40 Stories Of Sheer Adventure!

Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Alexander Gudunov, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson, De'voreaux White, Paul Gleason, William Atherton

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #47 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Die Hard

"Do you really think you have a chance against us, Mister Cowboy?" - Hans Gruber

Why watch this? It's the action film by which all action films are compared.

Plot Summary: This crime story centers on New York City cop John McClane, who travels to Los Angeles to spend Christmas with his estranged wife and their children. While attending his wife's company Christmas party at the Nakatomi high-rise, criminals take over the building and hold everyone hostage, except for McClane who escapes detection. He then must single-handedly fight the criminals to save the hostages, including his wife.

Dad's Preview: The real genius (beside loveable, compelling lead actors; interesting supporting characters; a creative, fresh plot; perfect pacing; breath-taking special effects) is the relationship between the hero, NYC cop John McClane, and the criminal mastermind, Hans Gruber. It drives everything and both are equally charismatic and complex. It's action film 101 - and Die Hard is teaching the class.

Gordon Company, Silver Pictures; 20th Century Fox

What if...

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Téa Leoni, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Piven, Saul Rubinek, Makenzie Vega, Lisa Thornhill, Saul Rubinek, Josef Sommer

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"I choose us." - Kate

Why watch this? This modern day It's A Wonderful Life (1946) is poignant and endearing.

Plot Summary: Jack Campbell is a wealthy, single Wall Street executive who seemingly has it all. However, on Christmas Eve, he wakes up in an alternate reality where he's a married man with children, living a more modest suburban life in New Jersey with the girlfriend he let go 13 years prior. This unexpected transformation forces him to confront his priorities and examine the life he chose versus the life he could have had.

Dad's Preview: How would your life change if you made one different decision? In this wonderful "What If" film, we get to see an overly confident man's perception of "success" change. Cage is dependably great, but Téa Leoni steals the show as his sweet wife, Kate, who is willing to do anything to save their marriage.

Beacon Pictures, Saturn Films; Universal Pictures

Now! The story that has brought joy to millions! A new screen triumph!

Starring: Alastair Sim, Mervyn Johns, Hermione Baddeley, Jack Warner, Kathleen Harrison, Michael Hordern, George Cole, Clifford Mollison

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Mortal! We Spirits of Christmas do not live only one day of our year." - Spirit of Christmas Present

Why watch this? I've always preferred this version of the classic Scrooge story.

Plot Summary: On Christmas Eve, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his deceased partner, Jacob Marley. Marley warns Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits who will show him the errors of his ways. These spectral encounters reveal Scrooge's past, present, and potential future, challenging his cold-hearted nature. Scrooge is then given a chance to change his life and embrace the spirit of the holiday.

Dad's Preview: 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 may start to help us find that magic again. The ghost visitations affect me more the older I get, and I come face-to-face with my own mortality.

George Minter Productions; United Artists

Can men and women be friends or does sex always get in the way?

Starring: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Burno Kirby, Carrie Fisher, Steven Ford, Lisa Jane Persky, Michelle Nicastro, Harley Kozak

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #18 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of When Harry Met Sally...

"No man can be friends with a woman he finds attractive. He always wants to have sex with her." - Harry Burns

Why watch this? The heartfelt and completely real performances by Crystal and Ryan are a thing of beauty.

Plot Summary: Harry Burns and Sally Albright, over the course of several years, repeatedly cross paths after a contentious initial car ride together. They eventually forge a deep friendship while navigating their individual romantic relationships and the ups and downs of life in New York City.

Dad's Preview: There is no better film that deals with the fragile, and often comical, entity known as the 'human relationship'. It really is a thing that's unclassifiable. The courtship (mating ritual?) between men and women follows no rules. Each encounter is different. There's no perfect recipe. Some work, some don't. It's a crap shoot; a roll of the dice. However, if you play, and don't rush it, it just might work out. Once again Rob Reiner proves that he's a great director.

