The 12 Days of Christmas Movies: Day 12

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas

Buckle up boys and girls for the Pumpkin King has returned once again. Our tale begins in the holiday worlds of old. Halloween Town is celebrating Halloween (big surprise there) and the highlight of the evening is the Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington. The denizens all adore Jack and felt that was the best Halloween yet. Jack is not of the same mind. He is feeling a little down and stuck in a rut. It's the same old thing year after year. However, something new is about to occur.

After walking to the edge of the world, Jack stumbles into Christmas Town. Such a wonderous new world. Lights and colors and snow! Nothing there is scary and there's good feeling all around. No nightmares but, it brings much joy and inspiration to Jack. This is not a good thing but, he means well.

While Jack is discovering a new land, Sally (the Voice of Reason here) is dealing with a highly over-protective creator and constantly sneaking out. Much to Dr. Finklestein's consternation. She has deep feelings for Jack but, is shy and keeps them to herself. 

Back to Jack and Christmas. After he returns from Christmas Town, he shares his experience with the denizens of Halloween Town. They don't quite grasp the point of Christmas Land until they learn of it's leader, Sandy Claws. The entire town gets behind the effort of taking over Christmas this year. This will go over well. I know it.

For the most important mission of all, the finest trick or treaters, Lock, Shock, and Barrel, are tasked with kidnapping the Sandy Claws for Jack. This is when Sandy Claws (Santa Claus) is informed of the intent for Halloween Town to take over Christmas this year as a reward for all his hard work. Goes over about as well as a fruitcake for a present.

Lock, Shock, and Barrel take Santa to be held by Oogie Boogie, the baddest guy around. Or a no account scoundrel. Depends on who you ask. Oogie likes to gamble but, he only uses loaded dice to ensure he never receives snake eyes. Real helpful when making decisions on a roll of the dice.

Jack takes off to deliver Halloween Town's Christmas to the world. Such wonderful gifts he brings. Shrunken heads, killer teddy bears, monster wreaths, jack in the boxes that chase you down and more. Who wouldn't want such delightful toys? Sadly, the world disagrees. Violently.

Upon further introspection, Jack doesn't regret the decision to make Christmas this year. He even got new ideas for next year's Halloween! He is once again the Pumpkin King. But first, to set Santa free from Oogie Boogie's casino dungeon. Which is a thing that exists. 

Jack is not pleased with how Oogie has treated his guest. Very shamefully with the pit of hot ooze. Luckily, Santa is able to fix the hilarious mess Jack has created. And even gives a gift to Halloween Town. And Jack realizes the most important thing of all. That he and Sally (and by extension Halloween) are simply meant to be.

Rating: 6/5

The 12 Days of Christmas Movies: Day 11

Miracle on 34th Street

One of the most important things to teach a child is the belief in magic. After growing up, most adults don't believe in magic anymore. Not because it doesn't exist (maybe not in the way of cursed princesses and enchanted swords) but, because magic is another word for hope. A belief in magic is a belief in the impossible or, at the least, that tomorrow might be better than today. While trying to raise a child to be ready for the "real" world is admirable, it does make for a dull life. It takes a while for Susan's mother in Miracle on 34th Street to recognize that.

(Brief Note: This film did have to be approved by both Macy's and Gimbel's in order to be released due to both stores being heavily featured.)

We first meet Kris Kringle when he informs a shopkeeper that the reindeer in his window display are in the wrong order. Later he replaces the initial Santa Claus in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and is officially hired to be the Santa for Macy's. If the initial meeting of Kris wasn't hint enough, he speaks Dutch to a little girl who had been adopted following WWII. What follows is everyone around Kris trying to decide if Santa Claus not only exists but, if he is that Santa.

Due to an extremely insecure and odious "psychologist", Kris ends up having to go to trial to prove that he is sane as he is Santa Claus. Several hilarious witnesses and discussions ensue over this matter. However, as Susan writes a letter to Kris (to be delivered at the courthouse), two Post Office workers decide to send all of the letters to Santa to the courthouse as well. Luckily, this proves Kris is Santa and Christmas is saved. Although it never was in doubt. Susan (and her mother) believing in Santa was in doubt. I firmly believe Kris would have been able to still perform his duties even from inside an asylum or jail.

