A Review for Christmas: Recent Episodes
Chelsea Gulbransen
Book Watchers is a podcast where we watch books. By that we mean we dive into the differences between novels and their screen adaptations.
In our FIRST EVER EPISODE we had to cover a classic: Jane Austen's beloved Pride & Prejudice. While there have been an abundance of adaptations, none stand quite as tall as the 1995 mini-series or the 2005 film.
Because Ariel has read the book many many times she is our defacto expert for today's episode. Ariel will take Chelsea on a deep dive of all the changes, big and small and discuss whether they worked or not. She will paint the picture of the world of Austen and we will look on in awe and wonder. Chelsea will remain hyper-focused on the hand flex. IYKYK
Thank you for meeting us here and we hope you keep coming back.
Keep reading. Keep watching.
Just a heads-up - if any similarities exist between our podcast and others seem a little too close for comfort, we promise it’s purely coincidental! We’re just here to discuss something we are passionate about and share our own unique take on the world of adaptations. Any resemblance to other podcasts is absolutely unintentional, we have taken a vow to remain chaste, and by that I mean, we do not consume any content that has even a whisper of being close to what we do. And we hope you will enjoy the ride with us!
You never ask, but we always answer. Ariel and Chelsea dissect the men of season 4 to determine who among them is worthy of the shortest courtship known to man.
Insta: areviewforchristmas
TikTok: review4xmas
YouTube: A Review For Christmas
When we saw that this movie briefly had a higher score on Rotten Tomatoes than the Godfather, we knew it had to be this year's finale. Kathy (Lacey Chabert) is a young widow just trying to get by. She gifts a scarf to a snowman in the square and he magically comes to life as Jack (Dustin Milligan). He streaks, he steals, he is constantly on the verge of melting, and we love him for it. This campy "born hot yesterday" tale takes us on a magical journey through the meaning of love and Christmas, but also ABS. Did we mention the snowman has ABS? If you forget, the movie will find time to remind you, over and over.
Thank you for a magical season 4, and keep your eyes and ears open for the bonus episode: Men I would Marry in 10 Days coming at ya in 2025
YouTube: A Review for Christmas
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok: review4xmas
Welcome to Christmas 2024. This year, Lifetime made a movie inspired by a very public romance that is barely a year old.
A young, successful popstar and a hot shot football player find romance in this kooky film. Bowyn Sykes (Jessica Lord) and Drew "Gonzo" Gonville (Laith Wallschleger) meet at her concert and he decides to shoot his shot. After a "lowkey" first date, these two decide to date for fun and not for love. The couple faces many challenges; a pesky ex-boyfriend, a quarterback brother who is a huge skeptic, and rude media attention, to name a few. With unending song and football references, Chelsea lapped this up because she is a mindless Swiftie and had to make sure Ariel and anyone else who may listen, knew all the LORE.
Homework: Hot Frosty
YouTube: A Review for Christmas
Insta: areviewforchristmas
TikTok: review4xmas
Round and Round review that proves Chelsea did NOT lose her mind: https://www.autostraddle.com/round-and-round-queer-review/
Additionally, if you want to watch the version of Round and Round that Chelsea watched last year, it can be found on Amazon Prime. We have no idea why Hallmark made a different edit for Philo. It's their world, we just review it.
Last year, Hallmark gave us a gift and a masterpiece. Today we share that with you.
Ever wondered what would happen if Hanukkah and Groundhog Day crossed over? Rachel (Vic Michaelis) is having the worst 7th night of Hanukkah ever, her boyfriend ditches her, the sufganiyot gets ruined, and the house catches fire. After spinning an antique dreidel she then gets to live that day over and over and over. She enlists the help of Zach (Bryan Greenberg) to help her break the time loop she is inexplicably trapped in.
Is this movie the BEST holiday romance of all time?
Homework: Christmas in the Spotlight
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok: review4xmas
YouTube: A Review for Christmas
2023 Hallmark chose to ask a question not many of us consider..."What if Santa was hot?"
Avery (Italia Ricci) is a budding News Anchor who might have finally gotten her big break. The night before her big Christmas broadcast, Chris (Luke Macfarlane) ends up in her house dressed as Santa. Thinking him a crook, they begin their wacky journey of her trying to save her career and him trying to save Christmas. Be careful, this movie might make you have some very strange feelings about Santa.
