Three Christmas Movies

I recently watched the 1988 cult classic Christmas movie Scrooged. I had been wanting to see it for many years, but simply never had the chance to actually sit down and watch it fully. Everyone I spoke to told me it was one of the funniest Christmas movies and one of Bill Murray's best films. I agree on both counts. The plot is basically the same plot as A Christmas Carol with a bit of a twist. The story follows the protagonist, Frank Cross, through his past, present, and future. Bill Murray was quite funny though I felt that Carol Kane stole the show in the comedy department. Her portrayal of an abusive Ghost of Christmas Present really made the film. In the end Bill Murray continues to deliver as the lovable jerk. This one will certainly be going on my list of favorite Christmas classics.

When it comes to my generation's idea of Christmas classics, nothing compares to 1990's Home Alone. Macaulay Culkin lived out every child's dream as the rambunctious Kevin McCallister, who is left behind when his family leaves for a family Christmas vacation. Kevin gets into every sort of mischievous thing that an 8 year old boy left to his own devices could get into. Of course the plot thickens when two house robbers stake out his house as their next conquest. Leave it to Kevin McCalliser to make those guys wish they had never set foot on his doorstep. In traditional John Hughes fashion this film is both funny and heartfelt. I can't think of a better movie to watch at Christmas or on any other day of the year.

2003's Love Actually was the perfect homage to classic Christmas romances. It follows eight completely different people through their last month before Christmas in London, England. When it comes to ensemble casts, this one is perfection. There isn't s single actor that I would recast in this film. Alan Rickman gives one of his best performances as the confused husband of Emma Thompson. For Colin Firth, this was the best possible career decision as his follow up romantic comedy to Bridget Jone's Diary. No romantic comedy set in England would be complete without the illustrious Hugh Grant. Hugh did what Hugh does best and he delivered it with spectacular charm. I can't say enough good things about this movie and of course it is a film that graces my personal collection.

This post was written by Teresa Skibinski.