This is my favorite Christmas-time movie after "GO!" which may sound strange, except that what both have in common is a Christmas-time setting and stories that largely have nothing to do with Christmas in the traditional Santa Claus/Jesus Christ/Discover the True Meaning of Christmas way, and yet both somehow manage to tie in very un-Christmasy stories with central Christmas themes, like hope, surprise and value. As TV movies made for the family go, ANGEL SQUARE is pretty darn good, fairly funny, surprisingly insightful and deep in places, and almost never easy, corny, or un-subtle (these three things being the typical downfall of most made for TV movies). The performances are all good, the story movies quickly and is deftly told with extremely memorable characters- especially the children, who are well written, three dimensional adolescents lacking the stupidity and insulting flatness of most TV movie characters their age. Also, the use of comic book conventions rather than special affects is nicely done, and keeps the material light- even when darker subjects, like war and anti-semetism and racism are being depicted.

The caper subgenre features the planning and execution of one or more crimes, such as thefts, cons, or kidnappings, by a team of characters, each with specific skills. Caper stories are distinguished by their emphasis on humor, adventure, and the unusual cleverness or audacity of the crime.

Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, and Elliott Gould in Ocean's Eleven (2001)

The adventure genre features exciting journeys, quests, or expeditions undertaken by characters who often face challenges, obstacles, and risks in pursuit of a goal. Adventures can take place in a wide range of settings, from exotic and fantastical locations to historical or even everyday environments.

The crime genre features criminal activities, investigations, law enforcement, crimes, and the pursuit of justice. Crime stories often revolve around the planning, execution, and consequences of criminal acts, as well as the efforts to solve and prevent such acts. They explore various aspects of criminal behavior, motives, and the moral dilemmas faced by both perpetrators and those seeking to uphold the law.

James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Sharon Angela, Max Casella, Dan Grimaldi, Joe Perrino, Donna Pescow, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Tony Sirico, and Michael Drayer in The Sopranos (1999)

The family genre features stories specifically created to be suitable for a wide range of age groups within a family. Family-oriented content is designed to be enjoyed by both children and adults, often providing entertainment that is wholesome, relatable, and appropriate for all members of a family to watch or experience together.

Drew Barrymore and Pat Welsh in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Set in Canada in December 1945. A boy sets out to investigate an attack on his friend's father.

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

The Comic Book Christmas Caper

Photos

Top Cast36

User reviews1

More like this

Related interests

Storyline

Did you know

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed