As a cinephile who’s spent countless hours immersed in the silver screen world, I can confidently say that these films truly stand out. Each one offers a unique blend of humor, heart, and unforgettable characters that have left indelible marks on audiences for decades.
Roger Ebert, a revered and entertaining voice in cinema for several decades, contributed to the esteemed Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his passing at 70 in 2013. His candid thoughts, opinions, and incisive commentary on popular Hollywood productions earned him immense affection from both peers and fans. Notably, fellow critic Neil Steinberg of Chicago aptly described Ebert as “unquestionably the nation’s most prominent and influential film critic.
Known for receiving esteemed awards such as the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gotham Awards, Roger Ebert critiqued many beloved holiday films ranging from A Christmas Story to Elf. Among these films, only a handful received his highest commendation. Why not take a look at Roger Ebert’s preferred holiday movies?
12 ‘Last Holiday’ (2006)
Ebert’s Score – 3/4 Stars
Remarkable personalities Queen Latifah and LL Cool J joined forces in the heartwarming romantic comedy-drama “Last Holiday“, a tale about Georgia Byrd, a shy and kind department store assistant who unexpectedly learns she has only a few weeks left to live. This revelation sparks Georgia to seize life with vigor, embarking on an extravagant European vacation. Her work colleague and hidden admirer, Sean, follows in pursuit, expressing his love and confessing his true feelings.
Queen Latifah Brings the Humor & Heart
Queen Latifah received accolades for her captivating portrayal in the heartwarming film, but unfortunately, it failed to draw large audiences at the theater and received mixed reactions, often being compared unfavorably to its 1950s British source material. However, renowned critic Roger Ebert applauded Last Holiday for its endearing qualities, describing it as both “humorous” and “endearing.” He astutely noted that as viewers, we should be receptive to films with more modest goals: they aim merely to entertain, comfort, and uplift us. In essence, Last Holiday offers a warm embrace.
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11 ‘The Family Stone’ (2005)
Ebert’s Score – 3/4 Stars
Showcasing a distinguished lineup of Hollywood veterans such as Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Rachel McAdams, “The Family Stone” unfolds in a quaint New England town during Christmas, where Everett (Dermot Mulroney), the oldest son of the Stone family, invites his buttoned-up girlfriend Meredith (Parker) for the holidays with the hope of securing their approval before proposing. As the professional, pressure-cooker Meredith attempts to fit in with the easygoing, bohemian Stone family, she encounters a steep challenge in making meaningful connections.
Keaton & Nelson Bring the Intimacy
The Stone Family Film eventually triumphed commercially, earning more than $92 million against a production cost of only $18 million. Parker received recognition with a Golden Globe nomination, although the movie received mixed reviews from critics. Ebert, however, appreciated its foray into screwball comedy with the vibrant family antics, and he praised the diverse characters and their unique personalities. He particularly highlighted the long-lasting and loving marriage between Sybil (Keaton) and Kelly (Craig T. Nelson), noting their warm interactions as the emotional core of the movie.
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10 ‘The Polar Express’ (2004)
Ebert’s Score – 4/4 Stars
Robert Zemeckis dared to explore new grounds when he helmed the visually enchanting Christmas tale “The Polar Express“, a screen adaptation of the beloved children’s book sharing its title, which unfolds on Christmas Eve and narrates the magical journey of a doubtful young boy aboard the named train to meet Santa Claus at the North Pole. Along his voyage, he encounters a compassionate conductor, played by Tom Hanks, who ultimately alters his outlook on life.
A Visual Feast For the Eyes
In the captivating film “The Polar Express,” Zemeckis masterfully blended real-life scenes and motion capture technology to produce the animation. This innovative approach earned the esteemed director widespread acclaim for his groundbreaking work on the big screen. Upon its release, the movie stirred up controversy, with some hailing it as a timeless classic while others found it unsettling. Renowned critic Roger Ebert, in his four-star review, acknowledged both viewpoints, praising its haunting, magical quality and conceding that the animation could be a bit eerie. However, he also predicted that “The Polar Express” would endure as a cherished tradition passed down through generations.
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9 ‘Bad Santa’
Ebert’s Score – 3.5/4 Stars
In an exceptional fashion, Billy Bob Thornton portrayed an unparalleled character as the vulgar and rough professional burglar in the darkly humorous film masterpiece “Bad Santa“. The story revolves around Willie T. Soke, a sex-addicted, heavy-drinking Santa Claus impersonator who teams up with his criminal partner Marcus (Tony Cox) to steal from department stores at night during the holiday season. However, Willie’s cynical perspective on life begins to shift when he encounters a simple-minded yet kind boy, leading him to consider the possibility of change and redemption.
