Classic Christmas movies that will not disappoint
BY CIERRA MARSH
BRIDGET DOYON
NOAH OJA
SHEILA ANASTACIO
ALEXANDER PINKHAM
BRIDGET DOYON
NOAH OJA
SHEILA ANASTACIO
ALEXANDER PINKHAM
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
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One of my favorite holiday movies is How the Grinch Stole Chrtistmas, directed by Chuck Jones. This animated movie first aired on TV in 1966 and instantly became a classic. Based on the classic book by Dr. Seuss, this is a very funny and heartwarming musical comedy where the Grinch tries to steal Christmas from the little town of Whoville.
The moral of the story is easy for everyone to relate to. The Grinch’s dog, Max, is a favorite character, because even though he knows that what the Grinch is doing is wrong, he still stays loyal to him. Max also has a very “whatever” attitude, which makes his antics even funnier. All the colors and Dr. Seuss’s made-up words make it special to watch and listen to. Although the movie is short, being only 26 minutes in length, it has the perfect mix of characters, songs, and plot changes to keep it interesting for all ages. |
The Polar Express
Another movie based on a classic children’s book is The Polar Express. The film, directed by Robert Zameckis, tells the story of a boy doubting the existence of Santa Claus; however the message can be translated into anyone’s fear or doubt.
In the story, a magical train picks up the boy and takes him to the North Pole. On the journey, he learns more about frienship, trust, and begins to believe in the existence of Santa. At the end of the movie, he meets Santa, who tells him he just needs to believe.
The songs in the movie, including Hot Chocolate, When Christmas Comes to Town, and so many more, are as fun as the story itself. Hot Chocolate is one of my favorites because it has so much energy and movement. When Christmas Comes to Town is also an amazing song with a softer tone to it. The scenery is beautiful, especially the brightly lit North Pole Christmas tree. They animated this movie very well, bringing even the snow and the towns to life. The acting is also well-done.The characters, such as Tom Hanks as the conductor, and Eddie Deezen as the know-it-all kid, played their roles well and seemed to be real, even though they were animated. This movie is meant for children, but older people watching it with them can enjoy it too.
In the story, a magical train picks up the boy and takes him to the North Pole. On the journey, he learns more about frienship, trust, and begins to believe in the existence of Santa. At the end of the movie, he meets Santa, who tells him he just needs to believe.
The songs in the movie, including Hot Chocolate, When Christmas Comes to Town, and so many more, are as fun as the story itself. Hot Chocolate is one of my favorites because it has so much energy and movement. When Christmas Comes to Town is also an amazing song with a softer tone to it. The scenery is beautiful, especially the brightly lit North Pole Christmas tree. They animated this movie very well, bringing even the snow and the towns to life. The acting is also well-done.The characters, such as Tom Hanks as the conductor, and Eddie Deezen as the know-it-all kid, played their roles well and seemed to be real, even though they were animated. This movie is meant for children, but older people watching it with them can enjoy it too.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Nightmare before Christmas is an animated, stop-motion, musical film directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton. With beautiful claymation, a unique story, and themes of belonging, conformism, identity, and even culture appropriation, Tim Burton’s classic meeting of two holidays remains ageless to this day.
This movie is dark, gothic, and deals with themes you wouldn’t normally expect from a holiday movie. It combines two holidays in a way that doesn’t feel forced or out of place. Everything that happens is believable in regards to the universe that’s portrayed.
This movie is dark, gothic, and deals with themes you wouldn’t normally expect from a holiday movie. It combines two holidays in a way that doesn’t feel forced or out of place. Everything that happens is believable in regards to the universe that’s portrayed.
On top of that, the storyline is amazing, as it follows Jack Skeleton, otherwise known as Pumpkin Jack. Jack’s character is completely relatable. He lacks a sense of identity even though he’s the most popular person in the twon. He wants so badly to find meaning in his existence that he ends up stealing Christmas, which is a play on the theme of cultural appropriation.
Jack is so desperate to find a place in the world that he literally steals another group’s purpose (the elves’ Christmas). Once he does this, Christmas becomes an amorphous amalgamation of itself and Halloween, causing havoc worldwide and almost destroying Christmas as a whole. It’s an interesting premise, not often portrayed, especially in movies.
The Nightmare Before Christmas is such an untraditional take on the holiday and that’s what makes it stand out. People who are more interested in dark themes can have this movie and still feel included in the holiday festivities.
Jack is so desperate to find a place in the world that he literally steals another group’s purpose (the elves’ Christmas). Once he does this, Christmas becomes an amorphous amalgamation of itself and Halloween, causing havoc worldwide and almost destroying Christmas as a whole. It’s an interesting premise, not often portrayed, especially in movies.
The Nightmare Before Christmas is such an untraditional take on the holiday and that’s what makes it stand out. People who are more interested in dark themes can have this movie and still feel included in the holiday festivities.