This is usually the time of the year when I go back and re-watch all my favourite movies (Christmas-themed or not)…and I came across some that I still watch from my childhood days, so much so that I know most of the lines by heart. So, here are a few of my childhood Christmas movies that still never fail to entertain me to this day.
1. Home Alone
This is the quintessential family classic that I watched over and over, and at random times of the year, and is one that never fails to make me laugh out loud. Of course, with the cuteness and intelligence that Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) exudes when he outsmarts Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), who can resist re-watching this movie multiple times?
2. Mrs. Doubtfire
With funnyman Robin Williams (Daniel/Mrs. Doubtfire) in the lead, this movie is sure to make one wipe tears of mirth from their eyes. Other than being uproariously funny, this film is also very sweet and touching in that it shows how much Daniel loves his family because he is willing to go to any lengths to remain with them (even by dressing up as a woman, which can be an icebreaker for sure!)
3. Dunston Checks In
Sam the orangutan aptly plays the part of Dunston who was trained by his master to steal jewelry from the patrons of the 5-star Majestic Hotel. He is befriended by the hotel manager’s young child called Kyle (Eric Lloyd), when Kyle saves Dunston from being taken away by his avaricious master. With the pair getting into all sorts of trouble with the guests of the flashy hotel, this is one movie that’s sure to keep one entertained from the start to the finish.
4. Jumanji
Drama, seat-gripping action, climaxes, laughter-inducing and sentimental moments…this creative screenplay has it all. Robin William (see a pattern here?) stars as Alan who is trapped inside this intense and life-like board game, and is finally released unknowingly by two siblings when they discover this old, worn-out game and play it. They recruit Sarah (Bonnie Hunt), Alan’s lady love, and vow to finish the game no matter what (and the consequences loom large, with a huge flood, loose large animals and massive trees growing out of the house, among others).
5. Baby’s Day Out
What better way to close off a list than a picture of one of the cutest babies on film. Twins Adam and Jacob Worton play Baby Bink in this charming classic about a wealthy baby being kidnapped by three antagonists and against all odds, outsmarting them (see another pattern here?) to be returned safely to the bosom of his family. This film contains all sorts of hilarious antics involving the kidnappers and the baby (one of which involves one kidnapper to remain hung from a crane overnight) and is sure to make you alternately laugh and “awww.”
Have you seen any of these movies? If so, what were your thoughts? If not, are you planning on watching any of these films?