Every year, my family and I choose five Christmas movies to watch on the five Saturday evenings before Christmas, even if it does mean starting in November! These are the top 5 choices.
Santa Claus: The Movie, 1985
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(David Huddleston, Dudley Moore, John Lithgow)
I can't for the life of me understand why this movie gets so much criticism! I love it! I've loved it since the first time I saw it in the cinema in 1985. The two most amazing things about this movie are, for me, the soundtrack and the design.
Soundtrack
Not only is the original score for this movie (written by Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse) absolutely fabulous (just listen to it during the “Seasons Greetings” scene, and again when they're feeding the reindeer before their first flight!) but some of the original songs are just stunning. It features tracks by Aled Jones - “Every Christmas Eve” and Sheena Easton - “It's Christmas All Over the World Tonight” and has a great jingle during Patch the elf's TV ad. My favourite, though, has to be the arrangement of the carols played during the montage of Christmas through the centuries. Nothing makes me feel more Christmassy than that piece of music. It's just beautiful.
Design
This movie made me want to become a costume designer! The bright colours and the cool designs, as well as the absolutely perfect Santa Claus outfit, just took my breath away as a child. I still love them even now. Then there's the image of the village at the North Pole, as well as all the buildings and rooms. The production designer was Anthony Pratt and he and the Art Department, and Set Decorator, Stephanie McMillan, did a fabulous job. The scenes of the sleigh flying and landing are still the best ones I've ever scene in a Christmas movie - maybe not technically, as technology has moved on since 1985 - but in terms of reaching inside my head and putting my imagination on screen? Definitely.
Anything Else?
How can I not mention the wonderful late Dudley Moore and the great comedic talents of John Lithgow? These two actors alone make the film worth watching and turn the perhaps slightly plodding script into a magical story. In my opinion, this Hollywood version of the history of Santa and his adventures is definitely one to watch on a cold winter's evening, in the glow of the fire and the fairy lights.
The Santa Clause, 1994
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(Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, David Krumholtz)
This movie is fast on its way to becoming a classic. I've seen it every year since its release and it still makes me laugh out loud, especially the beard that won't go away! Again with this movie, as with most Christmas movies, it's the design and the soundtrack that really appeal to me, although this one has the added appeal of an absolutely hilarious script and an A1 cast.
Soundtrack
Well, let's start with the most beautiful version of “Carol of the Bells” that I've ever heard, performed by the American Boys' Choir. On top of that, the soundtrack is crammed full of classics such as The Drifters' “White Christmas” and ZZ Top's “Gimme All Your Lovin'”, plus, if that isn't enough, then the incidental music by Michael Convertino will delight and enchant you. This is one of those soundtracks that you can play all by itself without the movie!
Design
I'm a sucker for a good Santa's sleigh and the one in this movie is one of the best! As for the reindeer - if you thought the ones in “Santa Claus: The Movie” were adorable, just wait until you meet these. In 1994, animatronics were starting to go places and these critters took full advantage of it. Then there's Santa's Workshop, complete with toy train and - my favourite - the doors to Santa's bedroom with the smaller door built in for the Elves!!!
Anything Else?
Yes! As mentioned earlier, this movie is funny! Laugh out loud funny. Look out for the scenes where Scott has to pop down pipes instead of chimneys and when his heartbeat begins to play a very well-known Christmas song! The fact that this movie stars the adorable Judge Reinhold and the lovely David Krumholtz alongside Tim Allen at his hilarious best, only serves to enhance the fun and frolics served up in this festive treat of a movie. This one usually has to fight with the next one in the list for the privilege of “Saturday Before Christmas” viewing!
The Muppet Christmas Carol, 1992
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(Michael Caine, Kermit the Frog et al)
