It is a rule universally acknowledged that you must watch a Christmas film in December, whether to celebrate the holiday or simply enjoy the festive fun. With that said, here’s a few of the best, so what’s left to do but put your feet up, eat a mince pie, drink some mulled wine and watched the Christmas greats battle it out for star position on the Exeposé Christmas tree:
Bad Santa (2003)
Billy Bob Thornton’s Santa is most definitely on the naughty list, and this film does very little to prove otherwise… Drunkenly munching through advent calendars, agitated by shop customers, and wonderfully grouchy, Willie (Santa) is probably the most human of all the Santas out there. He’s also rather student-like as well, worryingly so in fact. Blunt, rude, but with a glimmer of niceness, here’s that typical Hollywood storyline of character progression and change for the better. Slightly formulaic, but funny and light-hearted nevertheless. (***)
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
This film is worthy of its fame. Delighting in the Christmas values of generosity, kindness, family, friendship, and all that other overly cute stuff, this film will make you reflect on what is important this Christmas. Deep, I know, but don’t worry all this is set up with James Stewart’s incredible (and, at some points, rather comical) performance, and an angel who simply wants his wings (again, this scene is delivered in a tongue-and-cheek tone). Beautiful, poignant, and thoughtful, this is the Christmas classic. (*****)
Love Actually (2003)
Slightly controversial and victim to lots of cyberbullying, but no matter what this film remains a classic. Swelling to the brim with British greats, endlessly quotable, and infinitely funny, it’s simply a joy to watch. Grab your best polo neck and sit down to enjoy Richard Curtis’s version of Christmas. (****)
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Never has Blink-182’s line “We’ll have Halloween on Christmas” been more appropriate… HalloweenTown take over Christmas, resulting in monstrous presents, a skeletal Santa Claus, and an overall catastrophe. All accompanied by musical numbers, of course. An animated masterpiece, family-friendly, and ever so slightly quirky, this film could be a hit with those who are a bit more ‘Bah Humbug’. (***)
Scrooged (1988)
Good old Bill Murray does not let us down with this eighties take on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Scrooge is all yuppy and no heart when he is visited by three fabulous ghosts on Christmas Eve, made up of a psychotic cab driver, a fairy who packs a punch, and the other one that is frankly terrifying. Although full of slapstick comedy, this film does not fail to deliver the Christmas cheer, as we end on a meaningful speech, that tearful ‘God bless us everyone’ line, and a random sing-song. What more could you want? Heart-warming and entertaining – a Christmas combo that can do no wrong. (*****)