Christmas frequently switches places with Halloween for me which is my favorite holiday. And while the latter objectively has the better movies to watch, the former offers up a nice selection as well!
Every year these are the movies I most look forward to. I enjoy many Christmas movies/specials, but these stand out among the rest.
So, light up that Christmas tree, get cozy in front of a nice fire and check out these holiday films!
5. Jingle All the Way (1996)
What is a father supposed to do when the toy he forgot to get his son has been bought up at every store in town? Well, if you're Arnold Schwarzenegger, then shenanigans ensue!
I've always enjoyed this movie since the first time I saw it as a kid. Yeah, it's a little corny in places and any of the "drama" here doesn't really ring true (not to mention it's short lived), but that's okay. It's just supposed to be a fun flick for the family to watch for the holidays. Most of the cast is great in this: Arnold Schwarzenegger, as Howard gets quite a few laughs from just some of his line deliveries alone; the late great Phil Hartman shows up as Howard's goody-goody nosy neighbor Ted and has a couple of memorable moments; but I think it's Sinbad, as Myron, that is the standout. He chews through all his scenes as an over-the-top deranged mailman with the same goal as Howard.
It's a cheesy, but ultimately charming flick for the family.
4. Home Alone (1990)
What is there to same about this one? It's a Christmas classic through and through.
Kevin McCallister gets left behind as his family travels for Christmas, leaving him home alone while two burglars, known as The Wet Bandits, attempt to break in.
What's not to like about this one. Everything works here, even the slightly implausible concept that a kid would get let behind before his family realizes it as they're traveling to Paris. But everything from the slapstick, to the most of the jokes and even the quieter character moments, sticks their respective landings. Macauly Culkin plays Kevin and he definitely gives a good performance, but it's Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as Harry and Marv, respectively, that steal the show (we got puns here, people). These two characters are one of the biggest reasons to stay for this film. It is always a fun time watching them try and run the gauntlet of a trapped McCallister house, but the verbal barbs they tend to trade to, not only to Kevin, but between themselves. If you added a third person to their group it would've been the 90's equivalent of The Three Stooges.
And I still wish for a real version of "Angels With Filthy Souls" to exist!
3. A Christmas Carol (1984)
I won't take a long time on this one as everyone knows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge being visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. But this is hands down my favorite version of the story.
And a lot of that boils down to the cast. George C. Scott plays Scrooge here and gives the character an extra sense of authenticity and authority, along with and extra sense of callousness. Though, he has a reply early on that gets a laugh and satisfies the introvert in me. Then there's David Warner as Bob
2. A Christmas Story (1983)
Despite this movie being heavily merchandised now, I still love it! You all know this simple story of a boy who wants nothing more than a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.
But, I think for me, it's a movie that works best with all the pieces moving. Ralphie waiting for the day his decoder ring comes in, him and his friends trying to evade the local bully, The Old Man's excitement for winning his Major Award, triple dog dares and an unfortunate visit to Santa. Not to mention Ralphie's, not so, subtle attempts to let his parents know the one gift he wants for Christmas.
And a special mention has to go out to Darren McGavin as The Old Man. He is easily the best character of the whole show! His nonsensical rants and swearing will always be enjoyable to watch!
1. Christmas Vacation (1989)
This is it. This is my absolute favorite Christmas movie of all time and probably will be until the day I die!
Clark Griswold just wants to have a big old fashioned family Christmas, but one thing after another starts turning it into a disaster.
I wait with excited anticipation every December for the day to come so I can watch this. Usually it ends up being in a double-feature with A Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve (and in that order as well!). And every year, for many years now, this movie never fails to make me laugh at all the same jokes that I know are coming. The pratfalls are all solid, along with the witty dialogue. The cast, from Chevy Chase as Clark to Mae Questel as Aunt Bethany, all have some pretty good standout moments!
For me, this is my Christmas comfort movie! Even if I'm having a slightly Blue Christmas season, this movie always picks me right up for the finale. And it's one I can't recommend enough for everyone to experience just once for the holiday!
And now for some recommendation! This are all great and are in no particular order!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
I think it's safe to say this classic is in everyone's rotation at least once every year!
Home alone 2 (1992)
It might do a lot of the same things as the first, but it is still a fun followup! Plus, Tim Curry and "Angels with Even Filthier Souls"!
Die Hard (1988)
Want something a little more bloody and action packed for Christmas? This is the one for you! Plus, Alan Rickman is always fun to watch as Hans Gruber!
Batman Returns (1992)
Bet this one didn't come to mind before! Not only is it set during the Christmas season, but there's a tree lighting ceremony and mistletoe plays a part here!
Elf (2003)
Just a fun family movie! Just easy watching for the season with a few good laughs! And I'd be a Cotton-Headed Ninnymuggins if I didn't give this one a mention!
Gremlins (1984)
Gotta have at least one Christmas Creature-Feature! And none are as fun as this classic!
And those are my picks! I hope everyone is having a great Christmas season! And I hope you check some of these films/specials out! Let me know in the comments!
No comments:
Post a Comment