So, it’s the Christmas season again. On TV they are showing Christmas specials, some old and tried and true, others are new and really bad (Shrek the Halls is terrible, to name one). If you want to try something good, without the commercials, check out my list. Most of these are films Nora and I enjoy and come back to again and again. A few are films I found worthwhile or fun, though we may not revisit them every year. They are in alphabetical order, and all links are to Wikipedia, where you can find info, and links to each films IMDB entry. Most are family friendly, and those that aren't should be easy to spot.
Enjoy!
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A Christmas Carol – There are many, many versions of this classic tale. And why not, it is the story that captures everything we love about Christmas. The mood and feeling, the setting, the message, all are part of what we consider to be Christmas.
Of the many versions, I will suggest 4, and you can pick which you want to see. The 1999 TNT version with Patrick Stewart, the 1984 TV version with George C. Scott, the 1951 black and white with Alistair Sim, and the Muppet Christmas Carol starring Michael Caine. I haven’t seen the 1951 Sim version in a while, but it was the first film version I saw, and is considered by many to be the best.
I think it is interesting to see how differently actors play Scrooge. Stewart is more of a hurt, driven man, bitter about life, and you see how his gruffness and dislike of Christmas is something he wants to overcome, but doesn’t know how. Scott is more bitter and shows more gruffness, we don’t see the hurt as much, it’s buried deeper, and he seems less like he wants to change. Caine seems to almost relish his bitterness and resentment and enjoy hurting others, lashing out because of what happened. Sim I don’t remember well (it’s been a while) but I recall him being really great, and that’s my recollection as a kid.
Each film is different. I remember the 1951 film being excellent. It is black and white, and the effects are not as polished as later versions, but it has a charm. I want to revisit this one this year. The 1984 version has many practical and lighting effects, and they are well done. It is one of the more frightening of the films, although I think the handling of the 3rd ghost lacks something. The Muppet version is a truly great telling, but you have to deal with the Muppets being in the film. The frightening aspects are toned down some by the humor, and it is one of the more humorous takes on the story. And the 1999 version is the first, other than the Muppet version, to use CGI effects to tell the story, and by and large they work very well, adding realism where the practical effects couldn’t.
All are well done in every respect, from the supporting actors to the direction to the period details.
Whatever version you choose, enjoy it! It’s a great story, and all of those I mentioned are really wonderful.
A Christmas Story – What a hoot! I hadn’t seen this till last year (I know, I was sheltered...) and I loved it. Yeah, it’s not the best message (what really makes Christmas good is getting the right BB gun!) but it also emphasizes the importance of family. And anyway, it’s just a fun outing back to childhood in the 1930’s and 40's. It feels right for the 30’s and 40's, and evokes memories of my own childhood Christmases. It’s a fun, funny film.
Better Off Dead – You might need to be a teenager, or have been one in the 80’s to enjoy this (Nora didn’t like it). A broad comedy about the things teenagers deal with, and how everything that happens feels like the end of the world. The whole film is over the top crazy, the world the way a teenager with lots of imagination would see it. And who wouldn’t fall in love with a French foreign exchange student who can fix cars and loves baseball?
Christmas in Connecticut (1945) - For the record, this vision of CT is nowhere near what it is like now, and I kind of doubt it ever was that way really. But it is a vision that is warm and inviting, and very Christmassy. The film is a funny screwball comedy with a great cast, especially S.Z. Sakall, playing lovable and funny uncle Felix (“it is a catastroff”) and Sidney Greenstreet, who gets to play a character who isn’t evil for once. A heroic naval officer on leave after being rescued at sea wants to visit the Connecticut farm and family of his favorite magazine food writer for Christmas. She’s not married, doesn’t live on a farm, but decides to fake it all because her publisher (Greenstreet) doesn’t know either! Quite a fun film, and fairly romantic for those inclined that way.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005) – C.S. Lewis’ classic fantasy story. While I had issues with the film (I think Aslan could be a bit more fearsome, making the “not a tame lion” line more appropriate) I generally like it a lot. It is a Christmas film only in the sense of it being winter in Narnia, and the appearance of Father Christmas. But I think that qualifies. A great story of betrayal, sacrifice and the ultimate triumph of good.
Die Hard – Bruce Willis kills German terrorists in a skyscraper and single handedly saves Christmas. Honestly, what could be better? A classic action movie, with a performance by Willis that is really quite good (McClane bleeds and hurts, but keeps going) and a taught, thrilling, and funny script. A truly “guy” Christmas movie. Yippee Kiyay...
Elf – A very engaging little Christmas story that appeals to children but has enough substance to appeal to adults. Will Farrell gets the magic and wonder of being an “innocent” elf-like human dealing with the very not innocent real world. The whole film works, and it’s got a whimsy and heart that makes it a truly classic Christmas film, and one of Farrell’s best. It evokes what we hate, and love about Christmas. It was directed by Jon Favreau, who also directed... Iron Man. What a difference, eh?
