THE FIVE FILMS OF XMAS

Home Alone 1 & 2

I was tempted to just pick one for the list but I couldn't they are both perfect films. For any heltered human being out there the plot is as follows -. The story sees an eight-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) left home alone (and getting lost in New York alone) during Christmas time and having to fend off two dim witted burglars. If you haven't seen it is bound to be on during the festive season so give them a watch.

The Muppets Christmas Carol

I don't know anyone who doesn't think this film is brilliant. Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol retold by the Muppets treatment; what's not to love? Michael Caine stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchet, while Gonzo and Rizo narrate the film as we meet many familiar Muppets along the way. And not forgetting some excellent songs; though the song 'When Love is Gone' is a real let down.

Scrooged

Another Dickens adaption, Scrooged sees Bill Murray's character  getting to grips with the ghosts of his past, present and future, only this time there’s a darker twist. The tale of Scrooged is moved to New York, where Murray plays a cynical television executive; slowly loosing all those that care about him and his own happiness, until he learns the true meaning of Christmas. I somehow missed this film for my whole childhood and only watched it on a train about 18 months ago. It really is a must watch if you haven't seen it.

Trading Places


Another film I hadn't seen till fairly recently. When two billionaire brothers have a one dollar wager about the respective merits that Nature vs Nurture has on a man's character, they decide to 'trade places' of one of their best and brightest employees(Dan Aykroyd) with that of a petty criminal (Eddie Murphy) sit back and watch the mayhem unfold. There is a satire on the behaviour of bannkers that is still revelvant in Christmas 2012 as it was Christmas 1983. All in all it is one of the finest films, starring SNL cast members and a masterpiece in John Landis' considerable back catalogue.

Jingle All The Way


I'll admit that this film gets a bad name; Schwarzenegger lacks comedy talent, the script is quite clunky and the premise is paper thin. But I loved it. It may have had something to do with the fact I must have been about 8 when I first watched this and Arnie was a hero of mine but really what's not to like?

Arnold plays Howard Langston, a workaholic dad who feels like he doesn't spend enough time with his son and decides to try to redeem himself, by granting his son's Christmas wish. He goes in search, on Christmas Eve no less, to find his son the must have  toy: the all-action, and completely sold out "Turbo Man".

It may be a bit of a turkey but it is Christmas after all.




BY CHRIS