Christmas Movie Review: Day Ten

Little House on the Prairie (The Pilot)

 Another movie that technically isn't a Christmas movie, but, oh, I loved watching it Christmas time as a little girl! <3 

Charles and Caroline Ingalls leave their home in the Big Woods for the unknown prairie in Indian Territory, travelling in a covered wagon and bringing along their three daughters, Mary, Laura and Carrie, and their faithful dog, Jack. When they finally reach Kansas, they build a cabin and the young family settles in to their new home.
 Prairie fire, Indians, rushing rivers and heavy snows are just a few of things they have to endure, and the family must rely on their faith in God and their love for each other to survive the wild country.

But... you knew that, right? *winks* 

 I mean, everyone knows the story of Laura Ingalls Wilder. As a little girl, my mom would read the books aloud to us, and this movie was a regularly watched film in my house. I was in love with Laura and her world; many times I'd lie in bed and just wish I could have been born 100 years earlier. 

If you've watched the rest of the TV show, then you'd know they stray far away from the original story. Like far, far away.  But the pilot movie actually stayed closer than most adaptions. 

 The music and sounds in this movie gives me all the feels of childhood, and the Christmas scene..*happy sighs* It's almost the way I always pictured it when my mom would read it aloud. <3

 When I got a little older, and was able to truly comprehend what was going on, I realized how sad Ma and Pa must have been feeling, thinking that they couldn't give their girls much of a Christmas. When you're a kid you just don't grasp those kind of things. I love Ma's gentle reminder to Pa: 

"It's Christ's birthday, not ours."

Some people think the acting here is cheesy, but I always thought it was excellent. Although I would say Melissa Gilbert's portrayal of Laura is a little bit bratty, but that doesn't show through nearly as much until the show, so I can handle her here. She may not be exactly the way the real Laura was, but she tries. And her narrating, along with the music, is beautiful. <3 

 Mr. Edwards is probably the only character I would have real complaints about. Don't get me wrong; he's still a wonderful person that adds a lot to the story, and I learned to love him. But he's not Mr. Edwards. The Mr. Edwards in the books was thin, wiry, and called himself a 'wildcat from Tennessee'. I felt like the actor in the mini-series from 2005 captured that spirit better. (But take my word and don't even bother that adaption of the story.) 

 The Mr. Edwards from this film kinda give your more of a huggable bear feel, instead of a wildcat.  

Watching this movie as a little girl also helped me grasp how frightening it must have been for both Caroline and Charles. Taking their little girls far from any family to an unsettled place where Indian rumors circulated and other dangers roamed. And the Indian threat part....brrr. It's enough to scare an adult, when you think about how desperate Pa must be feeling, thinking he's going to have to fight to keep him family from being killed. 

Speaking of Pa, I thought Michael Landon did a wonderful job as Charles Ingalls. No, he doesn't look anything like the real Pa (I mean, he's missing the iconic beard??) but he captured that cheerfulness and sparkle that Laura wrote about. And portrayed the fiddle-playing father perfectly. <3 

 He made Charles Ingalls seem more than a dad seen through the eyes of a little girl; he brought a touch of human to the character, and made him to be a man with emotions and fears and thoughts that others can relate to. 

 Karen Grassle did a good job as Ma, too, although I always pictured Caroline to be a little quieter and softer. But she holds her own just fine throughout the film. As show continued on, however, I like her adaption less and less. (But we are discussing the movie)  

Charles takes God's name in vain once, during a moment of crisis. When I was little I thought he was praying, so...there is that. Other than that, I can't recall any content. 

This childhood favorite will always have a special place in my heart. <3 The music, the scenery, and the dialogue...I can hear it in my sleep. It's just the best. <333

My Review: Five Stars ✩✩✩✩✩

If you haven't seen this one, I recommend you give it a try! Maybe it isn't true to the story, but its still a heartwarming film that's good for the whole family to enjoy. 

                                                                                           LaKaysha

Christmas Movie Review: Day Nine

Mickey's A Christmas Carol

Everyone knows the old Dicken's classic, right? Well, this is Disney's twist, featuring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and all the beloved characters. I'm afraid this is going to be a rather short review.

 Ebenezer Scrooge is an old miser who hates Christmas and spends his days making his nephew's (Mickey Mouse!) miserable. When he's visited by four ghosts, however, he begins to see Christmas, and himself, in a whole new light. 

