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A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965),
Director: Bill Melendez; Writer: Charles M.
Schulz, rated G
 Starring:
Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Kathy Steinberg, Tracy Stafford, Bill Melendez,
Ann Altieri, Chris Doran, Sally Dryer
"I guess you were
right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this little tree.” -
Charlie Brown
Why watch this?
Poor Charlie Brown, just can't figure out why he's unhappy at
Christmastime.
Dad's Review:
It's easy to get the holiday blues. There's so much
commercialization. Too many commercials. A sharp focus on
materialism. Charlie Brown sets to find the meaning of it all.
He and his dog, and this friends, all cope in their own ways,
but our round-headed pal looks deeper. This sweet Peanuts TV
special helped us fall in love with a little, puny tree. |
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A Christmas Carol
(1951), Director: Brian Desmond Hurst; Screenwriter:
Noel Langley, rated G
Starring:
Alastair Sim, Mervyn Johns, Hermione Baddeley, Jack Warner, Kathleen Harrison,
Michael Hordern, George Cole, Clifford Mollison
"Mortal! We Spirits of
Christmas do not live only one day of our year." -
Spirit of Christmas Present
Why watch this?
I've always loved this version of the classic Scrooge story.
Dad's Review:
If you think this story is ancient and does not apply to people
today, you'd be wrong. We all live busy lives. We all neglect to
help those in need. We all scoff at the real meaning of
Christmas. This film can help you find that meaning again. The
visitations from the ghosts affects me more the older I get, and
I realize my time is running out. |
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A Christmas Story (1983),
Director: Steve Gordon, rated PG for alcohol use
Starring: Melinda
Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley, Scott Schwartz, Tedde
Moore, Ian Petrella, Tedde Moore, R. D. Robb, Zack Ward
"In the heat of battle my
father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is
still hanging in space over Lake Michigan." - adult Ralphie,
narrating
Why watch this?
It's packed with memories we all had growing up in a bygone age.
Dad's Review:
This film captures Christmas for many families from the end of
World War II through the early 1980's - certainly a simpler time
in the USA. Here we follow nine-year-old Ralphie as Christmas
approaches. His only wish is a Red Rider BB Gun. He must endure
school bullies, an annoying little brother, parents that won't
listen, and a full-body pink bunny suit. It's a warm family
film, that has a lot of holiday laughs. Remember... "You'll
shoot your eye out!" |
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Die Hard
(1992), John McTiernan; Screenwriters: Jeb
Stuart, Steven E. de Souza, rated R for language,
violence
Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Alexander Gudunov,
Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson, De'voreaux White, Paul
Gleason, William Atherton, Clarence Gilyard, Robert Davi, Grand
L. Bush
"It's Christmas, Theo. It's the time
of miracles. So be of good cheer... and call me when you hit the last lock." –
Hans Gruber
Why watch this? It
starts at a Christmas Party and ends with a bloody Christmas
miracle!
Dad's Review:
Yes, this qualifies as a Christmas movie. Starts at a Christmas
Party. Wrapping Paper is critical to the plot. It has a happy
ending. See? So, let's go stop some very Scroogy international
terrorists! |
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Edward
Scissorhands
(1990),
Director: Tim Burton; Screenwriter: Caroline
Thompson, rated PG-13 for mild sexuality, violence
Starring: Johnny
Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Kathy
Baker, Vincent Price, Alan Arkin, Conchata Ferrell
"I don't think it would be
snowing now if he weren't still up there. Sometimes you can
still catch me dancing in it.” - Kim
Why watch this?
This odd, sweet film is a lovely journey about the misfit and
power of love.
Dad's Review:
Though not specifically a Christmas movie, there is certainly a
holiday feel to it, especially the ending as snow falls, and
love feels renewed. |
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Elf
(2003),
Director: Jon Favreau, rated PG
Starring: Will
Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Asner,
Bob Newhart, Daniel Tay, Faizon Love
"We elves try to stick
to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns,
and syrup." - Buddy
Why watch this?
You'll fall for Buddy immediately - oh to be that innocent as an
adult.
Dad's Review:
Perhaps the most original Christmas movie in the last 20 years.
