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2013 Christmas Movie Marathon
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5207
7.8
7.9
Watched December 1st
We kicked off the marathon this year with 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'. For me, this made perfect sense. I had just returned to Australia from my USA trip, where I had visited Disneyland. I got a real kick out of the Haunted Mansion attraction, which focused on 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'. It really put me in the mood to watch the movie again. Also, since the film features both Halloween and Christmas, I think it's a nice way to transition from one holiday to the next. Ease into the Christmas season. This is Tim Burton's own unique f***ed-up version of those old Christmas Specials.
We kicked off the marathon this year with 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'. For me, this made perfect sense. I had just returned to Australia from my USA trip, where I had visited Disneyland. I got a real kick out of the Haunted Mansion attraction, which focused on 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'. It really put me in the mood to watch the movie again. Also, since the film features both Halloween and Christmas, I think it's a nice way to transition from one holiday to the next. Ease into the Christmas season. This is Tim Burton's own unique f***ed-up version of those old Christmas Specials.
rewster's rating:
211
5.2
5.5
I'll Be Home for Christmas (1998)
Watched December 3rd
After not being able to watch a Christmas movie on the 2nd (I showed my sister video footage of my USA trip instead), we watched 'I'll Be Home for Christmas' on the 3rd. I hadn't seen this movie in years (probably over a decade at least) so I was up for it. My sister actually bought it last year in hopes of watching it during last year's marathon, but for whatever reason we never got 'round to this one. To be honest, it's not very good, but it's not exactly terrible either. I like road-movies such as 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' and this one resembles its plot developments and formula, although no where near as good. Still, it's got Jonathan Taylor Thomas charismatically overcoming many struggles to get home to his family in time for Christmas (Now both Tim 'the Toolman' Taylor and his son Randy have appeared in Christmas movies). Its message of the importance of family is one that is a mainstay in most Christmas movies. Also, how weird is it seeing a young Jessica Biel? Reminds me of her '7th Heaven' days.
After not being able to watch a Christmas movie on the 2nd (I showed my sister video footage of my USA trip instead), we watched 'I'll Be Home for Christmas' on the 3rd. I hadn't seen this movie in years (probably over a decade at least) so I was up for it. My sister actually bought it last year in hopes of watching it during last year's marathon, but for whatever reason we never got 'round to this one. To be honest, it's not very good, but it's not exactly terrible either. I like road-movies such as 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' and this one resembles its plot developments and formula, although no where near as good. Still, it's got Jonathan Taylor Thomas charismatically overcoming many struggles to get home to his family in time for Christmas (Now both Tim 'the Toolman' Taylor and his son Randy have appeared in Christmas movies). Its message of the importance of family is one that is a mainstay in most Christmas movies. Also, how weird is it seeing a young Jessica Biel? Reminds me of her '7th Heaven' days.
rewster's rating:
1414
4.8
5.6
Jingle All the Way (1996)
Watched December 4th
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 is. 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 is. 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:
264
4.5
5.5
Surviving Christmas (2004)
Watched December 5th
Here's another movie which is universally panned by critics and audiences alike. But hey, I like it. I don't really see why it's so hated, I find it sort of charming and, yeah, funny. I especially like Ben Affleck and James Gandolfini's (R.I.P.) relationship. Gandolfini's disdain toward Affleck and Affleck's upbeat cheerfulness and ridiculous requests were what made the movie so entertaining to me. But maybe that's just me...
Here's another movie which is universally panned by critics and audiences alike. But hey, I like it. I don't really see why it's so hated, I find it sort of charming and, yeah, funny. I especially like Ben Affleck and James Gandolfini's (R.I.P.) relationship. Gandolfini's disdain toward Affleck and Affleck's upbeat cheerfulness and ridiculous requests were what made the movie so entertaining to me. But maybe that's just me...
rewster's rating:
1202
6.1
6.8
Watched December 5th
Watching Nicholas Cage flip-out is like an art form...
