Christmas Movies

Don't like 'em.

But if I did, here are a few I'd recommend:

• Hogfather: Based on the Terry Pratchett Discworld stories, this comprises 2 90-minute British TV specials. Discworld's version of Santa Claus, the Hogfather, has been nobbled by the Assassin's Guild, and in his place Death (Ian Richardson) will be delivering the presents. It's funny, surprising and a bit dark - wait until you find out what the Tooth Fairy has been up to. It's probably better if you've read some of the Discworld books. Best of all, you can stream it instantly, along with the non-holiday themed Colour of Magic.
• The Bishop's Wife: Cary Grant is an angel who seduces Loretta Young, to make her husband, the Bishop (David Niven) jealous. It really sparkles, with wit and a real touch of magic. It may be my favorite Christmas classic.
• Lady in the Lake: Robert Montgomery's famous spin as detective Philip Marlowe. Everybody remembers that it is filmed from the detectives point of view, so you never see Montgomery, except maybe in a mirror. But most people forget that it takes place over the holidays.  
• Santa Claus: Mystery Science Theater 3000: This is the one with the Mexican wrestler space Santa Claus, not to be confused with Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, which Cinematic Titanic mst'ed. This is very very bad, but it is available by streaming.

I'm sure that I'm forgetting a few, but, honestly, I'm just not that fond of the genre. Christmas in Connecticut, for instance, was a fine movie with too much Christmas for my taste. And here's a deep dark secret, which you must never repeat: I think It's a Wonderful Life is a great movie, a true classic. But a) overexposed and b) too much Christmas.

In conclusion, I'd like to say, "Bah humbug", but that's another holiday cliche, so I won't.