I loved watching this as a kid <3 I honestly didn't realize until I was older and was actually interested in classics that this movie was an adaption from the original story. I just knew this version. 

I loved seeing all the familiar characters playing different roles, and all the cameo appearances by all the old friends I grew up with. I especially enjoyed Jimminy Cricket as the Ghost of Christmas Past, since he's always been one of my favorite Disney characters! <33 

There are some scenes that can be frightening to kids, like when Scrooge is visited by his old partner, or when he finds his own grave and falls into the fiery coffin. Yes, even I was a little nervous as a child. lol 

Because I am a little biased, and grew up watching this wonderful old cartoon, I am rating it with five stars. 

My Review: Five Stars✩✩✩✩✩

Sorry for the very short review, but I am in an awful hurry today! Just take my word for it, and give it a watch one of these days. <3 

                                                                                         LaKaysha

Christmas Movie Review: Day Eight

Christmas in Connecticut (1945)

Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck) is a single New Yorker, making a living as a food writer. Her articles about her home life on the farm, with a husband and baby, are a work of fiction dreamed up by the young woman, and housewives across the nation admire her stories. 

 Her publisher has no idea the articles are lies, and has the bright idea of Elizabeth and her "husband" host Christmas dinner for a returning war her, Jefferson Jones (Dennis Morgan). 

 Facing a career-ending scandal for both her and her editor, Elizabeth desperately agrees to marry her friend, John, who really does have a farm in Connecticut. 

 On Christmas Eve, Elizabeth and John are about to be married when they are interrupted by the arrival of the war hero. Elizabeth is instantly smitten, but is unsure of what to do, since she's supposed to be a married woman with a baby of her own!

  

I had mixed feelings about this oldie.
 I loved Barbara Stanwyck after seeing her in Meet John Doe and her characters are always fun and give a lot of laughs, as well as heart-warming dialogue.
 I thought Dennis Morgan's character was the sweetest thing; and I liked how he kept trying not to fall for Elizabeth. She's supposedly married, after all!
 His interaction with the baby (a neighbor's child that Elizabeth pretends is her own) is cute and charming, and he struck me as an all-around American gentleman.

Elizabeth's obvious attempts to catch his attention would be sweet, if she wasn't pretending to be already married. Poor Jef'f. As innocent as it is to Elizabeth, since she's not really taken, he doesn't know that! 

There were plenty of comical scenes, like when the baby was 'kidnapped' or when Elizabeth is trying to learn how to cook. And the snow, adorable farmhouse, and the gorgeous tree Elizabeth decorates gives this movie all the Christmas feels. 

I give the old classic four stars! 

My Review: Four Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I'll see y'all tomorrow! 

                                                 LaKaysha

Christmas Movie Review: Day Seven

Samantha: An American Girl Holiday

Yes, we have another American Girl movie. The very first one the company ever made, actually, and the first one I ever watched. <3 Ah, sweet childhood. 

Samantha Parkington (AnnaSophia Robb) is a ten-year-old girl growing up in Mount Bedford, New York, in the year 1904. She lost her parents when she was very young and lives with her prim grandmother (Mia Farrow) in a world of wealth and privilege. When her neighbors hire the O'Malley family, Samantha befriends the eldest daughter, Nellie, (Kelsey Lewis) much to the dismay of Grandmary's social status.
 Shortly after, Samantha's Uncle Gard (Jordan Bridges) visits from New York City, bringing along a lady friend, Cornelia (Rebecca Mader) and announces their engagement. The couple asks Samantha to join them in New York, which she reluctantly agrees to and attends a new school in the city.
 When Nellie's fathers passes away, she and her sisters are sent to an orphan's home in New York. When things begin to change for the worst, Samantha must decide whether she's to stand up for what's right.

I have loved this movie since I was a little girl. <3
 The period costumes were to pretty and fascinating, and I feel like the fashion is more accurate than most movies made these days. The big hats to match the big hair, the lace dresses....Spot on, my friends.

I feel like AnnaSophia Robb did a much better job as portraying Samantha than the actress from the Felicity movie. She acted her age and brought Samantha's quiet but independent spirit to the screen with innocent grace. 

 Samantha's character is strong, but never pushy. Kind and open-hearted to anyone, without being overly-sweet as some children's movies come across. And her sad scenes were believable <3 Enough to break my motherly heart. 