Watching Nicholas Cage flip-out is like an art form...
rewster's rating:
4430
6.8
7.1
Watched December 10th
I was the only one home, so it was a perfect opportunity to watch Batman Returns. A Christmas movie AND a Batman movie, count me in! I'm very fond of this film, I grew up with it. Burton's 1989 Batman was a dark change from the 1960s campy Adam West image, and this sequel was even darker. Burton's trademark gothic style is fully realised and this makes for one f--ed up Christmas (a precursor to The Nightmare Before Christmas, which was released the following year?). This was the movie which made me get a major crush on Michelle Pfeiffer, she's hot as Catwoman in the leather suit, but I think she's beautiful as Selina Kyle. Her curly blonde hair and sad eyes get me every time.
I was the only one home, so it was a perfect opportunity to watch Batman Returns. A Christmas movie AND a Batman movie, count me in! I'm very fond of this film, I grew up with it. Burton's 1989 Batman was a dark change from the 1960s campy Adam West image, and this sequel was even darker. Burton's trademark gothic style is fully realised and this makes for one f--ed up Christmas (a precursor to The Nightmare Before Christmas, which was released the following year?). This was the movie which made me get a major crush on Michelle Pfeiffer, she's hot as Catwoman in the leather suit, but I think she's beautiful as Selina Kyle. Her curly blonde hair and sad eyes get me every time.
rewster's rating:
3270
5.8
6.2
Watched December 11th
So I was looking everywhere for the animated 1966 How The Grinch Stole Christmas! on DVD, because it's a holiday favourite on mine, but had no luck in finding it. I did, however, find the 2000 Ron Howard/Jim Carrey feature. I was never a fan of this version. I remember getting really excited when I first saw the trailer for it. Unfortunately it wasn't very good. I would even go as far as to call it a disaster. So basically I've avoided re-watching it for years, but when I saw it on DVD for cheap I thought I'd give it another go and include it in the marathon. Yeah... it's still as bad as I remember. I do like the make-up for The Grinch... and that's about the only thing I like about the movie...
So I was looking everywhere for the animated 1966 How The Grinch Stole Christmas! on DVD, because it's a holiday favourite on mine, but had no luck in finding it. I did, however, find the 2000 Ron Howard/Jim Carrey feature. I was never a fan of this version. I remember getting really excited when I first saw the trailer for it. Unfortunately it wasn't very good. I would even go as far as to call it a disaster. So basically I've avoided re-watching it for years, but when I saw it on DVD for cheap I thought I'd give it another go and include it in the marathon. Yeah... it's still as bad as I remember. I do like the make-up for The Grinch... and that's about the only thing I like about the movie...
rewster's rating:
486
7.7
7.9
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Watched December 12th
I also found a cheap DVD which included both the 1947 and 1994 versions of Miracle on 34th Street. Now, here's a confession, this is the very first time I've watched the original! Yeah, I know, crazy. It's obviously such a classic and a favourite holiday film for many people, but unfortunately I never had a good opportunity to see it. I grew up with the '94 remake, and I like that version, so I always wanted to see this original. Thankfully this year I got my chance, and it's great. I instantly love it and expect to watch it every year. Natalie Wood is gorgeous and Edmund Gwenn is a charming Kris Kringle.
I also found a cheap DVD which included both the 1947 and 1994 versions of Miracle on 34th Street. Now, here's a confession, this is the very first time I've watched the original! Yeah, I know, crazy. It's obviously such a classic and a favourite holiday film for many people, but unfortunately I never had a good opportunity to see it. I grew up with the '94 remake, and I like that version, so I always wanted to see this original. Thankfully this year I got my chance, and it's great. I instantly love it and expect to watch it every year. Natalie Wood is gorgeous and Edmund Gwenn is a charming Kris Kringle.
rewster's rating:
584
6.3
6.5
Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Watched December 12th
This 1994 remake has pretty much been a regular in my annual marathon since 2011. I grew up with it, but I remember there was a long period where I hadn't seen it and then for the '11 marathon I brought out the old VHS and reminded myself how much I liked it, and found new reasons for liking it. So, this film has featured in the 2011, '12 and now '13 marathons, and I expect it to appear in most future ones as well. Dylan McDermott is such a saint in this movie, watch it again and you'll realise how ridiculously perfect he is. So funny.
