2016 – My Theatrical Movie Experiences Ranked

   Despite the growing success of online-streaming, I still savor my experiences in the theater, and those are the movie events I want to look back on. So, here’s my personal ranking of all the 2021 movies I saw in the theater this year, which means some other really good (and bad) films from 2021 won’t make the countdown. Again, this is my own personal opinion, these films aren’t ranked by the quality of the picture, but simply by how each left their impression on me. I saw 13 movies in total, and here's my personal ranking of each one from least to favorite.

 

#13 Finding Dory 

While this film can’t escape the feeling of being a pointless and admittedly even forgettable sequel, I still find it better than it had any right to be. The beauty of the ocean world is still present, the characters are still enduring, and the emotional moments are all still there. Yet, for some reason, this film just didn’t stick a perfect landing for me. It was good, and kids will probably have more fun with this film, but that’s just it. While there are some touching highlights, this sequel seems to favor goofy antics and cartoony visuals over the mature tone and heart of the first movie. Still, this was a welcome reunion with some of my favorite Pixar characters, just not one that holds as much water as others.

 #12 La La Land 

I love when a musical can win over both audiences and critics, especially in our over saturated superhero age … I like it even more when I can be on board with the crowd. While by no means a bad movie, I just found “La La Land” to be a perfectly okay movie experience, with solid leading performances, enjoyably staged dances, and an excellent message that encourages viewers to follow their dreams and their passions. The one thing keeping me from really loving this film are unfortunately the songs … as I just didn’t find any of them especially memorable or catchy. Despite not caring much for the songs, this was still a perfectly good musical, and one that I’d encourage viewers to check out. 

#11 Deadpool 

If you’re not a fan of really rude, overly violent, and needlessly sexual humor, you should probably skip this film entirely. However, if you like extremely clever, forth wall breaking comic book satire, interjected with lots of style, and charismatic performances, then "Deadpool" will entertain the living crap out of you! As for me personally ... I'm caught somewhere between the two extremes. I for one have personally never been a fan of the Deadpool character, and as such, even though his movie was executed correctly, it’s just not going to resonate with me as much. Still, a fun movie, and I love how it worked smaller X-Men characters like Colossus into the picture. 

#10 Risen 

I feel the Easter season is all the more fulfilling with a Christ centered story, and it’s about time we got a movie focusing on both his Resurrection and Assentation back into Heaven. In many respects, it’s the spiritual sequel to 2004’s “The Passion of the Christ”, and it’s nice to get that progression of the story. While the look and feel of the movie is honestly on par with a high budget TV production, it still delivers a meaningful message, it’s well acted, and hits all the important notes I look for in a biblical movie.  

 

#9 Kung Fu Panda 3 

While I've never called myself a fan of this particular trilogy, I've still liked and enjoyed every film that came from the Kung Fu Panda series, and this final instalment is no exception. Mixing beautiful animation and fast comedy with classic philosophy and honest moral substance … "Kung Fu Panda 3" is another great DreamWorks sequel and gives meaningful closure to the series.

 

#8 Doctor Strange 

While Marvel’s cinematic universe threatens to buckle under the weight of too-many-movies … they at least keep themselves afloat thanks to genuinely strong films, and “Doctor Strange” is no exception. Artistically brilliant, visually arresting, highly imaginative, and held together with a strong leading performance, "Doctor Strange" effectively brings the fantasy genera into Marvels cinematic universe with style, flare, and no shortage of dazzling imagery.

 

#7 Zootopia 

The initial trailers for this movie drove me nuts, and I didn’t really have any interest in seeing it. Thankfully, count on Disney to pull one out of the hat, and treat me to a surprise that I didn’t see coming. At first glance, the film obviously looks great, with likable animal characters occupying the screen, and there’s no shortage of really funny moments. However, when you look even closer, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that there’s a lot more substance and rich thematic concepts to this film then it’s marketing would suggest. It’s thoughtful, timely, not always predictable, and features a winning pair of memorable new Disney characters.    

#6 The Magnificent Seven 

As with any modern remake of a classic film … there’s no reason for it to exist … but thankfully, this was a welcomed case in which I found the remake was able to stand on its own as a genuinely engaging western, and helped breath some life into a genera that’s struggling to stay alive. The cast worked great, with a welcome variety of different ethnicities, and each player held my interest in their own distinctly charismatic way. The western style shootouts were equally electrifying, and the cinematography was gorgeous. While obviously not superior to the original … this is one remake I feel I can safely put in the category of “good”, and it’s all around a welcome western for our contemporary age.   

