December 22nd:
Hi Peace family, Brian here with day #22 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”. Today we take a look at 1990’s Home Alone.
The McCallister family is getting ready to spend Christmas in Paris, but young Kevin isn’t feeling it. He’s got trouble with his siblings and cousins, and his parents just don’t seem to understand. Kevin angrily wishes his family would disappear. The next morning Kevin awakes and – voila – his family is gone! He’s initially thrilled with his new life, but there’s danger on the horizon in the form of a spooky neighbor, and a couple of burglars known as the “Wet Bandits”. Can Kevin survive and get his family back?
Now for a little controversy. Home Alone became a huge hit and a Christmas staple, but I’m not its biggest fan. Watching Kevin’s disrespect toward his family, particularly his parents, has always bothered me. On the plus side, there is a sweet story with the “spooky” neighbor, and Kevin does come to realize the importance of family (although he’s back to his disrespectful ways in Home Alone 2).
Home Alone is rated PG for slapstick violence and some language.
December 21st:
Hi Peace family, Brian Christopher here with day #21 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”. Today we take a look at a made-for-TV movie from 1972, The House Without a Christmas Tree.
It’s mid-1940s Nebraska and 10-year-old Addie lives with her widowed father and grandmother. Addie desperately wants a Christmas tree, but her father refuses, often angrily. Through the course of the movie, we begin to learn why, and that helps Addie understand more about her father.
The House Without a Christmas Tree is an excellent movie, with solid acting from the three leads. Jason Robards plays the tormented father who doesn’t know how to relate to his young daughter, and it’s wonderful to see his heart begin to thaw. I should note that the movie was filmed on video, so it looks like a 1970s soap opera. The House Without a Christmas Tree isn’t all holly and jolly; it’s an honest look at a struggling family, and how love can conquer hurt.
December 20th:
Hi Peace family, Brian here with day #20 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”! Today we take a look at a real classic, 1983’s A Christmas Story.
It’s 1940 and little Ralphie’s Christmas list is pretty simple; all he wants is a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. To Ralphie’s dismay, all the adults keep saying the same thing: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Will Ralphie’s Christmas gift wish come true?
There’s so much to love about A Christmas Story, including the Old Man’s constant battle with the furnace, the leg lamp saga, and Ralphie’s battle with bullies (and an icy school flag pole). At the heart of the story, though, is family. Things aren’t always perfect, and there are some disagreements, but they really do love each other. That’s what family is all about.
There have been three sequels to A Christmas Story, but the only one worth seeing is 2022’s A Christmas Story Christmas. This time the story is told through an adult Ralphie’s eyes. The tone is a bit different from the original, but it works well and recaptures much of the magic.
December 19th:
Hi Peace family, Brian Christopher here with day #19 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”. Today we take a look at 1968’s The Little Drummer Boy.
Young Jewish boy Aaron lives a peaceful life with his family and animals on the family farm. As a birthday gift, his parents give him a little drum set. His idyllic lifestyle is shattered, however, when bandits attack. From that moment on Aaron’s heart grows cold, and he begins to despise people. Through a series of events, Aaron ends up with the caravan of Magi on their way to visit the Christ child. Will Aaron’s heart finally be healed?
The Little Drummer Boy is a top-flight claymation TV special from Rankin/Bass, but this time around things are considerably darker. This isn’t their typical holly jolly Christmas fare. That’s not to say it’s not worth watching; on the contrary, The Little Drummer Boy is a magnificent example of a heart changed. It opens up a great opportunity for us to talk to our kids about how Jesus can heal our hurts.
December 18th:
Merry Christmas Peace family! It’s day #18 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”. Today we look at 1942’s Holiday Inn.
Jim, Ted, and Lila are part of a song and dance act, and there’s romance in the air. Jim loves Lila, but she’s in love with Ted. Poor Jim’s heart is broken, but he attempts to move on. Before the movie is over there’s an attempt at creating a festive holiday inn, screwy mix-ups, more heartbreak, and true love found.
Whew, a lot is going on in Holiday Inn. It’s a sweet, music-filled movie that mostly hits the right notes. This is the movie that introduced the perennial holiday favorite, White Christmas. Just a note of caution: Holiday Inn is a 1942 movie. Things that were acceptable then, may be jarring to modern viewers. Accept the movie for the time and era it was produced and you’ll enjoy it.
