(Copyright from Rotten Tomatoes)
- On the first of my list is A Christmas Story (1984). It's funny, memorable, exciting, and everything! Although a child acts in the movie, parental guidance is still required for children under 9 who are to watch the movie. A Christmas Story is about 9 year old Ralphie Parker desiring to have only one thing for Christmas: "an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock, and this thing which tells time." Rotten Tomatoes: Both warmly nostalgic and darkly humorous, A Christmas Story deserves its status as a holiday perennial.
- The Polar Express seconds the motion on my list! Moviefone says: "Sure, the performance-capture technology may have rendered the children a touch frightening to look at (at least it improved dramatically with 'Beowulf'), but there's still plenty of joy to be had in this fast-moving adaptation of the beloved children's book starring an ensemble of Tom Hankses."
- On the third of my list is "The Santa Clause." Tim Allen stars this one as the Santa Clause. His enthusiasm and the movie's Christmas Spirit captures audiences' minds. Moviefone: Tim Allen is actually, uh, jolly in this fun family tale about a guy who accidentally kills Kris Kringle -- whoops! -- then has to take his job, unwillingly at first but then growing to love it (not coincidentally, how many grown-ups feel about the movie). We will not comment on the two sequels.
- The most Christmassy book of all time-gone-movie tops my 4th on this list. A Christmas Carol (1951) takes the best Scrooge of all times.
- On the 5th of my list is Elf! The movie of Will Ferrell's is unforgettable, creative, and very entertaining. Rotten Tomatoes says: Ferrell's funny and charming performance makes Elf a delightful Christmas comedy.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
The Miracle on 34th Street
It's a Wonderful Life
The Santa Clause 2: Mrs. Clause
Home Alone
Scrooged