The Holiday Guide is full of the latest and greatest, but what if you
have someone younger on your list who needs some helpful film history?
Here’s a list of 5 Christmas DVDs every human (over the age of 14)
would enjoy.
The Classic – “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
This movie is the quintessential Christmas movie. It shows you how to
be both giving and self-reflective; to view your actions and how they
impact others. It’s a lovely example of a black & white film and of
one of the best actors of that generation, James Stewart. Everyone
should know the line “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his
wings.” and have it melt your heart. It shows us the true richness of
family and friends over material affluence, but in a way so subtle
that you barely take notice. Like all the others on this list, it’s a
film you could watch every single year. Heart-warming. Simply
heart-warming.
The Kid Appropriate – “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966 & 2000)
Both versions of this animated classic have their merits, but like
those who position the Star Wars anthology in a specific order, I
believe you cannot fully appreciate the more recent version without
first experiencing the older tale. Based on the Dr. Seuss book, his
well known art is cleanly intact adding to the unique style of the
film. Whoville and the Grinch’s dog Max are the cutest images on
screen, but it’s the Grinch and his determined plan to steal Christmas
that will keep you amused throughout. How he pilfers every last candy
cane is so delicious to watch it’s actually his stretchy expressions
that sell his performance with a mouth that practically disappears
behind each side of his face. Only Jim Carrey could even imagine
taking on the fictional character, spending an absurd number of hours
getting himself green each day to pull it off. Don’t choose. See
both!
The Non-Christmas Christmas Movie – “Die Hard” (1988)
This film is a popular answer among grown-ups in their 30s and 40s for
a favourite holiday film, launching the “Is it REALLY a Christmas
movie?” debate nearly every time. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the
time of year that lends itself to the pro-argument, with the entire
film taking place on Christmas Eve nailing the case. What makes it a
less than standard option for this list is the fact that the plot
revolves around a bank heist and hostage situation loaded with action,
violence and gun-fights, making the content of the story less, shall
we say, nice. But, naughty or nice, it’s amusing, entertaining and
successfully takes the sticky, saccharine taste out of the usual
Christmas fare.
The More Modern – “Elf” (2003)
With the same dedication as Jim Carrey’s Grinch minus the make-up, is
Will Farrell’s “Elf”. You won’t find a single frame of this film
where he isn’t completely and utterly sold on the belief that he is,
in fact, an elf. With James Caan perfectly cast as his stone-cold and
unemotional foil to Farrell’s exuberant and outlandish “Buddy”, this
movie will make you laugh out loud. Jon Favreau’s direction hits the
exact right note and doesn’t sway from it. From the idea that
everything probably would taste better with syrup to the brilliant
scene with “Game of Thrones” Peter Dinklage, this movie takes every
Christmas myth and plays it out for us in odd, hilarious and amazing
ways. Personally, the cookie cutter ending is a little too sweet for
my blood, but it’s forgiveable. “Santa’s coming! I KNOW HIM!”
The Comedy Gold – “Scrooged” (1988)
Not unlike “It’s a Wonderful Life”, this film takes you on an
adventure where the protagonist is able to, with a lot of help from
others, finally see the world, their life and their affect on others
clearly, warts and all. However, while James Stewart plays up the
Everyman, Bill Murray hijacks the entire ride with his angry, selfish,
obnoxious behaviour. Best of all, you don’t mind one bit. Sure, YOU
would never behave that way and you would realize if you were that
much of an ass, but somehow it’s believable and endlessly amusing to
watch him fight the lesson for nearly the entire film. Who cares if
he’s stingy or inconsiderate or too demanding? He doesn’t and you
(not so) secretly love it. Bill Murray carries this movie
effortlessly, but Carol Kane manages to steal her scene with him as
the Ghost of Christmas present who isn’t as sweet as she looks.
Spoiler alert: excessive violence has never been so entertaining.
The whole cast is fantastic and Bill is as great as ever. My second
favourite film of his, after “Caddyshack”, of course.
Ok, I snuck in an extra one there, but it’s the holidays, that’s
allowed, right? Is there one that didn’t make the list, or did I hit
on your fave? Happy shopping and happy holidays from me and the rest
of the gang at BBP!
