The popcorn is ready, the hot chocolate is, well, hot, and the TV is calling my name. It's time once again to sit down and enjoy some of my favorite Christmas movies. As any Christmas fan like myself knows, it's important to have a nice stack of Holiday movies on hand for viewing during this time of year. The list of Christmas flicks to choose from is endless, but below are five of my personal favorites.
5. The Ref. A bad decision was made in 1994 when this movie was released in the middle of summer, rather than during the holiday season, as it was originally intended. Someone at a studio somewhere was afraid it wouldn't be a hit. Well, releasing it during the summer was worse, and it went mostly unseen until it hit cable and video. It's a shame, because it's probably Denis Leary's finest work until Rescue Me. A hilarious movie that manages to still get the spirit of Christmas along the way, The Ref still doesn't get the attention it deserves. Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis are along for the ride, but don't miss Leary's trademark tirade during the closing credits. Close second: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
4. Miracle on 34th Street. I'm not mentioning which version of this movie that I like because, honestly, I like them all. The story of Santa Claus on trial because of a feud between rival department stores gets to the heart of the constant battle over the commercialization of Christmas. Plus, it brings out the kid in you as an adult to watch it and realize how differently you may view old Kris Kringle as you grow older yourself. It's not about whether or not Santa Claus is real. It's about whether or not you believe. Watching a movie like this one, I always want to.
3. It's A Wonderful Life. What Christmas movie list would be complete without this movie? Just today, I was thinking how--although countless movies have tried to imitate it--no one has actually sat down and tried to remake this holiday classic. And why should they? It still stands up amazingly well, over sixty years later. Not a big hit when it was released in 1946, it is now probably the most famous holiday movie ever made. The idea that a person can be shown, all in an instant, what life would be like if he were never born is inspired. Jimmy Stewart is amazing in what became one of his best-known roles. And you'll always remember "Merry Christmas, Bailey Brothers and Loan!"
2. Love, Actually. This 2003 romantic comedy was actually several different un-made movie ideas slapped together into one story, courtesy of the folks behind Four Weddings and a Funeral. Don't let that fool you; the movie is often very funny and almost always sweet and romantic. Definitely a Christmas movie for cynical adults, the flick examines everything from platonic love between pals to ill-conceived office flirtations with married people. Almost every actor in the thing is completely charming, which is a feat considering how many stuffy Brits are in it. You'll be in the holiday spirit and grinning like an idiot from the opening chords of "Christmas Is All Around", and the cheesy glory with which it is sung.
1. A Christmas Story. I saw this in the theatre with my family in 1983. I still remember that day well, despite the fact that watching it became an annual tradition in my house for years afterwards. Yet another movie that wasn't a huge hit in theatres yet has since become a holiday classic, A Christmas Story is hilarious, heartwarming, awkward, and touching all at the same time. For a kid growing up in the 80s, it introduced sayings I never knew, such as "Triple Dog Dare". Of course, everyone will remember "You'll shoot your eye out". Based on the writings of humorist Jean Sheperd, this movie captures the feeling of pre-war Midwestern America during the holidays, and it doesn't pull punches when showing just how crude kids can be when the adults aren't around. By the way, that's Jean Sheperd himself standing in line waiting to see Santa, scolding young Ralphie (Peter Billingsly) that "The Line Ends Here".
It seems that the problem with Christmas lists is that it's simply too hard to choose five Holiday movies that I love. The list goes on and on, and new movies are being made ever year which become instant classics. I suppose it's only a matter of time until one of the flicks on this list gets replaced by something else. Still, the movies here will always stand the test of time, as far as I'm concerned, and will always find their way into my home during the Christmas season.
These are five of my favorites. What are some of yours?
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