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2012 Christmas Movie Marathon
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Movies
3146
6.8
7.3
Gremlins (1984)
Watched December 3rd
I wanted to open the marathon with this gem on December 1st, but my sister wanted to watch it with me and she didn't get home until late so I actually started the marathon with some Christmas episodes from TV Shows (See below). We eventually got around to watching Gremlins on December 3rd. This isn't what most people would consider as a conventional Christmas film, but it certainly is a classic in my books. A horror-comedy that is a lot of fun with creative looking creatures. How cute is Gizmo?!
I wanted to open the marathon with this gem on December 1st, but my sister wanted to watch it with me and she didn't get home until late so I actually started the marathon with some Christmas episodes from TV Shows (See below). We eventually got around to watching Gremlins on December 3rd. This isn't what most people would consider as a conventional Christmas film, but it certainly is a classic in my books. A horror-comedy that is a lot of fun with creative looking creatures. How cute is Gizmo?!
rewster's rating:
585
6.3
6.6
Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Watched December 7th
A remake of the 1947 classic. This fits into the category I call the "stupid kids films of the 1990s", however, unlike Baby's Day Out, or Flubber, this is more heartwarming with only a few "stupid" moments (like a chance wedding and stupid witnesses during the court case). This is inspiring with a strong message of faith of goodness.
A remake of the 1947 classic. This fits into the category I call the "stupid kids films of the 1990s", however, unlike Baby's Day Out, or Flubber, this is more heartwarming with only a few "stupid" moments (like a chance wedding and stupid witnesses during the court case). This is inspiring with a strong message of faith of goodness.
rewster's rating:
1413
4.8
5.6
Jingle All the Way (1996)
Watched December 10th
This one is a favourite among my sisters and I. It's universally ridiculed by critics and most viewers, but we love it. Sure, it puts a focus on the commercial side of the holidays, but I like to see it as a father-son story with Arnie's character, Howard, trying to redeem himself on Christmas after he realises what a lousy father he has been. I personally also find it to be very funny. Some moments are unintentionally funny. Rita Wilson's character, Liz, is a huge 1990s cliche of a suburban mother and wife. We loved it when it came out in the mid-1990s and it has a place in my heart for its nostalgia.
This one is a favourite among my sisters and I. It's universally ridiculed by critics and most viewers, but we love it. Sure, it puts a focus on the commercial side of the holidays, but I like to see it as a father-son story with Arnie's character, Howard, trying to redeem himself on Christmas after he realises what a lousy father he has been. I personally also find it to be very funny. Some moments are unintentionally funny. Rita Wilson's character, Liz, is a huge 1990s cliche of a suburban mother and wife. We loved it when it came out in the mid-1990s and it has a place in my heart for its nostalgia.
rewster's rating:
1203
6.1
6.8
Watched December 11th
Around the time 'The Family Man' came out I remember there being several films that tried being serious, comedic, romantic, and inspiring but were not without lots of cheesy moments. 'Bicentennial Man', 'Cast Away' and 'What Women Want' are three that come to mind, and 'The Family Man' certainly epitomised this early 2000s cheesy inspir-roman-dramedy. It's cheesy, but loveable. It had been years since I'd seen it, until I found it on DVD for a very cheap price and bought it for the 2011 marathon. It brought back several precious memories I had forgotten, and now I expect this will be a regular for future marathons. Nick Cage is just great in this, I love it when he flips out.
Around the time 'The Family Man' came out I remember there being several films that tried being serious, comedic, romantic, and inspiring but were not without lots of cheesy moments. 'Bicentennial Man', 'Cast Away' and 'What Women Want' are three that come to mind, and 'The Family Man' certainly epitomised this early 2000s cheesy inspir-roman-dramedy. It's cheesy, but loveable. It had been years since I'd seen it, until I found it on DVD for a very cheap price and bought it for the 2011 marathon. It brought back several precious memories I had forgotten, and now I expect this will be a regular for future marathons. Nick Cage is just great in this, I love it when he flips out.
rewster's rating:
6842
6.7
7.7
Home Alone (1990)
Watched December 12th
One of the greatest Christmas movies in existence. I can't believe I didn't watch this one last year, it's a MUST for any Christmas Movie Marathon. Family leave cute kid home alone, gets up to mischief, bad guys break in, mayhem ensues. Perfect.
