For most of us, December can be more stressful than joyous. Finals are rapidly approaching, gifts need to be bought for all of those “special” people and preparations need to be made for the upcoming holidays. (Try to withhold the anger telling you to strangle that fellow mall shopper who just stole your parking space.) After the presents are unwrapped and the pie has been eaten, try to rest, relax and get into spirit of the season with some of these classic holiday films.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Chevy Chase is a comedic genius and some may even go as far as calling him a god. Chase plays Clark Griswold, a husband and father of two who wants to give his family a “Good old fashioned Griswold family Christmas!” If you’ve seen any other installments of the “Vacation” series, you already know that everything that could go wrong, does go wrong. Between the two sides of the family fighting, the tree catching on fire and frying the cat, nothing seems to go Clark’s way. For the viewers, this means a superb holiday treat filled with all the funny seasonal mishaps possible. Better yet, they are happening to someone else! It is Chase at his best and one of the all-time classic Christmas flicks.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Although you might not want to watch this one with the grandparents and Great Aunt Edna, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is quite possibly one of the most visually creative and underrated holiday movies to date. Created entirely by the use of puppets, director Tim Burton combines Halloween and Christmas to make a frighteningly delightful world where each holiday has its own land. Jack Skellington becomes tired of the yearly planning and preparations for Halloween. Feeling like life has no direction, he stumbles across Christmas land and shares the idea with his fellow ghouls and ghosts. Planning to kidnap Santa Clause, he creates his own version of Christmas until he realizes the true importance of the season and struggles to fix the wrongs he has done. “Nightmare” is much different than most traditional warm-felt holiday pictures and that’s what makes this gem a beauty.
Home Alone
Before Macaulay Culkin’s drunk driving and possession of narcotics charges, he charmed audiences as Kevin McCallister, the mischievously amusing little prankster in “Home Alone.” After his family accidentally leaves him home alone on Christmas during their vacation to Florida, Kevin must protect his home from the Wet Bandits, a duo of robbers with a master plan to break into an entire neighborhood. “Home Alone” is a fan favorite to many due to its combination of family comedy and the warm “family is the meaning of Christmas” message it sends. It’s the perfect movie to watch while settled in by the tree. Just make sure to avoid the sequels like the plague.
Elf
Buddy the elf accuses a mall Santa, “You sit on a thrown of lies!” Hilarious dialogue combined with SNL veteran Will Ferrell playing the role of Buddy? Count me in! “Elf” is the story of a North Pole resident who discovers that he is actually a human being instead of a happy little toy maker. Venturing to New York City to find his father (played by James Caan), the movie revolves around Buddy’s adventures and culture shock from entering the real world. Ferrell’s performance is outstanding and entertaining; truly an actor at the peak of his career. “Elf” is a must-see for all ages. It will also remind you what the true holiday food groups really are: candy, candy canes, candy corn…and SYRUP!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Everyone knows the story of the cruel and nasty Grinch (and if you don’t, where do you come from?). Director Ron Howard transformed the classic Dr. Seuss tale and put it to film creating the Who’s “Whoville” on an entire sound stage costing a larger-than-life budget. Jim Carrey amazed viewers as the Grinch, the creature planning to steal the Whos’ favorite holiday…Christmas! The movie is sheer eye candy and directorial bliss. Between Howard and Carrey, they created a book adaptation (and festive feature!) like no other.
Bad Santa
Billy Bob Thornton at his absolute worst…and by that, I mean his best. Holding the title for the most profanities in a Christmas film, “Bad Santa” offends, disturbs and cracks up its entire audience (well, as long as you aren’t easily offended or disturbed). Thornton is Willie, a low-life, sex-fiend drunk who makes a living as a mall Santa who robs the safes of department stores every Christmas Eve. Along with his partner Marcus, the two men take their scheme across the country, heisting a different mall each year. In its own twisted way, “Bad Santa” does come full circle, as Willie learns to appreciate the holiday while helping out a little boy who he ends up living with. College students will rejoice at the viewing of “Santa;” however, some adults should definitely be shielded from its vulgarity and repulsiveness. Let’s just say “Bad Santa” isn’t just a clever name.
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964 version)
Known to some as “Claymation Rudolph,” this half-cartoon, half-animation made-for-TV-movie lights up screens each year, easily hopping from generation to generation. Although it first debuted in 1964 and there is a cartoon remake featuring Jamie Lee Curtis, Rick Moranis and Richard Dreyfus (it’s just not the same), you simply cannot go without viewing this at least once during the holiday season. The abominable snowman adds the perfect Christmas villain, but don’t worry kids, Rudolph pulls through in the end. The movie’s underlying theme is about accepting those who are different (reindeer can be so cruel) and its timelessness proves it is one of the ultimate holiday classics.
The Muppet’s Christmas Carol
Everyone knows Scrooge’s tale, how the grouchy Christmas-hater redeems himself on one fatefully long Christmas Eve night as he is visited by three ghosts, that of the past, future and present. Directed by Brian Henson (shortly after creator Jim’s death), The Muppets are legends to children young and old everywhere and are the perfect bunch of puppets to tell such a well-known and uplifting holiday story. Kermit the Frog plays Bob Crachit, a poor hard working father who is struggling to financially support his family through the season. With Gonzo and Rizzo’s added humor, “The Muppet’s Christmas Carol” is a wonderful holiday hit for all to enjoy.
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