Ten best–and worst–Christmas movies
I have in my right mitten, direct from my home office in wintry northern Indiana, tonight’s Top Ten Best—and Worst—Christmas Movies. First, let’s get the bad out of the way.
The Worst
5. Silent Night, Deadly Night, 1984
A young boy’s parents are brutally murdered by a drunken Santa, so he is forced to grow up in a cruel Catholic orphanage. Everything is fine for the young man, who works in a toy store, until he’s asked to don the red suit. Use your imagination for the results in this C-grade slasher film. A blood-splattered lump of coal for director Charles Sellier!
4. Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, 1964
Martians kidnap Santa and take him to the red planet. The jolly ole elf, however, brings Christmas cheer to the children of Mars. A remake of this silly Christmas sci fi flick is reportedly in the works. Beam me up!
1. Elmo Saves Christmas, 1996; Ernest Saves Christmas, 1989; Felix The Cat Saves Christmas, 2000; all tie for first place.
In fact, any movie, TV special, or direct-to-DVD story with “Saves Christmas” in the title, goes on my “naughty” list. (This year CBS presents Seinfeld’s “George” as “The Man Who Saved Christmas.”) All involve the pathetic premise that “We won’t have Christmas this year if (fill in the blank with some lame excuse).
The Best
5. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, 1986
The Herdmans are the stereotype street urchins who steal, start fires, smoke cigars . . . and turn the annual church production into “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Loretta Swit gets top billing, but the delightful child actors are the shining stars in this story of redemption.
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 1966
Everyone loves Dr. Seuss. So, when his playful poetry meets up with villainous narration of Boris Karloff, you have a holiday classic. The Grinch believes he can stop Christmas from coming by stealing the decorations and toys from Whoville, but discovers that “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!” The original and the best! (Sorry Ron Howard and Jim Carey, but not even close.)
3. A Christmas Story, 1983
Author Jean Shepherd narrates a warm and witty portrait of Christmas past as Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) dreams of a “Red Ryder Carbine Action Two-Hundred Shot Lightning Loader Range Model Air Rifle.” The adult Ralphie notes, “It was the classic mother B.B. gun block: ?You’ll shoot your eye out.’ That deadly phrase uttered many times before by hundreds of mothers, was not surmountable by any means known to kiddom.”
2. It’s a Wonderful Life, 1946
It’s become almost a cliche, but a classic all the same. George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) believes he is a complete failure until an affable angel, played by Henry Travers, shows him what life would have been for all those in Bedford Falls without him. “One man’s life touches so many others, when he’s not there it leaves an awfully big hole.” Often imitated, but never equaled!
1. A Charlie Brown Christmas, 1965
Charlie Brown finds himself depressed at Christmas time, searching for the true meaning of the holiday. Lucy notes, “It’s run by a big eastern syndicate.”
The climactic moment comes when Linus reads the true Christmas story from Luke 2. (Peanut’s creator, Charles Schultz fought CBS’s order to delete the scene.)
And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid … And the angel said unto them, “Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ, the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men.”
Jason Soroski points out the brilliant writing and directing of Shultz. During Linus’ reading, at the precise moments he proclaims “fear not” . . . he drops his ever-present blanket!
“That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
Wishing you peace and goodwill!
Copyright © 2002 James N. Watkins
Update 2023
I would add another “worst” to the list: The Journey to Bethlehem. One of my pet peeves is magi at the birth. (Nope! They could have arrived up to two years later at a “house” when Jesus was a “child.”) But this musical rendition goes way beyond that historical error. First, Mary’s objection to the angel that she was a virgin is deleted. Second, instead of the angels appearing to the shepherds, they appear to the magi! What?! And third, it completely departs from the biblical account when at the birthplace, Herod’s son bursts in declaring that he has orders to kill any pregnant women or newborns. He has an epiphany that Jesus in the Son of God and orders his men to immediately escort the holy family to Egypt to escape his father’s wrath. A disclaimer during credits notes the producers took creative license with the story. License? It is historical heresy.
For more hope and ho! ho! ho! visit The 12 Sites of Christmas
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