During this time of year, you’re likely gathering around with loved ones watching some great holiday-themed films – “A Christmas Story”, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “Miracle on 34th Street”, “Christmas Vacation” – and modern classics such as “Elf”, “The Santa Clause”, “The Polar Express”, “Scrooged” and “Arthur Christmas”.
But what about those OTHER Christmas movies?
Box Office Mojo.com calls them “Christmas – Setting Only” films. They aren’t about the Birth of Christ or Santa. The fact that they take place on/around Dec. 25 is either secondary or completely irrelevant to the story. Included in this group: the first two installments of the “Home Alone” (which may surprise many) and “Die Hard” series’, “Gremlins”, “Lethal Weapon”, and even “Love Actually” (which I disagree with). The most successful film of all-time in this genre: this past May’s “Iron Man 3”. However, the fact that director Shane Black set the superhero showdown during Santa’s sleigh ride added absolutely nothing to the story.
“Getaway”, one of the worst reviewed films of 2013 (though not by me) also takes place on Christmas Eve. Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez speed their way through the streets of Bulgaria, destroying tons of holiday decorations in the process. If this was set at a different time of the year what would they have spent the entire film running over?
Should these “Setting Only” films really be called “Christmas Movies” and put in the same category as year-enders such as “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, “A Christmas Carol”, or even “Bad Santa”?
Yes and No. Yes, because they do take place during the holiday season, at that setting often plays a role in the storyline. No, because they lack that special, emotional impact that comes with the season.
So, my advice to you this week: Stick to the classics, unless you consider Bruce Willis shooting bad guys Christmas Magic.