Christmas in July 2017: J.A. Morris

Christmas in July 2017: J.A. Morris from Holiday Film Reviews

1) Who's your favorite Santa Claus?

Edmund Gwenn as "Kris Kringle" in Miracle on 34th Street (1947). There have been lots of great movie and TV Santa's in the 70 years since, but I think Gwenn is still the gold standard.  

John Candy as Johnny LaRue on SCTV.

2) What's your favorite Christmas episode from a TV series?

The 1981 Christmas episode of SCTV, "Staff Christmas Party." My father and I watched it when it first aired more than 30 years ago and taped it off Nick At Night a few years later. Now my family watches it every year during the week of Christmas on DVD and we've shared it with relatives who never heard of SCTV before!

 
3) Do you enjoy watching Christmas entertainment year round or do you only like watching it during the holidays? And, why? 

Since I review Christmas entertainment, I occasionally watch it out of season. But I generally prefer not to, I get a bit queasy when I hear "Jingle Bells" in May.


4) This is the 21st century--how do you watch TV and/or Christmas entertainment?

I primarily watch DVDs, Turner Classic Movies and channels like MeTV and Antenna. 

5) If you were to be stranded on an island (maybe Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean!), what three Christmas movies, specials, or episodes would you like to have with you? 

A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph, and the aforementioned SCTV episode.

Christmas in July 2017: Jennifer Lundgren

2001's Call Me Claus.

 
Christmas in July 2017: Jennifer Lundgren, from Stockholm, Sweden

1) Who's your favorite Santa Claus?

That is tough. I really like Richard Attenborough [in 1994's Miracle on 34th Street], but I also like Nigel Hawthorn in Call Me Claus and who can resist Whoopie Goldberg in white dreds. She ranks as the most original.

2) What's your favorite Christmas episode from a TV series?

I really like "Twas the Episode Before Christmas" from Moonlighting and "The Ghosts of Christmas Past" from The X-Files. Though technically a solstice episode I also like "A Solstice Carol" from Xena. Perfect for the Swedish midwinter.


3) Do you enjoy watching Christmas entertainment year round or do you only like watching it during the holidays? And, why?

Year round, when the mood strikes. Either when it is so hot outside and want to see snow. To being depressed and wanting to feel uplifted.


4) This is the 21st century--how do you watch TV and/or Christmas entertainment?

I am in Sweden so not much comes on the TV. I have Netflix and numerous DVD's in my personal collection. And whatever I can find on YouTube.

1942's Holiday Inn

5) If you were to be stranded on an island (maybe Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean!), what three Christmas movies, specials, or episodes would you like to have with you?

1) White Christmas
2) Holiday Inn (it covers all holidays after all)
3) Miracle on 34th Street (the original)

If I get 5, I would say A Charlie Brown Christmas and Die Hard. It's good any time of the year.

Christmas in July 2017: Daniel Budnik

 
Christmas in July 2017: Daniel Budnik from Some Polish American Guy Reviews Things


1) Who's your favorite Santa Claus? 

My initial thoughts are "Night of the Meek" from The Twilight Zone or Christmas Evil. But, after taking a moment, I’ve chosen Santa Claus from the Doctor Who episode "Last Christmas." I’m not going to go into the story because it’s a Moffat-fueled hoot that would take ages to explain. But, Nick Frost as Santa is fantastic. Not only is he the Santa I’ve always imagined but he kicks butt. That’s what I want from Mr. Claus. Plus, when The Doctor finally retires, I think he becomes Santa Claus. (In "The Doctor Dances," it’s intimated that he might actually be Santa. So there you go.)

from 1974's Happy Days Christmas episode.

2) What's your favorite Christmas episode from a TV series?

If you’ve read any of my previous Christmas in July columns, this will make me sound like a broken record. I go with "Guess Who’s Coming To Christmas," the second season Happy Days Christmas episode. I can watch this any time of year and it makes me happy. It’s the first real step in the show towards incorporating The Fonz into the world of the Cunninghams. It’s also the first real sign that The Fonz is human and not just a rebellious chick magnet with a great bike. (Of course, this is a season or two before he’d become the wonderful superhuman we all love). It’s also a sign that keeping up the façade of being Cool might have a price. And that price is a lonely Christmas with only your bike, a small tree and ravioli out of a can. Thank Goodness that Richie figures it all out. Plus, there’s the bittersweet moment welcoming the Fonz in and saying goodbye to Chuck. But, I won’t go into that.

