Movies for the holidays
December 7, 2016
When the holidays come around, the ideal day consists of curling up with your favorite Christmas film. If you’re looking for something to watch to get you into the holiday spirit, these films will do the trick.
Elf
This merry holiday classic is sure to bring a good laugh to viewers of all ages. It is a live action movie released in 2003, starring Will Ferrell and Zoey Deschanel. The audience is pulled into a sweet and silly adventure as Buddy, a big elf with a big heart, embarks on a journey to find the missing Santa. The movie is also filled with many comical and witty scenes that you won’t want to miss out on.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” originally a book written by Dr.Seuss, is another excellent Christmas classic that both kids and adults can enjoy. Released in 2000, and starring Jim Carrey as the Grinch, the story tells the funny yet heartwarming story of the Grinch: a mean, green, hairy monster who steals presents from the residents of the small town Whoville during Christmas. His heart is smaller than a peanut, and he has no sympathy for anybody, but that all changes when he meets the little girl that turns his life around and teaches him how to love.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
This animated movie from 1993 combines the holidays of Halloween and Christmas into one big fantastic musical, with a memorable soundtrack. In this film, Jack Skellington, voiced by Danny Elfman, is a creepy, skinny pumpkin king from Halloween Town. Jack decides he is bored of his own holiday, and wants to spread some “Christmas joy.” However, instead of promoting the holiday cheer, he accidentally puts Santa and children all around the world in danger. Everyone in the family will be singing along and enjoying this spooky film as they enter the magical world of Jack and find out how he saved Christmas.
Home Alone
Released in 1990, this live film is one of the most beloved Christmas movies due to the charming main character, played by child actor Macaulay Culkin, and the intense plot twists and goofy action scenes. The plot follows a young boy named Kevin who has a very big family. One day as the McCallister family leaves for a vacation in Paris, they forget him in the house, and he is left home all alone. The movie shows Kevin’s different adventures as he struggles to guard his house from two crooked burglars, who are planning to rob him on Christmas Eve. This hilarious movie will be sure to have you laughing out loud.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
With the stress of gift shopping and party planning looming over our heads this time of year, we can sometimes lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” reminds viewers, through Charlie Brown’s struggles to create a Christmas play, that the holiday is based on the celebration of the birth of an infant king, Jesus. “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
The Muppets Christmas Carol
A classic Christmas story is reinvented in this underappreciated version of the Christmas Carol. “The Muppets Christmas Carol” perfectly encompasses all the warm feelings that come out during the holiday season. The story of Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine) is narrated by Gonzo the Great, who is also joined by Kermit, Miss Piggy, and other beloved muppets to bring the story to life.
This Christmas
In “This Christmas,” the Whitfield family comes together to celebrate the holidays for the first time in four years. Starring Regina King and Idris Elba, this movie showcases the importance of being with your family on Christmas. Chris Brown also stars in this holiday-drama, singing an amazing rendition of the classic Christmas song “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway.
Deck the Halls
Starring Danny Devito and Matthew Broderick, this holiday comedy centers two neighbors battling to see who can decorate their house the best. After days of competition, Buddy Hall (Danny Devito), promises that his house will be so bright that you will be able to see it from space. This Christmas movie is funny, heartwarming, and perfect for the entire family.
