#12 John Denver and the Muppets Rocky Mountain Holiday

rocky mountain holiday john denverIn this Emmy nominated special, the Muppets join John Denver on a campling trip in the mountains of Colorado.  Denver and Jim Henson had a life-long firnedship that spawned two additional television specials with The Muppets.

In Rocky Mountain Holiday, while the city puppet Muppets adjust to living in the great outdoors, country boy John Denver serenades them with his beautiful music.  After spending the day enjoying the clear blue skies and beautiful mountain streams, the Muppets and their host John Denver end it sitting around the camp fire sharing stories and singing songs.

16 Family Fun Songs including:

  • She'll be Coming Round the Mountain
  • Cool and Green and Shady
  • Home on the Range
  • Grandma's Feather Bed
  • Poems, Prayers, and Promise
  • No One Like You
  • Going Camping
  • and more!

47 minutes from Sony Pictures, released in 1982

This holiday special is currently not in release and is somewhat collectible, but you can find copies on the internet for sale.  Ebay is a great place to get the best deal by placing a bid on an auction.

JOHN DENVER AND THE MUPPETS DVD ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY JOHN DENVER AND THE MUPPETS DVD ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY Paypal US $85.00 29d 23h 7m
John Denver and the Muppets - A Rocky Mountain Holiday (DVD, 2003) John Denver and the Muppets - A Rocky Mountain Holiday (DVD, 2003) Paypal US $21.99 29d 21h 36m
JOHN DENVER AND THE MUPPETS DVD ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY JOHN DENVER AND THE MUPPETS DVD ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY Paypal US $75.00 29d 17h 12m

#11 The Homecoming – A Christmas Story (The Waltons)

The Waltons are a rural American family during the Depression, preparing to celebrate Christmas together.  Though times are tough, this deeply moving tale of of love, hope and sharing first introduced America to "The Waltons" and inspired one of the longest running, and most popular family dramas on Television.

Based on Earl Hamner's autobiographical writings, this series was about a 1930's mountain clan trying to eek out a living during the Depression.   This movie was a little harder edged than the subsequent TV series, but the love and faith of the family still shines through.

You may remember watching this as a child on TV; it first aired in December of 1971, with all the children in the movie reprising their roles for the long-running series, several of the adults were recast.

The most noticeable difference being Patricia Neal playing the part of Livvy Walton, which was later played a bit softer by Michael Learned.  The family seemed a bit more on edge in this Holiday special as they wait for John to return home for Christmas.  There are some very memorable scenes in this movie, some inspiring, and some a bit painful, like watching Elizabeth receive her charity doll which is broken.  The children bicker and they did in The Waltons, so don't let it surprise you.

The beautiful mountain scenery adds to the Christmas spirit of the movie.

Starring:

Patricia Neal

Richard Thomas

Edgar Bergen

Ellen Corby

Andrew Duggan

Taking place during the height of The Great Depression, The Homecoming is wonderful family entertainment.  They don't make movies like this anymore. :-)

THE HOMECOMING A CHRISTMAS STORY New Sealed DVD Waltons THE HOMECOMING A CHRISTMAS STORY New Sealed DVD Waltons Paypal US $10.89 29d 15h 48m
HOMECOMING, THE: A CHRISTMAS STORY - NEW DVD HOMECOMING, THE: A CHRISTMAS STORY - NEW DVD Paypal US $10.87 14d 18h 8m
Homecoming, The: A Christmas Story (DVD, 2003) Homecoming, The: A Christmas Story (DVD, 2003) Paypal US $7.89 6d 18h 47m

#9 A Christmas Visitor

In a small town of New Chatham, Christmas is approaching the Boyajian family.  But George, Carol and their daughter Jean, have lost their desire to celebrate.  Immersed in grief from their sons death on Christmas Eve 1991 in the Persian Gulf War, George and Carol have forgone the familiar comfort and pleasures of the holidays.  But this year George is determined to bring his family back together again.  This, however, comes true in ways no one ever could have imagined.

