1 Day to Christmas: The Polar Express

The Polar Express is a stunning modern classic from visionary director Robert Zemeckis. The first feature length film to be created using Motion Capture technology, it should also be remembered as a ground breaker that paved the way to the recent Avatar.

From the outstanding Hot Chocolate sequence, to the bittersweet duet between Hero Girl and Lonely Boy, what works so well about the film is that it all does. Haunting, dreamlike and beautiful, many audiences still remain blind to this masterpiece that Zemeckis has lovingly crafted.

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I also want to give a nod to National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Santa Clause, A Christmas Story, and A Christmas Carol (1951). Four films that I profiled last year, but was unable to find the space to write about this year. Perhaps next December I’ll have to count down for the whole month, in order to make room for all the classics.

For our complete Christmas Gift Guide, please click here.

-John C.

2 Days to Christmas: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Before A Charlie Brown Christmas aired, it’s creators feared it would be a flop for various reasons, including that it was “too religious.” This just goes to show that sometimes you truly don’t know how great something is until other people have seen it.

A Charlie Brown Christmas went on to win awards, and is arguably the best holiday TV special ever made. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without it.

-John C.

3 Days to Christmas: Elf

In Elf, Will Ferrell plays Buddy – a human raised by elves – with the perfect amounts of likability, silliness and charm. He is just the first of many actors who get a chance to shine in this charming Christmas comedy.

Since it’s release in 2003, Elf remains a heartwarming, whimsical and very entertaining film, that never once has gotten old.

-John C.

4 Days to Christmas: Miracle on 34th Street

After the release of Miracle on 34th Street in 1947, Edmund Gwenn deservingly won an Oscar for his role as Kris Kringle. The film remains a quintessential Christmas classic.

There are few who don’t love this magical and brilliantly written film. With wonderful performances and a timeless story about belief, this is a classic that should be watched at least once every year.

-John C.

5 Days to Christmas: It’s a Wonderful Life

While some people are critical of Frank Capra’s 1946 film, you can’t doubt that this is a classic. It’s also a film that’s become a staple of the Christmas season.

Although released 63 years ago, the story of George Bailey’s realization of the importance of life is just as resonant today. It’s a Wonderful Life is an excellent film that hasn’t aged one bit.

-John C.

6 Days to Christmas: Merry Christmas Mr. Bean

I know few people who don’t love Rowan Atkinson’s character of Mr. Bean. Merry Christmas Mr. Bean is not only perhaps his best loved outing as the character, but also one of the all-time classic holiday specials.

There are so many memorable moments packed into this hilarious half-hour that it never gets old from year to year. Whether you’re young or old, this is one worth finding the time to watch.

-John C.

7 Days to Christmas: Christmas with the Kranks

One of the most under appreciated Christmas films of recent years, Christmas with the Kranks is a heartwarming and enjoyable holiday comedy.

While most people hated it, we all liked it. Although it’s not going to rank as one of the quintessential classics, the film works well for what it is. This is nothing more than a light and fun film that’s worth watching around Christmas.

-John C.

8 Days to Christmas: The Muppet Christmas Carol

The Muppet Christmas Carol is a musical version of the classic story, starring Michael Caine as Scrooge and Jim Henson’s beloved Muppets in the roles of the other characters. The film manages to take creative control in telling the story, yet is still, at times, a pretty much word-for-word adaptation of Charles Dicken’s masterpiece.

Originally released in 1992, this adaptation still holds up as a funny and touching retelling of the story, with an excellent soundtrack of original songs. This would also be a good way to introduce kids – perhaps above 7 or 8 – to the truly magical story.

-John C.

9 Days to Christmas: Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas

No matter how you celebrate the season, I hope you’ll find the time amidst all the holiday movies to watch Dr. Seuss’ TV classic, How The Grinch Stole Christmas. This animated short film from 1966 was created with a first-rate production and still holds up just as well today.

In my opinion, you can ignore Ron Howard’s 2000 “revamp” and just spend 25-minutes watching this brilliant classic on DVD. It’s worth it for the whole family.

-John C.

10 Days to Christmas: Disney's A Christmas Carol

With ten days left until Christmas and the film still in theatres, it’s certainly not to late to go see director Robert Zemeckis’ excellent adaptation of Charles Dickens classic masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. Here’s a link to our reviews from November 6th. Our consensus was:

“A stunning new achievement from Robert Zemeckis and ImageMoversDigital. This is a visually amazing, close adaptation of Charles Dicken’s famous book. See it – in 3D or IMAX if you can. **** (Out of 4)”

Like Zemeckis’ previous film, The Polar Express – also criminally underrated – this one will go down as one of my favourite Christmas films. If you haven’t already, then go see this film as soon as you can. It truly is a darkly wonderful and hauntingly beautiful adaptation of Dickens’ classic story.

As Tiny Tim astutely observes, and Andrea Bocelli so beautifully sings over the closing credits, “God bless us everyone!”

-John C.