One of the greatest Christmas movies in existence. I can't believe I didn't watch this one last year, it's a MUST for any Christmas Movie Marathon. Family leave cute kid home alone, gets up to mischief, bad guys break in, mayhem ensues. Perfect.
rewster's rating:
4707
6
6.8
Watched December 16th
Last year this unofficially opened the marathon, and so I rectified things this year by watching it after the first 'Home Alone'. Makes more sense that way... Anyway, while many consider it to be a sub-par sequel to a kids film, I see it as a silly and somewhat fun kiddie-flick of the '90s that sees Culkin carry the film brilliantly.
Last year this unofficially opened the marathon, and so I rectified things this year by watching it after the first 'Home Alone'. Makes more sense that way... Anyway, while many consider it to be a sub-par sequel to a kids film, I see it as a silly and somewhat fun kiddie-flick of the '90s that sees Culkin carry the film brilliantly.
rewster's rating:
5206
7.8
7.9
Watched December 17th
Great to watch during both Halloween and Christmas. I like that it is stop-motion claymation because not only does it look fantastic, it is kind of Tim Burton's own unique f***ed-up version of those old Christmas Specials.
Great to watch during both Halloween and Christmas. I like that it is stop-motion claymation because not only does it look fantastic, it is kind of Tim Burton's own unique f***ed-up version of those old Christmas Specials.
rewster's rating:
2029
6
7
Elf (2003)
Watched December 19th
Jon Favreau and Will Ferrell perfectly parody the old Christmas specials in this fish-out-of-water tale.
Jon Favreau and Will Ferrell perfectly parody the old Christmas specials in this fish-out-of-water tale.
rewster's rating:
1395
5.8
6.5
The Santa Clause (1994)
Watched December 21st
This is the big one. 'The Santa Clause' is my, and my family's, favourite Christmas movie and it's the one movie on this list that absolutely HAS to be watched every December. In fact, when I was younger we would try to watch it on every Christmas Eve night. That night was reserved for this movie. But over the years, for whatever reason, something may get in the way of watching a movie that night and 2012 is no different. I knew we would be out late having dinner with family friends and there would be no time to watch it on Christmas Eve, so a couple of nights early was the way to go. Tim Allen channels his Tim "the Toolman" Taylor-his character from 'Home Improvement'-with his performance as Scott Calvin. When I was a kid, Tim reminded me of my Dad extremely. They looked similar, they had similar personalities and even made the same jokes and had the same sense of humour. They both loved hardware, and are great family men. Because of this I was a huge fan of 'Home Improvement'. Tim, as Scott Calvin, is basically playing the same character, and I see my dad in this performance too.
This is the big one. 'The Santa Clause' is my, and my family's, favourite Christmas movie and it's the one movie on this list that absolutely HAS to be watched every December. In fact, when I was younger we would try to watch it on every Christmas Eve night. That night was reserved for this movie. But over the years, for whatever reason, something may get in the way of watching a movie that night and 2012 is no different. I knew we would be out late having dinner with family friends and there would be no time to watch it on Christmas Eve, so a couple of nights early was the way to go. Tim Allen channels his Tim "the Toolman" Taylor-his character from 'Home Improvement'-with his performance as Scott Calvin. When I was a kid, Tim reminded me of my Dad extremely. They looked similar, they had similar personalities and even made the same jokes and had the same sense of humour. They both loved hardware, and are great family men. Because of this I was a huge fan of 'Home Improvement'. Tim, as Scott Calvin, is basically playing the same character, and I see my dad in this performance too.
rewster's rating:
2200
6.1
6.6
The Polar Express (2004)
Watched December 22nd
The first time I saw this film was actually just two years ago in the Christmas of 2010. I had been wanting to watch it for years but never had a good opportunity. Finally when I did see it it was during my first Christmas away from my home (and family) because I was living in Brisbane. It was on TV one night while I was alone and it cheered me up. I missed out on watching it during my 2011 marathon, but this year I was able to get it cheap on DVD and my whole family watched it together. It's a cute, heartwarming story about a boy whose faith in Santa Claus is restored as he discovers a magical train to the North Pole. For adult viewers, like myself, it reminds us of the magic kids feel during Christmas.
The first time I saw this film was actually just two years ago in the Christmas of 2010. I had been wanting to watch it for years but never had a good opportunity. Finally when I did see it it was during my first Christmas away from my home (and family) because I was living in Brisbane. It was on TV one night while I was alone and it cheered me up. I missed out on watching it during my 2011 marathon, but this year I was able to get it cheap on DVD and my whole family watched it together. It's a cute, heartwarming story about a boy whose faith in Santa Claus is restored as he discovers a magical train to the North Pole. For adult viewers, like myself, it reminds us of the magic kids feel during Christmas.
rewster's rating:
822
7.1
7.8
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Watched December 23rd
I woke up extra early, maybe because I knew there was a lot to do today in preparation for the next two days, maybe because the sun was bright and Christmas was shining through my window, or maybe I was just keen to watch more Christmas. I turned on my computer, slotted in a DVD, lay in bed and faced the screen.
