Wednesday, December 22, 2010

What happened to great Christmas movies?

by Anna Sugden

I admit it - I'm a sucker for feel-good Christmas movies. One of my treats, as I'm decorating the house, is to put on some classic Christmas movies and indulge in schmaltz! I'll sing along to the songs and quote my favourite lines and sigh happily )yes, even shed a tear) at my favourite parts.

My faves are:

White Christmas

Christmas in Connecticut (the original Barbara Stanwyck version not the horrid Dyan Cannon one!)

Scrooged! (also Scrooge - the musical one)


The Muppets' Christmas Carol

Shop Around the Corner

Miracle on 34th Street (both versions)

It's a Wonderful Life







The Holiday (despite Jude Law's acting)

Polar Express

I was very disappointed this year to go to the channel which was 24 hour Christmas films to find ... not very much at all. Oh, they were Christmas movies, but most of them were awful! Lame, poorly acted and downright silly. Some of the stories were so weak that I couldn't even watch the whole thing.

I will admit also that I'm not a fan of the Home Alone movies or anything with Adam Sandler/Jim Carey/Will Ferrel or Ben Stiller. *ducking* So that kind of wipes out a few that might be faves for other people!

Thank goodness for Debbie Macomber and her Call Me Mrs Miracle - a TV adaptation of the second of her Mrs Miracle books - the only one I found worth watching. As an aside, I'd love to see her Shirley, Goodness and Mercy books made into movies!

What happened to great, feel-good Christmas movies? Why don't people make them anymore? Perhaps they do and I haven't seen them.

Tell me - which are your favourite Christmas movies? Have you seen any great Christmas movies that were made recently? Are there any great Christmas romances you'd like to see turned into movies?

I'm giving away an extra prize today, thanks to Lair favourite Kate Walker. She's offered up a copy of the latest edition of her fabulous craft book 12 Point Guide to Writing Romance.

It's FINALLY here! The Romance Bandits 12 Days of Christmas Booty. Every day between now and Christmas, one lucky commenter per day will win a daily prize and on some days, additional goodies from that day's blogging Bandita or guest. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we'll give away more booty including autographed books, GR mugs and much more! Come join us! Tell your friends! Let's make the Season BRIGHT!

106 comments:

Linda Henderson said...

First?

Linda Henderson said...

I can't believe I got here first. Well my favorite holiday movie is the Grinch. I do like the Home Alones, the Die Hards, Home For The Holidays, Holiday Inn, White Christmas and I enjoyed the Mrs. Miracle movies. I wish they would make a movie on Shirley, Goodness and Mercy too.

Sheree said...

Congrats, Linda!

My faves are the original Grinch with Boris Karloff and Chuck Jones and "A Christmas Story" ("you'll shoot your eye out").

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Linda, this is becoming a regular gig with you and the Rooster. You've had him a few times lately.

Anna, I must say I love a great Christmas movie too. Especially the old ones which didn't seem quite so 'knowing' in terms of the schmaltz. Or maybe they just did it with more style. I absolutely adore Christmas in Connecticut. I think it's seriously sexy - especially at the end where Barbara Stanwyck turns the table on our hero who thinks he's got her over a barrel. Yum!

Jane said...

The only fairly recent one that I like is "Elf." My all time favorites are "A Christmas Story," "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "Home Alone."

Congrats, Linda.

Christine Wells said...

Hi VA! Great blog and I think you're right. There are so few Christmas movies that are any good these days. I'm not into those comedians you mentioned either (although I don't mind Ben Stiller in Meet the Parents). My favourite of the moment is the Muppet Christmas Carol, although I believe there's an updated Muppet Christmas movie with "Moulin Scrooge" in it airing on Christmas Eve here that should be entertaining!

Yay, Linda got the rooster today!

Deanna said...

I have to admit that I have never watched any Christmas movies. I've been enjoying a Liz Fielding Christmas themed book which was just delightful. I can't remember the name of the book now though.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Helen said...

