Is It’s A Wonderful Life not as wonderful as it used to be? Then try out one of Daniel Theophanous’ alternative Christmas treats this year instead.
As we are draw closer to the Christmas period it was only fit that here at The Spread we would be compiling various list of sorts; specifically, Christmas films. Among the abundance of Christmas themed films, we have decided to focus in on specific theme; our Top Ten alternative Christmas films. This includes films that perhaps subvert the genre, may use the Christmas season as the background rather than the focal point of the plot, films that perhaps lack the tinsel decorations or the accustomed soppiness. Even though within this remit we still a plethora of features to choose from, here’s our selected choice for Top Ten:
10. Home For the Holidays
The directorial debut of Jodie Foster is the very 90s affair, Home for the Holidays. The film is an interesting look at familial get-togethers over the holidays. Featuring a cool cast of Holly Hunter, Claire Danes and Robert Downey Junior; coupled with a comedic elements and clever dialogue, this is not your run-of-the mill happy-go-lucky Christmas flick. Home for The Holidays, is an honest account of family relationships, maybe a little exaggerated but its definitely left of the middle.
9. Krampus
A Christmas film that is both horror and comedy but also stars the amazing chameleon like actress Toni Collette; gives this feature a big thumbs up. The Krampus is considered Santa’s sinister twin, with a ‘half-goat, half-demon’ physique who punishes all the misbehaving children and we are not just talking about skipping presents for the year. The story has enjoyed a fair few incarnations; however, this Krampus version is a different take on this alternative festive tale.
8. The Long Kiss Goodnight
Another ‘loosely affiliated with Christmas’ film, which couldn’t be omitted from this list. A brilliant edgy 90s action film staring Geena Davis as never seen before role and Samuel L Jackson as corrupt detective. Davis plays an amnesiac housewife who turns into a cold hard government hit-man, when she regains her memory; all set in the snowy festive background.
7. Brazil
This Terry Gilliam cult offering is a frenzy of retro future masterpiece. Set in a consumer driven- dystopian future, the story unfolds over Christmas holidays, where a bureaucrat worker tries to rectify an administrative error he committed whilst day dreaming and instead accidentally finds himself becoming an enemy of the state. Not the most cheery of Christmas stories, but nonetheless film does have its funny moments.
6. Gremlins
Gremlins sees a department store become raided by evil yet cuddly looking koala hybrids called Gremlins. The Gremlins multiply painfully when they come in contact with water, resulting in spilling out of the department store and on to the streets of New York, causing all sorts of absurd mayhem.
5. Trading Places
Another eighties gem; set over Christmas and New Years in the hey days of the American banking system and features Eddie Murphy, Dan Ackroyd and Jamie Lee Curtis. Ackroyd is an upper-class commodities broker and Murphy is homeless street hustler whose unknowingly as part of an elaborate bet, where they inadvertently swap places.
4. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
A true Christmas classic, this film fits the bill solely for featuring one of comedy’s greatest Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold. Wanting to spend an intimate Christmas with his family, Griswold instead is descended upon by his parents, in laws and long lost cousins which along with his reactionary stupidity and desire to keep up with his yearly festive traditions, it is all a recipe for cringe worthy disaster.
3. Batman Returns
Possibly the greatest of all the Batman films, on par with Christopher Nolan versions at least. Batman Returns sees Tim Burton’s in his finest moments. It is a slick, dark, weird, comic and wonderful movie. Featuring exceptional work by the marvellously sexy Michelle Pfeiffer as the best Cat Woman, Michael Keaton as Batman, Danny DeVito as The Penguin and Christopher Walken as a corrupt Mayor. Set over the Christmas period, the Batman paraphernalia blends perfectly with Christmas’ shine and glitter.
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Another Tim Burton classic to add to the list. This exceptional animation is a feast to the eyes. Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, accidentally discovers Christmas Town and all its joys but has trouble understanding the concept. The animation for its time is exceptional!
1. Scrooged
This splendid and sinister take on the Christmas Carol from 1988, is hands down the ultimate alternative Christmas classic. Starring Bill Murray as a modern day Scrooge, who runs a TV production company; is tight with his money, tight with his time and even tighter with his feelings. Bill Murray’s aloof and bewildered brilliant performance couple with the whole garish 80s feel make these film posses such great visual richness. The attention to detail from the sets to the supporting actors is impeccable, but also the funny dialogue and the clever modern reinterpretation never tires, making it great for repeated viewing.
