I
have a list of beloved Christmas movies and videos that I watch every
year. I’ve written about them before (Here) and I don’t feel the
need to go over them again. Every year I list those favorites I’m
greeted with a chorus of “What about…?” Everyone has favorites
and will feel outraged that I left that title off the list. So this
year I thought I’d touch on some of those others (Opening the door
to still more “What abouts…? LOL)
have a list of beloved Christmas movies and videos that I watch every
year. I’ve written about them before (Here) and I don’t feel the
need to go over them again. Every year I list those favorites I’m
greeted with a chorus of “What about…?” Everyone has favorites
and will feel outraged that I left that title off the list. So this
year I thought I’d touch on some of those others (Opening the door
to still more “What abouts…? LOL)
Elf
– I am not a huge Will Ferrell fan, but this movie has won me over.
It’s not on my “Gotta See” list, but it’s fun to watch when
it comes my way. Ferrell’s over the top comedy style is perfect
here because the movie surrounds him with “straight men”. (The
vital role of the straight man is something I may dip my toe into in
the future). The movie is about what we lose when our childlike
wonder about Christmas, Santa and all the rest of the holiday mystery
ends. It’s about wonder over consumerism. It’s about love and
family. And the world’s tallest, most annoying elf.
– I am not a huge Will Ferrell fan, but this movie has won me over.
It’s not on my “Gotta See” list, but it’s fun to watch when
it comes my way. Ferrell’s over the top comedy style is perfect
here because the movie surrounds him with “straight men”. (The
vital role of the straight man is something I may dip my toe into in
the future). The movie is about what we lose when our childlike
wonder about Christmas, Santa and all the rest of the holiday mystery
ends. It’s about wonder over consumerism. It’s about love and
family. And the world’s tallest, most annoying elf.
A Christmas
Story – This one makes a lot of “Classic Christmas” movie
lists. I can not warm up to it. The movie is annoying. Its main
character is annoying. His family is annoying. It’s about shallow consumer-based “happiness”. There’s a couple good lines in the
script, and some enduring images. Beyond that? Meh.
Story – This one makes a lot of “Classic Christmas” movie
lists. I can not warm up to it. The movie is annoying. Its main
character is annoying. His family is annoying. It’s about shallow consumer-based “happiness”. There’s a couple good lines in the
script, and some enduring images. Beyond that? Meh.
Love
Actually – I have no use for the Christmas romance storylines,
running on an endless loop, that are a profit center for the Hallmark
Channel. I would rather get coal in my stocking than have to watch
any of them. But if you want a cuddle under the blanket Christmas
romance, I’ll take this one. A brilliant cast makes their way
through a series of romantic stories that is all about love, romance
and even a bit of betrayal during the holidays. Dragged kicking and
screaming, to the movie at first, I wound up falling in love with it.
Actually – I have no use for the Christmas romance storylines,
running on an endless loop, that are a profit center for the Hallmark
Channel. I would rather get coal in my stocking than have to watch
any of them. But if you want a cuddle under the blanket Christmas
romance, I’ll take this one. A brilliant cast makes their way
through a series of romantic stories that is all about love, romance
and even a bit of betrayal during the holidays. Dragged kicking and
screaming, to the movie at first, I wound up falling in love with it.
Die
Hard – I was a die-hard (sorry) “This is NOT a Christmas movie”
proponent for years. The fact that it takes place at a Christmas
party doesn’t make it a Christmas movie for me. Then my erudite and
insightful cousin, Stewart Smith, made an interesting argument in
favor of its Christmas status that softened my position. His
comparison of John McClane to Santa Claus, with the elevator for the
chimney and presents for good people and coal for the bad was an
intriguing description.
Hard – I was a die-hard (sorry) “This is NOT a Christmas movie”
proponent for years. The fact that it takes place at a Christmas
party doesn’t make it a Christmas movie for me. Then my erudite and
insightful cousin, Stewart Smith, made an interesting argument in
favor of its Christmas status that softened my position. His
comparison of John McClane to Santa Claus, with the elevator for the
chimney and presents for good people and coal for the bad was an
intriguing description.
In
the end, it doesn’t convince me that this needs inclusion on my
Christmas list. Nope, not budging on that. The holiday has no need
for bombs, guns, and people falling to their death. Great movie, love
this movie, but it’s not ever going to be on my Christmas list.
the end, it doesn’t convince me that this needs inclusion on my
Christmas list. Nope, not budging on that. The holiday has no need
for bombs, guns, and people falling to their death. Great movie, love
this movie, but it’s not ever going to be on my Christmas list.
So
that’s this year’s additions to the Christmas video discussion.
Two that I enjoy, even if they are not on my “Gotta See” list.
And two that won’t get invitations to my Christmas festivities.
that’s this year’s additions to the Christmas video discussion.
Two that I enjoy, even if they are not on my “Gotta See” list.
And two that won’t get invitations to my Christmas festivities.
Love
to hear your thoughts, nominations, and ideas! Feel free to add them in
the comments.
to hear your thoughts, nominations, and ideas! Feel free to add them in
the comments.
Stories Are My Life 
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