Everyone has those little traditions to bring in this time of year, with one of those top celebrated pastimes being able to kick back with your loved ones and enjoy the groups’ favourite flick. Happy December from the team here at IPM, that last month of the year and the time known for the hustle and bustle, the rush to meet deadlines and bring ourselves closer to family and friends. These can range from energetic musicals filled with numbers guaranteed to get the family in singalong, a good old children’s animated feature or a classic Hollywood blockbuster with the heart-warming fairy tale ending. Whatever is your family’s guilty pleasure, or in this case, Christmas tradition perhaps you will find some new treasures from our “naughty and nice” list to add to your own. Our team has had a look at some traditional film choices as well as film inspirations for you this holiday season!

​Boasting two successful sequels- small spoiler: we get to go to New York at one point. Con? It’s not entirely as fun as it sounds- there’s always a good chance that not only the first one will broadcast on your local screens, so you get to enjoy the full trilogy from start to finish. Let the tears of joy and laughter ensue.

It’s hard to say what exactly draws the viewer into this hauntingly beautiful visual of childlike wonderment and festive spirit- we imagine it to be the minimal  dialogue that allows the whole family to pay attention to non-verbal clues. ​Perhaps in that it was adapted from an acclaimed 70s children’s book, then released to a new generation of 80s babies, who in turn encouraged that fascination with their children, etc…IPM thinks it may lie in the central song “Walking in the Air” performed by young schoolboy Peter Auty, who’s ethereal vocals complement the climax of the short film’s adventures. The fact of it being a young child being both the vocal emotional core for the film, and it’s main character combined with the overall whimsical tone of the film makes it even more fitting as a movie to captured both children’s and adults hearts.

Love Actually
An array of plotlines, intermingling the lives of young lovers to the Prime Minister of the UK, the modern holiday classic was directed and written by Richard Curtis. With an ensemble of great UK names headlining this holiday film, there is a familiar face for everyone to identify. The initial release of the film actually received mixed reviews from audiences, but once it hit the UK Box Office it was welcomed with great praised and became an audience favourite for the Christmas season. Who doesn’t fall in love with the young bright eyed Sam’s trouble with his first love as the holiday’s come around as his newly widowed father navigates single parenthood!  

Gremlins
Though it is debated whether Gremlins is a Christmas film, the original release of the Horror-Comedy and memorable 80’s classic was during the summer period, but has since become a go-to for the holidays. It follows the story of struggling inventor Randall Peltzer who buys an unusual, furry creature as a Christmas present for his son.  However the strange pet Gizmo soon spawns other creatures which transform into little gremlins, and wreaks havoc across the town during the festive period. Gremlins was produced at a time when combining horror and comedy was becoming increasingly popular and to this day is still a classic.