2021 – My Theatrical Movie Experiences Ranked

   Well, there’s no-where to go but up after 2020 … thankfully, 2021 was an improvement. 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. There are 11 movies in total, and lets just have some fun looking back at some of the films from 2021.

 #12 “Christmas with the Chosen: The Messengers” 

Adapted from the TV series “The Chosen”, we get a variety show that’s part concert feature, part origin of the birth of Jesus, and all of it a splendid celebration of Christmas. With the countless specials we get every year, it was refreshing to have something that focused on the Holiday’s Kristian roots. Sense it wasn’t really a movie, I can’t bring myself to rank this any higher on my list, but with that said, this was still a unique, and genuinely special experience to have as part of the Christmas season. 

 

#11 “Black Widow” 

Way back in 2012 when I first watched “The Avengers”, Scarlett Johansson’s signature Black Widow character became one of my new favorites from Marvel, and I’ve wanted her to have a solo movie ever sense. Now in 2021, she finally has her own action-packed spy-adventure … and it’s too little too late to really get excited ... especially sense her character has been killed off. Still, I wanted to enjoy this movie for what it was, what it finally gave me, and … it’s a perfectly okay, albeit disposable, action picture for her. The real saving grace of the film was its cast, who all deliver committed performances that kept me engaged. Not one of Marvels greatest, but worthwhile if you’re a fan of this long-standing character.    

#10 “Space Jam: A New Legacy” 

I’ll never make a persuasive argument that the original “Space Jam” is any kind of great movie … but I still love and enjoy it with all my nostalgic heart, and for twenty-five years I’ve wanted a sequel. For me … “A New Legacy” delivered exactly what I wanted. The art design looked amazing, the jokes ranged from awkwardly funny to genuinely funny, I loved all the Easter Eggs that occupied every frame, and I honestly felt this film did a better job highlighting the Loony Toons characters then even the original did. This won’t be a movie for everyone … neither was the original … and likewise, I won’t call this a great movie … but it left me feeling extremely happy, and full of cheer. I was six years old when I first watched the original, and even though I’ve grown and matured sense then … it was rewarding to know that six-year-old side of me is still alive, and was giddy from head to toe watching “Space Jam: A New Legacy”.           

#9 “A Quiet Place: Part 2” 

I regrettably missed my chance to see the first movie in the theater, and that was one mistake I wasn’t going to make with “Part 2”, because it’s far more exciting with the best quality surround sound. On that note, all the quality material of its predecessor effectively carries over into this winning sequel. It’s another electrifying round of suspenseful atmosphere, solid performances, and brilliant filmmaking ... including some top-tier editing on display. The world has also expanded, and there’s more exciting set-pieces, yet it still maintains both the heart and emotions that made the first movie feel of a higher caliber, rather than disposable B-Movie entertainment. Likewise, “A Quiet Place: Part 2” once again felt like a genuinely good movie … that just happens to feature monsters.   

  

#8 “Dune” 

I’ve always looked back on Frank Herbert’s 1965 “Dune” novel as one of the great pieces of Sci-Fi literature, and while David Lynch’s 1984 movie was a memorable product of its time, I never felt like it did its source material justice. Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 picture is a promising start to what could be a new classic series, and one that’s a worthy representation of its source material. While it can’t fully satisfy as a “Chapter 1” story, the film accomplishes what I’ve wanted to see in the theater for years … a return to form for classic Sci-Fi cinema, in which it was less about flashy action, and more about being absorbed in the world, with its rich atmosphere, fantastical imagery, and compelling characters who anchor the films sweeping spectacle. We’ll see if “Part 2” can stick the landing, but for now, this is an encouraging direction for the story moving forward, as well as a genuinely welcome revival of the long dormant “Dune” series.   

 

#7 “No Time to Die” 

James Bond is one of my favorite long running franchises, and ever sense I saw “Casino Royal” way back in 2006, I knew I found a favorite 007 in the form of Daniel Craig. While his series has had both highs and lows, it’s never the less been one of the characters most exciting run of films, and this was a perfect cherry to put on the cake. All around, I’d call this the absolute best of all the “final films” for any of the James Bonds, and I’d say it has a secure spot as a great instalment in the series. Daniel Craig delivers an emotional final performance, the action is white knuckled, the tension is effective, and despite being a rather long Bond outing, it never once felt like it overstayed it’s welcome. Truthfully, I think this is a good stopping point for Bond at the movies for a while, even though he’s bond to come back again someday … I feel the character has earned a good rest.

