HOME ALONE
1990 was the year that debuted the first instalment of the Home Alone series that stole the hearts of the audience then, and the generations to come. A comedy infused film that follows the 8-year-old Kevin in his battle against a blundering pair of burglars. While the reality of the movie is unlikely, the narrative that the character Kevin plays, hints lightly on the combat between David and Goliath. It entertains the notion that underestimating children and those who appear weaker in society can often be a grave mistaken, as Kevin bravely protects his family home by outwitting the adults and maintaining resilience and bravery against his greater odds.
ELF
While it would be strange to label Elf as a coming-of-age movie, the childlike nature of Buddy and the contrasting coldness of his father, sets out a scene where only nurture and fatherhood can result in a resolution. The oversized child that Buddy displays dramatises his every gesture and emotion, where the meaning of innocence no longer applies to little children. Instead, his goodness invites viewers to reflect on themselves and take a moment to learn the importance of family. Through his determination to connect with his human father and find a place of belonging for himself, Buddy reminds his audience that selfless love and understanding is the true essence of Christmas.
ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
Like the analogy of ‘The Good Shepherd’, Arthur Christmas follows the journey of Santa’s youngest son fighting against all odds to deliver a missed child’s presents by Christmas. Even before the tragedy of a child being forgotten, the belief in Santa shown by the child motivates the theme of hope and goodwill. When Arthur acts not out of duty but conviction, the audience are pulled in to also wish for a good ending for every character, to propose the idea that good will always outweigh the bad. Without a need for an aesthetic hero, this Christmas you should join Arthur on his sleigh to deliver a story of different kind of Christmas but one that still holds a moral message.
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
Under the glamour of Christmas, there is always a Grinch. A grumpy, grumbling and grouchy Grinch whose distaste for Christmas is pungent and deep. So, when the reclusive green character decided that he ought to act on his hatred for Christmas and ruin it for everyone else, it becomes a daunting adventure of how our unpopular protagonist may actually outdo himself in his mission. However, when feelings of sweetness and affection comes in the form of Cindy Lou Who, it might not be too late to change the Grinch’s mind about the festival.
THE POLAR EXPRESS
With animation that was ahead of its time, The Polar Express dives into a montage of almost eerily lifelike vibrancy with its characters. A story that intends to express the magic of Christmas, it truly takes viewers on a climatic trip to the North Pole, depicting scenes so full of energy that it pulls you in as one of the passengers themselves.
THE NAITIVITY STORY
Betrothed to much-older Joseph, Mary must remain a maiden for one year, but she subsequently receives a visit from the angel Gabriel, who tells her of her destiny. When Joseph and now-heavily pregnant Mary journey to Bethlehem for the Roman census, they face a threat from King Herod, whose obsession with an ancient prophecy endangers soon-to-be-born Jesus.