Flashback Cinema
ELF
2003 • Rated PG
Sunday, November 24 & Wednesday, November 27
Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, an elf who is, well, different from the other elves. When Papa Elf (Bob Newhart) informs Buddy that he was adopted, he sets out to find his real father (James Caan). A modern Christmas classic, thanks to Ferrell’s endearing performance as Buddy (“Son of a nutcracker!”), whose childlike Christmas spirit softens the most cynical of hearts. (“Santa, HERE? I know him, I know him!”)
NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION (35TH ANNIVERSARY)
1989 • Rated PG-13
Sunday, December 1 & Wednesday, December 4
Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is determined to have a “good old-fashioned family Christmas,’’ but Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and a house full of wacky relatives don’t make it easy. Chase and Quaid are joined by fellow Saturday Night Live alumni Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Brian Doyle-Murray. Beverly D’Angelo is Clark’s always supportive wife, Ellen. (“We checked every bulb, didn’t we?”)
LOVE ACTUALLY
2003 • Rated R
Sunday, December 8 & Wednesday, December 11
Love is in the air with this irresistible romantic comedy set in London during the Christmas season. The varied plotlines, all of them with love as their theme, feature a first-rate ensemble cast that includes Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth and Bill Nighy as a jaded rock star with a mischievous wit. (“Despite all my complaining, we have had a wonderful life!”)
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
2000 • Rated PG
Sunday, December 15 & Wednesday, December 18
“You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch!” Jim Carrey stars in this big-screen version of Dr. Seuss’ beloved children’s story about a grumpy green holiday-hating creature who tries to disrupt the plans of the Christmas-loving residents of the town of Whoville. Carrey brings his unique brand of zany humor to the role (“I must stop this Christmas from coming…but what would I WEAR?”).
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
1946 • Rated PG
Sunday, December 22 & Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)
Frank Capra’s classic is a cherished Christmas tradition for countless families. Building & Loan owner George Bailey (James Stewart) is all that stands between the good people of Bedford Falls and the wicked miser Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore). When misfortune strikes on Christmas Eve, George realizes, with the help of an angel, that he truly has a “wonderful life.” (“No man is a failure who has friends.”)