It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go…
Well, I know this Christmas the crazy pandemic we are living isn’t really letting us go anywhere… As we will all probably be staying home for most of the holidays, I wanted to share with you some very typical Christmas films that I hope will help you get through this year’s strange holiday season.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
There can’t be a classic Christmas film list without It’s a Wonderful Life. Frank Capra directed this classic starring James Stewart in 1946. An attempted suicide on Christmas Eve is stopped by the appearence of Clarence, a guardian angel that helps James Stewart’s character see that life is worth it. Have you ever thought what would happen if you didn’t exist? This film takes place on Christmas Eve but its script is a deep reflective look into existence, maybe that’s why it has become a classic. I don’t want to go down the phylosophical road but, after this year, the plot of this film hits harder. We all have been alone with our own thoughts for most of the year and thinking about life and the role we play as individuals in the world. It’s a Wonderful Life gives its main character all the reasons to keep going, this tale of hope, love and family will probably shed some tears but will also warm hearts equally.
Little Women (1933/1949/1994/2019)
Little Women may not be a Christmas story as such, though it is true that as it starts on Christmas day, it has become a Christmas classic. C’mon I’m sure it is not only a Spanish TV tradition, in most countries of the world when Christmas starts to be all around, one of the many Little Women film adaptations is broadcasted on TV. So, keep an eye on your screen because I’m sure that at some point of the holidays one of these adaptations will be aired. Litle Women is a book written by Louisa May Alcott, published in 1868. It tells the story of the March sisters, the great thing about this story is the tenderness you will feel for all the characters in it. Jo March is one of the best, strongest, wittiest, most amusing and beloved female characters you’ll ever encounter. By the way, if you haven’t read Little Women, please do, even if you know the story by heart the book is a treasure and very much worth it.
If you feel like spending your time with the March family in its multiple versions play the game of «Which is your favorite Jo March?» Katherine Hepburn (1933), Winona Rayder (1994), or Saorise Ronan (2019)? Only Winona and Saorise were nominated for an Oscar for their portrayal of Jo March. 1994’s and 2019’s versions are certainly the most critically acclaimed and «Hollywoodesque» adaptations. Winona Rayder pairs with Susan Sarandon, Christian Bale, Claire Dunes and Kristen Dunst in 1994 film; and Saoirse teams up under the marvellous direction of Greta Gerwig with Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh and Meryl Streep for last years reimagine. Nevertheless, Katherine Hepburn is the Queen of the Oscars and her performance as Jo March is incredible in George Cuckor’s 1933 adaptation. The only remarkable mention to 1949’s version is watching Elisabeth Taylor perfectly portraying the spoiled Amy March. No matter which version or versions you choose to watch this Christmas I’m sure you will enjoy your time with the March family.
A Christmas Carol
If you thought Little Women had a lot of adaptations A Christmas Carol probably has countless more. Based on Charles Dicken’s 1843 novel. I have to confess the two adaptations I’ve seen several times are Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983) and The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992).
And before you start judging, let me tell you Mickey’s Christmas Carol was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Subject and in The Muppet Christmas Carol Michael Cane starred in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Honorable mention to Scrooge (1970) the musical film adaptation with Albert Finney that got nominated to four Oscars including Best Song and Best Score.
As you may already know A Christmas Carol main storyline is focused on Ebenezer Scrooge, a greedy old man who refuses to help the ones in need during Christmas time, and lets his overworked employee without some extra Christmas pay . Yes, the first «Grinch». He is visited by the Ghost of the Christmas Past who takes him back to his boyhood Christmas. Then, by the Ghost of the Christmas Present showing Tiny Tim, the son of his employee, being really ill. Finally, the Ghost of the Christmas Future who shows him his death grave. These visions and time travels change Scrooge, with all films ending the same way: with Scrooge helping those in need and celebrating Christmas in his best spirits.
Home Alone (1990)
This Christmas comedy written and produced by John Hughes will entertain and make laugh to whoever is watching. Starring Macaulay Culkin who earned a Golden Globe nom as Best Actor in a Musical/Comedy, the film became a box-office success holding the record for the highest-grossing live-action comedy ever for 20 years. The situations Kevin (Culkin’s character) gets himself into while he is home alone are just as crazy as they can get. If you’re an 80’s-90’s John Hughes fan and his brilliant scripts, this is one of those films you can’t miss. Of course, you may know Home Alone is a franchise, although there are up to five films, to be honest, I only consider Home Alone 2: Lost in New York a sequel as it is the only one counting with all the original Home Alone cast. Click on the video below to watch the trailer for Home Alone if you already want to have a good laugh.
I know this Christmas is going to be different and that most of you will be giving up a lot of traditions, or will be missing some of your loved ones during these holidays. I just hope this list of movies will help you escape reality for a bit. Merry Christmas everyone and remember to stay safe, take care and hang in there. I’ll be back as soon as I can, see you next year!
References:
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Little Women (1933/1949/1994/2019)
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Home Alone (1990)