George brings home a young man named Matthew, a hitchhiker presumably without a place to stay.  He accepts the invitation to stay the night at the Boyajian's house and also agrees a well intentioned charade: to pretend, for Carol and Jean's sake, that he knew their beloved son in the war.  But once inside the warmth of their home; Matthew has a few surprises in store for all of them - ones that will renew their faith in each other and the wonderful miracles of Christmas.

Actors include:

  • Meridith Baxter
  • William Devane
  • Reagan Pasternak
  • Dean McDermott
  • Aaron Ashmore

This movie was originally aired on the Hallmark Channel.  It was very heart warming and you may even shed a tear or two at the end.  The acting was not the best but about average for a "hallmark movie" ;)

~Brooke

A Christmas Visitor -and- Saving God (Blu-Ray dvd 2-movies in one case) BLURAY A Christmas Visitor -and- Saving God (Blu-Ray dvd 2-movies in one case) BLURAY Paypal US $7.99 7d 15h 17m
A Christmas Visitor (DVD, 2006) A Christmas Visitor (DVD, 2006) Paypal 0 Bid US $6.10 17h 52m
A Christmas Visitor (DVD, 2010, DVD/CD) A Christmas Visitor (DVD, 2010, DVD/CD) Paypal 0 Bid US $5.79 17h 55m

#8 The Santa Clause DVD – Tim Allen

The Santa Clause is not your usual Santa movie.  Tim Allen from Home Improvement fame, stars as a divorced father whose son Charlie would rather be spending the night with his mother and stepfather, but instead is spending Christmas Eve with Dad.  Late that night there is a strange noise coming from outside the house.  When father and son go outside to investigate they find that Santa is up on the roof.  Maybe he is startled, but for whatever reason he falls off the roof, and dies.

There is a note encouraging the finder of Santa to put on his suit.  Scott (Tim Allen) agrees to, in order to please Charlie, not knowing about The Santa Clause," a creative play on words.  The clause basically says that if you find Santa, and he has expired, put on the suite, and now you have assumed the role of Santa.

Over the next year Scott finds himself becoming Santa, complete with the extra girth and facial hair.  Much to the dismay of Scott's ex and co-workers.

Now let's stop here:  I think this is a fine movie for the whole family, with little objectionable material.  If of course you are old enough to know the truth about Santa.  If you have young children who still hold this fantasy dear to their heart, seeing Santa falling off a roof and dying may be too much to handle.  Some might just say it is a silly movie and be done with it.  They would be right.  It is a silly movie.  But cute and quite funny. :-)

DISNEY'S The Santa Clause (MINT VHS) Tim Allen DISNEY'S The Santa Clause (MINT VHS) Tim Allen Paypal 0 Bid US $.88 5h 21m
The Santa Clause (DVD, 2002, Special Edition Full Frame) The Santa Clause (DVD, 2002, Special Edition Full Frame) Paypal 1 Bid US $.99 6h 57m
The Santa Clause 2 (DVD, 2003, Widescreen) The Santa Clause 2 (DVD, 2003, Widescreen) Paypal 0 Bid US $2.99 8h 26m

#6 The Christmas Shoes – Rob Lowe

If we're open to it, the smallest miracles can change out lives.

Nathan Andrews is 10 years old and he has just learned that this will be the last Christmas he will spend with his mother.  Above all he decides he wants to buy her a very special gift, and he sets about his quest to do it.  While trying to buy the gift for his mom, Nathan crosses paths with Robert Layton, an overworked attorney who has forgotten to take time for his family.  Nathan's love for his mother is what ultimately inspires Mr. Layton to remember what is really important in life.

This movie is based on the best-selling book of the same title, that was actually inspired by the #1 hit song of the same name.

I actually remember driving in the car in Las Vegas and hearing the song, recorded by New Song, playing on the radio.  Not many songs bring tears to my eyes, but this one did.  Some time later I was in a book store, my favorite place to be other than home :-) , and I see the book of the same title, written by Donna Van Liere.  Loved the book too!

