In a show of hands, how many of us have ever watched a movie and thought, “Everyone should see this?” In another show of hands, how many have had this thought when finishing a Christmas movie? Not many, I can assume. That being said, I would like to present my thoughts on some of the most underrated Christmas movies to ever grace our screens. In my humble opinion, of course.
The first movie on this list is one that many may never have even heard of. Even so, I would like to present “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” The made-for-television film follows Jake Spankenheimer in the wake of witnessing his grandmother get run over by one of Santa’s reindeer, who then mysteriously disappears. The only other witness is Jake’s grandfather, who seems to love his wife, but this love is evidently not enough to go out and help her. Jake soon learns that his grandmother is alive and suffering from amnesia in the North Pole. Santa Claus is then put on trial for “Sleighicular negligence,” and Jake must prove his innocence. This movie will have viewers simultaneously laughing and wondering where the plot has gone. That being said, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” is still an enjoyable movie, with fun characters and noteworthy songs.
The next movie up for discussion is “Arthur Christmas.” The protagonist, Arthur Claus, is portrayed as the clumsy yet well-meaning son of the current Santa Claus. Arthur is underestimated by nearly everyone at the North Pole due to his severe optimism. When a little girl’s gift is lost in the fray, Arthur takes it upon himself to make things right. This movie highlights the exceptionalism of staying true to yourself, a lesson that everyone should take to heart.
The third, and final, underrated Christmas movie that I would like to bestow upon Lake Land College is Netflix’s “Scrooge: A Christmas Carol.” Unlike other movies that have taken inspiration from Charles Dickens’ popular novella “A Christmas Carol,” this interpretation of the story does not simply go through the motions of Dickens’ work. Instead, it builds upon them, providing real depth to the character of Ebenezer Scrooge as they delve deeper into how his past trauma has shaped the man that he has become. Interwoven within the film are songs that are key to the story’s success, allowing for a well-developed and heartfelt narrative.
Overall, the winner of this Christmas movie contest is none other than “Arthur Christmas.” It is quite baffling how a movie that begins with Santa Claus on a SWAT-style present drop-off can be so good, but it is. The film, while it has its funny moments, is also filled to the brim with the heart needed for any worthwhile Christmas movie. While “Arthur Christmas” may not have received the praise that it deserved then, it certainly should now.
