Each year movies are released with the hope that they
will not only score big at the box office but will also find a place
in reoccurring festivities. And though many scripts have been fashioned
around the Yuletide theme only a handful have made it to the pristine
position of tradition. Not wanting to just make stuff up I did a poll
of an extensive list of friends, coworkers and colleagues to find
out just what is being watched if anything. The facts are in and by
far the reigning holiday flick is It’s a Wonderful Life. Capra’s
1946 release has filled all generation gaps with its charm and heart
stirring message. Is it coincidence that Sesame Street’s famous
duo Burt and Ernie share their names with the cop and cab driver in
this film. I think not. Other non-animated titles making the must
see list were White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street and one version
or another of A Christmas Carol. How can you beat Albert Finney as
old Scrooge. While the majority are pre-color, some later faces have
crept onto household screens including A Christmas Story, The Santa
Clause and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. Maybe you have wanted
to start a tradition while your kids are young or now that you have
grand kids around. To help you in making this all important decision
here are a few helpful hints. Please keep in mind that even though
a movie has “Christmas terms” in the title they won’t
make a very smooth transition to tradition. For example. Bad Santa.
I think the title sort of speaks for itself. Then there is Black Christmas.
The slasher movie from 1974 with the great tag line, “If this
movie doesn’t make your skin crawl... It’s On Too Tight!”
No vision of sugarplums there. Reindeer Games though conjuring up
thoughts of Rudolph and friends is actually about a casino heist gone
awry, not a test of antler agility. If you are one of “those”
family’s and wanna be slightly varied from the norm maybe try
some of these titles that amazingly didn’t make anyone’s
list. Santa with Muscles. The 1996 film where an evil millionaire
(Hulk Hogan) gets amnesia and then believes that he is Santa Claus.
Or Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. The 1964 classic that has Martians
kidnap Santa because there is nobody on Mars to give their children
presents. But if you are going to start a new tradition might as well
do it with a new movie. This year’s Elf is destined to be a
classic plus there is Christmas with the Kranks and Surviving Christmas
as well. Regardless of what era you go with and whether it is animation
or live action there is something very bonding about family traditions
that far out weighs the cinema. I urge you to let the mindset of family
and togetherness top your wish list this Holiday season. It really
is the gift that keeps on giving. With tips for a cool yule, I’m
Matt Mungle