 

#6 “Raya and the Last Dragon” 

Disney animation finally returns to form, and put’s it’s winning Princess formula to the test … but this time without relying on the novelty of musical numbers. The result … an original, top-tier Disney offering amidst a sea of mediocre remakes and sequels. While not completely unpredictable, “Raya and the Last Dragon” hits all the important beats, with an absorbing world, layered mythology, meaningful message, a fast-moving adventure, top of the line animation, sweeping action-set-pieces, and a likable ensemble of characters, who can balance charm with emotional depth. It’s also one of the first Disney offerings in years to have a somewhat dark edge, and mature content. While the comedy was hit and miss, the experience overall was nothing short of splendid … and a perfect example of why movie theaters should remain as the best place for experiencing new movies.

#5 “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” 

Despite the Marvel brand, this was a rare case in which I returned to a familiar movie universe, but I was excited for completely different reasons then any of their other films. I love martial arts cinema, Eastern fantasy, and I adore Japanese Anime. All throughout the film, I was reminded of great classic Eastern films like “Churching Tyger, Hidden Dragon”, or “Princess Mononoke”, and it was nothing short of refreshing. “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is a contemporary blending of all these genera’s, yet mixed with all the imaginative world building, emotional struggles, and personal hero journeys that I love from these films. The action on display is some of the most thrilling I’ve seen in years, with memorable set-pieces, and a fine mix between the practical choreographed battles, and the massive CGI extravaganzas. The settings were gorgeous, the culture absorbing, and all the characters held their own. It may be a Marvel branded production … but I wasn’t thinking about it once during the film … as I felt this one could really stand on its own.     

 

#4 “Godzilla vs Kong” 

I’ve had fondness for giant movie monsters my whole life, and I always find myself returning to both King Kong and Godzilla’s franchises when I’m feeling nostalgic. Even the original goofy 1960’s “King Kong vs Godzilla” was a childhood favorite of mine. As such, when I was about seven years old, I always dreamt of seeing a modern-day blockbuster with the two most iconic giant monsters brought to life through contemporary, state of the art effects. Well, my childhood dream finally came true, as this crossover gave me everything I wanted … then it gave me more … and then it gave me things I wasn’t even expecting. Not only do the monster battles thrill, but the film also delivers an enjoyably outlandish premise involving a journey to a hidden world, with all kinds of imaginative wonders, atmospheres, and designs to behold. The humans obviously aren’t very interesting, but I was still able to cost on committed performances, as well as a genuinely heartfelt connection between Kong and a little girl. Throw in a deeply satisfying final battle between Kong, Godzilla, and a surprise third opposition … and what more could a long-time viewer of both character franchises ask for. It’s obviously nothing deep, meaningful, and it’s admittedly ridiculous on every level … but if you like going to the theater for a simple, fun, escape from reality, … then this will leave you satisfied.     

#3 “In the Height’s” 

When it comes to surprises, one of the most refreshing came in the form of a splendid new musical called “In the Hight’s”. In many respects, it was the equivalent of “West Side Story” meets “It’s a Wonderful Life”, and belongs on the exact same high-bar as them. After Lin-Manuel Miranda hit it out of the park with “Hamilton”, he delivered yet another top-tier musical. As expected, the energy on display in the choreography, settings, and music tempos are at an all-time high … but there’s still more to it then flashy excitement. I love movies that transport me to places that feel real, and the inhabitants are infectiously lovable. Beyond that, I love movies that aren’t bound to typical Hollywood conventions, and come off like … I experienced a little slice of life. Then, top it all off with poignant morals on finding contentment in your life, and bringing substance to one’s self, and all those around you. From its striking visuals, to its toe-tapping songs, to its memorable set-pieces, to the highly talented and lovable cast of characters … “In the Hight’s” was simply a theatrical experience that made me so happy that movies and theaters were still around.

