The holiday season is such a grand phenomenon in American culture that in the last century a movie subgenre has evolved out of its existence and aesthetic. Over the years this subgenre has culminated its own characters, tropes and cliches. Despite the similarities in themes however, directors and writers over the years have found ways to be creative with the Christmas aesthetic and have created movies that will remain relevant for decades.
“Babes in Toyland,” also known as “March of the Wooden Soldiers,” is a 1934 black and white movie starring legendary comedians Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Based on the 1903 operetta, the duo rents rooms from Mother Peep’s shoe in Toyland. When she is unable to make her mortgage payment to villain Silas Barnaby, he tries to coerce her into having him marry her daughter Little Bo-Peep. Stannie and Ollie must stop his evil plan by using a wooden soldier army to battle his henchmen. The movie can be watched in its entirety for free on YouTube or other online streaming platforms.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” released in 1946 is another black and white classic that tells the fictional life story of George Bailey who contemplates ending his life after finding himself on the verge of losing everything he had worked his life towards. After meeting an angel looking to receive his wings, he reevaluates his circumstances and what he truly values in life.
Upon initial release the movie was a financial failure falling half a million short of its break-even point according to the British Broadcasting Corporation. Because the film’s copyright was not renewed in the ‘70s, it was put into the public domain which allowed it to be broadcast without licensing or royalty fees. Through repeated showings on TV during the holiday season, it eventually went on to become a Christmas classic among Americans.
Based on the 1949 song recorded by Gene Autry, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” is a stop-motion TV special released in 1964. It tells the story of a young reindeer trying to find his place among the other reindeer in Santa’s workshop. The only problem is his shiny, red nose that it is impossible to hide. However, when a heavy fog rolled through on Christmas Eve he put it to good use.
Something Ralphie Parker wishes he could put to good use is a Red Ryder air rifle. Based on the semi-fictional stories of Jean Shepherd, 1983’s “A Christmas Story” describes Parker’s experiences as a young kid in the earlier half of the 20th century through a series of interwoven short stories. Tales include the classic coming of age experiences of confronting a bully, accepting dares and swearing in front of parents.
One parent who does not have an issue with swearing at points is Clark Griswold in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Released in 1989, the Chevy Chase slapstick tells the story of the Griswold family attempting to celebrate the holidays in the grandest way possible with inevitable hijinks ensuing. With this family there is no limit to the chaos they cause including fires, car crashes and kidnappings.
Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister in 1990’s “Home Alone” also knows a little something about causing chaos. The coming-of-age comedy sees him defend himself and his family’s home from the Wet Bandits after his negligent family accidentally leaves him behind on their vacation to Paris. The film’s non-stop antics continue building up to the film’s final chase scene where countless unforgettable gags are woven into the fiasco.
Another movie filled with endless gags is Will Ferrell’s 2003 comedy “Elf.” The story follows an elf named Buddy who spends the movie tracking down and connecting with his wealthy father after he accidentally wandered into a sack of Santa’s toys as a baby. Much of the humor revolves around him trying and failing to adapt to the modern world after being isolated in the North Pole his entire life.
“Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” is a brand new release hosted by Netflix and has already received positive feedback from viewers and critics. The musical fantasy tells the tale of a toymaker named Jeronicus, played by Forest Whitaker, who’s groundbreaking invention and book are stolen by his apprentice Gustafson, played by Keegan-Michael Key. When his inventor granddaughter Journey, played by Madalen Mills, comes to stay with him for the holidays she finds a yet-to-be completed invention and reignites her grandfather’s ambitions.
Christmas movies are so synonymous with the holidays that for some families or friend groups gathering together and watching their favorite classic year after year becomes a tradition. Despite the monotonous situation the world finds itself currently in, people are able to take comfort in past memories and use them as reference towards a brighter future.
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