NationStates Jolt Archive


The BEST Christmas movie is...

Minoriteeburg
22-12-2008, 06:16
...well what's yours? Any and all movies about or taking place during christmas time apply...

Mine are:

Die Hard
Gremlins
Scrooged
Santa Claus Conquers The Martians
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Black Chistmas
Silent Night, Deadly Night

and..

A Chistmas Carol (the George C. Scott versoin)
Cannot think of a name
22-12-2008, 06:22
I'm going to join what is likely to be a chorus of A Christmas Story.
Minoriteeburg
22-12-2008, 06:24
I'm going to join what is likely to be a chorus of A Christmas Story.

I must be the only one to find that movie overrated.
Ordo Drakul
22-12-2008, 06:29
It's a Wonderful Life-granted, it's hokey and set firmly in it's time setting, but this movie really defines Christmas movies-being public domain in the early years of television doubtless helped.
Minoriteeburg
22-12-2008, 06:30
It's a Wonderful Life-granted, it's hokey and set firmly in it's time setting, but this movie really defines Christmas movies-being public domain in the early years of television doubtless helped.

That and the original Miracle on 34th street.
Dalmatia Cisalpina
22-12-2008, 06:30
I loved A Christmas Story, though I will admit to having a weakness for White Christmas, too.
Gauntleted Fist
22-12-2008, 06:31
...Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer?

...Er, yeah. I haven't watched a Christmas movie in five or six years. :p
Minoriteeburg
22-12-2008, 06:32
...Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer?

...Er, yeah. I haven't watched a Christmas movie in five or six years. :p

Has it been five or six years since you have watched die hard? You need to get back into the christmas spirit then...:tongue:
Wilgrove
22-12-2008, 06:34
A Christmas Story
A Christmas Carol (the one with Patrick Stewart in it)
Santa Slay
Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer
Gauntleted Fist
22-12-2008, 06:34
Has it been five or six years since you have watched die hard? You need to get back into the christmas spirit then...:tongue:...I don't even recall seeing the new one. Meh.
SaintB
22-12-2008, 06:36
Scrooged and Nightmare Before Christmas

I'm stepping out of the office now.
Minoriteeburg
22-12-2008, 06:36
...I don't even recall seeing the new one. Meh.

Only the first one is a christmas movie, but the new one is good as well.
Minoriteeburg
22-12-2008, 06:37
Scrooged and Nightmare Before Christmas

I'm stepping out of the office now.

Shit i should have added scrooged to the list as well as nightmare before christmas....


One of bill murrays finest performances.
Saige Dragon
22-12-2008, 06:43
Curiously National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation appears to be missing from this list.
Minoriteeburg
22-12-2008, 06:46
Curiously National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation appears to be missing from this list.

That was definitely the best of the Vacation films.

The best part of that film (to me at least) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpCVrzVr97M)
NERVUN
22-12-2008, 06:50
A Charlie Brown Christmas and Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (The original, NOT the live action one thankyouverymuch).
Minoriteeburg
22-12-2008, 06:51
A Charlie Brown Christmas and Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (The original, NOT the live action one thankyouverymuch).

does the original Grinch count as a film? wasn't it only 25 minutes long?

I was going to put that on my list, but didn't know if it counted....
Aceopolis
22-12-2008, 06:53
A Christmas Story

A Colbert Christmas (I have a soft spot for anything Colbert related)
Saige Dragon
22-12-2008, 06:54
does the original Grinch count as a film? wasn't it only 25 minutes long?

I was going to put that on my list, but didn't know if it counted....

Yes. Because you had to watch it at least three times before school was out for holidays and then it was on TV at least twice more. With math involved in the total number of times watched, it like added up to what a proper full length feature would be.
Minoriteeburg
22-12-2008, 06:56
Yes. Because you had to watch it at least three times before school was out for holidays and then it was on TV at least twice more. With math involved in the total number of times watched, it like added up to what a proper full length feature would be.

True. Did you ever see the film with the phil hartman commentary? I think it aired on a certain cable channel for a couple of years. (TNT maybe?)

I miss Phil Hartman sometimes....
Luna Amore
22-12-2008, 06:59
Elf.
Saige Dragon
22-12-2008, 07:00
Elf.