#5 Star Trek Beyond 

The third entry of the new reboot series gives us a fast-paced adventure set on a planet for once, which is a refreshing change of pace, and allows for some gorgeous scenery. This is arguably the best-looking Star Trek movie sense “Insurrection” back in 1998. Aside from all the visual appeal and spectacular action, this film really stays true to its roots, pays respect to the characters, and is just a wonderful love letter to the legacy of this 50-year-old franchise. The banter and interactions between the cast are some of the most enjoyable to date, and new characters like Jaila help breathe some new life into the film. 

#4 X-Men Apocalypse 

The current conclusion to the "First Class" films sends the series off in a spectacular blaze of epic superhero glory, show casing one of the comics most iconic villains, character depth, the welcome return of old characters now played by young new talents, resonant themes and a final battle that I'll be remembering as one of the franchises shining moments. Visually, this film looks and feels the most like an X-Men comic or cartoon brought to life in live-action, and it’s the one I find myself simply enjoying the most. Granted, the plot is straightforward and by the numbers, but for me, it’s executed with flair, energy, great performances, some well-placed comedy, and it just makes for a highly entertaining, and explosive venture with my favorite heroes. 

#3 Moana 

Here’s a Disney movie that combines everything I love into one highly entertaining animated experience. It has great music, the atmosphere of its magical setting is consistently enticing, and even the moral was very meaningful without shoving the message down your throat. Of course, Moana herself just seemed to combine all the best Disney princess into one perfect package, while still feeling like an original character who could stand apart from the crowd. All in all, I loved this film, and love it more with repeated viewings. While I also loved previous 3D princess movies like “Tangled” and “Frozen”, this one just really got to me, and felt special. I’d easily put “Moana” among Disney’s best Princess offerings, in fact it’s now my personal favorite, and considering how big their lineup has been … that’s really saying something. 

#2 Rouge One: A Star Wars Story 

The first standalone Star Wars anthology movie hits all the right notes, expands upon the universe, breaks the narrative formula while still staying rooted in familiar grounds, thrills us with one of the franchises most epic finales, and has the courage to deliver one of the franchises most emotionally impactful endings. Despite a rough first act, “Rouge One” not only delivers, it opens the door for countless new possibilities. Beyond the film’s spectacle, it's the over arcing themes of "Hope" and "Sacrifice" that make this one of my favorite entries in the franchise. It was a film with the courage to break away from the familiar, and delivered a poignant statement without skimping on some first-rate action and excitement.

#1 Captain America: Civil War 

Once again, the Avengers assemble … only to disassemble! This is what you call a truly "great" Superhero movie, as it abandons the common hero movie formula, and cliched super villains for a real down to earth story that's laird with subtext, moral debates, conflicting rivals between close friends … yet, it still allows the audience to have fun, thanks to some well-placed comedy, and striking visuals. Throw in some welcome new comers, including the long-awaited appearance of Spider-Man, and one of the most epic hero brawls ever featured on film, and "Civil War" stands as a benchmark among comic book movies!  

    

So, concludes 2016 … and may the thrill of the theater stick-around next year. 

 

Scrooge [A Christmas Carol] (1951) (Movie Review)

   Of all the classic Christmas tails I frequently return to every year, it’s the story of “A Christmas Carol” that I find myself returning to the most, and it’s always stood out as my own personal favorite. It's a story of redemption, remorse, regret, and the beauty of life all in one wholesome package. It’s also a story with ghostly apparitions, and dark tones, almost as if elements of my other favorite holiday are interwoven with the beauty of this one. Over the years, the Charles Dickins classic has probably had more film and TV adaptions then any story under the sun, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Of the many different versions, the one that seems to be universally regarded as the definitive film version … as well as a contender for the title of all-time greatest classic Christmas movie … is the 1951 version simply titled “Scrooge”. In America, the title of the movie was changed back to “A Christmas Carol”, but I’ve come to know it best as “Scrooge”. While this is not one of my personal favorite film versions, I can absolutely respect its position as one of the great holiday classics, and I think a closer look at this movie is warranted, just to see if it really earns its status as the absolute best version. Heck, this film is the only version that’s been debated as being arguably superior to the book itself, so there’s definitely more things to explore in this movie verses all the other adaptions.

    The movie begins with a cheerful opening title card sequence, which is appropriately paired with the song “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” … perfectly putting us in the right holiday mind-set. Based on the Novel by Charles Dickins, our story revolves around one Ebenezer Scrooge, the most heartless and joyless man in London, who hates Christmas, and thinks nothing of others. 

