It’s not always easy to discern why certain films assimilate into the pulse of a culture, nor is it much fun to argue why they shouldn’t be there. Indeed, whether it’s The Godfather, The Silence of the Lambs, or more timely classics like Home Alone and Elf, some movies are simply here to stay, so we might as well get comfortable with examining them year in and year out.

In the case of the latter, it’s been examined on streaming for quite some time now, and today is no exception. Per FlixPatrol, Elf is currently the third most-viewed film on the United States’ Max film rankings at the time of writing, dancing jolly circles around the likes of a sixth-place The Goonies (which houses the likes of now-household names like Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, and Ke Huy Quan), and inspirational Christopher Reeve documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (seventh place).

Elf stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human who was raised in the North Pole as an elf, and who one day discovers that he is not, in fact, an elf. This revelation causes him to set off on a journey to New York City in search of his biological father, who he’s never met. The industrial indifference of the Big Apple is, of course, a far cry from the sugarplum optimism endemic to the North Pole, but with Buddy sprinkling his magic everywhere he steps, he just might inject a never-before-seen Christmas spirit into the heart of the city.

For the remaining few out there who have yet to watch Elf for the first time, it may be hard to grasp how this film has cemented itself into the public consciousness the way it has. It’s not structurally sound on any level, there’s not much in the way of a plot, characterization is mostly measured by a willingness to goof off, and the comedic beats ride a largely inconsistent wave that all but minimizes its artistic identity.

And yet, Ferrell is as beloved in this role today as he was back in 2003, so what’s the special sauce of Elf that has prevented it from being lumped together with the likes of Harold and the Purple Crayon (which boasts the same wacky, disted man-child antics of Elf, right down to including Zooey Deschanel in the proceedings)?

Well, Ferrell (together with the film’s script) demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Buddy’s outlook on life, one defined by unfettered joy and love that we so often forsake in hopes of becoming more successful in a cold, hard, numbers-driven rat race. We don’t necessarily laugh at Elf‘s jokes because they’re funny, we laugh because Buddy’s sincerity is just that charming, and we all secretly wish we were capable of living that way.

And really, that collective wish has almost single-handedly defined this millennium. Buddy’s optimism was surely a breath of fresh air for a newly post-9/11 America, and with an abundance of cultural and international tensions dominating the headlines of today, it’s no wonder Buddy’s reckless love remains a welcome sight all these years later.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is right around the corner and as you would expect the promotion is kicking into overdrive. Alongside new footage from the film there have been several posters released to the movie, many of them themed after iconic holiday movies.

Continuing the massively popular live-action Sonic film series, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will be released on Dec. 20, 2024. While all of your favorite characters will be back again for the threequel, there is also the addition of the massively popular antihero Shadow the Hedgehog to look forward to.

Before we get a chance to see Shadow in action, you can get a glimpse at him and other important characters from the film in these holiday-themed posters. Spoiler alert, they’re incredible.

Nobody can forget another iconic Jim Carrey movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Scrooged is back with a Dr. Robotnik twist

Lee Majdoub knows Santa in this Elf remix poster

Four Christmases or two supervillains?

Who wouldn’t be interested in this version of Love Actually?

Sonic the Hedgehog is Home Alone

Christmas Vacation just got a little more evil

Even Die Hard made the cut confirming once and for all it is a holiday movie

That’s a lot of great posters for one film right? There’s still every possibility that more will come.

As we approach the movie’s release, the promotional rollout for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has been getting better each day, and pairing hand-in-hand with the positive reactions from the film’s premiere. It really is shaping up to be another hit in a franchise that doesn’t know how to miss — aside from that original trailer, which we’ve all done our best to forget.

While reviews aren’t out for the threequel yet, reactions paint the picture that this will be another fun action comedy for the iconic video game speedster, and many even claim it to be better than the previous two films. That would be quite the accomplishment, given that they both currently hold incredible scores on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences having them each in the 90 % range. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 would need to land a near-perfect score to top these, which would make it one of the best video game adaptions ever made.

The addition of Shadow to the franchise is likely to be a big motivation for longtime fans of the franchise to head out and see the film. What helps even more is the fact that the character is to be voiced by everyone’s favorite action star, Keanu Reeves.

Reeves s the already stacked cast for Sonic the Hedgehog that includes Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, and Idris Elba.