Homework: Round and Round
Insta: areviewforchristmas
YouTube: A Review for Christmas
Tik Tok: review4xmas
Blake Shelton meets Christmas (KIND OF) in this weeks film. A businesswoman and country music star find themselves stranded in a storm trying to get home for Christmas. They travel from New York to Tulsa and FALL IN LOVE. Join us as we discuss the blossoming love of Heath (Josh Henderson) and Cara (Megan Park).
Homework: Catch Me if You Claus
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok: review4xmas
YouTube: A Review for Christmas
In today's episode we are diving into Christmas Wedding Planner. While trying to plan her cousin's extravagant wedding, Kelsey (Jocelyn Hudon) comes face to face with Connor (Stephen Huszar), a PI who threatens to ruin it all. They team up, Kelsey hoping to prove him wrong but they soon discover that something may be amiss with the husband to be. This Christmas mystery may keep you on the edge of your seat or might not...Only you can decide.
Homework: Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok: review4xmas
YT: A Review for Christmas
Jane Austen meets Holiday Romance in this charming tale of an event planner and a billionaire falling in love. Elizabeth Bennet (Jessica Lowndes) teams up with William Darcy (Michael Rady) to throw a town Christmas festival at his up-for-sale Manor. Between Lizzie's charm and Darcy's unflinching eye contact, we were hooked.
Homework: Christmas Wedding Planner
Insta: areviewforchristmas
YouTube: A Review For Christmas
Tik Tok: review4xmas
WE ARE FINALLY TALKING ABOUT JONATHAN BENNET!!
Spoiled Luce (Lexi Giovanni) is walking a neighbor's dog for some extra cash when she meets Dean, (Jonathan Bennet) a handsome local dogwalker & veterinary student. The dog park is in danger of being turned into a Spa and Luce's boss is the developer in charge! Dean works hard to convince Luce to save the dog park which will somehow save the town and probably Christmas.
Insta: areviewforchristmas
titok: review4xmas
YouTube: A Review for Christmas
Homework: Christmas at Pemberly Manor
WE'RE BACK BABY! For the third and (hopefully) final installment of the Christmas Prince series. Amber(Rose McIver) and Richard(Ben Lamb) are parents to be but there are BIGGER ISSUES! A royal treaty that has been signed before Christmas every hundred years is up for renewal. Between Amber's inability to act like a royal and the treaty going missing, chaos ensues.
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok:review4xmas
YouTube: A Review for Christmas
Homework: A Dogwalkers Christmas Tale
After a whirlwind year, Amber (Rose McIver) and Richard (Ben Lamb) are finally set to be wed. With the hustle and bustle of planning, the over the top wedding planner Sahil (Raj Bajaj), and the never ending judgement of Ms. Averill (Sarah Douglas), Amber is beginning to feel like this life may not be for her. Can Amber and the Prince figure out how to make their two worlds work? Will Sahil create the wedding of the century? Will the dad make Chelsea stick forks in her eyes? All this and more coming up.
Homework: A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok: areview4xmas
YouTube: A Review for Christmas
In 2017, Netflix dipped it's toes into the Christmas romance game with the surprise hit "A Christmas Prince". Today we discuss this I C O N I C film and the absolute disaster that it is.
Amber (Rose McIver), is a young editor and is sent off to Aldovia to see if playboy Prince Richard (Ben Lamb) will choose to rule the land or abdicate the throne. A case of mistaken identity ensues where she goes "undercover" and causes chaos and finds love all in the name of finding the truth.
Join us as Ariel takes us on this journey of absolute hijinks, confusing accents, broken ming vases, secret trysts, and ridiculous lies.
Homework: A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding (Netflix)
Insta: areviewforchristmas
YouTube: areviewforchristmas
TikTok: review4xmas
Hallmark's gatekeeping has FINALLY come to end and we are here to regale you with all the gory details. Naomi (Janel Parrish) and Liz (Pascal Lamonthe-Kipnes) are two best friend trying to change the world one app at a time. They are heading home for Christmas and there they reconnect with high school heartthrob Chris Silver (Tyler Hines). From there you are expected to believe a love triangle occurs but we are here to tell you the TRUTH. So please buckle up, and eat a whole bucket of Halloween candy while Chelsea breaks down her most awaited film of the season.
