Christmas – The Cinematic Journal

Twelve Christmas Specials to Melt Even Jack Frost

Jules R. Simion — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 08:00:56 +0000

I. ‘The Andy Griffith Show: A Christmas Story’ (Season 1, 1960)

The Mayberry Sheriff’s Department is best known for the wholesomeness and generosity of its characters, and the winter festivities only serve to amplify the show’s overall sense of love toward our fellow humans. ‘The Andry Griffith Show’ is a staple of television, revered as much today as it was back in the Sixties. In ‘A Christmas Story’, Sheriff Andy has no choice but to imprison moonshiner Jim in the middle of the holidays, but he also goes out of his way to make sure everyone gets to celebrate Christmas Day—he finds excuses to imprison Jim’s wife and children with him, then temporarily deputises his own family to join in on the unusual festivities.

Maybe the era depicted in the show never existed. The level of kindness portrayed feels more like a pleasant dream, but it does manage to thaw even our 21^st century hearts with its message of hope and love.

‘THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW: A CHRISTMAS STORY’ (1960), ©CBS

II. ‘The Twilight Zone: The Night of the Meek’ (Season 2, 1960)

Better remembered for its creepy or sci-fi-laden morality tales, ‘The Twilight Zone’ is a titan of television and a masterwork of screenwriting—well ahead of its time and always eager to leave viewers with a real chill tumbling down their spines. Yet for this Christmas special, Rod Serling abandoned the usual formula and tapped into the more palatable aspects of humanity. ‘The Night of the Meek’ follows a down-and-out department store Santa Claus named Henry, broken and turned to drinking as a means of coping with his problems. All he wants to do is to live up to his Santa Claus role, wishing for the meek to inherit the Earth.

Henry then finds himself in possession of a magical sack that automatically bestows gifts suited for each of its recipients. Even the police can’t stop this uncanny man from fulfilling his newfound mission. The story takes Henry all the way up to the North Pole as he becomes the real Saint Nicholas figure of old. For the first time, those familiar with ‘The Twilight Zone’ will appreciate its uplifting vibes, knowing that the show never made a habit of dealing in positivity.

‘THE TWILIGHT ZONE: THE NIGHT OF THE MEEK’ (1960), ©CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

III. ‘Moonlighting: ‘Twas the Episode Before Christmas’ (Season 2, 1985)

I’m not sure how many of you remember Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis as Maddie and David, but if you do, I salute you! ‘Moonlighting’ made its name through its avant-garde approach and playfulness with structure and form—a revolutionary of the Eighties, one might say, crisscrossing through genres almost shamelessly as it built its own unmistakable style. But it was its first Christmas-themed episode that left me smiling, a superb mixture of warm holiday sprinkles and reflexive wit topped by a dark spin on a classic tale.

A man named Joseph is killed by the criminals he testified against, and his wife Mary (see where it’s going?) abandons her baby in Agnes’ apartment. Maddie and David have no choice but to get involved, and their journey stumbles upon several eyebrow-raising characters such as three Kings. Leave it to David to point out the obvious: ‘We’re in an allegory!’. The rapid-firing banter does slow down for this episode, as even a show like ‘Moonlighting’ takes a breath to enjoy Christmas.

‘MOONLIGHTING: ‘TWAS THE EPISODE BEFORE CHRISTMAS’ (1985), ©ABC CIRCLE FILMS

IV. ‘Tales from the Crypt: And All Through the House’ (Season 1, 1989)

One of HBO’s earliest contributions to pop culture was the horror/comedy show ‘Tales from the Crypt’, which consistently threaded a remarkably thin line between utterly terrifying and hilariously brutal—said ethos oozing out of every single minute of its Christmas special, too. In ‘And All Through the House’, a woman murders her husband for the insurance money, only to find herself targeted by a serial killer wearing a Santa Claus suit.

