Holiday Favorites

 

    As the holiday season approaches, I like to enjoy the art of film.  I have always loved movies, but Christmas lends itself to some classic cinema.  While Hollywood keeps pushing out "Holiday Movies," I think it's safe to say that most of us enjoy the old classics.  Just recently, I went with my family to see Disney's A Christmas Carol on the IMAX screen in Atlantic City.  Marketed as Disney's first A Christmas Carol, (which is not true ... remember Mickey's?) Jim Carrey portrays the infamous miser as well as multiple other roles, including the three specters that are sent to salvage what is left of his heart (which is three hundred sizes too small).  Gary Oldman is a highlight as Bob Crachit and The Ghost of Jacob Marley.  The movie was excellent and deserved all the praise it has received from the critics.  My mother exclaimed, "That was the best version I've ever seen."  Well, with all due respect, I would not give it that distinction, but I would argue it's the best in a few years.  After enjoying the IMAX experience, I was inspired to write about some of my favorite holiday movies and suggest them to my readers.

    

Scrooged (1988, starring Bill Murray)

    Richard Donner (director of the original 1978 Superman film) takes the reigns of this modern adaptation.  One of my favorites, it follows Frank Cross, a shrewd television executive who cares more about being on top than taking part in the Christmas Festivities.  In an attempt at meta-theatricality, he also happens to be in the middle of producing a live television broadcast of Scrooge, starring Buddy Hacket (who actually appears in the film).  Joined by his love interest, played by Karen Allen, Murray brings the story to the 20th century and is hilarious along the way.  Besides the great comic moments, such as Murray being hit repeatedly by Carol Kane (as the Ghost of Christmas Present), Donner accomplishes the hard task of giving the slap-stick comedy the sentimental ending it needs.  Does it pull at the heart strings in the end?  Absolutely!  But it's exactly what the Spirits of Christmas call for!  Rent this film right away!  Side note: Notice an appearance by John Glover (Smallville, Roundabout's Waiting for Godot) as Murray's adversary and Kathy Kinney (Mimi on The Drew Carey Show) as a bit part of the Nurse. 

 

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989, starring Chevy Chase)

    Recently, I brought this film up to my father-in-law, who replied, "I've never actually seen the whole thing ... it's just silly slapstick!"  Well, Bah-Humbug to you, too, Dad!  This film, starring Chevy Chase once again as Clark Griswald, combines the terror of the visiting family with the tending of the ... visiting family.  Possibly the best of the "Vacation" movies, this one makes us laugh constantly and reminds us that families are not perfect.  It also makes us appreciate everything that our parents did for us during the holidays while we sat back and took it all for granted.  I suggest turning on TBS right now because it's probably on!  Laugh, laugh again, and then laugh harder!  I'll get my father-in-law to agree eventually.

 

A Christmas Carol (1984, starring George C. Scott)

    Forgive me, but George C. Scott is hands down the best Ebenezer Scrooge of all time.  Sorry, Mr. Sim, you were wonderful, but your movie is long and drawn out (and sometimes you're too creepy to look at).  This 1984 version (actually made for television) depicts the classic, Dickensian skinflint we all grow to adore.  It also gets to the point quickly.  With a running of time of 100 minutes, this is the perfect version to sit and watch after Christmas Eve dinner.  You can get into the true spirit of Christmas and still be in bed before Santa arrives.

 

It's A Wonderful Life (1946, starring Jimmy Stewart)

     Frank Capra had no interest in creating a "Christmas" movie.  It just so happens that his everyman tale takes place during the holidays.  Actually, the majority takes place during the life of it's protagonist, George Bailey, and only in the final half hour do we see Bedford Falls decorated for the holidays.  When the movie was first being advertised, it was marketed as a romance film between it's leading man and Donna Reed.  Audiences were pleasantly surprised to find a story that everyone could relate to and enjoy on a personal level.  Probably one of the most quotable movies of all time, it's become a staple during the holiday season.  In fact, until NBC purchased the rights, the movie could be found on television practically every hour from Thanksgivings to New Years Day.  Amazingly, there are still people I talk to who say, "I've never seen the whole thing!"  There is no reason for that!  I order you to go out and watch it from beginning to end, and I challenge you not to tear up when George is proclaimed to be "the richest man in town!"

 

 Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

    While I give Jim Carrey at lot of credit for his portrayal of the green goblin in 2000, no one can argue that it's the stronger version.  With a running time of a meager twenty-six minutes, the original story is by far the superior.  Brilliantly narrated by Boris Karloff, this animated classic touches the heart of all who view it.  After we watch him steal everything from the families in Whoville, we still sympathize with the lovable ogre as he tries his damnedest to stop his sleigh from crashing into the morning celebration!  What other movie convinces its audience to change their view so quickly?  As fast as the Grinch falls in love with Christmas, we fall in love with the Grinch!  Watch and feel your heart grow three sizes!

 

    No matter what your traditions are, take some time to cuddle up with a cup of tea, hot apple cider, or hot chocolate and enjoy yourself!  Christmas may not be about gifts, but that doesn't mean you can't give yourself the gift of getting lost in a beautiful holiday film!  Merry Christmas to all!