I'm a sucker for Christmas movies. "It's a Wonderful Life" is not only my favorite Christmas film but probably my favorite movie of all time. Stories of redemption get me every time, and you can't beat George Bailey's. Frank Capra's masterpiece is at the top of my Christmas viewing list.
One time, my mom and I visited my Uncle Richard and Aunt Micki in Georgia. My aunt showed me part of the movie "Meet Me in St. Louis" and then gifted me with a copy of the movie. I have to admit my first impression was, "what an odd movie." The Halloween scene? The part where Tootie smashes all the snow people? It all struck me as so bizarre. I have to say, though, that I've grown to love this picture, quirkiness and all. Judy Garland's aching rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," my favorite Christmas song, is tops.
Likewise, I adore watching "Elf" and "Home Alone" if for no other reason than hearing my kids laugh hysterically. I never miss "The Muppets Christmas Carol," shedding a tear as Tiny Tim sings "Bless Us All."
You can bet Zuzu's petals, though, that one movie you will not catch me watching is "A Christmas Story." I realize this may qualify as blasphemy, but I officially do not get that movie. I first saw it at my friend, Crystal's, house. I must have been 10 or so. I remember her dad guffawing, but I had a visceral dislike from viewing No. 1. The whole thing struck me as depressing and gross, from the mom making Ralphie put soap in his mouth to the boy getting his tongue stuck on the flag pole to the creepy Santa.
I realize, that I probably still view "A Christmas Story" with the eyes of my younger self. Maybe if I'd watched it for the first time at a different time in my life, I'd have enjoyed it, but as it is, my opinion is forever set. My brothers adore the movie, praising how it perfectly captures a period in time. Meanwhile, I scoff in dismay when I see it listed as the best Christmas movie of all time.
I asked my sister-in-law the other day if she liked "A Christmas Story," sure she would say no. She conceded that she thinks it's more of a male movie, but that she has warm memories of watching it with her family. So here's my question: am I alone in my dislike?
2 comments:
It is definately not my favorite movie but my kids love it. However, I do not believe this movie merits having a movie marathon dedicated solely to it. There is always one day, just before Christmas, that one of the channels does this and for that I will ask,Why?????
It's one of my favorite movies of all times. So I'm on the opposite side here...sorry Jess!! ha ha
Jane and I watched this so repeatedly when we were younger, I feel like I know this movie beginning to end...scene by scene...line by line. Everything about it brings about good memories for me. I'm sure people find it so overplayed, but I can never get enough of it.
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