THM Picks: Modern Holiday Classics

Some friends noted that, while my list of classic holiday films was all well and good, I was overlooking quite a few modern classics from my roundup! So to pick up where I left off, here are some modern holiday favorites that need to be on your viewing list this season:

Die Hard (1988)—How awkward could your estranged wife's office holiday party be?!?!?!?!?!

A Christmas Story (1983)—This quirky and endearing look at childhood in the 1940s initially bombed in theaters, but has become a cult classic ever since. Subtle and engaging performances make this film a timeless favorite.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)—Clark has worked hard all year, and just wants to give the entire Griswold family the Christmas they deserve! This is Chevy Chase at his best, with the kind of supporting cast you won't find anywhere else.

The Holiday (2006)—A gentle wink and nod to the craft of filmmaking, with an absolutely charming supporting performance by Eli Wallach, this movie shows us that sometimes we need to take a holiday from our comfort zones...and that it's definitely worth the trip!

Love Actually (2003)—An outstanding ensemble cast portrays a delightful array of characters with interconnected story lines, all leading up to the local school's Christmas Eve pageant. Love is found, love is lost, hearts are broken and mended again, and one thing remains clear through it all: love (not to mention Christmas) actually is all around!

THM Picks: Holiday Classics

It's no secret this is my favorite time of year, and I have a number of favorite movies I like to watch along with it! Although many classic films tend to be a bit more sentimental than we're used to these days, the sheer craftsmanship more than makes up for it. So when you've watched every adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" known to man, and "It's A Wonderful Life" just seems too long to contemplate, here are my top classic holiday film picks for your viewing pleasure:

• The Bishop's Wife (1947)—an absolute favorite, expertly acted and directed, with an outstanding supporting cast.
• The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942)—Bette Davis shows her softer side, and Monty Woolley gives his signature performance as the irascible title character.
• Christmas in Connecticut (1945)—lighthearted fun with a great cast of characters.
• Holiday Inn/White Christmas (1942/1954)—holiday essentials for song and dance fans.
• Auntie Mame (1958)—Rosalind Russell's definitive portrayal of the unconventional aunt with unbounded love and affection for all those she holds dear.
• Come to the Stable (1949)—A movie from another time, but timeless nonetheless; a gentle story that just might surprise you by becoming one of your holiday favorites.

Let the season begin!

>o<

THM Picks: Spooky Film Classics

We all have our favorite scary (or not so scary) movies this time of year, and there's certainly no shortage from which to choose. This includes classic films—even ones without Boris Karloff or Vincent Price. So if you're looking for something different, or haven't seen these classics in a while, they're sure to hit the spot this Halloween season:

• The Uninvited (1944)—A ghost story with great 40's style.
• Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)—Murder most silly in this screwball comedy.
• Rebecca (1940)—Because Mrs. Danvers is just that creepy.
• I Married a Witch (1942)—A long-term Salem resident has her eye on Fredric March.
• Gaslight (1944)—There's nothing like being terrorized by a man with a French accent.
• The Lodger (1944)—Long before they had background checks.

Don't forget to turn off the lights :-)

Happy viewing!

>o<