Dolly Parton portrays an angel floating on a cloud talking to a frightened woman.
Drama, Musical
Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square

Problems aside, this choreographed flick focuses on the power of grace and forgiveness.

Two men and a young woman get out of a 1960s-era car.
Comedy, Drama
Uncle Frank

While Uncle Frank is more nuanced at times than you might expect, its messaging can still feel pretty heavy-handed, too.

Two female lovers walk arm in arm.
Comedy, Romance
Happiest Season

Happiest Season delivers a holiday-themed lesbian romance that predictably appropriates the genre’s formula and feel-good vibe.

A nervous woman (Jessica Chastain) walks down the street, casting a subtle glance behind her.
Action/Adventure, Crime, Drama, Mystery/Suspense
Ava

Ava is yet another movie about an assassin with a heart. Maybe it’s not a heart of gold, exactly, but …

Animation, Comedy, Kids
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch

This version of the Grinch’s tale is well made, as clean as a crisp snow on a Sunday morning.

A man in a camo shirt with short died-white hair looks over his shoulder.
Drama, Music
Sound of Metal

Much like heavy metal music, Sound of Metal isn’t trying to give us warm, pleasant feelings.

A woman smiles as she talks with her Catholic priest.
Drama, Romance
A New York Christmas Wedding

At its most basic level, this film really is about a wedding at Christmas in New York. But don’t let …

A grandmother, played by Glenn Close, stares with a furrowed brow.
Drama
Hillbilly Elegy

Good messages or no, Hillbilly Elegy will make it hard for some to find them.

Vanessa Hudgens plays two princesses, pictured here with a little girl between them.
Comedy, Romance
The Princess Switch: Switched Again

Characters look alike, they switch places, trouble ensues, things work out in the end. As predictable as Hallmark itself.

A bunch of folks smile and laugh at a Christmas event in a barn.
Christian, Comedy, Romance
The Farmer and the Belle: Saving Santaland

The core message of The Farmer and the Belle is a simple one: True beauty comes from the inside, not …

An older woman walks with a young Black child.
Drama
The Life Ahead

This isn’t a movie for kids. But it does remind us that kids need strong hands and kind hearts in …

A grandfather inventor talks to his granddaughter.
Kids, Musical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

this film’s strong storytelling, talented cast and uplifting songs (Jingle Jangle is a musical!) make it a tale the whole …

A sad little girl holds a stuffed animal rabbit.
Action/Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Come Away

Come Away isn’t always as “magical” as one might expect or hope at first glance.

A teen girl carries a bloody hook.
Comedy, Drama, Horror
Freaky

Sure, it may look cute at first glance. But take a peak under the surface, and you find something dark …

A smiling woman stands next to a grumpy-looking, dragon-like monster.
Action/Adventure, Drama, Kids, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Emily and the Magical Journey

Emily and the Magical Journey is a fantastical children’s flick about the bravery and power of a young girl.