Juliann Guiffre
Co-News Editor
I feel the need to write a disclaimer at the beginning of this story, because I have never seen a certain movie I know to be many people’s favorite–A Christmas Story. Blasphemy, I know. I’m in the process of finding time to watch it, until then, you’ll simply have to do with my limited knowledge of the hundreds of christmas tales out there. I also tried to stear clear of some that are a bit obvious (The Nightmare Before Christmas is a wonderful classic and yes, I know that National Lampon’s Christmas Vacation is hilarious).1. The Santa Clause: I won’t sully this movie by mentioning its far inferior sequels; we can just act like they never happened. Tim Allen has made some pretty cheesy flicks (anyone see The Shaggy Dog? Or Christmas with the Kranks? Me either). But here, Tim Allen uses the comic talents he’ll later perfect in Toy Story. Don’t get me wrong, the movie has its share of cheesiness, but it’s also so heartfelt and warming that you can’t help but wish your Dad killed Santa Clause and had to take over his duties.
2. Elf: Some people won’t agree with me on this, in favor of more traditional Christmas movies, yet I think this is Will Ferrel’s most memorable role-even among such lovable goofs as Frank-the-tank and Ricky Bobby. Ferrel can do funny with his eyes closed, yet here he takes it one step further. Whether singing Baby, It’s Cold Outside with Zooey Deschanel or proudly declaring “Santa! I know him!”, he manages to make us laugh and touch our hearts at the same time.
3. It’s a Wonderful Life: I just saw this 1946 classic for the first time a few weeks ago, and was dazzled by it. I’ve always had a soft spot for Jimmy Stewart, and he is just as wonderful here as ever. Now, I know, depression and suicide don’t exactly go well with the cheery Christmas spirit, but this film resonates more than most because of its powerful message and poignant love story.
4. Home Alone: Ok, so Macaulay Culkin may be slightly off his rocker these days (his last movie was named Sex and Breakfast?), but who doesn’t remember the movie that made him the most popular child star of the 90s. Culkin was the eight year old we all wanted to be: fighting off two dimwitted burglars attempting to rob your house.
5. Die Hard: Yea, yea, I know Die Hard isn’t exactly a Christmas movie. Hear me out. A) It takes place on Christmas Eve, and B) its like?one of the best movies ever. Bruce Willis establishes himself (in my eyes, anyway) as one of the greatest action heroes of the century, and it’s?for once?a smart action film: not just interested in guns and blowing things up. Alan Rickman is sheer genius as the villain, and the Christmas backdrop provides for nice holiday fun!