Homework: A Christmas Prince (Netflix)
Insta: areviewforchristmas
YouTube: areviewforchristmas
TikTok: review4xmas
You've heard us discuss and tease this episode for a while now, it's finally here! Ariel and Chelsea unpack THREE SEASONS worth of love interests and discuss if they worth getting engaged to within 10 days or less. Grab your hot cocoa, take a seat, and maybe buckle up, cause this is one doozy of a chat.
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok: reiew4xmas
No foolin' here, it's another BONUS EPISODE.
Today we cover Easter Under Wraps; Erin Cavendish (Fiona Gubelmann) goes undercover at the family chocolate factory to see if handmade or automation is what is best. She meets the head chocolatier, Brian Bailey (Brendan Penny) and together they solves some factory issues, eat chocolate, and maybe fall in love?
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok: review4xmas
Fáilte to the bonus episode! Today we take you to magical Ireland where Maddie (Lindsay Lohan) is watching the love of her life marry another. After making a wish she finds that she is now marrying Paul Kennedy (Alexander Vlahos) BUT has she been given what she wants, or what she needs? These questions start to arise as she travels around Ireland with James Thomas (Ed Speleers), a handsome stranger she met before she even made her wish. Shenanigans ensue and chaos is all around.
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok: review4xmas
SURPRISE!!! Happy Valentine's y'all!!!! Today we bring you: My Secret Valentine: A young woman takes advice from the chalkboard notes that her mysterious tenant leaves when a slick sales rep arrives with plans to buy her family's prized winery. - This is the first description of this movie when you google it...and it's....kind of accurate? "Advice" is generous, but we digress, enjoy the first ever bonus episode
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok: review4xmas
The Season Finale is upon us and so is another Snow Globe story. Meg is a high powered producer that is akin to Scrooge. When a snow globe hits her in the head she is transported to an alternate life where her guide, Sal, will not let her leave. In this life she is married to her high school sweetheart, showtunes Ted. Will Meg learn how to be a better person or will she sleep with the mayor and sell off the whole town???
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok: review4xmas
Angela longs for a perfect Christmas. When she receives a mysterious Snowglobe in the mail she is transported to a land where it is always Christmas and the people there are always full of cheer. Will she choose Douglas, the town shoveler, or Eddie, a charming man who doesn't live in a Snowglobe?
Homework: A Snow Globe Christmas
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok: review4xmas
The Christmas Kiss saga has come to an end with "Merry Kissmas". Kayla, in a loveless engagement, randomly kisses Dustin in an elevator. Neither of them can seem to forget the kiss or stay away from each other. Kayla is torn between the two men. Who will win her heart in the end? And can she set up some boundaries???
Homework: Snowglobe (2007)
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok: review4xmas
The magic of the elevator strikes again! This time, fashion editor assistant Jenna, kisses her boss' playboy brother under the mistletoe when an elevator shakes and squeals. Will this magic kiss help Cooper reform his bad boy ways? Can Jenna learn to trust him? Will Ariel be deeply disappointed in Chelsea's choice of men?
Homework: Merry Kissmas (Christmas Kiss III)
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok: reviewxmas
After sharing a kiss in an elevator, Wendy learns her handsome stranger is actually her boss' boyfriend. She is then forced to work on the Christmas party for the man that cannot remember her. Will Adam remember Wendy? Will Ariel remember Wendy's name?
Homework: A Christmas Kiss II (Another Christmas Kiss)
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok: review4xmas
When town baker, Emily, receives a mysterious advent calendar, an entire town goes bonkers trying to figure out who it is from. In the meantime, newcomer and also a baker, Gerard, finds himself quite taken by his competition.
Homework: All 3 Christmas Kiss Movies
Insta: areviewforchristmas
Tiktok: review4xmas
Every year at Christmas, Jackie sends a glowing newsletter to her friend Charlotte. When Charlotte's son puts in Jackie's address into their GPS, the family lands on Jackie's doorstep just days before Christmas. Thus begins Charlotte's attempts to prove Jackie is a liar and that her life is anything but perfect.