Castle Rock Entertainment, Nelson Ent.; Columbia Pictures

Every girl or fellow who ever kept a "Blind Date" will get a bang out of this comedy!

Starring: Margaret Sullivan, James Stewart, Frank Morgan, Joseph Schildkraut, Sara Haden, Felix Bressart, William Tracy

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"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? This is a lovely holiday romance about pen-pals who yearn to meet.

Plot Summary: Alfred Kralik and Klara Novak are co-workers at a Budapest gift shop who constantly bicker, unaware they are each other's anonymous romantic pen pal. While their work relationship is filled with tension, their correspondence reveals a deeper, more tender connection. The story follows their interactions both in person and through letters, showcasing how their true feelings emerge despite their outward animosity.

Dad's Preview: 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 actually met. After all, reality can shatter the dream. This tender comedy is an underrated holiday treasure. It was also the inspiration for the Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan sappy tear-jerker You've Got Mail.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; Loew's Inc.

A Miracle of Entertainment!

Starring: Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn, Gene Lockhart, Natalie Wood, Porter Hall, William Frawley

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"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 believe?

Plot Summary: After hiring a kind elderly man named Kris Kringle to play Santa Claus at Macy's, a skeptical New York City mother is surprised when he insists he is the real thing. This claim creates complications, leading to a court case where his sanity and the existence of Santa Claus are questioned. Through the trial, the film explores themes of faith, belief, and the true spirit of Christmas, ultimately challenging the cynical views of the mother and her young daughter.

Dad's Preview: This wonderful holiday classic centers on a young single, yet jaded, mother who is very practical. She can't have her daughter thinking something made-up like Santa Claus. Then a friendly, jolly man named Kris shows up and claims to be, well, Old Saint Nick himself. As a result, he's put on trial. A young idealistic attorney takes the case, and entertains Kris' as just a sweet old guy. The trial scenes are some of the most humorous you'll find. This holiday tear-jerker needs to be on your Christmas list.

William Perlberg; 20th Century Fox

A ghoulish tale with wicked humor & stunning animation.

Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix, Paul Reubens, Ken Page, Ed Ivory

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"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, and the songs are really catchy.

Plot Summary: Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, feels a growing sense of ennui with the annual traditions of Halloween. Driven by a yearning for something new, he discovers Christmas Town and becomes enchanted by its unfamiliar festivities. Inspired, Jack decides to take over Christmas and attempts to bring the holiday to Halloween Town, leading to unexpected and spooky interpretations of Christmas traditions.

Dad's Preview: What a concept! Let's merge Halloween into Christmas, and have our hero be a terrifying, yet well-meaning, skeleton. What?! This unique film is magical and humorously wonderful. This is for the "warped of mind", which is probably why I fell head-over-bones in love with this holiday flick. I suits me just fine to embrace a creepy journey through the creative mind of Tim Burton, and the music of Oingo Boingo's Danny Elfman. Kids... watch out for Mr. Oogity-Boogity, he's a bit scary!

Touchstone Pictures, Skellington Prod.; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

You've Never Seen Santa Quite Like This Before.

Starring: Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, David Krumholtz, Peter Boyle, Eric Lloyd, Larry Brandenburg

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"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 perfect as Jolly St. Nick.

Plot Summary: After inadvertently startling the current Santa Claus into falling off a roof on Christmas Eve, a divorced toy company executive and his son are transported to the North Pole to complete his deliveries. There, the executive, Scott Calvin, learns that by donning the suit, he has unknowingly agreed to become the new Santa, thanks to the "Santa Clause". He initially struggles to accept his transformation and convince his family, particularly his ex-wife and her new husband, that he truly is the new Father Christmas.

Dad's Preview: First let me say, relax, kids, Santa Claus is just fine. Scott Calvin has just taken the his place. The holiday-infused film results in Scott's bonding with his estranged son, meeting lots of elves, and even cutting some slack for his ex-wife's nerdy new husband. Tim Allen continues to resonate with me on so many levels.

