Welcome to my first ever Christmas Movie Recommendation! As you may have surmised by the title I'm going to recommend a few holiday themed films for you to possibly watch during this wonderful time of year. I chose three very different movies with different watching environments in mind, but they all have the same Christmas Spirit running through them. So with this out of the way let us dive right in!
Director: Joe Dante
Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton
Plot: After accidentally breaking the three rules he was given about his new pet. Billy lets loose a swarm of mischievous gremlins on his small town on Christmas Eve.
Opinion: I grew up watching this twisted Horror Comedy so needless to say it holds a special place in my heart. Full of great practical effects, a irreverent sense of humor, and believable performances, this Steven Spielberg produced Christmas movie remains one of my favorite films to watch this time of year. This one is a great pick if you're having a party or just getting your friend group together for a movie night. If you are looking for a similarly themed and toned movie for a great double feature then look no further then the fantastic 2015 Krampus.
Director: Brian Henson
Starring: Michael CaineDave Goelz, Steve Whitmire
Plot: Charles Dickens' immortal Christmas classic as told by Jim Henson's Muppets.
Opinion: My own personal favorite on screen telling of the Dickens tale and despite some fanciful additions and half of the cast being Muppets, this is a fairly faithful adaptation of his work. Michael Caine positively shines as old Scrooge often having to act with one of the aforementioned Muppets, but doing it so naturally you'd swear they were real. Throw in some catchy tunes and some deeply funny moments and you get my go to family movie for the holiday.
Director: Richard Curtis
Starring: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley
Plot: Eight different stories of love, all different but interwoven, set during the days leading up to Christmas in London.
Opinion: Billed as "The Ultimate Romantic Comedy" and you know what, I think they're right. Writer/Director Richard Curtis has crafted a "RomCom" that has a bit of something for everyone and while at times it borders on saccharine, there is more then enough to make up for it with the pitch perfect performances delivered by the entire star studded cast. Absolutely perfect for snuggling up on the couch with that special someone to enjoy a movie on a cold winters night. When asked what my favorite Christmas Movie is I often site the '74 proto-slasher Black Christmas (click here for my thoughts on it), but I am always quick to add this film as a close second.
Well that wraps up my recommendations for your Christmas Movie needs! Please feel free to share some of your own holiday favorites and as always thank you for reading and I hope you have a very merry Christmas!
National Lampoon's CHRISTMAS VACATION is a staple in our house, as is Albert Finney's SCROOGE!, A CHRISTMAS STORY (by the dude who directed BLACK CHRISTMAS), Mr. Magoo's CHRISTMAS CAROL, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, ELF, SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN, THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS, RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER, and many others!
ReplyDeleteI also find myself watching Christmas Vacation every year and my father and sister love A Christmas Story to bits too.
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