Reviews

Best Holiday Movies

“After the presents have been opened and Christmas dinner has been eaten, it’s time to cuddle up and watch movies. Here are some classic and new movies we think you’ll love.”

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Who doesn’t love Charlie Brown and gang? This is a movie any generation can enjoy because the message is forever relevant. In this timeless classic, a sad Charlie Brown struggles with the true meaning of Christmas. The problem is, everyone treats it like the season of getting and that’s really wearing him down. Charlie Brown tries everything to find meaning in the season, from buying a tree to putting on a Christmas pageant. Of course, in the end he figures it out, and the simple message is one that parents will appreciate and is easy enough for kids to understand.

A Christmas Story  (1983)

Thanks to TBS airing it nonstop on Christmas day since 1997, everyone has probably seen this classic comedy at least once. What’s nice about this movie, besides it’s relatable and comical look at an American family is that you really don’t have to know what the movie is about to watch it. So, no matter what part you turn it onto, you’re in for a good ride. If you’re not familiar with the story or have only seen bits and pieces that you need help piecing together, it’s about a nine-year-old named Ralphie who desperately wants an air rifle for Christmas. The problem is everyone, from his parents and teacher to Santa himself tells him it’s not gonna happen, claiming “you’ll shoot your eye out.” The film also deals with subplots that include some of the more memorable moments such as Ralphie’s father winning a lamp in the shape of a woman’s leg in a fishnet stocking, and his friend getting his tongue stuck to a frozen pole. This film is great for all ages, with some innuendos going right over little one’s heads, but plenty of other moments they will enjoy just fine otherwise.

Arthur Christmas (2011)

A newer movie in the Christmas genre, but sure to become a family favorite. In this movie, we follow Santa’s son, Arthur who is the unlikely hero that needs to save Christmas by retrieving a gift an aged Santa misplaced on his last run within 24 hours to ensure that the holiday goes on smoothly. Kids will love this interesting take on Santa with his high-tech operation and zany family. Like any good story, there’s action and adventure and true to the holiday, a good message filled with Christmas spirit.

Elf (2003)

Buddy is an unusual elf. In fact, he’s not an elf at all, but a grown man who has been raised as an elf after being accidentally transported to the North Pole as a baby. Buddy grows up full of more Christmas spirit than any normal human being and that combined with his ignorance of how the real-world works make for a sweet yet hilarious romp. We follow Buddy as he tries to redeem his biological father from the naughty list while also solving his father’s very adult problem of a difficult assignment at work. This movie is hilarious and it’s no wonder with Will Ferrell starring as Buddy. This movie isn’t all seriousness though, as there are a lot of strong messages about being a good person and the true spirit of Christmas being about more than commercialism.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Ah the Grinch, him and Scrooge have been the anti-Christmas hero for decades. Who hasn’t heard the story of how the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes with love for Whoville. This is a short movie, running only 26 minutes, but a fun story nonetheless. It tells the story of the Grinch, who lives the life of a hermit outside of Whoville. He’s filled with hate for anything that may bring the people of Whoville joy. Christmas is a big deal to the Whos, and every year is filled with festivities. But this year, the Grinch cooks up a plan to ruin it by stealing all their presents on Christmas eve.  Oh yes, he’s a mean one that Mr. Grinch. By the end of the film, the Grinch winds up saving Christmas and becomes the hero after all. And if you want to see a live action version of this story, check out the one that stars Jim Carrey from 2000, it’s hilarious.

The Polar Express (2004)

There is no way you can name Christmas movies without mentioning The Polar Express. The animation is beautiful, the story is unique, and Tom Hanks is magical voicing the train conductor. The story is about a magical train that takes children to the North Pole for one night to visit Santa. The star is a little boy who is losing faith in Santa’s existence. After skeptically boarding the train he goes on a whirlwind adventure that involves a ski along the roof of the train, delicious hot chocolate, a herd of caribou and much more cumulating in meeting Santa. This is a good movie for kids of any age, and teaches them the value of friendship as well as appreciating what you have.

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