It was harder then I thought to select my top 3 favorite Christmas movies but here they are:
3. Babes in Toyland (1961)
I absolutely adore this movie. I can remember watching it as a kid over and over on the Disney Channel. I caught a little bit of it just the other day, and I still remember each of the songs and some of the dances. It is as cheesy as cheesy can be, and I love everything about it. Annette Funicello is as cute and charming as ever as Mary Quite Contrary. The best part about this movie is the music; it is bright and colorful and always gets me in the mood for Christmas. There are several other versions of this film including the 1934 version staring Laural and Hardy and a 1986 version starting Keanu Reeves, Drew Barrymore, and the recently deceased Pat Morita (Mr. Miyagi) as the toy master. But honestly the 1961 version is the only way to go.
2. Home Alone
Say what you will about the craze that Home Alone created in 1990, I was just as annoyed with the “Home Alone Face” and Macaulay Culkin, as the next person, but this is a hilarious movie. I can’t help loving it, mostly because of the fact that Kevin’s frazzled family reminds me of my own. Christmas is about family and this is one that you and yours can watch together. Don’t forget it was written by John Hughes (The Breakfast Club, 16 Candles, The Great Outdoors) and directed by Chris Columbus (Mrs. Doubtfire, Rent). If you haven’t seen Home Alone in a few years I highly recommend watching it again. You may have lost sight of just how funny it really is and Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci as the two stupid thieves give great slap stick performances.
1. The Bishops Wife
The Bishops Wife (1947) is a guilty pleasure of mine, I would say that I watch it at least once every Christmas, and (I may be shot for saying this) I like it better then it’s a Wonderful Life. I am more of a Cary Grant kind of girl, as opposed to Jimmy Stuart. With a great cast including the afore mentioned Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven, and a classic Christmas Story including angels, the Bishop’s Wife is a must see for me this and every Holiday Season. There is also a remake of this movie staring Denzel Washington, and Whitney Houston, called the Preacher’s Wife, which is not a good as the original but has a great Christmas Soundtrack, no mater how crazy Whitney is, that girl can SING.
Honorable mention: It’s a Wonderful Life, Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, White Christmas, Miracle on 34th St., The Christmas Story, and The Santa Clause.
One of my favorite thing about the holidays is our Top lists. Every once in awhile I like to sit back and reflect on all of the movies I've seen and reasses my favorites. There is nothing better at Christmas than a great Christmas or holiday movie. I am looking forward to this year's bunch of contenders including "The Family Stone" with Sarah Jessica Parker. It's true that they "just don't make them like they used to" but every once in awhile we get a surprise. Here is a list of my top three rentals for this holiday season. Mine are in no particular order.