Die.
Minoriteeburg
22-12-2008, 07:02
Die.

Oh come on. Elf was funny. Not Fred Claus funny, but still funny.
Saige Dragon
22-12-2008, 07:02
Oh come on. Elf was funny. Not Fred Claus funny, but still funny.

You can die as well. Slowly.
Nova East Dakota
22-12-2008, 07:03
As much as I despise the recent cultural trend of 80's kitsch, I must admit that "He-Man and She-Ra: A Christmas Special" is spectacular.

Also, I still tear up whenever I watch the Garfield Christmas special.
Minoriteeburg
22-12-2008, 07:04
You can die as well. Slowly.

What is your idea for a "funny" christmas movie then?
Saige Dragon
22-12-2008, 07:13
What is your idea for a "funny" christmas movie then?

That really has nothing to do with it. It has more to do with Will Ferrell's typecasting. Same deal with Adam Sandler, it is only recently he's gone out and done films that are 'out there' for him and they've all been getting mediocre reviews because he's been typecast into playing an asshole. Ferrell's been typecast into playing a retard. The audience has trouble seeing either as anything but and it results in mediocre films that sell well. Elf is one of them.
Minoriteeburg
22-12-2008, 07:15
That really has nothing to do with it. It has more to do with Will Ferrell's typecasting. Same deal with Adam Sandler, it is only recently he's gone out and done films that are 'out there' for him and they've all been getting mediocre reviews because he's been typecast into playing an asshole. Ferrell's been typecast into playing a retard. The audience has trouble seeing either as anything but and it results in mediocre films that sell well. Elf is one of them.

I guess you are right, but for a film like elf, who could you see playing a better lead than ferrel.

At least will ferrell's stranger than fiction is better than anything that adam sandler has ever done....
Saige Dragon
22-12-2008, 07:26
I guess you are right, but for a film like elf, who could you see playing a better lead than ferrel.

At least will ferrell's stranger than fiction is better than anything that adam sandler has ever done....

It is a Ferrell film for sure, but do we really need a new one every 4 months? I'd rather see him in more roles like Stranger Than Fiction, it would make his roles in movies like Elf at least bearable.
The Alma Mater
22-12-2008, 07:28
does the original Grinch count as a film? wasn't it only 25 minutes long?

I was going to put that on my list, but didn't know if it counted....

I think it does.
I also think "Rare Exports Inc" 1 (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=uUiDDWi8k1o) and 2 (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z4OvK3Vn44) should count, even though even together they are less than that ;)

A muppets Christmas Carol (not the very merry movie) is fun. Nightmare before Christmas and Corpse Bride as well - and of course the LoTR trilogy.

The traditional Dutch "Als je begrijpt wat ik bedoel".. well.. is tradition !
Wilgrove
22-12-2008, 07:29
Die.

I agree with this sentiment. Will Farrel is rarely funny.
Wilgrove
22-12-2008, 07:31
I guess you are right, but for a film like elf, who could you see playing a better lead than ferrel.

At least will ferrell's stranger than fiction is better than anything that adam sandler has ever done....

One of the rare time Will Farrel has actually been watchable.
Knights of Liberty
22-12-2008, 07:44
I agree with this sentiment. Will Farrel is never funny.

Fixed.

One of the rare time Will Farrel has actually been watchable.

And by rare time, you mean only time, correct?

Anyway, I have to say Rudolph. Just because I grew up watching it.
NERVUN
22-12-2008, 08:16
*sighs* Ok, I haven't seen it in years, actually I probably haven't seen it since it came out in theaters, but I still have a soft spot for Santa Claus the Movie.

Please, don't kill me!
Western Mercenary Unio
22-12-2008, 08:30
Die Hard. It's just the most awesome Christmas film ever and it was made by a Finnish American.
Gauntleted Fist
22-12-2008, 08:36
Please, don't kill me!*stows ritual material* You just had to ruin my day, didn't you? :p
Lord Tothe
22-12-2008, 08:51
The Muppet Christmas Carol *nods*
Intangelon
22-12-2008, 09:06
There really isn't one.
PartyPeoples
22-12-2008, 11:54
Die Hard :P
also!.. Nightmare Before Christmas, Muppet's Christmas Carol, Scrooged (superb) and prolly some others that I've no doubt forgotten temporarily.
(:
No Names Left Damn It
22-12-2008, 12:03
The Great Escape.
Zainzibar Land
22-12-2008, 12:16
Christmas Story
No Names Left Damn It
22-12-2008, 12:18
Elf.

