A Hollywood Holiday
by American Way Staff
When the weather outside is frightful, a great holiday film can be so delightful. We’ll help you get through the season with some of our favorite yuletide flicks. By J. Rentilly
EVER THE OPTIMIST, singer Andy Williams reminds us each winter that the holidays are “the most wonderful time of the year.” We’re not saying he’s wrong, but there are moments in December when we feel less than, well, wonderful.
That’s when we turn to our DVD players for comfort. A good holiday movie can warm the heart and home as effectively as a fireplace framed bystockings and Christmas cards. And a lousy one can feel like a fruitcake to the head.
“Holiday films are important because they bring us together,” says Kevin Cuddihy, coauthor of Christmas’s Most Wanted: The Top 10 Book of Kris Kringles, Merry Jingles, and Holiday Cheer. “They remind us of holidays spent with family and friends.”
But Cuddihy acknowledges that with so many options, it can be tough to separate the cookies (A Christmas Story) from the coal (Fred Claus). Instead of reheating leftovers like It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street, check out one of these seasonal films to get you through the not-so-jolly times.
Untangling the Christmas lights …
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Whoelse could inspire you to brave your cluttered attic and startdecorating but Chevy Chase’s Clark Griswold in this broad, puckishholiday spoof with a heart of gold? Once you relive this patriarch’scrushed holiday idealism and sanity-smashing family, you’ll remember tokeep a sense of humor throughout the season.
After waiting hours for a photo op with a mall Santa …
Bad Santa (2003)
Substanceabuse, deviant sexuality, grand larceny -- nothing is off-limits inthis delectably twisted holiday tale of Billy Bob Thornton’s derangedmall Santa on a journey of self-discovery. This flick is pitch-black,pitch-perfect, and great fun but should be watched only after thelittle ones are tucked in.
Singing auld lang syne …
Holiday (1938)
CaryGrant and Katharine Hepburn star in this often overlooked screwballromance that takes place largely in the hours leading up to January 1.This film is swooningly romantic and sharply funny -- the perfect wayto start off your new year.
When the kids won’t come down off their sugar high …
Elf (2003)
Withschool not in session, the young ones can get to be a handful. Sit themdown in front of the tube and let Will Ferrell’s Buddy the elf keepthem laughing -- and out of trouble. This film successfully mixeschildlike wonder, rambunctious humor, and a heaping dose of yuletidespirit. It’s a fun-for-the-whole-family delight that goes down smoothand sweet.
Before the dreaded office party …
Die Hard (1988)
Feelinglike the holidays have gotten too warm and fuzzy? Let John McClanedestroy that notion completely in this electrifying thriller about acompany’s holiday party that becomes the subject of a high- storiedheist. Our hero, played by Bruce Willis, must foil the bad guys so hecan make it home for Christmas on time. And you thought your holidayswere stressful.
When suffering an eggnog-induced hangover …
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)
Didthings get a little out of hand at this year’s neighborhood progressivedinner? While you’re still enjoying that extra helping of holiday“spirit,” you might also like this demented cult film in which martianskidnap an unsuspecting Kris Kringle. Now if only you could get thatpunch stain off your blouse …
Feeling the late-December blues …
Love Actually (2003)
Whetheryou have a love interest this holiday season or not, you’ll fall forthis ensemble romantic comedy, which features every variation of the Lword. Four Weddings and a Funeral’s Richard Curtis directs this tender ode that’s alternately heartwarming and heartwrenching.
Between bouts of holiday shopping (and subsequent dropping) …
Scrooged (1988)
Ifnever-ending mall lines and your rising credit card balance have turnedyou into a Grinch and left you feeling far too cynical for an earnestDickens classic, look no further than this postmodern riff on A Christmas Carol. With Bill Murray at the helm, this film manages to be at once irreverent, insouciant, funny, and, ultimately, heartwarming.
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