I’d also like to add an OTR episode. The Fibber McGee and Molly Christmas episode from December 21, 1942. Not only is it very, very funny. But, their closing remarks about the War always make me tear up. FM&M was one of the most patrotic of OTR shows (along with Bob Hope) and this moment is just wonderful. A conflict much of the country could actually get behind. That hasn’t happened in my lifetime and I find it fascinating.

3) Do you enjoy watching Christmas entertainment year round or do you only like watching it during the holidays? And, why?

I love, love, love Christmas entertainment. However, I do generally save it for Christmastime. I watch stuff from Thanksgiving Weekend to New Year’s. I can watch Xmas stuff all year long but I prefer to save it. However, if I’m watching a show in episodic order and I come upon a Christmas episode, no matter what time of the year, I’ll savor it. And, sometimes if it gets too hot (I prefer the cold. I have little tolerance for heat.), I will put on something Christmassy and snowy. (Or the slasher film Iced, which might be set around Christmas.)

4) This is the 21st century--how do you watch TV and/or Christmas entertainment?

Generally, it’s some sort of physical media. Blu-Ray, DVD, or VHS. Sometimes I will scan the TV schedules and record (or watch) stuff. But, generally, if I love it and want to watch it, I’ll get myself a copy. Never rely on a TV station or someone else to schedule something you want to watch at a holiday. Do it yourself. I’ve seen people get mad because, say, TCM didn’t show The Bishop’s Wife one year. You know what? If that’s part of your annual holiday viewing, buy the Blu-Ray. It looks gorgeous. Of course, if you like complaining, then keep complaining. Everyone needs a hobby.

 

1974's Black Christmas

5) If you were to be stranded on an island (maybe Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean!), what three Christmas movies, specials, or episodes would you like to have with you?

Black Christmas. The original. Scary, funny and oh so cold. I don’t know what Billy did to Agnes and I hope I never find out.
You Can’t Do That On Television “Christmas” Because it brings me lots of joy. I can watch this episode once a day, every day, during the Christmas season. (In fact, I have.)
I think I’d also take along a Christmas episode of The Price Is Right. Probably from the late 1970s/ 1980s. You get Bob, fun games, big prizes and lovely ladies. I’m sure that would make me very happy.
(I’d hope I got stranded on an island with lots of forest on it, like Dog Island in Humongous. Rather than a desert island. I can pass on the desert.)

Christmas in July 2017: Niall McGarry

Richard Attenborough from 1994's Miracle on 34th Street.

Christmas in July 2017: Niall McGarry

1) Who's your favorite Santa Claus?

I haven't yet found a Santa that matches up to the Santa Claus of my imagination but the Coca Cola Santa probably comes the closest but worthy mentions should also go to Edmund Gwenn, Richard Attenborough, Ed Asner & David Huddleston.

 Only Fools and Horses.

2) What's your favorite Christmas episode from a TV series?

In the UK, series tend to end before the holiday season and instead we are treated to a special extended seasonal version of a popular series. I'm going to cheat here and choose 3 very different UK favourites. My first choice is a special episode of Only Fools and Horses called 'The Jolly Boys Outing' and was first shown on Christmas Day in 1989. Like many UK Christmas specials, Christmas doesn't feature at all and the episode actually takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Despite that, it is forever associated with Christmas. My 2nd choice is The Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special from 2008. This special episode actually revolves around a typically British Christmas and the prospective in-laws et al coming to stay, just delightful. My 3rd choice is "The Worst Christmas of My Life," which is a special version of the sitcom The Worst Week of My Life and was shown in 3 parts during Christmas week in 2006 and is about the new parents bringing their first baby home to the wife's parents for Christmas. This is played as a very British farce and everything that can go wrong goes wrong.


3) Do you enjoy watching Christmas entertainment year round or do you only like watching it during the holidays? And, why?

I try to limit what I watch outside the holiday season in order to rack up the anticipation but I do allow myself to watch the odd Christmas TV movie I've still got recorded when I'm in need of a fuzzy boost.


4) This is the 21st century--how do you watch TV and/or Christmas entertainment? 

