My Must Watch: Christmas Movies by John Crimella
The Tailgators Setup podcast's resident college football expert, and a Floridian born and raised, weighs-in on his favorite Christmas movies
From Brian:
John Crimella is one-third of the Tailgators Setup podcast crew, along with me and Gary. We’ve dubbed him “the resident college football expert” because I don’t know if I’ve ever met someone so invested in and informed on the subject of college football.
But John is also no stranger to Christmas movies, as you’ll see. And John is also the first one to step up and name “that movie” to his Must Watch: Christmas Movies list. But I also think he has some legitimate credentials to be able to add it to his list.1
Born and raised in the Sunshine State, there’s more than one surprise on John’s list. Roll it, John!
I’m very big on “traditional Christmas”. Not sure that’s reflected in what’s on this list though. So let’s go!
5. Home Alone (1990)
It’s Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern for me in this one. The physical comedy they both go through is hilarious. Being beat by the little kid is cute. The friendship with the “creepy” neighbor is heart warming. And John Candy showing up to get mom home for Christmas? What’s not to love!
4. Scrooged (1988)
I love Bill Murray. His modern day take on Scrooge as a workaholic TV exec with the back drop of a “Christmas Carol” and the story of a man who finds his heart again is fun. More physical comedy, highlighted by Carol Kane just whooping Murray’s butt in her scenes.
3. Love Actually (2003)
What can I say? I’m a sucker for a good chick flick. The stories all weave together. And you’re invested in everyone. The fact the movie has the best version of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” is an added bonus.2
2. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
I’d put this at No. 1, save for that special movie. You go out of your way to watch this one whenever it’s on. My parents did this type of Christmas every year and it’s so relatable because I’ve seen all of the calamities happen in real life. Chevy Chase is brilliant. This one is just quintessential Christmas viewing.
1. Die Hard (1988)
It’s not Christmas until Hans Gruber falls off of Nokotomi Tower! I’m that guy. I saw this in the theatre when it came out and everyone was so excited. The argument that it’s not a Christmas movie is silly. There’s gift giving (“Now I have a machine gun. Ho Ho Ho!”). There’s a love story. The cops being called. It’s all so Christmasy!
Honorable Mention: Not sure it counts, but it’s always the first thing I watch at Christmas — Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983). A Disney character retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic always speaks to me. It was my introduction to Uncle Scrooge. But for whatever reason, it’s always Tiny Tim that gets me. God bless him.
There you have it. Merry Christmas all!
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He actually saw it in the theatre.
I’ve heard of this movie. Was not aware it was a Christmas movie. Will definitely have to add this to my Christmas watch list.
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