If you haven’t yet watched the first two Sonic the Hedgehog movies, then you’ve still got a bit of time to catch up. Both of the previous movies are available to stream on Paramount Plus now ahead of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 landing in theaters on Dec. 20, 2024.

Look, I get it; it’s easy to write off legacy sequels as complete and utter cash grabs operating at a cinematic deficit for the sake of lining the pockets of executives and egos of fandoms. This emotion, however, could most aptly be characterized as resignation, and that’s not a great approach to any facet of life.

So, when confronted with a film like Beetlejuice Beetlejuice — perhaps the definitive legacy sequel of the year thanks to the 36 year gap between it and the original film — we need to at least bring our most sincere eye to the film, if not to spot its ostensible purpose for existence, then to try and understand what the franchise could do better going forward. And now, you don’t even need to buy a movie ticket to do so.

Per FlixPatrol, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has debuted as the top film on Max in the United States at the time of writing, outclassing the long-incumbent Will Ferrell classic Elf (second place) and a sixth place The Goonies, a beloved 80s film that has yet to be hit by the legacy sequel hammer, despite the internet’s best efforts.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice sees Winona Ryder reprise her role as Lydia Deetz, who now finds herself navigating adulthood as a mother to her daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega) and as the host of Ghost House, a television program where she interviews people who claim to have encountered spirits in their homes. The death of Lydia’s father brings the family back to Winter River, where they find themselves drawn into the series of gonzo afterlife shenanigans that Lydia will, unfortunately, need the help of Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton) to resolve.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice made $451 million against a reported $100 million budget, so it was certainly a case of Mission Accomplished from Warner Bros.’ point of view. As a viewing experience, however, it’s a different story; with an almost pathological adherence to distedness coupled with its overflowing bucket of nostalgic assets, the film is a completely alienating outing for anyone who hasn’t already dedicated part of their identity to Tim Burton.

Except, Burton knows that. Burton knows that this audience won’t care about the film’s creative boons so long as they get to see the things that they like about Beetlejuice; after all, the reason the original film has persisted the way it has had nothing to do with its genuinely inventive themes or storytelling, but because of its fatefully co-opted vibe that’s so-often used by fans to ensure others how strange and unusual they are.

With this in mind, pay attention to how Burton characterizes Lydia, Betelgeuse, and Catherine O’Hara’s Delia. Lydia loses her inner identity following the death of her ex-husband, and her arc is centered around learning to let go of the things she used to decorate her outer identity in order to make up for that. Delia uses the death of her own husband as the fuel for yet another insincere artistic endeavor that leaves her as empty — if not more so — than she was before.

And then Betelgeuse, the eponymous wildcard, is a character who has always, deliberately been written in a way where he’s entertaining without being interesting (i.e. he has no development as a character). Meanwhile, his film of origin, Beetlejuice, is both entertaining and interesting, but no one seems to love it for how interesting it is, instead attaching to how entertaining it is. Oh, Burton, you son of a gun.

The legendary Bob Newhart has sadly ed away. The monumentally talented actor and comedian ed away at his Los Angeles, California, home on July 18, 2024, after a series of short illnesses. He was 94, having come into this world on Sept. 5, 1929.

Newhart was instantly recognizable by his deadpan delivery and the slight stammer he incorporated into his work. He is most famous for starring as Chicago psychologist Robert Hartley on The Bob Newhart Show from 1972 to 1978. However, he is best known to modern audiences as a guest star in The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon, in which he played Arthur “Professor Proton” Jeffries from 2013 until 2020, and for playing Papa Elf in 2003’s wonderful Christmas movie Elf.

As Papa Elf, he hilariously assumed the role of adoptive father to Will Ferrell’s Buddy despite being considerably smaller than the awkward human character. This led to some brilliant interactions between the two, most notably when Buddy sat on his knee. But how old was Newhart when he donned the festive green costume with furry white trim?

How old was Bob Newhart in 2003’s Elf?

Elf was released on Nov. 7, 2003, meaning Bob Newhart would have been 74 when it hit theaters worldwide. Filming for the movie occurred between Dec. 9, 2002, and wrapped on March 7, 2003, when he would have been 73.

Newhart’s wife, television writer and director Ginnie Newhart, ed away on April 23, 2023, just over a year before him, at 82. We’re sure they’re reunited and laughing together in showbiz heaven.