I really wanted to watch at least one version of A Christmas Carol and this one was available to me. I bought it last year for the 2011 Marathon, after not having seen it since I was a kid. It was a hit, of course, so I was glad to include it in this year's marathon as well. With catchy songs, funny jokes and cute characters, this is a surprisingly good adaptation of Dickens's classic. You can't go wrong with The Muppets, and this is one of my favourite Muppet films.
I woke up extra early, maybe because I knew there was a lot to do today in preparation for the next two days, maybe because the sun was bright and Christmas was shining through my window, or maybe I was just keen to watch more Christmas. I turned on my computer, slotted in a DVD, lay in bed and faced the screen.
I really wanted to watch at least one version of A Christmas Carol and this one was available to me. I bought it last year for the 2011 Marathon, after not having seen it since I was a kid. It was a hit, of course, so I was glad to include it in this year's marathon as well. With catchy songs, funny jokes and cute characters, this is a surprisingly good adaptation of Dickens's classic. You can't go wrong with The Muppets, and this is one of my favourite Muppet films.
rewster's rating:
2285
8.2
8.6
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Watched Christmas Day
It's as though It's a Wonderful Life is reserved for Christmas Day. What many consider to be the definitive Hollywood Christmas film...
It's as though It's a Wonderful Life is reserved for Christmas Day. What many consider to be the definitive Hollywood Christmas film...
rewster's rating:
Add items to section
TV Specials
915
6.1
7
Roseanne (1988)
I normally open the marathon with by watching a movie, but my sister wanted to watch it with me and she was busy on December 1st, so I decided to start with a TV special. My sister isn't the 'Roseanne' fan that I am so this was a perfect show to watch in her absence. I liked 'Roseanne' as a kid but it wasn't until early 2011, when I got back into it by watching re-runs on channel 11, that I fully appreciated it. From 2009-'11 I was in my early 20s living in Brisbane on my own so 'Roseanne' and a few other old sitcoms help me cope with living away from my family. When I moved back to Sydney mid-2011 I had stopped watching, so watching the series this Christmas reminded me of the good times I had watching it in Brisbane and was a good way to bring me some Christmas cheer...
Santa Claus-
Watched December 1st
So this was the first episode I watched this December. It's a fun one to ease into the Christmas spirit. Roseanne and Jackie take up jobs as the department mall Santa and Mrs. Claus respectively. The scene where Roseanne talks to the children on her lap is fun but the heart of the episode is the story of Darlene, (who was going through depression at this point in the series), who grows more distant from her mother. Roseanne does her best to achieve some sort of connection with Darlene and that fits in well with the theme of Christmas.
No Place Like Home for the Holidays-
Watched December 1st
For most people Christmas is about spending time with family, so this episode tugs a little at the heartstrings. The thought of being separated from your loved ones during Christmas somewhat renders the holiday meaningless.
White Trash Christmas-
Watched December 2nd
Santa Claus-
Watched December 1st
So this was the first episode I watched this December. It's a fun one to ease into the Christmas spirit. Roseanne and Jackie take up jobs as the department mall Santa and Mrs. Claus respectively. The scene where Roseanne talks to the children on her lap is fun but the heart of the episode is the story of Darlene, (who was going through depression at this point in the series), who grows more distant from her mother. Roseanne does her best to achieve some sort of connection with Darlene and that fits in well with the theme of Christmas.
No Place Like Home for the Holidays-
Watched December 1st
For most people Christmas is about spending time with family, so this episode tugs a little at the heartstrings. The thought of being separated from your loved ones during Christmas somewhat renders the holiday meaningless.
White Trash Christmas-
Watched December 2nd
rewster's rating:
1036
6.9
7.5
Tiny Toon Adventures (1990)
It's a Wonderful Tiny Toons Christmas Special-
Watched December 2nd
For Day Two of the marathon I searched online for a Christmas Special from one of my favourite TV shows during my childhood. I've been trying to get back into Tiny Toon Adventures for a while now. I haven't properly watched the series since I was a kid and I have very fond memories of it. I remember it being extremely funny and was hoping to see how it holds up now as I'm an adult. Unable to get in on DVD in Australia, I turned to the internet and found the Christmas Episode online. It's hilarious with all the characters being truly represented.