Well done Linda have fun with him

Anna
I too love all the old Christmas movies Miricale on 34th St White Christmas and I do love the Home Alone ones and Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase LOL. I haven't had much time to watch any on the TV just lately but I have been reading some great Christmas romances one of them Beth's A Marine for Christmas loved that one and it would make a great movie and I have just finished Mary Balogh's A Christmas Promise which had me in tears and laughter.

I think maybe I need to sit down and watch a few

Have Fun
Helen

Maureen said...

I used to love watching Christmas stories when I was younger but I think having two children in December turned the month into a month of insanity for many years. Now that they're older I haven't gotten back to watching a lot of Christmas stories but I always try to watch A Christmas Story and the animated version of The Grinch.

Janga said...

I like your list, Anna. Most of my favorites are there. I'd add The Bishop's Wife, the original with Cary Grant as the angel and Loretta Young and David Niven as the wife and the bishop. I do like the music from the Whitney Houston remake, The Preacher's Wife, and Denzel Washington was a fine angel. I'd add Love Actually to your list as well. I love that movie, even though I hate Alan Rickman's character.

Gillian Layne said...

You've listed many of my favorites! We have watched Miracle on 34th street so far, and Christmas in Connecticut (sigh). We'll watch The Holiday, all my girls love it. I just love the thought of living in a cottage in England. ;)

Scrooged will be playing all day on Christmas, so hopefully we'll sneak that in. Actually, we love to go the movies on Christmas, but I think our day will be too busy this year.

I'm a huge fan of cartoons, so we always watch those. I really liked the Phineas and Ferb Christmas special, treasure the Charlie Brown Christmas, and miss the Rugrats Christmas and Hanukkah specials.

We always watch The Canterville Ghost (1995) with Patrick Stewart. It's not a Christmas movie, but set in England, and just charming.

Gillian Layne said...

I'm glad to hear you liked the Mrs. Miracle movies. My mom adored the books, and so until I can track down the movies for us to watch together, I'm waiting. (She's on a farm, no cable.) :)

Gillian Layne said...

Ok, I have to mention one more and then I'll stop. (Can you tell I'm totally THRILLED to finally be on Christmas break and not have to fly out the door to work in the dark?)

My oldest absolutely loves Three Days (2001), a sappy TV movie about a high-powered literary agent (got your attention, didn't I? ;) ) His sweet wife is killed on Christmas Eve while trying to save the neighbor's dog (cue tears!) and a very cool angel named Lionel gives the man three chances to re-live that day in order to change his ways and save his wife.

Laney4 said...

Old faves include IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, RUDOLPH THE REDNOSED REINDEER, and HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS. I like the newer Jim Carrey version of Grinch too. Other newer movies include YOU'VE GOT MAIL and a not-so-new one (but it came out during my adulthood) was CHRISTMAS VACATION.

Anna Sugden said...

Congrats Linda - keep an eye on that pesky bird with all those holiday treats about. I think P226 will have to put him through boot camp in the new year.

Oh yes - Holiday Inn - another great movie. And, yes, I'm a fan of the Die Hards - though I don't really think of those as Christmas films as such.

Anna Sugden said...

The original Grinch? I'll have to check that out, Sheree! Never heard of that one!

I finally saw A Christmas Story last year and thought it was great. Bless him.

Anna Sugden said...

Oooh yes, Anna - that is such a cute scene at the end. I also love Uncle Felix - pitschy putschy!

I think the thing that is so clever about this film is the timing - a true situational comedy - with great lines. *happy sigh*

That's why I was SO DISAPPOINTED with the remake - it lacked the charm of the original and Dyan Cannon *shiver*. She ain't no Barbra Stanwyck!

Anna Sugden said...

I'd forgotten about Charlie Brown, Jane - we used to sing the Charlie Brown songs at Glee Club when I was at school in VA.

Anna Sugden said...

I still crack up at some of the lines in the Muppet Christmas Carol, Christine! Especially when Kermit asks for more coal for the clerks - LOL

Anna Sugden said...

Really, Daz - never? Oh, you're missing out!

Was it Bridget Jones - that's based between two Christmases.

Anna Sugden said...

I LOVED A Marine for Christmas too, Helen! I told Beth that Brady ranks up there with Dillon from A Not-So Perfect Past ... and we all know, he's mine!

