From family favorites to seasonal classics, Cedars writers share their top Christmas movies
Compiled by Janie Walenda
As Christmas break begins, so do the Christmas movie marathons. Whether you prefer Hallmark rom-coms or classic movie musicals, charming family entertainment or uproarious comedies, there’s a Christmas movie for you. Oftentimes these movies become part of holiday traditions. Everyone has a favorite Christmas movie, and some of our Cedars Arts and Entertainment writers have taken this opportunity to share their favorites with you. &n...
Here are our top recommendations for individual or family Advent devotionals
By Kathryn McDonald
With Christmas just around the corner, it can be easy to get swept up in all the holiday celebrations without pausing for personal reflection on the deeper meaning of the season. Within the traditional Church calendar, the four Sundays leading up to Christmas provide believers and their families opportunities to slow down and celebrate the Christmas story. Some families may choose to use an advent wreath or countdown to provide a visual reminder of the weeks and days ...
‘Spirited’ is a heartfelt, festive and irreverent treat
By Janie Walenda
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is a well-trod territory by this point. Everyone has a different favorite movie adaptation – mine is “The Muppet Christmas Carol” – and the story makes an appearance every year in theaters around the world. There's a good reason for this, as “A Christmas Carol” is far more than just festive entertainment but an enduring story about humanity, change and what it means to be a good person.
“Spirited” isn’t ...
‘Slumberland’ is a bland movie with an interesting past
By Katlynn Rossignol
Nemo loved living with her father in their picturesque island lighthouse, but when Nemo’s father is lost at sea, Nemo is sent to live with her estranged and socially awkward uncle. Nemo sleeps to escape her grief and meets Flip, the self-proclaimed famous outlaw of Slumberland, in her dream. The two go on a treasure hunt for the wish-granting pearls hidden in the Sea of Nightmares to fulfill Nemo’s wish to see her father again.
Tone:
The tone of ...
‘The Wonder’ displays the battle between belief and skepticism
By Caroline Stanton
“We are nothing without stories and so we invite you to believe in this one” is the beckoning into the world of Ireland in "The Wonder," just a few decades after the devastating Irish famine.
I can say with absolute certainty that I have never encountered a movie like “The Wonder.” This film is closely based on the book “The Wonder” by Emma Donoghue. I went into watching it with very little knowledge of the premise of the film I was about to ...
Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’ presents a cheerful Christmas extravaganza
"Oh Christmas Groot, how I love your branches.''
By Lacie Strouse
Marvel’s goofiest protectors of the galaxy set out to Earth after discovering the holiday, “Christmas,” with hopes of cheering up Star-Lord, played by Chris Pratt.“The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” is filled with festive holiday cheer and classic Guardian humor. Mantis, played by Pom Klementieff, is given a special spotlight in the holiday special along with Kraglin, played by Sean Gunn, who we should ...
‘Blockbuster’ loses focus of its main attraction
By Samuel M Acosta
When I found out that they were making a show about the movie-rental store Blockbuster, I was instantly in love. Blockbuster stores played a huge role in my childhood, as it was a weekly, sometimes daily, part of my life. Almost every movie I watched when I was in elementary school was something we rented from Blockbuster. With this deep love, I sat down to binge this ten-episode series… and I was incredibly disappointed.
“Blockbuster” followed Timmy, ...
‘The Menu’ serves up a deliciously thrilling and darkly comedic feast
By Ben Konuch
"You will eat less than you desire and more than you deserve."
Surprisingly, 2022 has been a year full of fantastic horror and thriller films. From "Barbarian" to "Nope" to "Smile," this year has produced many standout additions in these genres that have reinvented what it means to feel tension through film. So when I saw the first trailer for "The Menu", a 2022 mystery/thriller/black comedy, I was hoping that it would appease my appetite, and it exceeded every expectation. ...
Tim Allen returns in the new Disney+ series ‘The Santa Clauses’
By Anna Harman
No one is more excited about this series than I am. “The Santa Clause” movies are some of my all-time favorites, and I’ve had the release date for this series on my calendar since it was announced. I think that it is very exciting to see the beloved characters from the original films come back. When filmmakers remake films or do a spin-off series, oftentimes they can’t get the cast to participate in it. But in this series, Tim Allen returns as Santa Claus, Elizabeth ...
‘Adventures in Odyssey: 28 Hours’ ties back to ‘Novacom’ 20 Years Later
By Sophia Monastra
I am not the “Adventures in Odyssey” fanatic of my household. That title belongs to my younger sister. I only reap the benefits of her AIO Club account, one of which is access to the latest album, ‘28 Hours.’ Despite this album being written for a younger audience, I found much to enjoy from it.
It’s a normal day in the semi-normal small town of Odyssey until someone breaks into the local antique shop, Triple J Antiques. This sets off a chain of events ...