This 1994 remake has pretty much been a regular in my annual marathon since 2011. I grew up with it, but I remember there was a long period where I hadn't seen it and then for the '11 marathon I brought out the old VHS and reminded myself how much I liked it, and found new reasons for liking it. So, this film has featured in the 2011, '12 and now '13 marathons, and I expect it to appear in most future ones as well. Dylan McDermott is such a saint in this movie, watch it again and you'll realise how ridiculously perfect he is. So funny.
rewster's rating:
82
7.4
7.5
A Christmas Carol (1938) (1938)
Watched December 12th
Well it was late and I was about to head for bed when I noticed this old, old old cinematic version of A Christmas Carol was on TV, so... I watched it. I lay in bed so I was half asleep but I watched it. Meh, not really anything special but it's a solid adaptation. There are better versions.
Well it was late and I was about to head for bed when I noticed this old, old old cinematic version of A Christmas Carol was on TV, so... I watched it. I lay in bed so I was half asleep but I watched it. Meh, not really anything special but it's a solid adaptation. There are better versions.
rewster's rating:
77
5.5
5.8
Watched December 14th
Haha, ok, so last year my sister wanted to watch the Rudolph movie where there's a female reindeer named "Zoe" because that's my sister's name and she remembered loving it as a kid because the reindeer shared the same name as her. Well the only Rudolph movie I was familiar with was the 1964 TV special by Rankin/Bass. So we watched that one and when we found out the female reindeer's name was "Clarice", we realised it wasn't the same movie she was talking about. So, this year we managed to find it online. She was happy to reminisce, while I struggled to get through it. It was pretty rubbish, and yet it had some big names in the voice cast list; John Goodman, Whoopi Goldberg, Eric Idle, Bob Newhart...
Haha, ok, so last year my sister wanted to watch the Rudolph movie where there's a female reindeer named "Zoe" because that's my sister's name and she remembered loving it as a kid because the reindeer shared the same name as her. Well the only Rudolph movie I was familiar with was the 1964 TV special by Rankin/Bass. So we watched that one and when we found out the female reindeer's name was "Clarice", we realised it wasn't the same movie she was talking about. So, this year we managed to find it online. She was happy to reminisce, while I struggled to get through it. It was pretty rubbish, and yet it had some big names in the voice cast list; John Goodman, Whoopi Goldberg, Eric Idle, Bob Newhart...
rewster's rating:
434
7
7.1
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Watched December 16th
This is my first viewing of Arthur Christmas. I didn't know too much about it before watching it, but I do remember when it came out. I think it's pretty underrated. It's cute, funny, and provides a fresh take on the Santa fable.
This is my first viewing of Arthur Christmas. I didn't know too much about it before watching it, but I do remember when it came out. I think it's pretty underrated. It's cute, funny, and provides a fresh take on the Santa fable.
rewster's rating:
4304
7.8
8.2
Watched December 17th
Yipee-Ki-Yay, mother-f***er. My sister had her friend over and we decided on a Christmas double-shot of Die Hard and Elf. Yeah!
Yipee-Ki-Yay, mother-f***er. My sister had her friend over and we decided on a Christmas double-shot of Die Hard and Elf. Yeah!
rewster's rating:
2028
6
7
Elf (2003)
Watched December 17th
Will Ferrell is great as a cheerful human who was raised by elves. Zooey Deschanel is beautiful, and Miles Finch is one badass you don't want to mess with.
