Favorite Christmas Movie/Special Moments Part 4

If you haven't seen the other three posts, here are the links:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

#16:

"Squirrel!" from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989, dir. Jeremiah S. Chechik)

This is another movie that has so many quotable and memorable moments that it's hard to pick one. And it's not even just the big moments (sentimental or comedic), there's a bunch of small moments that stick me with me.

But if you had to twist my arm to make me pick one, I'd have to go with...

I don't know what it is about this scene that makes me laugh so much. Maybe it's because I grew up in the country so the idea of a squirrel isn't an "OMG RUN FOR YOUR LIFE" moment.

Maybe it's the fact that they're all acting like a dragon came bursting through the door and started devouring all the kids and... wow my brain went to some dark places there.

But anyway, it's a silly and over the top scene that I can't help but love. 

Honorable mention goes to any moment with Aunt Bethany. 

#17:

Old Man Marley reunited with his family from Home Alone (1990, dir. Chris Columbus)

Another classic from my childhood. While I can certainly remove my nostalgia goggles and see the flaws in it, I still can't help but get a chuckle and a heartwarming feeling when watching.

And there's no scene in particular that brings a tear of joy to my eye than when Old Man Marley (Robert Blossoms) is reunited with his estranged family.

With the snow falling, the heartwarming hug, and of course, John Williams's BEAUTIFUL music always brings a heartwarming tear to my eye.

Honorable mention goes to the legendary scream from Marv (Daniel Stern).

#18:

Any scene with Tim Curry from Home Alone 2 (1992, dir. Chris Columbus)

As for this one... yeah, this one isn't as great. But I still get a kick watching this because it is firmly placed in my nostalgia. 

The best thing about the movie: Tim Curry! Curry gives that 110% performance that he has given in every movie he's been in. 

Whether it's him asking Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) about his "stolen credit card!", his Grinchy smile, the way he pronounces pizza, or how he tells "Kevin's dad" how he loves him. No matter what, we love you, Tim.

And have a lovely day!

#19:

"Marley and Marley" from The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992, dir. Brian Henson)

If you don't like the Muppets... then I would kindly ask that you reassess your life choices. 

The Muppets have always had a firm place in my heart and Jim Henson will always be one of my idols. 

The Muppets have also always been a staple of me and my family's holiday season. Whether its listening to the John Denver-Muppets Christmas album, watching this classic retelling of the Dickens classic, or for me at least, watching Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977, dir. Jim Henson), Christmas Eve on Sesame Street (1978, dir. Jon Stone), or watching the aforementioned Muppet Family Christmas in my honorable mentions.

Sidenote: Cookie Monster's Santa writing saga is an honorable mention for this list. 

But what about Christmas Carol? This was a hard one to narrow down. Originally I was going to list Beaker (performed by Steve Whitmire) giving Scrooge (Michael Caine) his scarf in the Christmas morning segment because it was a sweet scene. 

Then I decided to let my darker side pick and it went with the musical number "Marley and Marley" performed by Scrooge's former partners Jacob and Robert Marley - Statler and Waldorf performed by Jerry Nelson and Dave Goelz respectively. 

It's a great dark little number that is pulled off wonderfully with Paul Williams's eery but humorously haunting tune. 

Credit also has to be given to Nelson and Goelz who truly do a great job with the roles. This is the first time the two would play the characters after the deaths of Jim Henson and Richard Hunt, the original performers (at least the main version, I know Nelson played Statler in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence pilot). 

Below, you'll also see the extended version which I just discovered. This features dialogue and lyrics you'd hear in the official soundtrack. 

#20:

Mr. Hyunh reunites with his daughter in Hey, Arnold!: Arnold's Christmas (1996, dir. Jamie Mitchell)

If you never watched the show Hey, Arnold!, the basic premise is that it's about a nine-year-old named Arnold and his friends and family. Arnold - voiced by Lane Toran - lives with his grandparents (voiced by Dan Castellaneta and Tress MacNeille respectively) in a boarding house they run. 

For Christmas, the tenants hold a Secret Santa gift exchange. Arnold gets Mr. Hyunh (voiced by Baoan Coleman), a Vietnamese immigrant. 

Arnold notices that he looks a bit a sad around this time of year. He goes to ask what's on Mr. Hyunh's mind and... well, I'll let Mr. Hyunh explain. 

