THE NOMAD ARCHITECT: 12/17/24 NO. 9 ON THE 2024 NOMAD ARCHITECT CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

12/17/24 NO. 9 ON THE 2024 NOMAD ARCHITECT CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - GREAT CHRISTMAS MOVIE SCENES

Things do indeed change. It's been quite a while since we went to see a movie in a theatre. Recently, I read a reviewer's opinion on why the movie industry is struggling today. Movie attendance at theatres is 46% of what it was in 2021. That is significant. In a simple statement this movie observer answered the question - NETFLIX, AMAZON, TV and, most important, bad movie making.

So today, let's enjoy a quick look at some scenes from some of the greatest Christmas movies ever made

First Up - The tongue scene from A Christmas Story reminds us all of what it's like being a kid and having no idea what you're doing. I never did anything like this because, well, it just doesn't get that cold where I live. Of course, the tongue and the kid finally get rescued because of the teacher, the fire department and the cops. And like they say - kids will be kids! - 1983 - A CHRISTMAS STORY!

Bonus Track - This often-hilarious movie became a Christmas Classic. Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid and a great supporting cast, this movie shows the clueless dad trying to light the house for Christmas. As usual, mom figures it all out and saves the lights to the astonishment of the scornful neighbors - 1989 - CHRISTMAS VACATION!

Bonus Track 2 - IMHO, this is the greatest Christmas movie ever made.

This amazing film places George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), in the role of the hero, as it appears as though George’s good works ultimately helped save his family and community throughout economic hardship. The film follows George on Christmas Eve as he contemplates taking his own life. Before he can take any serious action, a second-class angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) appears and begins to show George how the lives of people around him would have been different if he were not there to intercede. Many of the scenarios that George must grapple with would be frustrating for anyone, thus in many cases George’s emotional responses make sense. However, George's wife Mary (Donna Reed) bears almost identical burdens and always responds as she must to protect her family. - 1946 - The final scene - It's A Wonderful Life!