Thornton Knocks It Out of the Park
Before Coen brothers handed over control, director Terry Zwigoff (known for ‘Ghost World’) took up the task of Bad Santa. The script, considered too disgusting, misogynistic, and crude by Universal Pictures, caught Miramax’s attention and led to its production. Critic Roger Ebert praised Thornton for accepting the challenging, edgy role and Zwigoff for directing this bold, unconventional comedy. Ebert described it as a “perverse, warped, yet incredibly funny piece of comic chaos in the style of kamikaze.
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8 ‘Elf’ (2003)
Ebert’s Rating – 3/4 Stars
Without a doubt, one of the beloved Christmas anthems of the 21st century is Jon Favreau’s film Elf. This comedy gem showcases Will Ferrell, a comedic icon, in all his eccentric brilliance. He plays Buddy, a human who was raised by elves at the North Pole and later discovers he was actually adopted. Intrigued, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his biological father, Walter (James Caan), a cynical businessman. Along the way, Buddy also develops feelings for Jovie (Zooey Deschanel), a toy store employee. Buddy’s challenge lies in bridging the gap between himself and his father, while navigating his blossoming romance.
Ferrell’s Charming & Unforgettable Portrayal
The hilarious antics of Will Ferrell in Elf, coupled with an endearing plotline and side-splitting humor, made this film a massive success, earning over $228 million. Critics hailed it as one of the best Christmas movies ever made. Initially skeptical about the comedy, Ebert admitted that he was quickly won over by Ferrell’s charm. He praised the unusual casting choices and stated that the movie “possesses heart, intelligence, and a sharp wit, leaving audiences charmed to their very core.
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7 ‘Love Actually’ (2003)
Ebert’s Rating – 3.5/4 Stars
Reflecting back on the cinematic landscape of the 21st century, one film that undeniably cast a magical spell over audiences worldwide is none other than the romantic comedy “Love Actually.” Set against the enchanting backdrop of London during the Christmas season, this captivating tale weaves together nine heartwarming and intricate stories centered around love – in all its various forms.
Captivating Stories Unfold on Screen
During the five weeks leading up to Christmas, all the intricate characters and their entangled storylines captivated viewers, particularly when it came to their tumultuous romantic entanglements. Many still recall the unforgettable cue card scene from this cherished film, which garnered two Golden Globe nominations and grossed over $250 million. Critic Roger Ebert lauded director/writer Richard Curtis’ (Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’ Diary) compelling script, praising its blend of emotional depth and festive cheer.
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6 ‘The Ref’ (1994)
Ebert’s Rating – 3/4 Stars
Without a doubt, one of the less recognized yet charming holiday movies is the black comedy crime film titled “The Ref“. In this film, Denis Leary, famously known from “Rescue Me”, brings laughter as he portrays a burglar who finds himself in an unexpected predicament: holding a contentious couple (Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis) hostage during Christmas Eve after a botched robbery. As the night unfolds, Gus unwillingly steps into the role of a romantic referee for the squabbling pair, dealing with their constant disagreements while his own troubles escalate as the colorful family of the couple arrives on the scene.
The Power of a Good Script & Stellar Cast
Despite not being a blockbuster at the cinema, “The Ref” was highly praised for Dennis Leary’s skilled comedic portrayal. The film also drew acclaim for the humor that Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis brought to their roles as the perpetually squabbling married couple. Many viewers considered it the perfect mature Christmas movie, with Roger Ebert noting that the success of “The Ref” was largely due to its well-written script and the cast’s effective delivery. He particularly admired the witty back-and-forth between Spacey and Leary, which he deemed the film’s standout feature.
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5 ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ (1992)
Ebert’s Rating – 3/4 Stars
Roger Ebert had a knack for recognizing great films, and just like many film enthusiasts, he was left spellbound by the enchanting musical adaptation titled “The Muppet Christmas Carol“. This production marvelously adapts the timeless Charles Dickens story with the aid of its quirky puppet characters. The esteemed actor Michael Caine delivers a remarkable performance as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who encounters the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come on a chilly Christmas Eve.
