By Ava Salado
Christmas is just around the corner! Christmas break is a time for immense amounts of hot cocoa, a good holiday song, and most of all, binge-watching your favorite festive movies! We all have our favorite classics–– the Grinch, White Christmas, The Polar Express, and Elf, to name a few–– but there are some out there that you might not think of. Some of these are diamonds in the rough, traditional family movies, or just funny films you might not have heard of. They are all great, family-friendly movies. If in doubt you can reference Common Sense Media to get a good summary and age recommendation. Here are a few to consider:
“Christmas with the Kranks” is one of those movies you either love or hate. It premiered in 2004 and was directed by Joe Roth. The movie was based on a novel by John Grisham named “Skipping Christmas.” The film has an all-star cast, such as Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan Akyroyd, and M. Emmet Walsh. Although having a 1/5 star rating on Common Sense Media, a 5% Rotten Tomatoes, and a 5.4/10 on IMDb it is a hilariously ridiculous movie that should not be taken seriously as it aims to be overacted and weird. It is a wonderful movie for family gatherings when the holiday season rolls around.
“A Flintstones Christmas Carol” is a Flintstone fan classic. It’s a very cute movie, filled with lots of goofy situations and silly resolutions. Released in 1994, it is a perfect movie to watch with a hot cup of tea as the California Christmas rain pours down outside your window.
“The Muppet Christmas Carol”, by Brian Henson, is based on a book by Charles Dickens and is a Holiday tradition for many families. Sadly, since its release in 1992, the picture has not received as much attention as it did when it was first released. However, I’m glad to say that it’s present fans will never forget it.
Disney’s “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas” is a film featuring your favorite Disney characters that tells three different stories sharing Christmas morals and lessons. The movie is great for kids, as it teaches that Christmas is not all about presents, it is about spending time with your family. It’s a film that should not be overlooked as just another Mickey movie and is definitely one to check out.
“Miracle on 34th Street” (1994) is a remake of the original 1947 version. It has a great cast and setting to back it up, it is a truly great film. Some may choose the remake, some may choose the original, but either way you are left with an enjoyable picture.
Please consider adding some of these films to your plethora of holiday movie choices, best watched after eating way too much food at Christmas dinner. Maybe switch one on as you are immobilized on the couch. We wish you and your family a very wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year filled with no creatures stirring, not even a mouse, stockings all hung by the chimney with care, visions of sugarplums dancing in your head, a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer and much holiday cheer. So, Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!
The Lighthouse 