If you keep up with what’s new in the makeup world, you’ve probably heard of the ELF Halo Glow Liquid Filter. This popular Charlotte Tilbury dupe (more on that in a second) is everywhere lately, albeit with a little bit of controversy. 

The ELF Halo Glow Liquid Filter (hereby shortened to Elf Halo Glow) retails at $14, making it an affordable alternative to the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter. Like the latter, the ELF Halo Glow is a multi-purpose liquid highlighter and can be used on its own, as a primer under foundation, or mixed with foundation to give it more glow. So far, this is probably sounding really good – where’s the controversy you were promised">Is the ELF Halo Glow water or silicone based?

If you search up the now correct ingredient list, you’ll see the ELF Halo Glow is a water-based product. For best results, you’ll want to use the ELF Halo Glow with a water-based primer or foundation. 

Combining a water-based primer with a silicone-based foundation will often result in the products separating; if you find your makeup regularly pills, this is a likely culprit. 

Both types of products are used similarly but benefit different skin types. Water-based products are more hydrating and wear well on dry, dehydrated skin. Silicone-based products are more blurring and mattifying and tend to look better on oily skin. 

If you listen closely enough, you can hear those sleigh bells jingling and children laughing — which means that Christmas is right around the corner. And while a vast multitude of shoppers crowd the corridors of malls, ionate moviegoers are instead opting to indulge in a wide variety of holiday films.

From gut-busting comedy ventures to feel-good family fantasies, the holiday movie sub-genre is a booming landscape with films for folks of all ages to enjoy. And yes, it would feel like a complete disservice to watch any of these movies without a mug of hot chocolate in your hand, so be sure to have that ready. Plus, the best part of these Christmas classics is that a large majority of them are available to stream in 2023. Who says the advancement of technology is a complete waste?

So, let’s unwrap these holiday flicks on streaming and showcase the 10 best Christmas movies to stream for December.

1. Love Actually (2003)

Come on, who doesn’t absolutely adore Christmas mixed with a bit of cheesy romance? Luckily, Love Actually perfectly embodied that Yuletide blend, easily becoming one of the most favored Christmas classics in cinematic history. With its star-studded ensemble cast taking the reins and delivering an unforgettable film experience, it’s no wonder folks want to binge-watch it this December.

Where to watch: Netflix

2. The Santa Clause (1994)

You might memorably recall Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story, but it’s hard to completely forget his magical time as jolly ol’ Saint Nick — well, sorta. Released back in 1994, the fantasy spectacle revolves around Tim Allen’s Scott Calvin forced to become the new Santa Claus after disastrously “killing” the original Santa. The film’s roaring success eventually spawned a franchise that is definitely a fan-favorite to this day.

Where to watch: Disney Plus

3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Without a doubt, this one is surely tricky. Is it a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie? The debate might be as old as time, with different folks having different strokes on the matter, but the fact remains that it still is partially a Christmas movie. Sorry, folks. Regardless of where you specifically stand, the Tim Burton-produced vehicle is still one of the most streamed movies of all time, especially during the joyous holiday season — so do with that what you wish.

Where to watch: Disney Plus

4. The Polar Express (2004)

Personally, I find The Polar Express to be absolutely boring, but there’s simply no denying that the stop-motion feature has attracted a wide audience throughout the years. In doing so, the movie has easily become one of the most popular Christmas projects of all time and continues to be sought after on streaming platforms. So to get a dose of Tom Hanks and his several voice acting performances, be sure to fire up the Max subscription.

Where to watch: Max

5. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

At times, it truly can be a wonderful life, and this is undoubtedly a wonderful Christmas classic that has remained in our hearts and minds for decades. ed down through the generations, it’s hard to be involved in any function during the holidays without hearing about bells ringing and angels getting their wings. But if you’re looking for a feel-good movie that echoes the importance of family values and personal confidence, give this a streaming watch.

Where to watch: Prime Video

6. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Yes, we’re perfectly aware that the 1966 original is a bonafide Christmas staple, but let’s not sit here and pretend like Jim Carrey’s version isn’t wholeheartedly fantastic. In the same tune as the OG narrative, the Grinch is forced to adhere to the warmth and joy presented in Whoville during the holiday season. Despite its ever-present popularity, its quality has yet to waver, making it one of the best Yuletide classics to exist.