The Holiday - A fun little romantic comedy, set in England and LA. Two women who have romantic troubles at home, decide to swap houses for the week between Christmas and New Years. Comedy and romance ensue. The leads are played by Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz (and the love interests by Jude Law and Jack Black, who plays it pretty straight) and look for a wonderful performance by the great Eli Wallach as an older and forgotten screenwriter Kate's character befriends in LA.
Not the best film, or the best romantic comedy ever, but it is fun and romantic and a nice way to spend an evening.
Holiday Inn - A formulaic “show” story in which Fred Astaire dances and Bing Crosby sings. One of the best tap/ballroom dancers ever and one of the best singers ever, how can you beat that? And they are both at the height of their abilities and popularity. Throw in the songs of Irving Berlin (several of which are now classics) a great script with a lot of funny situations and lines, a great supporting cast, and you have a really good little film. Both Fred and Bing have great comic timing. Fred’s dance for the 4th of July is classic, and shows off just how good he was. Bing’s singing of White Christmas is what started that song on its way to being recorded by everyone, and still played today. He does it best, period. The film is only partially about Christmas, much of the story takes place on other holidays, but its theme and overall tone are Christmas related. I revisit this one almost every Christmas, and I still enjoy it!
Home Alone – A funny movie, in a very slapstick kind of way. What can I say? I remember as a kid really wanting to be left home alone, and wanting to be able to design all those devices to catch a burglar! The film is sort of A Christmas Carol for kids. Kevin wants to be alone. He gets it, and realizes he likes his family, even if they are a pain. It was a big hit when it came out, and it’s easy to see why when revisited.
It's a Wonderful Life - A great film with a great message. I think all those who have had dreams about what they want to do in life can identify with George Bailey. The point of the film is that Bailey’s life is truly wonderful. It may not seem as great as what he dreamed, but he has touched the lives of many people, and changed his world in greater ways than he ever thought. It’s a great film to couple with A Christmas Carol. The two main characters are complimentary. Bailey wishes he followed his dream and didn’t get caught up in the relationships he did; Scrooge did exactly that. Bailey has made the world a better place and left his mark on it, even if he doesn’t see it; Scrooge realizes at the end how much he missed and how little the world will miss him. The film has marvelous supporting characters, and really works on all levels. It is funny, heart breaking, inspiring, and everything that a great film should be.
Make sure you see it is black and white, as it was intended. This is something I would say about ALL films. See them in the proper aspect ratio (the height to width ratio of the film) and in the proper coloring. The black and white, in this case, is more atmospheric and shadows are used a great deal. Black and white also focuses attention on the characters and performances, as there is less to distract you from them.
Joyeux Noel – We saw this film last year, and just loved it. It’s a foreign film about the real life “Christmas Truce” between French, German and Scottish troops on the front lines of WW I in 1914. The film shows the climate of pre-war Europe, where people were taught from childhood that certain nation’s people were dangerous, and even evil. And it shows how they discover that really, they are all much more alike than they think. While the exact event shown didn’t take place, it is a conglomerate of events that did. The film is definitely a drama, and it’s most chilling moments are the poems spoken by the children at the beginning (telling of the evil of other nations people) and the speech of the Bishop at the end (a verbatim speech given at the time apparently). But it is also very heartwarming and inspiring. The depiction of the encounter, as people who were enemies become friends, brought together by Christ and Christmas, plays out wonderfully. The character of the Scottish priest, who feels that no matter who they are, if a person is Christian, they are brothers, is inspiring.
The film is really worth seeking out. It is in French, German and English, and that adds to the experience.
Love Actually – I can only recommend this film with a very big qualification, which I will explain below. The film is about love. We all search for it, we all need it, and we want the real thing, not the fake version. The film follows the lives of a bunch of people in dealing with their love lives in various loosely and interrelated stories set in England during the Christmas season. There is the man who just lost the love of his life, his son who is dealing with that, and with budding love for a young schoolmate; the politician falling in love with a commoner; the newspaper editor falling in love with his assistant and out of love with his wife, who just wants to keep him and really loves him; and on and on and on it goes, at least 8 to 12 separate stories.
And one couple is the reason for my qualification. The couple, who are very introverted, meet because they are stand-ins for a nude scene in a movie. Each is falling in love with the others inner person, while the outer and physical person is bared for all to see. And of course, that is the problem I have, because it is all out there. I see the point of that storyline, and I really think it has a great message (the physical really isn’t that important to true love) but I can’t justify the manner in which it is done. The storyline could have been kept, just crop the shots a bit, or have them stay clothed.
