Stop all the clocks, finish off the Jollof, switch on the flick box. It’s Christmas, let’s curate your Christmas movie experience.
First up is an oldie from two decades ago (what’s Christmas without nostalgia?) and one specifically selected by our most recent podcast episode guest, Mrs Nkoyo Rapu. Read on and thank us later 😘
A Naija Christmas
Viewing this on Christmas Day will double as paying homage to the ace actress, late Rachel Oniga. The Netflix film about a typical Nigerian mother in want of grandchildren before her passing is one of Oniga’s finest moments on screen.
It was directed by the October 1 and Citation director, Kunle Afolayan so you can trust the hype the movie already has received.
Watch here
PLOT: It is a story of a single mother who brought up three adult sons, thrilled in their own independent lives. However, after experiencing peer pressure, their mother decides to set an ultimatum. The world of her three sons completely changes, taking on a joyride of giggles and romance.
STARRING: Rachel Oniga, Abayomi Alvin, Kunle Remi and Efa Iwara
DIRECTOR: Kunle Afolayan
The Preacher’s Wife
This 1996 comedy-drama film is presently making waves on social media because the world can’t get enough of Whitney Houston’s soundtrack album for the movie. The album, certified 3 times platinum, produced three singles: Step by Step, Believe in You and Me, and My Heart is Calling. It went on to be nominated for a Grammy and an Academy Award.
PLOT: Henry Biggs is the pastor of a struggling Baptist church in a poor section of New York City. His marriage to a choir singer is also failing. He gets help from an angel who enters his life.
STARRING: Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington and Courtney B. Vance
DIRECTOR: Penny Marshall
Best Man Holiday
This 2013 festive romcom special was a fan-favourite in the last decade (still is!). It brought amazing stars like Morris Chestnut, Terrence Howard, and Nia Long together for a beautifully told Christmas story.
Watch here
PLOT: When college friends reunite after 15 years over the Christmas holidays, they find out just how easy it is for long-forgotten enmities and romances to be rekindled.
STARRING: Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan and Nia Long
DIRECTOR: Malcolm D. Lee
A Family Reunion Christmas
When we asked the guest of our podcast’s Christmas edition, Mrs Nkoyo Rapu, what she’s watching on Netflix these days, she excitedly mentioned ‘Family Reunion’. We dug it up and boy it is an amazing pick. Good taste, Mrs Rapu!
It’s a series on Netflix, so we suggest for this season its stand-alone movie, A Family Reunion Christmas.
Watch here
PLOT: M’Dear and her sisters struggle to keep their singing act together before a church Christmas pageant while Grandpa teaches the kids a valuable lesson.
STARRING: Tia Mowry, Jackie Harry, Talia Harry and Isaiah Russell-Bailey
DIRECTOR: Robbie Countryman
A Zulu Christmas
This South African movie is a favourite pick if you are sharing TV time with the kids, are having yourself an African Christmas, or are looking for a true Christmas essence.
Watch here
PLOT: What if a young boy who is used to city life, being spoiled by his mother and getting his way, has to spend Christmas with his grandmother in KwaZulu-Natal, a coastal South African province? Will he rediscover his heritage and find a deeper meaning in Christmas?
STARRING: Abongile Cele, Deli Malinga
DIRECTOR: Neo Malefo
Merry Christmas and a happy screen time!