by Karyn Bowman
So what makes a good Christmas movie?
This time of year we all talk about what we like or don’t like in a Christmas movie. But it comes down to a few factors, two actually.
Redemption and Reconciliation.
After much thought and deliberation, it seems true that the best movies in this genre are all about the redemption of a lost soul or the reconciliation of a relationship whether it is between lovers or among family members.
Do I need to bring in a case in point?
Bruce Willis going through a window in “Die Hard.” Image from IMDb.com
How about Die Hard? In this movie the good guy, that’s Bruce Willis, is visiting his wife and children in California. He is a New York City police office unwilling to move to California but he still loves his wife. So he comes to visit at her Christmas office party.
To say things go horrible wrong as terrorists invade the party would be an understatement. But with a few smart moves and a partnership with a Los Angeles police officer, McClain is able to save his wife and most of her co-workers. In the end, there is a satisfying reconciliation between the couple.
If you need more, there is always A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer find redemption from being a miser who cares about no one to a man who keeps the spirit of Christmas in his heart all year-long. Granted, he needs the help of four different ghosts and to see what lies ahead in the future if he does nothing. We stick around for the journey because we love the destination of Redemption.
What other movies can we label this way?
Poster image from IMDb.com
Elf – Reconciliation and Redemption
It’s a Wonderful Life – Redemption
A Charlie Brown Christmas – Redemption
A Christmas Story – Redemption
The Holiday – Redemption
Love Actually – Redemption and Reconciliation
The Cheaters – Redemption
Bad Santa – Redemption
The Santa Clause – Redemption
Miracle on 34th Street – Redemption and Reconciliation
Any Hallmark Channel Christmas Movie – Redemption and Reconciliation
We could go on and on like this. The truth is if movie makers could figure out the perfect Christmas movie we would have more of them that are great. But perhaps we must remember Bette Davis who once shamed a reporter who tried to say there were many great movies in the vaults. She responded by saying that about 5 – 10 great movies were made on any given year but the rest were crap.
Christmas movies get us in the heart whether it is about a reindeer, a journey to the north pole, or an old man who says he is Santa when logic tells you there is no way that man could be Santa. I love watching them and know I will be doing a lot of that this weekend.
So what about your favorite Christmas movie? Is it about reconciliation or redemption?
To
Notes from Rumbly Cottage 