Yes, so much.
Gravlen
22-12-2008, 14:07
Die Hard.
or
Evil Dead: Army of Darkness
The Archregimancy
22-12-2008, 14:09
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058548/)

Edit to add plot summary:

"Martians, upset that their children have become obsessed with TV shows from Earth which extoll the virtues of Santa Claus, start an expedition to Earth to kidnap the one and only Santa. While on Earth, they kidnap two lively children that lead the group of Martians to the North Pole and Santa. The Martians then take Santa and the two children back to Mars with them. Voldar, a particularly grumpy Martian, attempts to do away with the children and Santa before they get to Mars, but their leader Lomas stops him. When they arrive on Mars, Santa, with the help of the two Earth children and a rather simple-minded Martian lackey, overcomes the Martians by bringing fun, happiness and Christmas cheer to the children of Mars."


And Terry Gilliam's Brazil - which really is a Christmas film. Most people don't notice, but it really is. It's just a supremely depressing one; the perfect antidote to It's a Wonderful Life.
Dorksonian
22-12-2008, 14:26
A Christmas Carol (starring Reginald Owen - really old 1930's)
It's a Wonderful Life
White Christmas (starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye)
Dorksonian
22-12-2008, 14:33
I don't really consider Die Hard a true Christmas movie. It's a cops and robbers movie that happens near Christmas time. The only thing the writers needed Christmas for in the movie was as an excuse to get the separated couple (John McClane and Holly Genaro) together in Los Angeles.
Intangelon
22-12-2008, 15:22
Die Hard :P
also!.. Nightmare Before Christmas, Muppet's Christmas Carol, Scrooged (superb) and prolly some others that I've no doubt forgotten temporarily.
(:

Statements like this are why I think there are no really good Christmas movies.
Grave_n_idle
22-12-2008, 16:39
The Nightmare Before Christmas


This one.

And the Muppet Christmas Carol.
The_pantless_hero
22-12-2008, 16:52
Elf
A Christmas Story
(original) How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Scrooged
Forsakia
22-12-2008, 17:05
Do TV specials count? If so, Blackadder back and forth.
Minoriteeburg
22-12-2008, 17:12
A muppets Christmas Carol (not the very merry movie) is fun. Nightmare before Christmas and Corpse Bride as well - and of course the LoTR trilogy.


A muppet christmas carol! It's been forever since I have seen it.

Speaking of christmas carol remakes, one is coming out next year by Robert Zemeckis starring Jim Carrey as Scrooge. It will be filmed in the animated style of Polar Express and Beowulf.

One of the rare time Will Farrel has actually been watchable.

Stranger than fiction is most definitely Ferrell's crowning achievement.

Die Hard. It's just the most awesome Christmas film ever and it was made by a Finnish American.


Damn straight! You got to have a christmas movie with explosions.
The_pantless_hero
22-12-2008, 18:30
Stranger than fiction is most definitely Ferrell's crowning achievement.
Alot of the SNL players from the Ferrell time have done alot better after leaving SNL. The writer's must have sucked hardcore.
Wilgrove
22-12-2008, 18:33
Every year, my brother, dad,and I make fun of It's a Wonderful Life while my mom tries to watch it. Ahh it's funny.
Wilgrove
22-12-2008, 18:35
Alot of the SNL players from the Ferrell time have done alot better after leaving SNL. The writer's must have sucked hardcore.

I think Ferrell could be a great actor if he took more serious roles. When he takes a comedy role, he just comes off as loud and obnoxious. He tries too hard in the comedy roles. However, in roles that he took in "Stranger Than Fiction", he's been great in.
No Names Left Damn It
22-12-2008, 19:05
Every year, my brother, dad,and I make fun of It's a Wonderful Life while my mom tries to watch it. Ahh it's funny.