Director Jon Favreau brings us a magical story of an adopted
elf, Buddy. Will Ferrell breathes such wonder, humor and life
into the character. It’s so heart-warming to watch Buddy embrace
people, eat the bubble gum, and not be embarrassed to show
enthusiasm for all. This has shot up the list as one of my
favorite holiday films. |
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The Family Man (2000),
Directors: Brett Ratner, rated PG-13
Starring: Nicolas
Cage, Téa Leoni, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Piven, Saul Rubinek,
Makenzie Vega, Lisa Thornhill, Saul Rubinek, Josef Sommer
"I know we could
both go on with our lives and we'd both be fine, but I've seen
what we could be like together." -
Jack
Why watch this?
This modern day It's A Wonderful Life
is poignant and endearing.
Dad's Review:
How would your life change if you made one different decision?
Here, a self-absorbed Wall Street mogul is given a chance to
visit an alternate world where he didn’t end the relationship
with his true love, Kate. In this new reality, they're married,
have kids, he works at his father-in-law's tire shop - all
things he despises and views as weakness. I love watching his
perception of "success" change. Cage is dependably great, but
Téa Leoni steals the film as his sweet wife, who is willing to
do anything to save their marriage. |
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Frosty the Snowman (1969),
Director: Arthur Rankin, Jr., Jules Bass; Writer:
Romeo Miller, rated PG
Starring:
Jimmy Durante, Billy De Wolfe, Jackie Vernon, Paul Frees, June Foray, Suzanne
Davidson, Greg Thomas
"Happy Birthday!" -
Frosty
Why watch this?
This TV holiday classic was so magical. And I cry every time he
melts.
Dad's Review:
This Christmas mainstay always rekindled the possibility of
miracles. A snowman comes to life, thanks to a ol' Christmas
magic hat. He loves the kids and shows them a great time! But
when the hat is reclaimed, Frosty's life-force is gone, and our
new friend vanishes. Is there a way to bring him back...? |
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Home Alone (1990),
Director: Chris Columbus; Writer: John Hughes, rated PG
Starring:
Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, Roberts Blossom, Catherine
O'Hara
"I'm over here you big
horse's ass, come and get me before I call the police." -
Kev
Why watch this?
Culkin is adorable as the kid who outsmarts the dumbest crooks
in NYC.
Dad's Review:
For such an improbable premise, this holiday treasure manages
to be funny, exciting and incredibly warm. When a stressed-out family
heads out for vacation, they realize that they forgot their son,
Kevin.
The lad makes the most of being at home with parental
supervision. Then two burglars, who think the house is empty,
attempt to break and enter. Pesci and Stern are wonderful as
bumbling idiots who cannot seem to figure out how to outsmart a
crafty ten-year-old. |
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas
(1966),
Director: Chuck Jones, Ben Washam, rated G
Starring:
Boris Karloff, June Foray, Thurl Ravenscroft, Dallas McKennon
"Well, in Who-ville
they say... that the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that
day!" – Narrator
Why watch this? We
all have a little Grinch in us, so it's kinda fun to see
in play out a bit.
Dad's Review:
What happens when we're naughty? The Grinch is the ultimate
manifestation of that: ugly, green, grumpy, and particularly set
against the village in the valley below, populated by the Whos.
His plan? Steal their toys. Silence their singing. Ruin their
Christmas. This excellent tale taught us all that Christmas is
not about things, but the people we love. |
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas
(2000),
Director: Ron Howard; Screenwriter: Jeffrey Price,
Peter S. Seaman, rated PG
Starring:
Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Bill Irwin, Molly
Shannon, Anthony Hopkins, Clint Howard
"Now you listen to me,
young lady! Even if we're horribly mangled... there'll be no sad
faces on Christmas.” -
Grinch, to Cindy Lou Who
Why watch this?
It's the perfect melding of Jim Carrey and the Grinch, and we love
it!