*if you have young ears listening, there is discussion of Santa Clause being real or fake - listen with care
Homework: The Christmas Calendar (A Taste of Christmas)
Insta: areviewforchristmas
Tiktok: review4xmas
When workaholic Graham decides to skip Christmas with the fam, they do the unthinkable, they invite his ex-fiancee Ali. When he shows up to surprise them, he ends up getting the surprise of his life. Graham and Ali begin a showdown to see who the parents will ask to leave first. Will Ariel be able to contain her secondhand embarrassment and her aversion to anything remotely raunchy? Will Chelsea be totally biased to the incomparable Leighton Meester? Will Ali and Graham work out their issues???
Homework: Best. Christmas. Ever!
Insta: areviewforchristmas
Tiktok: review4xmas
We're a few days late and a few latkes short - enjoy our belated Hanukkah episode! Rebecca and Chris are both vying for the title of VP and the person who shines the most planning the Christmas party will get the crown. Chris may also learn a few things about Hanukkah along the way as he continually crashes Rebecca's festivities.
Homework: EXmas (Freevee)
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok: review4xmas
When architect, Ava, travels to Fjordland/Friorland to assist her uncle with the finishing touches on the Royal Ice Castle, she never expected to meet a Prince, much less date one! Can this playboy prince mend his ways? Will the staff ever stop scheming against her? Find out as Ava and Henry find the true meaning of love and Christmas in this Hallmark masterpiece.
Homework: Double Holiday
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok: review4xmas
Hallmark has taken on a new challenge - two stories told in tandem across two movies. Today Ariel and Chelsea tackle the second of the two. In this episode we join Meg as she takes over her sister's restaurant for the holidays. Will she find what she truly needs?
Homework: A Royal Christmas Crush
Insta: areviewforchristmas
tiktok: review4xmas
Hallmark has taken on a new challenge - two stories told in tandem across two movies. Today Chelsea and Ariel tackle the first of the two in this premiere. Join Jen and Meg as they switch places for Christmas and find what they truly need.
Homework: Sister Swap: Christmas in the City
Insta: areviewforchristmas
For our season finale, we bring you Rob Lowe. Holiday in the Wild tells the tale of a women (Kristen Davis) who goes to Africa for a second honeymoon...alone. Will she find herself? Will she find love? All this and more on the season 2 finale of A Review for Christmas
Season 3 Homework: Sister Swap: A Hometown Holiday
Insta: areviewforchristmas
In the thrilling sequel to The Christmas House, the handsome brothers find themselves in competition. Hijinks and chaos ensue. Join us as we find out who will be crowned the "King of Christmas"!
Homework: Holiday in the Wild
Insta: @areviewforchristmas
Twitter: @review4xmas
The incomparable Jonathan Bennett stars alongside Robert Buckley in this movie about a family who goes all out for Christmas. However something is looming within the family, will this be the last Christmas together? Will Mike and Andi get their second chance? Will Brandon and Jake adopt a baby? All that plus a ton of Christmas hijinks ensue - join us on this ride.
Homework: The Christmas House 2: Deck those Halls
Insta: @areviewforchristmas
Review: @reviw4xmas
In this episode we cover Ghosts of Christmas Past - a young woman is given incredibly high stakes, make amends with every man she's ghosted or never find true love, all while trying to design a new Christmas themed video game. Will she make it? Will she find love with an old flame or will a new one emerge?
Homework: The Christmas House
Insta: @areviewforchristmas
Twitter: @review4xmas
Today we cover a blending of the classics. Pride and Prejudice meets a Christmas movie. As our resident expert on Jane Austen, Ariel will go through the plot and tell us if they nailed it while Chelsea listens in rapt awe.
Homework: Ghosts of Christmas Past - Hulu
Insta: @areviewforchristmas
Twitter: @review4xmas
We wish you a Merry Trope-mas! Join us this week as we review A Merry Christmas Wish. This movie follows the formula to a T and we are here for it.
Homework: Pride, Prejudice, & Mistletoe
Insta: Areviewforchristmas
Twitter: review4xmas
We have a long one for you today! We dive into Netflix's "The Knight Before Christmas" - a young knight travels from 14th century England to 2019...Ohio...
Can he complete his quest? Will we get sponsored by Netflix? Will Chelsea apologize for sounding like she's in a tin can? All these answers and more this lovely New Years Monday!
