'Tis the season for favorite Christmas movies—December 7, 2012
It's that time of year again when fall turns into Christmas. Everybody has their own Christmas traditions, and many of mine involve my favorite Christmas movies. Here’s a few that hold special fondness for me.
1. “It's a Wonderful Life”(1946). On Thanksgiving night, my family always sits down to watch this movie. To me, that's the official turn-over point that says Christmas is here! Short story: George Bailey has a bad day one Christmas eve and decides to jump off a bridge but gets intercepted by his Guardian Angel who shows George that he really does have “a wonderful life." Best Quote: "Holy Mackerel I’m married!" Best Scene: When George and Mary are on their date and she falls into the bushes...very scandalous.
2. “Christmas Vacation”(1989). Everybody who’s ever seen this movie loves it! There is something relatable about the stressful situations that occur in this disastrously funny comedy that make it a must watch at Christmas time. Short story: The Griswalds try and have the perfect family Christmas, but nothing goes right. Best Quote: “If this isn't the biggest bag-over-the-head, punch-in-the-face I ever got!” Best Scene: The lighting of the house is classic, but the tree going up in flames is timeless. Poor cat…oh and the squirrel.
3. “Home Alone 2”(1992). While the first one is amazing, the second one is by far my favorite. New York City at its finest is no match for Kevin McCallister. Plus, this one has the crazy, yet lovable, homeless lady in Central Park. Short story: In a time before airport security went overboard, Kevin's second Christmas lands him in NYC when he accidentally gets on the wrong plane and then runs into his favorite cons who have just broken out of prison. Best Quote: “Don't you know a kid always wins against two idiots?” Best Scene: When Marv electrocutes himself in the toilet.
4. “Jingle all the way”(1996). There is something wonderfully cheesy about Arnold Schwarzenegger in a Christmas movie. Short story: Howard Langston is a workaholic father who spends Christmas Eve trying to hunt down his son’s Christmas gift that he forgot to buy, which is also the most popular toy of the year. Best quote: "It's turbo time!"Best scene: the fighting Santas.
5. “Eight crazy nights”(2002). Put on your yamaka it's time for Chanukah! For all the Jewish people out there, Adam Sandler came up with a touching, catchy musical that is only mildly raunchy. Short story: Davey Stone is a lonely Jewish guy who has lost the holiday spirit, but comes to learn the meaning of friendship through the unlikely town joke Whitey. Best Quote: "That's not only a technical foul...but possibly a homicide" (song) Best scene: the end of the movie when the mall mascots all come to life.
Honorable Mentions:# 6 “Elf”(2003)- “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is to sing loud for all to hear!”. #7 “The Santa Clause”(1994)-Tim Allen brings a new face to Santa. #8 “A Christmas Story”(1983)-"You'll shoot your eye out kid!" #9 ”Scrooged”(1988)-Bill Murray in a fun spin on 'A Christmas Carol.' #10 “Die Hard” (1988)- Yippie-kye-yay...it all started at a Christmas Party with some angry Germans.
Come to the library and check out these movies and many other Holiday favorites!
