IT’S ALMOST TIME FOR THAT JOLLY HOLIDAY AND WHAT IS BETTER THAN THE ACTUAL DAY THAN IT’S BUILD UP WITH CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS, CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND BEST OF ALL CHRISTMAS MOVIES?
Written for Glide
By Maria Baker
There are tons of seasonal movies out there on our TVs, but that doesn’t mean it’s good to watch or worth the lengthy duration time, oh no. So to save you the trouble- and pain from tearing your eyes out, here is a list of our top favourites.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): A well-known hit but is it worth watching? In my eyes, it’s a yes. It’s a classic so yes it’s in Black and White but it gives the movie that extra sparkle of Christmas magic. A business man, George Bailey struggles with life at work and home so much so that he wonders about ending his life but before anything happens an angel shows George what life may be like without him existing in the world. Not only does it have a good morale to the story there is also works on the sequel, so it’s best to watch the first before the sequel becomes a big hit!
2. The Holiday (2006): Starring Jude Law (Sherlock Holmes, 2009), Kate Winslet (Titanic), Jack Black (School of Rock) and Cameron Diaz (Bad Teacher) as the main characters what better way to know the movie is going to be good when there is a good cast line-up? The movie is about two women, one living England and the other in America exchange houses over the Christmas holidays as both their lives have struck too much boredom. They both end up finding love and renewing hope in their lives.
3. Elf (2003): This film still gets to me, it’s a tradition for myself and my family to watch it every year and it still never gets old. This comical hit stars Will Ferrell, dressed as a giant elf (what can be better?). The movie is about a misunderstood human adult who was mistook as an elf in his early years. He goes to New York in search for his real family after creating chaos and ruining everything for his real father but it ends on a good note with a ‘happily ever after’.
4. Home Alone (1990): Another movie that seems to last every year and never get tired of. If you want a little comedy for Christmas this is perfect one for you. The story is about a boy named Kevin being accidently left at home as his family goes abroad for Christmas. He goes through adventures of protecting himself particularly against two clumsy burglars. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, it’s definitely a must-see especially around Christmas time.
5. The Snowman and the Snowdog (2012): It’s a heart-warming tale that is similar to its prequel, The Snowman (should watch that movie before seeing this one) but with an extra character, the Snowdog! And an unexpected (not so unexpected now) sad ending so get the tissues at the ready!
6. How the Grinch stole Christmas (2000): Something magical to bring to Christmas, not only because it’s Dr Seuss! But also because of nostalgia to all those who watched this movie time to time when they were younger. It stars the famously funny Jim Carrey and little Taylor Momsen for all the Gossip Girl fans out there that still suffering from post-series blues.
7. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992): Michael Caine is the moody Scrooge! Some of you may have done Christmas Carol for school and though, maybe tired of hearing about the ghost of Christmas Past, but, this movie still plucks a heartstring as the Muppet’s makes the classic tale more subtle and humorous.
8. Love Actually (2003): Another example of a great movie that has a bonus of a great famous cast. It also seems that comedy has a good tie-in with the Christmas spirit and this movie is jammed packed with British humour. If you’re not watching it for the story go watch it for the funny acting!
9. Batman Returns (1992): Batman fan? Well here’s your excuse to have Batman hog the family’s TV for this special time of year. Tim Burton’s sequel includes villains that we got to miss out in the later versions such as Danny DeVito as the Penguin (very cold! Pun intended). We also get to see Michelle’s Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle. Who wore the Cat suit better?
10. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): It’s always the case where you have to decide whether to watch this movie at Halloween or Christmas. Want my advice? I say both! The movie not only has that normal dark look for Disney thanks to Tim Burton’s great skills but also has scenes for the Christmas holidays! A great catchy song to go with it.
Maria Tzing Fung Baker 