As the holiday season is starting to get into full swing, Christmas movies are once again making their way into households everywhere. Although it is still kind of early to start talking about Christmas, society still plans months in advance. For this reason, it seems reasonable to start talking about my favorite Christmas films for this week’s blog.
For one, ELF is definitely at the top of the list. This comedy is without a doubt a major piece of this movie that makes it stand out. For those reading this who are not familiar with the film, let me give you a brief overview. When a boy named Buddy was born, he was given up for adoption and one night he snuck into Santa’s bag and was taken to the north pole. He then was raised as an elf and later goes back to the real world to find his biological father. Throughout the film, Buddy, played by Will Ferrel, goes to New York City and experiences culture shock like nobody ever has. Along with the many silly and comedic moments throughout the film, it also provides a meaningful message about the importance of family. This comedy is filled with hilarious events that fill the entire film which is what makes it such a great piece to watch not only during the holiday but really any time of the year.
The Project Diary: Buddy the Elf costume
In addition to ELF, another one of my favorite Christmas films is Christmas with the Kranks. This film is about a family that decides that they want to skip Christmas for the year and head out on a cruise in the Caribbean. This film, although it sounds a bit depressing, is another one that makes audiences laugh. When two newly empty nesters, played by Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, find that they will not have children to celebrate with this Christmas, they decide to call off the holiday. This leads to their neighborhood doing crazy things to push them into throwing their usual Christmas eve party. Not only is the importance of family a message in the film, but also having a strong community. Just like the movie ELF, comedy is a pinnacle party of this movie to bring laughter during the holiday season.
Finally, another Christmas movie that I recommend is the classic Home Alone. In this film, the title pretty much lays out the plot. A boy by the name of Kevin is forgotten at home for Christmas while the rest of his family goes on vacation. During his time alone at home, he ends up defending his home from a pair of robbers who are attempting to break-in. Since he is eight, however, he does not guard the house like any normal adult would. The various traps he plants around the house are humorous and make audiences laugh when they get to see how the burglars interact with them. Just like the other two movies mentioned, Home Alone also sends the message of the importance of family, especially during the holidays.
Though I have not seen Christmas with the Kranks, I also really enjoy Elf and Home Alone. It’s interesting how many Christmas movies have family and community as some of their central themes. Families tend to watch these kinds of movies together, so it’s likely to appeal to that large audience.