Christmas Classic: How The Grinch Stole Christmas

If by chance this modern classic isn’t a fixture of your Bluray collection then you can catch it on Netflix. It isn’t the best adaptation of Dr. Suess’ story but this update of the Grinch still holds up today. With great commentary on consumerism, fantastic set design, and two great lead performances from Jim Carrey and Taylor Momsen.

Family: Paddington

Paddington is the perfect film to warm you up on these cold nights. Following the eponymous bear as he moves in with the Brown family and is hunted by Millicent (Nicole Kidman) this movie is some of the purest, good-natured fun to have been released in the last decade. There’s a lovable character at its centre (Ben Whishaw provides Paddington’s beautiful voice), pitch-perfect comedic timing, inventive set-pieces, and a heartwarming message about taking care of those in need no matter where they come from. Paddington is a good-natured pallet cleanser for all the cynicism of modern filmmaking. 

Drama: Boiling Point

No film captures the intensity of working in a restaurant during the Christmas run-up better than Boiling Point. Clashes with customers, interpersonal team drama, and personal issues intruding into work play out brilliantly and flowingly in this extraordinary drama shot entirely in one take. It will definitely give everyone a newfound appreciation for what hospitality workers have to put up with.

Animation: Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

This hotly anticipated stop-motion reimagining of Carlo Collodi’s classic tale of a wooden puppet who wants to be a real boy from horror master Guillermo del Toro and stop-motion mainstay Mark Gustafson does not disappoint. The stop-motion is a marvel, the voice acting is outstanding and it takes the classic tale in interesting new directions. Plus its central exploration of family, faith, and how fascism perverts them makes for perfect viewing right now.

Romance: I Believe in Santa (14th December)

Sometimes we all want a bit of festive cheese. I Believe in Santa focuses on a woman (Christina Moore) who has to come to terms with the fact that her partner (John Ducey) is obsessed with her least favourite holiday, Christmas. And still believes in Santa. Undoubtedly the film will be sickeningly saccharin but hey, occasionally we all need a bit of Christmas schlock.

Mystery: Knives Out & Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (23rd December)

Finally, for those who love watching a mystery tale during the holidays, you’re in luck. Both Knives Out and its sequel Glass Onion will be arriving on Netflix just in time for Christmas. Both movies revolve around unconventional mysteries being investigated by Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc. Rian Johnson’s series (Netflix has ordered another sequel) revels in the genre’s trappings and not only subverts what’s expected but updates the genre in very satisfying ways. And both films feature great performances from absurdly talented casts. Please give them a watch so we can encourage Johnson and Craig to make as many sequels as they want.

That does it for our seasonal Netflix recommendations. We hope our suggestions provide some enjoyment for you. Please feel free to recommend anything we should add to our watchlist. And from our family to yours we hope you all have a Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Also Read: Best Christmas Movies of the Past Decade

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

The post Christmas 2022 Netflix Recommendations appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

Vampires in Winter

There are places in the world where it gets really dark. 30 Days of Night is set in one such place, a town in northern Alaska where they have a thirty-day period of darkness every winter. Naturally, this is an appealing site for vampires and one year they descend upon the isolated town. There is a slow build of tension as people report phones being sabotaged and pets killed – to make the population more isolated and vulnerable – and then the vampires attack. There is a great scene of the initial attack, people dragged from their homes by vampires, people being chased down, it even includes an aerial shot showing the bloodbath from above. Frostbite has a similar premise but this time it’s a small town in Sweden. Frostbite has more comedic moments than 30 Days of Night and isn’t as good a film but it does have some great moments – such as the local police have detained a vampire in a cell but obviously have no understanding of what it is they’re dealing with and a simple questioning requires full riot gear.

Let The Right One In is another example of great winter horror and is an absolute masterpiece. Set in Sweden the story revolves around children Oskar and Eli, the latter we learn is a vampire, and while she looks like a child is very old. The film is very dark in every sense of the word with so much of it set at night – it turns out vampires quite like dark winter locations. As well as being genuinely horrific it is genuinely moving and one of the great horror films whatever time of year.

Winter In Space

Space can be a great parallel for winter. It’s cold, it’s dark, and it’s simultaneously lonely but you’re stuck with people. One of the most underrated films ever made is Moon – Sam Rockwell plays Sam Bell; who is left on a station on the moon conducting mining work with his only companion the station’s AI. Or so we think. Not long into the film Sam finds another person, someone in one of the automated vehicles, already this is weird as he believed he was the only person on the moon, but the person is his exact double.

It has been said before but Alien is a horror film set in space and if you’re looking for isolation and the idea that if you dare step outsides the confines of your home/spaceship you will need extensive protective outerwear to survive and may well not return then Alien is the film for you. In Alien outside is a dangerous place and it is where the horrors will come from, don’t go outside and don’t let those who do bring the cold back in with them.

There is a sci-fi film that mixes the isolation, cold and darkness of space with bright light and heat and this is Sunshine. The film follows a team of astronauts and scientists who have a mission to save the sun, so it is cold, it is dark and they are alone, but there is also the sun. One crew member has taken to staring at the sun through a protective screen, and even with the screen it is doing damage to his skin, but nonetheless, he is compelled to do it.

It’s Just Really Cold

The Thing is a classic horror in terms of isolation and the cold as a research team in Antarctica are attacked by a shapeshifting alien. The cold is a constant presence and limiting factor for the team, to leave their base to escape the alien is to invite hypothermia. After the grotesque special effects, some of the most memorable shots of the film are of Kurt Russell bundled in a huge coat with snow in his beard. One of the key elements at the end of the film is whether you can see the breath of the remaining characters because of the cold.

It’s impossible to not mention The Shining, not only one of the greatest films ever made but it has a lot of snow, and isolation is very much the point of it. Indeed some people think that there are no ghosts, that there is nothing supernatural going on and Jack is driven to insanity by the isolation. The family are more or less trapped in the snow-covered hotel, and when Dick Hallorann comes to rescue the family it becomes an arduous journey through the elements. It is a film that gets anyone thinking about how they would handle such an extended period of isolation. The hotel, even when it is the only Torrance family staying there, seems inviting and warm, it is bright and comfortable, contrasting with the ever-grimmer weather outside. And – spoiler alert ahead – it is the weather that actually saves Wendy and Danny with their father freezing to death.

Also Read: 10 Iconic Horror Movie Masks

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

The post Horror Films To Enjoy During The Long Dark Winter Months appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

What if Will Farrell interferes in Ryan Reynolds’ life?

Anders’ movie is a modern take on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but with a beautiful twist. What if the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future would transform someone into a much better person every Christmas and not only once? The world would be so much better! For this Christmas, the Ghosts and their team found the perfect man: A hotel boss who treats his staff in the rudest way possible. However, before they start interfering in his life, the Ghost of Christmas Present (Will Ferrell) runs into a hotel guest, Clint Briggs (Ryan Reynolds). The businessman uses social media and his ability to swoon everyone over with his fancy words to profit from weaponizing the war on Christmas. This goes against everything the Ghosts stand for, and because of that, Briggs becomes their target.

Present discovers that Briggs has no sense of morality when infiltrating his life. Briggs doesn’t see how worn out his loyal assistant Kimberly (Octavia Spencer) is, and when his young niece Wren (Marlow Barkley) wants to become an important person at her school, he convinces her to play it dirty instead of fair. However, it turns out that this mission might not be an easy one at all for Present. Briggs is stubborn as hell, and Present falls for Kimberly and has to face his dark past. Will Briggs be the unredeemable who’s redeemable after all, and how will Present face his demons?

Go on a joyful, Christmassy and never-ending trip

What makes Spirited extremely enjoyable is the chemistry and performances of the leads. After appearing in Elf and Eurovision, a film that combines the Christmas spirit and musical numbers is right up Ferrell’s street. He leads this movie with such humour, sassiness and emotional touches so that you can connect instantly with the characters. Hollywood-favourite Reynolds (Free Guy, Deadpool 2) is again on-point as a cruel and macho businessman who lets no one or nothing stands in his way. He brings bags of humour, witty moments and even an uplifting vibe to this movie.