So, Arnold decides he wants to track down Mr. Hyunh's daughter for Christmas. Arnold and his friend Gerald (voiced by Jamil Walker Smith) do the last minute Christmas shopping for Mr. Bailey, an employee for the Federeal Office of Information (voiced by the legendary Vincent Schiavelli). Unfortunately, they can't get one item, because of that, Bailey won't help. 

Well, it turns out Arnold's classmate Helga (voiced by Francesca Marie Smith) who is Arnold's bully who has a secret crush on him, gets the item on the list - a pair of highly fashionable boots - but decides to give it to Bailey so they can track down Mai. 

And of course, we get our happy ending. 

Merry Christmas, Mr. Hyunh indeed. And to all the Arnolds and Helgas as well who go above and beyond to help others.

Stay tuned for part five!

Favorite Christmas Movie/Special Moments: Part 3

#11:

Any moment with The Old Man in A Christmas Story (1983, dir. Bob Clark)

I seriously could not narrow this down! Anytime I thought of my favorite moment I then thought, "Oh wait, that was a good one!" And then I realized, all of my favorite moments involve the Dad (the awesome Darren McGavin). Seriously, every time I quote the movie, I quote him or at least a scene with him in it. His battle against the furnace, the major award, and "Sons of bitches! BUMPUSES!"

Darren McGavin is without a doubt one of the biggest reasons why he is so memorable. We've seen the character attempted to be replicated a few times by talented people but NONE have been able to replicate that magic. But then again those projects both sucked. You know what I'm talking about. 

Despite the massive commercial exploitation of this movie, I will always remember and cherish this classic. 

#12:

Tiny Tim's Grave from Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983, dir. Burny Mattinson)

I think this was the first version of the Dickens classic I saw growing up, that or the Muppets version but I'll talk about that later. Despite this being an animated short, they manage to cram in a lot of the original's themes and story in a great way, all the while maintaining an awesome atmosphere. It also has the best Tiny Tim I've seen. Mainly because he doesn't come off as forcefully "pwecious!"

Awwww!

And speaking of Tim. 

The reveal of what happened to Tim in the supposed future is absolutely heartbreaking and brilliant! In the atmospheric graveyard, Scrooge - played by Scrooge McDuck voiced by the late Alan Young - asks the cigar-chomping Ghost of Christmas Future - Pete (voiced by Will Ryan) - what happened to the youngest Cratchit. The ghost points to the mourning Cratchit family.

Without a single word uttered, we see the pain and grief that the family is going through especially for Bob. 

That single tear and the laying of Tim's crutch by his grave sends a big punch in the emotional gut. I won't lie, I find more powerful than what's done in the book.

Of course, it all works out and we get a happy ending but still, this segment packs a lot of emotions and some great storytelling. 

#13:

Scrooge's chat with Fred and Janet from A Christmas Carol (1984, dir. Clive Donner)

One wouldn't think the gruff George C. Scott would be an awesome Scrooge? But, nope, he was great. I guess that shows what a real talent he was. 

His acting ability really shines during a scene where Scrooge takes up his nephew Fred's (Roger Rees) invitation to have Christmas with him and his wife Janet (Caroline Langrishe). 

One of the strongest things about certain versions is that they expand a bit on certain scenes. For example, in this film, we see just how strained Scrooge's relationship is with his father. We've heard about Scrooge's father but we never really saw him or got an idea as to why he was abusive (at least in an emotional sense). In this one, whoa boy, is he a prick. 

Quick note: Hi, Mark Strickson (aka Turlough in Doctor Who) as young Scrooge!

But the scene I want to highlight is the scene I mentioned before. Usually, in the story we have Scrooge arrive and asking if he can join with Fred quickly accepting him. But in this one, yes those events do happen, but we get a bit more. There's a chat between the two lovebirds and the now former miser. Scrooge reminisces about the days when he was in love and even recalls the love of his sister Fan, whom he sees in her son. 

It's a very touching scene and a nice bonus.

#14:

Santa's first flight from Santa Claus: The Movie (1985, dir. Jeannot Szwarc)

The best description of this movie is from Bob Chipman (aka MovieBob) in his review. It's basically a combination of two movies: The first half is the critically acclaimed movie that goes into the origin of Santa Claus. The latter half is the crappy sequel.

Personally, I like it. It's not perfect but it's still a pretty enjoyable film and David Huddleston (the Big Lebowski in... well, you know) is a great Santa Claus.

