Christina Milian, Devale Ellis (right) and Kofi Siriboe star in Meet Me Next Christmas. Photos: Supplied.
The Christmas movies list is the gift that keeps on giving! There are plenty of viewing options on streaming platforms, but Netflix has the most on offer, with new additions for 2024.
The list of Christmas rom-coms and animated offerings is endless. Where do I even begin? Actually, let’s stick to three new releases: Meet Me Next Christmas, Disney’s An Almost Christmas Story and Hot Frosty.
What would you do to get a ticket to a sold-out Christmas Eve concert? Perhaps you won’t be as desperate as singer, songwriter and actress Christina Milian (Love Don’t Cost a Thing, Be Cool) in her role as Layla in Meet Me Next Christmas.
If you are looking for an easygoing, heart-warming watch that doesn’t break new ground, then Meet Me Next Christmas is for you. This is where a holiday tradition of attending a Pentatonix Christmas show takes on new meaning when her recent break-up leaves Layla yearning for a Christmas miracle to find her true love.
A novel touch here is the inclusion of Pentatonix, the popular a cappella group known for its holiday music. Making a few cameo appearances, thus playing up on their fame, adds some humour and playfulness to the storyline.
We follow Layla’s frenzied pursuit through New York City as she attempts to secure last-minute tickets to the concert, eager to meet her “soulmate”. With the help of a spirited concierge, Layla navigates an array of comedic challenges, all designed to test her resolve and holiday spirit.
Even though overstated characters and unusual plotlines are a part of the fairy-like love story, director Rusty Cundieff (Fear of a Black Hat, Tales from the Hood, Chappelle’s Show) extracts an energetic and spirited performance from Milian.
An Almost Christmas Story is an animated short film on AppleTV+.
Disney’s An Almost Christmas Story is an animated short, cute film, filled with enough magic to leave you with a smile – exactly what you want from a festive holiday film.
Narrated by John C. Reilly, the story follows Moon, a curious, strong-willed young owl who unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heart-warming adventure as they journey back home to their parents.
This is a nostalgic holiday short that channels the charm of classic festive tales while offering a unique, modern take. Clocking in at just 24 minutes, the film embraces the timeless fairytale of Christmas, yet its conciseness doesn’t stop it from feeling like a fully fledged, enchanting experience.
The talented voice cast includes Cary Christopher as Moon, newcomer Estella Madrigal as Luna, Jim Gaffigan as Papa Owl, Mamoudou Athie as Pelly, Alex Ross Perry as Dave The Dog, Gianna Joseph as Peaky, Phil Rosenthal as Punt, with Natasha Lyonne as Pat and John C. Reilly as The Folk Singer, who performs four songs, two of which are original.
An Almost Christmas Story is directed by David Lowery (Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, A Ghost Story) and is loosely based on the true events of Rocky, the Rockefeller owl. This is the third (and final) instalment in a trilogy of holiday shorts produced by Alfonso Cuarón. It was preceded by Le Pupille and The Shepherd.
Lacey Chabert and Dustin Milligan feature in Hot Frosty.
There’s something bewitching about Hot Frosty. It is one feel-good film that’s a seamless blend of romance, humour and Christmas cheer. It’s not without flaws, which can be overlooked, just like the quirky premise.
When a young widow’s mystic scarf ‘’awakens’’ a dashing snowman into a shirtless man named Jack (Dustin Milligan, Mack & Rita, Shell), enchantment happens!
Kathy Barrett (Lacey Chabert, Not Another Teen Movie, Daddy Day Care) runs Kathy’s Kafe in downtown Hope Springs, New York. Her late husband was a handyman, but now the roof leaks, her heat is out and a step is broken.
Kathy’s friends Theo (Dan Lett) and Mel (Sherry Miller) give a red scarf ”destined” for her, encouraging her to seek happiness after her bereavement. On her way home, she sees a snow sculpture competition and places the scarf on a muscular snowman and takes a picture.
Later that night, the snowman comes to life, and it’s his innocence that helps heal her heart!
Directed by Jerry Ciccoritti (Paris, France; The Life Before This; Blood; The Resurrection of Tony Gitone) and well written by Russell Hainline, there’s a lot of compassion and a tiny bit of alchemy.
The narrative is fresh and inviting, due in large part to the film’s appealing performances and smart script.
Meet Me Next Christmas, Hot Frosty and An Almost Christmas Story are streaming on Netflix and AppleTV+.
