Holiday Films (2021)

A running list of the holiday films watched this year, updated as new ones are viewed. Films appear in order of viewing, from earliest to most recent.

Edward Scissorhands (1990): Although not a traditional holiday film, this was an attempt to ease into our typical holiday flicks before the snow arrives. With a 1/3 of the film centred around Christmas festivities, that’s enough to qualify as a holiday film this early on in the season.

A Merry Friggin Christmas (2014): Exactly what I was expecting and nothing more; was watched because it was one of Robin Williams’ last films before he died. Not a movie I’d recommend watching and this won’t be making it to my annual holiday must-watch list.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2002): Watched every year, typically while our tree is decorated, I have a love/hate relationship with this film which likely has to do with the presence of Jim Carrey.

The Family Man (2000): Given that this film has a very loose tie to Christmas, and that Nicholas Cage stars in it, I was pleasantly surprised with what it delivered. A modern day A Christmas Carol in some ways, and reminiscent of Scrooged (1988) in many others, I didn’t feel like I wasted 90-minutes. The story of a man finding out what really matters in life.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): Having never seen this film but always hearing rave reviews from others I was excited for what I thought would be my inaugural viewing. Sadly, the appeal of this film was completely lost on me. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that it is a musical—something I was not aware of, and that I do not typically enjoy most musicals, but I simply could not get into this film. With that said, I liked the story it is trying to tell and the stop-motion animation approach it takes. This will not be an annual re-watch.

Elf (2003): An annual watch, there’s something about the ridiculousness of this film that keeps me coming back for more. Given that I am not a fan of Will Farrell it is surprising that I enjoy this film as much as I do. I am a sucker for Zooey Deschanel‘s voice so that might be what brings me back year after year.

Four Christmases (2008): I enjoy this movie more than I likely should. The collection of one liners that are oh so quotable, and a cast that was perfectly selected for their roles; this is a regular holiday watch that I look forward to each and every year because it is simply so entertaining.