Top 10 - Favorite Christmas Movies

I love Christmas, it’s my favorite holiday. Spending time with family, having dinner, play games AND watch movies. Often the same ones me and my family chooses. And I don’t always like th most traditional Christmas movies. Here is a list of my 10 favorite Christmas (or set during Christmas) movies (not necessarily the best by the way).
 

10. Krampus (2015)
A Christmas horror film. Krampus is the devil-variant of Santa Clause, taking all the bad children. A satirical, Christmas horror, I’m so in. Full review HERE
 

9. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Always referred to as ‘that one with Chevy Chase’ in our household. My dad’s favorite Christmas movie of all-time. Even though we have seen this movie together a gazillion times, we (especially my dad) laugh so hard over all the things going wrong during the Griswold’s family Christmas. And everything that can go wrong, goes wrong. Somehow other people’s sorrow is fun to us….
 

8. Elf (2003)
Buddy grew up as an Elf, but really is not one. He is send to New York to find his real father and realizes that the true spirit of Christmas is disappearing. Will Ferrell as Buddy is just adorable and hilarious at the same time, such an enjoyable no-brainer of a Christmas movie.
 

7. A Muppet’s Christmas Carol (1992)
This had been my favorite before, but somehow I prefer 7 other Christmas movies now. The Muppets can not do anything wrong, they always bring joy to every family. It’s a musical, fille with all of our favorite Muppets, telling the classic Charles Dickens story.
 

6. Love Actually (2003)
The best romantic Christmas movie in my opinion. We follow several love stories in the weeks leading to Christmas. With a star-studded cast and many memorable scenes, this is such a lovely, heart-warming film.
 

5. Home Alone (1990)
It’s not Christmas without “Home Alone”. And still fun after so many rewatches. The young Kevin is accidentally left home alone right before Christmas. Two burglars have had their eye on the house, thinking no one is home. When they realize someone IS home, but it’s just a young boy, they think it’s a walk in the park. Think again. Super fun film, always a joy to watch with the family during Christmas. HERE you can read my full review. 
 

4. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang  (2005)
I believe this is one of those crime murder mysteries that people seem to forget about. And it’s set during Christmas, so, adding it to my list. High, because this one (and the three after this) are also on my 100 favorite movies of all-time list. Petty thief Harry Lockhart is on the run from the police and accidentally lands a role in a Hollywood movie. To gain some experience, he tags along with private detective Perry. They get involved in a murder mystery. A crime comedy, with a film noir style and a murder mystery going on. Full review HERE
 

3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Macabre stop-motion animation that follows the adventures of Pumpkin King Jack Skelington who has had enough of his dark Halloweentown. He discovers Christmastown by chance and want to celebrate Christmas. The ongoing discussion whether this is a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie may never end, but that’s for me a reason to watch this film at least twice a year. A magnificent stop-motion film, that amazes me every time I watch it. Read my full review HERE
 

2. Die Hard (1988)
New York police officer John McClane travels for Christmas to a party in the Los Angeles skyscraper where his wife works. Unfortunately, a gang of terrorists led by the German Hans Gruber has planned a hostage-taking operation that very night. “Die Hard” is a classic action film, with the cynical, lone hero McClane. And even though Bruce Willis himself says that “Die Hard” isn’t a Christmas movie, it’s a top favorite for me and my family during the holiday season.
 
