Alright, let me preface this with a big ol' apology. I realize that it's been a few weeks since I last wrote for you. I could say I've been busy. That I've had a lot going on. That's true, but I'm still sorry for not posting more.
Now with my apology out of the way, I'm gonna conduct my countdown of my 12 favourite Christmas time movies. Let me qualify this as well. I'm talking about "Christmas Time" movies, not "Christmas" movies. This broadens the definition to include movies that take place during Christmas as well as those that embody the spirit of Christmas (thanks to @sean_ashbridge for clarifying).
12. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
I'm starting with a classic on this one. This movie is fantastic, and a faithful adaptation of the Dr. Seuss book (perhaps the most faithful book to film adaptation ever?). You all know the story of the Grinch who had hated Christmas and yet, came to save the day and fully embrace the season. Not really sure what else I can add, other than the original version is far superior to the 2000 Jim Carrey and Ron Howard product that was way too long and completely unnecessary.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
11. Home Alone (1990)
A childhood memory for those of the mid-late 80s and early 90s. This tale of horrible parenting is a Macauly Culkin star vehicle. It launched his career, and was the best looking thing he's done until Mila Kunis (Boom! tasteless sex joke in a Christmas blog, and Mom said it couldn't be done. That just proves kids that if you have a dream, and stick to it, you can accomplish anything. But I digress). This film falls under the category of Christmas Time rather than Christmas Spirit movie, as beating up senior citizens with micro machines and paint cans is hardly what Jesus had in mind.
Verdict: Christmas Time
10. The Santa Clause (1994)
See the pun in the title? I hope you had before this, otherwise you should put more effort into being observant. Starring Tim Allen, the movie follows a man who kills Santa and replaces him. While that man sound like the plot of The Talent Mr. Ripley or American Psycho to most people, this lil' number is anything but a serial killers film. A unwilling man accepts responsibility for his actions, and sucks it up for the greater good.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
9. Batman Returns (1992)
That one catches you off guard doesn't it? Well it takes place at Christmas, so it counts. My favourite non-Nolan Batman features Danny DeVito as The Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman. While admittedly over-the-top (featuring Batman blantantly lightling criminals on fire with the Batmobile - a definite Bat-No-No), it's well done and very Burton-esque. Danny Elfman's Batman Theme is still my first go to when thinking of Batman (sorry Adam West!). With lots of Christmas spectacle throughout, this movie always makes my watched list during the holidays.
Verdict: Christmas Time
8. Home Alone 2 (1992)
Mac does it again. The first repeat customer on my list, Home Alone 2 features our favourite neglected child, this time lost in New York. How this kid can be forgotten twice is mindblowlingly illogical, but no more so than how he outsmarts and abuses Joe Pesci on two separate occasions. This one holds a much more special place in my heart than the first, but that's probably because I owned the VHS and didn't own the first. And for those wondering, NO, Home Alone 3 and 4 don't make this list.
Verdict: Christmas Time
7. Jingle All The Way (1996)
Arnie's only spot on this list (don't worry, my afinity for 80s movies will have him on many other lists to come). Arnie vs. Sinbad in a hunt for the ultimate gift for Darth Vader (or at least the kid who played him in The Phantom Menace). This movie reminds us to not get our hopes up about that one "Hot" gift. Instead, we should just hope that our dad dresses up like a super hero and saves the day.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
6. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Looks like 1992 was a solid year for Christmas movies, or maybe I've got a serious case of nostalgia. Regardless, we all love the muppets (even if they became a little tired and overdone for years). Starring my favourite butler/actor Michael Caine, this movie isn't half-bad...it's all bad (har har har, muppet pun out of the way). Anyway, to break it down - it's a retelling of the Christmas Carol....featuring muppets.... I don't know what else I can say.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
5. Bad Santa (2003)
Come on, it's Billy-Bob and Christmas...together. Sold. A solid black comedy about the debauchery of Santa and his elf. Hilarious at nearly every point, this film inverts the traditional feel-goodery of Santa on its head and shows us that each of us can be naughty, even Santa. Thornton dominates the screen with his traditional dry delivery. Plus, isn't always nice to laugh during Christmas?
Verdict: Christmas Time
4. Scrooged (1988)
Bill F**king Murray. This guy blows my mind in almost ever role he's had. He tows the line between comic and solemn so often and has a charisma that few can look away from. A retelling of a Christmas Carol, we follow TV exec Frank Cross along on his journey to spiritual redemption.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
3. Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This is Halloween, Halloween. This is Tim Burton's (who only wrote and produced this film, not directed) second appearance on my list (and it could've been a third - see my honourable mentions). The songs are fantastic. The message is amazing - stick to what you do well (I guess that also applies to Timmy himself, who's done a dud or two by differing from his standard Burton formula). The DVD also includes a couple great early Burton films (Frankenweenie touches the heart of this dog lover).
Verdict: Christmas Time
2. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Who doesn't love a little Jimmy Stewart at Christmas Time? The best movie for Christmas Eve, this is how I spend each night before Saint Nick visits the household. It teaches us about the value of each individual life and the impact we can have on each other. During the holidays, it's always nice to be reminded how much we mean to everyone in our lives - and it's even nicer when that message is told in 130 min without having to read anything.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
1. Die Hard (1988)
The second movie starring an 80s action hero, but this is the only 80s action movie on the list. John McClane serves up some Christmas justice in the greatest combination of action and holiday cheer of all time. Fighting off terrorists in order to save his estranged wife and her co-workers during a Christmas party invasion, this movie provides classic action one-liners, special effects, and some good ol' fashioned mindless fun. In the end, Bruce Willis drops Severus Snape off the top of a tower, and how can that be a bad message? Christmas needs justice and action just like fat kids need holiday treats. This is the Christmas movie.
Verdict: Christmas Time
Honourable Mentions:
Edward Scissorhands (1990) - Why? It's the story of where snow comes from.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) - Why? A family comedy we can all relate to.
White Christmas (1954) Why? Loves me some holiday racism in song form.
As always, feel free to comment. Share your thoughts on movies I left out, had too high or too low or judged improperly.
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