Culture, Entertainment, Film

5 Christmas films everyone should be watching

0 109

Forget Channel 5’s weird afternoon Christmas films and your mum’s Netflix favourites, i.e. A Christmas Prince or A Bad Moms Christmas (each to their own), these are the five festive films you ought to be watching…

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) Director: Frank Capra

Albeit a dated choice, It’s a Wonderful Life encompasses feelings of despair and joy which naturally accompany the festive season. The festive period is arguably the perfect time to conduct some self-reflecting and to focus on what really matters. Right? If this is true for you, as it is for George Bailey, (James Stewart) our suicidal protagonist, then this is the film for you. As a victim of the forces of capitalism and pressures from the corporate world, George is about to end his life when he is rescued by his guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers). Clarence takes George on a reflective journey to see what his town would have looked like had it not been for his good deeds over the years. Despite the obvious cheerfulness, this film continues to return every year. Merry Christmas!


2. The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992) Director: Brian Henson

Michael Caine stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in quite possibly the best version of Mr Dickens’ classic. It’s the same dark tale of Scrooge’s self-discovery through reflecting on his past, observing his present and considering the future – just with Kermit the frog and Miss Piggy playing Mr and Mrs Bob Cratchit. For those who envy a classic Christmas tale, a reflection session along with some top-notch comedy, then this is the film for you.


3. Scrooged (1988) Director: Richard Donner

Known for his dry wit and deadpan delivery, Bill Murray stars as Frank Cross in this modern take on Charles Dickens’, A Christmas Carol. The same classic tale, only this time Ebenezer Scrooge is presented as a cynical and extremely selfish television executive. His selfish nature has resulted in the loss of the love of his life, Claire Phillips, played by Karen Allen. After unnecessarily firing a staff member on Christmas Eve, (the modern day Bob Cratchit) Frank is visited by three ghosts who each give him a chance to right the wrongs of his past.


4. Home Alone 1 and 2 (1990) and (1992) Director: Chris Columbus

Within each film, some serious questions need to be addressed. Firstly, how can a family make it all the way to the airport and onto the plane without realising they have a child missing? Secondly, how can they let this happen again the following year? None of these questions really matter because both films are two of the most festive films, and it’s easy to see why. Young Macaulay Culkin plays Kevin, an eight-year-old boy who, in the first film has been left at home while his family leaves for France. In the second film, Kevin gets on the wrong plane and ends up in New York while his Family leave for Florida. Within both films we are treated to some serious slapstick comedy as Kevin defends himself against two thieves (Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci).

Extra laughs: Reminisce how Piers Morgan was forced to deny he is the pigeon lady from Home Alone 2…


5. Elf (2003) Director: Jon Favreau

Last but by no means least, Elf, a family favourite for all the right reasons. Elf has everything you need to feel maximum joy: Will Ferrell, New York at Christmas time and Zooey Deschanel’s soothing rendition of ‘Baby it’s Cold Outside’. Buddy, played by Will Ferrell, is a human adult who was adopted by elves as a baby and raised in the North Pole. Once he discovers that he is not in fact an elf, he travels to New York in search for his biological father, Walter, played by James Caan. It is Ferrell’s childlike humour and innocence which give the film it’s heart-warming feel.

About the author / 

Holly McKay

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • Ten love songs that aren’t just about heartbreak

    Featured image: James Kelly  It seems we’re all unanimous in saying that love is one of those mystifying, uncontrollable forces of nature, and this is not a new sentiment. See the entire discography of music and poetic works dating back to ancient times and earlier (or your ‘sad’ playlist – which we all have) for proof. Despite…

  • A Complete Unknown film review – An enigmatic portrayal of a musical luminary

    Featured image: Press A Complete Unknown is an evocative musical commentary and expertly crafted biopic following the life of Bob Dylan as he transitioned from acoustic to electric guitar. For what is both an intimate portrayal of genius and a harsh critique of character, both Timothée Chalamet and James Mangold hit the nail on the…

  • 5 tips for sustainable student living

    Featured illustration: Ruby Sharp 1. Mindful clothes shopping The fashion industry significantly contributes to overconsumption, with 92 million tonnes of clothing ending up in landfill each year. To be more sustainable, clothes consider buying and selling clothes on platforms like Vinted. These apps provide a great opportunity to make extra cash while keeping your clothes…

  • Love Story Movie Marathon: Top 10 films to watch this Valentine’s Day

    Featured image: Loe Moshkovska Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to break the bank. Grab your popcorn and blankets to enjoy a laid-back movie night. Whether you’re cozying up to a loved one or having a movie night for galantines, we have you covered with the best watches for this Valentine’s Day. These romantic movies are set…