December 17th:
Hi Peace family, Brian Christopher here. Merry Christmas! Today is day #17 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon” and we take a look at How the Grinch Stole Christmas! from 1966.
The Grinch is grumpy, maybe because his heart is two sizes too small. Listening to the Whos down in Whoville celebrate Christmas every year has become too much. The Grinch devises a scheme to “keep Christmas from coming”: he’ll disguise himself as Santa Claus and steal all their gifts, decorations, and holiday feasts. He’s successful, yet the next day the Whos are still singing! Can their simple joy change the Grinch’s heart?
To date there have been three major versions of How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, but I think this first one is still the best. It features simple animation, an iconic song, and is narrated by the great Boris Karloff. If you’re feeling a little ‘grinchy’ this Christmas, pop this one in and see if your heart doesn’t grow a bit.
December 16th:
Hi Peace family, Brian Christopher here with day #16 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”. Today we look at a true classic from 1947: Miracle on 34th Street.
Kris Kringle plays Santa Claus at Macy’s, but he also claims he’s the REAL Santa. His fun, jovial personality delights many shoppers, but before long trouble begins brewing. Whispers that he’s mentally unstable get louder. Everything ends up in court. Is Kris the real Santa?
Forgive me for the simple synopsis, but to say any more would give away some of the delights of Miracle on 34th Street. It’s a well-deserved classic and won three Academy Awards. If you just can’t get enough of Miracle on 34th Street, check out the versions from 1973 and 1994.
December 15th:
Hi Peace family, Brian Christopher here. Merry Christmas! Today is day #15 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”, and we take a look at 2004’s The Polar Express.
It’s 1950s Christmas Eve, and a young boy who’s doubting the existence of Santa Claus is awakened by a mysterious train, The Polar Express, stopping just outside his house. The conductor tells him they’re headed for the North Pole! He climbs aboard, meets other children, and has a magical adventure.
The movie version of The Polar Express runs 100 minutes. The book it’s based on can be read in about 15 minutes and, quite frankly, it’s better. That’s not to say the movie isn’t enjoyable, but in order to make a 100-minute movie the filmmakers had to add a lot of extraneous scenes and characters. The book keeps it very simple and sweet. This Christmas season enjoy the movie – but try and give the book a look, too.
December 14th:
Hi Peace family, Brian Christopher with day #14 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”! Today we take a look at 1979’s made-for-TV movie, An American Christmas Carol.
It’s Christmas Eve and Benedict Slade’s repossession company is out doing just that. He’s not interested in anyone’s hardships, or sad stories; he’s interested in money. Later that night Slade is visited by the ghost of his former partner, who warns him three more apparitions are coming.
An American Christmas Carol is based on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but this time the story has been moved to Depression-era America. It’s very faithful to the story, with just a few changes for the American setting. Benedict Slade is played by Henry Winkler, and he proves he was more than just The Fonz. An American Christmas Carol is a solid telling of the old story, and I recommend a tissue for the last ten minutes.
December 13th:
Hi Peace family, Brian here with day #13 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”. Today we travel back to 1945 for Star In the Night.
It’s a cold Christmas Eve in the desert, and motel owner Nick isn’t feeling the spirit. When a mysterious stranger shows up looking for some warmth and a cup of coffee, Nick takes the opportunity to vent about the false joy and sentiment of the season. However, when Jose and his wife Maria arrive, looking for a room, Nick learns what Christmas is all about.
Star In the Night won the Academy Award for Best Short Film in 1945. It’s a simple, modern telling of the nativity story. Watching Nick’s heart begin to soften is something to behold. You might want to grab a tissue. Star In the Night gets my highest recommendation.
December 12th:
Hi Peace family, Merry Christmas! It’s Day #12 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon, and today we look at 2009’s A Dog Named Christmas.
Developmentally-challenged Todd lives on a ranch with his mom and dad, and he loves animals. This Christmas all he wants is a dog. His dad steadfastly refuses. When Todd learns that a local animal shelter is looking to foster dogs for the Christmas season, his dad relents, but with one caveat: the dog goes back after Christmas.
