Image: Freepik
The Holiday season is almost upon us, and with it comes the laughter, cheers, and an opportunity to unwind and devote time to more family activities and engagement, spending time with that special someone in our lives, or bonding with friends and close associates. Among these many activities, movie watching, whether at the cinema or at respective home screens, is a great opportunity for bonding and creating special memories this holiday season.
Among the many Christmas movies produced over the years, Black Christmas movies have always brought something extra to the screen. Beyond providing viewers with comedy, fun, and entertainment, it also introduces life lessons that viewers can apply in their lives on their journey for continued personal growth.
This Holiday season, here are 5 Black Christmas movies to keep you engaged and provide you with special memories this Christmas.
1. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Director: David E. Talbert
Stars: Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Hugh Bonneville
IMDB Rating: 6.4
The story follows Jeronicus (Forrest Whitaker) a fantastic toy maker who had lost his spark after his book of inventions was stolen by his beloved apprentice Gustafson (Keegan-Michael Key). Deeply distraught by the passing away of his wife, the actions of his apprentice, and the loss of his treasured book of inventions, Jeronicus convinces his daughter Jessica to leave him and find joy somewhere else.
Time passes, and as Gustafson becomes famous, Jeronicus sinks deep into sadness and bitterness while retreating from life. Unknown to him, his daughter Jessica now has a child of her own, Journey, whom she sends to live with him. Though resistant to her presence, Jeronicus would later come to find the spark he once lost due to the presence of his granddaughter.
The movie engages viewers with exciting, heartfelt musical renditions that reference the importance of Christmas, prayer, forgiveness, family, and love.
2. The Best Man Holiday
Director: Malcolm D. Lee
Stars: Monica Calhoun, Morris Chestnut, Melissa De Sousa
IMDB Rating: 6.6
The story follows a group of college friends uniting for a reunion party at the home of their friend and NFL Star Lance (Morris Chestnut) and Mia (Monica Calhoun). While all seems well and the Christmas season looks promising with fun-filled laughter and merry moments of cheers, unknown to each one, what seemed to be a period of fun brings to the fore long forgotten rivalries and ignition of suppressed romances.
With Lance and Mia’s wedding just a couple of days away, Harper (Taye Diggs), battling with work issues, financial difficulties, and writer’s block, struggles with the decision of whether to show up at the reunion, considering his strained relationship with his friend Lance.
Comforted by the knowledge that fellow friends Quentin (Terrence Howard) and Murch (Harold Perrineau) would be present, Harper decides to brave the occasion of the reunion. Through the quarrels, fights, and the lingering presence of death, each friend would come to realise the importance of forgiveness in this wholesome Christmas movie.
3. Almost Christmas
Director: David E. Talbert
Stars: Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union, Mo’Nique
IMDB Rating:6.2
Family gatherings have always been an essential part of the Christmas celebrations. The joyous laughter, exchange of gifts, and shared moments around the dinner table have always been a great opportunity to build memories and experience the Christmas Miracle.
For Walter Meyers (Danny Glover), the Christmas spirit would be having his children spend 5 days under the same roof without the very dysfunction that kept them separated. As the children arrive with their spouses in tow, all hell breaks loose as each one finds themselves confronted with issues of drug addiction, infidelity, and financial struggles, among many other issues.
Through the many ups and downs and exchange of words, the Meyers family must navigate the difficult waters to find that one thing that connects them all and sustains them as a family. Almost Christmas reminds us that a home is only as precious as the love you fill it with.
4. Last Holiday
Director: Wayne Wang
Stars: Queen Latifah, LL Cool J, Timothy Hutton
IMDB Rating: 6:6
Being greeted with the news of a terminal illness could have a devastating effect on anyone, but not for Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah), the meek and careful salesclerk whose life’s dreams never go beyond her “Book of Possibilities”.
Confronted with the news of a brain disease and given just three weeks to live, Georgia decided that the best way to confront a life sentence is to live it to the fullest. Emptying her bank account, Georgia sets off on a vacation of her dreams, visiting places and sampling dishes she had long kept written in her scrapbook.
Throughout her journey, Georgia would find love, friendship, laughter, and acceptance while offering the same and bringing joy to all she encountered on her last vacation journey. The Last Holiday emphasizes that the most important things in life are beyond material possessions.
5. For the Love of Christmas
Director: Christopher Nolen
Stars: Jazsmin Lewis, Trae Ireland, Brad James
IMDB Rating: 6:1
When Bryson and Sunday Hughes (Trae Ireland and Trae Ireland) open their home to a homeless family, little did they know that their life was about to take a turn for the better, helping them rediscover the very vows that brought them together as a couple.
Bryson is a devoted husband deeply in need of strengthening the bond between himself and his wife by having children of their own, but finds his love for his wife Sunday dwindling as she loses touch with love, peace, and the gift of giving.
Their chance encounter with a homeless couple whom they welcome into their home and who possess nothing but their deep love and commitment to each other would reawaken and reacquaint Bryson and Sunday with the love they had let slip away and set them on the path of the renewal of a love they once let slip away.
Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, and loves unveiling the richness of African cultures. okechukwu.onicima@gmail.com
