For Better or For Worse: The Bestest Present (1986)

AN ANIMATED CHRISTMAS TELEVISION SPECIAL

This animated Christmas special, For Better or For Worse: The Bestest Present, was created based on Lynn Johnston's popular comic strip, For Better or For Worse. It was produced for Canadian television in December, 1986, and follows the Patterson family as they get ready for the holidays. Of course there are lots of funny moments and a touching finale, which combine to make a lovely film with some voices supplied by Johnston's own children.

This is a very popular Christmas television special that is not widely available on DVD. However, sometimes the videotape is available new and used through various sellers at Amazon and eBay although the rarity and popularity of this item dictates the price especially if someone finds a new copy.  You can find your copy of The Bestest Present on Amazon by clicking here and on eBay here.

See you
at the movies!

Brenda

More Rare Films:


The Great American Cowboy (1973) Documentary Film
Doctor Who The End of the Universe Boxed Set
Snow White Live at Radio City Music Hall

How To Survive The Christmas Holidays According to the Movies

For movie fans, here's a fun video that describes, according to the movies, what you have to do to safely and sanely survive the Christmas holiday season.

See you you
at the movies!
Brenda


Christmas Movies:

A Very Brady (Bunch) Christmas Movie Review.
A Dog Named Christmas Movie Review.

The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)

Happy Life Day, The 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special

The Star Wars Holiday Special was a two-hour show set in a galaxy far, far away which aired on November 17, 1978. In this television program, Chewbacca and Hans Solo visit Chewbacca's home world and celebrate Life Day. They are pursued by agents of the Galactic Empire searching for rebels on the planet.

In variety show format, this special features visits from many of the Star Wars characters, an introduction to three of Chewbacca's family members and numerous celebrity guests including Jefferson Starship, Diahann Carroll, Art Carney, Harvey Korman, and Bea Arthur.

It is said that George Lucas was never pleased with the production and so the show has never been officially released in any format. Despite that fact, it has managed to become a cult phenomenon. A film that people have heard about it and want to see out of curiosity.

The original film is said to be held in the Lucasfilm archives and the show is available to us today only because someone who watched it in 1978 took the time to record it on Betamax or VHS. Therefore, the only copies available today are bootleg versions that have been duplicated over and over again, which translates into horrible quality rendering and of course, because they are copies, they are illegal to sell on eBay, Amazon or anywhere. My check today on those websites does not turn up a single copy.

Here's the story of the Star Wars Holiday Special from an ABC newscast. Because it is only available illegally, ABC is only able to share a small piece of the film.

Did that small clip help you decide that you never need to see the show? Or did it cement your desire to see it?

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

More Rare Films:

Orson Welles' Ghost Story (1951)
The Cheaters (1945)
The Great American Cowboy (1973)

Author's Note: This page was originally written in 2008 on another site.

Hallmark Christmas Movies (2012)

Love Hallmark Movies? On this page, rediscover the twelve Christmas-themed Hallmark movies that were released in 2012 and find out where you can buy them. 

(Find the Hallmark Holiday Collection DVD here on Amazon)

HALLMARK CHRISTMAS MOVIES 2012 LIST

Christmas with Holly

Christmas Song

Hitched for the Holidays

Come Dance With Me

Help for the Holidays

Baby's First Christmas

The Wishing Tree

It's Christmas, Carol!

Naughty or Nice

CHRISTMAS SONG

Christmas Song originally aired on November 3, 2012. It starred Natasha Henstridge and Gabriel Hogan star in a story about two schools that have been merged into one. The rivalry of the former two schools dies hard, especially for the choir groups and the music teachers from the two schools who are forced to compete for the single teaching position with the competition taking the form of a Christmas song competition.

A BRIDE FOR CHRISTMAS

A Bride for Christmas originally aired on December 1, 2012. It shares the story of a young woman who cancels her third engagement as she stands at the altar and is determined not to have another serious relationship until she meets the right man. She meets a young man who unknown to her is trying to win a bet that he can convince a woman to marry him by this Christmas.

BABY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS

Baby's First Christmas originally aired on December 15, 2012. It features two lawyers - one male and one female - who are so different that they simply cannot get along. Finally, one of them moves on to another location but the pair still finds themselves thrown together when their sister and brother fall in love and have a baby. However, the baby's parents are in a difficult situation and the lawyers are forced to step in and help out.

