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Christmas films...aaahhh!!

December 13th 2006 22:11
Last week I thought I might see a morning film at my local Hoyts cinema. I had a free voucher otherwise the Hollywood conglomerate would not be an option. I discovered that the main theme of the films showing were Christmas/children-orientated. Now, I’m not against Christmas or children’s films as I really like Christmas and its vibe, but Christmas films are different, they are not my cup of tea.

There seems to be a theme or assumption that these are the main kinds of films people want to see in this season. What about me? I did some research and calculations and worked out there are fourteen films on at Broadway and five of them are related to Christmas…Hmmmm, I rest my case….

So this leads me to a question, why do we need a plethora of crappy films to choose from? I was disappointed as seeing films is a great way to hop into another world for two hours and I couldn’t find anything decent - I’d already seen Little Miss Sunshine and The Departed, but I guess in all fairness I can’t blame Hoyts for that (I’d like to though).

Then I realised I had another question, have I ever seen a Christmas film I’ve liked? I honestly can’t think of any at the moment but I’m sure there must be some… I will ponder that as I trot around the shops today….




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Comments
37 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by JohnDoe

December 13th 2006 22:45
No we dont need so many christmas movies.


A few faves of mine:

Bad Santa
Nightmare before Xmas
A Christmas Story
Miracle On 34th Street
Dr Suess' The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (Animated)
Richard Donner's Santa Clause
Die Hard/Lethal Weapon

Comment by Tracy

December 13th 2006 23:46
Hi John

Thanks for your comments, you have given me a few films to think about as usual...yes, I also liked Nightmare before Xmas and A Christmas Story. I haven't seen Miracle On 34th Street or Dr Suess' The Grinch Who Stole Christmas but would like to...maybe this Christmas....

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

December 14th 2006 01:04
I just remembered another one, The Corpse Bride. I liked that one too...

Comment by katyzzz

December 14th 2006 01:17
Tracy,

I'm a bit of a simpleton, I just love Christmas, still believe in Santa Claus, although I think, nowadays, he requently misses my house.

Love your image, and love your icon/logo.

katyzzz

Comment by Cibbuano

December 14th 2006 02:08
Tracy... I love that Bill Murray movie, Scrooged...

Also, this month, Volver comes out and so does Le Valet... two European movies that I am heavily looking forward to...

Comment by Tracy

December 14th 2006 02:45
Hi katyzzz

Thanks for dropping in and for your compliments.

I also really like Christmas, I like the lights on people's houses and general feeling of happiness around. I just find Christmas films a bit cheesy and predictable.

That's a pity that Santa misses your house though...maybe this year?

Tracy

Comment by Lizard68591

December 14th 2006 03:22
How about Scrooged with Billly Murray

Comment by Tracy

December 14th 2006 03:29
HI Cib

I've only heard of that film, Scrooged but never seen it.

Ah yes, Volver, the new film from Pedro Almodóvar, I'm looking forward to that too. I hadn't heard of Le Valet so I looked that up, but I didn't have any luck though, what's that one about?

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

December 14th 2006 03:48
Snap, Lizard, Cib just mentioned that too. Might have to see that one as it's sounding popular.

Byeee

Comment by KylieW

December 14th 2006 06:01
Die Hard and Die Hard 2. Best xmas films ever!!

Comment by Tracy

December 14th 2006 09:02
HI Kylie

I haven't seen either of them and I'm surprised they're Christmas films...but the beauty of blogging is learning these things

Tracy

Comment by Mrs M

December 14th 2006 12:27
I'm with KylieW. All the way.

Love & stuff
Mrs M

Comment by Tracy

December 14th 2006 19:20
HI Mrs M

Nice to see you here, thanks for your comment.

That's three votes for Die Hard...hmmm, maybe I have to see it now......

Comment by postmoderncritic

December 14th 2006 19:40
I think Love, Actually was worth a look, but I agree that Xmas-themed movies tend to be quite disappointing, like Christmas albums from the latest pop sensations. ;o)

Comment by Tracy

December 14th 2006 19:53
HI Postmodern

How are you feeling post-party?

Aaah yes, Love Actually is quite a good film although I thought the ending was wrapped up a bit too nicely, but it definitely is an enjoyable watch.

Oh yes, music is another Christmassy thing that can be chessy.....

Byee

Comment by Francis

December 14th 2006 20:47
I don't think that X-mas flicks are inherently worse than otehr kinds- it's just that they're all pushed and broadcast at us en masse this time of year, so the good ones like Scrooged get buried underneath a ton of the predictable stale treacle.

Comment by Tracy

December 14th 2006 23:28
Hi Francis

Thanks for your comments. Yes, I think that's one of the things that really irks me-the lack of choice at this time of year. I agree that decent films get less emphasis because of the more media-charged ones. Seems like Scrooged is definitely one to see....

Tracy

Comment by Lilla

December 15th 2006 00:56
Hi Tracy,

I love the Grinch... every year, then when the little daughties are tucked into their wee little beds... Die Hard... nothing better... ooh besides egg nog and the air conditioning...*lol*

it's getting close isn't it... no more parties... I haven't even put the decorations up yet... I am such a scrooge...

Lilla...

Comment by Tracy

December 15th 2006 01:18
Hi Lilla

Good to see you. I haven't seen The Grinch, I just looked it up as I'd forgotten what it was about and it looks good. I feel like watching something animated at the moment, maybe the Christmas film vibe is seeping through my blood after all.....