If you can get past the nudity, the film is truly one of the better (and funnier) romantic comedies I’ve seen. It is complex, but has a simple, and I think true, message about the search for love that we all have. Ultimately, as a Christian, I know that this season is about the One who can fulfill that desire.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – The quintessential Santa story. The 1947 black and white version is the best, in my opinion. Edmund Gwenn IS Santa Claus. The film is about realizing there is a place for imagination, that life can be to all consuming and that sometimes miracles do happen. As a side note, it teaches economics a little, showing how better service and treating the customer right creates more choice and lower prices for the consumer, and higher profits for the seller (creating a reverse Nash equilibrium, if I recall correctly). Wonderfully shot, wonderfully acted and a great story, with lots of heart.
The Polar Express – A fun movie about seeing and believing. It’s a great ride, and the animation/performance capture is amazing. I am not a fan of telling kids Santa is real (this would hold true for Miracle on 34th Street as well), but I am a fan of showing them what faith is in terms they understand. Santa is one way to understand it, both with the mind and the heart and emotions. The film is fun and magical.
The Santa Clause – A funny movie, with lots of heart, and a pretty inventive story really, about how they replace, or find, a new Santa Claus. The story works, and all the players hit the right notes. The main character goes from seeing Christmas as just a time for more profit, to seeing what is really important. It’s heartwarming and funny. See below about the sequels.
The Thin Man – A great comic detective movie that takes place around Christmas. Nick Charles is a retired detective who likes to drink and is always ready with a quip. Nora is the wife who gives as good as she gets from him (and even tries to best him at the drinking). The chemistry of the two stars is amazing, and spawned another 4 films (that are all fun). William Powell is wonderful as Nick, and Myrna Loy is elegant, funny, beautiful and everything any guy could ever want in a wife (I agree with Jimmy Stewart, who said “There ought to be a law against any man who doesn't want to marry Myrna Loy.”) Their relationship is quirky and fun, but it works and you can tell they really love each other. Good plot, great acting, well directed. The second film in the series After the Thin Man is really good as well, and takes place over New Years.
We’re No Angels (1955) – I remember this film, a comedy starring Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov and Aldo Rey, as being hysterical and fun. I haven’t seen it in years. It’s a story of 3 convicts who break out of prison, go to rob a house, and end up helping the family that lives there get out of their troubles. I’ll have to see it again this year. I remember being struck by how good Bogart was at comedy, and how funny Ustinov could be. Really worth checking out. Be aware, there is a remake that is not nearly as good by all accounts.
While You Were Sleeping – A romantic comedy, that is funny and heartwarming. The leads are solid, but it’s the supporting cast that gets me. They are well written, and provide a real warmth and truth to the story, and much of the humor. It’s not the best film ever, but it works. It’s romantic and fun. I felt “The Proposal” followed the plot of this film in many ways, but wasn’t quite as good, and wasn’t about Christmas. I still quote lines from this film, as does most of my family when we have a big dinner together!
White Christmas - Yes, the story is forgettable. Essentially it’s a Christmas version of the old musical formula “let’s put on a show” (and sort of a remake/sequel to Holiday Inn).
What makes it enjoyable is the dancing and singing and sheer talent of the stars. You have Bing Crosby, as I said before one of the best singers of his era (or any era) and the real “voice of Christmas” if there is one. You have Danny Kaye, a truly funny man who was fantastically multi-talented (he wasn’t a dancer at all, but you’d think so watching him!) Then you have the genuine dancing talent of Vera Ellen, one of the more talented dancers to hit Hollywood (in choreography by the great Bob Fosse, though he wasn’t credited). And of course, Rosemary Clooney who is a great match to Crosby as a singer. The director is Michael Curtiz, who seems to pop up directing a huge number of classic films, including the great Casablanca.
The supporting cast, including Oscar winner Dean Jagger and Mary Wickes and many others, fill out the film well.
It’s not the best movie ever, but it was and is a favorite of mine. It is just fun music and dancing, and has lots of schmaltz and heart. There is a reason it was the highest grossing film of 1954.
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And there are a few I suggest you stay away from.
The Grinch - HORRID. Not funny, a waste of film and talent. I seriously didn’t laugh once, and I generally like Carrey’s comedy. The 1966 How the Grinch Stole Christmas, however, is wonderful.
Christmas With The Kranks - funny at points, but very grating in many ways. The message is about Christmas being about the commercialization (we HAVE to do the party, the snowman, the lights), but I guess it gets at it being about family. But why would anyone care if you decided to go to the Bahamas for Christmas, and react the way the people in this story react? If they did, I can tell you I’d be moving away from that neighborhood REALLY fast.
The Santa Clause Sequels – The second film is okay, there are a few funny moments and it’s pretty and romantic. Not bad, but not great. The third is stupid and a waste of time.
Anyway, again, feel free to post your favorites in the comments! I left out the TV specials from this list, but there are many I like. The original Year Without A Santa Clause, the classic Red Skelton episodes (especially his version of O’Henry’s The Cop and the Anthem), A Charlie Brown Christmas is a classic, for good reason.
I note that many lists include The Bishop’s Wife (1947). I have seen it, however I don’t remember it well, and I remember not really liking it. I’m planning on checking it out again this year.
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