Dad's Review:
This is a fun, zany re-telling of the Grinch story. Including
some of the most amazing make-up on film, this covers the Grinch's origin
story, and helps us see why he's so against the jingly
holiday. Taylor Momsen's performance, as adorable Cindy Lou, matches
Carey animated antics. |
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It's
a Wonderful Life
(1946),
Director: Frank Capra, rated PG
Starring:
James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell,
Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi, Ward
Bond, Frank Faylen, Gloria Grahame
"Strange isn’t
it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he
leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?" - Clarence
Why watch this film?
This is holiday, self-reflection ground zero... kills me every
time.
Dad's Review:
Upon release, this film was not a huge hit. Only through
repeated TV airings, has this become such a classic. It so
succinctly conveys the pressures many face during holidays, the
frustration of unrealized dreams and the importance of family
and friends when we falter. |
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It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
(1966),
Director: Bill Melendez; Writer: Charles M. Schulz, rated
G
Starring:
Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Kathy Steinberg, Bill Melendez, Sally Dryer,
Gabrielle DeFaria, Glenn Mendelson, Ann Altieri, Lisa DeFaria
"He
couldn't come with us 'cause he's sitting in a pumpkin patch, waiting for the
Great Pumpkin. " – Lucy
Why watch this? It
just doesn't fell like Halloween without this Peanuts classic
from TV.
Dad's Review:
Like Charlie Brown and his quest to find out the real meaning of
Christmas, it is Linus' turn to find the magic about Halloween.
He's convinced that the Great Pumpkin will rise in his patch.
It's always fun to watch the Peanuts gang don their costumes and
trick or treat. Charlie, true to form, only gets a bag full of
rocks. |
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Love Actually
(2003),
Director: Richard Curtis, rated R for language,
sexual situations
Starring: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura
Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Martine
McCutcheon, Bill Nighy
"Hiya kids. Here is
an important message from your Uncle Bill. Don't buy drugs.
Become a pop star, and they give you them for free!" –
Billy Mack
Why watch this?
Several wonderful stories about the joy, and pain, of the
holidays.
Dad's Review:
A darling British holiday film that features multiple stories
that are loosely tied together. I must admit that this film has
grown on me and now, well, here it is. I really love each
smaller story, however it's Hugh Grant, as the young Prime
Minister with a crush on his aide, that really gets me. Put this
on for the holidays and you will not be disappointed. |
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Miracle on 34th Street
(1947),
Director: George Seaton, Story: Valentine Davies, rated
G
Starring:
Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn, Gene Lockhart, Natalie Wood, Porter
Hall, William Frawley
"Faith is believing
in something when common sense tells you not to. Don't you see?
It's not just Kris that's on trial, it's everything he stands
for. It's kindness and joy and love and all the other
intangibles." – Fred Gailey
Why watch this?
Believing has always been the challenge - Well, do you?
Dad's Review:
This wonderful holiday story centers on a young mother who is
very practical. She can't be bothered with something made-up,
like Santa Claus. When a man named Kris show up, he's put on
trial for insisting that he is in fact the North Pole resident.
You'll love this holiday
tear-jerker. |
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The Muppet Christmas Carol
(1992),
Director: Brian Henson, Screenplay: Jerry Juhl, rated
G
Starring:
Michael Caine, David Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson, Frank Oz, Steven
Mackintosh, Meredith Braun, Robin Weaver, Jessica Fox, Edward Sanders
"Boy, that's scary stuff! Should we be
worried about the kids in the audience?" –
Rizzo the Rat
Why watch this? A
classic story with our favorite Muppets in key roles.
Dad's Review:
This is a perfect vehicle to showcase the multitude to Muppet
characters from TV's
The Muppet Show. The whole gang is here:
Kermit, Ms. Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal, Sam Eagle. It's a
delightful musical trip through the whole story including the
ghosts of Christmas and Ebenezer's path to redemption. God bless
Michael Caine in the role of Mr. Scrooge. |
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National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989),
Director: Jeremiah S. Chechik, rated PG-13
Starring: Chevy
Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Juliette Lewis, Johnny
Galecki, E. G. Marshall, Doris Roberts, John Randolph, William
Hickey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
"WORSE? How could things
get any worse? Take a look around here, Ellen. We're at the
threshold of hell." –
Clark Griswold
Why watch this?
