1. Nativity!
I was looking through films with Martin
Freeman and came across this adorable gem that now reigns as my all-time
favorite Christmas movie.
Freeman is a primary schoolteacher
roped into putting on the annual Christmas pageant. One problem: he
hates Christmas for two reasons. First, his girlfriend broke up with him
during that season to pursue a job opportunity in Hollywood, and
second, his arch rival who teaches at an elite school is always looking
for a chance to upstage him and be the best.
But Mr. Maddens
doesn't have a choice, and he's got one month to wrangle a whole host of
rambunctious kids (and one man-child "classroom assistant") to put on
the "best Christmas pageant ever."
Hilarity,
high-jinks and a whole ream of fantastic songs ensue! I was absolutely
smitten with the story and the heart, and the final performance is not
one to be missed! Rating: Good for the whole family!
2. Joyeux Noel
I only saw this film once, but I treasure it as a singularly wonderful Christmas film.
Set
during World War 1 and focusing on the lives of a few soldiers in the
Scottish, French, and German armies who end up entrenched against one
another on Christmas Eve, the story coalesces around the miraculous
"Christmas Cease-Fire", when for one night and a day, cultures connected
through their respect for the same holiday. The use of three
languages—German, French, and English—instead of all being one language
served to emphasize the distinction between the three nations in a very
beautiful manner. I think Diane Kruger was the only actor I
recognized—but I had forgotten that she was German before I watched
this. That was exciting. In terms of historical accuracy, yes, I admit
it might be theatricized... But as a method of really getting you into
the season and a heart-felt war drama to boot, Joyeux Noel is flawless. Rating: Some war violence, possibly language (more than likely) and graphic visuals of the battlefield type--but largely safe for kids over the age of 13!
3. While You Were Sleeping
This
has been a Christmas tradition in my family since I was old enough to
watch it. Bill Pullman and Sandra Bullock are fantastic in this holiday
romantic comedy about a lonely L-train attendant who falls secretly in
love with a commuter she sees every day—and ends up saving his life and
spending the holiday with his family while he is in a coma! Full of delightful elderly relatives, miscommunications, annoying friends and siblings, this film will warm your heart like a cup of cocoa on a snowy day. Rating: PG for language. (Beware of uncensored grandmas/aunts cracking jokes and slighted exes passing insults! Also... one conversation discusses material inappropriate for young children; censor accordingly)
4. Poirot's Christmas
All
right, I admit this is rather an unorthodox addition, being a
feature-length "episode" instead of an actual film—but who doesn't love a
good Christmas murder mystery? I, for one, am an avid fan of
Christie... And specifically Hercule Poirot... And specifically David
Suchet's portrayal. The portly, diminutive Belgian with the waxed mustaches never looked so good! So this is definitely a Christmas must! Rating: Safe enough for 10 and over... anybody younger would be bored, anyhow.
5. White Christmas
Singing,
dancing, Irving Berlin, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney...
What could be more festive? As the peaceful holidays descend on two former army men, they cross paths with two sisters in need and the four of them team up to help out a former general and boost the spirits of the soldiers as well. The story plays second fiddle to the singing
and dancing, but this is definitely a holiday staple that never gets
old! Rating: Safe for the whole family! Sing along to your heart's content!
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