The lives of Nathan and the lawyer are told separately at first and then intertwine on Christmas Eve at a local department store.  I know I haven't said much about the story, but I don't want to ruin it for you.  If you like touching, family movies that have no action, blood, gore, or bad language, this movie will be a nice addition to your collection. Don't forget the kleenex.

Starring:

  • Rob Lowe (The West Wing)
  • Kimberley Williams Paisley (Father of the Bride)
  • Dorian Harewood (7th Heaven)
  • Shirley Douglas (Wind at my Back)

Released in 2002, this is a movie that feels very much like a Hallmark movie, but isn't.  If you can't stand sentimental Hallmark family movies that make everyone cry, skip this one.  On the other hand, if a touching movie about family is your cup of tea, this is the movie for you. :-)

The Christmas Shoes (Blu-ray Disc, 2011) The Christmas Shoes (Blu-ray Disc, 2011) Paypal US $9.99 21d 4h 32m
The Christmas Shoes (DVD, 2006) The Christmas Shoes (DVD, 2006) Paypal 0 Bid US $.99 14h 42m
The Christmas Shoes (Blu-ray Disc, 2011) The Christmas Shoes (Blu-ray Disc, 2011) Paypal 0 Bid US $11.93 17h 46m

#4 It’s a Wonderful Life 1946

It's a Wonderful Life never won an Oscar and was considered a flop when it was first released, but today is definitely considered a classic.  The 1946 drama has been given the honor of being One of the 100 Best American Films Ever Made by the American Film Institute.

Courage, self Sacrifice, and the value of friends and family are the simple thoughts that were the inspiration for this film, that was loosely based on a short story called, "The Greatest Gift."

A Frank Capra movie starring James Stewart as George Bailey, the story takes place in the fictional town of Bedford Falls shortly after World War II.  George is a man whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve gains the attention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers) who is sent to help him in his hour of need.  Much of the film is told in flashbacks, spanning George's entire life, told by two angles who are preparing Clarence for his mission to help George.  They plan to show George all the people whose lives he has touched and the wonderful difference he has made in the community he lives.

It's A Wonderful Life Trivia:

  • Not originally a "Christmas Picture," according to the director Frank Capra
  • The studio trailers played up the romance between Stewart and Reed and downplayed gloom - this backfired and the movie barely turned a profit on its first release.
  • The movie didn't become popular until the 1970's, when it went into the public domain and was played by PBS on TV
  • Both Capra and James Stewart called this their favorite film

It's a Wonderful Life is one of those movies that actually improves with familiarity, and can be enjoyed an indefinite number of times. This tale of George Bailey and his Christmas Eve visit by a guardian angel has become an annual tradition to families who see the movie every Christmas, never tiring of its message.

It frequently plays on TV during the holiday season, but it is such a wonderful movie, most people like to have a copy of their own. :-)

It's a Wonderful Life (DVD, 2007, 2-Disc Set) It's a Wonderful Life (DVD, 2007, 2-Disc Set) Paypal 1 Bid US $1.99 8h 29m
It's a Wonderful Life (VHS, 1993, Uncut; Slipsleeve) It's a Wonderful Life (VHS, 1993, Uncut; Slipsleeve) Paypal 0 Bid US $3.49 12h 32m
It's a Wonderful Life (DVD, 1998, Uncut; Silver Screen Classics) It's a Wonderful Life (DVD, 1998, Uncut; Silver Screen Classics) Paypal 0 Bid US $5.99 13h

#3 Arnold Schwarzenegger Christmas Movie – Jingle All The Way

Jingle all the Way is more than just a Christmas Movie; it is The Arnold Schwarzenegger Christmas Movie.  It is from 1996, but still a popular Christmas movie.  I had three young children in 96 and though I would never go to those lengths to find a toy they wanted for Christmas, I could understand the father played by our Governor (yes, I live in California), wanting to make his son happy, after the workaholic dad had disappointed him once again.