 I thoroughly approve of her performance as the young girl from the books. 

The other cast members were excellent, as well. Uncle Gard was just like I pictured him. (I confess as a six year-old-girl I had a crush on him.) 

 Aunt Cornelia was perfect, too. Despite being a suffragette. she doesn't strike you as an obnoxious feminist who thinks women should rule the world, and she keeps her views very low-key and polite. I didn't get nauseated watching her as I do with most suffragettes from films. (Yeah, I have no use for feminism. And as a twenty-one year old woman, I can say that.) 

Grandmary did seem a little softer than the one in the books, but that didn't bother me. I always thought the character was a little stiff with Samantha. 

Samantha does break the law in this story, but again, she has good reason, so I can't say I disapprove necessarily. I may even do the same in her place. 

 The story touches a lot on child labor and how terrible it was during the beginning of the 20th century, but they also keep it in moderation without playing it up like some movies do. That pleased me, too. 

There is a factory scene where a young boy gets his finger stuck in a sewing machine. There is no blood or anything shown, but apparently some children are frightened by it. (Either I wasn't a normal child or kids these days are scared of everything.) That's all that I can recall!

In my personal opinion, this is a wonderful film that all girls should sit down to enjoy. (And when you do, appreciate the fashion at the wedding because it is soooo good.) 

 The acting isn't bad at all, (except the girl who plays Nellie) the historical accuracy seems well done, and although the story line is rather different from the books, its still quite good. 

My Review: Five Stars ✩✩✩✩✩

I hope you young girls will give this heart-warming move a try! Until tomorrow then, 

                                                                                              LaKaysha

Christmas Movie Review: Day Six

Smallfoot

I'm really unsure of what to say with this film. Also, it might not be considered a Christmas movie, but I watched it last year around Christmastime and it has snow through the whole thing, so...I figure it counts. *Winks*

This is an animated musical-comedy from 2018, about a young Yeti named Migo, (Channing Tatum) who has always believed that humans or 'smallfeet' were just myths. The yeti lives high in the Himalayas with his other other yetis, in a small village. Migo has a crush on the Stonekeeper's daughter, Meechee (Zendaya)  When he comes across a human named Percy (James Corden), things get a little mixed up for everyone involved.

Where to begin... This is movie is funny. I will grant you that. It's got plenty of humorous incidents, witty lines and slapstick humor. And the soundtrack is pretty great, too.
 I just love Zendaya's solo of 'Wonderful Life' and Channing Tatum's song in the beginning is pretty cool, too.

I do feel like there is some hidden propaganda in this movie. The Yetis have been told their whole lives that their mountain is resting on the backs of mammoths, humans are non-existent, and the Stones the village leader wears give the rules they must live by. 

 Anyone who questions the way they've lived for centuries is labeled a 'freak' and urged to keep silent about all their independent thoughts. 

 When Migo discovers none of this is true, the Stonekeeper urges him to keep the truth hidden away, supposedly to protect the other Yetis from humans, when all he really wants to is to keep his role as the Stonekeeper. 

 If you think about it deep enough, it does seem like they are painting a picture of what the world thinks conservatives and Christians are like, refusing to accept the wicked 'new ideas'. 

 "Just because you've been told something your whole life doesn't make it true." 

And that isn't exactly wrong. But you could take it as the media telling us to 'open our minds to new ideas' and basically accept all the evil they promote in this world, like homosexuals. 

Okay, that being said, it is still an entertaining movie, and if you don't take it in that way, its not bad. 

 Zendaya's voice is amazing, as usual. I've seen her in 'The Greatest Showman' and her voice never fails to warm my heart. It's so pretty <3333 And she's good with the humor, too. 

'Meechee'

  

As for content, there really isn't anything that I recall. One character uses the words 'crap' once. 

 The Stonekeeper has a song that may frighten children, according to the parents guide online, but that's entirely up to the child. *wink* 

So to wrap things up, its a good movie, with plenty of humor, good songs, and is something the whole family will enjoy. 

 Adding the well-brought humor, beautiful soundtrack and subtracting due to the hidden politics, I've decided to give it four stars.

