Christmas Movies…Really?

Just watched a new movie called Red One, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, JK Simmons (does JK Simmons get a lot of work or what?), Bonnie hunt and other familiar faces.  A pretty dang impressive lineup for a goofball, quippy, action, comedy movie in the “Die Hard” mold.  It was action packed, clever and entertaining.  Red One, the code name for Santa of course.  I’d say yes, check it out but not for kids under 12. Plenty of non noel-like language, violence & lovey dovey.

First let me say that I love the movie Die Hard.  I’m a fan!  However…I do not consider it a “Christmas movie”.  Nope.  Just because the Nakatomi Plaza and staff gets “hammered” at Christmas time, does not a Christmas movie it make.  I’ve voiced that opinion to family and friends only to be rebuked for such blasphemy!

Trading Places? Hilarious!  Justice is served in this one…but not as a Christmas movie.  Makes you want to beg off of salmon doesn’t it?  Same with Just Friends, a family favorite BUT I could watch it just as easily over 4th of July. Then there’s Krampus, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Violent Night, Bad Santa. Nah, nope, no way.  Oh great, slasher smut movies rated R+ at Christmas time, I’ll pass. They’re Christmas movies like Rudy is a football documentary.

So like about a million other “experts”, here are my top ten favorite CHRISTMAS  movies, my good to great:

10. Elf (like the maple syrup on spaghetti, a little too sweet for me)

9. Home Alone (if this isn’t parental neglect Home Alone 2 is for sure)

8.A Christmas Carol (George C. Scott was Patton for cryin out loud)

7. Gremlins (really cute until they get wet)

6. Scrooged (c’mon man…Tiny Tim is Mary Lou Retton)

5. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carey’s heart grew 3 sizes that day)

4. Miracle on 34th Street (I’m a sap)

3. Its a Wonderful Life (I get weepy every time)

2. A Christmas Story (Believe me the Bumpus dogs would regret stealing my turkey)

AND NUMBER ONE. Christmas Vacation (a family AND extended family favorite)

Me and you may have trust issues if you don’t know what Cousin Eddie is saying in this photo, so order it today HAHA!  Tis the season to be jolly right? Let’s see your favorites.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!