For us is Spencer (Snowpiercer, Ma) an actress who shines in every role she takes due to her impeccable talent and delicate performances. This time is no different. She took singing classes for this movie, and it paid off beautifully. Her lovely singing voice is a beautiful addition to her multi-layered performance, and she heightens that touching feeling of this movie immensely. Some cameos throughout this movie will put a smile on your face.

When watching Spirited, it’s clear that cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau (Thor: The Dark World, Creed II) understood the assignment perfectly. The combination of red-green is seen in every scene in one way or another; the tailing shots bring the songs and dance routines perfectly to life, and the wide shots add another beautiful layer to this movie. With music from The Greatest Showman and La La Land duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, it’s not surprising that the songs and dances are full of glitz and glamour.

Sadly, Spirited is not all fun-fun, joy-joy. Due to using the same songs, sung each time differently, the film becomes too repetitive to stay interesting for the 2h7min runtime. Another reason why we can’t give this movie the full five stars is the cheap-looking production design. Sometimes it feels like the musical numbers are sung in front of a green screen or on a cheap set. The songs would have had a much better impact if the director would have used actual physical spaces.

Not a classic Christmas film but a pretty damn good movie!

Whether you like this movie mostly depends on how much cheesiness you can take from a film. As long as you want to be carried away by sweet and predictable plots, uplifting songs, over-the-top choreography and outstanding acting performances, this is certainly a movie you will enjoy! While Spirited won’t become a classic Christmas film, it’s a pretty damn good movie!

Rating: (4 / 5)

Spirited is out now in UK cinemas and on Apple TV+.

Also Read: Who Did It Better: Miracle on 34th Street

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

The post Review: Spirited appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

This time of year lends itself to these types of movies and, as you can probably tell, I don’t like most of them. I could spend the next few hundred words explaining why but, well, what’s the point? There’s nothing less cool than taking time out of your day to talk about why you don’t like something (unless that something is harmful or dangerous). Instead, it seems a better use of my time (and yours) for me to talk about the films I do watch around this time of year, albeit not ritualistically. Instead, I watch these movies some years and, then, maybe I won’t the next.  So this is what might be called “My Alternative Christmas (Film) List.” 

Something Sentimental…

If you’re partial to something loving at Christmas, something that feels nice and isn’t concerned with all the terrible things happening out there, I’d suggest Ernst Lubitsch’s 1940 film The Little Shop Around the Corner. It follows two department store workers during the run-up to Christmas who dislike each other by day but, without realising, correspond via love letters at night after the answering of a “lonely hearts” ad in the newspaper. The film, based on a Hungarian play, inspired the likes of Nora Ephron’s You’ve Got Mail and has all the makings of a classic romantic comedy: two bickering central lovers, played by Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, who explore how thin the line between love and hate really is. 

If this sounds too twee, then love with a more cynical edge is offered in Billy Wilder’s 1960 masterpiece The Apartment. C.C. Baxter, played by Jack Lemmon, is a down-on-his-luck office worker in New York City who lets his bosses use his apartment as a place to take their mistresses. One of them is Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), who operates the lift in Baxter’s building, a young woman who wants love but looks in all the wrong places. Her affair with her married boss leads her to some dark places and to the apartment over Christmas but, this time, with Baxter. Like When Harry Met Sally (another film you could maybe watch around this time of year because, well, why not?), it sets its finale on New Year’s Eve and offers a classic “running through the city to be with the one you love” scene. 

Something Darker… 

There is, however, room for something darker at Christmas. It can’t all be cheerful, can it? The darkness could be found in John Houston’s 1987 film, The Dead. Houston’s last film stars his daughter, Anjelica Houston, in an adaption of James Joyce’s short story set during a Christmas party. The movie, like the story, concerns itself with those who aren’t present at this time of year, who haunt the edges of our lives and who we can’t forget. As the party progresses, the discussion moves to politics and the disputes taking hold of Ireland at the turn of the century, the nature of religion in Irish society. It captures, quite perfectly, how this time of year can, for some, feel quite melancholy. 

Even darker, maybe, is Tim Burton’s 1992 film, Batman Returns. Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman is everything you might ask for; standing in a skin-tight PVC catsuit, stitched together herself, in front of a neon sign that reads “Hell Here”. Her performance, perhaps one of the greatest ever given in a superhero movie, is majestic. It’s equally terrifying and heart-breaking as Pfeiffer moves from the timid and sad Selina Kyle to the confident and revenge-seeking, whip-toting anti-hero. If Pfeiffer isn’t enough to tempt you (and, if so, what’s wrong with you?), then the film also offers killer Christmas clowns, attempted murder, political corruption, and penguins strapped to rockets. This film completely sells itself. 

Something Queer…

If, instead, you want something totally different, you might enjoy Sean Baker’s 2015 film, Tangerine. Over the space of a single Christmas Eve, Trans Sex Workers Sin-Dee and Alexandra (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor, respectively) go in search of the pimp who has been cheating on Sin-Dee with cisgender women. The movie, shot entirely on iPhones, is a chaotic and wild tale of friendship set in the less glamorous parts of Hollywood. Both Rodriguez and Taylor give excellent performances that are both deeply rooted and vibrant. 

While it may be very different tonally, Todd Haynes’ beautifully distant Carol is another queer favourite. Based on a novel by Patricia Highsmith, Carol examines queer desire in there 1950s with Cate Blanchett starring as the titular character and womaniser. When she meets Therese (Rooney Mara) and falls in love, the connection brings complications. Be prepared for Blanchett in fur coats as a light dusting of snow falls across upstate New York, and sensual sex scenes in motel rooms. It is also one of the few queer romances set in the past with a happy ending. What’s more Christmassy than that? 

Something Underrated… 

Underrated is one of those words that, when applied to film and TV, is rarely accurate. It’s often used to mean: “Hey, I like this film, and it isn’t talked about every day, all the time, ergo it’s not being appreciated”. However, I’m going to make a case for two Christmas films that are underrated. The first is Die Hard. 

Okay, okay! I know! I just said “underrated” is misused and then named one of the most famous action movies of all time, but hear me out. Die Hard does not deserve the debate around whether it’s a Christmas film or not; it categorically is. It should be up there. It should be number one. The setting is a Christmas party, there are Christmas-themed jokes abound, and it ends with John McClane (Bruce Willis) riding off into the sunset as “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” plays over the credits. Come on?! How is this different from a child creating sadistic traps for two burglars? It isn’t. Die Hard is underrated as a Christmas film because its status is constantly questioned. It’s darker in tone, obviously, and it’s aimed at adults rather than families (which seems to be some unwritten rule that any canonically Christmas film must be watchable by kids. I don’t have time to get into how fucked up that is!). Listen, if I want to spend my time off work watching a sweaty Bruce Willis be all macho in a tank top then that is my right. Moreover, I assert, it should be everyone’s right! Viva La Vie Die Hard! Long live a sweaty Bruce Willis! 

I’ll step off my horny soapbox now and point towards another underrated Christmas film: The Family Stone. Not only is the cast stacked (Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel McAdams, Clare Danes, Dermot Mulroney, Luke Wilson, AND Diane Keaton), but it is also far more willing to engage with just how annoying the holiday season can be. As Parker’s uptight Meredith goes, for the first time, to spend Christmas with her fiancé’s family, we see all the awkward slip-ups, passive aggression, and slanging matches in the kitchen. This, surely, is what Christmas is like for most people. I refuse to believe it is as harmonious as supermarket adverts suggest. Let’s face it: Christmas is annoying. Sure, it’s fun and can be good, but it’s never without a hitch. Let’s just embrace this fact and allow The Family Stone to be our beacon. And, if you will allow me – in the spirit of Christmas – to step onto my horny soapbox once more: DERMOT MULRONEY IN A TURTLE NECK! HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!

