Christmas Vacation (1989)
In this yuletide installment of National Lampoon’s vacation movies, Clark, the leader of the Griswold clan, is determined to provide his family with the most perfect Christmas ever. Clark decides to invite his whole family to have 'the most fun-filled, old-fashioned family Christmas,' but all the good intentions in the world can't save the Griswold family from disaster. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep up his holiday cheer knowing that his holiday bonus is on its way. When Clark’s bonus isn’t quite what he expected, he snaps and soon his perfect Christmas looks to be in jeopardy.
In this yuletide installment of National Lampoon’s vacation movies, Clark, the leader of the Griswold clan, is determined to provide his family with the most perfect Christmas ever. Clark decides to invite his whole family to have 'the most fun-filled, old-fashioned family Christmas,' but all the good intentions in the world can't save the Griswold family from disaster. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep up his holiday cheer knowing that his holiday bonus is on its way. When Clark’s bonus isn’t quite what he expected, he snaps and soon his perfect Christmas looks to be in jeopardy.
Who can’t identify with the crazy antics of the Griswold family and the hilarious mishaps that pop up during the frenzy of the holidays? This modern classic is fueled by a side-splitting script from the late, great John Hughes, delivered with the skillful wit and comic timing of Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold. The terrific ensemble cast also includes Beverly D’Angelo as Clark’s wife, a young Juliette Lewis as Audrey Griswold, Diane Ladd and John Randolph as Clark’s parents, and Doris Roberts as the snobby mother-in-law.
Christmas Vacation is chock full of memorable scenes and quotable lines. Stand out moments include the hilarious return of Cousin Eddie (played by scene-stealing Randy Quaid), the scrounger who totes his misfit family around in a beat-up trailer, and Mae Questel's appearance as batty, old Aunt Bethany. Be sure to make Christmas Vacation an annual, fun-filled family tradition for you and yours!The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Countless versions of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale exist, but of all those I’ve seen, the Muppet’s account stands as my favorite! Undoubtedly everyone is familiar with Dickens’ story about an elderly miser, Ebenezer Scrooge (played here by Michael Caine) who is held accountable for his reprehensible ways during night-time visitations by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
Countless versions of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale exist, but of all those I’ve seen, the Muppet’s account stands as my favorite! Undoubtedly everyone is familiar with Dickens’ story about an elderly miser, Ebenezer Scrooge (played here by Michael Caine) who is held accountable for his reprehensible ways during night-time visitations by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
The comical team of Gonzo and Rizzo the rat narrate the tale amid a beautiful, Dickensian setting. All the favorite Muppet characters make an appearance, including the always loveable and endearing Kermit playing Bob Cratchit; Fozzie bear as Fozziwig, the rubber chicken manufacturer; and the two curmudgeons, Waldorf and Statler as the ghostly Marley brothers.
Michael Caine makes a very believable Scrooge, effortlessly portraying the heartfelt transformation and redemption from miser to generous patron. The gentle humor and slapstick gags characteristic of the Muppets presents a light and refreshing perspective to this seasonal favorite. Furthermore, Paul Williams' musical score and songs are very catchy, leaving the viewer with a lasting memory.The Muppet Christmas Carol provides a whimsical, zany holiday treat for one and all!
Home Alone (1990)
Another family comedy for the holidays written by John Hughes, Home Alone follows an eight year-old, Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) who is accidentally left behind while his family flies to France for Christmas and has to defend his home against idiotic burglars.
Another family comedy for the holidays written by John Hughes, Home Alone follows an eight year-old, Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) who is accidentally left behind while his family flies to France for Christmas and has to defend his home against idiotic burglars.
Talented character actors, John Heard and Catherine O'Hara play Kevin’s parents, with Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as the buffoon criminals and a small, charming performance by the great John Candy as the “Polka King,” Gus Polinski.The location is part of what makes Home Alone a personal favorite of mine. Shot and set in a northern suburb of Chicago near my hometown, watching this movie always makes me a little nostalgic. I was also close in age to Macaulay Culkin, who hit it big with this holiday smash, so I always tried to imagine what I would do with that big house all to myself. While not entirely believable, the crazy hijinx and gags along with another notable supporting cast make Home Alone an enjoyable yuletide flick.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Not typically known as a holiday movie, Bridget Jones’s Diary (based on the hilarious, best-selling novel by Helen Fielding) is the story of an everyday, 30-something woman living the single life in London. As part of her New Year’s resolution, Bridget (Renée Zellweger) decides to keep a diary to try and take control of her life. The events that ensue in her year-long pursuit are nothing short of hilarious, awkward, and charming. What makes Bridget Jones’s Diary one of my favorite go-to movies is its imperfect heroine and the fact that it so perfectly captures the inner workings of the female mind (especially the single female)!
