Wednesday, December 13, 2000

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

The weather outside is frightful. Well, at least annnoyingly nippy.

So, why not curl up with your loved ones and watch some great holiday films? Here are some suggestions.

"Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" The story of a young reindeer with a physical deformity who is ostracized by his peers until his defect turns into an asset on a foggy Christmas Eve. This is a classic holiday feature and is a favorite among many people.

"Frosty The Snowman" An animated feature about a snowman who comes to life, thanks to a magical hat and some nice children. Frosty entertains the children and brings fun and excitement to the world, but all snow must melt one day. Though definitely not of the modern era, this cartoon appeals to the young at heart of any generation.

"A Charlie Brown Christmas" The Peanuts gang in possibly one of their most beloved holiday specials. Charlie Brown and friends learn the true meaning of Christmas, set to the hip, jazzy stylings of a Vince Guaraldi score.

"How The Grinch Stole Christmas" (animated) A festive feature about a grumpy, green creature who despises the Christmas holiday and the Whos in Whoville that celebrate it. Boris Karloff narrates and sings.

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (live action) Jim Carrey stars as the Grinch in Ron Howard's fantastic live action film. True to the main story, with several great additions to the tale, this film is truly awe-inspiring. Fun for the whole family and destined to become a holiday classic. Rated PG, because the Grinch might scare the wee, little ones.

"A Christmas Carol" There are several versions of this holiday classic and all are highly recommended. Mickey's Christmas Carol stars Scrooge McDuck as Scrooge, while the Muppet Christmas Carol features Michael Caine as the miser. The Muppet version may be too intense for the younger children but is a treat for muppet fans of any age. There are also versions featuring George C. Scott, Patrick Stewart and a musical version starring Albert Finney called Scrooge.

"Scrooged" This one is geared more toward adults. it features Bill Murray as a mean network executive, who changes his ways after a night with three ghosts. Carol Kane, Bobcat Goldthwait and Karen Allen also star in this very funny film. Rated PG-13.

"A Christmas Story" If you haven't been living in a cave for the last two decades, you know the story of Ralphie and his burning desire for a Red Ryder B.B. Gun. This is a fabulous movie about the holidays and appeals to everyone. Rated PG.

"Home Alone" The first part of this film is my favorite, as it shows how real families behave during the holidays. The second part, what I consider the Tom and Jerry part, wears thin the more times I see it. This is a fun movie, though, and Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci are pretty funny. Rated PG.

"Miracle on 34th Street" There are two versions of this film, an old one in black and white, and a new one. The original is better, but the stories are generally the same. A little girl does not believe in Santa Claus until she meets the real one at a department store in new York City.

"It's A Wonderful Life" Jimmy Stewart plays a man who is down on his luck and decides he'd be better off dead. An angel named Clarence shows him what the world would be like without him in it. Perhaps the most classic of all holiday films, you will probably be considered un-American if you never see it.

There are many more films out there that have a holiday appeal, such as "Prancer," "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," "The Santa Clause," "Babes in Toyland," "Edward Scissorhands," "Gremlins" and, yes, even "Die Hard." Use your discretion in choosing a film that will be appropriate for the audience you are watching the film with.

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