Rudolf’s top list

 

Fred Claus (2007)
Director: David Dobskin
Rating: 4/5 Candy canes
“The world is what you make it.” – Frederick Claus

Countless children are already writing letters to Santa Claus, who they all expect to arrive complete with reindeers, slope, and sleigh. However, in this certain Christmas film, it’s not just about Santa Claus, but also about his older brother—the troublesome Fred. Director David Dobskin’s Fred Claus turns the spotlight onto Frederick Claus, who swears to be a good brother to his younger brother, Nick; but as time passes by, his promise starts to fade as his frustration rises.

With Fred growing with bitterness toward his younger brother, the plot propels the conflict. Mother Claus can’t help but be in awe of Nick’s angelic deeds—making Fred’s childhood a series of being told to be like Nick. As they grow up, Nick turns out to be the jolly saint everybody knows, while Fred becomes a meagre repossession agent in Chicago. Further conflicts and fateful mischief make the brothers meet each other again. In exchange for a hefty amount of money he asked for in an instant rich scheme, Fred needs to go to North Pole to work with the elves in Santa’s Workshop—and as Fred arrives, he works to either help or ruin the most beautiful time of the year.

Dressed up in grandeur ventures, the film draws on the excellent and subtle delivery of heartfelt messages of brotherhood, competition, and belongingness—harmonizing the true essence of Christmas.

 

Elf (2003)
Director: Jon Favreau
Rating: 5/5 Candy canes
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” – Buddy

Becoming busy is inevitable and focusing on one aspect—working or studying—might just affect those around us when we start forgetting an occasion and ignoring the important people in our lives.  Yet, there will always be time for us to  wake up into the reality of having a life of our own, separate from our habitual errands.

Elf is the story of a human who was adopted by Santa’s elves in search of his real identity. It was Christmas Eve when Santa Claus visited an orphanage and a baby boy was attracted to a teddy bear inside Santa Claus’ sack and entered, causing him to be carried off to the North Pole. Because of Buddy’s (Will Ferrell) abnormally large size among the elves, an accident occurs in the elf community when Buddy grows up, leading him to discover the truth of him being a human and not a real elf. Instead of being disappointed, Buddy lives out the jolliness and light-spirited culture of elves, with the perseverance to meet his biological father Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a self-proclaimed workaholic businessman. As Walter meets Buddy, his life is changed as he realizes the greater worth of his family during his last chance to have a big break in his career.

Elf is a family-fantasy movie portraying Christmas elves and the nature of human life. The story flow shows the importance of family over our personal progress and a heart-warming appreciation of the people in celebrating Christmas day all together.

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For the upcoming Christmas season, movie marathons will definitely be a part of our quality time with family and loved ones to reminisce for our memorable childhood cheer. Not just for children but also to the kids-at-heart, these Christmas movies might just intensify our excitement for Christmas Eve as a reminder of the essence of the season—simple acts of appreciation underlining the moment of cheer.

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