Where to watch: Prime Video

7. Elf (2003)

If it wasn’t already well documented, we feel inclined to echo that Elf is undoubtedly one of the most popular Christmas films of all time. Centering around Will Ferrell’s Buddy the Elf, the premise includes Buddy traveling to NYC to meet his real human father, who just so happens to be on the Naughty List. The Jon Favreau vehicle is ridiculously campy, sure, but make no bones about it — it’s the perfect entry for a streaming marathon.

Where to watch: Hulu

8. A Christmas Story (1983)

If you’re too eager to sit and wait for the 24-hour marathon on TBS, then you’re in luck — because the unforgettable Christmas classic is available to stream all month long. Centering around Ralphie, who desperately wants a BB gun for Christmas, the fun-filled holiday staple is nothing short of endlessly entertaining. An eventual sequel did happen, but we’ll simply choose to ignore that and keep the grace of the original in our hearts.

Where to watch: Max

9. Home Alone (1990)

Truthfully, both Home Alone movies are Christmas classics that have stood the test of time, although we do particularly favor the second movie. Sorry, not sorry. Luckily, both of the original, wildly hilarious holiday projects are available to stream all throughout December as the clock to Christmas Day winds down. So open up your streaming browser and enjoy, you filthy animals.

Where to watch: Disney Plus

10. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

Is there any Christmas feature more iconic than the flair of Christmas Vacation? Part of the wide-range of National Lampoon movies, its Christmas venture perfectly depicts how chaotic and over-the-top the holidays can be whenever dysfunctional family are around. So while all of these holiday movies are definite classics, there’s simply no denying that the Chevy Chase vehicle is the cream of the crop to stream this season.

Where to watch: Hulu

There are officially 20 days until Christmas, and if you’re anything like us — you’ve been in the celebrating mood since Halloween ended. We’re all in need of a little extra cheer this year, so we’re spending as much time in the ever-present glow of the holidays as possible.

So with the happiest time of the year upon us and festive happenings all around, we’re certainly feeling more jolly and cheerful than ever. As a result, we’ve been indulging in entertainment that helps us share those feelings with our friends and loved ones.

Streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu are getting in the holiday mood and adding several festive options to their watch lists as holiday movies and TV episodes become the apple of the pop culture realm’s eye.

Hulu has added the following films for you to enjoy this year with a cup of hot cocoa and a tacky Christmas sweater because — let’s face it, there’s no better way to enjoy holiday films than by being enveloped in the spirit. There are also additional options you can stream with Hulu’s add-on channels, but let’s dive into the holiday layout.

The Mistle-Tones

The Mistle-Tones is a holiday film that focuses on a popular Christmas singing group and two characters who have big dreams regarding it. Holly desperately wants to be part of the Snow Belles, with her late mother having founded the group, but their star singer just isn’t having it.

When she decides to start a group of her own, Marci realizes that working against Holly isn’t in her best interest, but her selfish actions are what got her into this mess in the first place. Will she change her tune and see that Holly isn’t someone she should see as a competition, but someone who could be a great friend instead? Will they be kept apart, or will they find common ground and work together?

This movie reminds us all that the most joyful holiday experiences are the ones that allow us to share cheer with those around us across Christmas time.

Elf

That’s right, all you helpful elves, the biggest streaming addition to Hulu this year is Elf. Heavily regarded as one of the best Christmas movies of all time, the fantasy extravaganza centers around Buddy the Elf (portrayed by Will Ferrell), who embarks on a journey from the North Pole to New York City in the hopes of locating his real father after having been adopted by Papa Elf. Still following? As silly as the premise might sound, the film has since become a cultural phenomenon, and we’re just happy it’s finally available to stream on a concrete platform.

The Polar Express

It almost doesn’t feel like Christmas unless you watch The Polar Express at least once a year during the Yuletide season. It’s not hard to comprehend why the Tom Hanks vehicle remains one of the most beloved Christmas tales of all time. For some of us, it’s a bit of a snore-fest at times, but for others, it’s the perfect showcase of believing in the magic and joy of both Christmas itself and Santa Claus. So if you’re a Christmas junkie through and through (and can tolerate some wonky CGI) then this is the movie for you.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Let’s be honest here, does it get more iconic than Christmas Vacation? Highly recognized as one of the most popular holiday staples of all time, this insane Christmas tale is chock-full of whacky decorations, a crazy Uncle Eddie, and an accurate representation of how wild the holidays can get when spent around your family.

