Christmas Then and Now
Dec 12 '06
The Bottom Line A list of some of my favorite classic and contemporary Christmas movies.
I'd been thinking about doing a Top 10 Christmas list, but decided I wanted to do something a little more unusual than just a straight list. Most of these movies appear on lots of lists - they are all well-loved Christmas classics in their own right. But this list is split into two... the true classic that fits into a particular Holiday niche, and a more contemporary film that relates to it one way or another. Even if there are movies on this list that aren't quite you're cup of tea, everyone should be able to find at least one or two that they would be willing to watch over, and over, and over, and....
So without further ado, on to the list!
Overcoming Christmas Doubt
The first niche is for one of the traditional themes often seen at this time of year. There are probably hundreds of movies that could fit the 'overcoming doubt' idea, but I think these are two of the best. Both are centered on young girls, but have very different stories. So tell me... do you believe in Santa Clause?
Classic
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
A young girl raised to be pragmatic and rational like her mother meets a department store Santa who claims to be the real thing. Is charming Mr. Kringle who he says he is, or just a silly old man?
Contemporary
Prancer (1989)
A little girl finds an injured reindeer and believes it must be Prancer - the reindeer missing from a local display. She wants to nurse him back to health in time for Christmas, but her father wants to sell him to the butcher as an advertising gimmick.
The Spirit of Christmas
OK - so this niche isn't much different from the first niche. These are movies in which cranky, skeptical, and harried fathers find that maybe Christmas is the most important thing.
Classic
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
George Bailey is a second-rate banker in a crummy little town. But when the bank money goes missing, he thinks he may be worth more to his family dead than alive. It's up to an angel named Clarence to show him his true value.
Contemporary
The Santa Clause (1994)
When Scott Calvin inadvertently kills Santa, he discovers a new occupation. But will he manage to pull his life together, or will he ruin Christmas for everyone?
Romancing the Season
Classic
Desk Set (1957)
One of my favorite movies of all time, Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy are at odds over a network newsroom becoming computerized. While this isn't a Christmas film per se, it does take place during the Christmas season.
Contemporary
Love Actually (2003)
Several different couples are followed through the Christmas season as this movie explores all the different aspects of love. It's entertaining, but not a great film.
Classic Literature
Everybody knows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the three spirits of Christmas. Here is a traditional version, and one with a modern twist.
Classic
Scrooge (1951)
This is the Alastair Sim version which is probably the best known/most loved telling of Charles Dickens' famous tale of a greedy old miser who has a change of heart.
Contemporary
Scrooged (1988)
Instead of a greedy old miser, Bill Murray plays a cynical and obnoxious TV executive. And who needs the Christmas spirit more than an obnoxious TV executive?
Family Traditions
There are some traditions that have been handed down from generation to generation without losing anything in the translation. Here are a pair of beautiful stories that can be enjoyed by young and old alike.
Classic
The Nutcracker (Mikhail Baryshnikov) (1977)
There's not much to say about this one. One of the best ballet dancers of all time takes on the role of a lifetime in this traditional ballet. Young Clara receives the gift of a beautiful Christmas Nutcracker which comes to life in her dreams.
Contemporary
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
One of the world's most popular children's novels became an instant classic when transferred to the big screen. In a land where it is always winter but never Christmas, four children hold the destiny of the world in their hands.
Family Dysfunction
It wouldn't be Christmas in some families if someone wasn't getting beat up or picked on or yelled at. Fractured families are fun to watch - I just hope you only experience them on the screen and don't live them out yourself.
Classic
A Christmas Story (1983)
Not as old as some, but a classic never the less. Ralphie wants nothing more than a Red Rider BB gun under the tree. Everyone else is dead-set against it... even Santa Claus.
Contemporary
Home Alone (1990)
Kevin's family is heading to France for Christmas. Unfortunately, Kevin manages to get left behind. Meanwhile, a pair of bumbling bandits are planning a major heist in his neighborhood.
As you can see, there are lots of choices for Christmas viewing ranging from the ridiculous to the sublime. If you're counting, you'll see that I've actually listed 12 movies here instead of 10. Consider that last pair my Christmas gift especially for you.
Happy movies to all, and to all a free night (since the video store is closed on Christmas).
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