Top Five Christmas Movies

Well, taking a break from the chaos that surrounds us, I thought it high time I bring back a list. Not just any list, mind you, but a list of my top five Christmas movies. Some may surprise you. Some may even delight you. Some, well, I’m not even sure how they got on this list.
 
Without further ado, let’s get started.
 
Die Hard. 1988 Quintessential holiday film? Well, it certainly surpasses Pocket Full of Miracles. John McTiernan’s succeeded in making a holiday classic from the limited confines of the action/adventure genre. Suck on that, Sly and Arnie.
 
Bad Santa 2003 – In my mind, there are two stand-up performances in this film and neither one of them are really the star. Both John Ritter (mall manager) and Bernie Mac (Security) are worth the entire price of admission. Not that Billy Bob is bad, in point of fact, he’s great! It’s just, for my mind anyway, the former performances offer a bit more depth of character than the womanizing, alcoholic Santa
 
The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942), Christmas in Connecticut (1945) and Remember the Night (1940) For those who consider Frank Capra long winded and a bit of bore, I suggest these three. Each one is outstanding in their own way and two of three have a bit of a kick. Just watch them and you can decide which two (Hint: Alexander Wolcott and shoplifting).
 
“I hate people! I hate people!
People are despicable creatures
Loathesome inexplicable creatures
Good-for-nothing kickable creatures
I hate people! I abhor them!
When I see the indolent classes
Sitting on their indolent asses
Gulping ale from indolent glasses
I hate people! I detest them! I deplore them!”
 
 
And my favorite Christmas movie, the musical adaption of a Christmas Carol, starring that giant of musical comedy, Mr. Albert Finney, Scrooge 1970. I am not entirely sure why this is at the top of my list. To be honest, when I look at my high points, they might very well be considered someone else’s low points. Whether it is Sir Alec Guinness, Obi-wan himself, singing that memorable little ditty, See the Phantoms, or Finney himself singing another showstopper in musical history, I Hate People (changed to I Hate Christmas for the London Stage). These two performances are very noteworthy and, in my mind anyway to not get nearly enough holiday airplay on the local radio.
 
Okay, well, we’ve almost made it through the year. I am proud of all of us.  Merry Christmas!