Will Ferrell is great as a cheerful human who was raised by elves. Zooey Deschanel is beautiful, and Miles Finch is one badass you don't want to mess with.
rewster's rating:
1050
7
7.2
Watched December 20th
While this film was released last year, I missed my chance to see it in cinemas, so when I saw it was playing on TV this year I took the opportunity, I had just got home from work and it was just starting. I was on my own and I thought "why not?". I liked it. It was certainly a different take on these holiday characters, making them more like fantasy action heroes you'd expect to see in something like The Lord of the Rings. It was entertaining and the characters were fun so it was a good watch. It was a bit bizarre, Santa was Russian and the Easter Bunny was Australian, but it worked. But let me tell you, instead of an Australian Easter Bunny, they should have gone all-out and make him an Easter Bilby ;)
While this film was released last year, I missed my chance to see it in cinemas, so when I saw it was playing on TV this year I took the opportunity, I had just got home from work and it was just starting. I was on my own and I thought "why not?". I liked it. It was certainly a different take on these holiday characters, making them more like fantasy action heroes you'd expect to see in something like The Lord of the Rings. It was entertaining and the characters were fun so it was a good watch. It was a bit bizarre, Santa was Russian and the Easter Bunny was Australian, but it worked. But let me tell you, instead of an Australian Easter Bunny, they should have gone all-out and make him an Easter Bilby ;)
rewster's rating:
1410
6.5
6.8
A Christmas Carol (2009)
Watched Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve and there's much to do. I had already done all my Christmas shopping, of course (if Jingle All the Way has taught us nothing else...), but I hadn't wrapped them... or made the Christmas cards (BTW I make my sisters Christmas cards) so I got up early to get this done, and decided I'll slip this DVD into my computer and play Robert Zemeckis's A Christmas Carol while I make my sister's cards/wrap their presents. I first watched this adaptation of the Charles Dickens's classic novel back in 2011. I was impressed with the visual stylings and performance by Jim Carrey, but what impressed me most was how faithful it was to the original source material. Nothing's changed, I still like this version and it was great to get in such a classic Christmas tale on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve and there's much to do. I had already done all my Christmas shopping, of course (if Jingle All the Way has taught us nothing else...), but I hadn't wrapped them... or made the Christmas cards (BTW I make my sisters Christmas cards) so I got up early to get this done, and decided I'll slip this DVD into my computer and play Robert Zemeckis's A Christmas Carol while I make my sister's cards/wrap their presents. I first watched this adaptation of the Charles Dickens's classic novel back in 2011. I was impressed with the visual stylings and performance by Jim Carrey, but what impressed me most was how faithful it was to the original source material. Nothing's changed, I still like this version and it was great to get in such a classic Christmas tale on Christmas Eve.
rewster's rating:
1395
5.8
6.5
The Santa Clause (1994)
Watched Christmas Eve
Usually I try to make this the final film I watch before I hit the hay on Christmas Eve, but I noticed that A Christmas Story would be on TV that night. I don't own A Christmas Story on DVD or anything so I thought by watching it when it's played on TV would be a good way to add it to the marathon. So I made it a double-shot. My sisters and I watched The Santa Clause on our old VHS tape like we did when we were kids, and then watch A Christmas Story on TV afterwards. I have talked about The Santa Clause more extensively in previous Christmas Movie Marathon lists, but I'll just reiterate that this is my family's favourite Christmas movie and we try to watch it on Christmas Eve. The best part of the movie takes place on Christmas Eve and there's a sort of magical feel about it when watched on that date. We love it.