My Review: Four Stars ✩✩✩✩

Day Six down, nineteen more to go! (Now that I said that, it made realize how close Christmas is. GAAAAAHHH)

                                                                                               LaKaysha

Christmas Movie Review: Day Five

White Christmas 

This is a 1954 classic musical that many people put on their Christmas watch list. To be perfectly honest, I have sat down maybe six times throughout the years, trying to watch it and never finished it all in one sitting. I think I can say I have watched the whole, thing, though. 
 So I reckon you can guess what kind of review this will be, but for the sake of it being a movie review, I have to be honest. 
 The movie was half-way based off of an earlier film, Holiday Inn, but mainly it got its idea from Irving Berlin's song. 

The story begins in WWII-torn Europe, when Private Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) saves Captain Bob Wallace (Bing Crobsy) during a bombing. Both men are entertainers back in the States.
 Bob later visits Phil at a field hospital and thanks the private for saving his life. When Bob offers a favor to repay the debt, Phil shows him a duet he wrote and asks to perform with Bob back in New York City. Feeling obligated by Phil's heroism, Bob agrees.
 The two go on from there, becoming big producers and rising in the entertainment business once the war is over. 
As a favor to an old army buddy, they agree to watch the friend's sisters perform. Of course, Bob instantly falls for the elder sister, Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Phil has his eye on Judy(Vera Ellen). 
 The girls are their way to an inn at Pine Tree, Vermont, to perform for the holidays, and after the two men help them during a moment of crisis, they invite them to come along. When they arrive at the inn, Bob and Phil discover its ran by their old commanding officer. 
 The inn is in danger of falling to ruin, so the two ex-soldiers vow to help their old friend out. 

It sounds like a great story, right? I wish I could say I enjoyed this movie; that it's a wonderful classic, but I just wasn't a huge fan.

 Bing Crosby's character was sweet, of course. He's generally pleasant to watch, and Rosemary Clooney wasn't bad either. But I felt the story was lacking in so many ways. 

 And the dancing....Ugh. I mentioned in an earlier review that I enjoy dancing to a certain degree, but this is one those musicals that drags the numbers on and on and on. And the dancing wasn't just some fun, entertaining tap or swing. 

 The women dressed in rather skimpy clothing for a lot of the numbers, and some other their dance moves were, lets just say, unneeded.

 Now I'm not trying to paint a horrid picture in your mind. Its not so terrible that mature adults couldn't handle the dancing, but I just see no need for that kind of entertainment. 

 There were some scenes that were sweet and enjoyable, like when Bob and Betty sing 'Count Your Blessings' (Instead of Sheep)' or when Phil and Judy dance. I thought Judy's dress was very pretty in that number. 

 And the finale is sweet. 

There some funny parts, too, like when Bob and Phil do the 'Sisters' act to give the girls time to sneak away. Danny Kaye is a comedian, so he's always brings humor to the screen. 

 I always liked the song 'Sisters'. 

Now don't get me wrong! If you enjoy watching this movie, I won't think any less of you or anything. I just wasn't a hug fan of it. 

 So I'm afraid, after all things considered, I'm only giving this film three stars.

My Review: Three Stars ✩✩✩

  

And that's Day Five! I'll see ya'll next time with another Christmas film!

                                                                                      LaKaysha

Christmas Movie Review: Day Four

Felicity: An American Girl Adventure 

As a little girl, I grew up reading the American Girl books and had my very own Kirsten doll. I was a huge American Girl Doll fan, and loved pouring over the catalogs and books. One of my favorite girls, was Felicity Merriman, so when this movie came out in 2005, I was excited! And yes, I still watch it every now and then, even if I am nearly twenty-two years old. I say if its a good movie, you'll love it forever. <3 

Ten-year-old Felicity Merriman (Shailene Woodley) is growing up in Williamsburg, Virginia, just before the American Revolution. High-spirited and independent, Felicity is a bit of a handful for her mother, although the young girl does try. She eventually tames a wild horse owned by a vicious old man, Jiggy Nye, and causes a bit of trouble in the process. 

Meanwhile, tension grows between the colonists. Some, including Felicity’s father (John Schnieder) and his apprentice, Ben (Kevin Zegers), wish for independence from the king of England. Others, like Felicity’s grandfather (David Gardner) and her best friend, Elizabeth (Katie Henney) remain loyal to the king.

This a fun, heart-warming movie that a lot of girls would enjoy watching. I like how they kept Felicity's independent spirit toned down just enough. If this were a newer film, it would have feminism on every corner and on every woman's lips. Thankfully, I did not feel that they were trying to endorse feminism or shove politics into my face. They were simply telling a story. 