We use all the platforms but I'd say we watch mostly the terrestrial channels via antenna as they are very good over Christmas but we have satellite, Amazon & Netflix as well and if there is a seasonal special then we'll catch it there. I have a collection of favourite DVDs of movies and specials and will watch those as well. If there is a special cinema showing of a Christmas classic then we might go and see that and we usually go to see Royal National Ballet's production of The Nutcracker every year if we can.

2005's The Family Stone.

5) If you were to be stranded on an island (maybe Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean!), what three Christmas movies, specials, or episodes would you like to have with you?

A very hard choice but two movies we absolutely must watch every Christmas is White Christmas & The Family Stone. Very different but both are much loved and we will only watch those during the holiday season. My third choice is an episode of my favourite sitcom Frasier, "Merry Christmas Mrs Moskowitz." It is so clever and is the classic farce with characters coming in and out of doors just avoiding each other. The dialogue & timing is just faultless and is one of the funniest episodes ever written.

Christmas in July 2017: Jakki

Christmas in July 2017: Jakki - Christmas Movies & Music: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristmasMoviesAndMusic and http://www.facebook.com/ChristmasMoviesAndMusic

1) Who's your favorite Santa Claus?

My favorite Santa Claus would be the one from Ernest Saves Christmas, played by Douglas Seale. He is perfect in so many ways, down to his jolly nature and the twinkle in his eye. I especially love his child-like innocence, which is perfectly displayed in the scene while he is watching them film a horror movie called "Christmas Slay," but thinks it's called "Christmas Sleigh." He is so delighted as the family in the scene is preparing for St. Nick's arrival, when a monster busts down the door and begins to attack them. He finds the idea of "terrorizing children at Christmas" so appalling that he actually assaults the director. Now that's a Santa that won't let anyone mess with Christmas!

2) What's your favorite Christmas episode from a TV series? 

My favorite Christmas episode would have to be "Met Someone" from Mad About You. This is a flashback episode where Paul and Jamie first met. For anyone who is familiar with the show, it's known that they met at a newspaper stand, but this episode not only shows that first encounter, but also what happens next. Paul finds out where Jamie works and in an effort to win her over, endures her office Christmas party and a line of questioning from friends. It ends in a sweet moment as their life together begins, proving once again that miracles abound at Christmas.

3) Do you enjoy watching Christmas entertainment year round or do you only like watching it during the holidays? And, why?

I get what I call the "Christmas Fuzzies" throughout the year and usually indulge by watching some obscure Christmas movie or TV episode that I probably wouldn't have a chance to watch during the Christmas season. We usually stick to the classics in December, so it's during the other months of the year that I get to delve deeper into my love of Christmas. Of course Christmas In July is another great excuse to do so!

4) This is the 21st century--how do you watch TV and/or Christmas entertainment?

I usually watch most of my Christmas entertainment on DVD or online (Netflix, YouTube etc). When it comes to holiday episodes, I like to rip my favorites onto a digital media format and keep them organized for easy access. Then I usually watch them on my computer or connect my usb storage through my Bluray player to watch directly on the television. I love the many options now available to us these days so we no longer have to wait for these episodes to air.

5) If you were to be stranded on an island (maybe Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean!), what three Christmas movies, specials, or episodes would you like to have with you?

Only 3?? That's incredibly difficult, but I'd go with ones that never seem to get old...White Christmas, Home Alone & A Charlie Brown Christmas - all three have a terrific soundtrack to boot!

Christmas in July 2017: Net

Christmas in July 2017: Net from It's a Wonderful Movie

1) Who's your favorite Santa Claus?

My absolute favorite Santas are Edmund Glenn and Richard Attenborough in Miracle on 34th Street – the first one & the remake! I just love how both Santas relate to young Susan Walker and convince her, eventually, to believe! They’re both such a child at heart! The best gift “Santa” gives Susan and her mother Doris is learning to have faith again!

I also love Charles Durning in Hallmark's A Boyfriend for Christmas and Donovan Scott in Matchmaker Santa! They have such a jolly, happy sparkle!!!

from the 1959 Christmas episode of Dennis the Menace.

2) What's your favorite Christmas episode from a TV series?

Dennis the Menace and The Waltons are my two favorite Christmas episodes! I just love how each of them are about family, traditions, and everything sentimental and special about Christmas!

