Weekly Theme

Weekly Theme for December 15: Ho Ho Ho

Alright, so it's about a week and a half before Christmas and I'm trying to think of a new theme for this week. The problem is, all of these damn Christmas movies I've been seeing lately have really been distracting. So, screw it, let's go. I have been re-watching quite a few of them recently.

It's a Wonderful Life is one of those that is really easy to forget just how incredible it is. If you haven't seen it in recent history, I suggest you refresh your memory................ or an angel will be set on fire.

I was surprised at how well Gremlins stood the test of time. I hadn't seen this one since I was just a lil' whipper snapper and I had just as much fun with it this time around.

And I was actually really taken aback at how much I still love A Christmas Story. I usually catch this one on tv just about every year but I never really sit down to watch it. Well I bought the dvd for the family last week and we all sat down to watch it. A fun time was had by all.

Danny Boyle made a Christmas movie called Millions... I liked it..

I would also suggest that everyone check out Joyeux Noel. This is a Christmas movie that takes place in the trenches of WWI. It is absolutely one of the most endearing stories ever told.

So, in a pinch - there you have it. I guess I'm really interested in hearing which holiday films (if any) actually put you in the spirit. Or are we all just a bit too old for that now? I know Christmas is an entirely different experience when your all grown up but I have to admit, watching Ralphie give a beat-down to the local bully while sreaming, "FRIGGLE FRAGGLE MACK'N DOG SMUCKERS JACKER SNACKER" brings it all back.

Re:Weekly Theme for December 15: Ho Ho Ho

A Christmas Story

Without a second thought, my favorite Christmas movie. I owe this movie SO MUCH for bringing my semi-dysfunctional family together every holiday season. Just about the time when everyone has had enough food and alcohol and the conversation begins to lull, I turn this movie on and all that hate and resentment for each other just melts away and another Christmas disaster is avoided. Thank you A Christmas Story!

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Another film that seems to help subside all those eggnog induced rages with my family members.

Home Alone

Grew up with this movie and have loved it each and every time I've watched it. For some reason, it never gets old for me. Too bad that mischievous boy grew up to be a whole lot of crazy.

Scrooged

This is the only Scrooge inspired film that I like. Bill Murray is spot on throughout.

A Nightmare Before Christmas

Probably no explanation needed for this one.

The Family Stone

Didn't get too much attention during and after its release, but a great fractured family film.

Re:Weekly Theme for December 15: Ho Ho Ho

At the risk of having too many discussion posts on this film's detail page from me, The Muppet Christmas Carol is my all time absolute favorite. I watch it several time each Christmas, and a few times through out the year for good measure. Yes, it might be unhealthy, but good movies do that to you.

Love Actually is a fun network cast romantic comedy, I think Kristin Scott Thomas and Alan Rickman are my favorite couple in the movie, it's just interesting how things can go in a marriage. Plus the chick who is trying to seduce him is ridiculously scary.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New Yorkis awesome mostly because it's in New York, which is beautiful and fun and Tim Curry is evil.

Elf is slowly becoming my second favorite Christmas movie, it's extremely quotable and, well, I just don't get sick of it. "The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is to sing loud for all to hear." I actually said that in the middle of the office yesterday. I got hate looks.

Re:Weekly Theme for December 15: Ho Ho Ho

I was thinking about posting a poll in the Movie Polls group about movies that are set during Christmas time but that aren't really about Christmas.  Or maybe there's a better way to define them.  Movies that aren't about Christmas in the usual way you think about them.

Some examples I was thinking of are:

Eyes Wide Shut

Die Hard

and possibly the afore mentioned Gremlins

Anyone know of any other good movies in which the Christmas season is really just a back drop to a totally different kind of movie?

Re:Weekly Theme for December 15: Ho Ho Ho

   Even though I no longer "do" Christmas, there are a couple of movies that seem to put me in the Holiday spirit.

   Black Christmas  (1974)  and   Tales from the Crypt  (1972).   The first is self explanatory.   The second, "TFTC", is the original movie to be based on William Gaines notorious 1960's comic books and is one of the first (and best) of the "Amicus anthology movies" of the 1970's.   While not really a Christmas movie per se, this film does include the legendary segment titled "All Through The House" starring a very young Joan Collins and featuring a deranged and murderous Santa!   Fun stuff!   This story was later redone for an episode of the HBO series.   Oh yeah, the rest of the movie is quite excellent as well.

    To be honest, I also enjoy  A Christmas Story  every time I see it and  Gremlins  as well.   (Phoebe Cates... mmmmmmmm!)

                                                                                    < GOR >

Re:Weekly Theme for December 15: Ho Ho Ho

WEEKLY THEME UPDATE:

Due to the Holidays, the Weekly Theme will be discontinued for the following two weeks. We will resume with an all new theme on Monday, January 5th.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Weekly Theme. We truly love and appreciate all of the participation we've had from you guys in the group and we look forward to a new year full of new stuff to talk about.

Emery

P.S. Now would be a great time to throw something in the Suggetion Box.

Re:Weekly Theme for December 15: Ho Ho Ho

I enjoy The Polar Express, but really I don't usually take the time to watch a lot of movies around Christmas time because I'm usually doing the family time thing.