Five Movies You Should Watch This Christmas
Before I go any further, I
want to say that I am not some Grinch who is out to ruin Christmas. I love the holiday season, the time spent
with family and the general merriment you get when everyone has a few weeks
off. However there is one part of the
holidays that gets worse and worse every year: holiday movies. Unlike songs, which can be revamped every
year by the newest and hottest artists, I’ve been watching the same Christmas
movies since I was a kid and frankly I’m bored.
White Christmas is hokey even for a musical, It’s A Wonderful Life is more
stale than crackers, and Elf has been so beaten to the ground by the constant
references and quotes a now very funny film just fills me with dread. The selection of Christmas movies is larger
than you realize and here are five Christmas movies you should watch this
year.
5. The
Muppets Christmas Carol (1992)- The classic Dickens novel is remade surprisingly
well by the studio of Jim Henson, with the talented Micheal Caine in the lead
roll. Despite half the cast being animal
puppets, the film is entertaining for kids and adults alike thanks to a good
balance of humor and seriousness, and an original soundtrack that would rival
any Broadway show. Even today, Kermit
singing about Christmas gets me right in the feels.
4. Love
Actually (2003)- This brit rom-com is about intertwining romances in London is
both funny and heartwarming, has an all star cast including Keira Knightly,
Hugh Grant, and Liam Neeson, and captures the part of Christmas that most
movies skip over: being with the ones you love no matter how much they annoy
you. Definitely worth a watch or
rewatch, and by the way, its on Netflix, you’re welcome.
3. Fred
Claus (2007)- Vince Vaughn plays the jealous brother to Paul Gimatti’s Santa
Claus and when he comes to work at the North Pole, all hell breaks loose. The dynamic of these two is pretty hysterical
but what sells the film is the supporting cast: Kathy Bates, Kevin Spacey, and
Rachel Wiesz to name a few and some truly great scenes including Fred teaching
the elves to dance, the Claus family dinner and a self conscious elf played by
John Micheal Higgins.
2. Rare
Exports (2010)- I’m not going to lie, this film isn’t for everyone. But if you like the weird and exotic, you
need to see this. This movie is about
Danish villagers who capture the real Santa Claus, and he is not holly nor jolly. If you don’t have time for a feature length,
don’t worry the film is based on a series of short films that are just as good
and can be found on YouTube, if you’re feeling adventurous give them a try.
1.
Joyeux Noel (2005)- This is hands down the greatest Christmas film that’s ever
been made. A story about World War I
soldiers on both sides of the trenches who lay down their arms on Christmas
teaches a surprising story about the value of human life. Its uplifting and inspiring and even has a
few moments of comedy. It’s interesting because in the film rather than
sticking to one language, the German, French, and Scottish soldiers all speak
their native language adding a level of reality that is hard to find in modern
cinema. But don’t be put off by the heavy
topic, you’ll finish this film with a sense of joy that can be only brought
about by peace on earth. And even more
incredible, its based on a true story.
So this Christmas, if you’re
looking for something different, try out these five movies and I promise you
won’t be disappointed.
