We’ve all seen the Christmas classics a million times. Movies like "It’s a Wonderful Life" and "A Christmas Carol" are all timeless classics that I tend to watch at least once a year. It’s not Christmas unless I can mock Jimmy Stewart saying “My mouth is bleeding, Bert.”
With that being said, there are some newer Christmas movies that are bound to be classics at some point. These are movies made since 1980, obviously in color whereby the old classics were in black and white until they were given color.
I find myself watching these newer movies almost every year, usually late at night on Christmas or Christmas Eve – when football isn’t on, of course.
Since I hate top 10 lists, something we get way too much of this time of year, I’m going to give you my top seven modern Christmas movies.
At seven I’ll have to admit I am living this vicariously through my 9-year-old son, Henry, since he watches it over and over. "Polar Express" is a good movie, the first 100 times you watch it anyway, with great animation and a very good story. It’s a favorite with kids since they get to get dressed up in their pajamas and watch it together. Maybe if I get pajamas this year, I’ll do that. Lying around in one’s underwear watching it doesn’t have the same effect.
At six is National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation." The movie doesn’t really have a message but Chevy Chase and crew are sure to make you laugh each year with this 1989 film.
"Home Alone" has to hit at number five. Some people forget the movie was made as a Christmas movie. The 1990 hit works any time of year as Macauley Culkin puts it to the Wet Bandits after he was left home alone.
"The Santa Clause" comes in at number four and is one of the best films starring Tim Allen. There have been several sequels to the 1994 original, none of which hold a candle to the first one where Tim is first forced into becoming Santa.
The man who has never made a bad movie comes in at three. "Elf," starring Will Ferrell, has both a Christmas message and is hilarious. Come on, who wouldn’t laugh at a 6-foot-3 elf sitting on the lap of Bob Newhart? That’s just knee slapping funny from 2003.
I’m going to be controversial on this one but I’ve got "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" at number two. If you look at the Jim Carrey portrayal of the Grinch you’ll have to agree it’s one of the most outstanding films both in visual effects and comedic acting ever made for Christmas. It blends serious and funny together perfectly.
Last but not least is a movie I’d dare say has already entered the classic category. "A Christmas Story" is one of the few movies you can find playing 24 hours a day leading into Christmas. The 1983 flick follows Ralphie in his attempt to get a Red Ryder carbine-action, 200-shot range model air rifle for Christmas. I’ll be watching it this Christmas, hoping it won’t put my eye out.
Standard reporter Duane Sherrill can be reached at 473-2191.