That's cruel. You'd get annoyed if 3 people were wrecking SAW or the Matrix for you.
The_pantless_hero
22-12-2008, 19:20
I think Ferrell could be a great actor if he took more serious roles. When he takes a comedy role, he just comes off as loud and obnoxious. He tries too hard in the comedy roles. However, in roles that he took in "Stranger Than Fiction", he's been great in.
Because the characters he plays in comedy roles are loud and obnoxious.
Minoriteeburg
22-12-2008, 19:53
I don't really consider Die Hard a true Christmas movie. It's a cops and robbers movie that happens near Christmas time. The only thing the writers needed Christmas for in the movie was as an excuse to get the separated couple (John McClane and Holly Genaro) together in Los Angeles.

If it takes place during Christmas, it's a Christmas movie.
The_pantless_hero
22-12-2008, 20:09
If it takes place during Christmas, it's a Christmas movie.

That's stupid. Neither Gremlins nor Die Hard are Christmas movies. Christmas is just a McGuffin.
Minoriteeburg
22-12-2008, 20:11
That's stupid. Neither Gremlins nor Die Hard are Christmas movies. Christmas is just a McGuffin.

Gremlins is a christmas movie, and a wonderful one at that.
Partybus
22-12-2008, 20:15
It's a Wonderful Life-granted, it's hokey and set firmly in it's time setting, but this movie really defines Christmas movies-being public domain in the early years of television doubtless helped.

I agree, in fact, I use the phrase "Well, this is a very interesting situation" whenever I can...
Hotwife
22-12-2008, 20:17
Barely Legal Christmas
Minoriteeburg
22-12-2008, 21:07
Barely Legal Christmas

I don't think I have ever seen that one.
Hotwife
22-12-2008, 21:09
I don't think I have ever seen that one.

I recommend it. It's porn, but it's well worth watching.
Minoriteeburg
22-12-2008, 21:09
I don't think Bad Santa has been mentioned, but I should add it to my list.
Dorksonian
23-12-2008, 02:01
if it takes place during christmas, it's a christmas movie.

ho ho ho
Waterana
23-12-2008, 02:45
Christmas Vacation (all time favorite, love Chevy Chase)
A Christmas carol (old musical version)
Muppet Christmas carol
The Polar Express
Miracle on 34th street (original)
plus many others I can't think of right now.
The Parkus Empire
23-12-2008, 04:47
Nobody nominated this (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=323909610753051544&hl=en)?
CanuckHeaven
23-12-2008, 04:56
A Christmas Carol (Alastair Sim) and It's a Wonderful Life (TIE)
Minoriteeburg
23-12-2008, 05:47
Nobody nominated this (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=323909610753051544&hl=en)?

wow. This was before my time, and its bad. I mean its better than the ewok movies, but it's still bad.
Intangelon
23-12-2008, 07:31
That's cruel. You'd get annoyed if 3 people were wrecking SAW or the Matrix for you.

Oh come on. Anyone who insists on watching the same movie every year is either sentimental to the point of torpidity or in early-onset Alzheimer's. I've gotta wonder about people who not only pay to own copies of a film (or worse yet, steal them PTP), but actually watch them over and over. Now if it's rare, unusual, or never broadcast on TV, I can see it. Anime, for example, or films out of print or stand-up performances, stuff like that. But It's A Wonderful Life? I know people have their traditions, but sheesh.
Grave_n_idle
23-12-2008, 22:28
Oh come on. Anyone who insists on watching the same movie every year is either sentimental to the point of torpidity or in early-onset Alzheimer's. I've gotta wonder about people who not only pay to own copies of a film (or worse yet, steal them PTP), but actually watch them over and over. Now if it's rare, unusual, or never broadcast on TV, I can see it. Anime, for example, or films out of print or stand-up performances, stuff like that. But It's A Wonderful Life? I know people have their traditions, but sheesh.

I have several movies that I watch on a regular basis. And I don't mean like - every christmas - I mean like, at least once a week.

Others, like Ghostbusters 2, I'll watch if I catch them on tv, just about every time I happen across them, but I don't go out of my way to watch the DVD.

