Classic Christmas Movie Reviews: ‘Miracle On 34th Street, ‘Its A Wonderful Life, And ‘Home Alone
A comment:
George Bailey's Autobiography is a 1946 classic that explores how life can and does affect us more than we realize. Home Alone, the 1990 Christmas comedy classic, has plenty of head-banging... and some heartfelt messages about family love, and it's as pure as you'd expect from Miracle on 34th Street. But 1947 still has some provocative elements.
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It's a Wonderful Life: Streaming on Amazon Prime, Sling TV, The Roku Channel
When I was young, my best friend, my father, had a saying that I still think about: "Attitude is key." And it is true. How we view our lives—the good, the bad, the opportunities, the disappointments, and the people around us—can make all the difference.
In Frank Capra's classic It's a Wonderful Life, George Bailey loses perspective. In fact, his ability to see life clearly was so distorted by his predicament that he could not see a way forward.
Angel Clarence's gift for human responsibility is clarity, foresight. When George Bailey finally clearly understands the value of his life (especially the effect his behavior has had on those around him), he changes it. And the result of this change is a rebirth of hope.
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One might argue that the carefully closed happy ending seems too quiet. But I think it's amazing. The ending here is definitely old Hollywood. But it shows that we reap what we sow: as George was generous in his time of need, we see others willing to help him.
It's a Wonderful Life forces us, the audience, to think about our own lives and things that distort our perspective. And watching Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed (who plays Mary) on screen is a lot of fun, especially if you've never experienced their adorable chemistry before (I admit, I haven't).
In terms of subject matter, It's a Wonderful Life comes from a different era and represents that traditional period of smoking and drinking. There may be a bit more content here than one might expect or remember, but none of it seems too problematic from a 21st century perspective.
The theme of suicide occupies a central place here. Of course, we know this story would be wrong. But before Clarence can change course, George is very close to making this decision, which is something to keep in mind if it's a sensitive issue for anyone in the family.
Overall, this remains a classic. Younger audiences may not be immediately drawn to slower, black-and-white films than we're used to. But if you take a moment and wait, your family will appreciate the delightfully timeless beauty of this story and, at its core, its powerful reminder that "perspective is key."
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Home Alone (1990) - Streaming on Disney+, Starz, Hulu, Amazon Prime
"I made my family disappear," Kevin McCallister said with a laugh.
There may have been times in your life when you understood how Kevin felt. Something like this: Finally. No more family drama, harsh words or oppressive rules.
But if there's one thing this 1990s classic taught us, it's that in times of anger and conflict, families are crucial, no matter how passionately we disagree. While moments like these require patience to deal with annoying relatives, Home Alone ultimately shows how a loving family can forgive and persevere.
However, for the most part, this is all ridiculous aggression that you have to endure in the beginning. Sometimes the painful spasms can feel like tremors. However, I wonder if the deep wounds Marv and Harry received after the failed siege of Kevin's room will hurt them.
Soft swear words can also be heard. But if you're in the mood for a Joe Pesci film, this is the worst premise you can imagine.
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Miracle on 34th Street (1947) - Streaming on Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, AMC+
"Faith is believing in something even though common sense tells you not to."
So Fred Gailey says he's trying to convince the woman he loves, Doris, to cut her some slack. Believe in Santa Claus. Trust Fred Gailey. Believe that the world would be a wonderful place if you just look around you.
It's a fitting sentiment for such an emotional film that appeals to so many and asks us all to believe.
On this emotional level, Miracle on 34th Street works perfectly. It's funny, charming, touching and even inspiring—a Christmas classic for good reason. If you don't mind a little Santa love at Christmas (and appreciate a little boozy humor), this story has and probably should have a place on your Christmas shelf. It's a film that encourages us to put "common sense" aside and perhaps embrace it like we embrace Christmas - and embrace it fully and unapologetically.
But if we dig a little deeper, let's be honest: this story raises some questions worth thinking about and talking to your kids about. Fred's statement above is Exhibit A.
Belief (belief in God, Santa Claus, or anything else) does not necessarily mean giving up conscience. It is not to turn a blind eye to the world. Faith and conviction go hand in hand with reason. And while logic gets you to a certain point, faith doesn't (or shouldn't) work in this direction.
An old pastor described faith as a chair: it is because you have faith that you will eventually sit down. Now, if the chair doesn't have two legs or is made of fried spaghetti, your common sense might whisper, "Yeah, I don't think I'd be sitting there if I were you." If you take Fred Gale at his word and completely throw away your common sense, you may just sit in that spaghetti chair and discover that your beliefs (and your hips) are wrong.
Miracle on 34th Street exists, but Freddy does not. It all depends on whether our character's belief in Kris Kringle is correct. Each character studies the boy like a shepherd's chair: tugging at his chin, testing his sanity, assessing his behavior.
But logic and common sense can only get you so far. Although the chair looks sturdy, it takes some confidence to sit in it. First, you have to believe. You have to make that jump.
And it is with this message that the film works brilliantly.
As I said at the beginning, Chris is truly a mysterious man, and he remains so throughout the film. We make no unequivocal guarantees of anything. Is it really Santa Claus? Or is it simply an example of the "beautiful ambiguity" of care, kindness, charity and the Christmas spirit?
We still value those beautiful intangibles—those elements of our lives that remain in the mind but transcend.
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Plugged In is a family publication that illuminates the world of entertainment they love and gives them the tools they need to understand, explore and influence the culture they live in. Through our reviews, articles, and discussions, we hope to stimulate intellectual thought, spiritual growth, and a desire to follow the command of Colossians 2:8: "Beware that no one deceives you with empty and deceitful visions." "On men" are the traditions and principles of this world, and not on Christ.
Review by Paul Shaw, Adam Holmes and Kennedy Unthank.