Walt Disney Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Outlaw Prod.; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

Peanuts, pumpkins, and pleasure for the whole family!

Starring: Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Kathy Steinberg, Bill Melendez, Sally Dryer, Gabrielle DeFaria, Glenn Mendelson, Ann Altieri, Lisa DeFaria

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"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 TV classic.

Plot Summary: Linus holds a firm belief in the Great Pumpkin, a figure he believes will rise from the most sincere pumpkin patch on Halloween night to deliver toys to good children. Despite mockery from his friends, Linus chooses to wait in the pumpkin patch, forsaking traditional Halloween activities like trick-or-treating and a costume party. The story follows Linus' unwavering faith and the reactions of the other Peanuts characters as they celebrate the holiday in their own ways.

Dad's Preview: Just as Charlie Brown had his journey to find out the real meaning of Christmas, now Linus must decipher the magic of Halloween. He's convinced that the Great Pumpkin will rise in the local 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. There was a child-like genius at play from writer Charles M. Schulz.

Lee Mendelson Productions, Bill Melendez Productions, United Feature
Syndicate; CBS

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch!

Starring: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Bill Irwin, Molly Shannon, Clint Howard, Anthony Hopkins (narrating)

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"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? The merging of Jim Carrey into Grinch is absolutely PERFECT!

Plot Summary: On the outskirts of the cheerful town of Whoville lives the Grinch, a grumpy green creature who despises Christmas and all its festivities. Determined to put an end to the holiday, the Grinch devises a mischievous plan to steal everything Christmas-related from the Whos. However, a young Who named Cindy Lou Who crosses paths with the green-meanie and attempts to understand why he hates Christmas so much.

Dad's Preview: This is a zany, live-action re-telling of the Grinch story. First, the world creation of Dr. Suess' winter wonderland is first class, including incredible sets and the best make-up on film - for the entire cast. We witness the Grinch's origin story, which helps us see why he's so grumpy about the Who's jingly holiday in the first place. Taylor Momsen's performance, as the adorable Cindy Lou, matches Carey's hilarious antics. This is an instant laugh-out-loud holiday classic.

Imagine Entertainment; Universal Pictures

Steve Martin had no reason to panic...until John Candy came along.

Starring: Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins, Michael McKean, Kevin Bacon, Dylan Baker, Carol Bruce

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"You got a free cab, you got a free room, and someone who'll listen to your boring stories. I mean, didn't you notice on the plane when you started talking, eventually I started reading the vomit bag?" - Neal

Why watch this? Martin's angry rants and Candy's long-winded yarns are precious!

Plot Summary: This comedy follows the misadventures of Neal Page, an uptight advertising executive desperate to return home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. However, bad weather forces his flight to divert, leading him to reluctantly team up with Del Griffith, a well-meaning but irritating salesman, to navigate various modes of transportation. Their chaotic journey involves a series of travel mishaps and comical conflicts.

Dad's Preview: Another great comedy starring two superb comedic actors. It's Thanksgiving and everybody is trying to get home. Our two strangers encounter all kinds of trouble, so they decide to work together. There's one small issue: mixing a short-tempered snob and an overly-friendly oaf is a match made in hell. Martin and Candy, as they constantly feud, are a pleasure to watch. The real genius is Candy... when he gets real, it breaks your heart.

Hughes Entertainment; Paramount Pictures

This holiday season, discover your inner elf.

Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Asner, Bob Newhart, Daniel Tay, Faizon Love

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"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 - his innocence is infectious.

Plot Summary: This Christmas fantasy follows Buddy, a human who was mistakenly raised as an elf at the North Pole. Feeling out of place due to his size and lack of elf-like skills, Buddy travels to New York City to find his biological father. Buddy attempts to connect with his cynical father and spread Christmas cheer in a world that has forgotten the magic of the holiday season.