I've put some decorations up, but they're not typical Christmas ones, in fact I tend to leave them there until about Feb or until they fall down. And we have the tiniest tree that I love....next are some outside lights, last year they stayed up until March when my husband snipped them doing the gardening... hmmmmm, good job I'm a forgiving soul..

I've never had egg nog....

Byeeee

Comment by Andrea

December 15th 2006 03:20
Hi Tracy

I'm putting up my hand with another vote for 'Love, Actually'. I really enjoy that movie.

What I really hate is when the TV networks insist on playing Christmas movies at other times of the year. That really bugs me. Who wants to be watching Santa and snow in September?

A.H.

Comment by Tracy

December 15th 2006 04:50
Hi Andrea

Your comment about snow and Santa in Sept made me laugh. That's so true. Ah yes, telly films....talk about dodgerama!!!

Comment by Ash

December 16th 2006 11:30
I can`t get enough of Christmas movies! I love this time of year probably because I have always had lots of little 'uns under me so have always had to indulge them. There is something magical about this time of year and the movies only help get you in the mood. One day I will be taking my kids to the 'real' Santa in Lapland - I reckon you are only young once and your imagination soon leaves you so you may as well indulge yourself while you can!

Comment by Brian

December 16th 2006 16:30
Christmas movies are not made that much. Some are made off-season but among the most touching ones I can remember that would fit the Yuletide season are the following:

1. The Santa Clause
2. The Grinch
3. Home Alone

During my younger days, they had these short flicks, animated ones but mostly on TV:

1. Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer
2. Frosty the Snoman
3. Yogi's First Christmas

While movies are a different category, nothing beats spreading the Yuletide cheer with a good movie or special that will surely be appreciated by all who love the Christmas Season

Comment by Tracy

December 16th 2006 21:45
HI Ash

How are you? Congratulations on your wedding!! I'm going to hop across to your party after this, yehhh.

I'd love to go to Lapland too. When I was working in London, a friend's boyfriend surprised her with a visit to Lapland for Christmas...what a pressie.

There definitely is something magical about this time of year, I love walking around the streets and looking at the house lights..

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

December 16th 2006 21:49
Hi Brian

Thanks for popping in and for your comments. I liked remembering the short films you mentioned:

1. Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer
2. Frosty the Snoman
3. Yogi's First Christmas

They're classics and irreplacable. I really loved Yogi...

Byeee

Comment by Nina

December 17th 2006 08:54
I've never been much of a fan of Christmas Movies, though I did enjoy Home Alone and the DIe Hard Movies. I"m not sure why I don't really like them - probably because they tend to be overtly cheesy in a way that irritates me.

Comment by Tracy

December 17th 2006 20:03
Hi Nina

I know what you mean, I think Christmas is a magical time and I'm particularly enjoying it this year. People have mentioned some good films that I'd forgotten about and haven't yet seen, which has heartened me, but overall there does seem to be a higher level of cheesiness in films at this time of year.......or maybe there is always the same level of cheesiness but I just notice it more at this time...interesting thought that I might spend some time pondering on....

Byeee

Comment by Ash

December 17th 2006 21:45
Hi Tracy
I`m a little hoarse after our party last night, but it was worth it!
Ah what a great surprise, it would be magical I reckon.
I love looking at the lights too. We haven`t had much of a chance yet to go looking this year, so this week that is the mission. Can`t wait.
Breakfast smells great.
Cheers
Ash

Comment by Tracy

December 17th 2006 22:17
Hi Ash

I'm sorry I missed a chunk of the party last night, but gosh my friend talked...and talked...I had to wriggle myself slowly out of her house top get back to you.

Anyhoo, yes Lapland would be a magical place to visit.....aaahh, we have to dream and drink coffee until it happens...

See you back at your place,

Trace

Comment by Cibbuano

December 18th 2006 01:17

Comment by Tracy

December 18th 2006 01:25
Welcome, Cib!!

The Grinch is well and truly on my to-see very-soon list...

Comment by postmoderncritic

December 27th 2006 04:23
Tracy,

Sorry it's taken me this long to get back to you, I'm still getting used to the optional comments notification!

The carpet was a nice change after the shed... I somehow managed to make it home after wandering around your block for a while trying to catch my bearings... Thanks for inviting me and I hope your New Year's celebrations prove as memorable! ;o)

Comment by Tracy

December 27th 2006 08:25
Hello PM

Nice to see you again, glad you made it home safely

I know what you mean about the optional comments button, I'm still getting used to that one too.

I'm trotting off to the Hunter with my husband for NYE so it should be a relaxing and peaceful one. Hope you have a great night with a few pina coladas....

Tracy

Comment by postmoderncritic

December 27th 2006 09:46
I actually have to admit to only drinking virtually! ;o) It was fun though... *virtual cheers*

Relaxing and peaceful sounds lovely, I wish you all the best in the New Year.

Comment by Tracy

December 27th 2006 11:04
Hello PM

Yes, virtual drinking means a vitual hangover which is much better than the real thing

Best wishes to you too,

Tracy

Comment by JohnDoe

December 27th 2006 13:32
Hi Tracy,

I have posted the entire video of The Grinch who Stole Christmas on my blog. Please feel free to watch it by clicking here

Hope you enjoy it.

Comment by Tracy

December 27th 2006 21:12
Hi John

That's brilliant, thank-you. I'm off on holiday in a bit, so I'll watch it when I get back.

Byee

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