Surprise announcements and holiday hijinks take center stage as Katy returns to the podcast with some major life news before we dive into the festive world of "Eloise at Christmastime." This made-for-TV holiday film stars Julie Andrews alongside a precocious young protagonist who's determined to play cupid at The Plaza Hotel during the Christmas season.
We explore the fascinating dynamic between Eloise and her enabling nanny (played by Andrews), presenting a stark contrast to the disciplined caretaker roles Andrews portrayed in classics like Mary Poppins. Both hosts find themselves charmed by the film's festive atmosphere and heartwarming moments, while questioning some of the messaging around children disregarding rules and authority figures. The discussion touches on how children's movies often position adults as incompetent while glorifying questionable behavior when it leads to positive outcomes.
The conversation takes an unexpected turn when addressing the film's jarring tonal shift—a moment where the antagonist crosses a line that feels out of place in family entertainment. Despite these concerns, we ultimately award the film a respectable 3/5 for Christmas spirit and 3.5/5 overall, acknowledging its charm while recognizing it won't become a holiday staple for either host. Whether you're a fan of Julie Andrews, curious about this Plaza-set Christmas tale, or simply looking for a holiday film that flies under the radar, our discussion offers insights into what makes this movie both endearing and occasionally problematic. Stay tuned for our Cinema Sunday reviews of "Smurfs" and the reboot of "I Know What You Did Last Summer."
Follow us:
Facebook - Couch Critic Podcast
Instagram - @thecouchcriticpod