When Dennis, who IS such a menace, sings "Silent Night" at the end of each Dennis the Menace Christmas episode, he seems like such a little angel then. Everyone's hearts soften toward the boy and all is well at Christmas!

As for The Waltons... What greater joy can be found - when all the family, who had been previously separated, all come home for Christmas! My heart is filled with such happiness just thinking about it!


3) Do you enjoy watching Christmas entertainment year round or do you only like watching it during the holidays? And, why?

I LOVE CHRISTMAS ALL YEAR ROUND!!! Why wait for the Christmas season, when one can celebrate the true spirit of Christmas every day of the Year!!!


4) This is the 21st century--how do you watch TV and/or Christmas entertainment?

Throughout the Christmas season- I enjoy watching Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, UP, INSP, TCM, and any other stations that play family Christmas movies!

The rest of the year, I rely on my Christmas DVD collection, or whatever I still have on my recorder from Christmastime!

from 1944's Meet Me in St. Louis.

5) If you were to be stranded on an island (maybe Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean!), what three Christmas movies, specials, or episodes would you like to have with you?

This is a really great question! Oh my goodness, it’s so hard to narrow it down to only three, but I would have to choose... It's a Wonderful Life, Meet Me in St. Louis, and A Charlie Brown Christmas!

I would want It's a Wonderful Life as a daily reminder of the important things in life, family and friends. My second choice Meet Me in St. Louis is always upbeat, there's such a good energy in the movie with all the amazing songs and musical numbers. That would be essential to have to keep up one's spirit! And then, A Charlie Brown Christmas to always remind me - to not focus on things of this world, but to remember the Christ child!

Christmas in July 2017: Dominic Caruso

 
Christmas in July 2017: Dominic Caruso from 1701 Press

1) Who's your favorite Santa Claus?

Even though he’s not the central character of the movie, my favorite Santa is the store Santa from A Christmas Story. Now, he often gets kind of a bad rap, being described as “grumpy” or “angry,” but I don’t see it that way at all. He strikes me as a quintessentially Midwestern working class, over-worked guy, and that’s why he’s my favorite. He’s trying to do a nice thing for the kids, but his job is unrelenting and his work environment is ridiculous. The kids have to climb an absurdly high platform to get to him, after which they’re expected to make a rapid descent to the ground floor on an equally absurd and terrifying slide. Management is unreasonable—and Santa says so to his helper elf. The line of kids is endless despite the rapidly approaching closing time of the store. Is Santa going to be paid overtime for his labor? Probably not. His disheveled appearance suggests he hasn’t had a break in a long time, if at all. He’s been on the job so long that all he has left in the way of Santa-y patter is to shout “Ho-Ho-Ho!” The situation has exhausted his Santa reserves and yet he tries to be tender to the kids on his lap. By the time Ralphie scrambles back up to the top of the slide to blurt out what he really wants—a Red Ryder B-B Gun—our world-weary Santa doesn’t have the energy to indulge him with a bit of Santa’s whimsy. Instead, the practical, realistic, overworked Midwestern guy comes out: “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid,” he shrugs, and carefully, gently, pushes Ralphie down the slide with the toe of his boot. Classic.

from 1995 Christmas episode of The Simpsons.

2) What's your favorite Christmas episode from a TV series?

“Marge Be Not Proud,” from The Simpsons. Every single joke is funny and this episode has a lot of heart. Plus: Lee Carvallo’s Putting Challenge.

3) Do you enjoy watching Christmas entertainment year round or do you only like watching it during the holidays? And, why?

I like seeing Christmas entertainment year round, but I don’t usually seek it out. For me, it’s always more powerful during the holidays because it enhances the holiday atmosphere.

4) This is the 21st century--how do you watch TV and/or Christmas entertainment?

I mostly watch via cable, but also DVDs from the library, and some Netflix. The options for viewing are numerous and I am very lazy, so I watch via whatever service is in front of me at the moment, mostly.

5) If you were to be stranded on an island (maybe Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean!), what three Christmas movies, specials, or episodes would you like to have with you?

A Charlie Brown Christmas (it’s like a work of classic American literature at this point). Emmett Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (it has great music, characters, humor and sentiment). Miracle on 34th Street (it’s a movie that I’ve only seen once or twice, so this would be a good opportunity to spend some quality time with it).