A Cinebriated Christmas Playlist

Ah December, the time of eggnog, eggnog with brandy, eggnog with tequila, mistletoe, family, friends, carols, and eggnog with Dr. Pepper and brandy (sounds sick, but don't knock it until you try it).  Despite all these fantastic traditions, one cannot (necessarily) transcend that of Christmas movies.  Everyone has their favorites (annoyingly almost always A Christmas Story, which I generally enjoy but have as of late been overexposed to it) while others have what they think are “favorites” but are truly terrible (I’m looking at you Deck the Halls).   In what I hope becomes a regular section on the site, we’ll look at my (the) playlist of top films related to a theme/idea/anything, as emulated by my not-so-vague title “Sugar On My Tongue” (another Talking Heads song). 

As you have hopefully deciphered by now, we’ll look at my (the) top 3 Christmas movies, especially relevant during the Holidays.

Qualifications:

• I personally had to appreciate, respect, and enjoy the film
• It had to revolve around the holiday of Christmas (not just take place around the period) and yet be more than just a movie about the holidays
• I appreciate viewing the film every year
• No two films would be alike except for the Christmas factor

There were quite a few films that came close to making the list including The Ice Harvest, Trapped In Paradise, and It’s A Wonderful Life, and Joyeux Noel, but the following are the key films for my playlist:

3.  Die Hard (1988)

Now right off the bat this may have some detractors. After all, how can one of the greatest American action pictures be a Christmas movie?  Besides the fact that the whole film takes place on Christmas Eve/Day, we hear musical inklings by the great Michael Kamen, Santa Clause symbolized by a dead terrorist, and Alan Rickman arguably channeling The Grinch (though… Rickman as Hans Gruber is actually likable, and The Grinch doesn’t die).  With hero John McClane reuniting with his estranged wife at the end, we see the positive message of family togetherness that every Christmas movie tries to relay.  As superbly entertaining as it is, Die Hard provides a much needed respite from the all too sentimental surroundings we are bombarded with over the holidays.  Come December 20^th, I need a little profanity.

2.  National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1987)

Probably seen by myself every holiday since the film’s inception, Christmas Vacation takes care of the necessary comedy fulfillment with humor at times utterly ridiculous and yet completely relatable.  Making the most realistic (also best in my humble opinion) Vacation movie in the series, John Hughes also succeeds by bringing his talented combination of wonderful hilarity and relatively reserved sappiness to the writing/production table.  Of course I’d be remiss without mentioning the creation of a fully memorable character roundup, with Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) stealing every scene he’s in.  Right around December 21^st to 22^nd, this brings the fun.   

1.  A Christmas Carol (1984) 

This is obviously a story that makes sense to be at number 1.  Specifically however, I’m naming the 1984 version starring George C. Scott as the clear victor among the plethora of interpretations of this Dickens novel.  With respect towards those film versions with Alastair Sims and the Muppets, Scott delivers the goods as a much more believable, less theatrical Ebenezer Scrooge.  Besides our lead, the story itself is presented in a wonderfully realistic and appropriately suspenseful manner, while maintaining the joy and catharsis delivered in this tale known by so many.  The direction is top notch, and the musical score makes you wonder how this could’ve only ever been a “Made-For-TV” movie.  Being the top film of my playlist, this is definitely meant to be viewed on the 23^rd, or Christmas Eve pending family/religious activities.

Drink of Choice:  Eggnog, Brandy, Eggnog with Brandy, or Mulled Wine.  Check the drinks page for more info!