An Alternative Christmas

List creator: ZenBones Created on: December 12, 2004 - 7:37 AM PST Description: Want some Christmas cheer but tired of the same ol' movies that bludgeon their message? Try these films that subtly warm your heart. Also check out "A Midwinter's Tale," "Comfort and Joy," "Three Godfathers," and John Huston's "The Dead" on video.

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	movie title	related list	average rating	MPAA rating	watch	rent	buy
	Monty Python's Life of Brian (Criterion Collection) (1979)
Let us not forget how it all started in a little manger in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. There's some discrepancy whether our true Lord is that guy in "The Passion" or this nice Jewish boy who just lacked a good PR rep. You decide.
	The Shop Around the Corner (1940)			Not Rated
As far as Jimmy Stewart Christmas vehicles go, this one gets to me the most. It's the gentle Lubitsch touch that warms your cockles and brings that little lump to your throat.
	A Midnight Clear (1992)
An underrated antiwar gem about a troop in WWII who are holed up in a dilapidated mansion around Christmastime. The Christmas truce scene is particularly touching.
	The Night of the Hunter (Criterion) (1955)			Not Rated
Lots of folks forget that this classic gem culminates on Christmas where good triumphs over evil, and Lillian Gish gets to proverbially say, "Go ahead, make my day" to the whimpering Robert Mitchum. A masterpiece.
	Diner (1982)
Not Christmas, but Christmas time, where reunions, parties, football, and hopeful glances toward the New Year preoccupy our minds. We also get to see a young a supple Kevin Bacon attacking a plastic manger in his underwear. Mmmm!
	The Lion in Winter (1968)
How does Christmas in the year 1183 sound for an old-fashioned Christmas? Christmas is merely the excuse for a family reunion between the king of England, his exiled wife, and three grown sons who are pining for the throne.
	Live Aid (Disc 1 of 4) (1985)
It all started over twenty years ago with a song called "Do They Know It's Christmas?" The gesture of rock'n'roll helping to curb world hunger became a significant event that (ahem) GC can contribute to by carrying copies of this DVD!
	Johns (1996)
Get a flavor of what Christmas is like for some male prostitutes who live on the streets. Not a great film but definitely worth checking out.
	Going My Way/Holiday Inn (1944)			Not Rated
I won't even comment on "Going My Way" (could never get through it) but "Holiday Inn" has some vintage Christmas material, as well as some of Fred Astaire's most awesome dancing (check out his 4th of July dance with firecrackers)!
	A Red Skelton Christmas/The Jack Benny Holiday Shows (2001)			Not Rated
I'm sort of luke warm about Red Skelton but I'd sure love to spend the holidays with Jack Benny. How about it, GC?
	South Park: Christmas In South Park (1998)			Not Rated
..and in the kiddy corner.. 3 French hens, 2 turtle doves, a few talking turds, and Eric Cartman singing "O Holy Night." A wholesome and necessary Christmas tradition.
	South Park: Winter Wonderland (1997)			Not Rated
More Christmas poop and of course, a soul-searching and tasteful tribute to our Lord and savior (oy, I'm going to get hate mail! I love Jesus really, it's just certain 'followers' of his I can't stand!).
	Pee-Wee's Playhouse: Christmas Special (1988)
I have to admit, I haven't seen this yet but how can anyone resist Pee Wee and such luminous and exciting guests as Charro, Grace Jones and k.d. lang?
	Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)			Not Rated
Have your kids been naughty this year? Want to torture the little tikes before you break down and let 'em see Santa? Stick this in your DVD player. They'll be good just so they won't have to suffer through this again next year!
	Hebrew Hammer (2002)
Finally! Us Jews get a Hanukkah movie! Andy Dick plays the original 'Bad Santa', and Adam Goldberg plays the original MC Hammer (a mentsh called Hammer), who teams up with the brothers to save Hanukkah and Kwanza.
	Scrooged (1988)
Okay, this is a big, mainstream Christmas movie but it does get some good licks in regarding 'bah humbugism,' and those of you who prefer the warm, fuzzy stuff can enjoy cameos by Robert Goulet and Mary Lou Retton.
	Fanny & Alexander: Television Version (Episodes 1 & 2) (Criterion Collection) (1982)
I almost forgot one of the most enchanting Christmases ever depicted on a screen - the first part of Fanny & Alexander - full of magic and splendor (the practice of farting out candles notwithstanding)!
	The Gleaners and I (2000)			Not Rated
This isn't a XMAS movie but it exemplifies what the whole thing SHOULD be about. Forget about the mall. Look around your hood and find stuff to make into gifts. And while you're at it, help some people who've been 'discarded'.