Despite all his wealth, he refuses to make charitable contributions to anyone, as well as treats his sole employee Bob Cratchit as an indentured servant, while his deathly ill son Tiny Tim goes completely unnoticed by the tyrant. One magical Christmas Eve, he’s visited by the ghost of his late partner Jacob Marley, who’s soul is doomed to linger in eternal damnation. He conveys a warning to Mr. Scrooge that his soul is just as doomed, but there may be a chance for salvation … if he but listen to the morals of three visiting spirits. They are the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, who lead Ebenezer on a magical journey through time, analyze the errors of his ways, and it’s through the experience that Scrooge discovers the real riches of Christmas. Now infused with a new, cheery outlook, Scrooge sets out earning his redemption. This wasn’t the first movie to adapt the Dickens classic, and many of its predecessors from the classic era are likewise considered great one’s in-of-themselves. So, what makes this 1951 version universally regarded as the definitive best above all others … well, they're two things. For one, this was the first version to expand on story details and even ideas that were only hinted at in the novel. I’ll discuss the added additions latter in my review … for now, lets look at reason number two as to why this is still regarded as the best version … as it largely has to do with our lead talent.

   Of all the Scrooges past, present and yet to come, they will all be riding the coat tails of one Alistair Sims in the iconic role. This is it, the one that’s frequently cited as the absolute best portrayal of the character on film. He has this look of pure disgust, which is simply spot on. Even when frightened by the appearance of his ghostly friend, his look of fear is still married with his cynical look of absolute disgust and anger, which is something that few other portrayals of the character have been able to match. While Alistair Sims absolutely shines as the bitter miser, he’s also outstanding in bringing other emotions of the character to life. Both his remorse, as well as his unhinged joy during the ending are both some of the best as conveyed on film. While I have my own personal favorite portrayals of Scrooge from both Patrick Stewart and George C. Scott, Alister Sims is unmistakably a performance for the history books. There’s no other way to describe it, he is just chillingly good in the role, and the main reason that this film stands above its 1938 predecessor … at least in terms of popularity. Sims even reprized his role in an animated version of “A Christmas Carol” that debuted in 1971, proving again that he is the go-to talent for this character.  

    Before I go any further, I have to mention the colorized version of this film. In general, I don’t like when older B&W movies are colorized, as I feel it spoils the original presentation that made them classics in the first place. However, I make a huge exception for old classic Black and White Christmas movies that have been colorized. The Christmas season after all is one with warm and pleasing colors and decorations, which I want to see represented in my holiday movies and specials. 

As such, I prefer to watch the old classics like “Miracle on 34th Street” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” in their special colorized additions. “Scrooge” is no exception, as I find the film largely superior to watch in color. Surprisingly, it’s actually more decorative and appealing to look at then most other versions that were already filmed in color … isn’t that ironic. Most versions are characterized by a grainy, gloomy and down to earth presentation. This 1951 version of “Scrooge” when colorized is actually quite decorative, with very pleasing colors that put me in the holiday mood, and even the costumes seem tailor made for the season. For example, most appearances of Jacob Marley’s Ghost show him as a colorless figure in grey and white attire, while this colored version shows him as pail-skinned, but still wearing a bright green suit under all the chains. Also, during the epilogue of this colored version, we see that Scrooge has taken on a bright new look with red and green implemented in his suit … as opposed to other film versions that still keep him in his traditional black suit, even during the ending.

   Even the Spirit of Christmas Present looks superior to most other versions, as his traditional design is an all Green Robe, while this colored version is a fine mix of both Red and Green. 

The only downgrade in this colored version is that the Ghost of Christmas Past now looks like the Virgin Mary in a blue-robed dress, which wouldn’t have been a problem … except in this film the spirit is portrayed by an old man. In general, I’ve always preferred the Spirit of Christmas past to be either a woman or little girl, and seeing this version in a colorized light-blue dress makes me wish all the more that it was a woman as opposed to an old man. 