Also Read: Who Did It Better: Miracle on 34th Street

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

The post How Film Changed Me: On An Alternative Christmas appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

Today we will see if Silent Night’s following is deserved or if it is only memorable because of the uproar around it.

Synopsis

When Billy Chapman’s (Jonathan Best & Danny Wagner) parents are murdered by a man dressed as Santa Claus he is placed in St Mary’s Orphanage. There he receives cruel treatment from the Mother Superior (Lilyan Chauvin). Who punishes him for his “unruly” behaviour and witnessing a “sinful” act. By 18 Billy (Robert Brian Wilson) is seemingly a functioning person. But when his boss (Britt Leach) forces him to be the store’s Santa, Billy begins breaking down. Upon seeing an act of sexual violence, Billy snaps. Now believing he is Santa he starts “punishing” anyone who is “naughty”.

What Did I Like?

Despite some silly elements Silent Night, Deadly Night’s story is well handled. The writing makes Billy’s downfall feel relatable and plausible. Showing him to be a genuinely decent person who is tortured and let down because of negative societal attitudes towards sex and trauma. And while the film’s final part delves more into slasher silliness than the character drama of the first two-thirds, the film does enough to justify getting us to that point. Meaning that it gets to be a serious character study and a full-blown slasher at the same time.

The cast is also surprisingly good. Jonathan Best naturally sells the innocence and frightened nature of young Billy. Robert Brian Wilson is equally charming and terrifying as older Billy. And Danny Wagner excels as the troubled 8-year-old Billy. Additionally, there are some great supporting performances. Britt Leach is fun as foul-mouthed store owner Mr. Sims and Gilmer McCormick provides some much-needed warmth as Sister Margaret. Lilyan Chauvin however is the standout as the film’s true villain, the Mother Superior. Thanks to her understated delivery, enraging dialogue, and holier-than-thou attitude.

And a few other things help make SNDN a fun watch. Gorehounds will love the over-the-top kills. Like a person being impaled on deer head antlers and a sled ride decapitation. The effective off-kilter score and creepy original songs like “Santa’s Watching” also help to generate a great uneasy feeling. And the superb set design, props, and costumes create a nice Christmas atmosphere.

What Did I Not Like?

On the less fun side, this movie features several scenes of sexual violence which can be understandably hard to watch. What makes it more unpleasant though is that our protagonist kills a sexual abuse survivor as “punishment”. Although understandable because of the story’s themes about the destructive impact of repression, it still feels unnecessarily cruel and exploitative.

The film also has a few moments that feel out of step with its overall mood. Much of the film deals with dour subjects. Such as abuse and the impact of trauma. So a sudden light-hearted 80s montage or a scene of a man coming out of a catatonic state to deliver an ominous warning breaks the immersion and comes off as nonsensical.

Finally, because much of the runtime focuses exclusively on Billy’s journey the last act has to work overtime setting up a number of victims and a police presence to defeat Billy. Which feels forced and brings the pace down considerably.

Verdict

Silent Night, Deadly Night is certainly not for everyone. It features some quite nasty content around sexual violence. It’s also sometimes tonally uneven. And the final movement’s pacing suffers from needing to quickly introduce too many characters.

That said it has earned its reputation as a Christmas horror staple because of its gripping and generally well-thought-out story. In addition, it has strong performances, some fun kills, a great soundtrack and good design work. So give this festive frightener a watch. Just block the chimney first, so this Santa doesn’t pay you a visit.

Rating: (3.5 / 5)

Also Read: A Horror Fans Film Guide To 2021

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

The post Retro Review: Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

Today we’re comparing the 1947 classic, the 1994 remake, and the 1973 TV movie of Miracle on 34th Street. We will analyse the films in several categories to determine which movies performed certain things better. And at the end, we will tally up the score to see which Miracle is the best. Let’s begin.

Who is the best Kris Kringle?

First let’s explore the story’s central character, Kris Kringle. The old man who believes he’s Santa Claus. Over the years this role has been played by Edmund Gwenn, Sebastian Cabot, and Richard Attenborough. But who is the best St. Nick?

From the outset, Sebastian Cabot’s Kris Kringle is far too mean and bitter to be considered a good Santa. Even if the filmmakers were trying to make Santa more mean it doesn’t fit the film’s otherwise light tone. Either way, Cabot’s Santa cannot beat his competitors.

Conversely, Edmund Gwenn feels like the real Santa. Despite his stern streak, which comes out when people abuse his friends or don’t take the responsibility of Christmas seriously, he also emits an aura of pure warmth and joy. The happiness on his face when he makes children smile and the jolly nature he has towards life is infectious. He deserves the name, Kris Kringle.

Richard Attenborough’s performance chooses a very different angle. Throughout the film, he subtly hints, through doubtful looks in his eyes, that he doesn’t believe he is the real Father Christmas. But his all-around loveable nature gives the impression of a regular man trying to show it is possible to live your life with the spirit of Christmas. He also lacks Gwenn’s harder edge. Making him closer to the modern image of Santa.

Ultimately Gwenn and Attenborough are too good to choose between. Gwenn feels like Father Christmas translated into the real world. Attenborough feels like an ordinary man trying to accomplish the impossible task of being Father Christmas. Both portrayals offer something intriguing and both actors do fantastic work. Therefore, they have both earned the title of Kris Kringle.

Winner: Tie – Miracle on 34^th Street 1947 and 1994

Who is the best Susan?

Next, we must consider the story’s other central pillar. The young disbelieving girl who Kris tries to turn into a believer by granting her wish for a house and also a family.

Again the 1973 Susan comes nowhere near the other versions’ quality. Suzanne Davidson does fine with the material. Unfortunately, this script makes Susan feel like a brat who deserves nothing for Christmas.

However, as with Kris Kringle, the 1947 and 1994 Susan’s are characterised differently but are equally interesting. Natalie Wood (1947) and Mara Wilson (1994) feel like real children rather than actors. An incredible example of their abilities as child performers.

Natalie Wood’s Susan is a precocious young person whose knowledge has gone to her head. But this characterisation makes it very satisfying when Kris begins convincing her that sometimes it’s better to have a child’s faith. Rather than being wholly realistic. It’s a testament to the writing and Wood’s performance that Susan never becomes unlikable. She just feels like a child realising that everything isn’t solely black and white.

Comparatively, Mara Wilson’s Susan feels more tragic. She isn’t happy knowing what she knows. She looks robbed of the opportunity to be a child. Which is a great consequence of the plot thread about her mother’s divorce. You feel that Wilson’s Susan wants to believe but doesn’t want to be hurt again. Which makes her character journey quite emotionally resonant.

Yet again it’s impossible to pick between the 1947 and 1994 versions. Wood is a likeable presence despite her stuck-up nature and her arc is more dramatically satisfying. Meanwhile, Wilson gives a layered, sympathetic performance that has you feeling more for her Susan. Thus both deserve to win the round. 

Winner: Tie – Miracle on 34^th Street 1947 and 1994

Who has the best Supporting Cast?

Now we must review the Miracle on 34^th Street films other players. And how well they perform their roles.

Miracle 1973s only notable supporting characters are Bill Schaffner (David Hartman), who is alternately charming and creepy because of how he acts around Susan’s mother. And Dr. Sawyer (Roddy McDowall), who is more sympathetic yet more over-the-top than his 1947 counterpart. Everyone else is entirely forgettable.

