Christmas Family Films 2008
Entertain the Children This Christmas with One of These Classics
Dec 18, 2008
These three films are classic Christmas gems which are bound to keep the children occupied and out from under your feet. They are all soft centred, Christmas goldies and might even keep the grown ups occupied as well.
Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Miracle on 34 Street was originally released in 1947, while this is still a beautiful movie, it is a little dated particularly for younger audiences. The 1994 version on the other hand stars Richard Attenborough, and is more accessible for a modern audience. The story centres around six year old Susan and her mother Dorey. When Susan meets Kris Kringle, at her mother’s department store, playing the store Santa, he tells Susan that he is the real deal. Susan is dubious, and her mother discourages her to believe in silly fantasies. When a rival store, jealous at how much business Kris is bringing, in sets out to discredit Susan and her mother have to find belief in the Christmas spirit to help save him. A beautiful heart-warming film, Richard Attenborough plays the part of Kris Kringle with gentle warmth that is perfect for the role. Mara Wilson plays Susan, she is a smart, charming little girl fitting the role perfectly, much as she did when she played Natalie Hillard in Mrs Doubtfire.
Home Alone
Home Alone starring Macaulay Culkin is a classic holiday movie, full of fun and laughs. Ten year old Kevin, is supposed to be going away for Christmas with his vast and often overwhelming family, however when the raucous crowd final pack up and leave they forget one thing, Kevin. Believing that he has wished his family away Kevin is overjoyed by his new found freedom, even when he discovers thieves are planning on burgling his home he is determined to protect it. Soon though he begins to realise how much he misses his family and wishes they would return. Meanwhile his family have noticed his absence but struggle to return home during the busy Christmas period. The story has a happy ending, with the family being reunited, and amazed at what Kevin has achieved. This is a heart-warming and highly amusing Christmas must, though probably not for very young children.
Toy Story
A classic Disney Pixar collaboration, this is the story of Andy’s toys, in particular his favourite toy Woody a cowboy with a pull string voice box. Woody has been Andy’s favourite toy for as long as anyone can remember, then one Christmas when a new toy arrives. Buzz Light Year is more than a little obnoxious and believes, foolishly in Woody’s opinion, that he is a real space commander and not merely a toy. Andy and the other toys however are soon all charmed by him. When Buzz gets taken by the bully next door all the other toys automatically assume that a jealous Woody was behind it. The race is soon on for Woody to save Buzz and get them both back to Andy’s house before the two toys find themselves lost forever. Full of imagination and colour this film won acclaim from the critics and a place in the hearts of children and adults. It is a well paced tale that all anyone can appreciate, full of laughs and packed with adventure.
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