TheArchive: Reviewing the Rare, Retro, and Restored

The 1994 film A Christmas Romance , starring the great Olivia Newton-John , is a heartwarming story that reminds us of the true spirit of the holidays and is currently streaming on TheArchive ! Directed by Sheldon Larry , the film follows Julia Stonecypher, a widow with two young daughters struggling to make ends meet and face eviction. Then comes Brian Harding, a bank vice president who arrives to foreclose on Julia's home. Fate intervenes when Brian is injured and stranded at Julia's house, forcing him to spend Christmas with her family. What begins as an icy encounter transforms into a tender story of redemption, love, and the power of community. Olivia Newton-John's portrayal of Julia brings warmth and resilience to the screen. Her determination to create joy for her daughters despite their financial struggles is a testament to the holiday spirit. Also, Gregory Harrison’s character transforms from a cynical banker to a man elated by the kindness and joy Julia and her ...

Cinema has always mirrored society’s complexities, but some themes have stayed in the shadows. Up until recent history, women’s issues, such as putting careers on hold for children, violence against women, and sex work, were not explored much. Motherhood, as common as it is, is frequently romanticized, glossing over its identity-erasing toll. Similarly, sex work is stigmatized rather than humanized, and violence against women is too often sensationalized instead of contextualized as a societal failure.  This blog focuses on films, new and old, that explore themes often kept in the dark.  Nightbitch (2024) , Alley Cat (1984) , and Anora (2024) bring these underexplored narratives to light, each centering on women navigating extraordinary challenges. From the surreal trials of motherhood to the stigmas surrounding sex work and the harrowing realities of violence against women, these films share a thread of empowerment forged through adversity.  (Searchlight/Disney) In N...

The day after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of Christmas and Holiday movie marathons . Holiday films are an integral part of Christmas; they help set the tone for the holidays, foster community, and provide humor, warmth, and comfort during these cold winter months. Over the years, we have seen quite a transformation in holiday films, from the first-holiday film, a silent British film titled Santa Claus (1898) , directed by George Albert Smith, to the action-packed Violent Night (2022) that reimagines Santa Claus as a gritty, action-hero protector, holiday films are ever-evolving. Over the years, Christmas movies have seen significant changes , so let’s take a moment to explore how the genre has evolved. The wholesome, timeless classics like the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol , known as Scrooge , and 1994’s Miracle on 34th Street , reinforced belief in the spirit of Christmas, Santa, and magic, the importance of kindness and community. These films have become cherished traditi...