As much as we would love to share all of our favorite films and why we love them so much, it just so happens that some of them are actually part of this month’s holiday! We all have a Christmasy film that we constantly watch when the season is upon us, whether it was a rom-com, animations, or even action. Be it the fantasy we all dreamed of being Home Alone or the good oldies of It’s A Wonderful Life. We shared why these films mean a lot to us, and finally, we wish you a very happy Christmas.
Name: Yasmin Gamal (Mixed Media Content)
Film: Die Hard obviously!
Why? Because it is the ultimate Christmas movie. Who doesn’t want to watch John McLane (a very younger Bruce Willis) almost single-handedly take down Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) and the mean terrorist organization? It is funny, action-packed, cheesy and cliché. And if you really want to, follow up with A Charlie Brown Christmas for some wholehearted goodness.
Name: Umika Pidaparthy (Online Producer)
Film: Last Holiday
Why? When you read the plot of Last Holiday, you would think it is pretty formulaic. Queen Latifah plays a simple department store employee who loves to cook. One day she finds out she only has a few weeks to live. So, she quits her job, withdraws all her money, and goes on a fantastically luxurious holiday in a snow-covered spa town in the Czech Republic. Who hasn’t had that fantasy? What makes this movie perfect for the season is the cheery festiveness, the delicious food (there’s a lot!), and the warmth Queen Latifah brings to the role. It’s an easy fun watch that will leave you feeling cozy and ready for Christmas!
Name: Hallah Danbouh (Mixed Media Content)
Film: Elf, duh!
Why? I mean, it’s a man named Buddy (Will Ferrell) raised as an elf at the North Pole who decides to travel to New York City to locate his real father (James Caan) during Christmas. The plot and the location of the whole story alone is hilarious, especially when Buddy meets New York’s version of Santa Claus, stating that he sits on a throne of lies, and that he doesn’t smell like Santa…. Bit much, but ridiculously funny! So many lines from that film are just golden and perfect for the holidays. And, yes, I know that Halloween is over, but I still end up watching The Nightmare Before Christmas because of the music and its endless feels of warmth.
Name: Farah A. Barakat (Mixed Media Content)
Film: Home Alone 2
Why? Home Alone is a classic, but Home Alone 2 is my favorite for a very specific reason. First off, I love New York City (who doesn’t) but I also believe that we find ourselves every time we get lost -metaphorically speaking. Being lost, and finding your path again helps you remember what really matters and what does not. This movie, to me, helps me remember how important family bonds are, especially during the holidays. On this journey, Kevin McAllister is lost in NYC with nowhere to go. The events that take place are hilarious and watching two grown men fall for the traps of a young boy makes it even funnier. X-mas is always a good reason to replay good old movies!
Name: Jennifer Cádiz (Mixed Media Solutions)
Film: Gone with the Wind
Why: It was always a struggle to choose between the Queen’s speech or Gone With the Wind on Christmas Day. It’s not a Christmas film to be sure, but it was always on at this time of year when I was a teenager in Scotland so it’s the first film I think of. I had a massive crush on Rhett Butler and I’m sure all my failed romantic choices have come from eternally finding this bad boy. Luckily, with Scarlett O ‘Hara and Maria Von Trapp (the Sound of Music is often on during the holiday season too) I’ve never walked into a room with curtains and not known I couldn’t make a snazzy outfit out of them if need be. Then, It’s A Wonderful Life – the 1946 version starring Jimmy Stewart. And I’ve always loved Holiday Inn with Bing Crosby. It’s where the song “White Christmas” comes from! Probably a good thing that song wasn’t on the Gone with the Wind soundtrack, as the film doesn’t really stand the trope test of time well.
Name: Ahmed Al-Ashab (Graphic Designer)
Film: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Why? I liked the feel the movie had, just like Jack Skellington, and the mysterious twist to it. I love the way it was perfectly made by Tim Burton, plus the soundtrack by Danny Elfman, and the characters in the movie are just awesome.
Follow @bazaargram on Instagram for our monthly hitlist questions. Image courtesy of Unsplash.
