My Favorite Movies For The Christmas Season...

If you are looking for some films to watch this Christmas season, here are a few that I have always liked.

First, the Obvious Classics:
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) - The original film starring Jimmy Stewart and the beautiful Donna Reed really captures the spirit of Christmas. The message of how one person can change the world is timeless. If the ending doesn't tear you up, you aren't human.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947) - A very young Natalie Wood steals the show as a precocious girl who does not believe in Santa. Lots of feel good moments in this film.


For a Chuckle:
Elf (2003) - Will Ferrell's most entertaining performance as a would-be elf. Bob Newhart and James Caan add to the fun.

Scrooged (1988) - Bill Murray meets Charles Dickens. Predictable story, but entertaining cast makes it work. Bobcat Goldthwait plays the part of Bill Murray's terrorized employee.

Christmas Vacation (1989) - Chevy Chase is back as leader of the Griswold clan and experiences the worst Christmas one can imagine.


For the Romantic
Just Friends (2005) - Ryan Reynolds returns home to reconnect with his high school sweetheart (Amy Smart) at Christmas. Anna Faris gives a great performance as a spoiled and slightly psychotic rock star.

Love, Actually (2003) - Is there an English actor not in this film? Not exactly a Christmas movie, but all the action occurs during the Christmas season. The movie follows the romantic paths of several couples. Colin Firth and Lucia Moniz steal the show IMHO. Film includes Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Laura Linney, January Jones, Elisha Cuthbert, Alan Rickman, Billy Bob Thornton and on and on and on.

The Family Man (2000) - Nicholas Cage gives a great performance as someone given a chance to see what his life might have been. Yes, it does sound similar to Its A Wonderful Life, but this is not a remake.

Serendipity (2001) - Starrying the lovely Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack, the story starts at Christmas when the two meet shopping at Bloomingdales. They leave their future in the hands of fate only to be reunited 5 years later. Jeremy Piven and Molly Shannon co-star.


The Random Choices
Die Hard (1988) - The original Bruce Willis film still ranks as one of the most intense films I have ever seen in a theater. It takes place at Christmas, but not really a Christmas movie.

The Nativity Story (2006) - The film follows the journey of Mary & Joseph to Bethlehem and only slightly deviates from scripture.

Silent Night (2002) - A WW2 story about American and German soldiers setting aside their differences for one night.


There are hundreds more I could add: White Christmas, The Christmas Story, A Midnight Clear, Joyeux Noel, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Charlie Brown Christmas, A Christmas Carol to name a few. But the above are my favorites.