If someone wants to watch the same film every christmas... that doesn't seem strange.
Myrmidonisia
23-12-2008, 22:46
It's a Wonderful Life has been nominated already and it deserves plenty of recognition.

One I hadn't seen until recently is "The Bishop's Wife". Cary Grant and Loretta Young are great in this movie. Y'all owe to yourselves to watch it.
Dondolastan
23-12-2008, 22:53
A Christmas Story. Or Bad Santa. Either of those.
Rhursbourg
23-12-2008, 22:53
Scrooge (Alastair Sim)
Santa Claus (1959)
Chumblywumbly
23-12-2008, 23:31
The Junky's Christmas, anyone?

Festive frolics for all the family.
Holy Cheese and Shoes
23-12-2008, 23:41
Bad Santa - definitely the best antidote to all the asinine schmaltzy shite one normally must endure.
Holy Cheese and Shoes
23-12-2008, 23:45
Nobody nominated this (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=323909610753051544&hl=en)?

Good Christ, I had forgotten about that.

How could anyone have thought 10 minutes of wookies growling at each other in domestic bliss would ever make good television?! And not even any subtitles!:rolleyes:
Intangelon
24-12-2008, 02:45
I have several movies that I watch on a regular basis. And I don't mean like - every christmas - I mean like, at least once a week.

Others, like Ghostbusters 2, I'll watch if I catch them on tv, just about every time I happen across them, but I don't go out of my way to watch the DVD.

If someone wants to watch the same film every christmas... that doesn't seem strange.

We disagree then. I know how It's A Wonderful Life goes. I never need to see it again.
Grave_n_idle
24-12-2008, 02:54
We disagree then. I know how It's A Wonderful Life goes. I never need to see it again.

It's not one on my list, I am first to admit. On the other hand, if they were to show Nightmare Before Christmas, I'd probably watch it.
Intangelon
24-12-2008, 02:57
It's not one on my list, I am first to admit. On the other hand, if they were to show Nightmare Before Christmas, I'd probably watch it.

It may be that as a musician and actor, I memorize things fairly quickly. As such, after two or three viewings, I honestly don't need to see it again. Nightmare is another example. I lived in a college town with a theater that was cheap, and cheaper with college ID. I saw it three times the first two weeks it was out. I never need to see it again. I guess it just bores me because I know it so well already. I wouldn't begrudge someone their tradition, but I would bring a book to that particular party.
Grave_n_idle
24-12-2008, 03:06
It may be that as a musician and actor, I memorize things fairly quickly. As such, after two or three viewings, I honestly don't need to see it again. Nightmare is another example. I lived in a college town with a theater that was cheap, and cheaper with college ID. I saw it three times the first two weeks it was out. I never need to see it again. I guess it just bores me because I know it so well already. I wouldn't begrudge someone their tradition, but I would bring a book to that particular party.

I don't need to see Nightmare Before Christmas again. I know every word. I watch it because I like watching it. Probably the same reason there are some books I still read as ongoing projects, reading them on and off constantly - even though I've long ago finished reading them for the first time.

I guess I just don't get bored. Indeed, thinking about it, I'm not sure I've ever actually been bored.
German Nightmare
24-12-2008, 03:16
The Life of Brian!?!
Collectivity
24-12-2008, 03:28
The Polar Express - 3D version. A good kid's film.

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe was good too.
Minoriteeburg
24-12-2008, 05:38
It's not one on my list, I am first to admit. On the other hand, if they were to show Nightmare Before Christmas, I'd probably watch it.

Nightmare Before Christmas is definitely more entertaining than It's a Wonderful Life.
Bann-ed
24-12-2008, 06:46
Valkyrie.
Minoriteeburg
24-12-2008, 06:55
Valkyrie.

was that any good? the trailer made it seem overrated.
Bann-ed
24-12-2008, 07:00
was that any good? the trailer made it seem overrated.