I must admit, the last book I read wasn't very Christmas-y - it was Lisa Gardner's fantabulous Live to Tell. OMG - totally awesome, but creepy. It always amazes me that such a lovely woman comes up with that stuff! I may have to find something lighter for the next few days *g*.

Anna Sugden said...

I can highly recommend the Muppets' Christmas Carol as the best of both worlds, Maureen!

When you get a chance to treat yourself - you can't go wrong with some of the classics.

Anna Sugden said...

Oh yes, The Bishop's Wife. And, of course the original. How can anyone top Cary Grant as an angel?! Love Denzel, but I'm afraid he's not Cary.

Love, Actually is a great movie - how could I forget that one. The closing credits always bring a happy tear to my eye, Janga. I know Alan Rickman is a toad in that, but he's a toad with a lovely voice *g*. I also don't like the ending to the story with Laura Linney and the yummy Rodrigo. But, overall - what a great film!

Anna Sugden said...

I've not seen a lot of the animated Christmas specials, Gillian - probably comes of not having kids. Will have to check them out.

I haven't seen the first Mrs Miracle film - but the second one is cute. Not in the same league as those classics, but a darn sight better than the rest of the stuff that's around!

Anna Sugden said...

I've seen that movie! I couldn't remember what it was called - now that is an exception to the bad ones!

Anna Sugden said...

You've Got Mail is one of my faves too - it's such a great remake or homage to Shop Around the Corner, Laney4. I love the soundtrack too - such a cheerful array of songs.

One of my favourite scenes is where Tom Hanks turns up to see Meg Ryan and she has that stinking cold, and he brings her daisies.

Minna said...

One of my favorite movies is Scrooged, and one Christmas animation movie they made a couple of years ago I'd like to see is Niko & The Way to the Stars:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWGnaCDbIsA

Put a Little Love in Your Heart
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC2Q3FdpX6I

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

One of my favs that I haven't seen listed yet is Touched by an Angel Christmas with Randy Travis. I love that movie and of course the classics, not such a fan of the Muppets Christmas Carol but the original Christmas Carol with George C. Scott gets me everytime.

Donna MacMeans said...

Hey Anna - From the news accounts here, sounds like the snow has pretty much stopped everything in England. Should give you more time for the movies (grin).

My "newer" favorite is Love Actually - yes, some of the stories don't end happily, but I think that's part of showing all aspects of love - young, older, death of a loved one, etc. All set around Christmas, which is a great time to remember our loved ones.

Have to admit, I also love A Christmas Story with Ralphie. Part of my joy in that movie - besides the nostalgia - is that it takes place in Cleveland, Ohio. I lived in Cleveland a couple of years and recognize many of the references.

Love It's Christmas, Charlie Brown. The music is great and timeless. I like How the Grinch Stole Christmas - it was my father's favorite.

I'm not a big fan of Scrooged - but I do love the original black & white film of the Christmas Story. ("I must stand on my head!") Funny to remember that this classic is based on Dicken's short story - not even a full novel.

jo robertson said...

Whooo, yes, Linda. FIRST!!

Great post, Vrai Anna. I usually love Christmas movies, including the first (only the first) Home Alone movie. I thought the idea was unique and the execution, almost entirely physical comedy, hilarious. Maybe it's cause I can so identify with leaving a child behind.

jo robertson said...

Oh, and my fave Christmas movie. Probably It's a Wonderful Life and The Christmas Story. I could watch the jokes about that bb gun over and over!

I also like all the dumb do-overs of the Uncle Scrooge stories, modern updates and the like.

Kirsten said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anna Sugden said...

I'll have to check out the Niko animation, Minna. How is the weather in Finland?

Anna Sugden said...

We never got Touched by an Angel over here, Dianna - I'll have to see if I can find it on the internet.

I think there are very few bad versions of A Christmas Carol that are as powerful as that original - though the one with Patrick Stewart isn't bad either.

Anna Sugden said...

LOL, Donna - Cambridge hasn't been hit too badly - only a couple of inches - enough to be pretty but not a real pain. Though we aren't set up for snow around here, really.