The episode descends from dark humour into blood-curdling dread, jumping back and forth between the two extremes with surprising agility. For those among us who like more gore with our cranberry sauce, this particularly gooey serving of ‘Tales from the Crypt’ does not disappoint.

‘TALES FROM THE CRYPT: AND ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE’ (1989), ©HBO/HOME BOX OFFICE

V. ‘The X-Files: How the Ghosts Stole Christmas’ (Season 6, 1998)

I am often fascinated by how some of the more prolific shows manage to cross into the realm of Ol’ Saint Nick so easily. In that sense, the story often proves that it doesn’t take itself too seriously, leaving room for its characters to explore themselves while also drawing us closer with a sense of seasonal familiarity. But Chris Carter’s ‘The X-Files’ managed to pull a wickedly good special by throwing ghosts into the mix—perhaps he took a page from Charles Dickens.

‘How the Ghosts Stole Christmas’ is the show’s best Christmas episode, standalone and bold in its treatment of spectres and the holiday season, as Scully and Mulder find themselves trapped in a labyrinthine and seemingly haunted house in Maryland. It’s not an easy ride, as they struggle to keep their heads clear while the world around them devolves into insanity, and they’re even turned against one another by the resident ghosts, but Scully and Mulder break through and bring this moody ship down for something great to watch whilst snuggled beneath a fluffy blanket.

‘THE X-FILES: HOW THE GHOSTS STOLE CHRISTMAS’ (1998), ©2OTH CENTURY FOX TELEVISION

VI. ‘Huff: Christmas Is Ruined’ (Season 1, 2005)

Before the dark dramedy trend really took off in this decade that is about to end, Showtime’s ‘Huff’ was a two-season marvel and elegant precursor that revolved around psychiatrist Craig Huffstodt, brilliantly portrayed by Hank Azaria, and every aspect of his defective life. The man’s complex psyche was the true star of the series, in my opinion, and Paget Brewster was a wonderful added bonus. But it’s the Christmas special that really stood out, thus sliding into this season’s viewing list, mainly because of Thania St. John’s ability to write the disparate elements of Huff’s otherwise scattered life back together.

‘Christmas Is Ruined’ has every variant of frustration possible—the terminally ill mother-in-law, the son’s girlfriend, and Russell, the addiction-addled friend. Thrown together into the same pan, they lead to especially difficult times for the protagonist, but a cheery visit from the Homeless Hungarian, a figment of Huff’s tested imagination, manages to inject a sliver of hope inside this yule log of almost-comical dysfunction.

‘HUFF: CHRISTMAS IS RUINED’ (2005), ©SONY PICTURES TELEVISION

VII. ‘The Boondocks: A Huey Freeman Christmas’ (Season 1, 2005)

Initially, I was tempted to have the ‘Family Guy’ episode up here, but upon revisiting both, I felt as though Huey’s take on the holidays made more sense in wrapping up a year like this. Hijacking the school play and shifting its traditional tones into ‘The Adventures of Black Jesus’—co-produced by Quincy Jones and featuring the thespian skills of Denzel Washington and Angela Bassett, Huey Freeman delivers one hell of a Christmas show, and then some.

This festive bonanza doesn’t run short of clever references to ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ (1965), either, and it stays true to the show’s overarching ruthlessness, gleefully stabbing white liberal guilt in the face. It’s funny, it’s brutally honest, and it’s one of the most memorable episodes of the entire animated series.

‘THE BOONDOCKS: A HUEY FREEMAN CHRISTMAS’ (2005), ©SONY PICTURES TELEVISION

VIII. ‘Boston Legal: The Nutcrackers’ (Season 3, 2006)

No one writes television like David E. Kelley. The man is a giant of his craft, and he has earned his place among the stars. But there is one thing that the writer of ‘Big Little Lies’ (2017-2019) and ‘The Practice’ (1997-2004) loves more than penning legal dramas, and that’s Christmas specials. Out of this cheerfully specific portfolio, my heart will forever be set on ‘The Nutcrackers’ from ‘Boston Legal’, rife with its signature witty sass.

