Where to See Your Favourite Christmas Films


By Alice Aylett Roberts

With Christmas only a few weeks away, it's time to get into the seasonal spirit by dusting off our novelty jumpers and cracking on the stove to mull some wine.

For me, it doesn't really start to feel like Christmas until I've settled down in front of my favourite holiday films. Some classic oldies like Meet Me in St Louis have stood the test of time, while others seem to invade our living rooms year after year with their pointless, consumerist drivel - I'm looking at you, Jingle All The Way

Luckily for BitchBuzz readers we have decided to make your annual Christmas movie marathon extra special this year, with a round-up of our favourite festive films that are playing at cinemas around the UK.

It's A Wonderful Life 

Where: Hyde Park Picturehouse, Leeds

When: 21 - 24 December 2012

Tickets: £4.50 - £6.50 from hydeparkpicturehouse.co.uk

Why it's great: Never failing to raise a tear in my eye, even on the 20th viewing, It's A Wonderful Life is a classic feel-good film that will raise even the murkiest of Christmas spirits. It's a story about family, loyalty and surviving against the odds.

Best for: Making-up with your family after a heated Boxing Day round of Monopoly.



Gremlins

Where: Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff

When: 15 - 16 December 2012

Tickets: £5.50 - £7.50 at chapter.org 

Why it's great: With not much in the way of independent cinemas in Cardiff, it's hats off to Chapter Arts Centre for keeping (what I believe is) the true spirit of Christmas alive with a showing of Gremlins. This is the tales of a young man who breaks three mysterious rules concerning his new pet and accidentally unleashes chaos on his small town.

Best for: Making you appreciate the crappy pair of woollen socks that are a Christmas gift from your great aunt. At least you're allowed to get them wet.



 

The Muppet Christmas Carol 

Where: Broadway Cinema, Nottingham

When: 21 - 24 December 2012

Tickets: £3.50 - £7.50 on broadway.org.uk

Why it's great: A good festive treat for all ages, led by the incomparable Michael Caine as the crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge. It's a playful, musical retelling of Charles Dickens' novella A Christmas Carol, which can and should be enjoyed over and over again.

Best for: Taking the whole family and having a little a sing-along



A Christmas Story

Where: Prince Charles Cinema, London

When: 20 December, 7pm

Tickets: £4- £6.50 on princecharlescinema.com

Why it's great: This classic American film tells the tale of Ralphie, who desperately wants a  Red Ryder B.B. Gun for Christmas and struggles to convince his parents, teachers and even Santa that it's totally a good idea for a kid to have a B.B. gun. 

Best for: Kids and families, or adults who doesn't want a to watch soppy RomCom. 

 


Elf

Where: Conerhouse, Manchester

When: 16 and 18 December 2012

Tickets: £3 - £5.50 on cornerhouse.org

Why it's great: Will Ferrell's Christmas comedy tells the story of Buddy the elf, a human raised by elves in the North Pole, who comes to New York in search of his long-lost family. Buddy's naive and idealistic view of the world brings an amusing contrast to his gruff encounters with the mostly harsh and cynical New Yorkers that he meets on his travels.

Best for: Little kids, big kids and anyone with a soft spot for men in tights.



 

Die Hard

Where: Duke of York, Brighton

When: 14 December 2012

Tickets: £6.50 - £13 on picturehouses.co.uk

Why it's great: The first of five Die Hard films introduces New York cop John McClane trying to reunite with his estranged wife on Christmas Eve. Bruce Willis puts in a stunning comic performance in a film that is filled to the brim with action, explosions and gunshots. 

Best for: When you need an antidote to the rest of the schmaltzy Christmas movies on offer. This would also make a good double bill with Love Actually to remind you of how good Alan Rickman is when he plays a baddie.


 

Home Alone

Where:  The Electric Cinema, Birmingham

When: 21 - 24 December 2012

Tickets: £12.80 on theelectric.co.uk

Macaulay Culkin defends his home from two totally inept criminals after being accidentally left at home by his family over Christmas. This festive gem is reason enough to forgive director Chris Columbus of his many other sins.

Best for: Reminding you what Christmas is all about; eating too much, fighting with your brother and completely trashing your house.


 

Scrooge 

Where: The Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle

When: 22 - 23 December 2012

Tickets: £3.25 - £10 on tynesidecinema.co.uk

Why it's great: As much as I love the Muppets, this 1951 adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol is the definitive on-screen telling of this classic tale. Alastair Sim is wonderful in the title role and although the plot expands greatly on the source material, the added detail is done with great care.

Best for: Earning some brownie points with your grandparents.


POSTED IN: CULTURE
Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:30 (GMT+00)
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