I know, I know. I should have done books and movies together in one post. But neither one was on my original list so I wasn't organized enough to do it. In fact, I'm surprised I didn't think of movies earlier. I like movies. I used to watch a lot of them - I think I remember doing that. Anyway, I saw a commercial for Fred Claus the other day and it got me thinking about all the Christmas movies - several come out every year, hoping for a little box office holiday love, and they're not usually any good. But people go see them because 'tis the season. Then I got thinking about a few Christmas movies that are good - we might call them classics - and this addition to the Making Christmas series was born.I could only come up with four that I like enough to recommend:
It's a Wonderful Life - Cliche, yes, I know. I've never been one for bandwagons. Which is why I never watched the whole thing through. Then last year I finally saw it start to finish and it was so...wonderful!
A Christmas Story - What can I say? If you've seen it, you already know. If you haven't, you're missing out.
Scrooged - A Christmas Carol that doesn't put me to sleep. Love Bill Murray.
While You Were Sleeping - At first thought I don't consider this a Christmas film, but I guess it really is. It's set around Christmas time and the themes of family vs. loneliness are emphasized. Sweet story, and one of Sandra's best, in my opinion.
I know Miracle on 34th Street is a classic for many, but I pass on the whole Santa thing. Here are a few other people's lists to get your juices flowing:
The Culture Beat
Listmania! Ultimate Christmas Movie List
Lots of Christmas Movies
Reel Reviews
Christian Christmas Movie Reviews
What are your favorite Christmas movies?
Any classics that it's tradition to watch?
How about new ones - are any of the holiday movies made in the last 10 years any good?
What's the absolute worst Christmas movie you've ever seen?
6 comments:
The Muppets Christmas Carol is a definite fave. Elf has also been added to my list of must-watch Christmas movies. I like your list as well. :)
Great list, I have nothing to add. I haven't seen Scrooged in years but we still recite the scene between Murray and his personal assistant, every time we have to think of a gift for someone:
Me - "What should we get for so-and-so?"
D - "towel."
Me - "But he's your brother!"
D - "ok, VCR."
Excellent idea. I would also add: "The Bishop's Wife" ... the OLD B&W one, not the new musical with that crack-whore Whitney...
Also, "A Christmas Carol" ... again, the old B&W one.
And finally, "White Christmas" ... ya gotta love Bing's baritone voice.
Also, hey, the Dallas Morning News wants to know what your favorite Christmas movie is.
http://religion.beloblog.com/archives/2007/12/tell_us.html
We watch very few Christmas movies. On our short list is Mr. Kreuger's Christmas and the MoTab-filled Joy to the World. I just haven't found any others that teach the kids what I want them to know about the holiday.
They love the Muppets, but I think the Christmas Carol story is made for slightly older audiences no matter who's in it. I mean, I just don't think they're going to get the point- yet. We tried Cailou's Holiday movie, and it was so bad that I took it to the second-hand store. The kids still ask about it, but I can truthfully reply that I have no idea where it is. So I'm a but shy about Christmas movies.
Sorry, but the mention of the movie Elf reminded me of this fun little time-waster. It really is fun if you call in and do the voice yourself. Or, better yet, have someone else elf themselves and email it to you.
I agree with Gabe- the original the Bishop's Wife is a great Christmas story, complete with my favorite angel, Cary Grant! By the way, Loretta Young, who plays the wife, was one of the few Mormon actresses in her time.
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