1994s Miracle fairs better. Elizabeth Perkins gives a great emotionally vulnerable performance as Dorey Walker. The humorously evil corporate underlings Jack Duff (James Remar) and Alberta Leonard (Jane Leeves) are fun to watch. And Robert Prosky’s Judge Harper elicits great sympathy with little screen time. The problem with the 1994 movie is that while people like Perkins and Prosky are good, other performers like Dylan McDermott as Bryan Bedford are very wooden. And characters such as the rival Santa (Jack McGee) border self-parody with their over-the-top actions. Resulting in the good elements feeling hampered.

The 1947 supporting cast is the best. Every character has motivation, feels different, and every actor perfectly fits their role. Maureen O’Hara’s Doris Walker is immaculate. An overly realistic working mother with a genuinely good moral compass. John Payne’s Fred Gailey is incredibly charming. Never wavering in his affection for the Walker’s and Kris despite the challenges he faces. Gene Lockhart’s Judge Harper is very funny. But his obsession with re-election also makes him feel like a real judge. And other players are very memorable. Like worrying store clerk Mr. Shellhammer (Philip Tonge). Dr. Sawyer (Porter Hall) the grouchy psychiatrist with marriage problems. And lovably naive Alfred (Alvin Greenman).

Through its mix of all-around great performances and writing, the original Miracle has the best supporting cast.

Winner: Miracle on 34^th Street 1947

Which version tells the story best?

Finally, we look at each film’s story and ask which film tells the narrative in the best way?

All three movies have essentially the same story though with some differences. A man called Kris Kringle becomes the head Santa at a huge store after performing well during a thanksgiving parade. The woman who hired him is a single mother, raising her daughter, Susan, to be a realist. But Kris says that he is the real Santa. Susan wants Kris to prove this by getting her a house (and potentially a family). Which Kris accepts. Many people believe Kris is insane. When pushed too far he strikes out and is arrested and committed. To clear Kris’s name the mother’s love interest agrees to be his lawyer and prove Kris is the real Santa Claus.

The 1994 version’s plot differs the most. Focusing much more on corporate sabotage. With Kris’ disgrace used more as a corporate smear rather than because he is perceived as dangerous. The courtroom procedures are presented more realistically than other versions. And Susan’s wish is changed to something more conventionally unobtainable. That being a house, a dad, and a baby brother. Some of these differences are appreciated. E.g. treating the court scenes more realistically makes the pay off more satisfying. However, the contrast of these realistic elements alongside outlandish plot points such as Kris getting Susan’s mother married and the over-the-top depiction of corporate bosses makes the film feel tonally disparate. And can sometimes feel like the film focuses more on plot action than characters.

The only difference the 1973 film’s plot has from the original is the elaboration of Kris’ friendship with Alfred (Barry Greenberg). Unfortunately this film doesn’t give certain elements enough time to breathe. For example, the scene where Kris tells shoppers to buy gifts at other stores comes and goes rather quickly. Without really impacting the rest of the film. Because of this rushed pace, the story is hard to invest in and the emotional moments feel unearned.

Meanwhile, despite the 1947 film’s plot conveniences e.g. the mail solution coming into the story by chance, the plot flows quite naturally. Largely because the story feels dictated by the characters. With everyone’s motivation and personality informing their actions rather than the characters being forced along by the plot. The pacing is perfect. Each plot point has enough time to sit with the audience before it’s developed. And it weaves a sense of whimsy throughout while also not overdoing it. With the prime example being how Susan gets her wish through a mixture of playful leading from Kris, and Doris and Fred deciding to buy the house to start a new life. Making this version feel simultaneously grounded and magical.

The 1947 Miracle on 34^th Street tells its story in a way that feels natural. While also being charmingly whimsical and grounded thanks to its character work and subtly effective writing.

Winner: Miracle on 34^th Street 1947

Overall Winner: Miracle on 34^th Street 1947

Final Thoughts

Ignore the 1973 film at all costs. Apart from that, the 1947 and 1994 Miracle on 34^th Street’s are good-natured defences of imagination and a push back against holiday pessimism. Both versions have iconic lead performances from Edmund Gwenn and Richard Attenborough. Furthermore, both have great child performances from Natalie Wood and Mara Wilson.

The 1994 version is also very entertaining. Updating the concept of defending Santa Claus to fit a modern audience. But with a well-rounded, memorable supporting cast, and a story that balances the fantastical with the mundane as well as being dramatically engaging, natural, and satisfying, the original 1947 Miracle on 34^th Street deserves the title of the best version of the story. It’s a Christmas classic for a reason.

Also Read: Who Did It Better?: How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Read More: Who Did Better?: A Christmas Carol

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

The post Who Did It Better: Miracle on 34th Street appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

So today we’re giving you some new holiday films to watch by recommending the best Christmas movies from the past decade. To ensure a wide variety of selections the films will be recommended by genre.

Best New Christmas Animation: Arthur Christmas

On Christmas Eve a child’s present gets misplaced. But Santa (Jim Broadbent) and his cold, technical son Steve (Hugh Laurie) aren’t interested in its delivery. So, Santa’s clumsy other son Arthur (James McAvoy), Grandsanta (Bill Nighy), and elf Bryony (Ashley Jensen) decide to do something.

Arthur Christmas is charming. Updating the Santa story for modern audiences with Aardman’s trademark whimsicalness. The voice work is stellar. Bill Nighy’s and Jim Broadbent’s older Santa’s are particularly great, and James McAvoy’s Arthur is infectiously endearing. The modern and traditional Christmas designs blend wonderfully. And its message of unity taking Christmas into the future is incredibly meaningful. Arthur Christmas will put a smile on everyone’s face.

Best New Christmas Drama: The Hunt (2012)

In this Danish drama, teacher Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen) is falsely accused by his student Klara (Annika Wedderkopp) of doing something heinous. As a result, his friends, colleagues, and neighbours turn on him and his family. 

The Hunt is much darker than your average Christmas film, but the holiday setting adds a poignant edge as people begin casting stones at Lucas. The writing is hard-hitting while also making everyone recognisably human in their actions. And Mads Mikkelsen gives one of his best performances. The Hunt shows that innocent people are capable of doing cruel things to each other. But that we are also capable of something more.

Best New Christmas Romance: Carol

Carol is about shy wannabe photographer Therese (Rooney Mara) and Carol (Cate Blanchett), who is fighting a custody battle. When they meet in the store where Therese works, there is instant electricity between them. Which over the course of the holiday becomes a relationship. But can their love survive the time they live in?

Carol is a beautiful movie to watch around the holidays. The cold snowy backdrop beautifully contrasts the warm central relationship (Blanchett and Mara are fantastic), the festive red and green hues in the production design, and the themes of love and togetherness perfectly fit the holiday setting. So, if you want to get lovey-dovey this year, snuggle up and watch Carol.

Best New Christmas Comedy: Tangerine

Tangerine follows transgender sex workers Sin-Dee (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) and Alexandra (Mya Taylor) on Christmas Eve as they scour Los Angeles for the pimp who broke Sin-Dee’s heart.

Tangerine is a foul-mouthed inversion of traditional Christmas films. There’s no snow, Santa, and little jollity. The characters spend their time mostly hurling abuse at each other. But because of that Tangerine feels refreshing. It shows us the lives of groups seldom represented in popular culture, in a very real way (Tangerine was filmed on an iPhone making it look more grounded). But it’s also scathingly funny and heartbreakingly moving thanks to a great script and the very talented unknown leads. Which is worth celebrating.

Best New Christmas Horror: Better Watch Out (2016)

This holiday horror focuses on Ashley (Olivia DeJonge) who is babysitting Luke (Levi Miller) while his parents are out. But things take a turn after it becomes clear that someone wants to get in the house. For what reason? You will never suspect. 

Despite the generic setup and some cringy moments, Better Watch Out is a treat to watch unfold, as its standard narrative soon gives way to something more engaging. The beautiful festive design (full of fairy lights and popping bright colours) and fun performances, especially that of Levi Miller, are also more than enough to keep you invested. By the end, you will be satisfied with this winter wonderland whirlwind.

