By Lindsay Shimizu, Second Year, English
It is no secret that Christmastime is hallmarked by tradition. One of my favourite festive rituals is camping on the couch with a blanket and hot drink to rewatch the same Christmas movies again and again. Whether you're looking for a new tradition, or you just can’t bring yourself to see Will Ferrell in tights this year, here are four films to get you out of your rewatching rut and into the holiday spirit.
- While You Were Sleeping (1995)
If you're in the mood for a cozy romance set in the chilly, but bright Chicago December, look no further than this Sandra Bullock rom-com. Days before Christmas Lucy (Sandra Bullock) saves Peter's (Peter Gallagher) life leading to miscommunication and chaos when she is mistaken for his fiancé. I categorize this film under the ‘no consequences’ subgenre of comedies. In a plot as ridiculous as pretending to be the betrothed of a man in a coma and falling for his brother, it’s hard to imagine how Lucy will find a way through to resolution. But whether it’s just the magic of Christmas or the fact that you can’t help but love Lucy despite her lies, you’ll overlook the neat, albeit unrealistic happily-ever-after. This is the time of year when suspending our disbelief for the sake of happy endings feels better than analying the plot too closely. Just embrace this feel-good movie that will make you feel as warm as the sweater Sandra Bullock wears when decorating her apartment.
- ‘Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas’, Community (2009-2015)
Are you, like the rest of the Christmas film industry, looking for the meaning of Christmas? If you are, you might be disappointed to realize you’re not going to find it at the end of this Community special Christmas episode. Instead, you’ll experience a comedic, yet tender parody of classic Christmas tropes. The familiar claymation style akin to many early Christmas specials is reimagined as Abed’s coping mechanism as he struggles to prepare for winter break. This is an innovative yet effective depiction of neurodivergence that highlights the importance of supporting your friends through the sometimes difficult holiday season. I can’t get over how an episode including Christmas wizards and Christmas pterodactyls has created a special so valuable to me that it has been added to my Christmas must-watch list. Being a massive Community fan, I watch this special every year, but even if you haven’t seen the show I guarantee you won’t regret watching this twenty-minute episode of funny, eccentric, and heartwarming TV.
- Rent (2005)
Christmastime isn’t all love, joy, and peace on Earth even though we wish it was. The film version of Jonathan Larson’s musical masterpiece is a great choice when you find yourself angry or upset even during 'the most wonderful time of the year.' Despite starting on Christmas Eve, the unforgiving cold New York winter emphasizes that this is not a fuzzy-warm holiday film. There is something comforting, however, about watching these young artists create their own found family despite their struggles to survive. Even with its difficult depictions of addiction and the HIV/AIDS crisis, I don’t see Rent as just a sob story. Rather, it lets you engage with your frustrations with the world without neglecting the importance of community, hope, and love even among the coldest, hardest conditions. As a die-hard Rent fan, I must preface my rec by saying that the stage musical is better than the film. That being said, I love that most of the original Broadway cast appears in their original roles including Idina Menzel, Anthony Rapp, and Taye Diggs. And the music alone makes this a story worth watching on film if you can’t see it on stage.
- A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) and It’s Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown (1992)
You may know the pathetic Christmas tree from the first Charlie Brown special, but when was the last time that you spent time with Snoopy and the gang? The first special explores frustrations with Christmas consumerism and holiday blues in that Charlie Brown, good-grief kind of way. It’s touching, funny, and a classic for a reason. Though less popular, the second Charlie Brown special is perfect for those who just can’t get enough of the Peanuts this time of year. It’s Christmastime Again is much lighter, alternating from character to character as they celebrate Christmas in their own ridiculous ways. You have to watch this one if only to enjoy Peppermint Patty and Sally’s performances in the Christmas recital at the end of the special. As an American, this is a non-negotiable watch in my house every Christmas, but I don’t think the Peanuts are as popular in the UK. That’s gotta change. Good grief, you guys.
I hope you spend your holiday season with both the familiar classics and these new-to-you films that bring out all of that clichéd, but nonetheless endearing Christmas magic. Happy Holidays, and have a wonderful movie-filled winter break!
What's your favourite Christmas film?