#2 “West Side Story” 

If there was any other musical in 2021 that could possibly top my feelings for “In the Hight’s”, it would have to be Steven Spielberg's ambitious remake of "West Side Story". The original 1961 classic is already one of my all-time favorite movie musicals, and I'm happy to say that I fond myself loving this contemporary remake just as much. Instead of trying to upstage it's predecessor, Spielberg wisely went for the common ground, and made this recognizable story very engaging, with emotionally stirring performances, sharp dance choreography, further developed characters, and welcomed alterations on many of the iconic musical set-pieces. I'll always look back on the original as one of the great classic musicals, but Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" deserves equal respect in the spot-light, and is one of the most welcomed remakes of the past two decades. 

 

#1 “Spider-Man: No Way Home” 

Finally … when it comes to the movie going experience that meant the most to me in 2021 … nothing else quiet stole the spot-light like the epic conclusion of Tom Hollands Spider-Man: Home trilogy … and subsequently one of the web heads greatest films without question. More than just a conclusion, it was a live-action event crossing over with previous Spider-Man franchises, and with that, we get the novelty of seeing actors reprise their iconic roles, as well as interact with one another … and I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming, because this was material, I never thought I’d see on screen. While unmistakably an outlandish comic book plot, it’s also sustained with the same beating heart and soul that’s made Spider-Man one of my favorite hero’s. It's got the spectacle, it’s got the nostalgia, it’s got the heart, it’s got the adrenaline, it’s got the emotional character ties, and it’s got satisfying closure for several character arcs across three different Spider-Man franchises. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” has a secure spot among my favorite comic-book movies, and it safely lands as my favorite theater going movie experience of 2021.  

So, concludes 2021 … and may the thrill of the theater stick-around next year. 

 

Disney’s The Small One (1978) (Special Review)

    There are probably more Christmas specials then there are stars in the night sky … yet, with the insane abundance of them, and the dozens that come out every new year … how many Christmas specials can you think of that tie into its Kristian origins? Obviously, there’s “The Nativity Story”, as well as lesser-known titles that weave around Christ’s birth, like “The Little Drummer Boy”. There’s also a number of Veggie Tale’s Christmas specials to choose from, or select specials revolving around the historical St. Nichols, and even “A Charlie Brown Christmas” can be credited for quoting text right out of “The Book of Luke” from the Bible. For me, even though I’m a junky for any kind of Christmas special, I also feel it’s just as important to spot-light the specials that tie into Christ’s birth. One of my all-time favorites in this regard is Disney’s 1978 theatrically released animated short film titled “The Small One”. While not a house hold name, I honestly feel this animated short-film deserves a place among the best Christmas specials.     

    Based on the storybook of the same name by Charles Tazewell, our tail is set just outside the city of Nazareth, as a young boy helps tend to his father’s farm, with his best friend being an elderly donkey, lovingly named Small One. While the donkey brings much joy and playtime to the child every day, he’s also getting too old to contribute to work on the farm, leaving the father with no choice but to sell him. Reluctantly, the boy volunteers to take his donkey into town, and make sure he finds the perfect family to take him home. Despite all his efforts, the boy just can’t find anyone who’d purchase a scrawny donkey, and is met with further opposition from shady locals that come in the form of street Merchants, the Tanner, and a boisterous Auctioneer. As one would expect, this is a story of discovering one’s self-worth, and how even someone … or in this case something … of seemingly insignificant stature can have an important place in the world.

    For an old, 1970’s short, the animation really holds-up, and it’s admirable that it wasn’t even designed like a traditional Disney feature. While the lead boy admittedly looks Mowgli from “The Jungle Book” … even some recycled cell animation of Mowgli was used … most the character designs, and look of this special are different from the animation you’d typically associate with Disney. It definitely has the look of a Sunday Kristian educational program of the time, but with a bigger studio budget, allowing for smoother body movement, and expressive faces. 

