Final Holiday Films

Since I haven't got my final Holiday films noted, I will catch up now. On the 28th, I watched:

"Christmas Vacation"
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097958/

I love the whole film and the final "I did it" from Chevy Chase makes me tear up every time. I've been there after a disasterous time, after trying to have the holiday nice for everyone else. When it is all said and done, just being together is what you remember.

"Come To The Stable" is a sweet fable. Loretta Young and Celeste Holm are such angels. But it is Elsa Lancaster, as befuddled Miss Potts, that steals every scene she is in.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041257/

And finally, in the evening, "Die Hard." Holiday film, you ask? It is a Christmas Party John McClane is going to his estranged wifes' office to attend. The final scene, when the chauffer says "If this is their idea of Christmas, I gotta be here for New Years" and the music swells to Vaugh Monroe singing "Let It Snow", is perfect. The good guys are all alive, they won, and it's Christmas eve!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095016/

The next day, the 29th, I watched a wonderful film with absolutely gorgeous scenery and a darling dog. What more can you ask? Well, it also has a heartwarming story. "Greyfriars Bobby"
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435597/

In the evening I settled down to go "for a stroll" with the "300". I love this film! Director Zack Snyder is a genious. Gerard Butler IS King Leonidas. The long tracking shot of the battle is thrilling. Leonidas leave-taking from the Queen; his rising to his feet after arrows have fallen him and saying, "my Queen, my wife, my Love; and the final tableau of the fallen warriors, bring me to tears every time. As perfect as it gets.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416449/

On New Years Eve, I had my annual date with my all-time favorite film: Lloyd-Webbers "Phantom Of The Opera." From the opening shot of the candle being lit (a homage to the great "The Red Shoes" ?) to the final scene of a brokenhearted Phantom stepping through the drapes, I am completely in his world. The music, the lush colors, and the great cast, make a special experience. So for my 4th anniversary of seeing it during Christmas week in 2004, I had my flute of white wine and toasted a great cast, and especially The Phantom, Gerard Butler.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0293508/

With my Holiday list of films watched complete, I will now have to organize my January viewing. Here in the Heartland, we will have bitterly cold winds and storms all through the first month of the year, so staying warm by the fire is a good thing for "The Ancient Pelican."