 And who doesn't love a historical film? From the first moment I watched it, I was fascinated by the costumes and manners that the people wore, and all the little daily things they did. 

 I mean, look at those dresses! *happy squeals* I would give anything to have been an extra on set, and able to wear one of those gorgeous gowns. 

Young Shailene Woodley did very well as the high-spirited Felicity, although even as a little girl it was obvious to me that the actress was not ten years old. We will allow it, though. 

 Her acting wasn't excellent, like some younger stars, but she did hold her own throughout the film. In the scene where she tearfully prays, however, she did so well that I will still tear up at the desperation in her voice as she beds God to keep her mother safe. 

 We will also keep in mind that movie was intended for a younger audience, so if Shailene's portrayal seems a little lacking, that would be why. 

I absolutely loved Ben's character when I first read the books, so I was excited to see how well they would do in the movie. To give Kevin Zegers credit, my disappointment had nothing to do with his acting. He was very good, in fact. I was a little annoyed that they cast someone so much older than Felicity. I realize that in the books Ben is fifteen, compared to Felicity's ten. But couldn't they have cast an actual teen? The actor was twenty-one years old, and its kinda obvious! 

 When I read the books, I imagined that Ben would marry Felicity after she'd grown up. But in the movie that was very difficult to picture, and he seemed more like an older brother. 

John Schnieder, however, did a wonderful job! I loved him as Felicity's gentle but firm and unwavering father. He's wise and humble, but does not back away from his beliefs, even when his own father-in-law disagrees. And I mean, its John Schnieder. His acting is always on point. 

Other characters include Marcia Gay Harden as Felicity's mother, who also did marvelous as the quiet and tender-hearted woman. Grandfather, played by David Gardner, seemed rather stern to me, but loving in his own way. 

 I could have done without the whole stealing a horse thing, but that did happen in the books. And while I am not saying Mr. Nye wasn't in the wrong, it wasn't exactly right of Felicity to take matters into her own hands, either. But, I suppose, in her own way, she was only trying to stand up for her beliefs the same way her father and Ben did. 

 I mean, being a traitor to the Crown isn't exactly legal, either. Yet our Founding Fathers did defy the King, and thank the Lord they did, or who knows where we'd be. 

Because this a period film, quite a few of the women wear daringly low necklines. Mr, Nye is a known drunk, but it never actually shows him ever drinking, and although he is a rather vicious, angry man, he doesn't come across as dangerous to any man. Only his horse. 

All in all, it is a sweet movie that the whole family can enjoy! Because of some of the things I've pointed out (mainly Ben's casting) I will only be giving this one four stars. 

My Review: Four Stars ✩✩✩✩

But that doesn't mean it isn't worth a watch! Go see it for yourself <3 

                                                                                              LaKaysha

Christmas Movie Review: Day Three

Made Each Other (1939) 

Technically this movie isn't about Christmas, but it has a New Year's scene, and its on the internet as one of the movies to watch in December, so I'm not the only one. *Winks*

When a young man and woman begin a very hasty marriage after a short meeting, it's questionable to their friends and family whether this union will last.
 John Mason or 'Johnny' (Jimmy Stewart) is a young lawyer trying hard to climb up the ladder, and it seems rather impulsive for him to marry Jane, (Carole Lombard) a woman he's known for one day.
 As money gets tighter, and a new baby arrives, the young couple struggle to keep body and soul together, as well as keep Johnny's mother (who is living with them) satisfied and happy.

This is another tear-jerking, heart-warming film that makes you believe in love <33

Seeing the two people so in love and trying so hard makes you want to root for them and hope that they can succeed in life, no matter how difficult it is. 

 It shows the tough side of marriage, as well as the beautiful, making this more than a romantic comedy. Its a beautiful love story about two very average people living a very average life, and trying to keep a very average marriage. 

 Jimmy Stewart is probably my favorite actor of all time (its really a toss-up between him and Gary Cooper) and he portrayed the struggling, frustrated husband as only Stewart could; with his boy-next-door sweetness and all-American attitude that earned him the nickname "The World's Best Friend". 

 Your heart breaks for poor Johnny, watching him work so hard, only to be knocked down again and again, but during it all you somehow still believe that the young man will succeed. Someday. 

