Ah, Christmas. That festive time of year when film companies release their next blockbusters, hoping to entice us viewers with trailers full of brilliant colors, humorous lines, good-looking people and just enough teasing to get us to go to the movies. Yes, Peter Jackson, I'm talking about you.
I am looking forward to this next installment of The Hobbit. I'd ask what's going to happen, but I've read the book multiple times, so I already know. I see things in the trailer and I know exactly what's going on in the story. Oh, the advantage of being a reader of books that turn into awesome movies. But I also know what's going to happen in the third movie, and while I'm looking forward to it, I'm also not looking forward to it. Those of you who have read the book know what I'm talking about.
But there are other things to watch, too. I have my favorite Christmas movies/TV shows, just like everyone else. I haven't watched any of them yet this year, but I have to before Christmas actually arrives. My list of favorites is a combination of TV shows and movies. There are more, but here are my top six.
A Christmas Carol (1984) starring George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge. I've seen at least six different versions, including the Muppets, and Scott is, for me, the quintessential Scrooge. He perfectly plays the gruff, angry, lonely man who is given a second chance and takes full advantage of it. And the supporting cast is superb. I'd love to find the soundtrack, but it's not available anywhere I've looked.
The Claymation Christmas Special featuring the California Raisins. I know this one might be considered a bit odd, but the music is a lot of fun and the videos that go along with the songs, specifically Carol of the Bells and We Three Kings, can't be topped.
Babes in Toyland starring Keanu Reeves and Drew Barrymore. Some might consider this a cheesy movie, but that's part of what makes it fun. Barrymore is a young girl who is transported to Toyland where she meets nursery rhyme characters and helps save the day by learning to believe in the magic of toys. Pat Morita plays the Toymaster, and Reeves is Jack Nimble Jr.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas narrated by Boris Karloff. The animated version, of course. How can you not like the Grinch, with his small heart and misplaced anger at those poor little Whos? The live-action version starring Jim Carrey isn't bad and provides a backstory for the Grinch, but you can't top the original.
The Muppet Christmas Carol. The Muppets have a unique take on the Dickens classic, including Gonzo as the author himself. Michael Caine is an admirable Scrooge. In my mind he doesn't hold a candle to George C. Scott, but he doesn't have to because his costars are the Muppets. The music in this film matches the moods perfectly, and Jacob and Robert Marley just crack me up.
My all-time favorite, though, is the Charlie Brown Christmas. We watched it every year on TV when I was growing up, so I first saw it in black and white on a small-screen television. Yes, that means I'm old. But its message hasn't changed, whether shown in black and white or color. When Linus recites the verses from Luke 2, how can you not be moved?
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.
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