However, the film makes up for it with this unique transition effect with a magic hour glass while Scrooge is traveling through the past. One other effect shot that sadly doesn’t hold up is when Scrooge looks out the window, and see’s multiple ghosts outside. It already looked week in the black and white version, but in color, it really looks like the exact same group shot of ghosts had been copied and past multiple times in one single frame. Also, regardless of color or not, I’ve always found this films version of the Ghost of Christmas Future to be extremely generic. While the traditional design of this entity is a darkly clocked figure, I’ve still seen some creative spins and alterations of its appearance. This version just looks like an avenge guy in a hood, and it doesn’t help that his introduction scene is a bare human hand being raised up in the foreground. Seriously, the film holds on this shot of the bare human hand of Christmas future for so long that it robs the entity of any suspense or terror. Heck, even the 1938 version of this spirit looked more imposing and menacing then in this film.   

   Never the less, this 1951 version has its superior qualities where it counts … namely with Scrooges trip to the past. Regardless of how I’d rank this movie against the other film versions of “A Christmas Carol”, I think this version has the absolute best, and most detailed trip to the past of any version. 

This movie adds so many compelling layers to Scrooges character from the past, to the point where it really dose rival the book … but mostly in this segment. Most other versions will show a glimpse of Scrooge as a school boy, and that he had a falling-out with a love interest during his young adult years. This film by contrast takes it’s time developing Scrooges relation with his family, and especially the connection he makes with his sister. There’s a very powerful scene with Scrooge watching over her sister while she’s on her death bed, and her final words are for Scrooge to watch after her son. Not only dose Scrooge fail to keep this promise, but he’d also silently blame his nephew for the death of his sister. This scene once again highlights the strengths of the acting, as the older Scrooges look of pure regret contrasts effectively with the look of disgust on his younger self. There’s also a more detailed plot-line of Scrooge betraying his master Fezziwig in order to seize control of the counting house. Scrooge of the past also feels eviler and more heartless then most other versions … especially in this one scene when he deliberately works late at the bank, just so he can avoid visiting his partner Marley on his death bed. When he’s greeted by the Undertaker at his house, there’s a wicked look of satisfaction on Scrooge that his partner has passed without him being present … only to discover that Marley is still barely clinging to life. This leads to my favorite scene in the whole film, in which Scrooge bids his final farewell to his partner while he’s on his death-bed. This scene highlights both the ruthlessness and sympathy of the character in perfect measure, and it’s something that I’ve always felt lacking from other film versions. It’s such a powerful scene that it honestly makes me forget I’m watching yet another version of “A Christmas Carol”, as it really helps make this one stand apart.

   Unfortunately, all the quality material of Scrooges trip to the past are also a double-edged sword, as I find his visits in both Christmas present and future to be average by comparison. While his time spent in Christmas present is honestly fine, it just doesn’t deliver quiet the same emotional beats that I’ve felt from other versions. 

For example, I find this movies portrayal of Bob Cratchit mostly forgettable, and his son Tiny Tim looks way too healthy and cheerful. Like, just by looking at him, you’d never once think this boy is at deaths door. The one addition to his time in Christmas Present that adds a lot to this film’s quality is this subtle moment when Scrooge silently goes to a corner, and laments that he’s beyond all hope of salvation. The Ghost of the Present then counters his doubts by making a subtle nod to Christ, and how his spirit lives on in man-kind all year round, not just one night, and as long as his spirit lives within man, anyone’s soul has the chance of salvation. It’s a beautiful statement, and the one quality this sequence has over other versions of Christmas Present. Sadly, I don’t think Scrooges visit to the future offers as much as other adaptions. The scene in which Scrooges bedding gets auctioned off goes on for way too long, and gets very boring. 

Other darker or sadder elements during this sequence have the misfortune of feeling rushed, and it just doesn’t deliver quiet the same impact of the over films I’ve seen. The epilogue thankfully is great, and once again proves why Alistair Sims is such a great talent in this film. He’s so full of joy that he goes completely off his rocker, and scares the Hell out of his house maid. There’s still a rewarding moment of bonding between Scrooge and the maid on the staircase, and everything else in this ending hits all the right emotional beats. There’s an especially touching moment when he visits his nephew, becomes one with the family, and he has this really beautiful exchange with his nephew’s wife. Finally, my favorite addition to this ending comes after he makes amends with his partner Bob. We see him sitting there at his desk in silence, and then he quietly laments that he doesn’t deserve to feel so happy … but he just can’t help himself.    

   In the end, the 1951 version of “A Christmas Carol” is still a treasured classic, and a must-see if you’re a fan of the source material. While I still wouldn’t call this my absolute favorite movie adaption of the tale, it absolutely contains some of my favorite details and individual moments of any version. Of course, it’s Alistair Sims who makes the whole movie worth-while. Even if you feel you’ve been over-exposed to this story, this version feels fresh and different enough to stand-out from the crowd, even among the other classics that came before it.