Carole Lombard played the character of Jane wonderfully. <3 I grew up watching her in the Shirley Temple film 'Now and Forever' and always thought she was a beautifully strong woman. 

 Jane's determination to stand by her husband's side, no matter what, makes her a role model other girls would do well to respect, and she tries her best to remain cheerful and encouraging for Johnny, which can be hard with a nagging mother-in-law. 

 She isn't perfect, of course, which only makes us love her all the more. Carole gave Jane's character such strength, and I enjoyed seeing her superb acting skills. 

 When tragedy strikes, poor Jane finally does crumble, and its up to Johnny to keep these from falling apart completely. 

 I would tell you more, but shhhhhhhh. Spoilers. 

There are many other supporting characters to the story, like Mrs. Mason (Johnny's mother), his boss and other co-workers. I loved seeing Louise Beavers (also from Holiday Inn) character, Lily. She seems to be such a kind, lovable person, and always ready to help the Masons out, despite the fact that they can no longer pay her. She is the kind of woman anyone who want for their aunt or grandma. <3 

There is a scene where a very distraught Johnny comes home drunk, and I loved how patient and kind Jane remains, knowing how much he's hurting. He admits that he loves very much her and needs her, and the scene ends happily. It doesn't show him drinking. There is also some drinking at the New Years party. 

A few kisses. Maybe a low neckline. That's it! 

I adore this story, either as a Christmas movie or as romance, and at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'm giving this one five stars also! 

My review: Five Stars ✩✩✩✩✩

I hope you sit down to watch this wonderful old film! Until tomorrow then, 

                                                                                                LaKaysha

Christmas Movie Review: Day Two

I'll Be Seeing You (1944)

This film is another golden classic. <333

 When two strangers aboard a train, Mary Marshall and Sgt. Zachary Morgan, end up sitting across from each other, there is an instant connection between the two. But both people have their secrets. Mary is a convict, given eight days furlough to spend the holidays with her aunt and uncle, and Zach, who is a victim of shell shock, has been allowed a ten-day leave to try and adjust to normal life. Both are spending Christmas in Pinehill before Mary must return to prison and Zach to the hospital. The two exchange numbers before parting ways, and eventually begin to see each other.  

 Once they spend more time together, it's obvious Mary and Zach are falling for each other, but neither has the courage to admit their troubles...And time is running out.  

 It's a beautiful romantic drama featuring The beautiful Ginger Rogers, handsome Joseph Cotton and the delightful Shirley Temple, all grown up. 

I loved this movie.
 It was sweet, warm, with some humor and sadness that leaves you with a satisfied feeling after watching it.
 You just want to cry for both Mary and Zach's pain, smile at their obvious feelings for each other, and sigh when it all finally comes together in a beautiful ending. And it features one of my favorite songs from the era. (same title as the movie)

Ginger Rogers does a marvelous job as Mary, the main character who was sent to prison for accidental manslaughter. I personally think she's one of the prettiest actresses of the 40s, and she has the sweetest smile.
 Mary's character is strong, kind and thoughtful, even with her sentence, and it leaves you wondering why they made her go to prison in the first place. After all, she was only defending herself.
 And, yes, I'm going to say it again: her style *sighs*
Her outfits are positively adorable, and her hair is pretty and feminine. I just love watching these old classics and studying the way they used to dress in the good old days.

Joseph Cotton also beautifully portrayed the poor broken Zach. Watching his pain made my heart break, and I just wanted gather him up for a big old hug.
 His shyness and quiet tenderness with Mary is enough to melt any girl, and the way he tries so hard to overcome his problem makes you respect him even more.

Shirley Temple's character Barbara (Mary's cousin) was typical of the roles she played during her teen years. Bouncy, fun and light, bringing some comic relief to screen. But Barbara has a tender heart that shows throughout the film, and it makes you wish Shirley had more dramatic roles as a young woman.

Mary's aunt and uncle were the sweetest couple as well. Kind and forgiving, and always there for Mary. I can't say many parents would let their daughter share a room with a convict, even if Mary didn't meant to kill the man.
Aunt Sarah is portrayed by the same woman (Spring Byington) who later played Daisy Cooper in Laramie (which I have been watching lately) and I always enjoy seeing her kind-hearted air and sweet attitude.

