Over the glorious Christmas Break Dr. Wife and I sat down to watch one of my favorite childhood flicks, Gremlins (1984; that’s an Amazon Affiliate link to a Blu-Ray of the film, along with Gremlins 2 and The Goonies; I received a portion of any purchase made through that link, at no additional cost to you). She had never seen it before, and as it is a Christmas movie (at least, it takes place at Christmas), I thought we should give it a watch. I also knew that she would love Gizmo, the plucky Mogwai (she did).
I remember a similar scenario many years ago with my older brother’s first wife: we all sat down and watched Gremlins, which she had never seen before, and it was a delightful experience. Dr. Wife was feeling under-the-weather when we did our viewing together, but she thoroughly enjoyed it. I did as well, even though I did not enjoy wrapping Christmas presents (poorly) while we watched—ha!
In late 2022 through early 2023, Ponty and I did an exhaustive rundown of our Top Ten Favorite Films. His was very thoughtful and deliberate; mine was more or less picking through flicks I had in my DVD collection.
That said, I did put some thought into my Top Three, and this flick definitely deserves its slot.
Another note: I know I’ve been recycling movie reviews a lot this month, so thanks for bearing with me. Dr. Wife and I have been moving and taking care of all sorts of other tasks while we have some precious time off together, so the blog has—as it so often does—fallen onto the backburner. She and I watched 1984’s Gremlins last week, however, so I’m looking forward to reviewing that soon.
Well, Christmas has passed, but I choose to believe that the Christmas season lasts until Epiphany, so we’re going to keep the good times rolling with a look back at some pieces from this recently-expired Christmas week:
With Christmas just a few days, I’m continuing to look back to Christmas movie reviews of yesteryear. Today, I’m reflecting on what might be the quintessential Christmas movie, 1946’s It’s a Wonderful Life(that’s an Amazon Affiliate link; I receive a portion of every purchase made through that link, at no additional cost to you).
I have a vivid early memory of watching the movie on Christmas night at my late paternal grandparents’ house, and staying up very late to finish it. My Papa was sitting in his recliner, and my cousins and I were on the floor. It’s wild to consider that a black-and-white film could hold the attention of a roomful of rambunctious younguns, but that speaks to the quality and the magic of this film.
Last year, when Dr. Wife was still Dr. Girlfriend, we sat down and watched an incredible movie exploring demonic possession and spiritual warfare.
That film was 2023’s Nefarious(that’s an Amazon Affiliate link; I receive a portion of any purchases made through that link, at no additional cost to you). It’s one of the best films I’ve seen in years, and it’s an overtly Christian film (without making it feel like it’s overtly Christian). It’s an excellent example of how Christians can make compelling art that espouses our beliefs culturally.
Back in 2022 a couple of my regular contributors and I each took turns reviewing the 1951 film adaptation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol (for links to all three reviews, click here). The film has since became almost annual viewing for yours portly, a tradition I hope to continue with Dr. Wife.
With all the busyness of the wedding and last week’s school play (as well as this week’s school concert), I decided to take this morning to look back at my review from three years ago.
The film is a poignant reminder to keep the joy of Christmas alive in our hearts, something that is often difficult as the trials of adulthood responsibility exact their toll. But Christmas is the time of year to celebrate the Birth of Jesus, and to recapture—to the extent possible—the simple magic of childhood.
Good old Ponty sent along this awesome review before I headed out on my honeymoon, which saves me the creative effort of crafting a thoughtful review of some crappy movie after being unplugged for the past week.
Instead, you get this great review of an awesome movie. Anytime Italo Calvino is referenced in a movie review, you know it’s going to be good.
I’m sure I’ve seen The Usual Suspects—or I thought I was sure until I read Ponty’s review. Now… I’m not so sure. Based on his review, I’ll have to head his advice to see it posthaste. Perhaps Dr. Wife and I can enjoy it over Christmas. I’m still planning on showing her Gremlins (1984).
Just a note—several of the links in this review are Amazon Affiliate links. I receive a portion of any purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. I’ve marked these links with an asterisk (*).
In lieu of my usual Monday Morning Movie Review, I wanted to do something a bit different: what are some of your favorite films to watch during the month of December, in the build-up to Christmas?
I’m thinking of doing the Christmas equivalent of the 31 Days of Halloween series, but probably not for all thirty-one days of December. That said, there are some great Christmas movies out there that would be fun to give the 31 Days treatment.
For those that missed that series, here is the idea: these videos will also be super lo-fi, as a.) I believe in the lo-fi ethic and, more honestly, b.) my video editing skills and capabilities are virtually non-existent. We’re talking one take with minimal in-camera editing—and that’s it. No fancy cutaways to clips from the movies; no wacky angles; no green screens placing me in a haunted castle. At most I’ll hold up a DVD of the flicks if I have one.
My only caveats: no Polar Express (2004) and no Elf (2003). Even I have standards!
Let me know your picks in the comments below, or through the contact form on this site.
Halloween is a week past, but I still have some episodes of 31 Days of Halloween to share! By now, most interested readers have sought these final videos out on their own, but in case you missed any of the later episodes, I wanted to share them today.
On 1 October 2025 I launched a YouTube Shorts series, 31 Days of Halloween. The concept is simple: one, one-minute (or shorter) Halloween/horror movie review every day for the month of October. These reviews are super lo-fi—just yours portly recording on a phone, sitting at a desk. No frills, no fancy editing, just me giving my impressions of the films in an unscripted, fast way.
A quick note: most of the links below are Amazon Affiliate links, typically linking to the movie on DVD or Blu-Ray, as well as the books they’re based upon (or the novelizations of the films). I receive a portion of any purchases made through those links, at no additional cost to you.
Day 23: Nosferatu (1922)
Day 23 is the 1922 German Expressionist silent film classic Nosferatu.
The Portly Politico 