Something I generally love about Christmas specials of this nature are that they can’t rely on traditional holiday imagery or decorations to put you in a Christmas mind-set. As such, the special has to rely on its tone, message, and just the simple feelings it stirs. While the premise is very simple, it succeeds in taking the viewer through varying peaks and valise of emotions, and most of it isn’t even that pleasant. No joke, this is a Christmas special that’s relentless at tugging your heart strings. It’s very melancholy, yet it remains consistently engaging, and it all leads to one of the most heartwarming endings I’ve ever seen. It’s an admittedly predictable outcome, but even without its clear tie-ins to the Kristian story of Christmas, there’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing our titular Small One find a place to call home. Honestly, I can’t even count how many times I’ve seen this, but it’s impossible for me not to get a little terry eyed while viewing it.

   I should note that while this was a Disney produced short film, it was also directed by the great Don Bluth, who would leave the company shortly after, to launch and direct his own animated films. He’d go on to direct animated movies like “The Land Before Time”, “An American Tail”, “The Secret of NIMH”, “Anastasia”, and several others. While his movies would very in quality, he always had two reoccurring traits that were almost universally present in his movies. The first were his reoccurring themes of finding a place of belonging, or in some cases it’s literally finding home. The other is focusing mostly on the negative side of stories, so that the ending can have a more emotional payoff. You could argue that “The Small One” is where these reoccurring motifs of Don Bluth’s animated films all began. As such, If you’re a fan of Don Bluth’s animated works, this short is well worth watching, just to see the original template of his story-telling formula.  

   If I had any reservations with “The Small One”, it would be some of the songs, which aren’t bad, but they do feel either jarring or cringe at times. The three-way harmony sung by the street merchants is especially annoying, and it’s the one element that I feel throws off the pace of this special. Other songs like the boys “Friendly Face” number are fine, but I just need to be in the right mind set for it. The opening and closing “Small One” theme song is exceptionally good, and really highlights the message of the story. It’s also one of the few Disney songs I can think of to directly mention “God” in the lyrics, which is very impressive. Putting that detail aside, this film sparingly acknowledges it’s Kristian tie-ins, as the characters of Joseph and Mary are only eluted to, and we don’t even see the actual birth Christ. Our only real clue is the Star of David burning in the night sky, which is great, and I don’t think it’s ever look more beautiful then as it’s represented in this special. I should note that many versions of this special have altered the final image of the star, giving it sharper star-like outlines, although it still resembles a big glowing cross.  

    Truthfully, I think “The Small One” can be quite accessible to any number of viewers, regardless of their religious beliefs or upbringing. Anyone can watch this and acknowledge it as a simple story with universal themes of finding one’s place, maturing, and having the courage to say good-bye when it’s time to part ways. With the combined magics of Disney, Don Bluth, Christmas, and a very rich source material all wrapped in one package, “The Small One” still stands as one of the best holiday specials I’ve ever seen, and a personal favorite that I couldn’t recommend more. For Don Bluth fans … it’s a must see! For viewers looking for something special to watch this Christmas season, I’d encourage you to give this one a chance.

Thanks for reading my review of Disney’s 1978 Christmas classic “The Small One” … and continue to enjoy the Holiday Specials you Love!   

 

My Top 10 Song Numbers from Christmas Movies & Specials

 

    One of the many staples of the Christmas season are hearing familiar songs, and they usually enhance both the joy and wonder of the season. We all know the classics in the vein of “Jingle Bells”, “Deck the Halls” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, but equally special to me are the songs featured primarily in our favorite annual Christmas themed movies and specials. 

One of the many qualities that bring me back to my favorite holiday specials are the songs that we don’t commonly hear playing on the radio, but still maintain the same magic and charm of the season. So, for this season, I wanted to count down my own personal favorite musical sequences from either Christmas movies or specials. Now to clarify, I’m focusing more on scenes as opposed to songs that happen to be part of a film’s soundtrack. For example, "Let it Snow" is a song memorably featured in the 1988 movie "Die Hard", but only as part of the soundtrack, and not really a scene from the film. 

Lastly, they need to be musical numbers, and not scenes that just happen to feature characters singing. For example, the ending of “It’s a Wonderful Life” is probably one of my all-times favorites ever put to film, and while it features characters singing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, I also wouldn’t call it a musical number either. With all that said, here are my 10 personal favorite song-numbers from either Christmas movies or Specials.   

