Marcus Cinemas will be bringing back a host of classic Christmas films this year, so plan accordingly. There’s nothing like seeing these yuletide chestnuts on the big screen, with a family-sized tub of popcorn and a Cherry Coke.
Will Ferrell returns with “Elf,” a hilarious fish-out-of-water tale about a human who grows up at the North Pole, and must return to regular life in New York City. Tracking down his father, a curmudgeonly book publisher, the elf must figure out a way to bring both of his families together, and save Christmas at the same time.
Also returning is “White Christmas,” starring Bing Crosby, which I contend is one of the most beautifully-shot musicals of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Mary Wicks & Dean Jagger round out the cast. The performance of the title song at the end a simply stunning feast for the eyes and ears.
Thank goodness for lounge chair seating, as “It’s A Wonderful Life” clocks in at two hours, plus. Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed star, bringing this tearjerker a feeling of complete Christmas joy. No man is alone, as long as he has friends, indeed.
Chevy Chase’s “Christmas Vacation” is an annual viewing must, with a supporting cast that’s always fun to watch. As corporate lacky Clark Griswald, Chase puts on a physical-comedy masterclass. Will his grotesque lighting display light at the flip of a switch? Maybe, maybe not. I keep hoping it will!
I’ve always felt like watching “Polar Express” was akin to being in a gauzy dream. Tom Hanks loans his voice to this holiday classic, lending his usual warmth. The story of a young boy who begins to doubt the existence of Santa Claus, it’s a train adventure that we all wish we could take.
There are also select showings of The Bolshoi Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” an enchanted fairytale with an unforgettable score. Don’t miss it!