As the seasons change, West Ranch students and staff who celebrate Christmas share their favorite winter movies. With classics such as “The Polar Express,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “White Christmas” and “Elf,” students will finally be able to relax after exams. Although not all students commemorate this holiday, those who do enjoy these recommendations from The Paw Print.  

The Polar Express

   Released In 2004, “The Polar Express” features a story about a young boy who embarks on a journey to the North Pole through a marvelous train called the Polar Express to learn about the true spirit of Christmas. The film received mixed reviews from critics but initially grossed $286 million and broke the record for an animated feature at the time with the highest budget of $170 million.

   The movie followed Chris, nicknamed Hero Boy, who began to doubt his faith in Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, a mystical train headed to the North Pole appeared outside his house“My favorite part in the movie is the hot chocolate scene when he first boards the train because the music is really good and brings out the Christmas spirit,” freshman Madison Paek described. 

   This is an enjoyable watch for children as the animated film displayed meaningful themes such as the importance of treasuring new friendships and stepping up through leadership. The comforting film brought nostalgia to Paek as she reminisced, “It’s one of the childhood Christmas movies I always used to watch when I was little, so it’s very close to my heart.”

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

   One of the many adaptations of Dr Seuss’s children’s book of the same name, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a film adored by many. The movie showcased a cynical grump who made it his mission to steal Christmas from the residents of Whoville, up until he met a young girl named Cindy Lou Who. Released in 2000, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” has grossed a record-shattering 345 million dollars worldwide.

   In the movie, Cindy Lou Who, a six-year-old girl, brought the Grinch back to Whoville and reawakened the spirit of Christmas. “The changes she makes and how she’s so open and in awe with everyone and that she wants to make the best of everyone,” English teacher Ms. O’Dwyer expressed.

  “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a must-watch classic during the holiday season. It delivered humor, stunning effects and a heart warming message all in one. This masterpiece showcased how Christmas is not only about receiving gifts but appreciating the more meaningful things. O’Dwyer continued to describe her perspective on the movie: “I love how ‘The Grinch’ can show how we are able to make changes even when we’re grumpy, and when we want to be in a more festive spirit.” To all the holiday haters, this film will make you change your mind about Christmas.

White Christmas

   “White Christmas,” an American musical comedy, presented two singers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis as they joined sisters Betty and Judy Haynes to perform a Christmas show in rural Vermont. Released in 1954, the film is based on Irving Berlin’s 1948 song “White Christmas.”

“It’s an old fashioned song and dance movie. My favorite part was the song they sang on the train during their departure to the resort,” Honors English 9A and AP Literature teacher Mrs. ‘

Frame discussed. 

This film explores the ideas of helping others in their times of need, and finding love when least expected. “White Christmas” is an uplifting, festive movie that will definitely bring a smile to students this year. 

Elf

   The American Christmas comedy film, “Elf”was released in 2003. It quickly rose to a media sensation, grossing $220 million worldwide against a $33 million budget. This movie was also named a commercial success as it paved its way to be redesigned into a musical, animated special and video game. 

    “My favorite moment was when he was eating the sweet spaghetti with maple syrup and the mom asked ‘You like sugar huh?’” Sophomore Samantha Merjanian explained.  “It shows a humorous contrast between people who lack social skills and those who don’t.”

   This film followed Buddy, a human who was accidentally transported to the North pole as a toddler and was raised up until adulthood by elves. Even though he learned new skills such as decorating and building toys from the elves, he never learned how to adjust to a “normal” human life. As an adult, he found out that he was not biologically related to his elf caretakers, leaving him desperate to seek his real father.

   If you want to watch a traditional and entertaining Christmas movie, you better check out “Elf”! This film will have students bursting out laughing and immersed throughout the entirety of the film. With Buddy’s hilarious moments, students don’t find themselves bored while watching. “I find Will Ferrell’s enactment of the role very interesting and I think he played it perfectly. He makes it come to life. I really enjoy a lot of the humor like with the dad and little brother too!,” Merjanian endorsed.

   Freshman Mai Dang elaborated when asked the timeframe in which it is most enjoyable to watch these winter movies: “The best time to watch Christmas movies is over winter break, the air is perfect, you can relax in bed and you can enjoy it with family! It’s the best in winter as it’s accompanied by fluffy marshmallows, hot chocolate and warm blankets!”

   Bundle up, Wildcats! With these stellar recommendations, this year’s winter break will be the coziest one yet.