Caine Dazzles & Delights as Scrooge
Initially, The Muppet Christmas Carol was a hit at the box office but received critical acclaim. Over the past thirty years since its release, its popularity has soared and it’s now considered a beloved holiday classic by fans. The film is particularly loved due to Michael Caine’s sincere portrayal of the iconic character amidst the chaos surrounding him, with Roger Ebert praising the musical’s technical prowess and catchy tunes. However, he also suggested that the movie could have had more festive moments for added cheer.
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4 ‘Prancer’ (1989)
Ebert’s Rating – 3/4 Stars
As a movie enthusiast, I’d like to recommend the captivating holiday film “Prancer”, a lesser-known yet spellbinding fantasy drama. This heartwarming tale revolves around an eight-year-old girl named Jessica Riggs (played by Rebecca Harrell). Jessica clings fiercely to her belief in Santa Claus, a conviction that grows stronger when she encounters a wounded reindeer and comes to believe it’s Prancer. With the guidance of a caring veterinarian, Jessica tries to keep the reindeer hidden from prying eyes, but her secret is soon discovered by her father (Sam Elliot) and townsfolk, causing quite the stir.
A Spirited Performance by a Young Talent
Ebert found Harrell’s performance in the film utterly astonishing. This promising young actress, who was even nominated for a Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress, caught the eye of the renowned critic. He praised Harrell’s role in establishing her as a star and commended her character Jessica, who demonstrated a bold and fearless spirit. According to him, Jessica was a resourceful troublemaker who relied on her own wits and wasn’t shy about acting on her beliefs, making her an inspiring heroine.
3 ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ (1987)
Ebert’s Rating – 4/4 Stars
In a hilarious collaboration, comedic stars John Candy and Steve Martin formed an unforgettable pair in John Hughes’ side-splitting road trip comedy Planes, Trains and Automobiles. The story revolves around the uptight businessman Neal Page (portrayed by Martin), who aims to reach Chicago for his Thanksgiving family gathering. However, a flight detour lands him with Del (Candy), an overenthusiastic but good-hearted salesman, as his travel partner. The pair’s journey is filled with one mishap after another.
Another Adored Hughes Classic
Hughes received significant acclaim for venturing beyond the teen comedy genre with the film Planes, Trains and Automobiles, thanks to the effortless and side-splitting camaraderie between Candy and Martin. This comedy classic, which became a box office sensation, can be found in Ebert’s “Great Movies” collection. In his review, he praised it as “a flawlessly cast and meticulously constructed film where everything else seems to follow naturally.” He added that Steve Martin and John Candy don’t portray characters; instead, they embody their true selves, making the movie filled with “genuine emotion and truth.
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2 ‘A Christmas Story’ (1983)
Ebert’s Rating – 4/4 Stars
For more than four decades, the heartwarming comedy “A Christmas Story” has been a beloved tradition on televisions nationwide. This classic tale centers around the spirited nine-year-old Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who dreams of receiving the coveted Red Ryder air rifle as his Christmas gift. As he navigates through schoolyard bullies and his family’s humorous mishaps during the winter of 1940, Ralphie’s adventures embody the spirit of childhood during the holiday season.
A Nostalgia-Fueled Timeless Tale
Known as a beloved timeless classic and a must-watch during Christmas, this heartwarming comedy continues to gain new admirers of all ages. Initially, Ebert gave the film 3 out of 4 stars but later adjusted his rating to 4 and included it in his “Great Movies” collection. Ebert recognized the unique charm in young Billingsley, describing him as “a clever blend of innocence and cunningness,” while also appreciating the film’s portrayal of a simpler era in America.
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1 ‘Comfort and Joy’ (1984)
Ebert’s Rating – 3.5/4 Stars
Bill Paterson, a renowned Scottish actor in film, theater, and television, delivered a riotous act when he starred in the 1980s comedy “Comfort and Joy.” In this production, he portrayed Allan “Dicky” Bird, a Glasgow radio DJ whose tranquil life takes an unexpected twist as his girlfriend abruptly departs just before Christmas. This incident sets off a chain of increasingly strange incidents, as Dicky unwittingly finds himself caught up in a confusing mob conflict over the ice cream business.
A Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score
As a devoted cinephile, I had the pleasure of witnessing the premiere of “Comfort and Joy” at the illustrious Cannes Film Festival. Upon its release, it took the UK box office by storm and garnered considerable acclaim, earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Original Screenplay for the brilliant Bill Forsyth. Remarkably, this film is among an elite group with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The inimitable Roger Ebert applauded its delightfully odd narrative and endearing characters, deeming the comedy as “one of the most joyful and captivating films you’re bound to enjoy this year.
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2024-11-16 04:32