1. Gremlins (1984)
A film that is always my first choice when it comes to the Christmas movie I pick. It wasn’t marketed as a Christmas movie, but it’s set during this holiday and a big part of the film as well. A rock solid mix of dark humor and horror, with an ironic Christmas atmosphere. And with the cutest movie creature to be ever created: Gizmo.  Full review HERE
 
Honorable mentions: It’s a Wonderful Life, The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special, Jingle All the Way, The Shop Around the Corner, Happiest Season, Violent Night, Bad Santa, Scrooged, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Last Christmas

90s Movie Review - The Nightmare Before Christmas

Director: Henry Selick
Genre: Animation/ Family/ Fantasy/ Musical
Runtime: 77 minutes
Year: 1993
Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’hara, William Hickey, Ed Ivory, Glenn Shadix, Paul Reubens, Ken Page, Susan McBride, Debi Durst, Greg Proops, Kerry Katz, Randy Crenshaw, Sherwood Ball, Carmen Twillie

Description: Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon), king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn't quite understand the concept

Review: Tim Burton has his own style, which is clearly present in every one of his movies. Everything breaths the typical, dark and fairytale like atmosphere. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” was written by Burton, but directed by Henry Selick.
Selick had some experience with stop-motion, so the perfect man for the job. The characters, characteristic world and the atmosphere came from Burton’s mind, but it was Selick that brought them to life.
Both of them made it into an amazing piece of art. There is so much going on, so many wonderful and unique things to see. The movie is set in three worlds: Halloween town, Christmas town and the real world. Halloween town is Jack Skellington’s home. Jack is animated amazingly. He has so many facial expressions. To create them, there were about 400 exchangeable heads used. Stop-motion needs so much eye for detail, that makers of the genre deserve all the respect they can get.
The movie is an animated musical. The music is written (and sung) by Burton’s go to composer Danny Elfman. The songs don’t get stuck in your head, the way Disney does it, but “The Nightmare Before Christmas” has some show stoppers and effective songs.
It’s especially the way the movie was made that will amaze everyone. It’s such a beautifully crafted work of art, with a great atmosphere.

Rating: 5/ 5

DVD Collection Update (9)

Another great DVD update! Some movies I wanted to add to my collection for a long time and a great TV-show.

First I got the 4th season of "Modern Family". I already watched the entire season and loved every minute of it. It's such a fantastic show. And I'm a big fan of Phil's osophy! And that episode where Cam is in the three with his "Cats" costume. (P)hilarious

I can see you role your eyes, but this movie is one of my guilty pleasures. I do know it's really bad, but it's just so much fun to watch. And I remember my brother and I playing the game "Mortal Kombat" on our first Nintento. When I watched this the other day, I saw how afwul the effects were... But I do think it's entertaining.

"The Best Exotic Marogold Hotel" is a movie with a very experienced cast. I like Bill Nighy and Judi Dench, but I absolutely love Maggie Smith. I can't wait to finally see this film.

It's almost Christmas and this is one of the coolest Christmas movies ever. The way it was made and all the songs. LOVE IT! I like this edition, with the black & white Jack Skellington cover.

I was really ashamed that I didn't own Disney's "Beauty & the Beast" yet, because it's my favorite Disney movie. For some reason it was really hard to find here. But I finally got it and I'm over the moon excited!

Top 5 Thursday: Kids Movies for Adults

We all know the movies, that probably only children will love. I’m also a sucker for children’s movies, but I made a list of kids movies that are perfect for adults as well. I’m exluding any Disney/ Pixar animated movie, because everyone loves them.

5. The Nightmare Before Christmas
I can hear you say, this is Disney! It is, but it’s not animated but stop motion. This movie is timeless, I just love it so much.

4. The Neverending Story
I have to say that it’s pretty scary for kids, because that wolf still gives me the creeps. Kids these days won’t appreciate it as much as I did, but my generation thinks it’s amazing. I want a luck dragon.

3. E.T.
Loved it as a child, but I maybe even love it more as an adult. I even cry ever single time. I don’t remember doing that when I was younger.

2. The Fantastic Mr.Fox
Based on a book by master storyteller Roald Dahl. This movie blew my mind, love the stop motion style. Like the title says, it’s fantastic!

1. Where the Wild Things Are
I read this book to toddlers, it’s a fantastic book. And the movie is wonderful as well. It’s simply amazing, with deeper meanings and an actual good message.

They Almost Made the Top 5: Home Alone, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?