ABOVE PHOTO: Thaddeus J. Mixson as ‘Nick Carver,’ Genneya Walton as ‘Joy Carver,’ Madison Thomas as ‘Holly Carver,’ Tracee Ellis Ross as ‘Carol Carver,’ and Eddie Murphy as ‘Chris Carver’ star in “Candy Cane Lane.” Photo: CLAUDETTE BARIUS © AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES LLC
By Kharisma McIlwaine
The holiday season is upon us! Lights illuminate the inside and outside of homes, trees are lined with ornaments and the festive spirit is abounding. Each season people get into the holiday spirit by watching, or in most cases re-watching, holiday classics like “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” or more recently, “The Best Man Holiday” and “This Christmas.”
Fans of holiday movies can always look forward to a new wave of films to watch each year. Sifting through the wide array of choices can be overwhelming. Just in case you’re looking for some suggestions, here are the top 5 new holiday films to stream this holiday season.
“Candy Cane Lane,” directed by Reginald Hudlin and written by Kelly Younger, is a comedy that follows the story of Chris Carver (Eddie Murphy), a man determined to win his neighborhood Christmas decoration competition. Although he hand-carves his own decorations, Chris always seems to fall short to his neighbor, who wins every year by using inflatable dolls. The stakes are raised when Chris is laid off and is desperate to not only beat his neighbor, but to secure the new $100,000 prize. After discovering a mysterious Christmas shop, Carver signs a very long receipt which seals a deal with a mischievous shop owner Pepper (Jillian Bell). Chaos ensues as Chris’ signature ignites a spell that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life. “Candy Cane Lane” also stars Tracee Ellis Ross, Robin Thede, David Alan Grier, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Genneya Walton, Trevante Rhodes and Nick Offerman. It is rated PG and is a great watch for the family, and is available to stream on Prime Video.
Check out the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8H4JGqIiV0
“Dashing Through The Snow,” directed by Tim Story and written by Scott Rosenberg, tells the story of a disgruntled social worker, Eddie Garrick (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges). who hates Christmas. A painful and traumatic childhood memory continues to prevent Eddie from finding the joy in the holidays, despite his daughter Charlotte’s (Madison Skye Validum) love for Christmas. Eddie, who is currently separated from his wife Alison (Teyonah Parris), plans to spend time with Charlotte on Christmas Eve while Alison does some last-minute shopping. Eddie and Charlotte get the surprise of their lives when they meet a man named Nicholas “Nick” Sinter-Claus (Lil Rel Howery) dressed as Santa Claus. Nick does his best to convince the father/ daughter duo that he is in fact the real Santa, all while attempting to escape a shady trio of bad guys who are after his naughty or nice list. Will Eddie finally find the Christmas spirit with the help of Saint Nick? Stream “Dashing Through The Snow” on Disney+ to find out.
Check out the trailer here: https://youtu.be/DbOmSUSmISM?si=F9P_FWVZQxhlg8vD
“A Wesley Christmas Wedding,” directed by Patricia Cuffie-Jones and written by Bree and Chuck West, is the sequel to the 2022 “A Wesley Christmas.” The BET+ original reunites the Wesley family as the Wesley siblings Chris (Kevin Savage), Todd (Terayle Hill) and Cydney (Loren Lott), travel back to their childhood home in Washington to celebrate Christmas with their parents Bryan (Dorien Wilson) and Sylvia (Jasmine Guy). Todd and Ryan (Judi Johnson) are preparing for their engagement party when a vindictive ex, an overbearing mother, and feuding in-laws throw a wrench in their plans. Hijinks ensue as the siblings’ individual problems come to the surface just in time for Christmas. “A Wesley Christmas Wedding” is currently available to stream on BET+.
Check out the trailer here: https://youtu.be/oLg-2tcCU80?si=epuERphEA_N2pEVU
“Genie,” directed by Sam Boyd and written by Richard Curtis, is a fantasy fairy-tale comedy based on the 1991 British television show “Bernie and The Genie.” “Genie” tells the story of Bernie Bottle (Paapa Essiedu), a man too focused on work, who has lost sight of what’s truly important — his family. Bernie is in jeopardy of losing it all — his marriage, the chance to be a present father to his young daughter (after missing her birthday) and the holiday spirit. After being fired by his tyrant boss (Alan Cummings), Bernie accidently dusts off an old jewelry box, that releases a magical genie (Melissa McCarthy). With three wishes, Bernie seeks to put his life back together piece by piece. This PG rated film filled with laughs and lots of heart is one to enjoy with the whole family. “Genie” is available to stream on Peacock.
Check out the trailer here: https://youtu.be/k5uzsanBY9U?si=l0wQwb-oE7vPSFP4
“Best.Christmas.Ever!”, directed by Mary Lambert and written by Todd Calgi Gallicano, gives a glimpse into what can happen when jealousy leads to unexpected revelations. Ever year Jackie Jennings (Brandy Norwood) sends out a Christmas newsletter detailing various parts of her seemingly perfect life with husband Valentino (Matt Cedeño) and daughter Beatrix (Madison Skye Validum). After Charlotte Sanders (Heather Graham) and husband Rob Sanders (Jason Biggs) son Wyatt (Grant Sanders) and daughter Dora (Abby Villasmil) receive the newsletter, Charlotte declares that she would love nothing more than to show up to Jackie’s home unannounced to let the wind out of her sales and dismantle her façade of perfection. Wyatt takes that sentiment as a challenge and reroutes the family’s GPS from Charlotte’s sisters house to Jackie’s. After a snowstorm forces the Sanders to stay with the Jennings family for the holiday — will Charlotte have a change of heart? Stream “Best.Christmas.Ever!” on Netflix for the answer.
Check out the trailer here: https://youtu.be/2deV7cUtS0E?si=BeVRG0EUZvtE7U4P
Once you’re done binging holidays films at home, you can head to the theater to see the remake of “The Color Purple,” an adaptation of the 1985 film of the same name, directed by Blitz Bazawule and written by Marcus Gardley, Alice Walker and Marsha Norman.
The film features an all-star cast which includes: Fantasia Barrino (Celie), Danielle Brooks (Sophia), Taraji P. Henson (Shug Avery), Colman Domingo (Mister), Corrie Hawkins (Harpo), Phylicia Pearl Mpasi (Young Celie), Halle Bailey (Young Nettie), Ciara (Nettie), Louis Gossett Jr. (Ol’ Mister) H.E.R. (Squeak), David Alan Grier (Reverend Avery) and more. “The Color Purple” recounts the timeless and powerful story of Celie, a young Black woman who overcomes adversity and finds her own strength and voice in the face of racism, sexism, oppression and abuse. Celie’s journey of self-discovery, love, and empowerment captivates audiences with her ability to persevere. The 2023 adaptation — which has already earned Golden Globe nominations for Barrino (Best Actress) and Brooks (Best Supporting Actress) — brings a renewed emotional depth to this beloved tale, highlighted by an incredible score and a tremendous amount of heart. “The Color Purple” opens in theaters nationwide on Christmas Day.
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