Top 5 Christmas classics

December 22, 2008 • written by Emily Vrem, Photographer  
Filed under Entertainment

Story by Emily Vrem

 

5. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)

        In the little realm of Halloweentown where citizens scare humans on Halloween, Jack Skellington is the Pumpkin King. However, Jack falls into another realm: Christmas. Overwhelmed by the happiness and glee, Jack sets out to change Halloweentown into this joyful occasion, going against his faithful girlfriend Sally’s instincts. After Santa Clause and Sally are captured, Jack realizes the mistake he made. He must save Christmas.

 

        This strange and grim Tim Burton classic has proved to be worthy of the title Christmas movie classic. From its release in 1993, the movie has been criticized for its gloomy colors and twisted plotline. However, the flick won several awards for its originality and artistic aspects. While the movie isn’t the most Christmas spirited, it adds a nice variety to the usual Christmas cheer. After all, who doesn’t love a little dismal twist in their Christmas?

 

4. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966)

        Based on the famous book by Dr. Seuss, the story follows mean, green Mr. Grinch and his dog as they plot to ruin Christmas for the Whos in Whoville. While he watches the town, Mr. Grinch is disgusted by the happiness of the Whos. He sets out to steal Christmas from the entire village, including food, ornaments, gifts and even the cookies set out for Santa himself. The story ends, gifts returned, with the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes as he realizes the true meaning of Christmas.

 

        The Grinch and his terrible Christmas plot,  just as meaningful today as it was in 1966, this wonderfully animated film brings a classic Dr. Seuss tale to life.  By using the unprecedented creepy vocal talents of Boris Karloff, better known as Frankenstein, the menacing glee of Mr. Grinch perfectly complements the merriment of the delightful and at times sickeningly happy Whos of Whoville.

 

3. “Home Alone” (1990)

        After being left behind from a family vacation in France, eight-year-old Kevin McAllister is forced to fend for himself at home while his mother frantically tries to make it back before any real disaster occurs. Much to her dismay, her son is riddled by robbers throughout the unintentional abandonment. Kevin sets up several traps and finds ways to protect his house, keeping himself occupied while he is “Home Alone.”

 

        “Home Alone” proves its classicism once again. With the brilliant casting of Macaulay Culkin as the hopeless little geek and Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as the hilarious bandits, this slapstick classic is sure to make you giggle. Although the story is unrealistic, the obvious and humorous theme of the nerdy kid prevailing is definitely worth the 103 minutes of family-friendly humor.

 

2. “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964)

        Rudolph, an awkward and shiny-nosed reindeer, has dampened holiday spirits after being rejected in his own village. Ousted by his peers’ fun and games, he goes off on his own adventure, teaming up with Hermie, an equally awkward Christmas elf who wants to be a dentist; not a toy-maker. They venture far away, running into the Abominable Snowman and the Island of Misfit Toys. In the end, it’s Rudolph to the rescue. Just like the classic song, Rudolph with his nose so bright guided Santa’s sleigh that night.

 

        A favorite growing up, the story of Rudolph is a tried and true Christmas movie classic. The perfect combination of awkward outcasts and heroic feats with the nice, comforting Abominable Snowman makes this movie a perfect family film for the holidays. The stop-motion animation was a perfect way to make the classic song into a movie, while adding a few new characters and a few new life lessons.

 

1. “A Christmas Story” (1983)

         “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid.” It’s Christmas time and nine-year-old Ralphie wants one thing: an official Red Ryder, carbine-action, 200-shot, range model BB rifle with a compass in the stock. In the 1940 Midwest town, young Ralphie gets himself into all sorts of problems while waiting for Christmas, including getting his tongue stuck to a flagpole. Through bullies and fistfights, the unconventional family provides a perfect backdrop for the perfect seasonal comedy that’s sure to give you a reason to laugh.

 

        “A Christmas Story,” runs 24 hours from Christmas Eve to Christmas day on TBS, proving to be the best holiday movie to brighten your spirits and split your sides. Relatively short, the 94-minute Christmas movie about children packs all types of childhood adventures for everyone to enjoy. Although it does contain instances of vulgar language, the hilarious antics of the offbeat and at times dysfunctional family is a family everybody can relate to, especially during the holidays.