Dad's Preview: Perhaps the most original Christmas movie in the last 20 years. Director Jon Favreau brings us a magical story of an adopted elf, Buddy. Ferrell breathes wonder, humor and life into the character, as only he can. It's heart-warming to watch the 6 ft. 2 in. Buddy embrace people, eat the bubble gum under the railings, and not be embarrassed to show holiday enthusiasm. It's so good, it transcends its Christmas genre and stands well on its own.

Guy Walks Into a Bar; New Line Cinema

Happiness is watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

Starring: Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Kathy Steinberg, Tracy Stafford, Bill Melendez, Ann Altieri, Chris Doran, Sally Dryer

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"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.

Plot Summary: (Seriously, who doesn't know this plot) Feeling depressed and frustrated by the commercialization of Christmas, Charlie Brown seeks to find the true meaning of the holiday. He takes on the role of director for the school's Christmas play, hoping to rediscover the spirit of the season through participation. Despite facing challenges, Charlie Brown ultimately learns about the deeper meaning of Christmas with the help of his friends.

Dad's Preview: It's easy to get the holiday blues. There's too much of everything: toys, cars, perfume, you name it. Too many commercials. A sharp focus on materialism. Charlie Brown sets to find the meaning of it all. He and his dog Snoopy, and this many friends, all cope in their own ways, but our round-headed pal looks deeper. This annual, sweet Peanuts TV special helped us fall in love with a little, puny tree; and the real meaning of Christmas.

Lee Mendelson Film Productions, Bill Melendez Productions; CBS

Sometimes Christmas is about getting what you really want.

Starring: Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley, Scott Schwartz, Tedde Moore, Ian Petrella, Tedde Moore, R. D. Robb, Zack Ward

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"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 experienced growing up.

Plot Summary: Set in the 1940s, the film follows a young boy named Ralphie whose fervent Christmas wish is a Red Ryder BB gun. Despite warnings that he'll shoot his eye out, Ralphie embarks on various humorous attempts to convince his parents, teacher, and even Santa Claus. The film also features relatable childhood experiences and family dynamics leading up to Christmas Day.

Dad's Preview: This film captures the holidays for many families from the end of World War II through the early 1970's - certainly a simpler time in the USA. Ralphie and his little brother can't wait until Christmas. He must endure school his annoying sibling, bullies, parents that won't listen, and a full-body pink bunny suit. This warm family classic offers a lot of comedic yuletide cheer, year after year.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; MGM/UA Entertainment Company

Yule crack up!

Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, E. G. Marshall, William Hickey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"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 Christmas bonus.

Plot Summary: Clark Griswold is determined to create a perfect old-fashioned family Christmas, complete with a massive light display and a festive dinner. However, his plans are consistently derailed by a series of unfortunate events, including a problematic Christmas tree, dysfunctional relatives, and the delayed arrival of his expected Christmas bonus. As the holiday descends into chaos, Clark struggles to maintain his sanity while trying to find the true meaning of Christmas amidst the mayhem.

Dad's Preview: After European Vacation (1985), I lowered my standards on the franchise. However, this side-splitting third film is perhaps the funniest of them all. "The holidays" is great fodder for comedy anyway, but the Griswald family takes it to a new level of excess. Every scene is hilarious. When Clark and his multi-generational, highly-dysfunctional family is chasing the squirrel, destroying the entire house, oh man, I can't stop laughing.


Hughes Entertainment; Warner Bros.

The fabled story world of DR. SEUSS comes to television for the first time in this colorful special for the whole family!

Starring: Boris Karloff, June Foray, Thurl Ravenscroft, Dallas McKennon, Ranse Williamson

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"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.

Plot Summary: The Grinch, a grumpy, green creature, despises the Whos in the nearby town of Whoville and their joyful Christmas celebrations. Annoyed by their festive cheer, he decides to disguise himself as Santa Claus and steal all their Christmas presents and decorations. His plan involves raiding Whoville on Christmas Eve with his dog Max, who he outfits to look like a reindeer.

