(Image courtesy of IMDB.) “Home Alone is just one of the movies we recommend watching this season.”
Aaron Preziosi
Connector Editor
As the end of the semester draws near, and the holidays come closer, the stress of finals and holiday preparations will slowly, but surely, fade into cheer and relaxation. A festive movie always helps make the most of the season, lift spirits, and relieve stress. Here are some of The Connector’s most beloved Christmas films to watch:
Home Alone (1990) – 1990’s Home Alone is, hands down, one of the most beloved Christmas films of all time. Kevin McCallister, played by a young Macaulay Culkin, is a mischievous and resourceful boy who is often ignored and overshadowed by the other members of his large, rambunctious family. When they go on a trip to Paris for Christmas, Kevin inadvertently gets left behind, immediately enjoying his newfound freedom. When two burglars, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, intend to rob his house, however, Kevin uses his creativity and resources to set up cartoonishly funny traps to thwart his would-be burglars, such as paint cans that swing down to smack them in the head, marbles for them to slip on, or a hot doorknob for them to burn themselves on. The slapstick humor, alongside the themes of whimsical childhood independence and holiday cheer, solidifies a memorable identity for the film and makes it a must-watch. .
Elf (2003) – 2003’s Elf shares many of the same trappings as Home Alone, but with more of a jaded setting. Buddy, the titular elf played by Will Ferrell, is a human who was raised by elves. When he finds out his real father is a writer living in New York City, he sets out to reunite with him and show him what Christmas is all about. Ferrell’s iconic performance as Buddy makes the film incredibly charming and funny, no thanks to him possessing more wide-eyed, over-the-top optimism and childlike wonder than even the film’s children themselves. In a world pervaded by cynicism, Buddy serves as a shining beacon, who shows everyone that Christmas isn’t just a day off from work: it’s a season to have fun, be merry, and spend time with the people who matter to you.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – Jim Carrey’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas needs no introduction. Carrey is a master of his craft, embracing physical comedy and disappearing into his role to create a loveably hateful titular protagonist. The set designs perfectly capture the color and whimsy of Seuss’ signature absurdist style, blending it with the real world in a convincing manner. Everything feels larger than life, lovingly overdesigned and cared for. As the Grinch enacts his plan to ruin the Whos’ holiday, one cannot help but laugh at him and cheer him on, especially when his metaphorical and literal change of heart allows him to realize just how special the holiday can be.
A Christmas Carol (2009) – Dickens’ classic novella, A Christmas Carol, has been reinterpreted and reimagined time and again. However, among the most well-known adaptations of the classic tale is Disney’s 2009 reimagining, directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Jim Carrey as not only Scrooge, but all of the ghosts who visit him. The dialogue and messages remain largely unchanged from the source material, and the film uses its visuals to draw in viewers. Just like How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), Carrey serves as the star of the show, bringing a staggering amount of character to the half-dozen roles he plays within the film. It is an exhilarating, well-made experience with a message that will always resonate with its audience.
Take the time to unwind and relax as the break approaches with any of these films. Whether it is the slapstick humor of Home Alone, the heartwarming optimism of Elf, the whimsical antics of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or the timeless message of A Christmas Carol, these films bring their own charm and spirit to a festive season.