Usually I try to make this the final film I watch before I hit the hay on Christmas Eve, but I noticed that A Christmas Story would be on TV that night. I don't own A Christmas Story on DVD or anything so I thought by watching it when it's played on TV would be a good way to add it to the marathon. So I made it a double-shot. My sisters and I watched The Santa Clause on our old VHS tape like we did when we were kids, and then watch A Christmas Story on TV afterwards. I have talked about The Santa Clause more extensively in previous Christmas Movie Marathon lists, but I'll just reiterate that this is my family's favourite Christmas movie and we try to watch it on Christmas Eve. The best part of the movie takes place on Christmas Eve and there's a sort of magical feel about it when watched on that date. We love it.
rewster's rating:
949
7.5
7.9
A Christmas Story (1983)
Watched Christmas Eve
My sisters have never seen this movie before, so I was eager to show it to them this year. I don't own it, so we had to watch it according to the TV's schedule. My sisters and I watched The Santa Clause on VHS, like we've always done since we were kids, and timed it so it finished just before A Christmas Story was played on TV. My parents also hadn't seen it so I got them in on it as well. It was quite nice having the whole family together, especially to watch a Christmas movie. It's rare to have all of us together at the same time, there's always at least one of us off doing something, but we were all available and we gathered 'round to watch this Christmas classic. I was the only one to have seen it before, and I loved it, so I was hoping my family would love it too. Some did, some didn't. I don't think my dad quite got the humour, nor did my older sister, but the rest really enjoyed it, and I was glad.
My sisters have never seen this movie before, so I was eager to show it to them this year. I don't own it, so we had to watch it according to the TV's schedule. My sisters and I watched The Santa Clause on VHS, like we've always done since we were kids, and timed it so it finished just before A Christmas Story was played on TV. My parents also hadn't seen it so I got them in on it as well. It was quite nice having the whole family together, especially to watch a Christmas movie. It's rare to have all of us together at the same time, there's always at least one of us off doing something, but we were all available and we gathered 'round to watch this Christmas classic. I was the only one to have seen it before, and I loved it, so I was hoping my family would love it too. Some did, some didn't. I don't think my dad quite got the humour, nor did my older sister, but the rest really enjoyed it, and I was glad.
rewster's rating:
2286
8.2
8.6
It's a Wonderful Life (1947) (1946)
Watched Christmas Day
It was a great day with family, including my grandmother and my uncle's family. Plenty of food, drink and games, what more could you want on Christmas Day? Once the festivities were over and the guests had retreated home, there was one last film to be watched. I try to watch It's a Wonderful Life on Christmas Day every year. I consider it to be the greatest film made for the holiday, and is probably my personal second favourite behind The Santa Clause. Watching this movie makes my Christmas complete.
It was a great day with family, including my grandmother and my uncle's family. Plenty of food, drink and games, what more could you want on Christmas Day? Once the festivities were over and the guests had retreated home, there was one last film to be watched. I try to watch It's a Wonderful Life on Christmas Day every year. I consider it to be the greatest film made for the holiday, and is probably my personal second favourite behind The Santa Clause. Watching this movie makes my Christmas complete.
rewster's rating:
Add items to section
TV Specials
2350
7
8
Malcolm in the Middle (2000)
Christmas-
Watched December 11th
Christmas Trees-
Watched December 11th
Watched December 11th
Christmas Trees-
Watched December 11th
rewster's rating:
15
7
8
Watched December 14th
Everyone's a dick to Rudolph and the dentist Elf. Even Rudolph's father, Donder, and Santa Clause himself, are dicks. Don't believe me? Watch... this
Everyone's a dick to Rudolph and the dentist Elf. Even Rudolph's father, Donder, and Santa Clause himself, are dicks. Don't believe me? Watch... this
rewster's rating:
6046
7.8
8.7
Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire-
Watched December 21st
Marge Be Not Proud-
Watched Decemer 21st
Watched December 21st
Marge Be Not Proud-
Watched Decemer 21st
rewster's rating:
3908
7.5
8.5
Xmas Story-
Watched December 21st
A Tale of Two Santas-
Watched December 21st
Watched December 21st
A Tale of Two Santas-
Watched December 21st
rewster's rating:
Every year, from December 1st to Christmas Day I watch as many Christmas movies and TV specials as I can, leading up to the big day. It's my Christmas tradition. :)
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