Dad's Preview: What happens when we're naughty? The Grinch is the ultimate manifestation of that: ugly, green, grumpy. He is particularly set against the village in the valley below, populated by the disgustingly joyous 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. It's narrated by the wonderful Boris Karloff, that's right, one of the greatest horror actors of all time.

The Cat in the Hat Productions, MGM Animation; CBS

The greatest gift of entertainment the screen has ever brought you!

Starring: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera Ellen, Dean Jagger, Mary Wickes, Johnny Grant, John Brascia, Anne Whitfield

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Oh, Vermont should be beautiful this time of year, with all that snow." - Judy Haynes

Why watch this? ... superb musical numbers, talented dancers, and holiday cheer!

Plot Summary: Bob Wallace and Phil Davis are two best friends who host a TV musical show. Years before, they served in WWII together under General Waverly. They learn the General owns an Inn in Vermont, but business is not very good because, well, they don't have any snow. The pair concoct a scheme to take their famous TV variety show to the Vermont Inn and help out their old commander. They partner with the sassy Haynes Sisters to pull it off.

Dad's Preview: A lot makes this holiday film a classic. The chemistry between the four leads is so seamless, it's hardly like they are acting. The vocal numbers are catchy, but the dance routines are magical. It will melt your heart as Phil plays match-maker for his "I'm too old for love" buddy Bob. It has certainly become one of our annual Christmas must-watch gems. 

Paramount Pictures

He's having the worst day of his life... over, and over...

Starring: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky, Brian Doyle-Murray, Marita Geraghty, Angela Paton, Rick Overton

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I was in the Virgin Islands once. I met a girl. We ate lobster and drank pina coladas. At sunset we made love like sea otters. That was a pretty good day. Why couldn't I get that day over and over and over?" – Phil Connors

Why watch this? Put Bill Murray in any situation and he'll make it funny.

Plot Summary: Phil Connors, a cynical TV weatherman, travels to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to cover the annual Groundhog Day festivities. After a blizzard strands him in the small town, he wakes up the next morning to discover that it is February 2nd all over again. Phil is caught in a mysterious time loop, forcing him to relive the same day repeatedly, and he's the only one aware of the phenomenon. He attempts various methods to escape his predicament, eventually leading him to explore the possibilities and consequences within this looping reality.

Dad's Preview: A modern fairy tale of sorts about a self-centered man who is forced to re-live one day, Groundhog day, over and over. It is a great premise for a comedy, especially in the hands of veteran actor-director Harold Ramis and his buddy, comedian Bill Murray. The film delivers great performances, and plenty of really funny moments as Murray approaches each repeated day a little different than the day before. At first, it's kinda fun, but eventually it starts to drive him nuts. This experience might also help him learn what is really important in life.

Trevor Albert, Harold Ramis; Columbia Pictures

Love actually is all around.

Starring: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Martine McCutcheon, Bill Nighy

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"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? Bill Nighy shines as the sassy old rock star who retains the charisma of a teen idol.

Plot Summary: Set in London during the frantic five weeks leading up to Christmas, the story follows the interwoven lives of several individuals navigating the complexities of love in its various forms. From romantic entanglements and unrequited desires to familial bonds and the grief of loss, the film explores how these relationships evolve and intersect during the festive season.

Dad's Preview: 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 all the stories, 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. But remember, it's rated R, and some scenes are too adult for kids.

Studio Canal, Working Title Films, DNA Films; Universal Pictures

The Most Famous Reindeer of All Time!

Starring: Burl Ives, Larry Mann, Billie Mae Richards, Paul Soles, Stan Francis, Alfie Scopp, Paul Kligman

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Let's be independent together”- Hermey, who wants to be a dentist

Why watch this? This is my favorite of the Christmas TV specials that we all grew up watching.

Plot Summary: The famous reindeer Donnor has a son. They name the little red-nosed fawn Rudolph. This nose causes lots of problems, so Rudolph leaves home in the company of Herbie the Elf, who really wants to be a dentist. Together they encounter a friendly prospector named Yukon Cornelius, and the three narrowly escape the Abominable Snow Monster.

