Top 10 Ultimate HOLiday Movies
Joey Stark
January 2019
After a busy start to the new year, December at HOL is always full of wintery cheer and fun opportunities, as well as the time to take Frankie’s advice and RELAX. It’s the time of year to warm your feet by the fire, drink hot chocolate and relax under a blanket with a movie. "But Joey, what will we watch?" I hear you cry! Don’t fret, I’ve taken the liberty of compiling what I feel are the TOP TEN ULTIMATE HOL-IDAY MOVIES for you to choose from. Happy watching!
After a busy start to the new year, December at HOL is always full of wintery cheer and fun opportunities, as well as the time to take Frankie’s advice and RELAX. It’s the time of year to warm your feet by the fire, drink hot chocolate and relax under a blanket with a movie. "But Joey, what will we watch?" I hear you cry! Don’t fret, I’ve taken the liberty of compiling what I feel are the TOP TEN ULTIMATE HOL-IDAY MOVIES for you to choose from. Happy watching!
First up it’s Frozen (2013). Okay so you might be sick of the songs a bit by now and maybe they went a bit overboard with the merchandise (I have an aunt with about four Olaf dolls), but once you sit down and watch it again, you remember why it got all that hype in the first place. Idina Menzel gives a stunning vocal performance as Queen Elsa, whose sister Anna and her human and non-human friends must race to save once her powers put the kingdom in jeopardy. It’s Disney’s version of The Snow Queen and there are twists, villains, heroes, fun side-kicks and a lot of laughs. A great family film full of wintery fun.
|
This next one is perfect for a short and sweet film that will hit you in your childhood if you're British (or Finnish) and mesmerise you if you’re not. It’s The Snowman (1982)! An animated adaptation of a children’s book about the adventures of a boy and his snowman (think Jack Frost but less depressing). It’s main highlight being the song "Walking in the Air," an almost enchanting lullaby that has become regional legend in its own right. It’s not December to me without hearing it and it seems only right I introduce it HOL-wide!
|
"Animation isn’t really my thing," you’re saying? Firstly, why?! Secondly, this next movie might be more up your street. It’s Edward Scissorhands (1990). An early(ish) Tim Burton film about an unfinished artificial man bought from isolation into suburbia. At first, he is embraced, making snow fall as he creates magnificent ice sculptures for the neighbourhood. However, they soon grow fearful as they fail to understand Edward, who wants more than anything to be loved. This film is an old favourite, beautifully shot, a unique fantasy film with some laugh-out-loud moments that is as hopeful as it is dark. It’ll certainly change how you feel the next time you see snow falling.
|
On to happier things, and what could be happier than Elf (2003)! Buddy, who was mistakenly raised as a North Pole elf, travels to New York city to find his real family. But will they understand a 6’2’’ man who only eats candy and answers the phone with the line: "Buddy the Elf, what’s your favourite colour?" I watch this film with my family every December without fail and even when you know what’s coming, it still makes you laugh till you hiccough at points. If you’re looking for a feel-good holiday comedy, this is for you!
|
"I don’t just want laughs, I want some drama and heartfelt moments too, with a chilling undertone thrown in." Well firstly, that’s very specific BUT luckily, I have just the thing. Is there anything better than Charles Dickens’ seminal work, A Christmas Carol? Yes! It’s the puppet adaptation, The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992). I’m not Muppet fan, but I can’t get enough of this film. Spooky enough to genuinely frighten me as a child (and unnerve me as an adult), but humorous and with some brilliant acting from Michael Caine (pre-Batman years) as Scrooge. The songs are super catchy, and a couple are on my holiday playlist. If you like the Muppets, you’ll no doubt love it and if you don’t, I would watch it anyway. It’s compelling enough to enjoy the fact you’re watching Gonzo play Charles Dickens himself.
|
"What about some holiday romance?" Settle down, I’ve got you covered! It’s Love Actually (2003), which some would surely name the ultimate romantic film for this time of year. It’s even got ‘love’ in the name! Following the lives of several characters and their families (played by an outstanding cast, including the late, great Alan Rickman) as they navigate the holidays, love, loss and everything else that makes up life. There are some very cute moments in this and some heart-breaking ones (yes, yes, I cried), but look out for Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean, The Lion King) in his short but underrated performance as Rufus, a jewellery counter clerk. In fact, even if you don’t watch the film, I recommend finding that clip alone to put you in good spirits!
|
I might be cheating here but my next recommendation isn’t one film, it’s a series and probably an expected one, Harry Potter and the… well any of them, or even better, all of them! There aren’t many things more festive than the thought of opening gifts in your Hogwarts common room whilst you’re trying to avoid capture from an evil dark lord who makes your mysterious forehead scar hurt, right? "What is Harry Potter, Joey, what is it even about?" Well friend, I’m honestly just impressed that you found HOL at all, but all you need to know is that it’s full of nostalgia, sassy lines, ‘interesting’ characters, a plot a lot thicker than it ever appears at any one time and an elf that collects socks.
|
"That doesn’t sound nearly comedically violent enough for me." Your requests are getting odder and odder, but it just so happens that my next film, Home Alone (1990) might serve you well! Home Alone follows the overlooked, Kevin McCallister and his adventures upon being accidentally left behind by his family over the holidays. He’s having the time of his life, until the seemingly empty house becomes a target for two less-than-capable robbers. Not one to be intimidated, Kevin steps it up a notch and, well, you’ll have to watch it to see who comes out (significantly) worse for wear.
|
"Can you recommend anything for someone who hates the holidays altogether?" Are you sure you’re reading the right list? You’re starting to remind me of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). Based on a Dr. Seuss book, the rubber-faced Jim Carrey gives a hilarious performance at a holiday-hating outcast, stuck living near the insufferably festive Whoville. When Cindy-Lou Who starts having her own doubts, the Grinch gets roped into the town’s Christmas celebrations, but is it enough to change not only his mind, but his heart? It’s a very funny, family friendly feel-good film, fun enough to even soften the resolve of any holiday sceptics.
|
Last but definitely not least... It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). A well-known and well-loved classic, this list wouldn’t be complete without it. George feels his life isn’t worth much at all, until his guardian angel appears and shows him the positive effect he’s hand on the lives of others. But is George too late? Has he taken his life for granted or can he return to the life he’s always known in time to spend the holidays with his loved ones? This is one of those films that has a great cast, great direction and will make you laugh and cry. The perfect end to a holiday list!
|