Black Excellence Sleighs This Holiday Season

Jingle Bell time will definitely be a swell time for holiday movies this year. In the past, networks such as Hallmark and Lifetime, have boasted their many holiday movie offerings. The movies all seemed to have much of one particular theme…..the casting choices. The majority of the lead actors for these films were white. Every now and again you would get a side or background character that was another race, but not a meaningful storyline. In the past two years, Netflix has joined the holiday movie fest with their own original films. This year, many Black actors have been added to lead roles and original films that have a majority Black cast.

Christmas Offerings

Kicking off Christmas early this year, Hallmark offers us Christmas On Call, starring Ser’Darius Blain and Sara Canning. 

“In the lead-up to Christmas, emergency room doctor Hannah Michaels juggles her demanding job and a budding romance with EMT Wes Sullivan in Philadelphia. They spend time together as Wes helps her become more acquainted with the sights, sounds and tastes of Philadelphia, it’s clear that they’re starting to fall for each other. As the local First Responders balance duty with holiday celebrations, they come together to face challenges, support each other and find moments of joy.”

Ser’Darius, known for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Charmed, Will Trent and a slew of other films and shows, has really stood out as a leading man. It’s refreshing to see more Black men in romantic lead roles.

Christmas on Call isn’t his only Hallmark project this year. You’ll be able to see more of him in the mini series Holidazed. The series follows 6 different families as they navigate the joys and woes of the holiday season. Four episodes are out so far and the fifth will air on December 10th. Holidazed also features the amazing, legendary actors: Loretta Devine and Dennis Haysbert. 

Brewster’s Millions Christmas airs December 5th on BET+. This sequel film comes 39 years after the original Richard Pryor, Brewster’s Millions.

The original film is also based on George Barr McCutcheon’s novel of the same name. Now I have another book I can add to my TBR!   

When Morgan Brewster, a wealthy heiress who has lost her way, faces a Christmas challenge to inherit her uncle Monty Brewster’s grandfather’s fortune, she must learn the true meaning of love, faith, and family by giving instead of receiving, all while navigating the charming chaos, and the true meaning of the holiday season.

The film stars China Anne McClain, Romeo Miller, Rain Pryor (daughter of the late, great Richard Pryor), Richard Pryor Jr. (son of Richard Pryor) and Sierra McClain.   

I always get in the mood to make cookies or a cake around this time of year. Do I ever do it though? No. This year might change now that I have a tv closer to my kitchen and I can watch films that incorporate a cooking element. 

Lifetime is bringing us a sweet treat in the form of Make or Bake Christmas.

“With Christmas fast approaching, Leslie (Vivica A. Fox), known for her expertise in all things domestic and top lifestyle brands, is looking to expand her business. She sets her sights on the bakery, Sugar Bakers, owned by Denise Sugarbaker (Jackée Harry) and run by her son, David (Landon Moss). Determined to make a deal before the end of the year, Leslie sends one of her top employees, Emma (Jasmine Aivaliotis), to go undercover as a seasonal employee in order to convince them to sell. Emma unexpectedly finds herself falling in love with the quaint bakery with its Christmas spirit, staff and especially, David. ‘Tis the Season to make or bake Christmas and discover everything sweet during the holidays, including love.”

Will any of these movies inspire a cooking spree or more holiday cheer? Let us know in the comments which you’re most excited for.

Author: bookofcons

Help support independent journalism. Subscribe to our Patreon.

Copyright © The Geekiary