Not typically known as a holiday movie, Bridget Jones’s Diary (based on the hilarious, best-selling novel by Helen Fielding) is the story of an everyday, 30-something woman living the single life in London. As part of her New Year’s resolution, Bridget (Renée Zellweger) decides to keep a diary to try and take control of her life. The events that ensue in her year-long pursuit are nothing short of hilarious, awkward, and charming. What makes Bridget Jones’s Diary one of my favorite go-to movies is its imperfect heroine and the fact that it so perfectly captures the inner workings of the female mind (especially the single female)!
Along with its great script, Bridget Jones’s Diary boasts a wonderful cast. My favorite contemporary British character actor, Jim Broadbent plays Bridget’s sullen father, while the amusing Gemma Jones plays Bridget’s dotty mother. And, of course, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant play Bridget’s two suitors, keeping the audience guessing as to who’s Mr. Right and who’s Mr. Right Now.
Again, Bridget Jones’s Diary is one of those movies that only has a few Christmassy parts, beginning and ending during the holiday season, with a wonderful, snowy conclusion. Yet this movie is so appealing on so many levels. It’s one of the few movies in which I can stomach Renée Zellweger’s acting, but, I’ll be honest, I really adore it because I loves me some Colin Firth (even in his “ridiculous reindeer jumper”)!
Though Bridget Jones’s Diary may be considered a “chick flick,” it’s still a witty, irreverent and engaging film and the audiences can’t help but to like Bridget, “just as she is!”Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Director Vincente Minnelli's musical masterpiece, starring Judy Garland, tells the story of the trials and tribulations of the tight-knit Smith family, depicting the passing of the seasons of one year in St. Louis on the eve of the 1904 World's Fair. The Smith’s live a happy, simple life until a shadow falls on their domestic bliss when father, Alonzo (played by the lovely Leon Ames) proposes to move the household to New York where he’s been offered a new job. The family’s daughters, Rose, Ether (Garland), Agnes and Tootie (played oh-so-memorably by the adorable Margaret O’Brien), all try to come to terms with their impending move to the east coast, but mourn the thought of missing out on the great World’s Fair and leaving their beloved St. Louis.
The yuletide classic, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," originated in Meet Me in St. Louis, stands as the primary reason I consider this movie a holiday season must-watch. Judy Garland’s expressive and heartfelt rendition of this song remains my favorite version. This song was especially poignant at the time of the movie’s release in 1944, as millions of young American men found themselves far from home during wartime, and millions of families back home missed them terribly.
Meet Me in St. Louis is a classic, heartwarming musical expertly directed by Minnelli and beautifully told by the endearing cast of characters…and all in glorious Technicolor!
Stalag 17 (1953)
This World War II movie (based on a Broadway play) takes place one week before Christmas in 1944. The setting, as you may’ve guessed from the film’s title, is a German prison camp housing thousands of enlisted American airmen, somewhere along the Danube River. A spy is discovered to be living in Barrack 4 after an escape attempt fails, resulting in the deaths of two inmates. The prisoners suspect Sergeant J.J. Sefton (William Holden, who won an Oscar as Best Actor for this role), an unscrupulous inside dealer who trades almost anything with the Germans for extra privileges. After Sefton is beaten up and made an outcast, he becomes determined to find the real spy and the result is a fusion of intrigue and betrayal.
In Stalag 17, Billy Wilder illustrates, once again, his exceptional skills as a director at mixing broad comedy and high-tension drama. While the subject matter at the heart of the film is serious, the everyday escapades of the bored and restless prisoners manages to bring vitality to the movie, led by the two Barrack clowns, Animal (Robert Strauss) and Shapiro (Harvey Lembeck). The action takes place leading up to Christmas, with the zenith coming on Christmas Day. Despite the conflict within the camp (or perhaps because of it), the prisoners take time to celebrate Christmas in their own way, holding a party within the Barracks. Stalag 17 is a highly entertaining film that’s a mystery, a thriller and a dark comedy all at once, and one that I can’t help but get the itch to watch during the holidays! “At eaaaase!”
Wishing you all the best during this holiday season!
Once again, I confess I haven't seen most of them -- but I do love "Meet Me in St. Louis", especially that scene with Tootie looking out over the backyard where all the dead dolls are buried, and Judy singing that lovely song. I *far* prefer those original lyrics, with "until then we'll have to muddle through somehow" to the cheered-up version Frank Sinatra insisted upon before he'd record it.
ReplyDeleteThank you! And Merry Christmas to you, my friend!
YES someone else who loves the muppet christmas carol! it really is a great combination.
ReplyDelete@scb -- I do love Judy's version of the song! It's so touching, especially in the context of the movie/time period. If you're up for some of these other movies, they're all a treat! And some you can wait to watch until after the holidays!
ReplyDelete@Meredith -- Thanks for your comment! A Muppet Christmas Carol is such a fun take on Dicken's tale. It's full of hilarious lines and I love the book-keeping staff of rats that work with Mr. Cratchit! Who doesn't love the Muppets?!