Friend of the site, director Tammi Sutton has shared her Christmas favorites with us (Movies and TV). I found her favorites are pretty much the same as mine plus there's a few I'll have to check out now. Also, be on the lookout for Tammi's new movie Isle of Dogs in 2012. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
From Tammi:
Not all Christmas movies are sappy. The following films may not all warm your hearts or restore your faith in humanity, but they are guaranteed to bring you joy! Tis' the season to be jolly - that still simply means - go enjoy yourself.
1. Die Hard (1988) - Because nothing says deck the halls like jumping off a roof tied to a fire hose, and nothing says season of goodwill like a machine gun. I'll watch anything with Alan Rickman and Bruce Willis in it, all day long.
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - The only musical to make my list because it's simply awesome, Christmas and Halloween together, my two favorite holidays!
3. Gremlins (1984) - I want Gizmo for Christmas and to see Zach Galligan reprise the role in the franchise with Joe Dante directing for a part III in 3D. "They're Back in 3D Mofos" - You know you'd go see it. I'd pay big money for this. Rumors are afloat that it will be happening - one day.
4. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) - This is a perfect family classic! Keep your old school Capra sentiment, this movie never gets tired or unfunny. 'Cousin Eddie' is such a brilliant gem. I get all warm and cuddly when I see Chevy Chase on screen. Young, hot Juliette Lewis is delightful.
5. Bad Santa (Unrated) (2003) - Drunk Santa - Billy Bob is priceless in this raunchy holiday outing with Tony Cox as his partner in crime. This film will steal your dark heart, be warned: It's a real Nutcracker! - Probably not the film to watch with Grandma unless she is really twisted.
6. The Friday After Next (2002) - I can't get enough of this franchise! The ensemble cast that radiates around Ice Cube and Mike Epps are magical. Have your holiday in the Hood this year and laugh your a** off. Comedian Katt Williams has out-done himself in this acting role as 'Money Mike the Pimp.'
7. Home Alone I & II (1990/92) - They're both cute, fun, and safe for all ages. Great movies to play in the background while baking holiday goodies and viewing youtube videos with cats tearing down Christmas trees.
8. Batman Returns (1992) - Christmas comes to Gotham with a "parental backlash" criticizing the film with violence and sexual references that were unsuitable for children prompting McDonalds to pull their Happy Meal promotions. Thankfully, they still did offer up great 32 oz. collector cups with purchase of their Extra Value Meals. This film certainly wins "Best Christmas Tree" in a film. I still want the cereal box promo from this film.
9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) - I love watching Jim Carrey do his thing, he was perfect as the misanthropic, anti-hero 'Grinch.' This film was nominated Worst Re-make and Worst Script for the Razzie's - however Ron Howard has the last laugh, this film has grossed over $345 Million Dollars - second highest grossing Holiday film ever behind "Home Alone." Anthony Hopkins was also a perfect choice for narrator.
10. Trading Places (1983) - Not sure if Paramount Pictures calls this one of their Christmas Classics, but they should. This is sophisticated comedy writing that seems to have gotten lost on new writers. The characters are strong and engaging, the actors chewed through the material flawlessly at the direction of beloved director John Landis. Akyroyd and Murphy will warm your cold, winter hearts.
11. The Ref (1994) - Denis Leary, Judy Davis, and Kevin Spacey serve up a well crafted holiday treat with this delicious, delight from late director, Ted Demme. I will watch anything that has anything to do with Spacey.
12. Scrooged (1988) - Bill Murray is just comic genius. Cynical, selfish TV Executive gets haunted with the help of director Richard Donner. Critics didn't love it, but I enjoyed the modernization of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" all the same.
13. Edward Scissorhands (1990) - If you think having an isolated, lonely, teenage life is terrible, there is hope, and it paid off for director Tim Burton when in those dark times, he created the beloved character 'Edward Scissorhands.' The only thing sad about this film is that it is Vincent Price's last film. Johnny Depp sliced his way into our hearts with this magical treat.
14. Lethal Weapon (1987) - Another Donner outing, notably his best directing piece, back when everyone still agreed on loving Mel Gibson. Danny Glover was a perfect match with Gibson and this buddy-movie is a fantastic edition for everyone's Christmas movie collection.
15. Less Than Zero (1987) - Excess is the main theme during the holidays and certainly the main theme of this film. Is it cheerful and funny? No. It's dark and desperate filled with flawless portrayals of a place you never want to find yourself stuck in. Next time you watch it, look for Brad Pitt as an extra in the film.
16. Joyeux Noel (2005) - On Christmas Eve during WWI, Germans, French, & Scotts fraternize and get to know the men who live on the opposite side of a brutal war.
NEWCOMER: Not to be missed
17. Coopers' Christmas (2010) - Dysfunctional family Christmas at it's absolute best. RUN to see this film. (Hint: It's on Netflix Streaming) Set and perfectly depicting 1985, this film and it's cast are superb and laugh out loud funny. This film is rich with insightful realities about relationships and family, especially when forced back together around the holidays.
Notable TV Christmas favourites:
18. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) - I fell in love with the 'Abominable Snow Monster' the first time I set my young eyes on him. The Island of Misfit Toys has endeared audiences of all ages for almost fifty years now.
19. Justice League - Season Two, EP. 23 "Comfort and Joy" (2XXX) -
Written by Paul Dini, A great Christmas super-hero Christmas gift. Jon Jonze heads back to Smallville with Superman, Hawk Girl is taught the sp
Hawk Girl learns the spirit of Xmas through Green Lantern.
20. Thunderbirds - "Give or Take a Million" (1966) - Perfect Christmas TV.
Collective Honorable Mention - All Cleveland Show, Family Guy and American Dad Christmas episodes. Seth McFarlane knows how to handle the holidays in rip-roaring style.
No comments:
Post a Comment