The tag line of the movie was: Two Dads, One Toy, No Prisoners.   The dads in this movie are on a mission to buy the most popular, and sold-out, toy of the year, Turbo Man.  Sometimes I wonder if this is what it was like for parents trying to find the last available Cabbage Patch Kids doll in 1983.  That frenzy was said to have inspired this movie, but I don't know.

The funny cast includes a few more dads trying to locate the unobtainable Christmas toy, hoping their children will look at them as heroes, instead of the toy.

    • Sinbad
    • Phil Hartman
    • Robert Conrad
    • Martin Mull
    • Rita Wilson
    • James Belushi

    The movie basically revolves around Arnold and Sinbad nearly killing each other trying to find the last Turbo Man for their son.

    Arnold really isn't what makes this movie, but considering who he is, this will always be his Christmas movie.  Not a classic, nothing about the true meaning of Christmas, but a funny escape for 90 minutes if you are looking for a lightweight comedy.

    I promise, tomorrow MovieSisters will bring you something meaningful for your Christmas viewing!

    Jingle All The Way (2004) - Used - Digital Video Disc ( Jingle All The Way (2004) - Used - Digital Video Disc ( Paypal US $1.99 4d 7h 33m
    Jingle All the Way (VHS, 1997) Jingle All the Way (VHS, 1997) Paypal 0 Bid US $.99 12h 56m
    Jingle All the Way (DVD, 2007, Family Fun Edition) Jingle All the Way (DVD, 2007, Family Fun Edition) Paypal 0 Bid US $11.29 17h 53m

    #1 Christmas with the Kranks DVD

    When Luther and Nora Krank's (TIM ALLEN & JAMIE LEE CURTIS) only daughter Blair leaves the family nest, they decide to skip Christmas and go on an island cruise.  But their decision to boycott tradition has their whole neighborhood in a uproar.

    When Blair calls on Christmas Eve to announce that she and her new fiance are coming home for the holiday, the Kranks have just twelve hours to perform a miracle and pull themselves and their neighborhood together to throw the best Christmas party ever!

    Based on John Grisham's best-selling novel, "Skipping Christmas," Christmas With the Kranks has become a family classic, with tons of hilarious situations ensuing as the Kranks, with a little help from the neighbors, pull off a Christmas miracle before their daughter returns.

    Lot's of fun with many sweet family moments; not your average Christmas comedy.

    Includes:

    • Tim Allen
    • Jamie Lee Curtis
    • Dan Aykroyd
    • Erik Per Sullivan
    • M. Emmet Walsh
    • Cheech Marin

    Favorite quotes from the movie:

    Nora Krank: Why would we want to get tans before the cruise? I thought the idea was to get them DURING the cruise.

    Luther Krank: Look at us, we kind of look like uncooked chicken.

    Spike Frohmeyer: You're skipping Christmas! Isn't that against the law?!

    ~Brooke

    Christmas with the Kranks (DVD, 2007, Canadian) Christmas with the Kranks (DVD, 2007, Canadian) Paypal US $17.97 28d 15h 16m
    Christmas with the Kranks (DVD, 2005) Christmas with the Kranks (DVD, 2005) Paypal US $3.98 29d 13h 57m
    Christmas with the Kranks (DVD, 2005) Christmas with the Kranks (DVD, 2005) Paypal US $.99 29d 9h 47m

    Top 10 Funny Movies

    Top Ten Lists are pretty popular on the internet, and movies are no exception.  Do you want to know what are the Top Ten Funniest Movies?  Our list may not be the same as yours, but I am sure you will find something to laugh at among The MovieSisters.com Top Ten Funny Movies.