The first part is absolutely amazing. The sets, the atmosphere, it's all spectacular. But the best part comes when Santa makes his first Christmas flight.

The main thing that sells the moment in the music composed by Henry Mancini. Want to know how good it is? He makes "Deck the Halls" sound epic!

It's a solid moment and it always gives me goosebumps!

#15:

"It can't be done that way" from Ernest Saves Christmas (1988, dir. John R. Cherry III)

Here's a movie that enters the realm of guilty pleasures. 

Jim Varney's lovable working-class pitchman Ernest P. Worrall in this outing tries to help Santa (Douglas Seale) get his magic bag back to him while he tries to get his replacement - actor Joe Carruthers (Oliver Clark).

Seale - probably most famous for voicing the Sultan in Disney's Aladdin (1992) - is an absolute delight as Kris Kringle. You can tell his version of St. Nick loves his job but he knows that he needs to pass the torch and when asked why he doesn't just continue his duties he explains it in this speech: 

"...what I'm talking about is a torch; a bright, shining torch, that is carried for a while... and then passed on to another. If it's not passed on, the flame flickers and dies. You know, I've carried this torch for more seasons... than I should have done. Because I loved it so much. But now, I've taken to making notes. Well, you can't do it that way. It shouldn't be done that way. It can't be done that way. It's time for someone new. It's time for you, Joe."

I sadly couldn't find a good clip of the full speech in video format but, trust me, if you heard the speech, it would touch your heart. 

Stay tuned for part four!

In the meantime, check out the other posts, and enjoy Mancini's amazing music. 

Honorable mentions, part 1, part 2. 

Favorite Christmas Movie/Special Moments: Part 2

Let's continue!

If you missed part one click the link.

#6:

"Ringle, Ringle" from Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962, dir. Abe Levitow)

Completely forgot about this special when I made the initial list of entries.

One of the reasons I'm including this is because this is one of my Dad's favorite specials. I like watching this with him when I can and it's always enjoyable to watch. I can tell it makes my Dad happy. 

I actually like how the creative team decided to not make this Christmas Carol but with Mr. Magoo (whose main thing is that he's nearsighted). But they actually did make this a version of the classic story where Jim Backus (also known for being in Gilligan's Island) gets to play Scrooge - at least as Magoo.

A highlight of the special is the enjoyable songs by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill. I picked "Ringle, Ringle" because it's Scrooge's song that highlights his progress as a character. The first version is him as the miser, the reprise is sung by the newly reformed Scrooge. 

#7:

The Grinch's smiles from How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966, dir. Chuck Jones)

Now, I'm sure this is a weird thing to highlight in regards to this classic filled with so many memorable moments. There's no shortage of great moments. The amazing Thurl Ravenscroft singing the iconic song from this, the Grinch's heart growing three sizes, and, of course, Boris Karloff's legendary narration.

But the reason I decided to choose highlight two of the Grinch's smiles: his "wonderful, awful idea" smile and his "maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more" smile. The two in particular kind of summarize the journey the Grinch goes on. That first smile summarizes his intentions inspired by his hatred of Christmas but his smile realizing what Christmas is about shows that it's not impossible for some to change. 

Also, I wanted to highlight these because it shows just how amazing Chuck Jones's animation is and it shows the kind of respect he had with Dr. Seuss, who he had worked with before and since this special.

#:

"A choo-choo" from Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (1970, dir. Arthur Rankin Jr. & Jules Bass)

When I was a kid I loved watching these Rankin-Bass specials, I thought they were some of the best Christmas things out there. As an adult, well I've started to notice the cracks and such. But regardless, I still enjoy watching them, if not just for the nostalgic feeling I get watching it. 

With Comin' to Town we get our first of many performances of Mickey Rooney as Santa and it's incredibly iconic. His optimism and generosity are on full display. These notions don't just apply to the kids, he also extends it to the adults as well, at least three of the main characters. Each one is memorable but the one I'm highlighting is the one with the menacing Winter Warlock (voiced by the legendary Keenan Wynn). 

One would think he'd be one of the main antagonists for Kris Kringle but through a simple gesture, he melts the icy heart of this warlock. 

The other two are memorable, the first was to his future wife Jessica (voiced by Robie Lester), the second was a more comedic moment with the main antagonist the Burgermeister Meisterburger (voiced by Paul Frees) getting a yo-yo. 