I'll take the excuse *g*.

I know not all the stories could have happy endings and that's life, but I so wanted Laura Linney to have that HEA, even if only temporarily with Rodrigo. She, of all the characters, was so deserving of some happiness.

Anna Sugden said...

Oh, forgot to say, I understand about the Cleveland references. I love the film Falling in Love - which also tops and tails at Christmas. On one of my first trips to NY, I went to Rizzoli's bookstore just because of the film.

Anna Sugden said...

LOL Jo, I can so identify with leaving a child behind too! It was one of my fears as a teacher with 35 children to herd onto and off the bus for a school trip!

I could watch the musical numbers in White Christmas over and over again, singing along to the great songs.

alinaduffer said...

Hi Anna! I love Christmas movies. My favorites are White Christmas, it doesn't get better than Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby,Polar Express and all 3 Santa Clause movies. I love Tim Allen. There are others that I will watch, those hallmark movies can get addicting, lol! The one Christmas movie I can't stand, and trust me I know it's a sin in some peoples eyes, is A Christmas Story. I just think it's stupid. My best friend watches it every year and every year we argue about it, lol!

Have a great day and a Wonderful Christmas!!

Anna Sugden said...

I'd never thought of Little Women as a Christmasy type film, but you're right about those scenes, Kirsten.

Anna Sugden said...

OMG Alinaduffer - I'm surprised you aren't mobbed for disliking A Christmas Story! LOL

I'm afraid I'm like that about those comedy films. Perhaps they just aren't my sense of humour.

Anna Sugden said...

I don't know about in other countries, but over here there is a big deal about Christmas episodes of the soaps and reality shows, even of popular series.

We don't happen to be fans of those throughout the year, so aren't too fussed about them over Christmas, but I know many people are really excited about them.

Are there any of those where you live?

Minna said...

Anna Sugden said...
I'll have to check out the Niko animation, Minna. How is the weather in Finland?

It's a Finnish animation, by the way.
It c-c-cold in here. And there might be a bit of a storm here on Christmas Eve, if the weather forecasts are correct. Wouldn't be the first Christmas Eve with a power cut.

Hassisen Kone – On jouluyö, nyt laulaa saa (It’s Christmas Night, Now You Can Sing)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxPMHu-XOnU

Pave Maijanen:Kuokkavieras (Gate crasher)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2VkzK2LS8E

Aikakone: Hiljaisuus (Silence)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89C0EXVTcgg

Thank God It’s Christmas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIUmggOhHCM

Christie Kelley said...

Great post, Anna. We all sat down and watched Christmas Vacation last night. Stupidly funny movie and yet it seemed to up my Christmas spirit. Every Christmas Eve we sit down and watch A Christmas Story.

Other than that, I've only watched Elf this year. I just haven't had the time to sit around watching movies.

Minna said...

Christmas episodes... Well, I don't watch soaps, but I suppose they are a big deal here as well. I remember one Christmas when they invited anyone who was interested to be a part of the audience and to watch the characters of this show -well, not quite a soap, but close enough- playing Star boys. They needed a lot of people and I guess they got them. But the Christmas episodes of for instance the American shows often are not seen at Christmas.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Boys%27_Singing_Procession#.22Stjernespill.22_in_Scandinavia_and_Finland

Anna Sugden said...

Stay warm, Minna - I wondered if you'd been getting worse weather than normal because of our bad weather.

I bet all our snow will have gone by Christmas!

Anna Sugden said...

That's how I feel about movies like Scrooged and the Muppets, Christie - they cheer me up!

Somehow I haven't had much time either - and I haven't even put the Christmas music on!

Anna Sugden said...

I know East Enders and Coronation Street Christmas episodes are big over here, Minna, and people get really excited about them - though the media tells you what is going to happen for weeks in advance, so I don't see what all the fuss is about.

Laurie Logan said...

I love Christmas movies and watch a bunch every year - some good and some... not so good.

You're right, though, in saying that the classics are best. It's a Wonderful Life, Christmas in Connecticut, Holiday Inn, Miracle on 34th Street, The Bishop's Wife will always be my favorites.

