Merry Christmas from Film Fanatic!My apologies that once again I have been slack with the up keep of my blog but this is my chance before the new year to wish those that visit the site for film inspiration a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, with a promise that I will be giving the blog the attention it deserves in the new year 2012.
1. It's a Wonderful Life (Frank Capra, USA, 1946)
Always at the top of my list and celebrating 65 years this year since release, this is still one of the most heartwarming stories of the everyman's struggles to find meaning in his life. What appears at first to be cliched reveals itself, in fact, to be a beautiful premise given more gravitas due to the casting of the late James Stewart as George Bailey; one of cinema's greatest heroes. Essential viewing and incredibly remastered in high def on Blu Ray.
The film is showing at 2.00pm on Sky Movies Christmas on Christmas Day
2. Home Alone (Chris Columbus, USA, 1990)
Second on my list of essentials is this 1990 family comedy "without the family". It is clear to see why director Chris Columbus was chosen as the director of the first two installments in the Harry Potter franchise after his superb work on films like this. A beautiful score from John Williams and a lot of fun to be had.
The film is showing on Channel 4 on Boxing Day at 7.05pm
3. A Christmas Carol (Robert Zemeckis, USA, 2009)
Charles Dickens' age old classic has been told numerous times on screen but Zemeckis' fascinating deployment of 3D and Motion Capture animation coupled with his casting of Jim Carrey as the miserly Scrooge, who has to change his ways for the good of mankind, presents audiences with a vibrant new spin on the timeless tale. Highly recommended though some of the ghostly apparitions may be a bit scary for younger children.
This film is showing at 8pm on Sky Movies Christmas on Christmas Day
4. Love Actually (Richard Curtis, UK, 2003)
Yes it's schmaltzy, yes there's a few too many narrative junctions for its own good but there's little not to like about this funny, touching romcom. A star studded cast including Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, Keira Knightley and genre stalwart Hugh Grant ensure this isn't a convoluted, sentimental mess.
This film is showing at 9.45pm on Sky Movies Christmas on Christmas Day
5. The Holiday (Nancy Meyers, UK & USA, 2006)
A rom com to leave you with a tingly feeling or two during the festive season. Lots of laughs and another great cast of UK and US talent including Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and the ever brilliant Eli Wallach. A beautiful score from Hans Zimmer compliments the film well.
This film is showing on ITV1/ITV1HD at 10.15pm on Friday 30th December 2011.
"As Tiny Tim observed, "God bless us, everyone!""
