Christmas is rapidly approaching and all of us are excited for another joyous round of snow, presents and an all around merry time.But if you haven’t quite gotten into that specific festive mood then here are 5 movies that will no doubt ease your transition from Scrooge to Santa.The time for cheers and carols is nigh.
5.Elf
Basically it’s Will Ferrell as an elf.However, the mixture of both well-done comedy and family-friendly settings makes Elf a Christmas classic.There is a certain type of humor for all ages here not to mention the payoff hits all Christmas requirements. It’s friendly, it’s warm and it’s funny.
4.Polar Express
Another one for the family.This animated Christmas movie may be a turn off for those who don’t like performance capture because Polar Express does have moments when the characters appear to be stiff.Nevertheless, it excels in it’s beautiful tone by showing us breath taking arctic imagery that will send shivers down your spine.Not in the chilling way, no, but you know a Christmas movie is good when even snow comes off as something Christmasy.
3.Joyeux Noel
What makes it a truly fantastic Christmas film is that it’s not just a tale of hope, friendship and courage. Being based on a true story brings forth a much larger feeling of involvement and caring for the characters in a way that makes you think twice about the importance of Christmas.The story is set on Christmas Eve during the first World War where German, French and Scottish hold a ceasefire in order to enjoy the Holiday together.It’s a beautiful and tragic film as it shows how war fades in an instant when it’s compared with the holiday of sharing and love.
2.A Nightmare Before Christmas
Tim Burton struck gold with this movie not because he nails what Christmas is all about but because he does so in a very subtle manner.I say subtle because the idea of Christmas isn’t present at the beginning of the movie.Actually it doesn’t even exist. It gradually becomes introduced throughout the film without being forced. The stop-motion animation is still one of the best today, the specific Burton dark humor is present and the transition from nothing to full holiday will get you in the festive mood in no time.
1. A Christmas Carol (all variants)
I know, this may not be one movie but a bunch, yet the age old tale is ripe for several great adaptations that stay true to the spirit of Christmas. Many of you know the tale of Scrooge and his transformation from grumpy old man to jolly and caring philantropist but every take still preserves that holiday specific mood.If you want a more modern take, watch A Christmas Carol from 2009 with Jim Carrey.If you’re old school watch the 1938 version.Honestly, a classic mainly because it stays true and unbroken with each passing year.