Truth be told, it feels almost impossible to truly ring in the holiday season without Clark Griswold in our lives. And with the Christmas classic recently being added to Hulu at the end of November, now is the perfect time to indulge in the holiday magic and have a few necessary laughs at the hands of this zany family.

12 Pups Of Christmas

The 12 Pups of Christmas sees a man named Martin trying to keep his business venture afloat. The idea, a GPS locator for dogs, is excellent, but he’s having a hard time making things work. Martin recruits his new hire Erin to help him save the business and to help find homes for beautiful dogs that were left with them after a photoshoot. Both Erin and Martin begin to slow down and realize that helping the dogs is helping them too.

Of course, as they grow closer in their attempt to find new homes for the pups, they find new things about one another that Martin and Erin enjoy, and as the story draws to a close; there are more happily ever afters than they ever could have imagined.

We love Christmas movies that incorporate animals, so we knew we had to watch it when we first heard of this. It’s a sweet movie; at times, some could see it as teeth-rottingly so, but it’s a feel-good watch, and we all need a little more of that this season.

Holiday In Handcuffs

If you were a big fan of ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas, then you’ve most likely seen this film more than once. Holiday in Handcuffs stars Melissa Joan Hart, Mario Lopez, Markie Post, and Timothy Bottoms, and it’s packed full of laughs, wow moments, and a storyline that seems a bit predictable but is still fun to watch.

While handcuffs might not be at the top of your list when you think of Christmas trinkets, they’re a big play in this movie. A woman named Trudie isn’t in the mood to go home for another holiday season as a single lady, so she makes a quick decision that puts her and a customer at her restaurant named David in over their heads.

Handcuffing herself to David, she brings him home for the holidays, and as they celebrate in a remote cabin — there isn’t an easy escape route for him. After failed attempts at leaving, he decides to play along until the cops eventually show up, but things change for Trudie and David.

Of course, there’s romance in the air, and by the end of the film, David understands Trudie’s reason for bringing him home, and he understands more about himself as well. So do they get their happily ever after, or will he go home to his life and his girlfriend once he has the chance?

In addition to some of our favorite films we listed above, here are some additional holiday watch options for viewers on Hulu.

• Jack Frost
• Fred Claus
• The Nutcracker
• The Heart of Christmas
• Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
• A Very Brady Christmas
• Jingle All The Way
• 12 Dog Days til Christmas
• Christmas Cupid
• Christmas With The Andersons
• Michael Buble’s Christmas in the City
• Snow
• Snow 2: Brain Freeze
• Trolls Holiday in Harmony
• Naughty & Nice
• Gordon Ramsay’s Road Trip: Christmas Vacation
• A Christmas Switch
• Second Chance Christmas
• No Sleep ’til Christmas
• Ghosting: The Spirit of Christmas
• London Mitchell’s Christmas
• The Christmas Calendar
• Dear Santa
• Santa Baby 2
• Happiest Season
• Holly’s Holiday
• The Man Who Invented Christmas
• A Christmas Movie Christmas
• Christmas Perfection
• Christmas on Holly Lane
• Cupid for Christmas
• A Winter Wedding
• The Last Holiday (with added Showtime)
• Christmas at Cattle Hill (with added Starz)
• The Secret of the Nutcracker
• A Christmas Wedding Tale
• My Dad is Scrooge
• Rock N Roll Christmas
• Back to Christmas
• Girlfriends of Christmas Past
• Rodeo and Juliet

Do you see any of your current favorite Christmas movies on our Hulu watch list? Any you plan to add to your holiday season binges this year?

Here’s to the holidays, hot cocoa, and enjoying festive entertainment with those we love this season.

Okay, so you know how life has spiraled into an unwaking postmodern nightmare where irony is whatever you want it to be and consequences don’t start until you die? That’s all probably unrelated to the fact that HelloFresh is selling chocolate spaghetti so that you can eat like that manchild from 2003’s Elf. 

Yes, HelloFresh, the subscription box service that is actively mailing you ten special offer postcards just because you read their name, is bringing back their limited edition Buddy the Elf Spaghetti Kit once again. This festive box of insulin dependency sold out within minutes last year.

The meal, which is somehow not a joke anymore and it’s hard to know who to blame for that, features ingredients inspired by the culinary expertise of the lead character from the holiday classic Elf: Mini marshmallows, chocolate rice cereal, a toaster pastry, legally distinctive M&M-adjacent candies, chocolate nonpareils, chocolate and maple syrups, and Colavita brand spaghetti. Mix them all together and you’ll be amazed to find out who has custody of your kids next Christmas.