A Dog Named Christmas is a Hallmark movie, but it was made before their cookie-cutter formula took over. A lot is going on here, and it’s all good. Bruce Greenwood is great (as usual) as the troubled father hiding a secret, but it’s Noel Fisher as Todd who really shines. His simple love of life, family, and animals is very moving. A Dog Named Christmas is highly recommended.
December 11th:
Hi Peace family, Brian here with day #11 of our “Very Mery Movie Marathon”. Today we travel back to 1965 for TV’s A Charlie Brown Christmas.
It’s the Christmas season and Charlie Brown is depressed. He sees too much commercialization and not enough joy and giving. He accepts an opportunity to direct his group’s Christmas play, believing that will cheer him up. However, in true Charlie Brown fashion, the play is pretty much a mess. All is not lost, though, as Linus recites the TRUE Christmas story, giving hope and meaning to Charlie Brown and his friends.
A Charlie Brown Christmas is very special and has some iconic moments. All these years later the term ‘Charlie Brown tree’ is still used, and who could ever forget Linus and his simple, heartfelt telling of the Gospel?! A Charlie Brown Christmas has earned its spot as a Christmas classic.
December 10th:
It’s Day #10 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”! Hi Peace family, I’m Brian Christopher and today we take a look at 2002’s The Angel Doll.
Jerry is a young boy growing up in a middle-class home in North Carolina during the 1950s. He ends up befriending Whitey, who lives in poverty with his mom and little sister Sandy. Sandy is very ill, and Whitey’s only wish for Christmas is to get his sister an angel doll.
A lot is going on in The Angel Doll, including a look at the polio epidemic of the 50s, racism, friendship, and loss. It’s not your typical Christmas movie, and you may need a tissue, but overall The Angel Doll is a very sweet movie.
NOTE: The Angel Doll is rated PG for thematic material and a couple of risque scenes.
December 9th:
Hi Peace family, Brian Christopher here on Day #9 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”. Today we take a look at 2003’s Elf.
A baby at an orphanage crawls into Santa’s gift sack and ends up being taken back to the North Pole. The elves name him Buddy and accept him as one of their own. It’s not until many years later that Papa Elf tells Buddy who his real parents are, and this sends Buddy on a trip to New York to find his father.
Elf is one of those movies that almost everyone seems to like, and for good reason. It’s sweet, funny, smart, and has lots of heart. Will Ferrell is pitch-perfect as Buddy, and he has a great cast around him. It gets a little dark near the end (compared to the tone of the rest of the movie), but overall it’s fun family viewing for the Christmas season.
December 8th:
Hi Peace family, Brian Christopher here. This is Day #8 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”! Today we take a look at Hallmark’s 2022 movie, The Gift of Peace.
Traci is a Christian and a talented artist. After suffering a tragedy, she loses her faith and sense of direction in life. She eventually joins a small grief support group at a local church and, little by little, her healing begins.
Most of the current crop of Hallmark Christmas movies are interchangeable, with cookie-cutter scripts and scenarios. The Gift of Peace was a pleasant surprise. There’s a real sense of grief and loss just under the surface, but also a feeling that God is still there and working things out. It was refreshing to see a Hallmark movie where faith – CHRISTIAN faith – was valued and shown as important. You’ll root for Traci, her reclaimed faith, and a (possible) second chance at love. Grab a tissue!
December 7th:
Hi Peace family, Brian Christopher here with Day #7 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”. Today we take a look at a holiday classic, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Clark Griswold has always dreamed of having a big, old-fashioned Christmas at his house. However, in true Griswold style, things start going wrong. Financial worries, difficult relatives, and Christmas lights that are “not twinkling” are just a few of the problems. Can Clark pull it all together and create a Christmas to remember for his family?
My wife and I saw National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on opening night back in 1989 and we laughed and laughed. It’s become a Christmas movie staple in our family, and we quote it often throughout the year. It is a very funny movie, but it also has a heart. Just about any family can relate.
NOTE: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is rated PG-13 for some language and a few risqué scenes.
December 6th:
Hi Peace family, Brian Christopher here with Day #6 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”. Today we take a look at Miracle on Third or Fourth Street. This is an episode from season one of the hit TV sitcom, Frasier.
