Like all hectic Christmas seasons, plans can be dashed in an instant. Sadly, dear readers, this was the case with this review. The allure of a Barbenheimer experience with Wicked and Gladiator II is just not in the cards. And unfortunately, some of the latest awards hopefuls were a week or two away on streaming to catch in time for deadline. But, regardless of those setbacks, no fear here. Upon browsing through the annals of Netflix, I found a couple appropriately themed movies and specials just in time for a night-in with friends or a slow evening alone.
The advent of the holiday television special seems a glimmer from a bygone era. However, it seems like a no-brainer; get a musical host and some guests and you have a show. Into the 2020s waltzes A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter. The Disney-derived pop girlie has had an incredible year, releasing multiple popular singles including the smash Espresso. Then she ended the summer with her full-length Short n’ Sweet and recently earning three Grammy nominations. All this, but it still puzzles me: why give her a Christmas special?
After some research, I found that she released an album called Fruitcake at the tail of end of last year. Some songs are featured here along with more traditional selections. It is not so counterintuitive as pop divas have constantly produced hour-long programs such as this; Judy, Barbra, Cher, Mariah. Theirs were not G-rated, but they certainly not as bawdy as Carpenter’s. With sexy outfits and more than a taste of profanity, she works through skits where she is dating St. Nick and a modern retelling of A Christmas Carol. The latter of which, she and two other close friends play “Ghosted” women of past present and future to a cad of a Scrooge. All in all, there was a lot of amusement to go around. A few dated moments, with internet celebrities popping in, added to my puzzlement.
The standout moment was her duet with fellow breakout Chappell Roan on “Last Christmas” and one with Shania Twain on “Santa Baby.” My personal favorite was a poignant black and white sequence where she sang an original, a sad song called “Cindy Lou Who.” Despite the raunchier moments, I would still recommend this a good Christmas special as well as a perfect time capsule of this past year.
Lindsey Lohan has been on a resurgence of late. Two years ago, she graced us with Falling for Christmas. This year, however, it is Our Little Secret. As the film begins, her character Avery and longtime boyfriend Logan breakup. Hard cut to ten years later, we find them with new significant others and ready to meet new potential in-laws for the holiday season. There is only one catch; both Avery and Logan are dating siblings within the same family. So, as to not make it awkward, both decide to hide their respective pasts; grin and bear it. As all great rom-coms go, hijinks ensue. I will not divulge any detail as the journey is part of the appeal. Suffice it to say, you will not guess some of the wild turns this movie has up its sleeve.
Kristin Chenoweth is a real hoot as a sweet yet fierce mother who runs a tight household. There is a bit of a Mean Girls and SNL reunion as Tim Meadows shows up as a family friend and Chris Parnell as a vet who must perform a favor for Lohan. The supporting cast is also rounded out with one of the warmest performances from veteran character actor Henry Czerny. Savvy viewers will remember him from Clear and Present Danger as well as the Mission: Impossible series. It is a joy to see him outside of those ruthless roles as he has such a great report with Lindsey. As crazy as the story is, I was pleasantly amused by the proceedings. Happy Holidays all, and see you in 2025.
