Some Other Christmas Movies

Santa Claus the Movie (1985)
The title makes good on its promise. The entire first act depicts the creation of Santa like it's biblical folklore - spiritually moving and almost believable. The rest plays out like a typical kids' adventure movie, but it's wrapped in enough nostalgia that it feels like a toy commercial from the 1980s.

The Ref (1994)
On the surface, it's a Christmas Eve hijinx comedy (cause that's new), but here and there, it tip-toes into dark, brawling melodrama that, apart from classing up the joint, is incredibly engrossing. It helps if you're a fan of Denis Leary and/or Kevin Spacey.

Scrooge (1970)
It should top the long list of "Christmas Carol" film adaptations, but it never does. The sets, the casting, and, yes, the music all work together to create the best overall Dickensian tone. No doubt Chuck would prefer this version.

The Snowman (1982)
If you only have half an hour this season, take a break from Rudolph and The Grinch and instead look at this Oscar-nominated short that will remind you how Winter and Christmas made you feel as a child.

One Magic Christmas(1985)
A somber, sometimes morbid Wonderful Life story that really confuses in the moral department, but does succeed in combining the Christian elements of Christmas with the Pagan rituals in a sneaky, clever climax, making for a super-Christmasy movie.