Thanks for reading my review of the 1951 Holiday Classic “Scrooge” or “A Christmas Carol” … and continue to enjoy the Holiday Specials you Love!  

          

 The End

      

My Top 10 “Not-So Christmas” Christmas Specials

   It’s the Christmas season again, which means it’s time for anther Holiday themed countdown. In the past, I’ve posted lists of my favorite Christmas specials, my least favorite specials, but now I’m going to look at the stuff that doesn’t belong on a Christmas list at all … yet are still regarded as holiday staples. Yeah, have you ever noticed that select classic Christmas movies and specials have little to do with the holiday itself, yet we still watch them every year? Movies like “Home Alone”, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “Gremlins”, and especially “Die Hard” all could have just been good movies on their own, but sense their good movies set on Christmas … of course their going to make for annual viewings around the Holiday season. Well, over the decades, there have been numerous movies and specials which have virtually nothing to do with the holiday, yet are still set on Christmas, in an attempt to make them holiday classics. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn’t, but either way, they provide alternative movies to watch during the holiday season. So, with all that said, here are my personal Top 10 “Not-So Christmas” Specials.

 

#10 “Iron Man 3” (2013) 

The invincible Iron Man is back for one final solo adventure, and he’s off fighting terrorists, while tying the knot with his girlfriend, and defeating his own personal demons in the process … and all set during the Christmas season. Writer/Director Shane Black typically sets his action movies during the holiday season … as if it’s a staple. The Christmas highlights include Tony Stark making suits while set to Christmas tunes, a giant bunny gift, and an awesome line leading into the climax, in which our hero says … “Its Christmas … take them to Church”.

 

#9 “Snow Day” (2000) 

I can’t make any persuasive argument that this is a “good” movie by any means, but I will say that I love the concept and would love to see it done right. The movie play’s out like an anthology movie that’s set during one really snowy day, as we watch various groups of characters going on separate mini-winter themed adventures. We see a group of kids waging war with a nasty snowplow man, teenagers in love, snowball fights, and parents forced to stay home from work. While neither the jokes or the multiple stories are that memorable, there is still a great set-up here for some fun winter themed shenanigans, and the film at least looks wonderful, with lots of snowy landscapes, and terrific winter visuals.  

 

#8 “Lethal Weapon” (1987) 

L.A. cop played by Mel Gibson, has recently lost his wife, and is a loose cannon with a seeming death wish. This makes him indispensable in apprehending dangerous criminals, but a liability to any potential partners ... like this one played Danny Glover. He’s a conservative family man who wants to stay alive for his upcoming 50th birthday, but is stuck with this wild card from L.A. As the two get to bond, as well as get to know the family, things begin to mellow. Unfortunately, once a little girl is taken prisoner by some villains, the two are put to the test to work as partners. Predating “Die Hard” by a year, “Lethal Weapon” marks one of the very first straight forward action movies that just happens to be set during the holiday season, with the climax taking place on Christmas Eve. In fact, the final fight is set at night in a neighborhood that’s all a glow with Christmas decorations and lights. Maybe not as famous a Christmas staple as "Die Hard", but still, "Lethal Weapon" has just as much right.    

 

#7 “Toy Story That Time Forgot” (2014) 

It's the day after Christmas, and our favorite group of toys meet some newly unboxed action figures who are all Dino-themed, and have no idea there actually toys. It’s a mini-adventure with Dino rumbles, and our Triceratops Trixie needs to set everything right. This special was heavily marketed as a Christmas special … which was admittedly kind of a bait and switch. Taking place post-Christmas, with very little decorations, and Dino themed visuals in every frame, it’s hard to look back on this as a real holiday special. Regardless, the holiday is referenced, and there‘s a Christmas tree ornament character who joins our hero’s on the adventure. 

    

 

#6 “Die Hard 2: Die Harder” (1990) 

Following one of the most successful Christmas action flicks of all time, the sequel naturally tried to build on its popularity with the same set-up. The action this time is set at an airport, which is a great location change, as it trades the high levels of the building with more spacious grounds to cover. This also allows more variety to the action, like a snow-mobile chase, and fights on the wings of an airplane. Once again, the movie is set on Christmas eve, making it another action holiday hybrid, utilizing the same Christmas music ... and even closes with "Let it Snow", just like the first movie. However, it’s all done without the same magic or even the same heart of its predecessor. Truthfully, I would have liked this film more if it was set on New Years, which would have been a perfect follow-up to the closing statement of the first film. The one good thing here is that it’s set in a snowy environment, which gives the film a distinct winter atmosphere over the first film. As such, it may not be the first movie, but I'm not going to act like I don't enjoy it. 