What’s in the Buddy the Elf Spaghetti Kit, and why are my hands and feet tingly all the time?

In addition to a hasty coma, the kit comes packaged with a pair of Buddy-themed aprons, a set of disposable plates featuring the four food groups that elves try to stick to, an on-brand plastic to-go bag, and a recipe card, which will, according to the HelloFresh website, help you “to sleigh your breakfast, lunch or dinner.” So I guess we’re encouraging people to eat this for breakfast, too.

The Buddy the Elf Spaghetti Kit touts itself as providing enough materials for two servings of chocolate-covered pasta, which implies a level of self-control that feels antithetical to the whole exercise, but whatever. Interested parties are encouraged to hover over their keyboards on Dec. 4 at 12:25 EST, which is when the meal kit goes on sale. Kits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and only one kit will be sold per transaction. It seems prudent to note once again that last year’s Buddy the Elf Spaghetti Kits flew off the digital shelves in no time flat, so you’ll have to act fast if you want to really stick it to your pancreas this holiday season. 

This isn’t the first time that HelloFresh has partnered with studios to bring the magic of motion pictures into the kitchen. Over the summer, the company offered meals inspired by the Pixar movie Elemental, along with plantable seed-based paper, and an April kit inspired by Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 featured Zarg Nut Bites and Mango Milk Fizz. The Elf-inspired kit does, however, mark the first time that the company has openly tried to test people’s penchant for diabetes in a Wonka-esque series of candy-based morality trials. It costs $29.99.

There are hundreds of Christmas movies of every sort in existence – Christmas dramas, Christmas comedies, and even Christmas horrors and sci-fi films. But there’s no substitute for a good, solid film that the whole family can enjoy.

So, without further ado, here are the ten best PG-rated Christmas movies.

10. Home Alone 2: Lost In New York

The premise was done to death in years to come, but in 1992 the wheels had yet to fall off the Home Alone franchise, and Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, and Catherine O’Hara all reprise their roles from the 1990 smash hit. Kevin, once again separated from his family for the holidays, finds himself ensconced in a swanky New York hotel. Tim Curry is glorious as the oily concierge determined to discover exactly what Kevin is doing there.

9. Santa Claus: The Movie

This Dudley Moore vehicle from 1985 suffers from all sorts of tonal problems, and offers ample proof that by the mid-1980s, the Golden Globe winner’s star on Hollywood was beginning to wane in of the roles offered him. But the movie’s heart is unmistakably in the right place – Moore is excellent as an ambitious elf who leaves the North Pole in disgrace after his plan to rationalize the process of making toys goes horribly awry, while John Lithgow is suitably malevolent as a money-obsessed toy tycoon.

8. The Muppet Christmas Carol

This screwball take on Charles Dickens’ famous story did good box office on release in 1992, and benefits from a solid turn by Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. Adults may find the glut of jokes from the usual suspects of Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Beaker, and Fozzie Bear grate after a while, but children are sure to be entertained.

7. 8-Bit Christmas

This 2021 comedy has universal appeal, but it’s forty-something millennials that will get the lion’s share of the warm fuzzies, as the heady days of the 8-bit gaming era are celebrated in this cheery nostalgia-fest. Neil Patrick Harris stars as the father who recounts to his young daughter his boyhood exploits with his Nintendo games console.

6. Elf

Will Ferrell’s performance as the titular Santa’s not-so-little helper Buddy combined with a solid script and good directing from Jon Favreau ensured this endlessly quotable 2003 comedy was a major hit at the box office. James Caan and Academy Award winner Mary Steenburgen add heft as Buddy’s father and stepmother respectively.

5. Miracle on 34^th Street

No, not the uneven 1994 remake, but the 1947 original, which won three Academy Awards on release, including a Best ing Actor award for Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle. The story, which revolves around a department store Santa Claus who claims he is the real thing, even going to court to prove his point, stars Maureen O’Hara as a doubting events director.

4. The Nightmare Before Christmas

Arriving hot on the heels of his box office success with another Christmas-set movie, 1992’s Batman Returns, Tim Burton’s Academy Award-nominated stop-motion classic features the voice of Chris Sarandon as Jack Skellington, who decides to spruce up the annual celebrations in his native Halloween Town by trying something a little more festive.