Love Polar Express and Little Women.

I have seen all three of the Mrs. Miracle films and they are good if you are in the mood for a sappy Christmas movie.

I like The Holiday and some of the Scrooge movies and How The Grinch Stole Christmas. The Santa Clause is also entertaining.

I know this is a favorite for a lot of people but I never could stand A Christmas Story.

I will admit also that I'm not a fan of the Home Alone movies or anything with Adam Sandler/Jim Carey/Will Ferrel or Ben Stiller. I agree! But I sheepishly admit to liking Jingle All the Way with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Landra said...

My favorites are White Christmas (which I am going to watch right now), Muppet Christmas Carol, The original Grinch cartoon, The Holiday, and absolutely The Ref with Kevin Spacey and Dennis Leary.

Unknown said...

They forgot what it was to have the Christmas Spirit. They're to busy trying to make money off them to care if the movies SUCK!

I have watched almost every one of the Christmas movies they've had on this year and honestly some weren't worth the time slot.
Still love the Old Christmas Movies, but a few new ones have join my list...The Christmas Card, Mrs. Miracle/Call Me Mrs. Miracle are all really good.

Maybe we should get together and make a really good holiday movie....LOL
I could only begin to think what that would look like :)

Deb said...

I love "White Christmas", "A Christmas Story", "Home Alone", and "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Some of the ones on the Hallmark Channel have been cute and/or good. "The Ultimate Gift" and the "Postcard" come to mind as well as the "Mrs. Miracle" movies.

Shary is at that age where she still believes in Santa and yet questions some of the whys and wherefores. But, after watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" last week, she wrote a long letter to Santa and explained to him that she believed in him. It was a darling letter and a keeper for her memory box. One of the high school English classes will respond to Santa letters and she was thrilled to have a reply from Santa.

Dina said...

My favs are White Christmas, Scrooge, the Christmas Card and It's a Wonderful Life, I watch them every yr. Need to find Bells of St Marys and Heidi, as those are great also.

Hellie Sinclair said...

I am a fan of Elf. *LOL* And Fred Claus ("Every child deserves a toy at Christmas." *sighs*) Christmas Vacation. Most of the SNL ones. *LOL*

I love the classics too though:

Holiday Inn
It's a Wonderful Life
Miracle on 34th Street (original)
Christmas in Connecticut (original)
Meet Me in St. Louis
The Christmas Story

Some more modern classics (though I maintain Elf is CLASSIC!):

The Nativity Story (I have a little crush on Joseph)
The Holiday
Love Actually

And I think of Bridget Jones as sorta Christmasy, and Harry Potter as well--BECAUSE Christmas was one of his most focused on parts of the year. Usually the highlight of his year. *LOL*

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

GREAT post, VA!

I agree with you, there seems to be a dearth of good Christmas movies lately. :-( And I'm not a fan of any of those (so called) comic actors you mentioned.

Like several others have mentioned, I love Christmas Vacation and laugh at the silliness every darn time. Also, like Jo, I like the original Home Alone, but ONLY the first one. ;-)

Off to do more last minute shopping,
AC

Fedora said...

My favorite is still A Charlie Brown Christmas :) I'm usually not a huge movie fan; I'd nearly always rather read than watch!

Deb said...

Ooh, I forgot about "Meet Me In St. Louis"! Good movie.

Lois said...

Well, I definitely love my Santa Claus the movie, Home Alone 1 & 2, Muppet Family Christmas, I Love Lucy Christmas episode... but definitely love my Pinky and the Brain Christmas special. Will still tear up at the end of it, when *sniff* Pinky gives the Brain, well, the World (keychain). *sniff*. Love it. :)

Lois

gamistress66 said...

Love old movies in general and they did make some wonderful holiday ones. Miracle on 34th Street is one of my all time faves though I do prefer the original version. Some of the more modern "comedies" don't appeal to me. I think they seem to try too hard to be funny & edgy to work. I think I may have to duck as well when I admit I don't get the big deal on "It's a Wonderful Life" -- its a good movie & all but I don't get why it has to be played to death every Christmas season. I'd prefer they played some of those other old ones you mentioned instead. Oh well.