A brilliant example of the series’ rich and zigzagging range of themes and multifaceted social issues, the Season 3 Christmas special sees Alan and Shirley involved in a case where a mother fights for custody of her daughters, both singers in a white supremacist pop band. Meanwhile, William Shatner’s unforgettable Denny Crane assists another mother as she struggles to keep custody of her anorexic daughter, and Brad and Denise work with a client who wants to sue God the almighty himself for killing her husband via a lightning strike. As expected, the entire episode packs a hefty punch and a plethora of mind-boggling moments.

‘BOSTON LEGAL: THE NUTCRACKERS’ (2006), ©20TH CENTURY FOX TELEVISION

IX. ‘Supernatural: A Very Supernatural Christmas’ (Season 3, 2007)

If there is one cult darling I will never get tired of revisiting, it’s Eric Kripke’s ‘Supernatural’ (2005-2020). It has been like a close friend for fifteen years and bidding the boys farewell took more tears than expected during the series finale. However, their special episodes have always been particularly fun, especially ‘A Very Supernatural Christmas’ which finds Sam and Dean investigating what appears to be some kind of Krampus monster killing innocent people.

The dark fantasy thread of the Winchesters’ investigation is lovingly weaved together with flashbacks of their own troubled childhood, spent mostly on the road and in cheap motels while their father went out hunting terrible creatures—among them the demon that killed their mother. It’s one of those rare instances where the show’s otherwise gruff and resilient heroes give us a glimpse of their younger, more fragile selves. Best served with a cup of marshmallows smothered in hot chocolate.

‘SUPERNATURAL: A VERY SUPERNATURAL CHRISTMAS’ (2007), ©WARNER BROS. TELEVISION

X. ‘Modern Family: Undeck the Halls’ (Season 1, 2009)

Redefining comedy for television, ‘Modern Family’ gathered Emmy awards and mountains of praise for its exquisitely dynamic pacing and heartfelt moments. The first Christmas with the Dunphys and the Pritchetts is sparkly and funny and absolutely brilliant despite its short format. It’s a hot mess, through and through, from a mysterious burn mark on the sofa that gets Christmas cancelled in the Dunphy household to Jay’s unsuccessful attempts to warm Gloria and Manny to his seasonal traditions and topping up with Cameron and Mitchell basically ruining the entire holiday for a mall Santa by complaining he’s ‘not jolly enough’… yes, it’s an absolutely delicious hot mess.

Each of these subplots is minutely designed for their characters with near-German precision and having Fred Willard Skype in as Phil’s dad is as wonderful as the first snow, building up to a splendid ensemble performance.

‘MODERN FAMILY: UNDECK THE HALLS’ (2009), ©20TH CENTURY FOX TELEVISION

XI. ‘The Mentalist: Jolly Red Elf’ (Season 3, 2010)

There are plenty of procedural dramas and whodunit-style series to shamelessly binge on these days, but few are as well and as profoundly written as ‘The Mentalist’, one of Bruno Heller’s most successful forays in television altogether. The show follows Patrick Jane, former-psychic-turned-police-consultant who uses his exceptional skills as a mentalist to help the California Bureau of Investigation solve crimes while also looking to take down the serial killer known as Red John, who is responsible for the murder of Mr Jane’s wife and daughter.

‘Jolly Red Elf’ is not one of the best episodes, but it’s definitely a stellar Christmas special of its genre, as Jane and Lisbon’s team investigate the apparent suicide of a professional Santa while also wrestling with Agent LaRoche, who suspects Mr Jane of having been involved in the recent death of a cop killer and (unbeknownst to everyone but our chief protagonist) a Red John acolyte. The storyline carries itself gracefully over the finish line, bringing its own brand of Christmas ‘magic’ to the table.

