The Cure for Winter Break Boredom: Netflix

BY: ALAINA H.

DISCLAIMER: The majority of these films revolve around the Christmas holiday, however many of their plots focus on romance and humor, as opposed to the religious aspects of the holiday.

Winter Break is approaching quickly, and the holiday festivities are ~finally~ beginning. In preparation for the season, Netflix has released an array of original holiday films. Not sure which one to watch first? Grab a cup of hot chocolate and keep reading to find out what your peers think about the five most popular films.

First up: The Princess Switch. Starring High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens, this Christmas film is one of the most popular among your classmates. One week before Christmas, a duchess switches places with a woman from Chicago that looks exactly like her. Junior Bailey Adkins said the film was “really good,” and that she was “originally drawn to it because Vanessa Hudgens was in it.” Adkins also said that it was “a super cute Christmas movie to watch with your family,” and she would recommend it to anyone that loves Christmas movies. Mallory Justus, a WJHS sophomore, said that the film was “just another cliche holiday movie, but it was fun to watch,” and that it is a great family movie, noting that it was similar to “The Parent Trap.” Adkins and Justus rated the film a 7/10 and 8.5/10, respectively.

Another popular film among West Jefferson High School students was The Christmas Chronicles, an adventurous film about two siblings who go on the journey of a lifetime after sneaking into Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. Adam Hitzeman, a WJHS sophomore, rated the film an 8/10, and said “it was a really good Christmas movie overall.” Harley Johnson, a WJHS student, said that the film was “really funny.” Although she loved the film, Johnson said it “took too long to get to the point,” but overall it is a really great movie to watch with your family.

Next up is A Christmas Prince, a Christmas love story. Released in 2017, “A Christmas Prince” is the story of a young journalist who unexpectedly falls in love with a handsome prince. This year, Netflix released the movie’s sequel, A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding. The film is set one year after the original movie, and explores the ups and downs of a royal engagement. West Jefferson High School junior, Tim Hornyak, said that the film was a stereotypical Christmas movie, rating it a solid 7.6/10, but “[he] really liked it.” Hornyak said he would recommend it to a friend “if they like romance.” Vanessa Peshko, a WJHS sophomore said that her favorite scene of the original film (A Christmas Prince) was when Prince Richard, his sister, and the main character, Amber, went tobogganing. Peshko said that it was “a little cheesy,” but overall a really enjoyable Christmas film that she would definitely recommend to a friend.

Calling all The Vampire Diaries fans! One of Netflix’s newest films The Holiday Calender stars Kat Graham, widely recognized for her role as Bonnie on The Vampire Diaries series. The film follows a young photographer after she inherits a magic advent calendar that predicts her future, and helps her find love. WJHS sophomore, Harley Johnson, especially loved this film, giving it a 9/10. She said the film was “really cute...the plot was really fun.” Johnson said she would definitely recommend The Holiday Calendar to a friend, and didn’t dislike anything about it. Raina Peter, a WJHS sophomore, loved this film as well. She said she was originally drawn to it because she recognized Kat Graham from The Vampire Diaries. Peter raved about The Holiday Calendar, rating it a 9/10. Peter also said that her favorite part was the magic calender, and overall would definitely recommend the movie to a friend.

Last but not least, Christmas Inheritance. Released in 2017, this film stars Eliza Taylor, who plays a young woman seeking to inherit her father’s gift business. But before she can do so, she must deliver a Christmas card in her hometown of Snow Falls. However, a snowstorm results in her being stranded in a local inn, where she develops a budding romance with a local. WJHS sophomore, Raina Peter, said this film was good, but she “loves all Christmas movies.” Peter said she would definitely recommend it to a friend.

According to a poll, over 60% of West Jefferson High School students have not seen any of these films. If you fall into that category, a family (or solo) movie night might be the perfect way to start the upcoming break. You’re sure to enjoy these films, just take it from your classmates!