A Very Merry Holiday Movie Guide, Rachel McMillan
This is a fun book for anyone who likes the romance movies on the Hallmark Channel (and some on the Lifetime Channel), but unfortunately I don't. You know the ones: they've got cutesy names like Mistletoe Kisses, A Prince for Christmas, Merry and Bright, and they're basically all the same plot with the same gorgeous lead woman and the same hunky lead guy, who despite all obstacles they fall in love, sometimes with the help of a cute puppy or kitten, an adorable child or children, or a magical small town where everybody knows your name and believes in Santa Claus. I would not have read it had I known that. I thought it was a guide to all holiday movies with some activities to go with each theme (classic Christmas, romantic Christmas, etc.) Some classic films are mentioned, but very briefly. Also, it really isn't a guide to the movies at all, like describing the plot, listing the actors, and giving a rating to the film. A three-line synopsis is all each movie gets. The only movie in the book that I remember seeing and liking was the updated Little Women take The March Girls at Christmas, and even that has its flinching moments, like John Brooke and Teddy Lawrence being immature.
If you are a Hallmark Channel fan, you may enjoy the setup. There are fifteen themes, like "the shoppers Christmas," "the family Christmas," "the destination Christmas," suggested movies for each theme, and suggested activities (baking cookies during baking themed movies, exploring a city at Christmastime with the Christmas in the City films, etc.). Each chapter also has some Christmas trivia, such as when Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer joined Santa's team, or the importance of "Silent Night," or how Santa Claus was portrayed in older times, and there are some recipes.
Otherwise it's a big commercial for Hallmark Christmas films and a total bore. Very girly, too. Give me A Christmas Carol, The Homecoming, and The House Without a Christmas Tree any day.
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