Happy Holidays! :D

Margay Leah Justice said...

The Holiday is my favorite, most recently made Christmas movie. And Elf was pretty good, but there hasn't been a great one made in recent years. I love Scrooged, too, and The Nightmare Before Christmas and It's a Wonderful Life.And of course, the Charlie Brown Christmas!

Margay

Anna Sugden said...

I know you're not the only one who likes Jingle All the Way, Laurie! I'm sure I've seen it, but I can't remember how it goes.

There are 3 Mrs Miracle films? Cool!

I really must get hold of the Grinch animation - I don't know why we've never seen that.

Anna Sugden said...

I hope you enjoyed watching White Christmas, Slush. Did you sing along to Sisters and Counting Your Blessings? Did you tear up when the General is surprised?

Anna Sugden said...

I'm glad you said that BJ - I've been called a Grinch for saying the same thing! But we know the truth, don't we?!

OMG - the Banditas/BB's Christmas movie would totally rock!!

Anna Sugden said...

Aww - thanks for sharing that story about Shary. Here, I think there is till someone in the Post Office who's job it is to answer all the letters addressed to Santa - and they have a special postmark as well.

I know there is somewhere in Alaska for the US kiddies.

And, of course, there is Lapland. I know it's now a tacky thing to do, but I'd love to go to Lapland one year *g*.

Anna Sugden said...

My step-d loves Elf too, Hellion. Thinks it's one of the best films ever. So, there must be something to it. Perhaps I'll put aside my prejudices about Will Ferrell and give it a go.

You just reminded me that we still haven't been to see the latest Harry Potter! Darn. I guess it'll be too late after Christmas.

Anna Sugden said...

Dina, my other step-d loves Heidi - I used to love that story. Which version of the film do you like?

Anna Sugden said...

Welcome back, AC - hope the cruise was fab!

I must admit to not having seen NL Christmas - perhaps I should. I still love Animal House, so I may find it funny.

Anna Sugden said...

We're perfectly happy for you to read rather than watch movies, Fedora, especially if they're Bandita books!

Anna Sugden said...

Meet Me in St Louis is a great movie - I hadn't made the Christmas connection though, Deb.

Anna Sugden said...

Lois - you lost me at Pinky and Brain! Please explain for this poor Brit Chick!

Anna Sugden said...

I'm with you, Gamistress - as much as I love It's a Wonderful Life, I think Christmas in Connecticut is worthy of the same amount of air-play!

Anna Sugden said...

I adore Jack Black in The Holiday, Margay. And, of course, Eli Wallach. Somehow they both put Jude Law to shame!

catslady said...

There are two movies I have to watch every year - The Grinch and National Lampoon's Christmas vacation. The best part is all of us can almost recite a lot of the funniest lines and they seem to get better every year!

Pissenlit said...

It's only just occurred to me that most of the ones I try to watch every year are kiddie movies!
-A Charlie Brown Christmas
-The Santa Clause (just the first one)
-The Muppet Christmas Carol
-A Muppet Family Christmas
-Eloise at Christmastime (I own the DVD and have given it as a gift)
-Disney's Prep & Landing (and the sequel, Operation Secret Santa)
-the Doctor Who Christmas specials

Other Christmas movies that I really enjoy but don't necessarily feel the need to watch every year:
-National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (the cat and the tree crack me up every time)
-any other Muppet Christmas movie (though I was traumatised by It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie when Kermit freaks out and starts yelling at the top of his lungs, "I wish I'd never been born!!" repeatedly...this was in 2002)
-any other Charlie Brown Christmas special
-Santa Baby (with Jenny McCarthy. I caught Santa Baby 2 yesterday but Ivan Sergei was replaced with Dean McDermott as Luke Jessup and the story just wasn't as good)
-The Holiday
-Scrooged
-Love Actually

Pissenlit said...

Oh oh! I knew I forgot something! I also try to watch Happy Christmas, Miss King(aka. An Avonlea Christmas) every year!

