Rudolf’s top list
We’ve already started our holiday cheer as glowing Christmas lights and garlands are hanging around everywhere—indeed, the season to be jolly has arrived in town. The countdown has begun and everyone is getting busy buying food and gifts as children are creating their wishlists and hanging their Christmas stockings.
To indulge in the Christmas spirit, prepare yourself for a nostalgic experience as we bring you the top picks of classical yuletide movies that built our childhood with memories of opening our presents and singing Christmas carols.
Home Alone (1990)
Director: Chris Columbus
Rating: 4.5/5 Candy canes
“This is Christmas! The season of perpetual hope!” – Catherine O’Hara
Not knowing this celebrated movie is a real sign of being a left-out. This classic and renowned film is none other than Chris Columbus’ Home Alone which boasts the title of the highest-grossing live action comedy film of all time in the US. It’s the movie perfect for a family popcorn night, suitable for both the grown-ups and the little ones alike.
An adventurous Christmas comedy, Home Alone revolves around eight-year-old Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) when his big family mistakenly leaves him home alone as they take off for a Christmas vacation in Paris. Just when he’s having the time of his life—eating pizza all by himself, jumping on his parents’ bed, and making an absolute mess—two robbers try to break into his house. Clever Kevin sets booby traps devised from random objects all over the house just to fight with the thieves, aking the film explode into a jam-packed live action with comedic fails, escapes, and chases. A one of a kind rollercoaster ride, the film emanates a wild and hilarious screenplay from a simple plot. It’s a series of interminable hoops of exciting, breath-taking, and unbelievable competitiveness from an 8-year-old boy single-handedly saving not only himself but also—their home.
The story itself is not complicated, and what makes it a spectacular hit is the humor from a cunning and witty catastrophe which offered something lightweight—just right for the holiday joy we all live for.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Director: Ron Howard
Rating: 3/5 Candy canes
“There’ll be no sad faces on Christmas.” – The Grinch
Christmas is an exciting year-ender event that everyone awaits. Despite the joy of this occasion, there are few who despise this event because of some bad childhood memories during Christmas time.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a movie adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ 1956 children’s storybook of the same title. The green revenge-seeking creature, the Grinch (Jim Carrey), steals Christmas from the people of Whoville by robbing presents, decorations, and Christmas-prepared meals because of his harsh Christmas experiences during childhood. Despite hating the yuletide season most of his life, the Grinch learns to love again and appreciate this celebration by moving on from his terrible childhood Christmas memories.
The storyline is a collaboration of musical, comedy, and life teachings that tell us to embrace differences and appreciate one’s existence just as Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) did after she became close to the Grinch and believed in his kindness when no one else did. At the end, the story leaves us with a significant message that no matter how grumpy we may be—much like the Grinch—Christmas can warm the coldest of our hearts.
The Polar Express (2004)
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Rating: 4.5/5 Candy canes
“There’s no greater gift than friendship.” – Santa Claus
Before Christmas Eve, children excitedly wait for the clock to strike midnight. While most are excited to receive their gifts, some choose to stand on the far corner because of their lack of enthusiasm in yuletide spirit—like the doubtful young boy who refuses to believe in something until he sees it.
Experiences leave us joyful thoughts that even age can’t destroy, like in The Polar Express, an adaptation of the book written by Chris Van Allsburg about children with diverse beliefs about the genuineness of Christmas and Santa Claus. Before the clock strikes midnight on Christmas Eve, time stops and a mysterious train with a strangely cheerful conductor (Tom Hanks) comes to fetch the kids from their houses en route to the North Pole. Despite the strange events that happened on the journey, they all come aboard as each learns the value of friendship, trust, courage, and the spirit of Christmas.
With the fascinating and heart-rending scenes, this movie entails us that the wonders of life are guaranteed to those who just simply continue believing.
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