But the Warlock getting a "choo-choo" shows that sometimes a simple thing like a gift can change someone and mean something significant to them. 

This also leads to a great optimistic number with "Put One Foot in Front of the Other" which always puts a smile on my face.

#9: 

"I Hate People" and "I Like Life" from Scrooge (1970, dir. Ronald Neame)

This is a version of A Christmas Carol that I enjoy watching mainly because of the atmosphere and the songs written and composed by Leslie Bricusse, who has written some many memorable songs they deserve their own post. 

The two songs I highlighted kind of summarize two moods I find myself not only at Christmas but throughout all the year.

"I Hate People" sung by Scrooge (Albert Finney) as he collects money from clients and after being asked for donations from the two gentlemen (Derek Francis and Roy Kinnear respectively). I try to maintain a level of optimism in my life but the way things are nowadays it is hard and I find myself channeling Scrooge some days. 

On the opposite end, we have "I Like Life" sung by the Ghost of Christmas Present - portrayed by the amazing Kennet More. This mood, in particular, comes out during the holiday season despite the troubles and such. 

#10:

"I Could Be Santa Claus" from A Years Without a Santa Claus (1974, dir. Arthur Rankin Jr. & Jules Bass)

I think out of all the Rankin-Bass specials this one has the biggest cult following of these movies. Or at least the Miser Brothers do. While I do enjoy their song - sung by Dick Shawn and George S. Irving respectively - the moment I want to highlight is Mrs. Claus's song.

Mrs. Claus - voiced by Shirley Booth in her final acting role before retirement - has a cute little number where after putting on the Santa hat she feels she could take the reigns, since her hubby is not feeling up to it (mainly because of that a-hole Doctor. Seriously, what was up with him? Tell me he still doesn't work there.)

Oscar-winner Booth brings a great sense of merriment and optimism when it comes to the idea or doing the legendary Christmas ride... unfortunately the special drops this aspect and they go on a way more complicated message.

Well, maybe in the future we'll have Mrs. Claus take up the mantle. Or maybe there's a special I don't know about. But we at least have this cheerful tune. 

Favorite Christmas Movie/Special Moments: Part 1

Let's get this list started!

#1:

"I want to live again!" from It's a Wonderful Life (1946, dir. Frank Capra)

I know it's cliched to pick something from the final part but I'd bet you're surprised I picked this moment. 

I, of course, love the final scene at George Bailey's (James Stewart) house and the "Atta boy, Clarence!" scene. But I love the beginning of George's new lease on life at the bridge. In particular, I love when his face is down, the snow starts to fall, and the music cuts off. Those small moments really help solidify how he got his life back. It's a great happy moment that leads to some of the happiest moments in film history. 

#2:

Speaking Dutch/Signing in Miracle on 34th Street (1947, dir. George Seaton) (1994, dir. Les Mayfield)

I seriously couldn't decide which of these I loved more so I picked both. They both similar and get the same point across - Kris Kringle will find a way to make a kid's day. 

the 40s version is very fitting for the time with Kringle - played by Edmund Gwenn in an Oscar-winning performance (yes, Virginia. Santa has an Oscar)- has him meeting a Dutch refugee who doesn't speak English but knew that Santa would be able to talk to her. And she was right. This scene is also special because it can easily resonate with today's audience. 

In the '94 version, we have a deaf girl and Kris (Richard Attenborough) speaks to her through sign language. Different kind of language barrier but the charm of the scene still stands. By the way, I love hearing stories of actual mall Santas signing to kids.

It doesn't matter where you're from or what language you speak, Santa loves you. 

#3:

Scrooge's Second Chance from Scrooge (1951, dir. Brian Desmond Hurst)

When it comes to tellings of A Christmas Carol this version reigns as one of my favorites and features one of my favorite portrayals of the old miser - Alistair Sims. 

One of the reasons why I love his portrayal is how he acts on Christmas morning. The sheer giddiness on display from him is amazing! And my favorite moment is when he just randomly goes, "I must stand on my head!"

By the way, what I'm about to say applies to all black and white movies and such: Do not get the colorized version! Colorized versions of black and white movies look butt ugly and should not exist!

#4:

The ending monologue in The Twilight Zone: The Night of the Meek (1960, dir. Jack Smight)

My words aren't needed for this. Listen/read Rod Serling's words and be ready to have your heart touched. 

