Florida Catholic | Editorial

Christmas films should lift spirits

Published: 12.14.07

If they ever tried to make “Godzilla Meets the Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” it probably would not make it as a holiday classic. Same with “The Fable of Frank, Rudolph’s Favorite Flea.” There are some holiday movies that should never be made.

To be an enduring holiday classic, a movie needs a few key elements: It needs to be about the holidays — ideally it would mention the word “Christmas.” It needs to be uplifting. It ought to be something you can watch with your family. It must be well made. Also — and this is key — it has to be something you could watch year after year.

“Miracle on I-95,” now that’s one of my favorites — I mean, “Miracle on 34th Street.” The original 1947 version is far better than the new one. Just redoing it in color with a new cast doesn’t make a movie better, although the remake wasn’t horrible. Something about that black-and-white scene in which the postal workers dump sacks and sacks and sacks of letters addressed to Santa on the judge’s bench inspires me to still want to write out my Christmas list and send it to Mr. Kringle.

“A Christmas Carol” reminds us that every heart, no matter how cold, can change. How many versions of this venerable tale have been made? George C. Scott, Patrick Stewart, the Muppets, the Flintstones, Bugs Bunny, the Jetsons. Even Bill Murray’s “Scrooged” was a pretty good retelling of Dickens’ tale. It is a shame Ebenezer Scrooge must face his past and the possibility of a dark future before he realizes what a miserable wretch he is. But at least he has a conversion and becomes more generous. He embraces the Christmas spirit. “God bless us, everyone!”

Another cold heart warms up in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” I favor the original animated version, as Dr. Seuss drew it; the live-action film seemed too long (or maybe I just find Jim Carrey too annoying). The Whos understand the message that Christmas is not about presents, but about being with the ones you love. By their witness, they are able to make the Grinch understand that. By the way, that’s called evangelization, though it’s not called that in the movie or book. Living what you believe and helping others to see it in your life is the best way to bring others to your faith.

The season is not complete without a viewing (or two) of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” George Bailey comes to understand at Christmas time how his life has touched so many others, and those people tell him how much they appreciate him. Tugs those heartstrings, every time.

It was daring at the time, but Linus’ proclamation of the infancy narrative in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” remains one of the most eloquent testimonies of faith in a “secular” holiday special. He steps to center stage and says, “I know what Christmas is all about” and tells the story of Jesus’ birth. When the spotlight goes out, he goes back to his security blanket (and what a security blanket we have in Jesus).

Some recent movies may be destined to be new classics, if they stand the test of time, that is, that year after year factor: “The Polar Express” explores the willingness of children to help others and to believe in the magic of Christmas, and it’s based on the lavishly illustrated, award-winning book. “The Snowman,” a 26-minute, wordless (except one song), imaginative, animated feature captures one boy’s dreamful flight with the title character. Last year’s “The Nativity Story” ought to be a classic, too, since it has the best storyline of all — the birth of the Savior.

So, don’t buy into the hype of this year’s “holiday blockbusters.” Pull up a couch, gather your family, pop some corn and pop in a classic. Lift up your spirit and talk about your favorite Christmases — past, present and future.

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