Rating: 5/5

The 12 Days of Christmas Movies: Day 10

Unaccompanied Minors

In 2005, someone had the bright idea to make Home Alone in an airport. The result was a moderate success. A group of kids are flying alone and are stranded at Hoover International Airport on Christmas Eve. Rather than stay in the designated Unaccompanied Minors Room, they decide to have their own adventure. In their defense, the place was in utter chaos and not exactly anywhere anyone would want to stay. However, the Director of Passenger Relations takes offense to this bid for freedom and locks them back up in the room rather than have them stay at the hotel. What follows is shenanigans that would make Kevin McCallister proud in an attempt to deliver a present to one little girl. And one side story about finding a Christmas tree.

I will say (having worked in customer service), the Passenger Relations guy having extreme disdain for passengers is incredibly relatable. That being said, the film does have issues which do not get better with repeated viewings. The little sister is very annoying and her mannerisms feel off for her presumed age of 8 or 9. The kids being able to pull off some of their stunts is only helped by comically inept security but, there's not enough of the slapstick comedy to make it fully work. Overall, it is an enjoyable watch and charming enough.

Rating: 3.6/5

The 12 Days of Christmas Movies: Day 9

Arthur Christmas

There have been many stories about Santa Claus and any family he may or may not have. Few have reached the intensity and charm of Arthur Christmas. Our tale opens with the last mission of Santa (only 70 years per Santa apparently) being performed with military precision by an army of elves deployed from a spaceship. Because Santa needs a spaceship. Sadly, one child is left behind and is only discovered by the younger son, Arthur Christmas.

Now, Arthur is a bit of an odd duck. He LOVES Christmas and Santa. To an obsessive level but, is sweet and wants to make sure all the children are happy and believe in Santa. The one thing I dislike is his light-up, musical reindeer slippers. They kinda annoy me for no reason in particular. HE sees that a child has been missed and makes it his mission to deliver the present using the ancient sleigh. Unfortunately, shenanigans ensue and the North Pole nearly melts down. But, as a true Christmas miracle, the present is delivered and one more child believes in Santa.

One thing I wish happened but, understand the limits of making a 90 minute movie is that Mrs. Claus got a chance to shine more directly. She casually mentions skills she has/learned casually several times but, they're not addressed nor even noticed. I get that she's supposed to represent the woman behind a powerful/important man and is meant to shine quietly in the background but, she is more interesting than several other characters.

Rating: 4.1/5

The 12 Days of Christmas Movies: Day 8

A Christmas Carol

Mickey's Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol is not a long story by a long shot. It is a quick read and easily made shorter by showing what is described. Unfortunately, this 1988 Mickey Mouse short may have cut too much out for the sake of being 25 minutes. It does rely heavily on previous knowledge of the tale as only the absolutely necessary parts have been kept. As such, it feels rushed but, not incomplete. There's not really a whole lot to say due to it's length.

Rating: 2/5

Bah, Humduck! A Looney Tunes Christmas

While there have been many versions of Charles Dickens's beloved Christmas tale, few bring me such joy as all my favorite Looney Tunes characters ragging on Daffy Duck for 45 minutes straight. Here, Daffy runs a superstore (closer to Wal-Mart than Target) and viciously mistreats his employees while insulting his customers. Our narrator/Greek chorus is none other than Bugs Bunny here to dispel the notion that rabbits are only for Easter.

Following established beats, Daffy is visited by three spirits whose arrivals are forewarned by Sylvester. In order we see Granny and Tweety, Yosemite Sam and the Tasmanian Devil. All of whom are not fans of Daffy and his ways.

We see how Elmer Fudd can't sleep due to his shifts, Marvin Martian can't go home, Wile E Coyote is starving and Porky Pig can't buy his daughter a present. These moments are sad but, have enough Looney Tunes shenanigans to make them funny. 

By the end of it all, Daffy has changed but, as an interesting update, does have thoughts about reverting back. Some Christmas cookies halt the process.

Rating: 4.9/5

The Muppet Christmas Carol

A classic in every sense of the word. You have the joy of the Muppets combined with literature and a dash of Michael Caine. This is sheer perfection. The Great Gonzo opens our tale as Charles Dickens the narrator. He is the only one who (I think) uses actual dialogue from the book. Everything else is an adaptation/translation. Michael Caine is brilliant as Scrooge and portrays the dark cold heart effortlessly. Period costume of all black helps as well. Kermit the Frog is Bob Cratchit with the Hecklers playing the brothers Marley.