Homework: A Merry Christmas Wish - Hulu
Insta: @areviewforchristmas
Twitter: @review4xmas
Join us for the post-Christmas episode - Something From Tiffany's. When gifts from Tiffany's get switched, chaos ensues. Will Ethan and Vanessa live happily ever after? Will Gary get his act together for Rachel? Or will Rachel and Ethan find new love together? All these questions and more will be answered soon!
Homework: The Knight Before Christmas
Insta: @areviewforchristmas
Twitter: @review4xmas
On the second day of Hanukkah, your podcasters bring you a Hallmark classic. Join us as we discuss the meaning of Hanukkah and finding love in an unexpected way.
Homework: Something From Tiffany's - Amazon
Insta: @areviewforchristmas
Twitter: @review4xmas
Today we review Netflix's adaptation of The Noel Diary. It is the story of a young woman trying to find her family, and hoping a successful author with family problems of his own, will help her find the way.
Insta: @areviewforchristmas
Twitter: @review4xmas
Join us as we follows a pop star who's got a career burnout and escapes to a small town where she finds not only inspiration but a shot of love. An episode full of tears, culture, and tangents galore
Homework: The Noel Diary - Netflix
Insta: @areviewforchristmas
Twitter" @review4xmas
Tis the Season for formulaic love stories!
Join us as we kick of season 2 with the iconic return of Lindsay Lohan in Falling for Christmas. You will be hoping you have your own skiing accident in a quaint lodge town and find love by the time we're done with you!
Next week: Christmas With You - Netflix
Insta: @areviewforchristmas
Twitter: @review4xmas
Whether your favorite Christmas move is Love Actually or Die Hard, this romcom has something for you. In our final episode of the season we discuss Netflix's Love Hard. Can dating disasters lead to something more or is it all a web of lies?
Insta: @areviewforxmas
Twitter: @review4xmas
See ya next Holiday season for more laughter and tears and correction corners
As we come through the winter season we drive into Netflix's new movie - A Castle for Christmas. This is our triumphant return to the standard plot formula of boy meets girl, boy looses girl, boy and girl reunite in time for Christmas.
NEXT WEEK: Love Hard - Netflix
Insta: @areviewforchristmas
Twitter: @review4xmas
In our most controversial episode we discuss Hulu's Happiest Season. We tackle hard topics and discuss where the movie shines and where it falters. Plus Chelsea will take any excuse to gush about Dan Levy
Insta: @areviewforchristmas
Twitter: @review4xmas
Next week's episode: The Christmas Castle - On Netflix
Today the ladies discuss Holidate - a Netflix original movie starring Emma Roberts. We get a very traditional fake dating plot with some fun twists and characters. This one takes a different turn where a larger discussion takes place about tropes, writing, and acting.
Next week: Happiest Season
Insta: @areviewforchristmas
Twitter: @review4xmas
Move over Spy Kids, there are some new girls in town. Join us on what is likely our final journey with Stacy, Margaret, and Fiona. In this third installment the ladies have to save Christmas from a prolific thief or risk excommunication! We will navigate the world of high stakes theft, childhood trauma, and, of course, love.
(apologies in advance for Chelsea's dog in the background)
Insta: @areviewforChristmas
Twitter: @review4xmas
Join us as we journey back to Montenaro to see what Stacy and Margaret are up to! Here we meet the dramatic Fiona who has a dastardly plan - will she be successful? Will Kevin and Margaret finally be together?
Insta: Areviewforchristmas
Twitter: review4xmas
Merry Twinmas! Today we deep dive into the first of a series of 3 Netflix original films where two women who are identical switch places and get into all sorts of shenanigans. Can Stacy the baker be a duchess? Can Margaret the duchess be a baker from Chicago? Only time and hijinks will tell!
Insta: @areviewforchristmas
Twitter: @review4xmas
We are back at it with the Lifetime classic: The Spirit of Christmas. In this holiday drama/mystery, we ask if love transcend the barriers of the material and spiritual world. We have 12 days to find out.
You can watch the film on Prime, Sling, Google TV, YouTube TV, Vudu, and Apple TV (some fees may apply)
Insta: @areviewforchristmas
Twitter: @review4xmas
FB: TBD
HOMEWORK for next week: The Princess Switch 1 - Netflix!
Starting off with a BANG. Here we discuss and review the Netflix Original Christmas Inheritance. Spoilers ahead along with far too many jokes and tangents.
Tweet us @review4xmas
Insta: areviewforchristmas