TOP 10: Christmas Movies

Tis the season… to watch your favorite Christmas movies. The movies we enjoy are the ones we grew up with. If you are older, it's the classics from the 40's and 50's. Most of my favorites come from the last 25 to 30 years. Great movies that can make us laugh and touch our heart at the same time. Love 'em or hat 'em, agree or dosages, here are my favorite Christmas Movies.

10) MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET:
I include both popular versions. Both the 1947 and 1994 version tell the story of man on trial because he thinks he is Santa Clause and the little girl who believes he is the real thing. I watch both versions, but do prefer the updated version a little more than the classic.

9) JINGLE ALL THE WAY:
If you have/had kids during the Power Rangers crazy, you can relate to this movie, starring Arnold Swarzenegger and Sinbad. Both men are desperate to get the popular superhero toy for their sons, but the popularity of the toy, means high demand with little to no supply. Funny and touching movie that the whole family can enjoy.

8) IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE:
I have to admit I have yet to watch this 1946 classic movie. It is still one of the most popular Christmas movies of all time and the plot of the movie has been remade countless times by other movies and TV programs. What would life be like If "I" never existed.

7) THE SANTA CLAUSE:
TIm Allen at his best. When Santa is accidentally killed, Tim Allen is chosen to be his replacement, per The Santa Clause. It has a great cast and still holds up after 20 years. If you want to catch the sequels, I recommend just the second movie. Number three is a bit of a stinker.

6) A CHRISTMAS CAROL:
Dickens classic tale of a mean spirited business man and mizer, who hates Christmas, but has a chance to redeem himself with the three ghosts of Christmas. There are quite a few great versions of this movie. The 1951 classic is a must see. The 1984 remake, starring George C. Scott is pretty good too and on my list. I also enjoy the 1999 production from TNT, staring patrick Stewart. But the we have become quick fans of the more recent production by Robert Zemeckis and starring Jim Carrey. That 2009 computer animated movie is skillfully crafted and can be grander in scale with style of the production.

5) HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS:
Ron Howard and Jim Carrey do a spectacular job at bringing the short story by Dr. Seuss to life as a full theatrical movie. The special effects and makeup effects are amazing, both which Jim Carrey takes advantage of to give one of his best performances on film.

4) CHRISTMAS VACATION:
What could be better than Christmas with the Grizwolds? From one disaster to another, Clark Grizwald still finds the true meaning of Christmas, at the end. Huge laughs and a great cast. A must see for all.

3) HOME ALONE:
As the large family flies to France for the holiday, 8 year old Kevin is left behind and is Home Alone. One of the best physical comedies of all time, Chris Columbus and John Hughes give us a modern classic that stars Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern and Macaulay Culkin. What could be funnier than seeing a "kin-dee-gardner" out smart two house robbers as they attempt to rob his home. Theatrically this move made over $285 million, in 1990.

2) A CHRISTMAS STORY:
A young boy of the 1940's, and his path to convincing his parents and Santa that the Red Ryder BB Gun is the perfect gift for him. This semi-autobiographical story from the writer and narrator, Jean Shepherd, captures the era perfectly. You can't let christmas go by without watching A CHRISTMAS STORY at least once, during it's 24 hour run on TBS each year, on Christmas Day.

1) ELF:
Buddy The Elf is a human, but raised by an elf, is sent to New York to find his father and his try identity. I have already watched this great movie once since Thanksgiving. Will Ferrell is perfect for the completely innocent mind of Buddy The Elf. It is funny, heart warming and a new timeless classic.