Jerrica’s Holiday Movie Recommendations for Nov 24th

As the last weekend of November comes around the corner, many of us are scrambling to prepare for the Winter Holiday Season. This, of course, includes the entertainment industry as television specials begin to air, Christmas movies begin to open, and holiday songs begin to play everywhere you go. If you’re in the mood for a good holiday movie that captures the spirit of the season, there are plenty of classics, both old and new, from which you can choose.

When it comes to holiday films, my favorites are all movies that satisfy my need for the best in seasonal cheer. The 80s produced a couple golden holiday comedies, including the ultimate Thanksgiving travel nightmare flick from 1987 "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" starring Steve Martin and John Candy. If you’re in the mood for good Christmas comedy, the 1988 movie "Scrooged" starring Bill Murray is the Charles Dickens classic with a modern twist that is as funny as it is heartwarming. Both are excellent choices for their talented lead actors and perfect blend of humor and emotion.

After you laugh and smile with the greatest comedic legends of the 80s teaching you the true meaning of this season, you might want to leap backwards in time to 1946 for the definitive Christmas movie classic, "It’s a Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart. If you’ve never experienced this magical tale of one man’s search for meaning and hope at the happiest and simultaneously most depressing time of the year, then you’re missing out and it’s easy to think that you’re not. At first glance, the film may seem outdated to contemporary generations in black and white with antiquated effects and elements to the story, but the truth is that there’s no film that has withstood the test of time as "It’s a Wonderful Life" and it’s precisely because it’s message and feeling is so universal that we all can relate to, understand, and love George Bailey. This film is a classic piece of movie history for more than just this one reason.

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t name one of my absolute favorite holiday movies, "Batman Returns" starring Michael Keaton as the Caped Crusader. Tim Burton’s 1992 "Batman" sequel is Christmas for the whole family. It’s got comic book heroes and villains, cold and snowy Christmas scenery, strong yet fractured holiday spirit, Michelle Pfieffer as the original and best Catwoman, and the one and only Christopher Walken. It’s got the theme, it’s got the message, it’s got great characters, real story, some darkness and some light, and a lot of heart. And, more than that, it’s got my vote for best movie to watch at this time of year.

Whatever you pop in the DVD player or turn on as the networks begin the holiday movie marathons, know that there is an ideal holiday flick out there for you no matter what your mood this season.