Christmas Movies 2016

Most of us have those things that immediately come to mind when we think about the holidays.  It could be a delicious meal, spending time with the family or listening to some Christmas songs on the radio.  These things, and more, definitely help to put most of us in the Christmas mood.  However, one activity that is probably one of my favorite to do during the holiday season is to watch movies.  I'd guess that I'm not the only one who enjoys watching movies during the Christmas break.

Some of the movies are for kids, while others are geared more towards family or adults only.

1.  The Polar Express (2004)

If you have kids around during the holiday season, this is a film that you must show them.  Upon watching it for the first time, I expected this one to be one of the great classics.  It's also a nice bonus that the animation is amazing in this particular movie.

2.  Batman Returns (1992)

Christmas in Gotham City, what more could you ask for?  In my opinion, this is one of the best in the Batman series.  Keaton, DaVito, Pfeiffer and Walken all do an exceptional job in their individual roles.

3.  Gremlins (1984)

I was too young to watch this one initially, but I do remember seeing it while I was still in elementary school.  Even as a kid, I recognized the humor in the film.  The gremlins might be a bit much for young children.  Watching this movie as an adult feels just as good as when I watched it as a kid during the 80's.

4. & 5. Die Hard 1 (1988) & 2 (1990)

Action movies are one of absolute favorite genres to watch. These two movies are full of it and I'm glad they were both set during the Christmas season.  Every film can't be about Santa or Reindeer, happy families and presents.  This is a great alternative for the adults to check out once the kids have gone to bed.

Die Hard

Die Hard 2

6.  Elf (2003)

I find this one to be quite humorous, but I could understand if one doesn't find it to be funny.  Some of the comedic moments may be too much, but it'll put you in the Christmas spirit.  How could you not cheer for Buddy (Ferrell's character) to end up happily ever after with his family?

7.  A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

If you don't know about this one, then you must have been living under a rock your entire life.  This CBS Special, originally introduced over fifty years is an American classic.  It is a staple of the Christmas movie line-up.

8.  This Christmas (2007)

I couldn't have a Christmas movie list without at least one about family.  While it's fairly new, I believe it deserves to be placed on the list of classic Christmas films.  This particular film has a great cast and the soundtrack isn't too bad either.

9.  Lethal Weapon (1987)

What's a Christmas movie list without at least one cop movie?  

10.  Deck The Halls (2006)

Christmas decorations on steroids.  This one definitely has it's funny moments.  I could only imagine living in a neighborhood where Christmas was celebrated to this degree.

Bonus:  To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)

About ten years ago, I got the idea that I would read this classic work by Harper Lee during my Christmas break.  Upon finishing the book, I immediately watched the movie.  I'm not sure why I selected this particular book, because it's not exactly set during the Christmas season.  Nonetheless, I've enjoyed watching this film every year since I started the tradition.

Celebrating Mr. Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier

There are many good actors, but some are legendary.  Mr. Sidney Poitier is indeed one of the most iconic actor to ever speak a line on the big screen.  We're all aware of the obstacles he overcame to become one of the most popular actors of his time.  The movie roles he starred in were certainly groundbreaking for their time and they helped pave the way for many others after him.  I consider Mr. Poitier to be one of my favorite actors and in celebration of his 89th birthday weekend, here are my "Top 5" Sidney Poitier movies.  Before the list of my favorites, you will find the film that catapulted Mr. Poitier into legendary, Lilies of the Field.  After this, you will see two other films listed that I've also enjoyed.

1964 Oscar's Best Actor Acceptance Speech

Lilies of the Field (1963)

Honorable Mentions:

No Way Out (1950)

Uptown Saturday Night (1974)

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5.  Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)

Talk about completely flipping the script (pun intended).  Who could have imagined discussing the issue of interracial relationships during the 1960's, let alone making a film about the subject.  Moreover, to have the husband be a black man was truly nothing short of a suicidal mission.  While times might have been changing, I do not believe the country was at a place of complete acceptance.  Thus, it was quite wise to have the main characters be played by the Hollywood heavyweights.  Poitier, along with Tracy and Hepburn, were essential to putting this movie at the forefront of the cinematic world.  All three were Academy Award winners and the public would not be able to doubt their acting abilities in the film.  It truly was an amazing performance by the entire cast.

4.  To Sir, With Love (1967)

Another classic Poitier film.  The thing that impressed me the most with Poitier's role in this film was his immaculate demeanor, which I do not believe was a stretch from the actual demeanor of Poitier himself.  Needless to say, many schools would benefit from having a strong and nurturing instructor like Poitier's character.

3.  Separate But Equal (1990)

This story is one of triumph and great hope.  It's one that all should know, as it was one of the most pivotal moments in U.S. history.  Poitier truly embodied the essence of U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall, in his role in this film.  I'm not sure how many actors could have pulled off such an important character, but I'm glad that Poitier decided to accept this one.

2.  In the Heat of the Night (1967)

It's truly amazing that one film could result in so many wonderful things.  As you can see from the trailer, Poitier's  character was one that challenged the notion that black men were incapable of being in positions of authority.  Not only did his character challenge the societal structure of the time, his character also demonstrated the intelligence and professionalism that all real men have.

I believe the audience witnessed the mentality of Poitier's character during the infamous slap scene. This particular scene reminded me of a story line in many books and films about black people overcoming moments of racism.  In immediately returning the slap, Poitier's character represented an attitude that he as going defend himself against everyone, that he was not going to submit to the social ideals of the time and that he was not someone to take as a joke.  The attitudes of the other three men in the room during this scene, demonstrated that they too understood exactly who Mr. Tibbs (Poitier's character) was and that they were not going to be able to tie him into their expectations.

The Best Scene

Ray Charles - In the Heat of the Night

1.  A Raisin In the Sun (1961)

What a classic?  Both the original play and the many theatrical adaptions that have followed are nothing short of spectacular.  I've had the pleasure reading the play in undergrad courses, attending various theatrical productions and watching the two film versions several times.  I am elated each and every time I read or I see this story.  Hansberry touched on many of the important issues facing black people during the era in which the play was written.  Moreover, having actors like Poitier, Claudia McNeil and Ruby Dee (another favorite), only served to lift this film into a realm of pure greatness.  This film and story will always be a classic!