Five films to watch over Christmas

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without movies to get you in the mood, so why not sit back with a hot cocoa and enjoy these great films?

Home Alone (1990)

Considered a family favourite, Home Alone has us all wishing for a Christmas that is as eventful and exciting as this young boy’s! 8 year-old Kevin McCallister (played by Macaulay Culkin) is accidently left at home before a family trip to Paris, leaving him alone to cause havoc and prevent conmen from ransacking his house. A lesson for all to be careful for what you wish for this Christmas.

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982)

This is not technically a Holiday film, but it shares the spirit of friendship that is essential in every festive favourite. A young boy befriends and takes home an alien (nicknamed E.T). However, when it falls ill he and his siblings must protect it from the government, who are intent on getting rid of it. Sure to restore your faith in innocence and hopefully inspire a giving mood.

Elf (2003)

A must-watch every year, Elf follows the story of human Buddy and his quest to reunite with his father. Raised by elves after being abandoned in an orphanage, Buddy (played by Will Ferrell) goes to New York to find his birth father and help him reassess his priorities. Ferrell’s performance as naïve Buddy trying to navigate the big city is reason enough to watch.

Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005)

It may not be a Christmas classic, but this a film about family – exactly what the season is all about. A family of 12 go to spend their summer at a lakeside resort, only to find themselves competing against another rival family. Steve Martin plays the competitive father hoping, but failing miserably, to unite his brood.

The Polar Express (2004)

An animated story about snow and self-discovery. A young boy embarks on an adventure of a lifetime by taking a train ride to the North Pole, only to find out answers to questions he didn’t know he was after. A tender tale reminding us of the power of true belief.

Vineeta Sathiamoorthy