    Each of the following Top Ten Comedies have a few things in common that make owning a copy worth while:

    • We can watch them more than once and still laugh
    • There are some lines in these movies that have become favorite jokes in our family - repeating them never gets old!
    • They are funny :-)

    So here is my family's list of top ten favorite comedies, in no particular order:

    1. School of Rock

    The School of Rock (DVD, 2004, Widescreen) The School of Rock (DVD, 2004, Widescreen) Paypal 0 Bid US $2.50 9h 13m

    2. Kicking and Screaming

    KICKING AND SCREAMING [WS] [DVD NEW] KICKING AND SCREAMING [WS] [DVD NEW] Paypal US $8.75 6h 11m

    3. My Big Fat Greek Wedding

    My Big Fat Greek Wedding (DVD 2002) Nia Vardalos Michael Constantine  Joel Zwick My Big Fat Greek Wedding (DVD 2002) Nia Vardalos Michael Constantine Joel Zwick Paypal 0 Bid US $6.99 3h 41m

    4. The Wedding Planner

    The Wedding Planner, New DVD, Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, Adam Shankman The Wedding Planner, New DVD, Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, Adam Shankman Paypal US $5.98 19d 8h 47m

    5. Fun With Dick and Jane

    Fun with Dick and Jane (DVD, 2005, Repackaged) Fun with Dick and Jane (DVD, 2005, Repackaged) Paypal US $8.73 23d 7h 48m

    6. The Devil Wears Prada

    THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA - NEW BLU-RAY THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA - NEW BLU-RAY Paypal US $12.48 14d 22h 49m

    7. College Road Trip

    College Road Trip (2008) - Previously Viewed - Blu-ray College Road Trip (2008) - Previously Viewed - Blu-ray Paypal US $3.00 23d 35m

    8. Get Smart

    Get Smart - The Complete Series (DVD, 2008) Get Smart - The Complete Series (DVD, 2008) Paypal US $14.08 23d 7h 48m

    9. Big

    BIG-TOM HANKS   LASERDISC-NTSC WS. RARE BIG-TOM HANKS LASERDISC-NTSC WS. RARE Paypal US $12.99 20d 16h 45m

    10. 17 Again

    17 Again (Blu-ray Disc, 2009, 2-Disc Set) NEW 17 Again (Blu-ray Disc, 2009, 2-Disc Set) NEW Paypal US $4.95 4h 20m

    The Chosen DVD Robby Benson

    Based on the best-selling novel by Chaim Potok, The Chosen is the story of two friends that determined to remain as friends despite the extreme differences in their families.

    The two teenage boys are both from Orthodox Jewish families living in New York during the Second World War.  The film stars Robby Benson as Danny Saunders, the son of a Hasidic Rabbi (Rod Steiger), and Barry Miller as Reuven, the son of a reformed Jew (played by Maximillian Schell), raised to question everything, including his faith.

    The boy's are both Jewish, but the differences between Hasidic Jews and modern orthodox Jews continually threatens to destroy the friendship between Danny and Rueven.

    The movie also includes the controversy over the state of Israel, which further divides the friendship when it is obvious that their fathers are on opposite ends of the spectrum.

    Though they are so different, the boys share the common thread of wanting what the other has.  One has a strong family and the other has a stronger culture and is more educated.  Though Reuven is welcomed into the Saunders family, the line is drawn when he takes a liking to Danny's sister, who is already promised in an arranged marriage, as is the custom for Hasisdic Jews.

    How the friends navigate their lives going off to college, is interesting and often sad, as each of their father's strong beliefs threaten to destroy their own, in this unique coming of age drama.

    This is my favorite quote from the movie: "There is a story in the Talmud about a king who had a son who went astray. The son was told, 'Return to your father.' The son replied that he could not. The king then sent a messenger to the son with the message... 'Come back to me as far as you can, and I will meet you the rest of the way."

    The Chosen - Robby Benson  ~  New DVD  ~ The Chosen - Robby Benson ~ New DVD ~ Paypal US $16.90 8d 5h 51m
    THE CHOSEN Rod Steiger Robby Benson 1981 jew RARE VHS THE CHOSEN Rod Steiger Robby Benson 1981 jew RARE VHS Paypal US $7.49 18d 13h 46m
    DVD The Chosen Maximilian Schell, Rod Steiger, Robby Benson, Barry Miller, Hildy DVD The Chosen Maximilian Schell, Rod Steiger, Robby Benson, Barry Miller, Hildy Paypal US $23.89 13d 12h 31m