While some may question the use of Muppets for such a serious tale, it does work. The Muppets bring levity and laughter but, not to the more serious moments. Gonzo (and his sidekick Rizzo) leave during the Ghost of Christmas Future action and aren't seen until the finale. They are also sparingly used during the other more intense scenes. The added songs make it fun as well but, respect the gravity of the original story.

Speaking of songs, everyone does well in the singing with the exception of Michael Caine. This is not say he is a bad singer, but rather that he mostly talks in rhythm to the final song. He does it very well.

Rating: 5/5

The 12 Days of Christmas Movies: Day 7

 We're No Angels (1955)

After yesterday's heaviness, I thought something lighter would be appropriate. We're No Angels is the simple tale of three convicts trying to escape from Devil's Island (French penal colony) on Christmas. Along the way, they become involved with the struggles of the Ducatel family. Three very nice people who do not deserve to be murdered and robbed (initial plans are rarely good ones). As our convicts work to fix the roof, they also learn of the financial troubles that plague the family. Gradually, the convicts decide to help the family have a nice Christmas until Basil Rathbone appears. Rathbone is the Ducatel's cousin and the owner of their store. He's also a despicable human being that can give Scrooge a run for cheapest man alive. Shenanigans ensue with the convicts trying to "fix" everything with some help from their little friend Adolf (the movie happens in 1898).

The comedic elements and scenarios are played to perfection. The dichotomy of these honest people versus crooks who aren't terrible is very fun to watch. Especially when the crooks' first thought is to steal everything for Christmas dinner. The only thing not stolen was the turkey as it was bought with stolen money. At a certain point, the family just stops asking about these strange convicts and where they keep getting the flowers, turkey, and tree. Rathbone is excellent as the villain (per usual) and the convicts do find some of their humanity before leaving the family better off than how they were the previous day. 

Rating: 4.5/5

The 12 Days of Christmas Movies: Day 6

 Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas)

This is a different kind of Christmas film as it is also a war film. The truce of Christmas 1914 happened all up and down the front during the first part of WWI. Spontaneous ceasefires were enacted as a majority of the soldiers involved thought it was in poor form to fight on Christmas. Before I get too far into this, let me clarify one detail. While one of the prominent characters is a priest and Christmas being Christ's birthday (for Christians) was mentioned as a major motivation in declaring the ceasefire, religion is not the focus of the film. However, it does skirt very close towards by previously stated no religion rule.

I wanted to discuss Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas) as it is an unusual Christmas movie. While it does happen on Christmas and Christmas is the main reason for the cease fire, it is a war movie at heart. To be honest (and only from a narrative/filmmaking view), WWI is not the most exciting war to adapt to film. Very early on, the war became stagnant with the trenches and gains/losses were measured in inches rather than cities. Now, it is fascinating and horrifying to learn about for anyone but, particularly as a student of history (like myself). The intricacies and lunacies of each nation can be difficult to express however, this film does so very well.

One of the most important scenes is a small one between the French lieutenant and his father after the Christmas Truce had ended. The father was a soldier during a very different time and does not understand WWI. He was ordered to arrest and execute a stray (ownerless) cat for high treason as it carried a good luck note from the Germans. His delivery makes it very clear that even the father, a high ranking member of the French military, thinks the order is ridiculous.

A slight downside (to some) is that the film is made in three languages. As it deals with members of the German, French and English (with Scottish soldiers) armies, the film is made in all three languages with subtitles. I found this to be an excellent move as it makes the filming easier for the actors as well if they do not have to learn lines in a language they do not speak.

One criticism I have is with the priest. At the end of the film, a higher ranking priest (guessing a Cardinal or Bishop) talks to the Scottish priest we have been following and makes it clear that by holding a Christmas Eve service for the men involved in the Christmas truce, the Scottish priest did not follow God's will and has caused those men's regiment to be disbanded. The Cardinal/Bishop (I am neither Catholic nor Anglican and am uneducated regarding Church hierarchy) then proceeds to give a sermon to the replacements and calls the Germans monsters presumably in line with the state mandated propaganda to make the war positive in the eyes of the general public. During the sermon, the Scottish priest takes off his cross and walks out implying he had lost his Faith which makes little sense to me. I have always interpreted that scene as he lost his Faith in the Church rather than God but, the moment felt like it was trying to be vaguely pointed.

Rating: 4/5