that homey Christmasy feeling that is much needed and what better way to get that feeling than with 8 movies that are on freeform each year for 25 days of Christmas,

8 reasons why the movie 'Elf' is so likeable even to this day.

 Will Ferell is known for many things but as of 2003, he has been known as Buddy the elf. Director Jon Favreau took the challenge of directing one of his big movies and took a chance on Buddy the elf's story. A different take on the typical Santa and elf story where Santa Clause is the main character this movie does the opposite and cranks the jokes up for an older audience. 

1. You feel a sense of childhood

Buddy the elf is played by Ferell who is a full-grown adult and watching this movie keeps adults watching the movie feeling young. Seeing an adult play an elf other than a little kid is comforting in a way because there's a feeling of never growing up.

2. The food

There is no denying that seeing Buddy eat spaghetti with candy and maple syrup didn't make people doubt their diets. Candy corn, cookies, maple syrup, and soda should be essential for anyone.

3. Buddy doesn't stand for liars

 In no other Christmas film has Santa Clause been called out for being fake, Buddy was a real one for doing something we never had the guts to do.

You sit on a throne of lies

Will Ferell as Buddy the elf Tenor | Courtesy

4. New York City

New York City is known for its Christmas lights and trees with plenty of holiday festivities. That is why this movie taking place in New York with someone who doesn't even know who he is makes the film 10x funnier.

5. Peter Dinklage

Dinklage makes any film or show better, the position he plays in this film allows for the obvious joke to be made that he was a missing elf. 

6. James Caan 

Known for his role in 'The Godfather' a cheery Christmas movie is the last place you would expect to see James Caan which is why it makes it so much better.

James Caan in 'Elf' New Line Cinema | Courtesy

7. No Sequel

Sequels tend to disappoint and this movie was in no way going to backtrack on its success.

Good job Favreau!

8. Family

Every Christmas film needs a lesson to be learned in the end and this one involved family. We 

appreciate our loved ones once this movie comes to an end.

Top 5 Cringiest Movies On Netflix

 It is not hard to dismiss the fact that during the holidays it becomes prime cringy movie season, people falling in love on vacation to a cabin or being set up by friends. The stories are not that simple, and the plots of some of these movies are somewhat questionable. They keep entertaining each and every year and somehow getting worse. 

1. 'Christmas with a View'

Watch 'Christmas with a View'

Kaitlyn Leeb and Scott Cavalheiro in 'Christmas with a View' Netflix | Courtesy

The typical everyone loves him but me trope, Kaitlyn Leeb plays Clara and thinks she's different than every girl because the celebrity chef isn't her type. They soon start to work together and well the rest is very predictable and cringe-worthy it makes for a good laugh.

2. 'The Knight Before Christmas'

Watch "The Knight Before Christmas'

Vanessa Hudgens and Josh Whitehouse in 'The Knight Before Christmas Netflix | Courtesy

It took a second to fully comprehend what this trope, a knight traveling in time on a mission and he doesn't even know what the mission is. Josh Whitehouse plays Sir Cole who is figuring out his new life in the 21st century. While Vanessa Hudgens who plays Brooke just thinks he lost his memory and lets him stay with her while he regains it.

3. 'Love Hard'

Watch 'Love Hard'

Nina Dobrev and Jimmy O.Yang in 'Love Hard' Netflix | Courtesy

A modern love story involving a catfish on tinder, Nina Dobrevs character flys out to see the man shes been talking to but she gets a surprise when she lands and realises shes been lied to. Even though the story is something that would actually happen in real life this film still is very predictable and sappy. 

4. 'The Princess Switch' 

Watch 'The Princess Switch'

Vanessa Hudgens in 'The Princess Switch' Netflix | Courtesy

There are just some movies that should have stopped after the first and this is one of them. The first one of 3 was something very nail biting worthy. Not because it was scary but because of confusion and not knowing if finishing it was worth it. Hudgens plays 2 characters in the first one and her twin has a thick British accent that was not believable. She meets a prince and he develops a crush on one of the twins before his wedding day. Something worth watching for a laugh during the holidays.

5. 'A California Christmas'

Watch 'A California Christmas'

Lauren and Josh Swickard in 'A California Christmas' Netflix | Courtesy

Out of all the cringe worthy Christmas movies on Netflix this one is a sweet movie with of course some cringe worthy lines and moments but overall a comforting movie. A rich business man is set out to make a deal with a farm owner to expand his property but the farm owner knows nothing about this deal. He pretends to be someone he's not until he catches feelings and has to be honest with himself.

Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferell's 'Spirited'

Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferell on the set of 'Spirited' IMDb | Courtesy

Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferell star in a new Christmas movie 'Spirited' directed by Sean Anders released on early last month. Not sure what was expected out of this movie but a musical was not it, far from it. 

Knowing Reynolds as a funny actor this role was a weird one to think about mainly because it involved so much singing. The storyline was a beautiful Christmas story about the ghosts of Christmas past present and future turning angry and evil people into loving humans again.

Will Ferell is best known for his role in 'Elf' the Christmas movie that came out in 2003 and has become a staple in households around the holidays. Seeing Ferell play another Christmas character almost felt wrong. 

Following the life of this young businessman played by Reynolds, we get the cliche the only person in the world who hates Christmas and that just isn't allowed.  The 3 ghosts get to pick one person each year to focus on and help turn them back into happy people again but they face some challenges along the way. Along with a handful of singing that might drive one's family a little crazy.

Ryan Reynolds in 'Spirited

Overall this movie might be one that can be skipped this holiday season, Reynolds tends to play the same character in every movie and that seemed to be the case again for 'Spirited'. The singing every 5 minutes takes away from the story and in total honestly,
those singing scenes can be used as a bathroom break.