 

#10 “Snow” from “White Christmas” 

While Bing Crosby’s iconic “White Christmas” song is universally regarded as one of the all-time greatest songs of the season, I’ve always associated it more with the 1942 movie “Holiday Inn”. As for the 1954 movie musical “White Christmas”, my favorite song comes in the form of a quartet between our four principal characters … and it’s simply titled “Snow”. There are so many cheerful songs that describe the holiday and the season, but aside from “Let it Snow”, there really aren’t too many songs that highlight our favorite Christmas weather. Well, this song covers all the bright spots and great cheer that comes with a snowy day, and it makes for a catchy tune in the proses. 

#9 "Extraordinary Merry Christmas" from “Glee: Ep.9 of Season 3" 

While I’m mostly focusing on songs from either movies or specials as opposed to episodes from TV shows, I just couldn’t help including at least one Christmas song from “Glee”. For years, I’ve enjoyed listening to the holiday themed music from this popular show, and if I was to pick a personal favorite, it actually comes in the form of an original song called “Extraordinary Merry Christmas”, from the season 3 episode of the same name. If a relentlessly upbeat and cheerful musical number is up your ally, this song will give you your fix, and keep bouncing in your head through the season. There’s no other way to describe it other then infectiously up-beat, and never failing to put me in a good mood.   

 

#8 “Invisible” from “Klaus” 

When a self-centered Postal man meets a broken-hearted toy maker, the two find themselves bringing joy to a secluded little Northern Town as a toy delivery service. As the town slowly comes back to life, the two men grow into better people. The moment that typifies their respected reformations is a little segment in which the two silently construct a sled, which is then presented to a little girl as a gift. It’s a mostly visual sequence, with Zara Larsson’s song “Invisible” carrying the emotions and importance of the scene. Maybe a touch gimmicky, but still a wonderful song that compliments the visual storytelling on display. It’s simply one of those special little movie music moments that touched my emotions, and assured me I was in for a great new Christmas movie.    

 

#7 “One More Sleep Til Christmas” from “The Muppet Christmas Carol” 

Like many musicals on my list, there’s a number of great songs that could have made my countdown, including the sentimental ballet of “The Love is Gone”, and the jubilant celebration of “It Feels like Christmas”. Yet, as far as I’m concerned, the Christmas season isn’t complete until I hear Kermit the Frog singing about how “It’s a season to be jolly and joyous!”. In general, my personal favorite event of the season isn’t Christmas day itself, but the build-up to it on Christmas Eve. In this cheerful little musical number, Kermit and friends celebrate how the most magical of holidays will be coming with the dawn of a new day. It’s a simple, yet upbeat song that always assures me … that on Christmas Eve … “There’s magic in the air!”.     

 

#6 “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” from “Meet Me in St. Luis” 

While I’ve personally never viewed this classic 1944 musical as a real “Christmas Movie”, it certainly has its memorable holiday moments, with Judy Garland’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” being the bright spot that everyone remembers. With moving day approaching, little sister Tootie is noticeably having a glum Christmas Eve, and thus, big sister Esther cheers her up with a merry little song we’ve all heard around the holiday season. It's a moment that's melancholy in tone, yet comforting in it's simplicity. Naturally, we all remember Judy Garland as Dorthey, and I’ve seen her in a number of musicals … but I don’t think she ever sounded more beautiful then in this moment when she sings “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. It’s my favorite cover of the song by far, and the scene packs an emotional punch all these years later.    

 

#5 “Welcome Christmas” from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” 

While most would point to the more famous villain song “You’re a Mean One Mister Grinch”, my personal favorite song from this holiday classic is the “Welcome Christmas” song heard at both the opening and closing of the film. Like most kids, I was introduced to all those popular Christmas songs we hear every holiday season, yet I distinctly remember liking the Who’s “Welcome Christmas” more than any of them. There’s just something warm, and inviting about this song that’s suck with me through the years. Right from the opening title card, the music starts chiming, and it instantly wins me over. The opening scene introducing the Who’s decorating the town for Christmas might actually be one of my favorite little animated sequences put to a Christmas cartoon. Again, it’s the combination of this music with these colors that carries this infectious appeal, and just gets the ball rolling for a great special.