‘THE MENTALIST: JOLLY RED ELF’ (2010), ©WARNER BROS. TELEVISION

XII. ‘Community: Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas’ (Season 2, 2010)

Dan Harmon’s comedic oeuvre ‘Community’ found its place in the halls of television masterpieces through its approach to a stunningly complex cast of characters—a band of misfits highlighted not only by the showrunner’s exquisite writing but also by the actors’ individual performances. Perhaps one of its most valuable components is Abed, the literal fourth wall between us and what was clearly never just a standard gang sitcom.

In ‘Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas’, the series gains a whole new dimension, as Abed finds himself viewing the world in stop-motion animation while becoming determined to rediscover the meaning of Christmas. As always, ‘Community’ pushes boundaries and throws in a powerful emotional note into this holiday special, remaining astonishingly self-aware throughout. That, my friends, is true greatness and no easy feat.

‘COMMUNITY: ABED’S UNCONTROLLABLE CHRISTMAS’ (2010), ©HARMONIUS CLAPTRAP

While this may be a difficult holiday for many of our readers, may great stories adorn the year to come and may we all step into the new decade with enough force and creativity to further shape the world of film and television. There is always room for more and better, with enough inspiration to go around for everyone. Let us be strong, keep calm and carry on.

The post Twelve Christmas Specials to Melt Even Jack Frost appeared first on The Cinematic Journal.

Twelve Stories of Christmas: The Definitive Holiday Guide

Jules R. Simion — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 07:00:24 +0000

The First Day: ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991)

For over a decade, my Christmas tradition has been to hunker down with a bowl of popcorn and go through a proper Disney Classics marathon, starting with ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ (1937) and going all the way up to ‘The Princess and the Frog’ (2009). My favourite is and will always be ‘Beauty and the Beast’, however, which is the perfect tale for any winter.

There is plenty of snow, and there is love budding in the most difficult circumstances between a bookish girl—mind you, not the regular Disney princess per se—and a most terrifying beast. Splendidly embellished by a cast of dancing and singing household objects and drawing its roots from Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve’s original fairy tale, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is one of the best animated productions to ever come out of Walt Disney Studios.

‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’ (1991), ©WALT DISNEY PICTURES

The Second Day: ‘Elf’ (2003)

Before he delivered awe-inspiring creations such as ‘The Mandalorian’ (2019), Jon Favreau gave the world an everlasting gift with ‘Elf’, the spirited and good-natured family comedy featuring the legendary Will Ferrell as Buddy, accidentally raised at the North Pole as one of Santa’s elves. Increasingly aware that he doesn’t quite fit in among the tiny helpers, Buddy travels to New York and tries to connect with his real father.

Naturally, this results in a string of chaotic incidents and silliness, but it’s the hilarious clash of childlike innocence and contemporary adult cynicism that really turns ‘Elf’ into a precious Christmas story. I dedicate it to every grown-up who still enjoys tapping into the inner kid during the holidays. We need that cheer and sweetness, now more than ever.

‘ELF’ (2003), ©NEW LINE CINEMA

The Third Day: ‘Joyeux Noël’ (2005)

Five months into the First World War, a series of unofficial ceasefires were enacted along the Western Front for Christmas. It was a brief moment in the history of mankind when soldiers from both sides took a break and tapped into the better aspects of humanity. Christian Carion brought this true story to the silver screen with ‘Joyeux Noël’, a film which imagines said moment through the eyes of four unlikely individuals from opposing camps.

It’s a heart-crunching reminder that despite the blood soaking our battlefields, we are still capable of peace and kindness. With superb performances from Diane Kruger and Gary Lewis, ‘Joyeux Noël’ feels like a stern yet hopeful portrait of us all—an invitation to try and do better for ourselves and for the generations to follow.

‘JOYEUX NOËL’ (2005), ©NORD-OUEST PRODUCTION

The Fourth Day: ‘Little Women’ (1994)

Greta Gerwig’s 2019 remake starring Saoirse Ronan and Emma Watson is absolutely gorgeous, but I will stick to the first and slightly quainter adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. Gillian Armstrong’s ‘Little Women’ screenplay was penned by the illustrious Robin Swicord, whose literary sensitivity transpires through several other cinematic oeuvres—including ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ (2005) and ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ (2008).

