DECEMBER 24th, 2015
By LANA CARBON & JOHN LILIES
[John] Following our insane endeavour to watch 31 movies for 31 days of Hallowe’en, Lana decided we should watch 12 movies for the 12 days of Christmas. I did not freak out at this idea the same way I did for the 31 movies, as I figured 12 movies was entirely doable between December 1st and 25th.
For future reference, 12 movies in December is almost as difficult as 31 movies in October. We definitely did not take into account just how busy we would be this month; so I must admit at being a little happy that some of our movies were of the shorter variety and easy to fit into weeknights after a long work day.
The 12 movies for 12 days of Christmas idea is what sparked our conversation wondering about the 12 days of Christmas, that Lana spoke of in article 23.1. This plan of ours has led to some fun experiences including writing our own version of the 12 Days of Christmas that you read in article 23.2 … [Lana – On sale at a record store near you… NOT!].
While it was difficult to comment on each movie we watched in October, we decided we could speak a little bit on each of our 12 Christmas movie choices.
We would love to hear your thoughts on these movies… tweet us or comment on Facebook to let us know which of these you watched this year and which is your favourite.
With that, here we go… our own thoughts on our movie and song experiences:
Movies
- The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) – “Charles Dickens’ Classic Holiday Story Sparkles with Humor and Whimsy in the Hands of the Always Hilarious Muppets.” [John] This is one of my favourites (huge Muppets fan) and every time I watch, I look forward to the scene with Bob Cratchit (a.k.a. Kermit) walking home with Tiny Tim on his shoulders as they sing their way home. [Lana] I quite enjoy the banter between Gonzo as Dickens and Rizzo the Rat, as they narrate through the story. It gives a different twist to the tale.
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) – “Yule Crack Up!” [John] I watched this for the first time in 2014, at Lana’s insistence. I may have found it a bit funnier this year but I’m likely not the fan that Lana is. [Lana] I have always wanted to take a trip down that hill on a greased up metal disc. I am always thankful that my brother is nothing like Eddie.
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) – “Christmas Day is in His Grasp.” [John] This is an annual must-watch for me if I want to have any semblance of the Christmas feeling. I have yet to watch the Jim Carrey version and I continue to resist. [Lana] *Breaks into You’re a Mean One Mister Grinch* I would still take the Grinch over a seasick crocodile.
- Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – “Capture the Spirit of Christmas with This Timeless Classic.” [John] I finally watched this for the first time in 2014 and definitely wanted to see it again this year, before trying out the re-make with Mara Wilson. I suspect Lana will have me watch the re-make next year. [Lana] As I’ve said before, the re-make of this movie is one of the few that I enjoy as much as the original. So it was really a toss-up as to which we would watch. I think I do prefer the ending of the original better.
- Scrooged (1988) – “Bill Murray is Back Among the Ghosts. Only This Time, It’s Three Against One.” [John] I watch this because Lana loves it. (I think I just broke Lana’s heart.) [Lana] But… but… but… Bill Murray! Bobcat Goldwaith! Hilarity ensues! This is a Christmas classic! [John] Sorry… truly. Just not my kinda classic. **Lana won’t stop staring at me now… in total disbelief.**
- A Christmas Story (1983) – “Sometimes Christmas is About Getting What You Really Want.” [John] Love. Love. Love. Every. Year. [Lana] I remember seeing kids dressed up like Randy. I felt as bad for them as I did for him. I think my dad swears the same way as Ralphy’s dad. I have always wanted, and continue to really want a leg lamp.
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) – “The Most Famous Reindeer of All Time.” [John] Not Christmas without Rudolph. “I’m cude! I’m cude! She said I’m cude!!” I always say that I am a misfit of the misfits on the Island of Misfit Toys (and proud of it). [Lana] I’m just glad Santa came to his senses.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – “A Ghoulish Tale With a Wicked Sense of Humor and Stunning Animation.” [John] My ultimate Christmas movie. Thank you Jack Skellington. [Lana] Thank you Tim Burton. You really know how to make a holiday movie. I never know whether to watch this at Christmas or at Hallowe’en, so I normally do both and then a few times in the summer.
- The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974) – “If Santa Stayed Home, Why There Would Be No Christmas.” [John] I had forgotten about this one until Lana re-introduced me in 2014. I am very grateful for the reunion as I definitely do love this one a lot. [Lana] *singing* “They call me Snow Miser. Whatever I touch turns to snow in my clutch. I’m too much.” This should be called The Year With The Miser Brothers. They are the stars of the show. [John] It’s unfortunate that you don’t like this movie much, Lana. Really too bad you know nothing about it.
- A Christmas Carol (1951) – “Charles Dickens’ Immortal Christmas Classic.” [John] For as much as I love the Muppets, if I can only watch one version of A Christmas Carol during the season, this must be it. It is definitely my favourite version, though a close friend insists I must give the Disney animated version with Jim Carrey a shot. Maybe next year. [Lana] Yes you should definitely give it a shot but Alistair Sim is the quintessential Scrooge. Just watch his face; he is truly a great actor.