3. The Santa Clause

The less said about the sequels, the better, but this 1994 comedy about a man who accidentally causes Santa to have an accident on Christmas Eve, and has to step in to complete the annual round of present-giving himself, has much to commend it. Then at the height of his comedic powers thanks to his work in long-running sitcom Home Improvement, Tim Allen gives a spot-on performance as the workaday Scott Calvin at the reins of Santa’s sleigh.

2. Home Alone

Proof that just about any premise can be a hit Christmas movie with the right formula, Chris Columbus’ 1990 comedy still wows audiences over 30 years later. Macaulay Culkin plays Kevin with the perfect combination of sass and vulnerability, handling the film’s transitions from comedy to drama with aplomb. Meanwhile Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern knock it out of the park as the Wet Bandits, whose aim of robbing Kevin’s home is stymied in ever more inventive – and violent – ways.

1. It’s A Wonderful Life

Frank Capra’s 1946 movie is rightly labeled a masterpiece, and no wonder – James Stewart’s penchant for playing world-weary, beat-up characters comes to the fore in his peerless work as George Bailey, whose hard but fulfilling life in the sleepy town of Bedford Falls flies to pieces through a series of strokes of bad luck.

It’s hard to believe that a movie in which the lead character contemplates suicide became so dear to Christmas viewers, but Capra pulls Bailey back from the brink with a splendid final act that will leave you reaching for the tissues.

Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color? If you’re anything like us, the moment Halloween ends, you’ve got an endless stream of quotes from Elf floating around in your head.

Elf is one of the most iconic Christmas movies of all time, and it’s celebrating a special anniversary this year as our favorite film is turning 20! That’s right, our most beloved film is almost old enough to legally drink, which Buddy did his fair share of in the mail room.

Buddy being an elf in the real world led to some hilarious moments, some that were quite ironic, and a few that were totally heartwarming. So, to honor Buddy’s big day, we’re looking back at 10 of the most iconic quotes in Elf history.

“I am a cotton-headed ninny muggins!”

Have you ever had a bad day or felt like the weight of the world was on your shoulders, and it was just crushing you? This one has come out of our mouths more than I can tell you.

“So good news, I saw a dog today.”

Isn’t ever day that you see a dog the new best day of your life?

“I think you’re beautiful, and I feel really warm when I am around you, and my tongue swells up.”

Have you ever been totally smitten by someone? Do you feel butterflies in your stomach when you see them and get hearts in your eyes? Buddy was experiencing this for the first time, and as he described it, we melted.

“You stink! You smell like beef and cheese; you don’t smell like Santa.”

Fake Santa? Not for Buddy! Our beloved elf isn’t going to stand for that. He doesn’t smell like Christmas magic and joy; he smells like beef and cheese!

“I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite.”

This one needs no explanation – Buddy likes to smile, and we like Buddy!

“I’m sorry I ruined your lives and crammed 11 cookies into the VCR.”

There’s something about this apology that makes us laugh so hard! I can’t say I’ve ever crammed 11 cookies into someone’s VCR, but I can say I’ve thought about it.

“Son of a nutcracker”

Trying to work on your vulgarity? Here’s a way you can still get the point across without cussing!

“Does someone need a hug" allowfullscreen>

Buddy has it right — the best way to spread Christmas cheer IS by singing loud for all to hear! Here’s to Buddy the Elf, lots of Christmas magic, and some serious joy!

]]> https://wegotthiscovered.sitesunblocked.org/movies/the-10-best-elf-quotes-to-celebrate-the-films-20th-anniversary/feed/ 1 1621045 https://wegotthiscovered.sitesunblocked.org/movies/fan-theory-claims-that-barbie-is-connected-to-the-lego-movie-but-it-goes-even-deeper/ https://wegotthiscovered.sitesunblocked.org/movies/fan-theory-claims-that-barbie-is-connected-to-the-lego-movie-but-it-goes-even-deeper/#respond Mon, 24 Jul 2023 05:09:15 +0000 https://wegotthiscovered.sitesunblocked.org/?p=1542857 Could these films be connected?]]>

While Mattel prepares its own toy cinematic universe, a brand new fan theory claims that it’s already here, and that Barbie is merely the latest instalment. Greta Gerwig‘s latest blockbuster may have connections to previous family-friendly films, and the evidence checks out.

