NOTE: This is the last of Roger Thomas’ “Reviews of the Past.” For several months, we’ve posted all of the reviews he’s written, particularly the ones he’s done for The Stanly News & Press. Keep coming back here because, as you’ve hopefully seen over the past few days, we’ve got a lot of things in store for this blog. Thanks, as always, for your continued support.
Written by Roger Thomas
There are many good films that focus on Christmas. Here are my thoughts on some of my favorites and a few that are less than favored.
First, I am not going to participate in the “great debate” about which film is the quintessential Christmas movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “A Christmas Story.” I love both of them and think that each has its strengths. I would point that “Story” really focuses completely on the holiday season while “Life” begins on Christmas Eve then flashes back to many different dates on the calendar only to return for the climax around a Christmas tree. On the other hand, the message of “Life” is a very powerful one and should not be discounted. “Life’s” plot has been emulated numerous times through the years while “Story” is a one of a kind romp. Any night watching either of these classics is a night well spent.
Right behind “Life” and “Story,” I would have to place “Miracle on 34th Street.” I love the original with Maureen O Hara, Natalie Wood and Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle (a role that won him an Oscar). We watch this film annually in our household. Oddly enough, my first introduction to this story was the made-for-television remake starring Sebastian Cabot which came out in 1973. I have not seen that version for years but as I remember it was a fairly faithful adaptation. The more recent theatrical remake (1994) starring Richard Attenborough disappoints me in the ways they changed the story.
Then there are other films that have found their way into the canon of traditional Christmas viewing. Both “Christmas Vacation” and more recently “Love Actually” are frequently viewed this time of year. I would add, however, that unlike “Life,” “Story” or “Miracle,” both of these films (especially the R-rated “Love Actually)” contain material that is not appropriate for children. Ultimately, however, both films continue to amuse after many viewings and that is why they have become a part of our Christmas culture.
Then there are all the versions of “A Christmas Carol.” Most film critics and Dickens scholars consider the 1951 version with Alastair Sim playing the old miser as the best adaption ever. I watch this one almost every year. However, my personal favorite is the 1970 version entitled “Scrooge” starring Albert Finney as the title character and Alec Guinness as the ghost of Jacob Marley. It is a musical and I know all the songs by heart from my frequent viewings. I especially liked the scene with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
Then there are countless other adaptations. I like Patrick Stewart, George C. Scott and Kelsey Grammer as “Scrooge.” And my children and I all love Michael Caine and the Muppets presenting this timeless story. This is by far the funniest Carol which also has some great songs like “There Is Only One More Sleep Till Christmas.” And then there is Robert Zemeckis’ animated version starring Jim Carrey as Ebenezer. I am a fan of this one too and as far as I can remember it is the only one that includes a favorite Dickens’ quote of mine about Christmas, “the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.” Beautiful words with great meaning, especially after some of the rhetoric of this past election cycle. But enough about Scrooges in films or politics.
What about the “Grinch?” The animated television special far outshines Ron Howard’s live action film. There are many reasons but the main one is the change in the climax of the story. In the old version narrated by Boris Karloff, we all know that the “Grinch’s” heart swelled three sizes because of the beautiful music from the citizens of Whoville and his realization that Christmas came anyway. “It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages boxes or bags.” The movie goes in a different direction that is far less inspired.
And while we are on animation, I wrote earlier this year about “Arthur Christmas,” a fun and beautifully animated feature about the Claus family which should be added to every Christmas movie collection. And we must not forget the twisted but inspired “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Every viewing offers something new.
There is the “Santa Clause” trilogy, each one a little less than the one before but still a lot of fun. Many Christmas comedies have emerged over the last decade including “Fred Claus,” “Christmas with the Kranks,” “Four Christmases,” and of course, “Elf,” among others. These films each succeed on different levels and are ultimately best watched with a group because it is not as much fun to laugh alone.
And finally, if you can find it, add “The House Without a Christmas Tree” to your family’s collection. My daughter and I have watched this 1972 TV Christmas special many times together and it always moves me to tears. It is as much about fathers and daughters as it is about Christmas, but it is a joyous experience always.
Now, after reading all my ramblings, you have no excuse not to discover a little holiday spirit with your family and a good Christmas film.
Cinema Corner 