It's that time of year where the Christmas movies make a comeback. The Wimmera Mail-Times' staff have had many chats on what makes a good Christmas movie. Here are some of our favourites below;
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Ghost of Girlfriends Past
In this 2009 adaptation of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol Matthew McConaughey stars as Connor Mead, a man forced to reflect on a life of womanising and boozing. This is Mac in his prime - watch as he seamlessly moves through scenes like a Texan rattlesnake - his rattle a laidback southern twang and his bite a low brow 2000s rom-com joke delivered in a way only he knows how. See also 1988's Scrooged, starring Bill Murray, for another take on the Dickens holiday classic.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
One of the greatest cinematic debates, is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween or Christmas movie. To be frank, it's an all year round movie. The 1993 film, at 28-years-old, still resonates with new watchers which would have to be down to the slapping songs and timeless creativity of stop motion claymation.
Jack Skellington, the Halloween King, feels like he is missing out on something. He attempts to fill this pumpkin shaped hole in his heart with Christmas; this mirrors how many adults today struggle with the challenges of "what if" and "if I just" as they stumble through the havoc of careers, family, bills and more. You can read into the message however you want, whether it's to appreciate what you have and celebrate you own weird life.
Or enjoy banging songs and the greatest villain since Michael Myers aka Oogie Boogie, except Oogie Boogie gets an epic and unforgettable solo featuring Santa Claus.
Jingle All The Way
Arnold Schwarzenegger trades in his camouflage for an ugly sweater in this late-90s family comedy. The Gubernator plays Howard, a workaholic lame duck dad who promises his son the best toy of the season - Turbo-Man. His rival, played by comedian Sinbad, also wants the last toy in the store. Obvious 90s hilarity ensues, with lots of physical comedy by Arnie.
Yes, this movie is a satirical look at the commercialisation of Christmas, but it's also an easy-to-watch family movie that doesn't require you to think a lot.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Jim Henson's son Brian made his directorial debut with this 1992 classic, and what a way to do it. Christmas Carol finds the beloved puppets at their rambunctious best. Funny and heartwarming in equal measure, this Charles Dickens adaptation - the second on this list - may not be the most strictly faithful, but it's certainly the most fun. Michael Caine stars as Ebenezer Scrooge and plays the role completely straight.
He's reported to have told Jim Henson: "I'm going to play this movie like I'm working with the Royal Shakespeare Company. I will never wink, I will never do anything Muppety. I am going to play Scrooge as if it is an utterly dramatic role and there are no puppets around me." It might not be Shakespeare, but The Muppet Christmas Carol will bring cheer to any festive season.
Klaus
If it's a warm heart you're looking for, you can't go much further than Klaus, a recent addition to the pantheon of Christmas movies. Released on Netflix in 2019, this English-language Spanish animation was the first animated Netflix film to be nominated for an Academy Award. Gorgeously animated and deftly told, Klaus is an original take on the origins of Santa Claus, starring the vocal talents of Jason Schwartzman, JK Simmons and more. It'll be a sure fire addition to any Christmas marathon.
I'll Be Home For Christmas
This 1998 family comedy features a peak-popularity Jonathan Taylor Thomas, a young Jessica Biel and a hilariously self-aware role by Gary Cole. Jonathan Taylor Thomas, or JTT to his fans, plays college Jake student who must make it from Los Angeles to New York in time for Christmas dinner in order to win his father's Porsche. The simplest of plans are derailed by a trio of goons, who try to get between Jake and his girlfriend. Akin to a National Lampoon holiday flick, a myriad of things go wrong, and Jake is required to put aside his prejudices to get home in time.
Elf
This 2003 classic stars Will Ferrell as an orphan named Buddy who was raised in the North Pole by Santa's elves, however he can't help but feel the six foot four adult male doesn't fit it. Upon searching for his real father in New York Buddy finds love, happiness and reignites the Christmas spirit in everyone he meets.
Bushfire Moon
Maybe the most Australian Christmas movie of all time, this 1987 flick revolves around a family living on a remote property during a drought. Much like A Christmas Carol, the film is focused on a small boy determined to see a grumpy old man get into the Christmas spirit. There's also a sub-plot about a swagman who may or may not be Santa Claus.