Christmas Song, A Bride for Christmas and Baby's First Christmas are available on DVD as part of a four-movie set, as shown above. Movie collections like this are almost always more economical to buy than single DVD releases plus, in this case, you get four great Hallmark movies to watch. 

CHRISTMAS WITH HOLLY

Originally appearing on December 9, 2012, Christmas with Holly is a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie presentation, which means that it aired on ABC instead of the Hallmark Channel. That is particularly important for those many Hallmark movie fans who do not have access to the Hallmark Channel. You can watch the official movie trailer and learn more about Christmas with Holly by clicking right here or you can buy the DVD from Amazon by clicking here.

MATCHMAKER SANTA

Matchmaker Santa originally aired on November 17, 2012, and stars Lacey Chabert, Florence Henderson, John Ratzenberger, Adam Mayfield and Donovan Scott. It tells the story of a woman in love with a workaholic named Justin who winds up stranded with his assistant, Dean, in a small romantic town at Christmas time. Matchmaker Santa is not available on DVD.

HITCHED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Hitched for the Holidays originally aired on November 25, 2012, and tells the story of two young people who look for a temporary partner in an effort to please their families during the holidays. They do find each other but things become complicated when the Catholic and Jewish families get involved. It stars Joey Lawrence, Emily Hampshire and Marilu Henner.

Buy Hitched for the Holidays on DVD from Amazon.

THE CHRISTMAS HEART

The Christmas Heart originally aired on December 2, 2012. It sees traditions change on Arthur Avenue when a teenager from the neighborhood is hospitalized because he needs a heart transplant. A heart is located but must make it to the teenager on Christmas Eve through a snowstorm. The neighborhood puts out luminaires to honor the young man and his family and those very lights help save Matt's life. The Christmas Heart is not available on DVD.

COME DANCE WITH ME  

Originally airing on December 8, 2012, Come Dance With Me shares the story of a financial executive trying to make a good impression on the head of the firm because he wants a promotion. However, at the same time, he is dating the daughter of the man he is trying to impress and the young lady's mother doesn't approve of the match. In an effort to create the perfect proposal, the young man signs up for dance lessons but once he starts dance lessons he discovers feelings for the dance instructor.

Click here to buy Come Dance with Me from Amazon.

HELP FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Help For The Holidays premièred December 9, 2012, and tells the story of one of Santa's female elves who wonders if life offers more than just making toys for Santa. When Santa receives a special wish from a youngster in L.A., he sends Christine to visit the family. The family, it turns out, needs an intervention because mom and dad are too busy working and the children often left alone. Christine takes on the roll of nanny, hoping to help bring the family back together. Help for the Holidays is not available on DVD.

IT'S CHRISTMAS, CAROL!

It's Christmas, Carol originally aired on November 18, 2012. It  captured my interest immediately because it is a twist on the traditional story, A Christmas Carol. In this version of this movie, a successful and ruthless book publisher is visited by the ghost of a previous boss who visits the past, present and future  revealing how her ways have been bad. Of course, she will wake up ready to repair her nasty past. It's Christmas, Carol stars Carrie Fisher, Emmanuelle Vaugier and Carson Kressley.

NAUGHTY OR NICE

Naughty or Nice originally aired on November 24, 2012. It tells the story of Krissy Kringle who doesn't feel like dealing with the Santa mail she receives because she lives on Candy Cane Lane. However, she receives a parcel that she can't ignore that contains Santa's Naughty or Nice book. Naughty or Nice stars Hilarie Burton, Matt Dallas, Meredith Baster and Michael Gross.

THE WISHING TREE

The Wishing Tree premiered on November 10, 2012.  It stars Jason Gedrick, Emmalyn Estrada, Richard Harmon and Amital Marmorstein, The Wishing Tree shares the story of a professor who struggles to put the past behind him. He winds up helping a troubled teen turn her life around through a Christmas tree that is decorated with handwritten wishes and of course, the tree helps us all believe that wishes really do come true.

It's Christmas Carol, Naughty or Nice and The Wishing Tree are available on DVD as part of a four-movie set, as shown above. You can find it on Amazon by clicking right here.

IN CLOSING

Well that's it. The Hallmark Christmas movie list from 2012. Which ones did you see? Which ones did you miss? Which one is the most intriguing to you? Be sure to take a moment to say hello in the comments box shown below.

See you at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links

Check out all of the Hallmark Christmas-themed movies on Amazon.