Gannon Carr said...

Oh, I love Christmas movies. Miracle on 34th Street (the original), It's A Wonderful Life, White Christmas, Love Actually (not traditional Christmas, but I love it!), and Elf. And of course, the Christmas animated movies from my childhood.

elaing8 said...

Most of my favorites are older holiday movies.
A Christmas Story
It's A Wonderful Life
Miracle on 34th Street
Holiday Inn
A Christmas Carol with Alistair Sims
White Christmas
Home Alone
I am not a fan of recent Christmas movies.I just haven't found one that interest me like the classics.

Nancy said...

Linda, congrats on the bird!

Anna, I don't know why "feel-good" Christmas movies seem to be out of vogue. I love Miracle on 34th Street and It's A Wonderful Life (black and white versions).

My favorite version of A Christmas Carol is also black and white and stars Alistair Sim as Scrooge, but I have to say Patrick Stewart was excellent in the role a few years back.

We all love How the Grinch Stole Christmas. We usually watch Jingle All the Way and A Christmas Story, the dh's favorite holiday movie, and enjoy them.

RFTC Blog said...

Handsdown my absolute favorite is A Christmas Story. I love, love, love it. I will sit and watch it over and over again when they play it on repeat during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I also like Home Alone and Home Alone 2, The Grinch, Frosty The Snowman, and Rudolph.

Cybercliper said...

One of my favs is JINGLE ALL THE WAY with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, and Phil Hartman. It the one where they fight over some kind of action figure doll - Harman and Sinbad are hillarious!!!

Pat Cochran said...

White Christmas and Miracle on 34th
Street are at the top of my holiday
movie list! Oh, and Charlie Brown
is next on the list.

Agree with Linda on the "Mrs. Miracle" movies! And my favorite "Angels," I would love to see them immortalized on film!

Pat Cochran

elainec said...

"Miracle on 34th Street" and the "The Muppet's Christmas Carol" are my favorite Christmas movies.
The story I'd like to see made into a movie is Mary Balogh's novella, "A Handful of Gold". I've been reading it at Christmas time since 1998. It's a Regency and the story presents a character who influences other characters to grow and change over the holiday. I just feel good after I read it. It would be a pleasure to watch a movie of it if it were done well.

Beth Andrews said...

Hey, Anna! My favorite Christmas movie is It's A Wonderful Life. Actually, I'd have to say that's one of my fave all time movies ever *g*

I also love Elf, Holiday Inn, Love Actually and The Santa Clause. My husband is a fan of Christmas Vacation - I'll watch it with him but it's not my fave *g*

When I was a kid, my favorite cartoon was Twas The Night Before Christmas about a mouse family who had to save Christmas :-)

One movie I watched just about every year was Babes In Toyland with Laurel and Hardy - but boy, did those bogeymen scare the spit out of me!

And thanks so much to you and Helen for saying you enjoyed A Marine For Christmas!

chey said...

My favourite Christmas movies are the Home Alone movies and A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Louisa Cornell said...

Linda! People are starting to talk!

Great post, Vrai!

Holiday Inn is one of my all time favorite Christmas movies. I try to watch all of my Christmas favorites between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

I also have a stack of Regency Christmas anthologies and a few other Christmas romances that I read every year. They sit together on a shelf all year and wait for me to start on them Thanksgiving Day. Adding A Marine for Christmas to that shelf this year! LOVED it. Brady is a hero to DIE FOR! SIGH!

At the moment I am watching my DVD of Christmas episodes from Keeping Up Appearances! And I also have one of Are You Being Served? Christmas episodes! Mr. Humphries, are you free? Mind the pedestrian, Richard! LOL

I have to watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and A Charlie Brown Christmas every year.

The others on my must see list are-

It's A Wonderful Life

A Christmas Story

Christmas with the Kranks

Christmas Vacation

Christmas in Connecticut

White Christmas

Miracle on 34th Street

Scrooged

A Christmas Carol (the original, although I also watch the Patrick Stewart version.)

The Homecoming (sort of the original pilot of the series The Waltons based on Earl Hammner's story)

The Santa Clause

While You Were Sleeping

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (both versions)

Prancer

Pissenlit said...