Best New Christmas Musical: Anna and the Apocalypse  

It’s almost the Christmas holidays and Anna (Ella Hunt) has decided to go travelling when she leaves school, against her father’s (Mark Benton) wishes. But when zombies invade her hometown, she must work with her friends to save their loved ones.

Anna and the Apocalypse is a musical, horror, comedy, high school drama that works surprisingly well. The small-town comedy and zombie horror fit together perfectly. The drama feels earned thanks to the great writing and well-done performances. The music is a great extension of the character’s personalities. And the Christmas setting makes for some lovely set designs, gags, and Christmas inflected musical numbers. A real treat for music lovers.

So ends our list of some of the best Christmas movies of the past decade. Please tell us your favourite festive movies from the last 10 years in the comments.

Also Read: Who Did It Better?: The Grinch

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

The post Best Christmas Movies of the Past Decade appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

Lethal Weapon

While every year the debate goes on about whether Die Hard is a Christmas film (it is), the original Lethal Weapon is conspicuously absent. Aside from being set at Christmas time, it’s about family. Riggs is in a dark place having lost his, but slowly comes to accept Murtagh as his new family. The film ends with him being invited in for Christmas dinner. Can’t get much more Christmassy than that.

Lethal Weapon is available to buy/rent on Amazon Prime, Google Play and YouTube, as well as physical media.

Batman Returns

If you like your Christmas films a little more creepy, then a tale about a bat, a cat and a penguin is a good choice. While often overlooked or underrated, this stylish and unique is an excellent alternative to Burton’s classic The Nightmare Before Christmas. Gotham city is covered in snow at Christmas time, and the bat-signal shines in the sky like a star and a kiss under misletoe. It doesn’t quite have the themes of family or coming together for the season, but this is a list of alternative films after all.

Batman Returns is available on DC Universe as well as buy/rent on Amazon Prime, Google Play and YouTube, as well as physical media.

Iron Man 3

Marvel fans also have some festive superhero action to celebrate with. Tony Stark’s battle with PTSD and the Mandarin takes place over Christmas (like most of Shane Black’s films). Despite the heroics, the film does emphasise that the holiday is a time to spend with loved ones. It also works as a version of the Dicken’s classic “A Christmas Carol”, with Stark as Scrooge and facing ghosts from his past, in order to save his present and future. It’s even listed as a Christmas film on Disney +.

Iron Man 3 is available on Disney+, as well as able to buy/rent on Amazon, Google Play, YouTube, as well as physical media.

Brazil

It’s actually easy to forget that this Orwellian Sci-Fi is set around Christmas time. It’s drab grey corridors and cramped buildings don’t exactly promote Christmas cheer. But that’s what makes the few glimpses of Christmas we do get that much more impactful. Brazil is an excellent Christmas film, as Sam dreams of a better life and escaping his mundane one, and the holiday is a good representation of that.

Brazil is available on Amazon Prime, as well as physical media.

In Bruges

Like Brazil, it’s easy to forget this one is set at Christmas, as the characters make very little mention of it. Aside from a few scattered decorations, the opening takes place in a church and the film features a lot of reflection and looking to the future, things usually associated with New Year but also at Christmas. Ray, Ken and Harry make a very dysfunctional family, and naturally fight over Christmas, although hopefully, the average family Christmas squabble involves fewer bullets.

In Bruges, is available to watch on Netflix, as well as buy/ rent on Google Play and physical media.

Also Read: The Grinch: Who Did It Better?

The post Alternative Christmas Movies appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

With films of Carol dating back to 1901, I’ll only be looking at five of the most well-known theatrically released movies; comparing them to see which ones did certain things better. Those movies being Scrooge (1951), Scrooge (1970), Scrooged, Muppets Christmas Carol and A Christmas Carol (2009).

For this comparison I have chosen to look at, the portrayals of Scrooge, the portrayals of the ghosts, the supporting cast members, and how much they bring to their films, the production value of each film and which film best told the story overall. So, after all that set up let’s begin.

Who’s The Best Scrooge?

Ebeneezer Scrooge is one of fiction’s most iconic characters. His name has even become a part of the English language. With such a reputation you need equally brilliant performances to bring him to life. But who is the best, Alastair Sim, Albert Finney, Bill Murray, Michael Caine or Jim Carrey? For my money, Alastair Sim’s iconic turn from Scrooge (1951) is the best.

Unfortunately, while Finney and Carrey are clearly trying their best, their vocal affectations make it hard to take them seriously. Also despite loving Caine’s Scrooge and Murray’s modern interpretation, Frank Cross, Caine’s cold-heartedness does thaw a little too quickly for his change of heart to carry a large amount of weight. And Murray fits the bitter sardonic side of Scrooge better than the renewed Christmas lover.

Sim, however, embodies every aspect of Scrooge perfectly. His miserable nature is believable and never feels over the top. But when he changes his ways it feels like a perfectly played evolution of the character. And Sim communicates the character in every aspect of his performance. From his tone of voice to his body language and the words he uses. For my half a crown he’s the best Scrooge out there.

Winner: Scrooge (1951)

Who Are The Best Ghosts?

Scrooge may be the narrative focus, but it’s the visiting spirits that ultimately change him. So, which ghosts gave us the best hauntings over the years?

Firstly, we must consider Jacob Marley’s ghost. Often shown as a sickly figure dragging a long chain behind him, he’s been portrayed by many fantastic actors. Including Michael Hordern, Alec Guinness, and Gary Oldman. Some of the more creative interpretations include Muppets Christmas Carol, who have critics Statler and Waldorf playing Jacob and Robert Marley. Who come to criticize Scrooge and provide advice for his improvement. While Scrooged presents Marley, as an old retired boss who, humorously, resembles a zombie more than a ghost.

Christmas Past varies the most in appearance between adaptations. Scrooge (1951) and A Christmas Carol (2009)’s ghosts resemble the description in Dicken’s original story. However, both are still different. Scrooge (1951) has an angelic, androgynous figure, while A Christmas Carol has a floating candle carrying a cap. Both functions well as translations of the text but don’t show too much imagination. Scrooge (1970’s) Christmas Past is a middle-aged woman who feels like a mother figure to Scrooge. Going over his past mistakes like a mum bringing out the family photo album for guests. Scrooged’s Christmas Past is a loudmouth Taxi driver who ferry’s Frank around the past. While the Muppet version gives Christmas Past the visage of a child. Whose innocent appearance makes the overall message more poignant.

Of all the ghosts of Christmas Present, the Muppets and Scrooged are the most interesting. The Muppets’ Present, like Scrooge (1970), is more humorous in nature. Very much someone who lives for the moment. Though Muppets’ Present has more depth, as his initially lively nature contrasts greatly with his melancholy later as he begins to waste away. And Scrooged’s Christmas Present is the most original. A cute fairy that slaps people to get them to pay attention to the world around them. A nice change from the usual bearded, robed giant.

Christmas Future is the most consistent in appearance. Every version portrays Future as a hooded figure wearing a dark robe that never speaks. But, of all the adaptations the Muppet version is by far the most unsettling. Nothing about it looks human. It towers over the rest of the cast, with long arms and seemingly no face inside its hood. Making it equal parts fascinating and terrifying.

So, which film has the best ghosts? It has to be a tie between Scrooged and Muppets Christmas Carol. As both display a great amount of imagination in realizing Dicken’s old ideas. Without sacrificing what made them great.

Winner: Muppets Christmas Carol & Scrooged

Who Has The Best Supporting Cast?

Of course, Carol’s supporting cast is also important. The Cratchit Family, Scrooge’s nephew and every other character that populate Scrooge’s life add a little extra to the story. All these adaptations have incredible actors in the supporting cast. But Scrooge (1951) and Muppets Christmas Carol use their supporting actors best.

