Christmas movies are more than just a part of the holiday season, they’re a part of our childhood. Growing up, many of us remember watching and enjoying movies such as “Elf” or “Arthur’s Christmas.” These movies provided an entertaining two hours with lessons that last to this day. But it seems that the once mystical spirit that Christmas movies held isn’t in the ones that are made today. Is this simply a lack of quality in recent movies or is it that as we get older, the magic has disappeared?
Watching these movies as a kid, not only did they provide lots of entertainment but also provided morals and lessons in them. “Home Alone” taught us the lesson of responsibility, “The Grinch” taught us that even if you are hurt it doesn’t mean that you should hurt others and “Polar Express” helped us learn that belief is the key to success. Media portration, whether we know it or not, impacts our mental thoughts and perceptions. These lessons stick with the viewer and can be reflected in their ideas and actions. Students at Monte Vista reflected on how these movies shaped them.
“I still remember watching those movies during the holidays,” said junior Aditya Namburi. “They were really fun to watch with my family and friends and were surprisingly deep.”
These days, however, the movies made are simply not at the same level leading most people to not know the titles or that they are even coming out. Films that are supposed to be holiday blockbusters such as “The Holiday Calendar” and “Holiday in the Wild” released in 2018 and 2019 respectively, are examples of movies that most people probably didn’t even know about. “The Holiday Calendar” received a 5.7/10 rating on IMDb while “Holiday in the Wild” received a 6.2/10, both extremely mediocre.
“I can’t name any new Christmas movies,” said senior Austin Hsu. “All the (Christmas) movies coming out recently have been mediocre and forgettable.”
Hollywood has shifted, focusing more on high budget and superhero movies. The future for holiday movies is uncertain as audiences are presented with a new era of cinema. Future generations won’t be looking back the same way we did on Christmas movies made today. Movies are essential to holidays and holidays are essential to our childhoods. For many, watching these movies are where some of the best memories are made.