To see Chevy lose this mind after receiving his Jelly of the
Month club.
Dad's Review:
After
European Vacation (1985), I feared this would flop,
however, this film is perhaps the funniest of them all. "The
holidays" is great fodder for a comedy to begin with, but
Clark W. Griswald takes it to a new level. He will create the
perfect Christmas! When
the family is chasing the squirrel, destroying the house, oh
man, I can’t stop laughing.
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The Nightmare Before Christmas
(1993),
Director: Tim Burton, rated PG
Starring: Danny
Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Glenn
Shadix, Paul Reubens, Ken Page, Ed Ivory
"Well, well, well.
What have we here? Sandy Claws, huh? Ooo, I'm really scared! So
you're the one everybody's talking about?" –
Oogie Boogie Man
Why watch this?
The animation is superb, the songs are really catchy, the story
is great!
Dad's Review:
Leave it to me to fall in love with a kid’s film this unorthodox.
I does fit my natural admiration of the macabre. This creepy
tale, from the mind of Tim
Burton, merges Halloween
into Christmas. It centers on a well-meaning skeleton, Jack.
He wants to help Santa by taking over the holiday. It’s magical
and humorously wonderful. It's also a little weird, in a good
way! |
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Planes, Trains and Automobiles
(1987),
Director: John Hughes, rated R for language
Starring: Steve
Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins, Michael McKean, Kevin Bacon,
Dylan Baker, Carol Bruce
"The last thing I want
to be remembered as is an annoying blabbermouth. " –
Del
Why watch this? To
endure this hilarious journey about getting home for Thanksgiving.
Dad's Review:
This is a superb comedy starring two superb comedic actors. Its
almost Turkey Day and everybody is trying to get home. Our two
travelers encounter all kinds of trouble, so they decided to
work together to help each other out. Unfortunately, they mix
like oil and water. One is a short-tempered snob, the other an
overly-friendly oaf who talks too much. It appears that this
unlikely duo may kill each other before they can make it home. |
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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964),
Director: Larry Roemer; Writer: Romeo Miller, rated G
Starring:
Burl Ives, Larry Mann, Billie Mae Richards, Paul Soles, Stan Francis, Alfie
Scopp, Paul Kligman
"Let's be independent
together” - Hermey
Why watch this?
This is my favorite of the Christmas TV specials that we all
looked forward to.
Dad's Review:
This holiday wonder, based on a children's poem by Robert L.
May, has always captured my heart. There are catchy songs,
memorable characters and even a scary monster! I will forever
giggle at Yukon Cornelius' laugh, the reindeer games, the Isle
of Misfit Toys, the bouncing Bumble. No Christmas is complete
without Rudolph and his famous ride into history. |
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The Santa Clause
(1994),
Director: John Pasquin, rated PG
Starring: Tim Allen,
Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, David Krumholtz, Peter Boyle,
Eric Lloyd, Larry Brandenburg
"Bernard. Can we take a
direct flight back to reality, or do we have to change planes in
Denver?" - Scott
Why watch this?
Tim Allen is so easy to watch and enjoy. He's eventually perfect
as jolly St. Nick.
Dad's Review:
In one of the most creative Christmas films, Tim Allen
accidentally causes the death of the current Santa Claus.
Therefore, he has to take his place, of course. It's a
fun-filled holiday adventure, as he at first refuses his new
obligation!. Yet, slowly, he embraces it. Along the way, he
bonds with his son, lots of elves, and he even starts to cut
some slack for his ex-wife's new husband. |
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Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970),
Director: Arthur Rankin Jr., Jules Bass; Writer:
Romeo Miller, rated G
Starring:
Mickey Rooney, Fred Astaire, Keenan Wynn, Paul Frees, Joan Gardner, Robie Lester
"There'll be no more
toy makers to the king!" - Burgermeister Meisterburger
Why watch this?
This is my second favorite Christmas TV special.