Not that there aren’t incredible actors in the other versions, but unfortunately Scrooge (1970)’s cast never really does much to elevate themselves, remaining functional but largely forgettable. A Christmas Carol (2009)’s motion capture continually distracts from the performances in favour of showing what was possible with motion capture. And many of Scrooged’s prominent supporting players aren’t given enough time to make an impact.

But, Scrooge (1951) and Muppets Christmas Carol’s supporting cast are incredibly memorable. Scrooge’s supporting cast includes greats like Mervyn Johns as Bob Cratchit (the best version in my opinion). Brian Worth as Fred and Carol Marsh as Fan are great. And memorable faces are dotted throughout like Jack Warner, Ernest Thesiger, and Hattie Jacques. Each character has a memorable moment and every actor gives an incredible performance that will leave the viewer riveted. And Muppets Christmas Carol has great fun filling out the supporting cast with regular Muppet characters. Such as having Kermit the frog and Miss Piggy as Bob and Emily Cratchit and Gonzo as Charles Dickens. Which adds a great amount of humour to the proceedings. And makes all the characters memorable because of the names behind them.

Meaning this segment again ends with a tie. One film showcases the power of incredible performances and great writing. The other demonstrates that sometimes all you need is the right name to make something memorable.

Winner: Scrooge (1951) & Muppets Christmas Carol

Which Version Has The Best Production?

It’s been interesting to see how each Carol adaptation reflects different attitudes to cinematic production. Scrooge (1951) focuses more on creating an authentic-looking Victorian world for the characters to inhabit. While the blocking and camerawork make for a very classical production. Scrooge (1970) aims for spectacle with varied settings, beautifully muted colours and having the cinematography play a more active role. Using long takes and camera movement to accentuate key moments. Scrooged places emphasis on practical effects and capturing modern metropolitan life. The Muppets use their titular characters to help tell the story, while also incorporating musical numbers. And A Christmas Carol (2009) aims to showcase the capabilities of motion capture and create a thrilling blockbuster. For me, Muppets Christmas Carol is the best of them all.

Everything about the Muppets Christmas Carol is a joy to watch from a visual standpoint. The puppetry is amazing. Within minutes you forget that you’re watching puppets and become completely absorbed into the experience. The special effects also hold up better than many other versions of the story. And is further complemented by the beautiful set design and well-done cinematography. Which comes alive during the musical segments.

Winner: Muppets Christmas Carol

Which version tells the story best?

This segment is hard to judge objectively as each interpretation attempts to do something different with the text. But how well does each adaptation achieves its goals?

While A Christmas Carol (2009)’s goal to be entirely faithful to the source material is admirable its attempts to show off the capabilities of motion capture and including over the top action sequences ultimately cheapens the overall experience. Scrooge (1970) also stumbles as it doesn’t have the pomp and energy needed to make a musical work. And the inclusion of these elements doesn’t add anything to the story other than compounding what we already know. Lastly, while Scrooged is a smart modern update of the story, with a great sense of pitch-black humour, unfortunately, it runs out of steam towards the end. Falling back into what we all expect from A Christmas Carol.

Meanwhile, The Muppets is a marvel of juggling tones. It’s consistently funny thanks to the absurd humour found in placing these weird creatures against the human actors who play their roles 100% seriously. But it also knows how to effectively pull on the heartstrings when needed. The inclusion of musical numbers also works better than Scrooge (1970). Because of the effective editing and how the songs tell us more about the characters and the story. The one disadvantage is that the film is overstuffed with ideas. And it does make a few missteps along the way regarding pacing.

And Scrooge (1951) tells the best straightforward version of the story it can. Focusing on the actor’s performances, the writing and the realization of Dickens’ world. While also expanding on certain aspects of the story. Sections that are glossed over in other adaptations are given real depth and weight here. For example, we get to follow Scrooge’s evolution into a miser in great detail. Which gives us great insight into his character. And we finally get a reason for why Scrooge resents his nephew so much. Which adds a tragic layer to both characters.   

Ultimately, despite some lacklustre special effects and minor grievances, I cannot deny that Scrooge (1951) tells its story the best. By being to the point and focusing on/expanding what worked in the source material rather than delivering overblown spectacle.

Winner: Scrooge (1951)

Overall Winners: Scrooge (1951) & Muppets Christmas Carol

Final Thoughts

The story of A Christmas Carol has truly given us many quality adaptations over the years. There’s something interesting about the fact that the closest adaptation of the book (A Christmas Carol (2009)) is the least interesting. Each of the other adaptations brought something new to the table.

If you want a generally entertaining and good-looking version of the story then Scrooge (1970) is for you. For an effective modern update to the old story, then go with Scrooged. If you want the definitive version that has incredible performances, fantastic design and expands on the source material in a way that feels natural and, in many ways, improves the story then watch Scrooge (1951). And if you want the best modern adaptation, packed full of imagination, memorable characters and perfectly blends humour, music, and drama then check out Muppets Christmas Carol.

Also Read: Who Did It Better?: How The Grinch Stole Christmas

The post Who Did It Better: A Christmas Carol appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

The Story

Clarence, an angel hoping to get his wings, is tasked with saving George Bailey (James Stewart) from committing suicide on Christmas Eve. To figure out how to help him, Clarence looks back over George’s life. He finds that George has always put others before himself. From saving his brother from drowning when he was a child to taking over the family business when is father died. Thus, saving the town from being monopolized by the cruel Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore). But because of this he always missed out on personal opportunities. When the threat of bankruptcy emerges, George snaps. Abandoning his wife Mary (Donna Reed) and children, George slowly begins wondering if the world would have been better without him. So Clarence decides to grant George’s wish. Can Clarence save someone who has seemingly given up?

What did I like?

It’s hard to condense all the positive aspects of It’s a wonderful life into a review that doesn’t run on for over 2000 words. But I will try my best.

Firstly, the film has connected with so many people over the years because everyone can relate to the story. Everyone at some point has doubted their place in the world or had to forgo their dreams because life just gets in the way. It’s a story that really grounds the film and helps us easily relate to the situation and the characters. It is not always an easy film to watch, especially when George’s depressed attitude comes to the forefront. Which may hit some viewers a little close to home. But it’s message that no matter how small you think you are, everyone matters to someone, is something everyone wants and deserves to hear, especially at Christmas time.

With it’s grounded story, you would think the supernatural aspect would feel jarring. But it never does. Because It’s a wonderful life both smartly sets up the supernatural presence early on, effectively informing the audience about what is coming and keeps the mystical happenings low-key. The world is re-arranged without George off-screen and the biggest power Clarence exhibits is the ability to teleport by asking his boss for help. Thus, the film can be both mystical and realistic without either seeming to betray the other.

And the story is helped along by well-written characters inhabited by great performances from every member of the cast. No one puts a foot wrong. James Stewart’s George and Donna Reed’s Mary are fantastic leads because they feel like normal people. Everything about them, from their dialogue and the way it’s spoken, to how the actors look at each other and the way they imbue great personality into the smallest gestures, makes them feel like normal people you could see walking down the street. And they wring every ounce of emotion out of all their scenes.

The supporting players are also great. Making the film feel like part of a real community, rather than actors simply playing roles. Special praise goes to Ward Bond and Frank Faylen who provide great comedic relief as loveable cop Bert and taxi driver Ernie. Lionel Barrymore also exudes sliminess as Mr. Potter. Who easily makes you hate every minute he’s on screen. But, aside from when he “acquires” George’s money, he never comes across as cartoonishly evil. He just feels like a man doing all he can to stay in power. And Henry Travers’ Clarence has a sense of childlike hopefulness and absentmindedness. Which combine wonderfully to easily make him cinemas most lovable angel. Even Gloria Grahame’s Violet, who doesn’t contribute anything major to the plot, feels like she belongs in this story. And her playful flirting feels charming, especially at a time where unmarried women were often demonized.