 

#5 “Frozen” (2013) 

When the eldest of two royal children is revealed to have magical ice powers, she goes on the run to rule her own ice Kingdom. However, a determined younger sister sets out on a mission to bring her back home, while singing catchy songs along the way. Much like “Snow Day”, the film has zero connection to Christmas, but visually it’s so rich in winter imagery, a prominent snowman character, and a magical atmosphere that it still feels right for the holiday season. I don’t think I need to say too much else about this one, the music is great, the animation is great, the artistry is great, the characters are great, and it’s just another “cold” themed movie that just warms the heart with repeated viewings.

 

#4 “Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang” (2005) 

During the four days leading up to Christmas, a murder mystery brings together a private eye, a struggling actress, and a thief masquerading as an actor. As was evident in my previously mentioned “Iron Man 3”, writer/director Shane Black likes to set his action movies during the Christmas season, and works great with Robert Downy Jr., who's once again in the lead role ... and delivering one of his first true breakout performances in this film. Along with solid supporting performances from Val Kilmer and Michelle Monaghan, this dark comedy, crime drama is everything over the top, yet extremely fun. Aside from being set during the season, there’s also a strange Gothic-Christmas party, and Michelle Monaghan’s attractive Santa dress is hard to forget. Other than that, there’s really no reason to call this a Christmas movie, yet it continues to appear on best-of holiday lists. It’s an acquired taste in entertainment to be sure, but if you’re on board for some goofy action mayhem, then maybe this Neo-Noir homage is just what the holiday season needs ... just for something a little different and offbeat.   

 

#3 “Batman Returns” (1992) 

Speaking of different and offbeat ... lets talk about "Batman Returns". Yes, Gotham’s famous hero is back to protect the city from the sinister plans of The Penguin, Max Shrek and Cat-Woman, resulting in arguably the darkest, most violent and disturbing of Batman’s ventures ... and all set during the most magical time of the year. Thus, we have the contrast of the most joyous holiday, mixed with all kinds of twisted, nightmarish imagery. I don’t know if it was intentional or not, but I think Tim Burton mixed these creepy visuals with the holiday season as a means to foreshadow “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, which came out the following year. Either way, it gives this Batman adventure a unique identity, and many still regard it something of a minor holiday-classic.   

 

#2 “Meet Me in St. Louis” (1944) 

The Smith family live peacefully in St. Louis, and one of the four daughters played by Judy Garland has fallen in love with the next-door neighbor. However, their happiness is shaken when the father announces that they’ll be moving to New York City after Christmas. The movie then follows this family over the course of a year, how this news is affecting them, and how they utilize their time. While the final act is set on Christmas, it’s still not the majority of the movie. In fact, a good chunk of this film actually takes place on Halloween night, which features just as many memorable moments. However, whenever people think back on this Musical classic, they think of Margaret O’ Brian letting out her frustration on her family of snowman, and they think of Judy Garland singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. While I’ve personally never viewed this as a mandatory film to watch on Christmas, it’s still become one that frequently comes around during the season, and one that’s adored on a similar level to “It’s a Wonderful Life”.     

 

Before I reveal my number one pick, here are some Honorable Mentions … 

“Edward Scissorhands”

“Babe”

“First Blood”

“Home Alone 3”

Disney’s “Melody Time” 

#1 “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1994) 

In this stop motion holiday classic, the King of Halloween town is sick of his usual holiday, so he decides to take a shot at Christmas, resulting in the strait forward story of “The Night Before Christmas”, just with a dark Halloween edge. Even though this is one of my favorite holiday movies of all time, I’ve only ever watched it around Halloween. Outside of one musical number in Christmas town, and the ending, the majority of the film is spent in Halloween town, with monstrous creatures taking up the scenery. However, while visually the film will get you in the mood for Halloween, the story is still 100% centered on Christmas, so it still works. Even with its dark visual style, there are still some stand out Christmas moments. The musical number in which Jack Skellington discovers Christmas town is one of the most colorful and detailed I’ve ever seen in a holiday movie. Also, Jack Skellington makes for a memorable Santa Clause in his own unique way. The best way to describe this film is Halloween dose Christmas ... which is awesome, and why this remains one of the greatest holiday movies ever made.

Thanks for reading my countdown … and continue to enjoy the Holiday specials you Love!