"A word to the wise to all the children of the twentieth century, whether their concern be pediatrics or geriatrics, whether they crawl on hands and knees and wear diapers or walk with a cane and comb their beards. There's a wondrous magic to Christmas and there's a special power reserved for little people. In short, there's nothing mightier than the meek."

#5:

"Maybe it just needs a little love!" from A Charlie Bown Christmas (1965, dir. Bill Melendez)

I know people like to choose Linus's speech about the meaning of Christmas but for me, this is a great moment because it summarizes a lot of what the season is about. Just give a little love especially to those that may need a little extra.

Stay tuned for part two! 

Honorable Mentions here

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Favorite Christmas Movie/Special Moments: Honorable Mentions

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Like, many out there, I love a good holiday movie/special. Those movies/specials feature moments that give me that special festive tingle in my soul. Or maybe that's heartburn.

But anyway, throughout the month of December leading up to Christmas, I'll be sharing posts listing off 25 of my favorite moments. I'll be listing them off in chronological order because there was no way I could give them a good list order. Also, I'll be listing them off in five posts with five moments every five days starting on Dec. 1. 

Before the official list starts, I want to share two specials. These two are things that I love watching because of the overall feelings they give off while watching them.

First, is Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964, Dir. Nicholas Webster). 

I love watching the so-good-they're-bad movies and I love that there's plenty of these movies to watch for the holidays. I picked Martians because it's kind of the poster child for these kinds of movies.

I mean, come on, just read the title!

But I do also think there are some good things about it, mainly John Call's charming portrayal as Santa Claus. One of the best things about the movie is that it's in the public domain, so it's easy to find! 

I also recommend the riffings of this movie by Mystery Science Theater 3000 and Rifftrax. They've riffed other holiday movies and shorts of this quality and I can't recommend them enough. I also recommend Linkara of Atop the Fourth Wall's take on the comic book version of it. Yes, seriously there was a comic adaptation of it. 

The other honorable mention goes to A Muppet Family Christmas (1987, dir. Peter Harris). 

It has this magnificent cheesy family Christmas special vibe that they just don't make anymore. But then again, I'm not sure anything can top this when it comes to the feel and the crossover spectacle! 

Seriously, before the latest Avengers movie, this was the most daring crossover! 

Thankfully there are some lovely people who've uploaded it to Youtube.

So there's the beginning of this crazy list. Stay tuned for me. 

In the meantime, enjoy this compilation of classic holiday commercials. 

Thanks for reading. Follow me on Twitter @DocJohn90 and like the blog on Facebook. 

Little Moment, Big Meaning: 1 - Arthur Christmas

This is a new series of articles I'm doing where I pick a relatively small moment from a movie that I think has a great meaning in the movie, at least to me. The moment in question could be a little thing the actor did, a lighting decision, something in the background, anything. This could be a moment that speaks volumes about a character, the story, the themes, anything like that. With that said, since it's still the Christmas season, and this was the film with the moment that inspired this article series, Arthur Christmas (2011, dir. Sarah Smith).

As some of you know I've already done a review of this film, which you can read here, and I'm sure some of you are wanting me to cover a different Christmas film, but I noticed something about the film when I made this picture the cover photo for my personal Facebook page,

This scene takes place in the office of the eponymous Arthur (James McAvoy). Which is much more cramped and modest when compared to the main control room and sled that are occupied by Arthur's older brother Steve (Hugh Laurie) and his dad Santa (Jim Broadbent).

These large and high tech bases are obviously more modern and are of grander scale. But one difference I noticed about Arthur's office and the other offices is that pretty much everyone is working through their computers, while Arthur isn't. Obviously Arthur has a computer on his desk and given that his job is writing return letters to children who wrote to Santa you'd think he'd use it to make his job I tiny bit easier, but instead he decides to hand write each letter.

To me this can represent the characters of Arthur and Steve very well. While Steve does the deliveries in a quick and time efficient way it's all rather impersonal. While Arthur is taking his time and hand writing each letter to the child, knowing that it would mean the world to hear back from them, and making it a hand written letter can mean so much more than just printing out a form and just filling in the blanks. Which is something that Steve pretty much does later one when he decides to deliver the missed child their gift, though it turns out to be the wrong child. 

