Sunday, December 13, 2009

greatest maxmas movies

1) HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!
Thurl Ravenscroft. I just like saying "Thurl Ravenscroft".
2) IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Get him. He's givin' out wings.
3) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
Heat Miser. Cold Miser. 'Nuff said.
4) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN
"Burgermeister Meisterburger" is the second-coolest nickname anyone's ever called me (the other one's a bit sexier).
5) MIRACLE ON 34th STREET
I resisted watching this one for many years, out of some sort of bizarre loyalty to #2 on this list. I was wrong, i was wrong, i've said it, i was wrong.
6) LOVE ACTUALLY
The most grown-up Maxmas film, the most "real" romantic comedy, and the greatest ensemble film. Ever. If someone described the "naughty" bits to a prude, they'd never watch it. Yet it's so deftly made that it feels like a family comedy, suitable for all...which it is.
7) RUDOLF, THE RED-NOSED REINDEER
Bumbles bounce!
8) RUDOLF'S SHINY NEW YEAR
And the Rankin-Bass stop-motion magic rolls on...
9) 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Rankin-Bass showing they can do conventional animation too...brilliant performances by Joel Grey and George Gobel, and the unforgettable "Even a Miracle Needs a Hand".
10) A MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
The hands-down best performance of Michael Caine's career. The most startling endorsement i can give is that for more than fifteen minutes, i forgot that Jim Henson had died.
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Special Awards of Merit:
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
-Not unlike a photographic negative of the following two films. But for one moment of (religious) mawkishness, it's quite sublime.
EMMET OTTER'S JUGBAND CHRISTMAS & THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
-Each has one song ("What's This", "River Bottom Nightmare Band") that is as off-the-charts good as any moment of any Maxmas magic ever.

1 comment:

Ray DeJohn said...

Muppet Christmas Carol was on my Honorable Mention List. Love that movie.

Guess I've gotta to see Love Actually, huh?