The next five movies in the Holiday Movie Challenge are definitely classics. Everyone, young and old, has heard of them. Several of them are referenced in other holiday movies. There’s even songs by the same name.
Before I continue, I will be the first to admit that just because a movie and a song have the same name doesn’t mean anything. For example, I like the Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer song, but if I never see the movie again, it will be okay by me.
For the most part, the next five movies are seem to be excellent examples of the holiday spirit. The one that wasn’t was a bit of a surprise.
On to the movies.
Day 11: The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974) – the prospect of a Christmas without Santa is a sad one and Mrs. Claus worked hard to make sure it wouldn’t happen. While that story is great, it is the Heat Miser and Snow Miser who steal the show. And poor Mother Nature, putting up with such unruly children! I could watch this show over and over.
Day 12: White Christmas (1954) – Musicals are so much fun and this one did not disappoint! I’m astounded I had never watched this before. Bing, Danny, Rosemary and Vera-Ellen did such a great job. Their talent is amazing (though I did read an article that said Rosemary dubbed Vera-Ellen’s singing parts). Maybe it is the nostalgia of older movies, but I feel like they are more real than the shows we have now. The backdrops during the WWII bombing scene looked a little fake, but so much of what we see in today’s movies is fake too (thank you CGI and green-screens). Whatever it is, I can say with certainty that I will be rewatching this one for years to come.
Day 13: It’s A Wonderful Life (1947) – Another classic I have never watched! George Bailey is awesome, though so is Jimmy Stewart. I didn’t realize this was based on “The Greatest Gift” by Phillip Van Doren Stern. I put the book on my 2020 reading list, but couldn’t help myself. I read it today! It’s a short read – took me about 30 minutes including interruptions. While the screenplay changed things up a bit, I feel like the movie captured the meaning of the book. And who doesn’t love Zuzu!
Day 14: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) – Let’s be honest. The Grinch is better animated. I suspect that statement will cause some controversy, but Jim Carrey’s 2000 version was too Hollywood for me. I like my Cindy Lou Who in her pink nightgown rather than furry collars and outrageous hairstyles.
Day 15: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) – This is the only movie of the five that I didn’t like, and it was the one that I remembered the most. Or thought I remembered. The movie is 55 years old, which goes a long way in explaining why Donner tells Mrs. Donner “This is man work” when he goes in search of Rudolph. But geez, Santa discriminated against Rudolph because of the color of his nose. How did I miss that when I was a kid? I’m going to chalk this one up to the changing times and move on.
That’s a wrap on these five movies. I’ve got some more oldies but goodies coming up and a few that I haven’t seen before. I wonder which ones I will like the most?
I appreciate the feedback on social media. I’ve been posting on the various platforms and really enjoy seeing everyone’s great comments. There is still time to let me know if you have a favorite holiday movie I should watch. Email me at carolewolfeauthor@gmail.com or comment below!