Christmas Vacation (1989)
Well, it wasn’t a vacation, exactly. This time, the Griswolds stay home to wreak havoc on Christmas Eve. Actually, this is a more heartfelt film than one mion” ght think. Sure, there are electrocutions and kidnappings — standard “Vacatifare — but this time around, the holidays give these wacky folks an opportunity to explore the bonds of family a bit deeper. And hey, as this clip shows, you gotta throw a little sex in there somewhere.
Scrooged (1988)
Among the countless renditions of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, this retelling is the funniest, primarily because of Bill Murray’s over-the-top performance as TV network president Frank Cross. He makes the perfect Scrooge, running the network with a money-hungry ego and airing all the blood and gore that gives the Christmas season that special glow – not to mention network ratings. With all the sentimentality of the season, this flick will give you a welcome chance to laugh your ass off.
Home Alone (1990)
It’s all about the kid here. A holiday classic, the story revolves around little Kevin (Macaulay Culkin, in a star-making role), who’s accidentally left at home when his family leaves for a Christmas vacation. Of course, wild and crazy consequences ensue, and Culkin’s terrific facial expressions show just how he feels about them. When his family comes home in time for Christmas, he’s the happiest kid there is. The eight-year-old Culkin completely owns this film, and helped make it one of the most successful movies ever.
The Santa Clause (1994)
Tim Allen is hilarious as an uptight lawyer who accidentally causes Santa’s demise on Christmas Eve. Somebody has to deliver the gifts, so his young son badgers him into donning the Santa suit. Of course, what he doesn’t realize is that wearing the suit is only the beginning of his transformation into the real Santa. Not only is the premise of film clever and fresh, but also watching Allen’s impeccable comic timing makes this a funny yet sweet holiday film.
White Christmas (1954)
This is an endearing classic that has schmaltzy yet charming entertainment for all. Plus, the film features many wonderful Irving Berlin songs, including the title track sung by the fabulous foursome — Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen. The uncomplicated story is about a song-and-dance team (Crosby and Kaye) that follows a song-and-dance team of sisters (Ellen and Clooney) to a Vermont lodge to do a Christmas show. Watch this one while wrapping gifts on a chilly afternoon.
A Christmas Story (1983)
It’s the 1940s, and young Ralphie has his heart set on a Red Ryder BB gun. Trouble is, no one seems to agree that he should have one, not Mom, Dad, his teacher, not even Santa. Will Ralphie’s dream come true? Stay tuned. Of all the holiday films told from a child’s point of view, this cute and nostalgic film with a stellar supporting cast gets it right.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Of all the animated holiday shorts, from Rudolph to Frosty to Kris Kringle, A Charlie Brown Christmas is the best, hands down. In this genuine classic, the Peanuts gang puts together a Christmas pageant and poor Charlie Brown gets a little – like, really little – tree. Check out the clip here in which our gang fixes up the tree and stands around it singing Christmas carols. Peanuts’ creator Charles Schultz, who died in 1999, will be missed, but there will always be this holiday standard to remember him by.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
What kid didn’t want Santa to be a real live old guy who comes by to dole out all sorts of toys at the end of the year? This holiday favorite tells what happens when that children’s dream comes true. Doris Walker and her daughter Susan, (Maureen O’Hara and an angelic Natalie Wood, respectively) are the doubting Thomases who need a little convincing. Just how Kris Kringle, played to perfection by Edmund Gwenn, gets them to believe he’s the real deal is the reason to watch this film. Even though you know it’s only a movie, you might just end up a believer yourself.
A Christmas Carol (1951)
Charles Dickens’ immortal story stands the test of time as one of the best at portraying the ideals of Christmas — forgiveness and true spirit of the heart. This retelling, starring Alaister Sim, who gives Ebenezer Scrooge all the malevolence — and later joy — which Dickens intended, is perhaps the best adaptation. Scrooge eventually understands the meaning of Christmas, but it’s Tiny Tim who represents that spirit. And in his words, “God bless us, everyone.”
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
The granddaddy of all Christmas movies, this Frank Capra classic captures so many emotions — hope, loss, desperation, courage — it still manages to capture the hearts of audiences today. While typical holiday films focus primarily on family, George Bailey (James Stewart) is shown that Christmas means much more, and learns that one’s own good deeds also comprise true spirit.
