It’s That Time Of Year Again!
Yes, you can buy me gifts, but more importantly, it’s time to look at more of the best holiday movies!
I’ve got great holiday films that have humor and heat, and some of the most iconic songs of the season as well – let’s get started with a new musical that jumps on the list of new modern Christmas classics!
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey!
Bravo to Netflix for this terrific new Christmas musical fantasy!
It stars Forest Whitaker as a wildly creative toy maker whose best idea was stole by Keegan-Michael Key.
Hugh Bonneville, Anika Noni Rose, Phylicia Rashad, Lisa Davina Phillip, Ricky Martin, and Madalen Mills also star!
Decades after his trusted apprentice betrayed him, a once-joyful toymaker finds new hope when his kind and curious granddaughter comes into his life.
Check out the trailer:
And yes, it’s a musical! It is stuffed with humor, emotion, and song – a great new addition to your holiday viewing!
Now, let’s go back to a simpler age, when one little girl’s belief in Santa Claus held up in court!
“Miracle On 34th Street”
This plot is classic…during the holiday season, a nice old man working at Macy’s claims to be Santa Claus, so they try to lock him up!
A young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing, with an assist from the charming Natalie Wood!
Here is the lengthy but heartwarming trailer:
This 1947 classic has been remade – but why? Stick with the original!
And speaking of classics, just remember this:
“You’ll shoot your eye out with that thing!”
A Christmas Story
The story of one young boy’s dream of the perfect holiday gift, and all that he endures in his quest for it – this is one of the most heartwarming Christmas movies ever!
Check out the trailer:
Yes, the film that spawned a new word for Italian lamps:
“FRA-GEE-LAY!”
Click here to see much more about this classic, along with some really funny trivia about the film, and that lamp!
Next up is a terrific musical that many of you have made a case that it’s the perfect holiday film!
“Meet Me In St. Louis!”
This enduring 1944 classic is the story of young love and childish fears that highlight a year in the life of a turn-of-the-century family.
It ends during Christmas season, it has Judy Garland, and more importantly, it has Judy Garland singing a holiday classic!
Here is Judy Garland’s iconic performance of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas!”
Absolutely gorgeous…a terrific film that will make you so happy to watch!
Next up is a remake of the Cary Grant holiday film “The Bishop’s Wife” with a terrific cast – and another iconic musical performance!
“The Preacher’s Wife”
This 1996 film starred Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston, and was directed by Penny Marshall.
Here is the trailer:
The plot revolves around the Preacher’s wife, Whitney Houston, who is joined at dinner with an Angel, Denzel Washington, at the club where she used to go with her husband…
Whitney Houston recorded a sweeping soundtrack score for the film.
Here is one of Whitney’s performances from the film:
The Future Star Kicked Off The Film!
And what about this as trivia!
In a 2013 interview with the Archive of American Television, director Penny Marshall relayed a story where she had to ask one of the extras to leave during filming of one of the interior church scenes. She noticed that the person was wearing a yellow sweater, which was also the same color the church choir was wearing. Ironically enough, the sweater was provided by the production wardrobe assistants. Marshall found out, years later through a friend of hers, that the extra that she kicked out was future actress and comedian, Melissa McCarthy!
Happy Holidays!
Next up is the film that annually gets more debate on what makes a “holiday film” – is it time of year? Subject matter?
“Die Hard!”
It takes place at a Christmas party on Christmas Eve, as a New York cop tries to get home in time to see his estranged wife and their two kids.
Behold the holiday majesty of “Die Hard!”
It’s debated every year, because it’s one of the most entertaining action films of all time – so why does that exclude it from holiday consideration?
Sure, it’s got some moments that the kids love more than you hate them hearing, but it’s terrifically entertaining, so click her to see more of my reasons why it’s the perfect holiday movie!
There you go, part two of my look at the best holiday movies – but wait!
That’s right: a list of the most “subversive” holiday movies is next week, so if you don’t see a few of your favorites, just wait!
And if you want to see what I’ve already highlighted:
My “part one” list includes such classics as “Love Actually” and “It’s A Wonderful Life” – and so much more!
Click here to see movie trailers and lots of holiday film trivia!
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Leave me a comment and let me know your favorite holiday film – and let’s embrace this holiday season no matter what the obstacles!
Categories: Action Films, Art, Books / Media, Comedy Movies, Cult Movies, Great Films, Movies, Music, Obscure Movies, Obscure Music, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
The Precher’s Wife is a take-off of the 1947 film, The Bishop’s Wife, starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven. It is outstanding!! Much better. l love Miracle on 34th Street. Great movies, John.
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Thanks for commenting! I know the original is better but I wanted to mix and match old and new films!
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You’re welcome, John. You do a great job of mixing old and new. I’m glad you like the original, too!
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You’ve got some great selections here John, and I’m especially happy you included Meet Me In St. Louis. I finally talked my husband into checking out Jingle Jangle and we’re going to be watching it tomorrow.
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I promised you!
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☺️
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I’m excited to watch jingle jangle!
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It’s a bit longer than it needs to be, but the music is good, great dance numbers, and it’s charming and sweet! You’ll see some added touches that will remind you of other films – in a good way!
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