One great thing about Christmas is there are always so many wonderful movies to enjoy - whether they are brand new films or classics that you have enjoyed time and time again over many years. And boy are there some great films that are rolled out at this time of year.
Miracle on 34th Street
For me, no Christmas is complete until I have seen certain films, and we take a look at the top three movies that you absolutely have to see between now and the big day on Thursday? Which Christmas film gets you in the mood for the festive period?
- Miracle on 34th Street
We have seen a whole host of great actors take on the role of Father Christmas over the years, but no actor was more perfectly cast than Richard Attenborough. Miracle on 34th Street hit the big screen in 1994, and was a remake of the 1947 film starring Edmund Gwenn.
The movie follows Susan, who struggles to accept that Santa Claus when she meets Kris Kringle, who is Father Christmas at the department store where her mother works. Miracle on 34th Street that touches my heart every time I watch it and really kindle the meaning and spirit of Christmas. Seriously, if this film doesn't get you in the Christmas mood then nothing does.
Attenborough really does pay homage and tribute to Father Christmas with his portrayal in the film, and he really was born to take on this role. His embodies mystery, wonder, and grace that is associated with this figure and he really does portray all of that so beautifully. For me, he gives the ultimate performance as Santa Claus.
Miracle on 34th Miracle is a movie that makes you laugh, cry and pull on your heartstrings as the magic and spirit of Christmas is captured from the first scene to the closing credits. Some may call the 1994 movie a pointless remake, but I think it is one of the best Christmas movies that has ever hit the big screen. It is an uplifting and touching movie that brings a tear to my eye every single time.
- Arthur Christmas
Arthur Christmas is one of the newest Christmas movies and hit the big screen for the first time back in 2011. I have to say, it is a treat of a film and one that I now watch religiously at this time of year. The movie saw Aardman Animations team up with Sony Picture Animation, while Sarah Smith made her feature film directorial debut with the movie.
James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Hugh Laurie all lend their names to the movie, which follows Arthur - the youngest son of Father Christmas - who sets out on a quest to get a present to the one child that has been missed. This is an utterly charming Christmas movie that you really should check out if you have not seen it yet.
It is a movie that the kids will just love while there is plenty of humour and heart for adults to also thoroughly enjoy. Arthur Christmas really does capture the spirit of Christmas and really is a new classic in this genre of film. I found myself swept away in the trip around the world and also loved the domestic portrayal of the Claus family.
Arthur is one of those perfect Christmas characters who truly understands and loves this time of year and all that is represents. Like most children, he is in awe of Santa Claus - even though he is his father - and the joy that he brings to children around the world on this very special day. No matter how old you are, this movie really does ram home what a wonderful symbol of love and hope Santa Claus really is.
We have been treated to a wide range of different Christmas animation movies of the years, but, for me, Arthur Christmas is by far and away the best. It is a funny and moving story that will touch the heart of even the grumpiest humbug.
- Santa Claus: The Movie
Santa Claus: The Movie is another of the films that I have to sit down and watch at this time of year, and it hit the big screen for the first time back in 1985. The first half of this film, set hundreds of years ago, shows how the old man who eventually became Santa Claus was given immortality and chosen to deliver toys to all the children of the world. The second half moves into the modern era, in which Patch, the head elf, strikes out on his own and falls in with an evil toy manufacturer who wants to corner the market and eliminate Santa Claus.
David Huddleston takes on the role of Santa Claus in the film, while Dudley Moore and John Lithgow star as Patch and business man/villain B.Z. Even though some of the special effects that were used in this movie do look a bit dated, you can still something incredibly magic about this film.
On one hand Santa Claus: The Movie looks at everything that is good about this time of year, while the other looks at how this time of year has perhaps, come a little over commercialised and for businesses, the true spirit of Christmas has been lost in favour of profit. Director Jeannot Szwarc does a really great job in balancing these two elements to make a movie that has a message and yet is fun at the same time.
Ok, so this may not be the best Christmas movie in the eyes of many, but this is one of the festive films that has stayed with me ever since I watched it as a child and no Christmas is complete until I have sat down and watched this movie. I love the performance by Dudley Moore and David Huddleston really is a wonderful Santa Claus. This is one Christmas movie every child should be made to watch at least once - no matter how old/dated it is started to look - it still captures the spirit and heart of Christmas in fine style.
Other Christmas movies that not to missed include Scrooge/ A Christmas Carol, The Polar Express, Frozen, Elf, It's A Wonderful Life, and Die Hard.