...an angel gets his wings."
I thought it best to begin by laying down a foundation. As such I have two main points that need to be addressed.
First, my guilty pleasures are the ABC Family, Hallmark Holiday, and Lifetime Holiday movies. Don't lie, I know you like them too. I mean who doesn't like a whole day filled with some of their favorite childhood holiday classics sprinkled with a new premiere at the end? Therefore, a good deal of the reviews will be based on my current viewing of these channels. I know, I know; many of the movies are "cheesy" or pretty predictable, but that is what I hope to establish - which are worth the time/DVR space, and which should be sent to the Christmas Abyss.
Secondly, there are some movies that will be left of of the reviewing block, for I feel that they have already proven to be holiday hits. Some are oldies but goodies, while yet others are newer but still have, in my opinion, become movies to treasure during this winter wonderland season. This is purely subjective, however, I will rank these aforementioned treats in a top five categorically. Feel free to agree or disagree, and let me know if there are any you feel should have been on the lists or off! Especially if you think they are ones I might not have seen (I do love a new Christmas movie)!
So up until December 1st, when I will start with the Christmas movie countdown reviews, each day I will give a new category and list for those standouts.
Classics (I would deem these from the 1920s-1970s; think Turner Classic Movies style); and no better way to start:
1. It's a Wonderful Life - no explanation needed. But for those of you who would like a small blurb, here it is. Probably the ultimate Christmas movie full of laughter and tears. Pulls at the heartstrings that are so readily available during the holiday season. If you haven't seen you, it's an absolute, 100% MUST!
2. Miracle on 34th St. (The original, starring the effervescent Natalie Wood). This movie has been redone many a time, and while Mara Wilson (of Matilda) does a nice job, no one compares to Natalie Wood as the young girl who believes in Santa. A hallmark of any Christmas movie line-up.
3. A Christmas Carol (1938) starring Reginald Owen and Gene Lockhart. The timeless Dickens tale might be the most told Christmas story to date. This classic is one of the best versions of the story of Scrooge and Tiny Tim. The 1984 version starring George C. Scott is tied for the best versions of Dickens' work. Regardless of which you watch, both are 5 stars and in the resounding hymn of Tiny Tim, "merry Christmas to us all, and God bless us, every one."
4. White Christmas - "Snow, Snow, Snow!" Let there be snow as Bing Crosby, the Christmas crooner, sings and dances his way through a great holiday film. Full of fun, romance, and great holiday cheer, this movie is sure to be an uplifting and perfect movie for the family.
5. The Shop Around the Corner - James (Jimmy) Stewart returns on the holiday list, as this classic 'rivalry/hate is unwittingly transformed to love' story centers around two shop owners and the holidays. A perfect romance that needs no mistletoe.
A close runner-up: Christmas in Connecticut.
Well there you have it. My top five Classic Christmas movies. Do you agree? If not let me hear where you would rank the above movies, which would you take out, and what movies would be in your top 5? Regardless of whether you think these are the top five, these classics should not be missed over the holidays, and I hope everyone gets a chance to either cozy up around the fire or a bowl of popcorn and take in that old Hollywood glamour and magic of these classics.
Next up: Comedies - STAY TUNED!
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