Edward Scissorhands:
Released:1990
Directing: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder
Edward Scissorhands is a nostalgic hit that has features that you don’t see in movies today, such as animated intro credits that sell the general feel of the rest of the movie, and has the 90’s charm that a lot of people have grown to love. The set design’s colors give wonderful personality, especially the residence itself. However, that doesn’t stop it from being a great inclusion to the list. It’s a wonderful movie with a great message behind it, and Johnny Depp was probably the best person to pick. Since this is a 90’s movie, it can be rather suggestive and profane, so take that in mind as you watch it. Only really during the climax of the movie is Christmas mentioned, which feeds into the overall message. The relationships don’t have enough time to properly develop, even for a children’s movie. Overall, it’s a good movie, though its problems are very apparent.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Released: 1947
Director: George Seaton
Starring: John Payne, Maureen O’Hara, Edmund Gwenn
Miracle on 34th Street is definitely an oldie, but that doesn’t make it a bad Christmas movie. This black and white film doesn’t really have a message behind it, besides the usual Christmas lesson, and a lesson about imagination. The story itself is fun, and the characters are very charming. All the interactions feel genuine, especially with Santa. There aren’t any problematic issues in the movie, except the drunk Santa and the topic of divorce. Miracle on 34th Street is also a very clear advertisement for Macy’s. Besides all this, it’s a great movie to get into the Christmas spirit (especially with family) , and I highly recommend it.
A Christmas Story
Released: 1983
Director: Bob Clark
Starring: Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon, Peter Billingsley
A Christmas Story is a Christmas comedy made in 1983 about a little boy and his desire for a Red Ryder BB gun. It’s full of jokes and laughs, but it’s personally not my style. It doesn’t really have a broad message behind it, unlike Miracle on 34th Street or Edward Scissorhands. However, it’s certainly not a bad movie. The characters aren’t bad, the jokes are funny, and the plot is consistent. There is a slight bit of swearing done for comedic purposes, and a bit of slapstick comedy, but it isn’t as bad as Edward Scissorhands was. Overall, it’s a nice movie to watch with family during Christmas if you aren’t trying to teach or learn anything.
