My Must Watch: Christmas Movies by Jason Matuszewski
The guy behind the idea for My Must Watch: Christmas Movies checked his list twice before submitting and it's here for all of you to read
From Brian:
With the calendar turning over to December, we welcome our first contributor, and the brainchild, of the My Must Watch: Christmas Movies.
It was Jason Matuszewski who sent the original text with the idea of listing our favorite Christmas movies. So it is only fitting that Jason gets to kick things off.
A huge Christmas fan, Jason goes all out when it comes to the Christmas season, from lawn inflatables to a traditional family gathering he hosts, and some very unique decorations, including a splendid Christmas tree filled with ornaments from a movie you’re about to find out is his favorite of all time.
So, without further ado…Jason’s Must Watch: Christmas Movies:
Keep in mind I am a conservative, traditionalist, and I purposely omitted any of the classic animation specials because they deserve their own spotlight!
5. Home Alone (1990)
Who can’t identify Macaulay Culkin as Kevin, the bratty, outspoken, witty kid who mistakenly gets left behind, home alone, and takes on thieves attempting to rob his house? A modern-day classic that is commonly found in regular rotation on cable, from November thru early January.
I first watched this movie sometime in my high school days. It’s just a fun story with humor, action, and a good lesson or two.
4. Scrooge (1970)
This musical rendition of Charles Dickens’, A Christmas Carol, stars Albert Finney.1 I have watched this film annually growing up in my parents’ home. In recent times, it almost never airs on their cable network, however they traditionally watch it at minimum once during the holiday season, since we first purchased it on VHS, then DVD. Albert Finney does a masterful job as Ebenezer Scrooge, and the songs bring back so many fond memories of my childhood at Christmastime.
3. A Christmas Story (1983)
I did not watch or even know about this movie until the early 90’s but since then, I’m hooked, and I have to watch it at least 4-6 times each Christmas season. Of course, it shows on 1 or 2 cable channels for 24 hours, so it’s not hard to tune in.
There is something about this film that calls to me. I would think it’s the simple innocent times of the prewar era, and the crazy instances one goes through in their childhood. Yeah, I think of myself at Ralphie’s age. When I was a lot younger, the Christmas season started the day after Thanksgiving and seemed to last forever. Anyways, who on planet earth doesn’t know about the flagpole scene?
Stuck…Stuck….Stuck……
2. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Brian, Brian, Brian. I hope you give this iconic film another chance, however my daughter doesn’t care for it either. But remember, it was a box office flop upon release, and now it’s highly coveted.2
The movie portrays the life of George Bailey, from the age of a boy, to a married man. He is a small-town fella who feels trapped in his environment and wants to experience the world, however circumstances prevent him from leaving. There is a lot more depth here if you listen and pay attention! Things get bad for Georgie and he feels he is better off committing suicide than living. Anyway, put down the smart phone, watch the movie, and learn the lesson that George comes to realize. This lesson strikes me as something I take for granted. Clarence WAS and IS right!
1. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Having first watched this movie in a packed theater, in early December 1989, with a group of friends that included
.3 Till this day, no movie theater experience has come close to matching the fever I witnessed that night when I was just 13 years old. Young, old, and in between roared many, many times with laughter. The iconic characters such as Clark, Aunt Bethany and of course cousin Eddie, to name a few, are so hilarious. There is no slow or dull parts of this film. I collect all things Christmas Vacation and quote this movie throughout the year, verbatim. This movie is a huge hit with my entire family and mostly all of my friends.Fun fact, I am very suspect of people who don’t like the film or don’t get the humor.
You can also check out Jason’s My Christmas Album:
I’ve never seen or even heard of this film/musical adaptation. I might have to visit the Matuszewskis to check this one out.
I admitted recently on my podcast that I have never seen the entire movie. I did try watching it last year, but was not able to finish it. I’ll give it another try this Christmas season.
Seeing this movie for the first time in a packed movie theater must have been some experience, and hearing the jokes for the first time, especially Clark’s classic rant!
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