Hallmark Hall of Fame's Christmas in Conway

Christmas in Conway is the 250th Hallmark Hall of Fame movie presentation as well as this year's Hallmark Hall of Fame Christmas movie. As you might or might not know, Hallmark reserves the Hallmark Hall of Fame movies for a channel other than the Hallmark Channel, which is reason for celebration amongst those of us who do not receive the Hallmark Channel.

This year's movie is the story of a husband who is determined to provide his seriously ill wife with a special Christmas treat in the form of a Ferris wheel in the backyard. That news is greeted with mixed feelings by the neighbours and negatively by one in particular who wants to win the Christmas house decorating contest.

You can check out the movie for yourself in this short Youtube video:

 

What would you think if your neighbour wanted to erect a Ferris wheel in his or her back yard? Would you be happy or dismayed? And, more importantly, will you be tuning in on December 1st to watch Hallmark Hall of Fame's Christmas movie presentation, Christmas in Conway? Find your copy on Amazon by clicking right here.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Buy Hallmark's Christmas in Conway from Amazon.

Hallmark's Trading Christmas (2011) Movie

In Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas book four strangers discover the magic of Christmas. I read and enjoyed the book recently, it is a light, funny Christmas story in which four strangers trade houses, towns and christmas, and and I am thrilled to say that the trailer for Hallmark's new 2011 movie Trading Christmas looks like it could live up to the novel.

Here's a peek at the video:



What do you think? Looks like fun, I would say. Trading Christmas airs on the Hallmark Channel on Sunday, November 26, 2011, so, if you receive the Hallmark Channel, you will want to mark your calendar with that date. If, like me, you do not receive the Hallmark Channel, you will have to wait and see if this is one of the few new Hallmark movies that will be released on DVD this year. If I figure it out, I will be sure to come back and tell you here.

Meanwhile, I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND the book, to anyone who enjoys Hallmark movies. I think it would make a great Christmas gift item, too bad we cannot at this point pair it with a copy of the movie.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Buy Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas Book from Amazon.

Buy Call Me Mrs. Miracle on DVD

Call Me Mrs. Miracle is the sequel to Mrs. Miracle, a 2009 Hallmark movie both starring Doris Roberts as Mrs. Merkle.

In Call Me Mrs. Miracle we find Mrs. Merkle working in a family's department store in New York. The store is struggling and 'Mrs. Miracle' has her work cut out for her when trying to make sure that the family comes together to have a good Christmas.

Fans of Call Me Mrs. Miracle will be thrilled  to discover that this 2010 Hallmark movie has been released on DVD and is available right now from Amazon.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

 

HOP 2011 A New Easter Bunny Movie

HOP promises a new adventure for the Easter Bunny this year.  I stumbled across him by accident and was totally impressed by the artwork.  The movie, looks to be a comedy although the poor little bunny gets struck by a car...

The story line is that of a little bunny who doesn't really want to assume his duties of Easter Bunny, even though we all know that the job duties aren't too difficult...work one day a year, travel the world, plenty of candy...what else could a bunny want?

Anyway, after he is struck by the car, the human driver takes him in and must help salvage Easter. In the process both bunny and man grow up a bit.

And as a bonus, this movie will help you learn where jelly beans come from...although you really might NOT want to know.  You can buy your copy of HOP on Amazon by clicking right here.

I WANT CANDY!

See you at the movies,
Brenda

The Christmas Box Hallmark Movie

Richard Paul Evans wrote a hugely successful Christmas story called The Christmas Box and Hallmark followed with a sweet Christmas movie.

The story is that of a cash-strapped family who are caregivers in an apartment complex. They are given the opportunity to move to a local mansion and be the caregivers of the home as well as assume the responsibilities of looking after the owner, a lady named Mary, who lives alone in the house. Mother and daughter quickly become close to Mary but the husband, who works long hours, struggles to get along with her. Eventually, however, Mary teaches him some important secrets about the true meaning of Christmas.

The Christmas Box is a 1995 Hallmark movie with an all-star cast which includes starred Richard Thomas, Maureen O'Hara and Annette O'Toole.

For the longest time available only on VHS videotape, this movie is now available as a part of a 2-DVD set that includes both The Christmas Box and Timepiece. Timepiece is a prequel to The Christmas Box. You can find either the VHS tape or the DVD on Amazon by clicking right here. Buying the set may save you a few dollars but, more important, is the fact that the set is on DVD rather than VHS videotape.

