It is almost that time of year again, and as we all anticipate a few days of copious eating and drinking with friends and family, it would be fitting to set a watch list that works well with the slightly drowsy, occasionally spirted 😉, crucible of fierce debate and analysis that is the Christmas movie marathon. Nothing too serious, nothing too taxing. Just enjoy the holidays!
In no particular order, the list is:
- The Ten Commandments (1956)
- Its A Wonderful Life (1946)
- The Dirty Dozen (1967)
- Predator (1987)
- Sholay (1975)
That's right, no Die Hard! You're all going to watch it anyway, so what's the point in even mentioning it.
The criteria for this list is fairly simple.
- The film has to be commonly available or broadcast in the holiday season.
- When arguments about what to watch erupt, the entry will find almost unanimous acceptance from those who have already seen it.
- Hopefully just one item that will be new to most
With that all established, lets go over the list:
The Ten Commandments (1956)
Cecil B DeMille's second attempt at The Ten Commandments was in colour and with sound. Some have argued that this is the inferior of the two movies, but it's hard to see how this can be justified. TTC is old Hollywood at its finest. Sumptuous sets and art design, great actors, great filmmakers and just about the easiest 3h 40m watch there is, especially on a cosy sofa on Boxing Day.
Its A Wonderful Life (1946)
Frank Capra's upbeat and inverted version of A Christmas Carol has been shown on TV screens every year for at least three quarters of a century. James Stewart was a fine actor who starred in many of my favourite films, and yet IAWL is the one I immediately associate him with. Probably because it is simply a beautiful film with a level of sincerity that Hollywood just can't credibly produce any more. No man is a failure who has friends.
The Dirty Dozen (1967)
As the afternoon wears on, something a little more gritty will fit the bill. The Dirty Dozen might be the manliest film ever made. Whether or not it could ever have happened is entirely besides the point. The film only asks one question, if being tough was a narrative theme in of itself, where would that lead exactly? Great cast, great fun, great movie.
Predator (1987)
Now, when the kids are all asleep and mind is finally wide awake, as it only can be at 11pm on a Christmas evening, we can move onto something a little more frightening. Is there ever a time when someone doesn't feel like watching Predator? It's actually a thousand year old story, Beowulf. Time has already ironed out any imperfections from its essence. It might be the best action movie ever made. If it had no characters it would be a fantastic story. If it had no story, it would still have fantastic characters. As it happens it has both, and a fantastic director to boot. Sci-fi action and suspense that never gets old.
Sholay (1975)
Bollywood's remake of Hollywood's remake of Toho studio's remake of American cowboy movies is probably the greatest Indian film ever made, and certainly among the cinema's real high points anywhere. If you grew up in an Asian household, you've probably already seen it a thousand times. If you've never seen it, then prepare for a treat. This quite literally broke every Indian box office record. In the biggest film industry on earth, Sholay was played in cinemas across the country for five years straight upon its initial release, and features one of the best movie villains across all of cinema history.
Comments
Post a Comment