The latest theory surrounds Will Ferrell‘s character, the unnamed CEO of Mattel. It claims that his ion for toys stemmed from a scene from The LEGO movie, where he had an entire LEGO city built in his basement. The theory also suggested that the CEO could be the “Man upstairs” because they look “exactly alike.” But it doesn’t stop there.

The theory further suggested that the CEO’s childlike nature and immaturity could stem from his past when he was raised as a Christmas Elf in the North Pole. Yes, this toy universe has a prologue through the 2003 Christmas movie, Elf, and how Buddy was able to create a LEGO building in just one night, hence the LEGO city in his basement.

@elisalley

Barbie and Lego are connected movies! #movietheory #lego #barbie #elf #willferrell

♬ Suspenseful and tense orchestra(1318015) – SoLaTiDo

This theory somewhat makes sense if you think about it. Both the CEO and “the man upstairs” don’t have names. And if you look at their skills and personalities, it’s not too far-fetched that this person was someone who manufactured toys for Santa Claus in the past. Unfortunately, we do need to poke a hole here; as the ending of Elf showed that Buddy’s first child was a daughter. This contradicts the information shown in The LEGO Movie 2, where he has an older son.

However, not many are convinced that this could be called “the toy universe,” especially due to how far apart these films were and that LEGO and Barbie came from different companies. Instead, people saw the possibility of a “Will Ferrell cinematic universe,” and that the actor’s roles may have some unintentional connections with each other.

This isn’t the first time Barbie has found connections in other films. Gerwig confirmed that there is an “unlikely connection” between Barbie and Oppenheimer through the mention of a fictitious “Proust Barbie” and how Marcel Proust was J. Robert Oppenheimer’s favorite writer. Sure, it’s not a connection in the same vein as the fan theory above, but it’s something.

Barbie is now showing in theaters.

]]> https://wegotthiscovered.sitesunblocked.org/movies/fan-theory-claims-that-barbie-is-connected-to-the-lego-movie-but-it-goes-even-deeper/feed/ 0 1542857 https://wegotthiscovered.sitesunblocked.org/news/elf-star-shares-tribute-to-late-co-star-james-caan/ https://wegotthiscovered.sitesunblocked.org/news/elf-star-shares-tribute-to-late-co-star-james-caan/#respond Fri, 08 Jul 2022 16:42:59 +0000 https://wegotthiscovered.sitesunblocked.org/?p=1249298 "I was just astonished by his talent!"]]>

Tributes are continuing to pour out across the internet following the death of Hollywood legend James Caan. One of the latest, from his Elf co-star and New Girl Star Zooey Deschanel, highlights not only Caan’s acting ability but some of his lesser-known talents as well.

I think he was just capable of so many things and that's what made him such a wonderful actor. I was so honored to have worked with him. pic.twitter.com/LM7LKNprJd

— zooey deschanel (@ZooeyDeschanel) July 7, 2022

Elf practically became a family holiday staple the moment it hit the big screen in 2003. Anyone who makes it part of their annual holiday film lineup is more than aware of Deschanel’s musical talents. Her duet of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” with star Will Ferrell is one of the film’s stand-out moments. But it turns out that she wasn’t the only accomplished musician in the cast.

Deschanel has recorded several albums as part of the duo She & Him, and noted in a post memorializing Caan that The Godfather actor was a talented piano player in addition to his accomplished acting career. “My favorite memory of him was shooting part of a montage for the end of Elf and he started playing piano,” Deschanel wrote in the caption. “He played beautifully — I sang and he played and I was just astonished by his talent!”

She went on to state that Caan’s many skills were all part of what made him such a great actor, noting in a follow-up tweet, “I think he was just capable of so many things and that’s what made him such a wonderful actor. I was so honored to have worked with him.”

Deschanel wasn’t the only cast member to honor Caan on social media. The Book of Boba Fett and The Mandalorian star Amy Sedaris, who played Caan’s secretary, Deb, in Elf, also posted her own remembrance of Caan on her Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amy Sedaris (@amysedaris)

Andy Richter, who played Caan’s underling writer, Morris, in Elf, also had kind words to say regarding his former co-star.

RIP James Caan. Shocked. Was lucky enough, after a lifetime of loving his work, to get to work with him and I loved him as a person even more. Funny, warm, self-deprecating, and effortlessly talented. They say never meet your heroes, but he proved that to be very very wrong

— Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) July 7, 2022

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