Alcott’s story follows the March sisters as they grow and come of age in post-Civil War America. With dazzling performances from Winona Rider, Claire Danes, Kirsten Dunst, and Susan Sarandon, ‘Little Women’ is a timeless tale that will never cease to tug at one’s soul. It’s an essential Christmas treat.

‘LITTLE WOMEN’ (1994), ©COLUMBIA PICTURES

The Fifth Day: ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ (1993)

To be fair, I was tempted to go with ‘Edward Scissorhands’ (1990) as a Tim Burtonesque entry for this special guide, but it’s the stop-motion animation masterpiece that truly deserves the Christmas Classic label, in the end. It’s a stunning work of art, a visual spectacle that pushes the very boundaries of creativity while also cementing Mr Burton’s reputation as a weird genius of cinema.

‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ tells the marvellously creepy tale of Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloweentown, who is bored with the usual spooky routine and ends up kidnapping Santa Claus in order to bring Christmas to his world of dead things. As expected, his entire plan goes awry, resulting in a strange but utterly charming film that is an absolute seasonal darling.

The Sixth Day: ‘Meet Me in St Louis’ (1944)

Judy Garland’s musical talent is undeniable, but she certainly takes it to a whole new level alongside Margaret O’Brien in this enchantingly precious musical directed by Hollywood heavyweight Vincente Minnelli. Hailing from the golden age of MGM studios, ‘Meet Me in St Louis’ follows four sisters just as the 1904 St Louis World’s Fair is about to begin. Focusing primarily on the girls’ education as they step into adulthood, the film delivers generously in matters of life and love through the stereotypical but ever-pleasant boy-next-door.

Filled with musical dance numbers and adorned with artful period costumes—courtesy of a truly superior production design, ‘Meet Me in St Louis’ not only further establishes Judy Garland as a shining star of the silver screen, it makes for a warm and sparkling Christmas viewing. Marshmallows dipping in hot chocolate are optional but recommended on the side.

The Seventh Day: ‘The Best Man Holiday’ (2013)

Winter festivities from all cultures are mostly about family and love. A time when we come together—brothers and sisters, children and parents, grandparents and aunts, lovers and spouses and everything else in-between, as friends and as human beings. Naturally, such celebrations wouldn’t be complete without a heart-warming, Black-powered drama like ‘The Best Man Holiday’. Designed with broad strokes of humor and romantic sparks, the film brings old friends together for Christmas in a formula that cannot and will never disappoint.

Fifteen years after their last gathering, a group of college friends finally meet once more for the holidays. While their lives have changed substantially over the years, they quickly come to realize just how easy dead rivalries and old passions can come ablaze. Directed by Malcolm D. Lee and enriched with vibrant performances by Terrence Howard, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, and Harold Perrineau, ‘The Best Man Holiday’ is one of those relatively light but essential seasonal delicacies.

The Eighth Day: ‘The Bishop’s Wife’ (1948)

Let’s go back to the ‘olden days’ for a bit. Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven lead this Henry Koster Christmas tale of supernatural intervention and human character. There has been one remake of ‘The Bishop’s Wife’, titled ‘The Preacher’s Wife’ (1996)—directed by Penny Marshall and featuring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston; while I like that version almost as much, I can’t help but stay loyal to Mr Koster’s original for the purpose of this guide.

‘The Bishop’s Wife’ sees Niven’s Bishop Henry Brougham struggling to raise money to build a cathedral and praying to heaven for assistance. Shockingly, he is immediately graced with the presence of Grant’s Dudley, who claims to be an angel. The bishop is sceptical at first, then irritated as the so-called angel starts drawing the attention and affection of his wife, Young’s Julia Brougham. As expected, conflict unravels, and the bishop decides to challenge heaven. Given Christmas’s close ties to Christianity, some angelic mischief is mandatory.