He doesn't even notice it's the wrong child until after he's done reading his dull and impersonal statement letter. 

In the end, even though Arthur is clumsy and makes mistakes, we see how he is clear fit for the position of Santa because he wants to take the time and make it special to each child. While Steve, who is technically more competent and organized, is just a guy who does stuff by the books and thinks about the numbers and not who those numbers are. 

It's stuff like this that really do add a lot to a film.

What do you guys think of this series? Want to see more of this? 

If so let me know in the comments and feel free to mention movies that have great little moments like this. 

Be sure to like the page on Facebook.

And follow me on Twitter: @DocJohn90. 

Thanks for reading. 

Best Christmas Carol Films

It's Christmas time again!  Oh how I love this time of year, even with all the consumerism and the weather that could make it easy to get my tongue frozen to flagpole, I freaking love it! There's just a magical feeling in the air that can't be duplicated.

I was originally going to make a list of my favorite Christmas specials but as I went through the list I realized that the list was really cliched. I mean I had films and specials that everybody lists: A Christmas Story, A Charlie Brown Christmas, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, etc. etc.

And I felt like I couldn't add anything else to it that hasn't been said before. So I've decided to move on to my other list idea: Top Christmas Carol Adaptations. The reason I'm making a separate list for this is because the regular Christmas list would just be a bunch of Christmas Carol films, and there's enough adaptations to warrant its own list.

Before I begin the actual list here are some honorable mentions:

Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962, dir. Abe Levitow). This is my Dad's personal favorite. It does have a lot of charm to it and it has some good musical numbers, including the sad and easily relatable All Alone in the World. And yes that's Mr. Howell from Gilligan's Island, Jim Backus, voicing Mr. Magoo. While it has a lot of charm I can't think of a lot of things it does REALLY well or special. It's just Mr. Magoo as Scrooge. It is something I recommend though.

Scrooge (1970, dir. Ronald Neame) A version that has a really nice atmosphere and feel to it and even has some good songs like I Hate People, I Like Life, and the Oscar nominated song Thank You Very Much. Also, Kenneth More is spectacular as the Ghost of Christmas Present. But what kills it for me is a rather bizarre scene where Scrooge goes to hell (no I'm not kidding this happens) and Albert Finney as Scrooge. Don't get me wrong, Finney is a really good actor but he seems to be trying too hard to sound and act like a old man. Also, Tiny Tim's song, A Beautiful Day, that song is just WAY to cute and 'pwecious'. But this film does have some good aspects in it and if you dig it that's fine.

Blackadder's Christmas Carol (1988, dir. Richard Boden) Anyone who is a fan of the classic British tv show Blackadder (or British comedy in general) will dig this. It's a very different kind of Christmas Carol where a man goes from being very charitable to very cruel and cynical. The Scrooge in question is Ebenezer Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson) who is very different from his long line of smart but cynical ancestors, he's kind but is constantly taken advantage of. After a visit from the Spirit of Christmas (Robbie Coltrane) and seeing some visions of past and future relatives, he decides to be cynical and mean spirited. It's fantastic especially if you want something a little different.

Disney's Christmas Carol (2009, dir. Robert Zemeckis). I'm still not sure if I really love this version of it or if I just think it's okay. I mean it has plenty of great quiet moments, a great atmosphere, an awesome interpretation of the Ghost of Christmas Future, Jim Carrey is surprisingly good as Scrooge, and of course you've got Gary Oldman being awesome as always. But there are some moments that get way to intense in the scares and then some really silly moments that ruin it for me. Mainly when they shrunk Scrooge and had him talking in a high pitch voice. It does have good stuff none the less, and a song that has become a holiday staple of mine.

Epic Rap Battles of History: Donald Trump vs Ebenezer Scrooge (2013) Here's a VERY different version of the tale. It's just interesting how they do it and they always have great verses. My words won't do it justice. Just check it out for yourself.

I also recommend Atop the Fourth Wall's riffing of Scrooge (1935, dir. Henry Edwards), the first sound version of the tale. Linkara and company give a great and funny riff of this version.  You can find it here at this website: http://atopthefourthwall.com/linkara-riffs-scrooge-1935/

But onto the actual list, I'll be listing them in chronological order:

Scrooge (1951, dir. Brian Desmond Hurst). This in my book is the definitive version. For me Alastair Sims is the best Scrooge. That's not to discredit the other Scrooges out there but Sims to me has the proper amount of grumpiness, cynicism, and despair. But when he becomes joyful and happy in the end you totally by it. He's redemption scene in the end is probably the best I've seen in any version. 

