by Richard Benninger ‘14
There are any number of reasons students fail to do their duty to be informed about the Christmas movie scene, from falling behind because of extensive Mrs. Caputo essays or simply preferring to celebrate Festivus for the Restivus. Regardless of your excuses, I have created a top five Christmas movies list that should help get you back on track.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life
(Insert boring classic black and white film here). Although very different from the other Christmas movies on the list, It’s a Wonderful Life makes a strong argument for the number one spot. It is in my opinion the most well-rounded Christmas movie of all time. If you are looking for some inspiration and Christmas spirit, this movie is sure to get you going.
2. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Each year I become increasingly disappointed with the small number of people that have seen this movie. If you have not yet had the privilege of watching the world’s most dysfunctional family Christmas, I suggest you make this film a visit.
3. A Christmas Story
What is there not to like about A Christmas Story? It serves as an awesome shout out to the great city of Cleveland. A Red Ryder BB gun still stands as a great gift to get your child. But, a word of caution, you might want to buy him a spare set of eyes while you’re at it.
4. The Grinch
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a popular Christmas tale that we all have come to cherish deep within our hearts. However, The Grinch starring Jim Carrey takes Grinchmas humor to a whole new level. This movie is sure to help its viewers develop a sense of appreciation for the many blessings we have this Christmas season. As the Grinch says, “One man’s toxic sludge is another man’s potpourri.”
5. Elf
Elf has rapidly made its mark on Christmas movie history, with the likely-true statistical fact that 1 in 3 people are able to recite the entire movie. Not many actors can make the transfer from streaking in Old School to singing in a green suit, but Will Ferrell was more than up to the task. This movie about a BIG Elf in the BIG Apple is a must see for many Christmases to come, no matter how much it is overplayed.