Surrounding a fantastic, relatable story, wonderful characters and amazing performances there is some gorgeous production design. The town of Bedford Falls looks accurate to the times and feels very much like a lived-in world. But also manages to feel timeless because of the lack of technology on display to date the film and the picturesque way it captures the idea of small-town America. And Dimitri Tiomkin’s beautiful musical score perfectly compliments and heightens every scene. With joyful and haunting strings and festive sleigh bells that really give a sense of the characters pain, triumphs and festive mood.

Honestly, I’ve barely begun to scratch the surface of everything that makes this movie great. But I have to move on. Or else my editor will hate me for making his job even harder at Christmas.

What I do not like?

How do you find fault with one of the most highly regarded movies of all time? Well it isn’t easy, and it makes me feel awful, but there are still minor issues that may bother some people.

One problem is that the films pacing feels slightly uneven towards the end. Because all the action revolving around Clarence and George’s journey to affirmation only comes into play in the third act, the build-up to the climax feels a little rushed. The emotional payoff is still great and the third act is the most memorable part of the film. But the final portion could have used a bit more room to breathe.

Also, some points make the film feel slightly dated. The revelation of what happens to Mary if George was never born is a good example of this. In this darkest possible timeline, where gentle Bert and Ernie are cynical and hostile; playful people like Violet are abused and shoved around, the idea that the worst thing that could happen to Mary is that she is not married and works at the library, feels a little too old-fashioned. And you can look at the Bailey’s family housekeeper and see examples of racial stereotyping.

Finally, the use of banking and building and loans as a central plot thrust may leave some people perplexed at times. Sometimes the minutia of the profession does feel a little inaccessible. However, these scenes never go on too long and you are still able to follow the story. It just might mean you momentarily zone out when talk shifts to banking matters.

Verdict

Despite slight blemishes brought on by age, a finale that may have benefitted from a bit more time and the sometimes impenetrable banking subject matter, It’s a wonderful life is a film that deserves to be watched every festive season. It’s grounded story with a wonderful festive message, loveable characters, flawless acting, production design and emotional score make it a true masterpiece. And it deserves its reputation as the best Christmas movie ever made.

Verdict: (5 / 5)

But…it is still not my favourite Christmas movie. What is? You will have to wait for my next review to find out.   

The post Retro Review: It’s a Wonderful Life appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

For the purposes of this list, a Christmas movie is a movie that pays particular attention to the holiday season. And also focuses on delivering the festive message of goodwill. As such, movies on this list don’t pay close attention to the holiday or deliver messages of despair and misery. What a fun way to counteract all the forced gaiety of Christmas time. So for those of you looking to watch something different this year, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s begin.

Black Christmas (1974)

Many un-Christmassy Christmas movies like to use Christmas as an ironic or dark setting. To exemplify their stories horrific or absurd nature. One of the earliest films to do this was the original Black Christmas. Bob Clark’sseasonal chiller tells a familiar story. A group of sorority girls are killed off one-by-one by someone hiding in the attic. But it sets itself apart in a myriad of ways. Not least by how it uses Christmas as its backdrop. When juxtaposed against the snow, lights and carolers, the films violence and adult content becomes extra effective. And the perversion of Christmas iconography like birth, family and having the killer breaking into the house like Santa Claus, transforms the film into both a well-told deconstruction of Christmas mythology and the best Christmas horror film ever. But when watching it, goodwill will be the furthest thing from your mind.   

Brazil (1985)

Terry Gilliam’s masterpiece is a sci-fi reimagining of George Orwell’s 1984, except more concerned with corporate bureaucracy, the power that corporations hold over us and how fantasy is a far more attractive prospect than reality. And it is set at Christmas…I wonder why? Like Black Christmas, Brazil uses the bright trappings of Christmas to accentuate the darkness of its world. But this time with a more darkly satirical edge. Like many of Gilliam’s films, it finds absurd humour in combining jolly childish fantasy with bleak adult reality and both of those things very much fit the Christmas motif. Making for an experience that captures not so much the fantasy of Christmas, but perfectly captures the pain of growing out of Christmas.

The Hunt (2012)

And continuing from Brazil’s use of grim adult reality to offset childhood innocence, comes the ultimate example of how assumed childhood innocence can have grim repercussions on adult life. The Hunt is a Danish film from director Thomas Vinterberg and stars Mads Mikkelsen. The story focuses on Lucas, a schoolteacher accused of something during the holidays. He then spends the season attempting to clear his name. While also trying to save his relationship with his son and surviving persecution from his neighbours. This truly is one of the most challenging films set at the most wonderful time of the year. Watching a man being driven to near-suicide, for something he didn’t do, by “civilized” people is as far removed from Christmassy as you can get. But the message of forgiveness and the dangers of pre-judgment is one that everyone should hear, especially at this time of year.

Die Hard (1988)

The movie everyone is currently discussing for its holiday relation. The classic action movie concerns New York cop, John McClane (Bruce Willis). Who attends his wife’s Christmas party which is later hijacked by “terrorist” Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). The story then becomes pure white-knuckle action as John tries saving the day, while desperately trying to avoid being killed. It is so easy to get absorbed in the action, brilliant acting and dialogue, that Die Hard’s Christmas setting seems incidental. But again the festive trimmings lend extra catharsis to the blood spurts. And the themes of greed and honesty that permeate the film still shows a clear affinity for the holiday. So we may have Bruce Willis instead of Santa. Delivering death instead of presents. But Die Hard deserves to be seen as a Christmas movie. Let it Snow’s presence on the soundtrack also helps.

Filth (2013)

Finally, for our list of seasonal antithetical movies, we have the filthiest holiday movie of the century so far. Filth stars James McAvoy as Bruce Robertson. A cop with dreams of promotion, investigating the murder of a foreign exchange student. But he has some serious demons to deal with. Including drug addiction, a disparaging voice in his head (Jim Broadbent) and being separated from his wife and child. Consequently, he spends the Christmas season making life miserable for himself and his colleagues. Pitch black in every sense, Filth is only recommendable to those with strong constitutions. Even seasonal goodwill may not get you through it. This is a film intent on showcasing humanities selfish and destructive side. But McAvoy’s brilliant performance makes it hard to turn away from. If nothing else, this film shows, however bad you think your office Christmas parties are, they could be much worse.

So, I hope this list has given all of you some new festive treats to check out. To help provide a different perspective on this wonderful time. It may not always be holly and jolly, but all are a great cure for a silent night at home. Happy watching.

The post Top 5 Un-Christmassy Christmas Films appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

The Story

On Christmas Eve, Charles Dickens (The Great Gonzo) and his partner Rizzo the Rat, regale us with the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Scrooge is an old skinflint who makes life miserable for his employee Bob Cratchit (Kermit the frog). He shuns friendship and family and, detests Christmas, preferring to be alone with his misery. But this night the ghosts of his old partners Jacob and Robert Marley (Statler and Waldorf) visit him. They tell him that if he doesn’t change his ways, eternal suffering awaits him in the afterlife. From there he is visited by three spirits, the Ghost of Christmas Past, who makes him confront the root of his Christmas hatred. The Ghost of Christmas Present, who shows him what Christmas means to everyone else. And finally, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, who shows him what Christmas will be like if he does not change.

What did I like?

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is one of the most adapted stories of all time. The tale has been adapted countless times in many mediums and there is a new adaptation at least once every few years. So it becomes hard to stand out. But Muppets Christmas Carol defeats this problem. Not only by remaining mostly faithful to the original text, even cribbing prose from the actual story but also investing the story with both the Muppets trademark sense of humor and a real sense of pathos.

