The reasons behind my Top Ten List:
NOTE: The more familiar the movie, the less I felt I needed
to spend time explaining myself.
1-2 It’s A Wonderful Life/Miracle on 34th
Street
I gave the number one spot to Wonderful Life but it’s
really closer to a photo finish. Both movies deserve the status of "classic." They are not only
the best Christmas movies of all time; they are among the best movies of all
time, period! I’m not sure any comments
are necessary for films that so obviously exist in the stratosphere, but I will
make one observation about fantasy in general. When dealing with far-fetched
stories such as Santa Claus or angels sending people into alternate time
realities, the writing and acting becomes even more crucial. If we don’t accept the people, we do not believe in their fantastic tale either. Both
movies were cleverly written and expertly performed by actors who breathed real
life into the characters.
3) Scrooge (Musical Version)
Excellent acting and well written dialogue, true to the style
of the original Dickens classic and filled out with pleasant musical numbers
which enhance, rather than take away from the story. The style of music and
street choreography may remind you of the film musical, Oliver. Added
dialogue includes a more detailed look at the many paupers who owe Scrooge
money and the very clever twist of Scrooge finding himself in hell, (cuurtesy of
the ghost of Christmas Future, of course).
SIDE NOTE: I do not let a Christmas go by anymore
without watching this movie. Although most professional reviews praised the
acting and gave obligatory kudos to the Dickens story itself, I was
disappointed to see many critics unhappy with the songs (composed by Leslie
Bricusse who also did Willy Wonka) Some labeled the music as "bad
to mediocre" and I couldn't disagree more. If you have read such reviews,
do yourself a favor and ignore them. Oh certainly, in any musical there will be
one or two pieces that you could have done without, but most of the score is
excellent. From the extremely clever and fun number, "Thank You Very
Much" to the sweet melodic "Happiness", Scrooge, the Musical
should take its place with the greats and perhaps will someday. Remember, there
was a time when It's A Wonderful Life was considered a flop too.
4) A Charlie Brown Christmas
Come on! It’s Charlie Brown!
Need we say more?
5) How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Please do not confuse this annual, animated television gem with that Milk Dud Jim Carrey gave us under the direction of Ron
Howard. Dr. Seuss was a genius. As for Dr. Howard? Well, he’s normally a decent
director but if any genius lurks inside, it hibernated as he marched to the
parade of remakes. Never mind. My critique for Ron Howard’s version comes up
later. For now, try to pretend that movie was never produced and instead make
sure you never let a Christmas pass without seeing the real story. It is as fun as it is charming.
6) A Christmas Story
Not as heartwarming as some of the others, but for over
three decades now, people have absolutely loved it. Set in the forties, the
story nevertheless looks and feels quite familiar to anyone who remembers what
it was like to grow up with a typical mom, a temperamental dad and a generic bully. By the way, am
I alone in this or is Ralphe just about the funniest looking kid ever to show
his little mug on the screen? He’s perfect for the part. The adult narrations
blended with Ralphe's dopey expressions were undoubtedly an inspiration for
television’s The Wonder Years.
7) The Santa Clause
A unique idea and fresh take on the Santa Claus legend. This
time, we learn that Santa Claus is actually the title of an office to be
filled. When one Santa dies, another takes his place. The movie would not have
worked without the subtle but piercing wit of Tim Allen. His timing and facial
mannerisms are priceless.
8) The Santa Clause 2
Normally I hate sequels with a passion. This movie was an
exception and for a very important reason; There really was a new story to
tell! The producers (for a change) chose not to retread Movie One. As a matter of fact, although its
predecessor was a good movie, The Santa Clause 2 is a GREAT
MOVIE! I ranked it after One only because the originality of the premise
owes everything to the first chapter. Elizabeth Mitchell (known today for her
intriguing role on Lost) was very convincing as a stuffy, but three-dimensional
High School principal who falls in love with Tim Allen. Who would have thought that in the midst of
talking animals, plastic giant toy villains and flying sleighs, a movie could
be so convincingly romantic? Another verification to what I said above; If we
believe the actors, we believe the entire film.
Oh yes. While we are on the subject, I guess I should say
something about The Santa Claus 3. It was as bad as Two was good,
everything one fears in a cookie cutter sequel and much much more. How’s this
for an original premise? Santa works too hard and doesn’t spend enough time
with his wife! Wow! Where oh where have we ever witnessed a fresh angle like
that? The North Pole is also visited by
his in-laws and (hold on to your seats) they don’t get along! (Oh, my
sides!) This pathetic send up includes a
lame attempt to mix the It’s A Wonderful Life theme with Chris Kringle.
Supposing Scott Calvin had never become Santa Claus? Just how depressing would
life be up in the North Pole? The blend
worked about as well as juicy, sirloin steak with peanut butter. The only
bright spot is Martin Short, hilarious as the evil Jack Frost who wants to
replace Santa Claus. I won’t ’t say
Short saved the movie. Not even Jesus could save this movie. But Short does get a good deal of screen
time, so this may be worth watching…ONCE.
Still, all in all, it stinks like one of those animals on the ice planet
of Hoth. You know, the one Han Solo thought smelled bad on the outside until he
opened it up with a Light Saber.
9) Jingle All the Way
I can’t call Schwarzenegger a bad actor any more. After all,
he fooled us into thinking he was a Republican when he ran for Governor, an
Academy Award caliber performance.
Anyway, this movie is so nutty and so zany, and so outrageous
and so impossible, and so unbelievable,
IT ACTUALLY WORKS, bad acting and all!
Just seeing one hundred crooked Santas (led by Jim Belushi) dog pile on top of Arnold
makes the whole outing worth it. It’s also fun to watch the Governater being laughed at by two smug store clerks who treat him like an imbecile,
simply because he didn’t know it was too late to buy a Turbo Man for his son.
“Where have you been? Turbo Man is only the hottest action
toy ever! Duh!”
At this point, Schwarzenegger grabs them both by the collar,
lifts them into the air and says, “Where’s your Christmas spirit?”
Full of repeat watchability, I laugh out loud every single
time!
10) Home Alone
I do love this movie, even though it was very over rated
when it came out. Would you be amazed to learn this was once the highest
grossing film of all time? The premise is also far fetched and difficult to
swallow, but Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern brighten things up as bumbling villains.
Normally I do not care for slapstick but it works well here. Also, (at the
expense of sounding like a sentimental mush pot), I cannot watch the old man
reconcile with his family without getting teary eyed. I know! I know! I sound like Castanza!
John Williams wrote a beautiful score, which helps us forget
the obvious elephant in the room: Macaulay Culkin cannot act! No matter.
Everyone else in the movie is quite good.
Even Culkin is effective in one scene,walking through his lonely
neighborhood, looking earnestly through decorated windows, watching families gather for Christmas Eve and feeling left out, as we listen to the modern but worthy Williams carol, Somewhere
In My Memory.
It’s ironic that this review follows Jingle All the Way.
Shcwarzenegger, by comparison to Kulkin, comes across like Laurence Olivier.
Still worth watching every year!
Reviews of Holiday Videos: Volume 3