FAMILY #1 The Nightmare Before Christmas

1993 - PG - 76 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: When Jack accidentally discovers Christmastown, he gets a new lease on life and plots to bring Christmas under his control by capturing Santa. But Jack soon discovers even the best laid plans go awry.

Top Cast: Danny Elfman, Catherine O'Hara

Review: This stop-motion animated classic takes the Christmas story and turns it on its head.  It is inventive, funny and has a soundtrack to marvel broadway.  A bonus is you can watch it in both October and December.

2019 - G - 96 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: When Smeerensburg's new spoiled young postman, Jesper, befriends a reclusive toymaker Klaus, they inadvertently start a tradition that transforms the town and inspires joy and kindness. 

Top Cast:  Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons

Review: A refreshing and beautifully animated reimagining of the origin of Santa Claus.  The story's warmth, wit and meaningful message about the power of selflessness make Klaus a modern Christmas classic that appeals to all ages!

2004 - G - 100 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas. 

Top Cast: Tom Hanks

Review: I struggle with critic reviews on this film - it is a definite annual favorite that is even more magical wearing 3D glasses.  The songs, the animation, the characters all make this a wonderful story that makes you want to Believe.  Hot Chocolate anyone?

1992 - G - 85 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the unfortunate clerk of the miserly Mr. Scrooge, who is visited by the 3 spirits of Christmas, to show him the error of his self-serving ways. 

Top Cast: Michael Caine, Dave Goelz

Review: With catchy songs and enchanted sets, the story adds to its core with warmth and whimsy making it a great entry for the young ones to this Christmas classic!

2011 - PG - 97 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: Santa's clumsy son Arthur sets out on a mission with Grandsanta to give out a misplaced present to a young girl in less than two hours on Christmas day.

Top Cast: James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent

Review: A clever and amusing yuletide thrill ride bringing a mix of naughty and nice to deliver a Christmas miracle. A worthy addition to the Christmas rewatch list.

2018 - PG - 104 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: The story of sister and brother, Kate and Teddy, whose Christmas Eve plan to film Santa Claus turns into an unexpected journey that most kids could dream about.

Top Cast: Kurt Russell, Darby Camp

Review: Full of holiday spirit, festive puns and a lot of ridiculous (throwing presents down seems inefficient), this Christmas Eve thrill ride is able to amuse and warm the heart while reminding us the importance of the good in people if they are given the chance

2018 - PG - 85 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: A grumpy Grinch plots to ruin Christmas for the village of Whoville.

Top Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Rashida Jones

Review:  This is a version that divides opinion.  Despite being closer to the original story, but the Grinch is maybe a little too nice.  The music and children of Whoville really create a charm and the comedy spots made me laugh out loud.

1994 - PG - 114 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: After regaining her belief 6-year old Susan joins forces with a lawyer to prove Santa is real to the courthouse and rediscover their own Christmas spirit along the way. 

Top Cast: Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins

Review: Attenborough is a perfect Santa, but this does not have quite the impact of the original movie.  Lots of festive cheer, some nice moments between the characters and pleasantly funny.

1989 - G - 103 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell:  A farm girl nurses a wounded reindeer she believes is one of Santa's, hoping to bring it back to health in time for Christmas, her holiday spirit inspiring those around her. 

Top Cast: Sam Elliott, Cloris Leachman

Review:  Sometimes to truly enjoy Christmas, you need to step back into the eyes of a child and this heartwarming movie provides a more innocent point of view.  Not spectacular but a nice easy watch and definitely special for little girls.

1985 - PG - 107 MINS - FAMILY

Nutshell: The legend of Santa Claus is placed into jeopardy when an unscrupulous toy manufacturer attempts to take over Christmas.

Top Cast: Dudley Moore, John Lithgow

Review: Fond memories from childhood of this film and the perilous sleigh ride scene. This is a movie that truly looks to bring you a true meaning of Christmas.  Nowadays, toymakers have been replaced by Big Tech, and we should beware.