The Ninth Day: ‘While You Were Sleeping’ (1995)

This is my guilty pleasure, and I shall never apologize nor stop recommending it as part of winter’s movie playlist. Rom-coms were never the elite of the silver screen, but there are a few that withstand the quality test of time. ‘While You Were Sleeping’ happens to be one of them, and it’s mostly because of Sandra Bullock’s brilliant comedic performance.

The formula is further improved with Bill Pullman as her love interest and with Jon Turtletaub directing this frosted gem in which lonely transit worker Lucy pulls her crush Peter from the path of an oncoming train. Things get complicated quickly at the hospital, where doctors report that he is comatose, and Peter’s family is accidentally led to assume that Lucy is his fiancée. The story further twists as our adorably awkward heroine finds herself falling for Peter’s slightly more aloof brother, Jack.

The Tenth Day: ‘Bad Santa’ (2003)

While most would suggest one of the Grinch’s big screen renditions for our holiday guide, I’ll rather set my sights on Billy Bob Thornton’s gleefully offensive take on Santa, instead. Directed by Terry Zwigoff, this Christmas cult classic isn’t for everyone, and it certainly doesn’t qualify as clean family fun, but it is nonetheless an enticing story, and its lead’s performance alone deserves a rowdy round of applause.

The dark comedy follows Willie T. Stokes as he reunites with his partner, Marcus (Tony Cox) for a proper Christmas con where they pose as a mall Santa and his elf. Their chemistry is riotous, and the string of incidents that follows along with Willie’s depression and alcoholism simply builds up until a little boy comes along and brings out the kinder side of our otherwise ‘Bad Santa’. And to think this almost didn’t get made!

The Eleventh Day: ‘Un Conte de Noël’ (2008)

‘A Christmas Tale’ is a French jewel of contemporary cinema, an exceptionally sharp black comedy built around a messy family gathering which brings forth radiant performances from the stupendous Catherine Deneuve. Don’t even get me started on the rest of the cast, as I’m an eternal fan of Mathieu Amalric and ‘Black Spot’ headliner Laurent Capelluto. Arnaud Desplechin’s chaotic family tale has everything you need to get through pretty much any kind of Christmas.

Deneuve’s matriarch Junon is stricken with a leukaemia diagnosis, so she asks her children and grandchildren during their holiday dinner gathering to see if any of them are eligible bone marrow donors. This unexpected turn of events draws out the worst from everyone, putting everything on the table: animosities, sibling friction, and grief. It’s truly a brilliant cocktail of drama and comedy with that typical French sting that one can never get enough of.

The Twelfth Day: ‘Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale’ (2010)

I was actually torn between this Finnish chunk of goodness and ‘Tokyo Godfathers’ (2003), which you might as well consider an added bonus for our holiday guide. But ‘Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale’ is a surprisingly smooth mix of straight-faced comedy and Christmas-themed horror. That is a dangerous combination, and less than frequently successful, yet director Jalmari Helander pulls it off with sheer proficiency.

In this twisted tale, we root for Pietari and Juuso, two boys who suspect that a secret mountain drilling project near their home in northern Finland has somehow uncovered the ancient tomb of the real Santa Claus. Mind you, this version of the ol’ St Nick isn’t cheerful nor jolly, but monstrous and evil. Throw in a feral old man, missing children, and Pietari’s baffled father, and we’ve got ourselves one hell of a reindeer murder mystery. It’s weird and original, therefore deserving of the twelfth spot.

There are plenty of other titles worth perusing every year around Christmas, sure, but few are as unique and as splendidly put together as the above. While I don’t mind revisiting delectable classics like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946) or ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ (1964), consider this the ultimate Christmas experience. We’ve earned it.

The post Twelve Stories of Christmas: The Definitive Holiday Guide appeared first on The Cinematic Journal.