Watched December 2nd
For Day Two of the marathon I searched online for a Christmas Special from one of my favourite TV shows during my childhood. I've been trying to get back into Tiny Toon Adventures for a while now. I haven't properly watched the series since I was a kid and I have very fond memories of it. I remember it being extremely funny and was hoping to see how it holds up now as I'm an adult. Unable to get in on DVD in Australia, I turned to the internet and found the Christmas Episode online. It's hilarious with all the characters being truly represented.
rewster's rating:
1315
6.2
7.2
Home Improvement (1991)
I'm Scheming of a White Christmas-
Watched December 4th
Twas the Blight Before Christmas-
Watched December 23rd
Watched December 4th
Twas the Blight Before Christmas-
Watched December 23rd
rewster's rating:
1263
6
7.3
We had a mini-Everybody Loves Raymond marathon within the Christmas Movie Marathon, and it was great. I love this show, and its Christmas Episodes are really well done.
The Ball-
Watched December 5th
All I Want For Christmas-
Watched December 5th
The Toaster-
Watched December 5th
The Christmas Present-
Watched December 5th
The Thought That Counts-
Watched December 5th
The Ball-
Watched December 5th
All I Want For Christmas-
Watched December 5th
The Toaster-
Watched December 5th
The Christmas Present-
Watched December 5th
The Thought That Counts-
Watched December 5th
rewster's rating:
1702
6
6.7
Full House (1987)
Our Very First Christmas Show-
Watched December 5th
At the behest of my sister, we watched this Full House episode.
Watched December 5th
At the behest of my sister, we watched this Full House episode.
rewster's rating:
3542
8.2
8.6
Dexter (2006)
Do You See What I See-
Watched December 10th
This one certainly wasn't planned. That is to say, I didn't plan on this entry making the list, being part of the marathon. This is the latest episode of Dexter season 7, which I've been following intently, and I had no idea it would be a Christmas episode. One more episode to go for season 7, I can't wait!
Watched December 10th
This one certainly wasn't planned. That is to say, I didn't plan on this entry making the list, being part of the marathon. This is the latest episode of Dexter season 7, which I've been following intently, and I had no idea it would be a Christmas episode. One more episode to go for season 7, I can't wait!
rewster's rating:
3928
7.5
8.5
Xmas Story-
Watched December 15th
A Tale of Two Santas-
Watched December 15th
Watched December 15th
A Tale of Two Santas-
Watched December 15th
rewster's rating:
217
7.2
7.9
The Vicar of Dibley (1994)
The Christmas Lunch Incident-
Watched December 16th
Watched December 16th
rewster's rating:
1758
6.7
8.1
Married with Children (1987)
You Better Watch Out-
Watched December 17th
Watched December 17th
rewster's rating:
6056
7.8
8.7
The Simpsons (1989)
Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire-
Watched December 22nd
What can I say? It's a Christmas Special AND it's the first ever Simpsons episode! I'll always hold this one close to my heart.
Marge Be Not Proud-
Watched December 22nd
'Roasting on an Open Fire' scores nostalgia points, but this is really the best Christmas episode of 'The Simpsons'. From Lee Cavallo's Putting Challenge to Milhouse screaming "Mum! Bart's Smoking!"
Watched December 22nd
What can I say? It's a Christmas Special AND it's the first ever Simpsons episode! I'll always hold this one close to my heart.
Marge Be Not Proud-
Watched December 22nd
'Roasting on an Open Fire' scores nostalgia points, but this is really the best Christmas episode of 'The Simpsons'. From Lee Cavallo's Putting Challenge to Milhouse screaming "Mum! Bart's Smoking!"
rewster's rating:
4613
7.2
8.1
Family Guy (1999)
A Very Special Family Guy Freakin' Christmas-
Watched Decmeber 22nd
Watched Decmeber 22nd
rewster's rating:
1936
6.2
7.3
American Dad! (2005)
The Most Adequate Christmas Ever-
Watched December 22nd
Watched December 22nd
rewster's rating:
420
6.6
7.3
Family Ties (1982-1989) (1982)
Miracle in Columbus-
Watched Christmas Day
Watched Christmas Day
rewster's rating:
Christmas is here once more, which means it's time for a movie marathon! I do this every year, it's a tradition. Let's see how many Christmas movies and Television Specials I can fit in this December.
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