Christmas is undoubtedly one of my favourite holidays of the year. What’s not to love among the festive lights, jolly music, delicious food, and great company? However, the things I look forward to the most when Christmas is just around the corner is the movies that come every year, without fail. Today, I’ve compiled a list of a few of my all-time favourite movies to watch this Christmas season, spanning over various genres. No matter what kind of film aficionado you think you are, I guarantee that there will definitely be a film here that you’re sure to enjoy!
Romance and Christmas: The Princess Switch (2018)
This Christmas rom-com movie tells the story of young baker Stacy DeNovo (Vanessa Hudgens) who gets more than what she expects when she and her best friend Kevin (Nick Sagar) join a prestigious baking competition in the Kingdom of Belgravia. Stacy discovers that the mysterious Lady Margaret Delacourt, Duchess of Montenaro (Vanessa Hudgens), fiancée of Prince Edward of Belgravia (Sam Palladio), looks exactly like her! With hearts set on different goals, the two perform the switcheroo of the century where they both encounter an unexpected romance, exciting adventures, and a newfound purpose in life.
While the movie may revolve around cliché romances, it’s perfect for anyone who appreciates sweet, kilig[1] moments and a good laugh or two. “The Princess Switch” is not just any typical rom-com movie as the characters’ journeys allow the audience to learn important values one should uphold in life, such as truth, honor, and love. Vanessa Hudgens’ acting skills also deserve a round of applause for portraying a baker who’s pretending to be a princess and a princess who’s pretending to be a baker (even just writing that made me confused!). This movie’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit!
[1] kilig – a feeling like butterflies in one’s stomach
Image retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Princess_Switch
Comedy and Christmas: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Whoville’s jolly and festive Christmas spirit is dampened by the ominous presence of the Grinch (Jim Carrey), who constantly performs vengeful pranks on unsuspecting Whos. However, the Grinch’s sly nature and burning hatred for Christmas is no match for Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen), who has made it her mission to not only make the Grinch the town’s “Holiday Cheermeister” but to also help every Who in Whoville (even the Grinch!) discover the true meaning of Christmas. The Grinch’s crazy antics and the witty banter between characters will definitely leave your stomach hurting from all the laughter.
This adorable, heartwarming tale is one that can be enjoyed by an audience of different ages as the jokes and shenanigans shown in the movie are downright hilarious. The beautiful, snowy scenery and the over-the-top Christmas decorations of Whoville can make even the ‘Grinch-est’ watcher excited for Christmas! Aside from the funny bits of the movie, the life-changing epiphany the Grinch and all Whos experience is one that truly reminds the audience of what Christmas is all about. “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” will leave your heart three sizes bigger!
Image retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0170016/
Kid-Friendly and Christmas: Arthur Christmas (2011)
Delivering presents to millions of children all around the world in just one night undoubtedly makes Santa’s job the hardest to ever exist! So surely missing one child’s gift is an acceptable error on Christmas Eve…right? Not if you’re Arthur Claus (James McAvoy), son of the current Santa Claus (Jim Broadbent). In this animated movie, Santa forgets darling Gwen’s (Ramona Marquez) bicycle on Christmas Eve but Arthur makes it his personal mission to make sure that she finds Santa’s present underneath her Christmas tree no matter what!
Arthur Christmas is the perfect Christmas movie for a night in with your whole family! Everyone will be sure to find the whole movie entertaining, from the jokes right down to the animation. What really stands out about this movie is the message that it delivers about family, generosity and Christmas spirit. This movie is sure to remind every humbug about the true joys of Christmas!
Image retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1430607/
Horror and Christmas: Krampus (2015)
Based on popular European folklore creature, “Krampus” centers around the Engel family who are unfortunate enough to encounter the Krampus — an ancient, demonic spirit who punishes those who have lost their Christmas spirit by dragging them to hell. Innocent toys turn into monstrous creatures and wreak havoc on what should have been just another Engel Christmas Family Dinner. The movie features stars such as Adam Scott, Toni Colette, and Emjay Anthony.
The movie is perfect for anyone who’s getting tired of the Christmas movie cliché and is looking for a little suspense to keep things interesting. Although the idea of mixing horror and Christmas together may seem peculiar at first, “Krampus” definitely delivers a perfect blend between the two. It’s also interesting to see the movie mix in some folklore and develop it with their own style. One thing’s certain, the movie will definitely make sure that you’re getting in with the holiday festivities!
Disclaimer: This movie is rated PG-13 due to scenes of horror, violence, and language. Viewer discretion is advised.
Image retrieved from http://www.impawards.com/2015/krampus.html
What are your can’t-miss movies this Christmas? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy Holidays from Dragon’s Print!
Article by Regina L. (Grade 12); Feature image by Karen Y. (Grade 9)
The views expressed in this article represent the personal views of the author and should not be taken to represent the views of Dragon’s Print and Cebu International School.
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