“If you believe in this spirit thing, the miracle will happen, and then you’ll want it to happen again tomorrow… It can happen every day, you’ve just got to want that feeling.”
– Bill Murray in SCROOGED
That’s right – it’s time to feel the moment and that holiday spirit thing. It’s time for SpoilerFreeReview’s 12 days of Christmas 2021 edition! We will be posting our favorite holiday experiences with 12 reviews and illustrations of movies, TV, and music. So sit back, enjoy some spiked eggnog, and welcome to SFR’s 12-days of Christmas 2021!🎅🏽
12. THE HOLIDAY 🤩 – Review by Esta Rosevear and illustration by Tarush Mohanti
Watching THE HOLIDAY makes me smile and ponder the universe with infinite wonder. Isn’t that what the holidays are all about?
11. BATMAN RETURNS 🤩 – Review and illustration by Mike Manalo
The iconic moments and lines in this movie stay with you forever – testaments to this sequel’s place among the pantheon of the greatest comic book films of all time.
10. ARTHUR’S PERFECT CHRISTMAS 🤩 – Review and illustration by Tarush Mohanti
ARTHUR’S PERFECT CHRISTMAS holds up well after twenty-one years. It demonstrates the importance of showing that there’s no such thing as a “perfect” Christmas, and that message has resonated with me for years.
09. TED LASSO S2E4 CAROL OF THE BELLS 🤩 – Review by Aaron Goldstein and illustration by Tarush Mohanti
CAROL OF THE BELLS is a stand-alone special that even people who don’t watch TED LASSO can dive in and enjoy. It’s a reminder of giving from your heart during the holiday season. Regardless of a couple of F-bombs, this small slice of “Double O heaven” is perfect for the entire family.
08. LAST CHRISTMAS 🤩 – Review by Vanessa Szajnberg and illustration by Tarush Mohanti
LAST CHRISTMAS delivers in a beautiful and odd way while also constantly drilling that song into your head.
07. NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION 🤩 – Review by Jami Losurdo and illustration by Tarush Mohanti
I plan to have another CHRISTMAS VACATION viewing to cheer myself up and think of the amazing holidays I did get to spend with mom & dad.
06. OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY 🤮 – Review by Eli Brumfield and illustration by Tarush Mohanti
I remember liking it when I first saw it on the opening night all those years ago…but now…not so much.
05. A CASTLE FOR CHRISTMAS 😊 – Review by Jami Losurdo and illustration by Tavish Mohanti
Sit back and enjoy the escape and try not to Google how much an actual castle would be to purchase in the Scottish countryside. (You already did it, didn’t you?)
04. TRADING PLACES 🤩 Review by Eli Brumfield and illustration by Tarush Mohanti
TRADING PLACES isn’t exactly a traditional Christmas film. It does, in fact, take place around the holidays, including a company Christmas party that features a drunk and disgruntled Santa Claus, and there’s a focus on themes of generosity and redemption. That counts.
03. ARTHUR CHRISTMAS 🤩 – Review and illustration by Mike Manalo
ARTHUR CHRISTMAS is a criminally underseen, underrated gem from Aardman Animation, the team that brought us WALLACE AND GROMIT, and the ever-charming CHICKEN RUN. After years of sitting on the shelf (like an elf), I’m glad to see it getting some regular rotation on Disney Channel and Freeform for the holidays. And if you haven’t seen this one, I strongly encourage checking it out.
02. HAWKEYE S1 🤩 – Review by Mike Manalo and Aaron Goldstein, illustration by Tarush Mohanti
Mike and Aaron of SFR review season one of HAWKEYE, the best MCU TV series on Disney+ yet!
01. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE 🤩 – Review by Esta Rosevear and illustration by Tavish Mohanti
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE gives all of us hope to keep going, no matter what. Every day, every moment, or second is a start to a new beginning. It would be a shame if any one of us gave up too soon. In the end, love is the reward… the key to living our lives every day, the best we can.