If you enjoy Hallmark movies, I think you will enjoy The Christmas Box. I have yet to see Timepiece though I have read that it is a darker story. If you have seen it, be sure to let us all know what you thought of it.

Merry Christmas!
Brenda

Quick Links:

The Christmas Box Hallmark Home Entertainment Movie Review
Buy The Christmas Box on Amazon.

What Is The Best Hallmark Christmas Commercial?

Did you know that when people watch a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, they WATCH the commercials, too? How about that they have favorite Hallmark Christmas commercials and that Hallmark receives a flood of mail if their favorite is not aired during a movie? Finally, do you know which Hallmark Christmas commercial is the most popular and most requested?

I think it is a tribute to Hallmark that people love Hallmark commercials and that they are as important to some people as the actual movie is. The most popular commercial is one that originally aired in the 1990s and featured a 10-year old boy waiting with longing for the return of his brother from overseas. I can see why it is so popular and must warn you to have a box of tissues at hand before you hit the play button.

After watching, I am sure you can see why this commercial is so very popular. I have no idea if they'll be airing it this year but, if not, you can be sure that it will be replaced with another heartfelt message.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

The Holiday Treasure: A Thanksgiving Movie To Celebrate With

As you prepare for the American Thanksgiving holiday, you might enjoy watching a few Thanksgiving movies.  Once I excluded animated movies, I found that there were very few family friendly Thanksgiving movies so make sure you consider the rating of each of these films before you share them with your children.

My list includes movies like An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving, which actually may be suitable for your family but which is not rated. It includes films like  Pieces of April which manages to be a moving movie despite its tough exterior and What's Cooking another look at the American family, thorns and all.

It goes on to include Hannah and Her Sisters, Home For The Holidays and the rare films The Holiday Treasure and Plymouth Adventure, both of which are only available on VHS videotape. 

Holiday Treasure [VHS]

If you are looking for a Thanksgiving movie to watch this holiday season, any of these would be a good choice. 

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Hallmark's A Boyfriend For Christmas Movie

Whether or not you are looking for a boyfriend for Christmas, you are bound to like this movie if you enjoy Hallmark Christmas movies. This one is definitely a romantic comedy, quite enjoyable as such. It aired originally on the Hallmark Channel in 2004 and became available on DVD the following year.

As a 'tween, Holly Grant wishes for a new boyfriend. Santa assures her that she will find one when the time is right. Twenty years later, Santa delivers on his promise with a gentleman who calls himself 'Douglas Firewood.' You'll laugh and you'll cry. It is another nice Hallmark Entertainment Christmas movie.

Buy your copy of Hallmark's A Boyfriend for Christmas here on Amazon.

See you
at the Movies!
Brenda

The Essential Holiday Collection of Christmas Blu-ray Movies

The Essential Holiday Collection is a great Christmas Blu-ray movie set, perfect for holiday gift giving. I like the assortment of movies that it includes...The Polar Express, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Elf and A Christmas Story. I think it represents an interesting selection of holiday movies for a family with older children. It doesn't contain any of what many people consider 'classic' Christmas movies, but it does contain a couple that may go on to become classics PLUS it contains fun movies that my teenagers would be happy to watch anytime.

Consensus seems to be that these versions are better than the DVD versions although some people might have liked them to be better still. However, at Amazon's discounted price, which includes FREE shipping, I don't think you can go wrong if you are looking to build your Blu-ray movie collection with a few fun movies.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Comfort and Joy, A Christmas Lifetime Original Movie

Are you ever tired and find yourself just wanting to watch a nice movie? One that just makes you feel good? Not an action packed adventure story but maybe a drama with a little bit of romance thrown in? I recently was in such a mood and picked up the Lifetime Original Movie, Comfort and Joy, off of my eBay store shelves. My three menfolk were busy so this was a good time to choose a romantic comedy.

Comfort & Joy tells the story of a busy female executive who is so busy with her career that she waits until Christmas Eve to get ready for Christmas which, of course, means that things do not go smoothly. Her life, other than work, is not fulfilling although she does not realize what is missing.

On her way to a Christmas party, an accident sees her take on a new role, that of a very happy stay-at-home Mom. It is at this point that she discovers what has been missing from her life.

Comfort and Joy stars Nancy McKeon, Dixie Carter, Paul Dooley and Steven Eckholdt. It is not available on Blu-ray but it is available on DVD. A lovely Christmas story. Find your copy of Comfort and Joy here on Amazon.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda