Christmas is right around the corner, and Martin Feinberg, Realtor, knows that it’s the time of the year when a good Christmas movie can really hit the spot. For those in the Culver City Real Estate area looking forward to curling up on the couch and celebrating the holidays Hollywood style, here are some good options compiled by the Culver City Patch:
- “A Christmas Story” PG, 94 min, Comedy, Family (1983) — Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, directed by Bob Clark.-This holiday classic follows the exploits of Ralphie Parker, a young boy in 1940s Midwestern America with his eye on a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. It’s a comedy that is nostalgic and hilariously witty.
- “The Nightmare Before Christmas” PG, 76 min, Animation, Family, Fantasy (1993) — Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, directed by Henry Selick.-The King of Halloween Town, Jack Skellington, discovers Christmas town in this dark classic, and decides to celebrate the holiday. The movie is a stop-motion animated musical with visually stunning special effects.
- “Arthur Christmas” PG, 97 min, Animation, Adventure, Comedy (2011) — James McAvoy, Bill Nighy, directed by Sarah Smith and Barry Cook.-Have you ever wondered how Santa delivers all those presents in one night? And did you know that Santa has two sons, the elder named Steve (Hugh Laurie), the younger named Arthur (James McAvoy)? Well, this animated Santa biopic tackles those yearning questions as it highlights St. Nick’s Christmas operation in the North Pole.
- “Die Hard” R, 131 min, Action, Thriller (1988) — Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, directed by John McTiernan.-Balance out the heartfelt holiday classics with this legendary Christmas thriller. Bruce Willis stars as NYPD officer John McClane who tries to save his wife and her co-workers from German terrorists as they are taken hostage at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. While not everyone agrees that this is your average Christmas movie, many argue that it is a holiday classic, given that the plot takes place on Christmas Eve.
- “While You Were Sleeping” PG, 103 min, Comedy, Drama, Romance (1995)–Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, directed by John Turteltaub.-In this offbeat romantic comedy set during a snowy Christmas in Chicago, Sandra Bullock stars as Lucy, a lonely toll collector who falls in love in the most unusual way. This holiday charmer will give you all the feels and remind you that family is what it’s all about this time of year.
- “Elf” PG, 97 min, Comedy, Family, Fantasy (2003) — Will Ferrell, James Caan, directed by Jon Favreau.-Elf is the story of an orphaned human boy named Buddy who was raised as an elf at the North Pole. When Buddy (Will Ferrell) leaves for New York City to find his true family, equal parts chaos and Christmas cheer ensue. This holiday comedy is full of warmhearted cheer, and Ferrell’s comic genius will delight the whole family.
- “Miracle on 34th Street” PG, 114 min, Comedy, Drama, Family (1947) — Edmund Gwenn, Maurenn O’Hara, directed by George Seaton.-An annual holiday favorite, George Seaton’s “Miracle on 34th Street” is about a Macy’s department store Santa named Kris Kringle who claims to be the real deal. You’ll remember what it was like to believe in old Saint Nick with this one.
- “It’s A Wonderful Life” PG, 130 min, Drama, Family, Fantasy (1946) — James Stewart, Donna Reed, directed by Frank Capra.-A movie about self-compassion, this holiday classic reminds us that we must be kind to ourselves, as told through the story of George Bailey (James Stewart), a bank executive who has long considered himself a failure. As he faces financial ruin and arrest, an angel, Clarence Oddbody (Henry Travers), descends from heaven to save George from his agony, jogging his memory of all of his selfless acts of kindness he’s done for the common good.
- “Gremlins” PG, 106 min, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror (1984) — Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, directed by Joe Dante.-Perfect for those who don’t crave your typical warm and fuzzy Christmas movie, “Gremlins” takes mischief to a new level and borders between comedy and horror. It’s a story about a young man who gets a special gift from his father, a cute pet creature called a “Mogwai.” Before long, Mogwai spawns other malevolent creatures and tears up the town on Christmas Eve.
Whether you prefer to settle in with a Christmas movie or do something different, Martin Feinberg, Culver City Realtor, wishes everyone a safe and happy holidays!
