Deck the TVs with tons of movies! The arrival of December means that the holiday season and winter break is practically upon us. Whether winter break is spent home alone, building a snowman or eating spaghetti with syrup, watching classic holiday movies has become tradition.
Christmas movies such as “The Grinch,” “A Christmas Story,” and “Miracle on 34th Street” are only a few of the numerous holiday flicks that prance across televisions during the winter season. Some popular movies have even become integrated into annual family traditions.
“I watch them because they fit the season and they’ve become a tradition at home. One of my dad’s favorite movies is “A Christmas Story,” so we have to watch that one every year,” said Junior Ryan Harper.
Holiday flicks are often light-hearted comedies such as “Elf,” which stars Will Ferrell and is the familiar story about a human who was raised by elves who then undertakes a humorous journey to New York City in search of his true identity. These movies become instant classics due to their ability to induce laughter and promote the jovial holiday spirit.
While most of them may not be realistic, holiday movies still have the qualities to appeal to a large number of consumers. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” alone procured more than 260 million dollars since it hit the silver screens fifteen years ago.
The whimsical, make-believe nature of these movies does not appeal to everyone, however.
“The reason I love ‘A Christmas Carol’ is because it’s not the fake, silly, happy-go-lucky elves or other jolly fantasies jumping around with their unrealistic joy…I love the uniqueness of it,” said Sophomore Chazmin Elliott.
With a few exceptions, Christmas movies regularly chalk up admirable, but not Oscar-worthy scores from critics (“Elf” got a 64 from metacritic). Despite these mediocre, unexceptional ratings professional opinion does not affect these movies’ success. “A Christmas Carol” obtained an overall negative rating (55/100) from IMDB critics, but garnered more positive feedback (6.8/10) from IMDB voters, validating the divide between critics and people. The movie went on to gross over 325 million dollars since release.
“I have to see [the movie] myself before I determine if I like it or not,” said Sophomore Ariana Porter.
The true value of these flicks is in their emotional appeal to its audiences. They often contain heart-warming themes, and lessons, that epitomize the spirit of Christmas season. “The Polar Express” emphasizes staying true to one’s beliefs as well as the importance of retaining child-like imagination. Many also emphasize kindness.
“There’s something in Christmas for everybody, even if he or she doesn’t celebrate it, there’s no way one can escape the cheeriness the season brings,” said Elliott.