Welcome to Screen Gems, our weekend dive into queer and queer-adjacent titles of the past that deserve a watch or a re-watch.
The Dollywood: Christmas on the Square
In a season of schmaltzy, fairy tale romances, Santa making holiday dreams come true and schmaltzy, fairy tale romances with Santa who then makes dreams come true (seriously), what could feel more fitting than an old-fashioned musical about love and forgiveness in an impossibly quaint small town?
For that matter, who else could get away with it but Dolly Parton? Parton produced, composed the music for, and stars in this glitzy, ridiculous, totally irresistible musical. Christmas on the Square takes a cue from It’s a Wonderful Life in telling the story of Regina (Christine Baranski), a wealthy real estate tycoon hellbent on bulldozing her hometown just ahead of Christmas. Of course, there’s more to this lady Scrooge than meets the eye, hence the arrival of Angel (Parton), an actual cherub that confronts Regina over her bitterness. We soon learn that Regina has turned sour over fears of breast cancer, a traumatic childhood, and unsaid feelings for her former high school beau (Treat Williams). Will Regina experience a holiday turnabout and open her heart to the magic of Christmas?
Of course, it’s all ridiculous, particularly the sight of a glammed-out Parton trying to look like a homeless woman. Still, in the hands of director Debbie Allen, Christmas on the Square knows exactly what kind of sweet, campy movie it is. In the lead, Baranski delivers a three-dimensional, genuinely affecting performance. Yes, as she weeps in song over her painful life, we even found ourselves misty-eyed. Parton’s score allows affords both leads, as well as Donovan and co-star Jennifer Lewis opportunity to show off their powerhouse vocal chops.
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Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Oh, and the voguing, coded-gay hairstylists were a great touch.
As with The Christmas House or The Christmas Setup, Christmas on the Square ain’t exactly high drama. That said, as with those movies, it offers viewers a fairytale vision of an idealized world–just the kind of hopeful, candy-coated treat we crave during the holidays. So, pour the eggnog and get ready for a trifecta of divas to enchant and steal your heart away.
Streams on Netflix.
Sqwoah
It’s time to retire Dolly
jaimedance3
Dolly will NEVER retire and thank God for that! She does so much for so many people! She’s a TRUE BLESSING!
linedrive
Nah, she’s just getting started.
WillParkinson
Aren’t you just a bundle of sunshine, darlin’?
DarkZephyr
Why would you viciously attack Dolly Parton?? What’s the matter with you??
Openminded
WTF. Thousands upon thousands have received support from Dolly, including in recent years. She donated 1 million dollars of her own money to Vanderbilt that directly helped develop the Covid-19 vaccine that is helping protect your sorry @ss. Not to mention the untold dollars she paid directly to residents of Sevier County in the Smokies after the devastating wild fires destroyed much of the Gatlinburg area. She is also responsible for Imagination Library that is already proving it’s great value in helping build closer knit families, more responsible parents, and improving literacy in children.
Now, tell me what young up and comer is poised to replace her “old” @ss?
charette8596
Speak for yourself. She’s a gift from God.
Jim
Dolly & Xmas. A match made in heaven
jkb
Love her when it’s not Christmas too
Seth
I adore Dolly but I’m done with the grift of streaming services.
Thad
I don’t stream either. So we’ll just enjoy Dolly in nonstop rotation on our Christmas playlists.
Merry Christmas to all.
Charlie in Charge
So I love Dolly… and I like schlocky Christmas movies… but Christmas On the Square was pretty dreadful despite including the talents of both Dolly and Christine Baranski. I’m as confused as you are.
bsg1967
I’m a bitter, bitter man and bah humbug at Christmas I say but Dolly Parton is a ray of warm sunshine that I enjoy anytime of the year.
humble charlie
Dolly had and still has a great voice. And she is a great entertainer (although sometimes I wonder if her smile won’t crack and spew something like the stream of bile the little girl spewed on The Exorcist). She is also a great songwriter.