There are tons of holiday films to choose from this time of year. There are ones that will warm your heart, make you laugh or even cry your eyes out. So if the neighborhood dogs have stolen your turkey again this year, here are four classic holiday films to pick up everyone's spirits.
"Elf" (2003)
This is the story of a human named Buddy (Will Ferrell) who is raised by elves in the North Pole. When Santa Claus informs Buddy his father is actually a businessman in New York, he sets out to meet him. The only problem for Buddy is his father is on the dreaded Naughty List, so Buddy must try and rekindle his father's spirit and remind everyone what the true meaning of Christmas is.
"Elf" is the rare holiday film that is able to juggle comedic elements with holiday cheer. The jokes are the kind parents and kids can enjoy, and they come pretty much nonstop from the beginning of the film. Ferrell is at his absolute best here, giving Buddy the kind of childlike innocence that allows some of the funnier moments of the film to unfold well. Director Jon Favreau handles these different elements incredibly well, curbing Ferrell's normally crude humor into some better family fare.
James Caan also provides some good support as Buddy's estranged father, Walter, and gives the film a little Scrooge edge to help balance the abundance of holiday cheer present. Overall, the story may have your typical pacing issues and some of it is corny. But there are few holiday films that as funny, and yet still uplifting, as this one. "Elf" is exactly the kind of light-hearted movie that will entertain everyone for the holidays, no matter what age.
"The Little Drummer Boy" (1968)
There are many great claymation Christmas films you can choose to watch, from "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" to "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," claymation is a staple of holiday entertainment. If you have to choose one of these to watch, however, "The Little Drummer Boy" should be your pick. During a time of year when we are supposed to remember why we need to care for each other and rediscover what is really important, there are few stories as essential as "The Little Drummer Boy."
The film is about a boy who travels with his parents, a group of animals and his drum. As the boy grows up in poverty, he stumbles across three wise men on their to way Bethlehem. The film is also a great way for any parent to find an excuse to talk to their children about the holidays in a context which doesn't involve presents, department stores or which sweater at the Christmas party is the ugliest. "The Little Drummer Boy" is a story which reduces Christmas to its base meaning and should be a welcome change for any viewer.
"A Christmas Story" (1983)
I know what you're thinking: "this movie has been done to death." And you know what? I completely agree with you. If you get within 10 miles of TBS on the 24th or 25th of December, you're bound to hear some part of this classic Christmas romp. That doesn't change the fact, though, that this is a great film for the holidays.
"A Christmas Story" is the story of Ralphie, a boy growing up in Hohman, Ind. during December. Ralphie is on a mission to get the one thing he really wants for Christmas: an official Red Ryder BB Gun. Despite Ralphie's desire, however, his mom insists he doesn't need it, claiming Ralphie will "shoot his eye out." His mom's words set Ralphie on a month-long quest to try and obtain his present, someway, somehow.
The quotable lines in this film are practically endless. From "you'll shoot your eye out," to "soap poisoning" this movie has enough iconic moments to stuff six stockings. "A Christmas Story" is a quintessential holiday classic, especially for anyone living in the Midwest. The filming for the movie took place in Cleveland and the movie is based on the writings of Jean Shepherd, who was from Hammond, Ind., which the fictional town in the film is based on. The Midwestern flair adds even more to the down-home feel to the story. The times may have changed, but almost any kid between the ages of 4 and 15 can relate to Ralphie's plight. If you haven't seen this movie, congratulations, you are one of about ten people in the state of Indiana. Now go out and watch it.
"It's a Wonderful Life" (1946)
And here we have it, the "Lord of the Rings" of holiday films, if you have to choose only one Christmas-themed movie for the entire season, this is it.
"It's a Wonderful Life" tells the story of George (James Stewart), a man who has always sacrificed his own happiness for that of others. The film opens on Christmas Eve with a smattering of people praying for George's well-being, as he is deeply troubled. The prayers reach the heavens and they send an angel down to help George. We then find George on the verge of committing suicide, because he feels his life is worthless. As he is on the verge of throwing himself off a bridge, a man named Clarence (Henry Travers) shows up, claiming he is George's guardian angel. George tells Clarence he wishes he had never been born. In response, Clarence decides to show George what the world would be like had he never existed.
"It's a Wonderful Life" is a movie with great depth to its relatively simple message. Sure, there are plenty of corny moments, but "It's a Wonderful Life" is an answer to any existential crisis. Stewart is completely genuine in his performance as George, providing a heartfelt performance that attaches the viewer to him. Overall, I would say "It's a Wonderful Life" is essential to any household on Christmas. There's no greater way to get around the television with your family and try to experience holiday cheer.
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