Is there anything more joyous than going to an overcrowded mall, spending what seems to resemble a million dollars though it’s only $300 on gifts, and being pushed and shoved by salespeople into finding the perfect wrapping paper and bow? Though this sounds dreadful to many people’s ears, the holidays are not as bad as they seem. Even with all the shopping woes over the season there is one thing to always rely on: holiday films to provide more cheer.
To make every child, teenager, and adult yell for joy this holiday season, “The Polar Express” has made its stop in theaters nationwide. Based on the beloved Caldecott Medal-winning children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, the animated feature film “The Polar Express” renews the faith in Santa Claus in a young boy’s heart as he takes a magical trip to the North Pole. Overcoming many obstacles along the way, the young boy soon has a self-discovery that one is are never too old to believe in Santa. Two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks is the voice of five characters in the film, including the Hero boy, the boy’s father, the Conductor, the Hobo, and Santa. “The Polar Express” is sure to win the hearts of those who have and have not read the famous children’s tale. The “Polar Express” is now out in theatres nationwide for anyone who decides to hop on the train to experience the holiday through a child’s eyes.
From the cold North Pole to a not so much warmer location of Chicago, Ill., the film “Christmas with the Kranks” is a noteworthy option for anyone who has ever been tired of Christmas. Loosely based on John Grisham’s best-selling novel “Skipping Christmas,” “Christmas with the Kranks” shows recent empty nesters Luther Krank (Tim Allen) and his wife Nora Krank (Jamie Lee Curtis) trying to overcome the fact that their eldest daughter will be spending Christmas in Peru on her college winter break instead of coming home. What are two lonely parents to do in this situation? Book a trip to the Caribbean for the holidays, of course. Unfortunately, Luther and Nora Krank’s plans do not run smoothly. As their daughter decides at the last minute to come home for a family “Christmas, the Kranks “are forced to perform a picture perfect holiday by scrambling at the last minute for decorations, a tree, and a wreath. “Christmas with the Kranks” is currently in theaters nationwide.
If going out to the movies during the month of December gives you a panic attack, there is no need to worry because the local video store carries dozens of holiday classics. Whether it be a holiday comedy about an elf finding his family roots in New York City in “Elf,” starring “Saturday Night Live” alum Will Ferrell, or watching the legendary Jimmy Stewart taking a second look at his life in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” plenty of options await addictive film watchers this holiday season.
For movie fans that choose to either take in a film at a movie theater or in the privacy of one’s own home, there are a variety of holiday releases to choose from. Though the holidays may be rough at the shopping centers, there is always a film to fill up your heart and make you remember why you love the season.
