Christmas Movies to watch
As we enter the festive season, it's important to keep Christmas morale high. For some that means shopping, for others it’s spending time with friends and family. But the one thing I believe brings us all closer together is sitting down to watch a good old fashioned Christmas Movie. That being said, the process of sitting down and choosing a christmas film to watch with the family can be quite an argumentative and tedious process. So to make your life easier, we’ve compiled some of our all time favourite festive films to get you through the season.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The Muppet Christmas Carol is perhaps one of the all time greatest adaptations of Charles Dickens 1843 book ‘A Christmas Carol’, which recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an miserable old man who is visited by the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. The muppets adaptation sees Michael Caine as Scrooge, becoming the first Muppet film where a human is the main protagonist. The film is just brilliant. Charles Dickens, played by Gonzo, narrates the story of Scrooge and his greedy, lonely life. Iconic Muppet characters such as Kermit the Frog play more minor roles so as to not over shadow the iconic christmas tale. The film was directed by Brian Henson, who famously directed many hit muppet films such as The Muppets (2011), Muppet Treasure Island (19960 and The Happytime Murders (2018). All in all, a classic suitable for all ages.
2. Love Actually
The 2003 rom-com Love Actually by Richard Curtis has perhaps one of the most star studded casts of any Christmas movie ever. Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson, Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Martin Freeman, Rowan Atkinson I mean the list just goes on and on. The film follows eight different couples coming to terms and dealing with their love lives. Couples stories interlink and overlap throughout the hustle and bustle of the busy month before Christmas in London, England. This film has everything you need in a Christmas film, giving it this body and fullness that satisfies the comfort sought out during the festive season. Another great movie to sit down to watch with friends and family.
3. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
A remake of the original 1947 film of the same name, Miracle on 34th Street is another old school classic. The film follows a New York lawyer and a little girl who must prove that a man by the name of Kris Kringle is the real Santa Claus. Kris Kingle was chosen to play the role of Santa Claus at a large retail store, but after complications and a confrontation with an attacker, Kris finds himself in a court case where he insists he is the Father Christmas, the real Santa Claus .There are slight alterations to the 1947 original such as Macy’s declining the offer to be the retail store on grounds that the original was so good it could not be improved on. Cole stepped in to play the part instead. Kris Kingle is played by Richard Attenborough, brother of legendary biologist and British broadcaster, Sir David Attenborough. Perhaps not as iconic as it’s original, but the 1994 version of Miracle of 34th Street is still a top contender to choose from this Christmas.
4. Die Hard (1988)
The ongoing debate continues if John McTiernan's 1988 action starring Bruce Willis ‘ Die Hard classifies as a Christmas film (it does). The plot follows Willis’s character John McClane who becomes tied up in a terrorist plot to steal $640 million in untraceable bearer bonds from a Los Angeles Sky Scraper while trying to reconcile with his ex wife at her Christmas eve work party. The film didn't hold back when it came to stunts as it was shot in 20th century’s own building leaving them free to do what they’d like. The film was a huge success grossing $143,651,650 worldwide. If not for the kids, I am sure there are still some friends and family who’d appreciate this Christmas classic.
Christmas films really are the gift that keeps on giving. An activity that reminds us of why we celebrate to begin with, to spread positivity and reconnect with those we no longer have close in our lives. For those who may disagree with our choices, I wish you good luck defending your choice with the entire extended family over this holiday season.
Written by Jack Murray - jack.mrry
Copy Editor - Niall Carey
