BLOGMAS #4: FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIES
What would the holiday season be without movie marathons and hot chocolate?
I enjoy quite a few Christmas movies, so narrowing the list down to three favorites was a difficult task. Using this Top 100 list helped, and exposed me to a number of movies I had never heard of. Seriously, who has actually seen Hulk Hogan's Santa with Muscles or the anti-Semitic Santa's Slay? And where can I find a copy of Santa Claus Conquers the Martians?
Of course, I was also reminded of some fantastic films that, while not favorites, never fail to entertain. Before a launch into my Top 3, some runner-ups:
A Christmas Carol (Jim Carrey version)
Lethal Weapon (Yes, this is a Christmas movie. Deal with it.)
Ernest Saves Christmas (I actually love all of Jim Varne y's films, but this one was a real blast as a kid)
Batman Returns (Michael Keaton is forever one of the best Batmans of all time)
While You Were Sleeping (Heart-wrenching and triumphant, if a little stalker-esque on Bullock's part)
Miracle on 34th Street (Original Version)
It's a Wonderful Life (Who doesn't love an anti-Capitalist take on Christmas?)
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Let's face it: Charlie Brown owns the holiday specials market.)
Frosty the Snowman (Classic animation and holiday magic for the win!)
Home Alone (Easily one of the most fun Christmas movies ever)
And without further ado, my all-time favorites:
3. The Holiday
Surprise! I absolutely adore romantic comedies. I'm also a huge fan of Kate Winslet and Jack Black, who have incredible on-screen chemistry. The premise is interesting enough to excuse some of the more predictable comedy, but it's the acting that really keeps me coming back. Even Cameron Diaz, whom I normally don't care for, carries her scenes well. If you haven't seen this one, you're really missing out.
2. Die Hard
Holiday party? Check.
Christmas carols? Check.
Santa Claus? Check.
Reunited family? Check.
Yep, Die Hard passes the test. It's definitely a Christmas movie, and it's AMAZING. We've got an estranged father swallowing a little pride to visit his wife and kids for Christmas, BUT FIRST he haunts a group of greedy German terrorists and rescues a gathering of self-indulgent stiffs. The most impressive part is that he saves the day BAREFOOT. Bonus: Alan Rickman is deliciously cold and calculated as the leader of the thieves,.
"Now I have a machine gun. Ho ho ho."
1. Love Actually
Love Actually is not just my favorite Christmas movie; it's one of my favorite movies of all time. The ensemble cast is stunning, from Bill Nighy's hilarious rendition of a washed up rocker to Hugh Grant's humble turn as the Prime Minister. I adore the Colin Firth arc, especially the culminating trek and proclamation of love. The narrative around Liam Neeson is doubly heart-breaking these days, and Alan Rickman's not-quite-affair is fraught with emotion. My absolute favorite scene, though, is Andrew Lincoln's silent affirmation of love for Keira Knightley. Scrolling through those cards gets me every time.
"Love actually is all around."