The story is delivered with gusto. All the muppets suit the roles assigned to them. This allows for hilarious sight gags upon seeing how characters from A Christmas Carol were changed to fit the muppets. But it also allows this version to have a broad family appeal. The kids can enjoy seeing the muppets and the parents get to laugh at seeing the muppets in a serious literary tale. Anyone can enjoy it. The voice actors all do great work, imbuing life and fun personalities to their puppets. And the human actors are delightful to watch. Michael Caine is clearly having a blast playing the old miser. Adding great relish to his hateful lines. But what makes it better is that the human roles are played entirely straight. There’s no self-awareness, the human actors play against the muppets with 100% seriousness and that makes it all the funnier.

But remarkably, the cast and crew also know when to tone the humor down. The sequences that need to be scary or emotionally impactful always hit their marks because they are played with 100% sincerity.   

And while the film would deserve praise simply for making a muppet movie both gut-bustingly funny and tear-jerking at the same time, the film also does a lot of other things to ensure that it deserves its place as one of the best Christmas Carol adaptations. The inclusion of catchy musical numbers adds an extra layer of charm to the proceedings. Allowing exposition to be delivered creatively and keeping the films pacing up. The puppeteering is also very impressive and still holds up today. The puppets have many little facial ticks and movements that make them feel like real creatures rather than props. The set design is also spectacular. Recreating the novels Victorian setting very well. And taking influence from German expressionist horror films, which help the place feel oppressive. And finally, the inclusion of Gonzo as the narrator.

While only a small addition, the inclusion of a narrator adds to the nostalgic feeling I mentioned in my overview of the Grinch. It makes the story feel like it’s being imparted by an older friend. Thus making it more personal to us, the audience. The inclusion of Rizzo as an audience POVcharacter furthers this as he, like us, is cynical, constantly trying to disprove Charles and making snide comments. This makes it easy to get invested and gives us a personal sense of attachment to the story. Making it all the easier to return to this version again, and again and again.

What I do not like?

It breaks my heart to find faults in all the movies I will be reviewing this season. But they are never the less there and it doesn’t make melove these films any less.

Firstly, the story is heavily synopsized. While this improves some aspects of the story, which in other versions can be a bit plodding, the flashback to Scrooge’s relationship with his fiancé Belle suffers for it. Because we only have a short time to get to know Belle, we don’t feel as invested in her relationship with Scrooge. As such the reveal that this is the major reason why Scrooge is a loner doesn’t carry as much weight. The actors, however, do a fine job of selling the scene, which does manage to salvage it.

Another problem is the fact that Scrooges change of heart comes a little too soon. In many other adaptations, Scrooge changes gradually, only really cracking when he sees the effect his actions have on Bob Cratchit and his family. But here he seems to be a happier person by the time he meets the Ghost of Christmas Present. Which could lessen the impact of the Tiny Tim scene.

Finally, towards the end of the film, the musical numbers stop, and the film just focuses on the action. Which, while appropriate, gives the impression that the musical numbers are a crutch to hold up the first part of the film.

Verdict

Despite its flaws, The Muppets Christmas Carol is, for my money, the best adaptation of Charles Dickens classic tale. The acting is so much fun. It delivers the story in a way that is accessible to everyone. It has charm to spare, with its musical numbers, the nostalgic and relatable use of narration to tell the story and the insertion of the muppet’s giant personalities into the proceedings. But it’s also not afraid to let things breathe and get serious when it needs to. If you only see one version of A Christmas Carol this year, make sure it’s this one.

Verdict: (4.5 / 5)

The post Retro Review: The Muppets Christmas Carol appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

Today we are going to give five categorical recommendations of gifts that will please any film fan. Hopefully, this will give some of you an idea about what to get. So, let’s begin.

Collector’s edition DVD’S/Blu-rays

Nothing makes a film fan happier than owning the best editions of their favourite films. Regular DVD’s/Blu-rays are nice but there is a certain pleasure in unwrapping a collector’s edition with filmmaker commentary, documentaries, interviews, analyses, and a gorgeous transfer. Although collector editions are available from various sources, in the UK if you want the best, you can go to one of five companies:

• Arrow Video – Specialises in cult releases (see also, Arrow Academy which specializes in critically acclaimed work and Arrow Films, which focuses on new releases)
• The Criterion Collection – Specialises in releasing important films from world history
• Eureka’s Masters of Cinema and Eureka Classics label – a UK counterpart to Criterion which puts out works of cultural importance and well-regarded niche films. If criterion doesn’t have your film, Eureka probably will.
• BFI – They provide gorgeous transfers of historically significant work from Britain and around the world
• Curzon Artificial Eye – Provides extra ladened releases of world cinema titles, new and old.

If your friend loves a film released by one of these companies, you owe it to them to get it. They are a little more expensive than other DVD/Blu-ray releases but for the quality of the content, it’s worth it.

(Also recommended 88 films, 101 films, Powerhouse Films, and Second Sight Entertainment)

Film Merchandise

This category really has the power to surprise and delight. Film fans adore minutia to brighten up their homes and there are so many options for what to buy.

You could get them a classic poster of their favourite film to give them something gorgeous to hang on their wall. You could buy them a Funko Pop of their favourite film characters to liven up their work desk. Or, why not buy them replicas of famous movie props. To allow the recipient to live out the fantasy of being a part of their favourite films.

These items vary drastically in price but no matter what you pick, your film loving friend will have a big grin on their face.

Subscription Viewing

There really is nothing better to get your friend to ensure that their movie viewing needs are cared for all year. But, what service should you get them? Well, what do they like?

• Netflix – For a range of well-known classics, critically acclaimed modern and original films (£5.99-£9.99 monthly)
• Amazon Prime – Provides modern favourites and many obscure older titles. Also includes prime next day delivery for those who frequently use Amazon (£79 a year or £7.99 monthly)
• Shudder – A streaming service for horror fans. Stocked with well-known and obscure horror titles from around the world (£47.98 a year or £4.99 monthly).
• Now TV with Sky Cinema subscription – Provides a range of classic and little-known Hollywood favourites (£55 a year)
• Mubi and Mubi Go – For those with a taste for auteurs, independent and foreign language films. And Mubi Go allows the owner to attend one specially selected film screening a week at selected cinemas (£59.88 a year)

Or perhaps if your friend likes visiting the cinema, you could get them a subscription card for their favourite cinema chain. Cineworld has unlimited, Odeon has limitless and many cinemas have their own loyalty program. So, if your loved one likes visiting the cinema, this could help them keep up to date with new releases.

You won’t see your friend for a few weeks after they get their gift, but be assured, they are appreciative.

Home Cinema Equipment

What’s better than getting a good quality Blu-ray or DVD of your favourite film? Watching it on good home media equipment. Whether it be the latest 4K television that allows you to see a higher quality image or a home surround sound system to provide a more immersive sonic experience, it makes a nice little addition to any film watchers home.

Filming Equipment

Finally, every film fan likes watching films, but do they also want to make their own films? Well, this year why not give them a helping hand.

Firstly, find out what the person you are buying for is interested in. Do they make films solo or are they interested in one particular area of filmmaking? Once that question’s been answered, we can proceed.

If they want to make films themselves and you have a bit of extra cash, then you could buy them a nice DSLR camera. Which allows them to shoot their own stuff on the go and have a great input into how the image will look. If you don’t have enough cash for that, why not try a nice phone gimbal? To allow them to use their phones in a more cinematic way.

Do they want to be an editor? Why not buy them some editing software like Final Cut X or Premiere Pro? Hopeful directors can always use a viewfinder. For those interested in sound maybe a new microphone may be in order. And there is a myriad of other equipment available online to help start your friends on their journey towards becoming the next Spielberg. So, I encourage you to look around.

Conclusion

So, there are just a few suggestions of what to get your cinephile for Christmas. I hope this has at least given you some idea about what is available out there and wish you all the best of luck with your Christmas shopping. If you have any further ideas of what to buy, then please let us know in the comments and stay tuned for more festive articles coming soon.

The post A Christmas Buyer’s Guide for Film Lovers appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.