Christmas Shows & Movies

I always like watching Doctor Who during the holidays, because there's a tradition of Christmas going terribly wrong (alien invasions, zombies, killer Santas) and I also like Supernatural's bittersweet Christmas episodes, where the two Winchester brothers try to celebrate in their own way, which is usually in a shabby motel room.

I'm also a sucker for holiday movies and most holiday movies are technically supernatural/paranormal stories. Here are a few of my favorites, in no particular order.

Elf: Will Farrell and director Jon Favreau created this unexpectedly unapologetically sweet confection about a human child raised by elves who goes to find his biological father in Manhattan. There's so much to love about this movie, from Bob Newhart's dry Papa Elf to Peter Dinklage as an arrogant children's author. Farrell's enthusiasm about things like revolving doors makes you realize just how we take for granted too many fabulous things in our everyday lives. SUPERNATURAL ELEMENT: Elves.

The Bishop's Wife: Cary Grant is at his warm, charming best as a gorgeous angel named Dudley who visits a bishop (David Niven) who's beginning to waver in his convictions about building a cathedral that honors God, not his rich benefactors. Loretta Young is the bishop's wife, and when Dudley shows up, her own convictions about her marriage begin to waver. Note to heaven: don't expect sexy angels to solve marital problems without some mayhem. I heart Monty Wooley as the professor. This movie is in the public domain, so it runs all the time on TV for free, but is not readily available as a DVD. SUPERNATURAL ELEMENT: Super hawt suave angel.

A Christmas Story: No one expected this little movie to become such a part of the Christmas tradition. The title is modest -- it's a Christmas story -- and their are no big names in the cast or flashy special effects. It's just a story about an everyday family -- they don't even have last names -- who has the eccentricities you'll find in all families. Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) wants a BB gun with an innocent passion. Darren McGavin is delightful as his father, a man with a temper and a good heart. They don't have to express their love to have you feel it. And who can forget the double-dog dare? SUPERNATURAL ELEMENT: Darren McGavin also starred in the groundbreaking paranormal Nightstalker series, which inspired Chris Carter's The X-Files, so it's supernatural by association.

It's a Wonderful Life: I had mixed feelings about this Christmas classic until I saw the unedited version. Do yourself a favor and watch the movie without the usual cuts. You'll see some terrific scenes that round out the story and add dimension to the characters, especially Jimmy Stewart's George Bailey. Donna Reed is just lovely. I haven't seen this in years, but I may watch it this winter to see how the themes of a banker's greed and duplicity fit into current business affairs. SUPERNATURAL ELEMENT: Henry Travers plays sweet Clarence, the angel.

Miracle on 34th Street: I love the original version from 1947 starring dewy eyed young Natalie Wood as a little girl whose cynical mother doesn't believe in Santa. Edmund Gwenn is my favorite Santa ever. He's gentle and funny and warm and wonderful. This movie is corny is absolutely the best way. I've seen this movie so many times that I can't watch it anymore. But if you haven't seen it, you should. SUPERNATURAL ELEMENT: Santa Claus.

I'll try to post a few more of my favorites tomorrow.

GRATUITOUS VIDEOS OF THE DAY

Wherein I continue my holiday theme.



This videos especially for Margaret and all the other dedicated fans of sauve, dangerous Henry Fitzroy (Kyle Schmid) in Blood Ties.