December 19, 2005

His & Her Christmas

Tom Lane is the star columnist for the media conglomerate owned San Francisco Sun newspaper. The company is thinking about increasing Tom's exposure by producing a new television show around him. Liz Madison is the advice columnist for the little read community newspaper, the Marin County Voice, which is a throwback to gentler times. Besides their journalistic occupations, one other similar aspect between Tom and Liz is that they are both currently single, with their friends and family doing whatever they can to find that special someone for their personal life. On November 2, the staff at the Voice learn that the Sun ownership has bought their newspaper, with the probable goal of folding it into the operations of the Sun. If this move does happen, the staff at the Voice will lose their jobs.

To fight back, Liz decides to change her column to an editorial espousing the meaning of Christmas and the newspaper to the community. Because of the feisty and entertaining stance of Liz's new column, the circulation of the Voice increases so much so that the owner has second thoughts about folding it, which in turn would put Tom's new television show in jeopardy. To protect his career advancement, Tom decides to write a counterpoint column to Liz's, his about instilling some practicality into Christmas. The competing columns become a personal battle for the two columnists. But as Tom and Liz spew their mutual loathing for each other, their respective friends try to convince them of the old adage that there is a fine line between love and hate.

Our Two Cents:
We used to really like this one. But Christmas movies have gotten so very very very much better since 2005 and in watching it recently, it sadly paled in comparison to the newer better movies. 

Ratings:
Storyline/Writing ★★★★  •   Acting ★★★★★  •   Chemistry ★★★★  •  Overall ★★★★

Links: IMDB  •  Buy DVD on Amazon  •   Official Site

Have you seen His & Her Christmas? Tell us what you thought of it!  

December 14, 2005

Christmas in Boston

Gina and Seth became pen pals when they were in the 6th grade. It is now 13 years later, and they still have been writing to each other but have not yet met. Gina is a journalist covering a scandal story on a big toymaker. Seth works as a toy inventor for the same toymaker. When a big toy convention comes to Boston, Seth proposes a meetup with Gina. As the day nears, Seth and Gina both chicken out, and send their best friends who both have completely opposite personalities, Matt and Ellen, in their places.

Meanwhile, doing research and interviews for her story, the real Gina begins interviewing the real Seth, and sparks begin to fly. Will Gina and Seth realize that they are perfect for one another and they don't have to hide who they are?

Our Two Cents:
ABC Family tends to be kind of hit or miss with us (for Christmas and regular movies). This is one that they did right. The side story with Matt and Ellen is just as fun as watching Seth and Gina (in some ways, perhaps more). Our only complaint about this one is the underwhelming ending, but it's still perfectly enjoyable.

Ratings:
Storyline/Writing ★★★★  •   Acting ★★★★★  •   Chemistry ★★★★★  •  Overall ★★★★★

Links:
IMDB  •  Buy DVD on Amazon

Trailer:

Have you seen Christmas in Boston? Tell us what you thought of it!