Best Christmas Movies

Writer: Peter Chai

Here comes the most wonderful time of the year again, Christmas! Do you ever wonder which out of the many are considered as some of the best heart-warming Christmas movies ever? Cosy up as we unwrap only the greatest for you this upcoming Christmas.

Based on Chris Van Allsburg's modern holiday classic story, "Polar Express", Robert Zemeckis, who is well-known for his "Back To The Future" franchise, gives the audience the complete animation experience on the silver screen by telling an adventurous story of a young boy named Billy (Hayden McFarland) who believes in Santa Clause despite being told otherwise by the people around him. But then one day, his life starts to change during Christmas's Eve when he gets himself into a magical train that heads to the North under the guidance of the train's conductor voiced by Tom Hanks. This movie allows you to see Zemeckis's effort in digital filmmaking before "Beowulf". Watching the beautiful cinematography and listening to the dialogue will definitely inspire adults and children alike to have faith in the wonder of Christmas.

In this fantasy-drama by John Pasquin, "Home Improvement's" Tim Allen gives the best of his classic comedic performance in the story which follows a divorced father, Scott Calvin, who accidentally causes Santa Clause's death by yelling at him while he was on the roof of a house. Scott then has to take over Santa Clause's responsibility by delivering gifts to the children around the world with his young son, Charlie, with hilarious consequences of course. The father and son relationship between Scott and Charlie tells you to not only appreciate your loved ones, during Christmas but everyday of your life.

"This house is so full of people it makes me sick. When I grow up and get married, I'm living alone. Did you hear me?", a line one will deeply regret saying during the family bonding time of Christmas. Nobody wants to be alone but 8 year-old Kevin McCallister, a role that lead to Macaulay Culkin's overnight fame when he was just 10-years-old. "Home Alone" is about Kevin's wish for his family to disappear which comes quite true when they accidently leave him behind, alone, to go on a vacation. Kevin then starts to realize the importance of having his family around when he has to face two thieves try to rob his house. This Chris Columbus's movie is a timeless classic as you will never get bored watching Culkin's natural acting skills at such a young age and how his character shows his intelligence in protecting himself from the evil adults while other children are spending their time with families happily on Christmas.

This year, you probably went to watch "The Muppets" in cinemas. But way back in 1992, Walt Disney Pictures presented moviegoers with "The Muppet Christmas Carol", a Brian Henson's piece based on the popular Charles Dickens' Christmas tale. Two-time Oscar winner, Michael Caine plays Ebenezer Scrooge, a character that he claims as one of his most memorable role in his long movie career. Scrooge does not care much about mistletoe or gifts and he reluctantly agrees to let Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) to have a holiday for Christmas. However, he has different feelings and perceptions for Christmas when the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future visit him. What could be better with the Muppets and Christmas?

The New York Daily once called it a movie that is worthy of an Oscar Award consideration. In this story based on "The Greatest Gift", written by Phillip Van Doren Stern, George Bailey, played by James Stewart, has given everything of himself to the community of Bedford Falls. George's modest building and loan company, which was founded by his generous father has been preventing him from travelling, something he always looking forward to. When the bank examiner found George for hiding an amount of misplaced money from his Uncle Billy, who loses the money on Christmas Eve, he knows that he will be prosecuted and jailed. Then his competitor, Potter will take over the town. He chooses to kill himself. However, Clarence, an angel saves him by showing him how much he has contributed to Bedford Falls. Make this movie as your choice if you want to see the real side of human beings and how you can turn a new leaf for the love of your life.

Starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen and the quirky Zooey Deschanel, "Elf" focuses on the story of Buddy, who realises that he is not a real elf although he is raised as an elf at the North Pole. He goes back to his birthplace, New York City, to search for his biological family. Funny misunderstandings are everywhere in this holiday comedy, especially since we've grown to be familiar with Ferrell's stone-stupid sincerity which makes it work for the plot in a warm and hilarious way.

After watching "The Mask", audiences are aware of Jim Carrey's talents with facial expressions even after make-up so the same can be said with his role in the Dr. Seuss's fantasy classic, "The Grinch". His effort has brought him a nomination for Best Actor Award at the Golden Globes. Ron Howard director of "A Beautiful Mind" and "Crash" brings the story to life as audiences witness a furry green creature's evil act to ruin the snowy Christmas for the residents of Whoville.

Whenever people mention Arnold Schwarzenegger, we think about "Terminator", "Total Recall" and so on. "Jingle All The Way" appears to be the only holiday movie he has done throughout his movie career. Generating almost US $130 worldwide at the box office, this movie is considered entertaining and as a success for family entertainment. The former Governor of California plays Howard Langston, a father who is desperate to get his son a must-have toy named Turbo Man, for the Christmas season. He shows a parent's determination to fulfil his son's wish after missing so many occasions with his son. The educational value of this piece will make you appreciate your loved ones more.