That's So Random - Part I

Here is a list of Christmas/Holiday themed movies that didn't have a niche.

A Matter of Principle (1984)
56 min.

(From Netflix) Writer John D. Weaver's story serves as inspiration for this family drama about a father whose rules are hard to live by, even by the standards of his wife and children. With 11 mouths to feed, he decides that the only way to survive the holidays financially is to ignore them. But when his put-upon spouse can no longer stand his Grinchlike behavior, she deserts him, leaving him to wrestle with his so-called principles.

OK for Children



Christmas Do-Over (2006)
90 min.

(From Netflix) When jingle writer Kevin travels to a remote town to spend Christmas with his son Ben, ex-wife Jill and her parents, he finds himself living the very same Christmas Day over and over again -- giving him a chance to win back his family. But blocking his path to redemption are a pair of ornery ex-in-laws and Jill's seemingly perfect new boyfriend -- not to mention Kevin's own abundant shortcomings.

OK for Children


Chasing Christmas (2005)
90 min.

(From Netflix) In this modern take on the Charles Dickens classic, Jack Cameron is a man who despises Christmas, having been cuckolded by his ex-wife during the holidays. This attitude doesn't fly with the Bureau of Yuletide Affairs, which sends a pair of ghosts to "help" him. The Ghost of Christmas Past leaves Jack stranded in 1965, but things look up when the lovely Ghost of Christmas Present comes to his rescue.

OK for Older Children



Comfort and Joy (2004)
89 min.

(From Netflix) High-powered single woman Jane Berry is focused on the important things in life: advancing her career and spending a fortune on shoes. But after getting in a car accident on Christmas Eve, Jane awakens to discover that she's a married, stay-at-home mom with two kids and a penchant for charity work. Is she dreaming, or is this new life of hers for real?

OK for Older Children


Scrooged (1988)
100 min.

(From Netflix) Cold-hearted TV exec is about to discover the true meaning of Christmas --the hard way. This wild, woolly spin on Dickens's A Christmas Carol sees the main character visited by three high-spirited spirits … and while there are laughs aplenty, his reformation and redemption are immensely powerful.

OK for Children 13+

Silent Night (2002)
86 min.

(From Netflix) This retelling of a heartwarming true story is set in Germany on Christmas Eve of 1944, as a German mother, Elisabeth Vincken, and her young son, Fritz, face invasion of their home by both American and German troops. Against all odds, the mother and son try to persuade the soldiers from both sides to temporarily call a truce so that they may all join together and break bread in the spirit of Christmas.

OK for Older Kids due to mature theme

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
105 min.

(From Netflix) Dr. Seuss's much-loved tome about the real meaning of Christmas finally makes it to the big screen, with comic wunderkind Jim Carrey starring in the titular role of a green-faced gnome who plots to rob Whoville of the Yuletide. Several songs from the classic 1966 animated cartoon have also made the transition. Pass that last can of Who Hash, will ya?

OK for Children

Noelle (2007)
90 min.

(From Netflix) In this heartfelt Christmas tale, aloof Father Jonathan Keene comes to Cape Cod to close a failing parish run by caring yet troubled Father Simeon Joyce. But both men harbor secrets fueled by guilt and shame, and soon, Keene questions his faith. As his heart opens to the townsfolk, especially the lovely Marjorie Worthington, Keene discovers the magic of forgiveness and the gift of a second chance.

For Children 10+

A Midnight Clear (1992)
NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH 'MIDNIGHT CLEAR' (2007)
107 min.

(From Netflix) In 1944 France, an American intelligence squad locates a German platoon that prefers to surrender rather than die in Germany's final war offensive. The two groups of men, isolated from the war at present, put aside their differences and spend Christmas together before the surrender plan turns bad and they're forced to fight each other.

Rated R (not for Children)