The black & white cinematography adds a lot to the atmosphere in both the joyful and creepy parts, DO NOT GET A COLORIZED VERSION! It just looks wrong to me. As for the ghosts and other cast members, they do a good job. This is a very traditional telling of the story but the atmosphere and Sims make this more than worthy film to watch every Christmas. 

Also is it more or did Sims serve as an inspiration of Mr. Burns from The Simpsons? I don't know it could just be me.

Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983, dir. Burny Mattinson) Yep, this 26 minute version with Scrooge McDuck, Mickey Mouse, and Donald Duck is a pretty good version. It's true that a lot of stuff is cut out (mainly a lot of stuff involving the nephew, Fred) but it still has a lot of what made the story great. Is anyone really surprised that they picked the one Disney character with Scrooge in his name as Ebenezer Scrooge? But Scrooge McDuck (voiced by Alan Young) is great in the role. McDuck is a great character that is capable of being both a miser and a happy-go-lucky man in the end. Also having Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer makes it easier to pick a character for Fred, Donald Duck (voiced by Clarence Nash in his final film as Donald). This film also manages to pack in a lot of emotional stuff in just a few seconds of animation. The best example is the reveal of Tiny Tim's death. It's probably my favorite version of it. I would give a spoiler warning but you've all seen this story it isn't a surprise. 

I also love how their selection for the Ghosts. Goofy as Jacob Marley is... odd, but having Jiminy Cricket as Christmas Past, Willie the Giant as Christmas Present, and a cigar chomping Pete as Christmas Future is great. It's a more than worthy viewing. 

A Christmas Carol (1984, dir. Clive Donner) When you hear that American actor George C. Scott is going to be playing the very British Ebenezer Scrooge I'm sure some of you are thinking, "Really? The guy who won an Oscar for playing an American army general? Really?" But, the Scott is considered an acting legend for a reason. The guy take the character of Ebenezer Scrooge and makes it his own. He doesn't just make him extremely grumpy or mean spirited but as a man who has just had enough of the world. To the point where he just scoffs at the ideal of a Merry Christmas, and laughs away at other prospects. Probably the best thing about this version of the story, outside of Scott, is that the story takes a little extra time and expands on events that happened to Scrooge. 

The greatest example is with Scrooge and his father (Nigel Davenport). In a lot of versions they just have Scrooge's sister say, "Father is so much kinder now." But in this film we see young Scrooge interacting with his father and we get to see older Scrooge showing disgust towards his father. It's little touches like this that really add a lot. 

This film also has one of the best supporting casts in any adaptations. Oscar Nominee Frank Finlay as Jacob Marley, Edward Woodward as the Ghost of Christmas Present, David Warner as Bob Crachit, and the then-future Alfred Pennyworth Michael Gough as one of the charity gentleman. 

It's really amazing for a television production. 

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992, dir. Brian Henson) The first Muppet production made after Jim Henson's death (the film was made in his and Muppeteer Richard Hunt's memory) and I think he would be proud. 

I'm willing to admit that most of my love for this is centered around my obsession with the Muppets.  But there are still plenty of good things about the film. Michael Caine is of course very good as Scrooge, having a very dead pan Scrooge (with random out bursts) in the beginning and a more humble man in the end, I love it. But to me this film does the best version of the three Ghosts. They don't take the Mickey route and just have already existing characters as the ghosts (that was the original idea but they scrapped it). Instead they created three unique and amazing puppets for each Ghost.

This film also has probably the most Christmas-y feeling of all of these Christmas Carols. It just oozes Christmas to me. Just look at this shot! 

I also love the songs written by Oscar nominee and frequent Muppet collaborator Paul Williams. If this doesn't put you in the Christmas spirit I don't know what will. 

It's all just wonderful. Again, this could be my undying love for the Muppets speaking or the nostalgia but I love it none the less. 

That's my list. Do you agree? Disagree? Share you thoughts in the comment section.

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And thank you for reading and have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy New Year, and just a Happy Season overall.

P.S.: I just realized that this is pretty much parallels the selections in my Long John Silver list. One from the 50s, an animated Disney one, one with an unlikely American actor, and one with the Muppets. This was by accident I assure you.