s arts & entertainment November 30, 2011 - Over the Edge TEN MOVIES TO WATCH THIS CHRISTMAS A List of the Favourites DARCIE SMITH ARTS EDITOR espite television being, for the most part, a massive waste of time, there have always been some stellar holiday films, programs, or specials that should not be missed. Many people can identify with being tiny and wide-eyed, reveling in the opportunity to stay up late and Bill Murray in Scrooged. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The Santa Claus: This movie showcases the perfect plot of every child’s dream, making this movie a winner. Santa is the ideal father: being fat is a good thing AND he only works once a year. This is Tim Allen in his glory years. For fans of Home Improvement, you probably have a tender spot in your heart for his family-friendly comedy and bad jeans. If that isn’t enough to make you watch this film each year, maybe an appearance by the elusive Judge Reinhold could convince you. The Home Alone Films: Specifically, Lost in New York. No matter what age you are, it is really difficult to not wish for just one second that you could be in Kevin’s little-boy shoes buying whatever you please! Though this film definitely reaches some sad, lonely moments, it is hard to not get trapped in the idea that this could have really happened. Another highlight of the film: Joe Pesci and the other knucklehead burglar. A Christmas Carol: A classic film that everyone needs to see. Alastair Sim is such a fun actor. Watching him gleefully run around on Christmas morning is one of the most delightful scenes in film history. If you are up late on Christmas Eve trying to watch it before bed, it can be a challenge to stay away through the black and white, but it is well worth it to have a few viewings under your belt. The Nightmare Before Christmas: A Tim Burton masterpiece. This might be one your parents would not let you watch because it was too “scary.” What’s fun about this movie is that it blends Christmas and Hallowe’en together, so there are at least two times a year that you should be watching it. The theme of creatures learning to love is always heart-warming. The Muppet Christmas Carol: This movie speaks for itself - Muppets and a singing Michael Caine. finish a Christmas movie — all the while secretly hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus. Here is a list of some popular, all time favourites to watch this year and help get you in the winter spirit. Asner and Tomlin in How the Ghosts Stole Christmas. ALL PHOTOS: ONLINE SOURCE Elf: Potentially the goofiest film on the list. There is something really pleasant about watching Will Ferrell run around in an elf suit like a big man child, especially if you have ever watched James Caan in Las Vegas and have witnessed how terrifying he can be. Casting was key in this film. It might not have been as funny if anyone but Will Ferrell starred in it. This is also one of the films that made the world fall in love with Zooey Deschanel, and the first ttme many heard her sing. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The 1970’s animation that stole all of our underdog hearts. Rudolph is so sweet and cute that if you were a clay reindeer you would want to date him (just like Max from Goof Troop). Yukon Cornelius makes his debut as the original hipster and Burl Ives forever changes Christmas with his creamy, dreamy voice. Rudolph is a great film because it also teaches some solid lessons in acceptance and fitting in. How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Both the original 1966 cartoon and the 2000 remake with the one and only Jim Carey are both must- sees, no matter the time of year. Most are so familiar with the tale that it can be easy to forget this one. Jim Carey did such a great job playing the Grinch. It’s one of those younger people films with funny adult moments. The X-Files, How the Ghosts Stole Christmas (season 6): A delightful soundtrack and guest stars really make this an outstanding episode. Edward Asner and Lily Tomlin star as two ghosts in a haunted house that Mulder convinces Scully to stake out on Christmas Eve. Not only does it satisfy some of the x-phile needs of the two agents being in love, but it is one of those quirky episodes where it focuses on the relationship dynamics of the duo. Scrooged: Bill Murray. Someone please get a tattoo of this man.