Dad's Review:
One of my favorite versions of the origin of Santa Claus (voiced
wonderfully by Mickey Rooney). There are funny characters and
cute animals, but my favorite is the scary Winter Warlock! The
ice king will startle you at first, but then you'll warm up to
him when Santa gives him a toy. |
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Scrooged (1988),
Director: Richard Donner; Screenplay: Mitch
Glazer, Michael O'Donoghue, rated PG-13 for language
Starring:
Bill Murray, Karen Allen, John Forsythe, Bobcat Goldthwait, Carol Kane, Robert
Mitchum, Michael J. Pollard, Alfre Woodard
"Frank,
let me sum this up for you: you don't know who you are, you
don't know what you want, and you don't know what the hell is
going on!" - Ghost of Christmas Past
Why watch this?
It's a great, modern and very satirical version of the classic
A Christmas Carol.
Dad's Review:
This film has grown on me through the years. I like it more with
each viewing. Murray excels as a cold-hearted, successful
executive. I particularly enjoy the visiting ghosts: a burly New
York cab driver, a sweet but sadistic fairy, and finally, the grim reaper
himself! |
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The Shop Around the Corner
(1940),
Director: Ernst Lubitsch, Screenplay: Samson
Raphaelson, Ben Hecht, rated G
Starring:
Margaret Sullivan, James Stewart, Frank Morgan, Joseph Schildkraut, Sara Haden,
Felix Bressart, William Tracy
"Well I really
wouldn't care to scratch your surface, Mr. Kralik, because I
know exactly what I'd find. Instead of a heart, a hand-bag.
Instead of a soul, a suitcase." – Klara Novak
Why watch this? A
lovely holiday romance about secret pen pals who yearn to meet each
other.
Dad's Review:
In the hustle and bustle of life, sometimes we don't want to see
something right in front of us. It's safer to have romantic
notions about a pen pal we've never met. Reality can shatter the
dream. This tender comedy is a real under-rated holiday treasure. It was also the
inspiration for the Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan tearjerker
You've Got Mail. |
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When Harry Met Sally...
(1989),
Director: Rob Reiner;
Screenplay: Nora Ephron, rated
R for language,
sexual situations
Starring:
Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Burno Kirby, Carrie Fisher, Steven Ford, Lisa Jane Persky,
Michelle Nicastro, Harley Kozak
"I know it's New Year's Eve. I know you're
feeling lonely, but you just can't show up here, tell me you love me..." – Sally Albright
Why watch this? Like
New Year's Eve, this film is about beginnings and new re-beginnings.
Dad's Review:
New Year's Eve was always awkward for me. You see, I had a lot
of girl friends. Not girlfriends.
I never got a kiss like the other guys. This film gem has a lot of
relationship-centric happiness and pain, but it also carries
lots of holiday
happiness. Hope you have a Happy New Year. |
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White Christmas (1954),
Director: Michael Curtiz; Writers: Norman Krasna,
Melvin Frank, Norman Panama, rated G
Starring:
Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera Ellen, Dean Jagger
"Oh,
Vermont should be beautiful this time of year, with all that
snow." - Judy
Haynes
Why watch this?
There are superb musical numbers, talented dancing, and lots of
holiday cheer!
Dad's Review:
Bob Wallace and Phil Davis are two best friends who host a TV
musical show. They served in WWII together and concoct a scheme
to take their show to their a Vermont Inn operated by their
former commander, General Waverly. They partner with the Haynes
Sisters and off they go! This glitzy musical with wow you with
its musical numbers then melt your heart as Phil plays the
match-maker for his pal Bob, with often hilarious results. |
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The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974),
Director: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin, Jr.,
Writer: William Keenan, rated G
Starring:
Shirley Booth, Mickey Rooney, Dick Shawn, George S. Irving, Bob McFadden, Rhoda
Mann, Bradley Bolke, Ron Marshall, Colin Duffy, Christine Winter
"Who cares? Nobody
cares about Christmas anymore!" –
Santa's Doctor
Why watch this?
Santa's sick and might miss Christmas! It's up to Mrs. Claus and
Mother Nature.
Dad's Review:
This is the next Rankin and Bass TV Special on my list. This
holiday classic makes the list for the wonderful feuding
brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. They each have a wonderful
song, and their sparring is legendary. |
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