Frasier is excited about spending Christmas with his son Frederick, but his ex-wife Lilith throws a monkey wrench into his plans when she decides to take their son to Austria. Things get even worse when he volunteers to work on Christmas day and is inundated with depressing calls to his radio show. Will Frasier have a Merry Christmas?
My synopsis of Miracle on Third or Fourth Street may make this episode sound like a downer, but it’s really quite funny – and touching. The ending, where Frasier ends up in a small café, is particularly poignant. If you’re interested in the Christmas episodes of Frasier, there is a DVD out with just those.
December 5th:
Hi Peace family, Brian Christopher here on Day #5 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”! Today we take a look at a classic from 1940: The Shop Around the Corner.
A lot is going on in The Shop Around the Corner, but the simplest – and sweetest – story is about two people having a mail correspondence through a sort-of ‘lonely hearts’ club. The twist is they don’t like each other in real life, and neither realizes they’re corresponding with the other! Margaret Sullavan and Jimmy Stewart play the two lovelorn leads, and they have tremendous chemistry. Watching how their relationship slowly thaws is a lot of fun.
The Shop Around the Corner was produced and directed by Ernst Lubitsch. There was an old expression in Hollywood about a movie having “the Lubitsch touch”, and this movie certainly has it. It’s hard to describe, but once you see and experience “the Lubitsch touch”, you’ll get it.
December 4th:
Hi Peace family, Brian Christopher here with Day #4 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”. Today we take a look at 2012’s Angel In the House.
Zooey (Toni Collette) and her husband Alec (Ioan Gruffudd) are trying to have a child but trauma from the past is causing problems, both physically and emotionally. They decide to try adoption, and shortly after visiting a foster home a young boy named Eli shows up on their doorstep claiming the adoption agency sent him.
Angel In the House isn’t a traditional Christmas movie, but everything leads up to Christmas Day. Ms. Collette and Mr. Gruffudd are excellent (as always), but the real star here is young Maurice Cole as Eli. Watching him interact with Zooey and Alec, and how their pain begins to heal, is truly heartwarming. There’s a deep strain of sadness that runs just under the surface of much of the movie, but don’t let that scare you away. The pieces eventually fall into place, and the ending is sweet (although you may need a tissue or two).
Note: Be sure to watch the credits for one final important scene.
December 3rd:
Hi Peace family, Brian Christopher here with Day #3 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”! Today we travel back to 1970 for Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.
The Rankin/Bass Company made several holiday-themed ‘claymation’ TV specials in the 1960s and 70s, including The Little Drummer Boy, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and The Year Without a Santa Claus. They’re all lots of fun, but Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town has always been my favorite. It’s a sweet telling of the legend of Santa Claus, with some laughs and a lot of heart. Kris Kringle/Santa Claus is voiced by Mickey Rooney, and he’s perfect. Fred Astaire plays the mailman and also narrates. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town is fun Christmas entertainment!
December 2nd:
Hi Peace family, Brian here. It’s Day #2 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”! Today we take a look at 1992’s The Muppet Christmas Carol.
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was first published in 1843, and it immediately struck a chord with the public. Since the advent of movies, there have been numerous versions of the story, some better than others. The Muppet Christmas Carol is a surprisingly faithful adaptation, and it hits all the right notes. Michael Caine is excellent as Ebeneezer Scrooge, and the muppet characters are well-realized. Don’t let the title fool you; The Muppet Christmas Carol is a solid telling of the old story.
December 1st:
Hi Peace family, Brian here with Day #1 of our “Very Merry Movie Marathon”! We start with a look at 1980’s Mr. Krueger’s Christmas.
Willy Krueger is the custodian of a large apartment building. He’s elderly, widowed, and he’s facing a lonely Christmas. He often daydreams about people and events to help with his loneliness. An encounter with a group of carolers helps him find joy again at Christmas.
Mr. Krueger’s Christmas is less than 30 minutes long, but it packs quite a wallop. Jimmy Stewart is pitch-perfect in the title role, and you can’t help but feel his heartbreak and solitude. If you’re looking for something with real heart this holiday season, Mr. Krueger’s Christmas is it.
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