5 Christmas Movies That'll Get You In The Holiday Spirit
Yes, "Die Hard" is a Christmas movie...
I think it's safe to say that the most popular "holiday" form of movies is that of the Christmas movie.
Everyone has their favorite Christmas movie, but I've been able to narrow down to a list of my top five! So grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy!
1. Jingle All The Way
What can I really say about "Jingle All The Way?" It's not that it's a cinematic marvel or a work of art that should be revered by anyone who loves films, but rather just a really funny movie that makes light of the over-commercialization of Christmas. The third act is really ridiculous, but this is literally the point. I think the ridiculous third act is more "Ghost of Commercial Christmas Future," generating a funny hyperbole of where we might be in a couple years if the pattern of materialization continues.
Simply though, "Jingle All The Way" is dang funny, super quotable, and a tradition for me every year.
2. Die Hard
Yes, it is a Christmas movie. The entire plot revolves around Christmas. That's an entirely different debate, but "Die Hard" itself is one of the greatest action movies of all time. The late Alan Rickman is one of the greatest action antagonists of all time, and I don't think anything needs to be said about Bruce Willis. "Die Hard" is a solid Christmas movie and definitely gets me in the spirit. In the words of John McClane, read by Hans Gruber:
"Now I have a machine gun. Ho, ho, ho."
3. Batman Returns
Another film which many don't realize is predicated around Christmas, the second installment of the Tim Burton Batman series is undoubtedly one of the best superhero flicks of all time. Not only is it super fun and corny, but it also exercises a dark side, equating the two tones throughout the film. Danny DeVito as Penguin is totally over the top, but it works extremely well. The frequent shots of snow and Christmas related items definitely emit the ambiance of a Christmas flick, and a good one at that.
4. Nightmare Before Christmas
A lot of people can't decide if this is a Halloween or Christmas movie, but, in the words of the Old El-Paso Taco girl: "why not both?" "Nightmare Before Christmas" is definitely a story about "The Other" much like "The Shape of Water." I for one am a huge musical fan, and while there isn't a whole lot of amazing singing going on, the production value is top notch for a non-live action film. There's also a really cute, heart-warming love story. I love it.
5. Elf
How could I make this list and NOT have "Elf" on it?
The first time I saw this movie was in fifth grade and I was laughing all the way through. I still laugh at a lot of moments such as "YOU SIT ON A THRONE OF LIES," and "franCISCO." It's also a really touching story about finding where one is truly meant to be. Buddy, much like many of us, finds himself in an environment where he struggles to fit in and be accepted by the people around him. Even his own dad doesn't accept him at first. "Elf" is always nice to watch around Christmas, in fact, they're playing it at some of the local theaters!