I haven't seen it, but I am pretty sure it comes out on the 25th.
Ashmoria
24-12-2008, 07:01
and nothing says christmas like a nazi assassination movie.
Minoriteeburg
24-12-2008, 07:03
and nothing says christmas like a nazi assassination movie.

well we should all know the end. tom cruise does not kill hitler. sorry guys, but hitler wins christmas.
Lord Tothe
24-12-2008, 07:06
well we should all know the end. tom cruise does not kill hitler. sorry guys, but hitler wins christmas.

Tom Cruise loses, but Hitler wins - I don't know whether to celebrate or not.
Minoriteeburg
24-12-2008, 07:07
Tom Cruise loses, but Hitler wins - I don't know whether to celebrate or not.

the pine tree for christmas is also a german tradition....so again Hitler wins christmas.
Ashmoria
24-12-2008, 07:08
well we should all know the end. tom cruise does not kill hitler. sorry guys, but hitler wins christmas.
yeah its not unlike that titanic movie

the boat sinks.
Big Jim P
24-12-2008, 16:01
My personal favorite is a porno flick called "Panty Clause".:D
No Names Left Damn It
24-12-2008, 16:06
My personal favorite is a porno flick called "Panty Clause".:D

Please, go on.
String Cheese Incident
24-12-2008, 16:16
I must be the only one to find that movie overrated.

Blasphemy, on christmas day my family and I watch a christmas story every possible chance we get.
Big Jim P
24-12-2008, 16:16
Please, go on.

Sorry. Forum rules. PG-13.;)
The_pantless_hero
24-12-2008, 17:08
well we should all know the end. tom cruise does not kill hitler. sorry guys, but hitler wins christmas.
I lol'd.
No Names Left Damn It
24-12-2008, 17:16
Sorry. Forum rules. PG-13.;)

It's Christmas, who cares? At least the vague outline.
Intangelon
24-12-2008, 18:55
Blasphemy, on christmas day my family and I watch a christmas story every possible chance we get.

Blasphemy...blass for you...
Jello Biafra
24-12-2008, 22:46
A Christmas Story
Bad Santa
Home Alone
Nanatsu no Tsuki
24-12-2008, 23:07
A Nightmare Before Christmas
Dyakovo
24-12-2008, 23:20
None of them
No Names Left Damn It
24-12-2008, 23:22
None of them

Scrooge.
Nanatsu no Tsuki
24-12-2008, 23:26
None of them

:eek:
Dyakovo
24-12-2008, 23:27
Scrooge.

:eek:

*shrugs*
No Names Left Damn It
24-12-2008, 23:30
*shrugs*

Next you'll be saying that Christmas is too commercial these days.
Nanatsu no Tsuki
24-12-2008, 23:32
Next you'll be saying that Christmas is too commercial these days.

Unfortunately, it is. :(
Dyakovo
24-12-2008, 23:33
Next you'll be saying that Christmas is too commercial these days.

It's more that I'm not a big fan of Christmas movies.
The Cat-Tribe
25-12-2008, 06:37
Without having read the thread, has anyone mentioned the uplifting and educational delight that is Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075988/)?

:D
Big Jim P
25-12-2008, 11:40
It's Christmas, who cares? At least the vague outline.

Not much plot, but there are a couple of disturbing scenes, such as the BDSM scene where MS Claus walks in on Santa disciplining a bad elf, and then starts disciplining him. Red and white bondage gear is just wrong.

And I won't even describe the zoophiliac scene involving Santa and Rudolph.
Western Mercenary Unio
25-12-2008, 11:54
Not much plot, but there are a couple of disturbing scenes, such as the BDSM scene where MS Claus walks in on Santa disciplining a bad elf, and then starts disciplining him. Red and white bondage gear is just wrong.

And I won't even describe the zoophiliac scene involving Santa and Rudolph.

Ook...
The Alma Mater
25-12-2008, 12:03
Not much plot, but there are a couple of disturbing scenes, such as the BDSM scene where MS Claus walks in on Santa disciplining a bad elf, and then starts disciplining him. Red and white bondage gear is just wrong.

And I won't even describe the zoophiliac scene involving Santa and Rudolph.

Seems rather unimaginative :(
Big Jim P
25-12-2008, 13:04
Seems rather unimaginative :(

Best I could do on short notice. Sorry.

In less than 24 hours it will be over. w00t!