There is some drinking in the New Year's scene. A few kisses. In one scene Mary tells Barbara about how and why she had to kill a man. He tried to accost her, but it doesn't go into too much details and shows her accidentally shove him through an open window while fighting him off. But the scene is very brief and shows very little.

Also has a scene of Zach having an 'episode' due to his shell shock, which I guess could be frightening to young children. I probably wouldn't have been, but all kids are different.

I thought it was sweet movie, the kind that young girls would do well to watch these days instead of those cheesy Hallmark films or Chick-Flicks. The ending always makes me cry, without fail. <333
 But don't take my word for it! Watch it yourself. 

My Review: Five stars ✩✩✩✩✩

And that's day two down! I hope you all enjoyed! 

                                                                                         LaKaysha

Christmas Movie Review: Day One

Every day, from now until Christmas, I will be doing a Christmas movie review for ya'll to enjoy! Maybe you'll even want to give some of these films a try this Christmas season to put you into the holiday mood!

Holiday Inn 

Let's start with one of my favorites, shall we?
 Holiday Inn is a 1942 musical starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire and Marjorie Reynolds and features songs written by the great Irving Berlin. <3

Plot: 

 Crosby's character, Jim Hardy, leaves the show-biz life for a farm in Connecticut after being jilted by her girlfriend, Lila (Virginia Dale), who says she has fallen for his friend, Ted Hanover (Fred Astaire). 
 Jim isn't completely happy with farm life, however, and returns a year later with a plan to turn his farm into a 'Holiday Inn', only open on the special holidays for guests to celebrate together. 
 Ted and his agent are amused by his scheme and the agent sends a random young woman named Linda (Marjorie Reynolds) to audition for a place in his act. 
 Jim, however, likes Linda and agrees for her to stay on at the Inn, and that day (being Christmas Day) he sings his new song 'White Christmas' for her. The song has become dear to people across the globe, and we have Irving Berlin to thank for that! <3
 Problems arise when Ted arrives, sad and broken because Lila ran out on him (this woman likes leaving poor young men at the alter!) to marry a millionaire. Because he's a bit *ahem* tipsy, Ted dances with Linda but can't remember it the next day. 
 Ted's agent demands that he finds the girl because of her exceptional dancing skills, and Jim, worried that his friend will once again snatch his love away, does his best to make sure they never find her.

Where do I begin? <3
I've loved this movie from the first time I watched it. It's an old-time film with charm and humor that can only from 1940's America, and its's good clean entertainment to get you in the Christmas mood.
 Bing Crosby's character is sweet, humble and lovable; the complete opposite of Fred Astaire's character. Ted Hanover is a regular weasel in my opinion and find myself wishing someone would give that man a good swift kick just once. But his dancing is pretty on point, I must say, so we will forgive him for existing. After all, the story wouldn't be complete without his character ruffling everyone's feathers. *winks*
 Also, it's Bing Crosby. We can't not love his quiet humor and beautiful crooning.

Marjorie Reynolds character was perfect for Croby's love interest. She's sweet, cheerful and kind without being too forward or pushy, and I have to say her hair was beautiful. Every time I watch this movie I just gawk at her elegant outfits and the ladylike way she holds herself. I confess sometimes I find myself wishing I could be a little more like her. 

 Her singing is quite lovely, too. <3 

The songs in this movie vary from fun and lighthearted to sweet and tender, making this a very enjoyable musical with just enough dancing to keep it fun without overdoing it. I love dancing, but some musicals like to stretch the numbers on for far too long. 

There is, of course, a scene where Ted is quite drunk. But it doesn't show him drinking, and that is the only time any of the characters appear to consume alcohol. So if you are concerned about your kids being exposed to anything like that, there is that one scene. But it is made to more humorous than anything else. 

I think there are some dancing girls wearing short skirts in a scene, but their dancing isn't inappropriate or anything like that and they aren't on screen very long.

Lila is also rather fickle and annoying, as she drops one man after another. But I'd say she and Ted deserve each other. *SPOILER*.......................... Lila returns, having left her millionaire, as well. (before the wedding, of course)

All in all, it's a fun, sweet movie filled with warmth and entertainment that I will watch again and again. Jim and Linda are the cutest couple, too, may I add. <333 

 There's nothing like a black and white classic to start off the season! 

My Review: Five Stars ☆☆☆☆☆

 And I hope you all enjoyed this post and give this wonderful classic a try!

                                         LaKaysha