Some of our colleagues select their top films for holiday viewing.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
For me nothing beats a funny festive film during the holidays and I was brought up watching the National Lampoon’s series with my family, and each year the Christmas Vacation VHS tape would get dusted off and wedged in to the prehistoric VHS player. Without fail, I would laugh until I was blue in the face, and still to this day the poor misfortune of Clark W. Griswold has me in stitches.
As Poor Clark tries to create the perfect Christmas for his loved ones and remain high spirited, despite his brother Eddie’s family living in their RV in his driveway and his uncle burning down the Christmas tree, the story remains light hearted and hilarious. Those of you familiar with the other two films will no doubt enjoy this movie and those who haven’t should certainly add it to their Christmas watch list!
Garrett, Plymouth store
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Being born in the mid 80’s, it’s pretty simple to guess what some of my favourite Christmas films were growing up. I’m sure many of you would feel the same in remembering the trials and tribulations of Kevin McCallister in the “Home Alone” series.
Surely the McCallister’s couldn’t forget their loving and caring son on Christmas again, but Kevin somehow manages to be left on his own on a flight to New York with all the money and credit cards whilst the rest of his large family heads south to Florida. But nothing fazes him, and he manages to swindle a room at the Plaza, racking up huge bills in one of the most prestigious hotels in the world. Even the bumbling crooks Harry and Marc are back and are now knows as the “The Sticky Bandits”! The whole film isn’t just about comedy though as it’s ending produces a truly terrific Christmas moment, a brilliant ending to a brilliant film and one I will watch again this Christmas with the same enthusiasm I did back when I was younger.
Bradley, Plymouth store
Jingle All The Way
I mean, there really isn’t much I can say about one of the greatest Christmas films that ever existed that you don’t already know… it’s doubtful but I’ll talk about it for a bit anyway.
Jingle All The Way is a film centred on one selfish father and the realisations and redemption he experiences whilst hunting for the year’s must-have toy on Christmas Eve. It features Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, Phil Hartman and multiple cameos from people such as James Belushi and wrestling legend The Big Show. It also has the line “Put the Cookie down”, which will remain one of Hollywood’s great accomplishments in regards to writing.
I implore you to watch this classic film this Christmas and I’m going to be honest when I say that if you don’t like it then I don’t think we can be friends.
Author: Hal, Plymouth store
It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s Christmas time, which for many means watching heartwarming movies with loved ones, huddled up warm and cozy, safe from the cold and damp weather outside. Personally, my all-time favourite movie is the timeless 1946 classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Initially poorly received at the box office, over the decades it has become essential holiday viewing for people the world over, and is often regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. Hollywood legends James Stewart and Donna Reed star in this life-affirming film about being thankful and how one life can have impact on so many. A truly special film, be sure you add It’s a Wonderful Life to the holiday movie queue this year.
Author: Anonymous
Elf
One of my absolute must-watch Christmas films is Elf. This modern holiday classic stars Will Farrell as Buddy the Elf, a human who has grown up amongst Santa and his elves at the North Pole after climbing into Santa’s bag as a baby. Try as he might, Buddy never quite fits in with the other elves, despite the best efforts of Papa Elf (played by one of my favourites, the hilariously deadpan Bob Newhart).
Buddy decides that it’s time to leave the nest and try to track down his real family in New York. This leads to all kinds of calamity and hilarity, as Buddy remains blissfully ignorant of how his Elfish ways clash with the rough n’ tough ways of NYC.
Amidst the laugh, there’s still a really positive message about the importance of family and kindness, but it’s just shy of being too sappy (a point I personally appreciate).
If you haven’t seen Elf, put in on your list right away!
Author: Colin, Marketing department
