by Beth Coleman
Previous Reviews | Send mail to The Voice
Christmas movies for holiday cheer
A variety of Christmas movies fill the shelves at video stores -- everything from drama, comedy, to sci-fi ("Santa Claus Defeats the Martians" looked interesting, but Hollywood Video didn't have the movie). Christmas movies are usually fun and entertaining, but be warned that practically every one of these movies views "the true meaning of Christmas" as one of the following: quality family time in which the way-too-busy overworked dad discovers what it means to play with his kids; showing kindness and love to your fellow man, even if you don't care about him the other 364 days of the year; having faith in Santa Claus even though you are 13 years old and it's time to grow up.
These movies are still entertaining even if they don't give a complete picture of the meaning of Christmas. And the endorsment of quality family relationships is good in any movie -- Christmas or non.
The Muppets' Christmas Carol
Although many people are familiar with the story of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" how many people have seen Kermit the Frog play Mr. C.? Better still, how many people have seen Ms. Piggy play his wife? Seeing the normally mild-mannered Mrs. Cratchet take on the personality of Ms. Piggy and give Mr. Scrooge (Michael Kane) a few choice words is amusing.
"The Muppets' Christmas Carol" is an excellent movie for children because it sticks to the original story of "A Christmas Carol," while incorporating humor to keep children interested.
Muppet characters Gonzo and Rizzo narrate the movie, adding extra humor. Gonzo and Rizzo also let viewers know when a scary scene is coming (scary for younger children anyway).
The only drawback to this movie is the songs. Songs are a great addition to movies, but these songs are poorly written and pasted into the story.
Despite the songs, "The Muppets Christmas Carol" is a creative Christmas movie for adults and children.
The Bishop's Wife
For anyone who has imagined having a fairy godmother or a guardian angel at his whim, "The Bishop's Wife" will engage his imagination. This classic 1947 movie is about a bishop (David Niven) struggling to raise money for a cathedral. In doing so he begins to neglect his wife (Loretta Young) and daughter as well as the needs of the people in his church. One day the bishop prays for divine guidance and a handsome angel named Dudley (Carry Grant) arrives.
"The Bishop's Wife" has some slow moments, maybe because the 1947 movie-going audience had a longer attention span than audiences of 1999. "The Bishop's Wife" focuses on taking time to appreciate the people in your life. The movie has a great storyline, good acting, and is so clean the Bishop himself would approve.
Prancer
"Prancer" falls into the magical Santa Claus category mentioned earlier. Jessica Riggs is not 13, but her unrelenting faith in Santa Claus is often more annoying then it is endearing. After rescuing a reindeer in the woods near her house, Riggs becomes convinced the reindeer is Prancer.
"Prancer" definitely has moments of Christmas spirit and cheer, but moments are all it has. The opening scene features Jessica Riggs singing off-key and very loudly during a Christmas pageant rehearsal. For adults who have been to Christmas pageants and witnessed this, the scene is classic.
"Prancer" tries to stuff too many elements into one movie. It not only includes a child's magical faith in Santa Claus but it also includes an overworked dad, a dead mother, and a grumpy neighbor woman who rediscovers the meaning of Christmas.
"Prancer" is a fun way to while away some of those Christmas break hours, but the movie isn't one to add to your video collection.
A Christmas Story
For those of us who have never experienced a Christmas filled with magical visits from Santa Claus, "A Christmas Story" might be a more accurate version of what Christmas is usually like for kids.
Most everyone can remember a Christmas when the only thing that mattered was getting a certain toy. Such is the case for 9-year-old Ralphy Parker. Nothing matters more to Ralphy than obtaining a Red Ryder BB gun. This hilarious Christmas tale is based on a narrative by author Jean Shepherd.
The most entertaining part of "A Christmas Story" is the voice overs of Ralphy's thoughts. The movie encompasses such childhood events as drooling over the latest Christmas toys in the shop windows, getting revenge on school yard bullies, and getting the punishment of soap in the mouth. Throughout all these events, Ralphy's longing for a Red Rider BB gun never dies. But every time he tells someone what he wants for Christmas, all they say is, "You'll shoot your eye out."
Beth Coleman likes Christmas lights. She even has them on her bed.
Previous Reviews | Top Of Page
Send mail to The Voice
© 1997 The Voice. No part of this publication may be reproduced in written or electronic form without prior written consent from the journalism adviser of Multnomah Bible College. All rights reserved.