Friday, December 14, 2007

Christmas Favorites

My sister did this on her blog, and I liked her idea so much I thought I'd steal it for mine. I'll expand a little on her idea, though, because there's no way I can pick just ONE favorite Christmas movie! I've narrowed it down to my top four, which follow in no particular order.

Timeless Classic: White Christmas
This movie is unbelievable, especially considering it was made in 1954! It combines the amazing vocal talents of Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney with the stunning dancing ability of Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen. It's not exceptionally about Christmas, although most of it happens around that time of year. But the plot is enjoyable and the talent showcased in this movie makes it one to watch every year.

Cartoon Classic: A Charlie Brown Christmas
I love this one for the fact that it's on network TV every year, and yet it remains the same timeless story about the REAL meaning of Christmas. It never fails to move me when Linus is on stage sharing the "glad tidings of great joy." Imagine, a Christmas show that actually honors Christ! Charles Schultz is my hero.

Comedy Classic: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
And then for the other end of the spectrum, this is pretty much the opposite of the real meaning of Christmas. But it is dang hilarious. I can't even pick one part of the movie that is my favorite because they are ALL funny! Cousin Eddie, Aunt Bethany, the dog Snot - so many characters that we can all identify with from our own families. This is another must-watch every year for me.

New Favorite: The Nativity Story
I just saw this movie for the first time a couple weeks ago, and I was very pleased with how well-made it was and how much it really did stick with the biblical account. I love that this was a mainstream movie that showed in theaters, but it really does tell exactly what happened and what Christmas is all about. I will definitely add this to my collection.

Honorable Mention: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (both the Dr. Suess and the Jim Carrey versions!), The Holiday, Prancer, A Christmas Story

On my Do-Not-Watch List: Any of the creepy claymation classics shown on TV - Frosty, Rudolph, Santa Claus is Coming to Town (What the heck is a Burgermeister anyways?!), It's a Wonderful Life (It may be the effect of my husband, who doesn't like Christmas movies, but this movie is more depressing to me than uplifting these days.)

2 comments:

Jessica said...

We just saw "The Polar Express" and I liked it immensely. Patriot watched every moment and was enthralled. I think he might have missed the deeper message that the spirit of Christmas lives in your heart, rather than in Santa or presents. But I found the entire thing well made, magical, and meaningful. I think I've added another to my "favorites" list.

Kristy said...

I dedicate Price's outfit on my 15 week post to you! Wish you could see our house this year!