While You Were Sleeping! I knew I forgot another one!

Ooh, I saw Prancer when it came out in theatres! I haven't seen that one in a long while!

Joan said...

Crawling out from the surgery bed to say

White Christmas and the ORIGINAL Miracle on 34th Street. Can't beat John Payne and Maureen O'Hara and the snazzy hats they wore :D

Dina said...

I like the one with Shirley Temple. love when she uses that little stool for a table.

SiNn said...

Ilovee shirley Temple and honestly Achristmas story is awesome and a fe wnew favs snow buddies ELF The Sanat Cluase all 3 and any lifetime m ovie christmas show are all awesomeits hard to pick just one ive only watched the first Mrs Miracle movie and loved it hopen to buy both for next yrs

Anna Sugden said...

catslady, I'm glad there is someone else who recites the best lines from their fave movies!

Anna Sugden said...

There are Dr Who Christmas specials, Pissenlit? Cool! I'll have to check them out. I used to be a big Dr Who fan growing up and haven't watched it for ages - except for the last episode in the reign of David Tennant.

Will have to check out the others on your list too - Santa Baby sounds fun.

Anna Sugden said...

Oooh never heard of Happy Christmas, Miss King either! Lots of great movies to find!

Anna Sugden said...

I see you're a classics gal, like me, Gannon! You should check out Christmas in Connecticut - but make sure it's the original!

Anna Sugden said...

Another fan of the classics, elaing8 - I'm glad it's not just me being grinch-y about the newest movies!

Anna Sugden said...

Nancy, I think somebody said it well earlier - BJ - I suspect they try to hard these days to get the charm while making the movies on the cheap. If you don't have quality writing, you don't get the charm! Perhaps why the Debbie Macomber films stand out!

Anna Sugden said...

LOL Danielle - it's good to see someone who enjoys fun Christmas movies!

Anna Sugden said...

Oh yes, Cybercliper - I have seen Jingle All the Way, now that you mention it! That is a fun movie - not excessively silly!

Anna Sugden said...

I knew you'd be a fan of the 'Angels', Pat - my clutter twin! I think they would make the most awesome Christmas movies - the perfect combination of charm and giggles.

Anna Sugden said...

Thanks for the tip about May Balogh's book, elainec - am I allowed to admit that I haven't read any of hers? I'll check out a Handful of Gold - to brighten the dark, dreary days of January!

Anna Sugden said...

LOL Beth - I remember that Laurel & Hardy - it was spooky.

I'm a real geek when it comes to movies and I love the voice-over version of It's a Wonderful Life, where they talk about how they made the film and the background to the scenes. It was fascinating to know what was going on in Jimmy Stewart's life at the time too.

Anna Sugden said...

I guess I'm in the minority with Home Alone, Chey - maybe I should give it another try if so many of you love it!

Anna Sugden said...

I'd never thought of having a shelf of Christmas stories to read during the holidays, Louisa - will have to check with you for recommendations!

LOL about the Christmas episodes of Are You Being Served and Keeping Up Appearances. One of the most popular over here still is Only Fools and Horses. I also love the Christmas episodes of The Royle Family - especially the one where they hadn't defrosted the turkey!

Anna Sugden said...

I'd forgotten While You Were Sleeping too! I'll have to dig that one out!

Anna Sugden said...

Hugs on the surgery, Joanie - hope the kitties are looking after you!

I Adore that first Miracle movie, but I think the Richard Attenborough one isn't too bad for a remake. I don't think the resolution of the court case is as fun and the romance is a little forced, but overall, not bad.

Anna Sugden said...

I don't know that movie, Dina. I love The Little Princess - that is one of my fave movies with Shirley Temple.

Anna Sugden said...

SiNn - I've just DVR'd the first Mrs Miracle - I discovered by accident that it was being shown over here on one of the odd channels!

Landra said...

Anna, to answer your question. I have watched White Christmas since I was 5 years-old. I know all the songs and Sisters is one of my favs. I always tear up at the end, and I enjoy the dance numbers even more.