Dad's Preview: 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.

Arthur Rankin Jr., Videocraft International; NBC

Told and Sung by Fred Astaire

Starring: (the voices of) Mickey Rooney, Fred Astaire, Keenan Wynn, Paul Frees, Joan Gardner, Robie Lester

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"There'll be no more toy makers to the king!" - Burgermeister Meisterburger

Why watch this? The Winter Warlock!

Plot Summary: This holiday classic chronicles the journey of Kris Kringle, an orphaned baby raised by a family of elves. Kris grows up wanting to deliver toys to the joyless children of Sombertown, but faces opposition from the strict, toy-hating Burgermeister Meisterburger. He must also contend with the coldhearted Winter Warlock who lives between the Kringles and Sombertown.

Dad's Preview: This is one of my favorite versions of the origin of Santa Claus (narrated by Fred Astaire and voiced wonderfully by Mickey Rooney). There are funny characters and cute animals, but my favorite is the scary Winter Warlock - he's the ice king that will startle you at first, but you'll warm up to him after Santa does the unthinkable... he gives the frozen lug a toy. My eyes are welling up just writing this.


Rankin/Bass; ABC

One snowman that will melt your heart

Starring: Jimmy Durante, Billy De Wolfe, Jackie Vernon, Paul Frees, June Foray, Suzanne Davidson, Greg Thomas

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"Happy Birthday!" - Frosty

Why watch this? This TV holiday classic was so magical. And I cry every time he melts.

Plot Summary: A magical top hat brings a snowman named Frosty to life, sparking joy among the local children. However, as the weather warms, Frosty begins to melt, leading him and a young girl named Karen to embark on a journey to the North Pole to save him. Throughout their travels, they are pursued by a magician who seeks to reclaim the enchanted hat.

Dad's Preview: This Christmas mainstay always rekindled the possibility of miracles. A snowman comes to life, thanks to an 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...?

Rankin/Bass Productions; CBS/NBC

There's no vacations at the North Pole?

Starring: Shirley Booth, Mickey Rooney, Dick Shawn, George S. Irving, Bob McFadden, Rhoda Mann, Bradley Bolke, Ron Marshall, Colin Duffy, Christine Winter

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"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.

Plot Summary: Discouraged and feeling unappreciated, Santa Claus decides to take a year off from delivering presents on Christmas Eve. Mrs. Claus and two elves, Jingle and Jangle, embark on a mission to find enough Christmas spirit to change Santa's mind. Their journey takes them to a town that has never seen snow on Christmas, where they must contend with the mischievous Heat Miser and Snow Miser to prove that belief in Santa and the Christmas spirit are still alive.

Dad's Preview: This is the final 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.

Rankin/Bass Productions; ABC

The most loved Christmas film of all time!

Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi, Ward Bond, Frank Faylen, Gloria Grahame

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #11 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of It's a Wonderful Life

"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 the angel

Why watch this? ... You're kidding, right? This holiday classic is so much more than that.

Plot Summary: This holiday classic follows George Bailey, a man who has always put the needs of his small town and its residents before his own ambitions. Through a series of selfless acts, he inadvertently creates a life that, despite its challenges, has a profound impact on those around him. When faced with a crisis that pushes him to his breaking point, an unexpected intervention shows him the true value of his existence and the indelible mark he has made on his community.

Dad's Preview: This really is a wonderful film about a humble man named George Bailey. The world can be cruel to folks who live right and try to always do good things. George, in his despair, feels he has failed everyone, his father, his wife, his town, and most importantly, his dreams. On a snowy night, he prays for help. His answer: a visit from his guardian angel, the kind Clarence Odbody, who grants George his wish to see what life would be like if "I'd never been born". I treasure this Capra film with all my soul. It's message is like life's manna.

Liberty Films; RKO Radio Pictures