 

#4 “When Christmas Comes to Town” from “The Polar Express” 

“The Polar Express” has gotten mixed reactions over the years, but it’s remained a personal favorite of mine that I love to watch every year. I just adore the animation, the atmosphere, and the simplicity of the experience. For some reason, the scene that always stands out to me is when a lonely boy sings about the simple joys he desperately wants to feel around Christmas. This leads into a duet between him and a young girl, as they sing "When Christmas comes to Town". It may seem just a little corny to have these children signing, but I just love this song, I love the melody, and really love all the colors and visuals that are displayed in this moment. It’s simply a touching little scene with these two kids, and it just adds a little more magic to the experience.

 

#3 “What’s This?” from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” 

While I’ve only ever watched this movie around the Halloween season, the film obviously isn’t without its share of great Christmas material. When the King of Halloween town gets tired of his own holiday, he finds himself whisked away to the colorful world of Christmas … resulting in one of my favorite songs to ever be tied to the holiday. Seriously, when Jack Skellington first arrives in Christmas Town, we get the outstanding musical number … “What’s This, What’s This” … and the detail of the setting is outstanding! It’s probably the greatest looking Christmas world I’ve ever seen in a movie. Beyond that, it’s the concept of someone discovering the holiday for the first time, and exploring all its wonders that make it especially cheerful. I may only like watching this movie around Halloween, but this segment has a secure placement among my favorite Christmas songs.   

 

#2 “Walking in the Air” from “The Snowman” 

With its light as air storytelling and rich atmosphere, the 1982 short titled “The Snowman” is simply one of the greatest holiday gems of all time. The story revolves around a snowman that’s brought to life through the magic of Christmas, and he spends the night with the young boy who created him. The highlight is a scene in which the snowman actually flies the boy through the night sky, all set to a magical song titled “Walking in the Air”. It’s a simple, yet powerful musical piece that carries an awe-inspiring sense of wonder and grandeur. The peaceful melody mixed with the singer’s voice give the scene an almost dreamlike atmosphere, which is fitting. It’s just a beautiful segment, the music is so warm and uplifting. Plus, it’s just awesome that this kid gets to fly around the world on Christmas in a way that’s unique, but also in the spirit of the season.

 

Before I reveal my Number 1 Favorite, here are some quick Honorable Mentions …

“White Christmas” from “Holiday Inn”   

The Reprise of “As Long as There’s Christmas” from “Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas”

The “Christmas Vacation” Theme from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”

“Last Christmas” from “Last Christmas”

“Rockin Around the Christmas Tree” from "Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July"

 

#1 “God Bless us Everyone”, “Christmas Together” and “A Place Called Home” from “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” (2004) 

  Once again, I find myself admitting that I could have filled my entire list with songs from this one musical alone … but instead, for my number one spot, I’ll just round up my three personal favorite songs from this musical adaption of my favorite Christmas tale. While escorted by the ghost of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, the once bitter Mr. Scrooge finally learns to embrace his fellow man, discovers the beauty of the holiday, and finds love in his heart again. 

When looking back at his childhood, he’s reminded of the love he shared for his sister, which is effectively utilized through their childhood song “A Place Called Home”. The song comes back a second time as a romantic duet between the teenage Scrooge and his beautiful love interest played by Jennifer Love Hewitt, and it really is a wholesome romantic piece. The song “Christmas Together” is a straightforward celebration piece, showing how all the people London come together, and spread the joy of the season … and it’s hard not to have a big smile on my face whenever this one plays. 

Of course, the main highlight is Scrooge’s reformation, which is punctuated by the song “God Bless us Everyone”. This triumphant musical number effectively captures both the tone and message of the original Dicken’s classic, and I love how this too is utilized more than once in the film. First, it’s a dramatic baled sung by Scrooge’s mother, which is sung effectively by Ruthie Henshall. Then finally at the end, this song makes for a triumphant climax to Scrooge’s journey, as he reforms and becomes a better man who’s ready to celebrate the Christmas season. The line “God Bless us Everyone” was already the most famous line from the source material, and it’s only fitting to stand as the best song in this musical adaption … as well as my personal favorite song from any Christmas movie or special.

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