- It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) – “I Suppose It Would Have Been Better If I’d Never Been Born at All.” [John] We had an opportunity to see this in the theatre this year and we jumped on it! We took my aunt with us and what an incredible experience it was! So cool and special. I gained so much more out of this screening than any other time I’d watched the movie. My aunt also had a great time - what a special night for us! - and I highly recommend seeing it in the theatre any time you might have the opportunity. [Lana] If I were to watch only one Christmas movie, this is it. This has long been my absolute favourite. I almost lose it every time the community rallies around George.
- White Christmas (1954) – “Joyous Entertainment for Every Season, Any Year.” [John] Another must for me. A dear friend introduced me to this one some years ago and it immediately became a favourite. Makes me cry every time I watch it. Technically, Lana saw this one a couple of weeks ago but as I had already retired for the night, she graciously watched it with me again (thank you!!). [Lana] I don’t know how this happened, but somehow John seems to think that I’m not fond of this movie and that he forces me to watch it with him. Sooooo not true! [John] Dude. You told me two years ago that you don’t like it and that you would watch it with me if you absolutely had to. [Lana] I don’t recall that. *snicker* Anywho… it’s got Bing! It’s got Danny! Fun times! [John] So you lied, then? Okay. [Lana] Nooooooo. [John] Oy.
[John] That marks the official 12 movies. A number of bonus movies were squeezed in, mostly by Lana though she did trick me into watching A Charlie Brown Christmas, thinking it was one of the 12. I love that movie… totally didn’t know it would be a bonus. Lana is a total trickster.
[Lana] I don’t know what you’re talking about.
[John] We also watched Black Christmas as a promise to my cousin and her husband… and I had forgotten most of it so I’m really happy we watched it. Thanks cousin!
Bonus Movies
- A Christmas Horror Story (2015) – “You Better Watch Out.”
- Elf (2003) – “This Holiday, Discover Your Inner Elf.”
- Bad Santa (2003) – “He’s Very Naughty… and Not Very Nice.”
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – “Inside a Snowflake, Like the One on Your Sleeve, There Happened a Story You Must See to Believe.”
- This Christmas (2007) – “You Can’t Exchange Family.”
- A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) – “Happiness is Watching ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’.”
- Christmas in Connecticut (1945) – “It’s the Fun Show That’s the One Show to See!”
- Fred Claus (2007) – “Everybody has That One Relative Who Can’t Help But Cause Problems Over the Holidays. Even Santa.”
- Gremlins (1984) – “Cute. Clever. Mischievous. Intelligent. Dangerous.”
- Trapped in Paradise (1994) – “The Story of a Town That Gave So Much…Even These Guys Couldn’t Take Anymore.”
- Trading Places (1983) – “They’re Not Just Getting Rich…They’re Getting Even.”
- Babes in Toyland (1934) – “1 and a ½ Hours of Laughter.”
- Miracle on 34th Street (1994) – “Experience the Miracle.”
- The Ref (1994) – “They Might Be His Hostages But what They Are Doing to This Guy is Criminal.”
- Four Christmases (2008) – “His Father, Her Mother, His Mother and Her Father All in One Day.”
- The Santa Clause (1994) – “This Christmas, the Snow Hits the Fan.”
- Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) – “You’ve Made it Through Halloween, Now Try to Survive Christmas.”
- Deck the Halls (2006) – “There Glows the Neighborhood.”
- The Family Stone (2005) – “Feel the Love.”
- Black Christmas (1974) – “Black Christmas Will Rock You Too!”
Songs
- Peace on Earth / Little Drummer Boy – Jack Black & Jason Segel [John] This felt like a nice alternative to the usual David Bowie/Bing Crosby duet – which I love dearly.
- The Night Santa Went Crazy – Weird Al Yankovic [John] Lana is a massive Weird Al fan so this had to be included.
- Krampus – Midnight Syndicate [John] This felt appropriate considering it was Krampusnacht and we love Midnight Syndicate.
- Fairytale of New York – Ben Caplan and the Trondheim Soloists [John] I really love this version a lot and decided it would be nice to include.
- Baby It’s Cold Outside – Zooey Deschanel & Leon Redbone [John] A really nice version, from Lana’s favourite movie Elf.
- Christmas in Hollis – Run DMC [John] It’s Run DMC… what more needs to be said?
- Marshmallow World – Bing Crosby & Ella Fitzgerald [John] Bing and Ella… just makes me so very happy.
- Coventry Carol – Sufjan Stevens [John] My favourite carol and I think this is my favourite version.
- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Lou Rawls (away TEAM remix) [John] Love.
- Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Joey Ramone [John] Joey Ramone had to be in the list.
- When a Child is Born – Boney M [John] If I don’t have Boney M, I don’t have Christmas.
- The 12 Days of Christmas – Bob and Doug Mackenzie (Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas) [John] This requires no explanation. [Lana] It is now time for us to take off, you hosers.
[John] Well… that’s it for our December challenge!
Merry Christmas everyone and thanks for joining us on this ride! We hope you all enjoy the holidays and we wish you all an incredible 2016!! Go on some road trips, check out some galleries and make every day an experience!
