By Michael Balderston
A couple of weeks ago we polled you, our readers, on what your favorite Christmas themed movie was. Now that the holiday season is in full effect, it’s time to reveal which holiday classic’s you voted for, including one that was left off our initial list. Here are the results
5. The Polar Express
NoVA apparently believes enough to rank “The Polar Express” as its fifth favorite Christmas movie. Based on Chris Van Allsburg’s classic children’s book, the Robert Zemeckis film stars Tom Hanks, Eddie Deezen and Nona Gaye in multiple performance-capture roles as a group of children who take a train to the North Pole where one of them will receive the first gift of Christmas from Santa Claus.
4. Love Actually
With more stars packed in than gifts under the Christmas tree, “Love Actually” comes in at number four for NoVA. Whether it’s Bill Nighy’s lude rocker, Hugh Grant’s dancing Prime Minister, or Liam Neeson helping his stepson find love, there is more than enough to enjoy in this ensemble comedy.
3. A Christmas Story
The Red Ryder B.B. Gun, the bunny pajamas, tongues freezing to metal poles and the fish stocking leg lamp have all become iconic, albeit unusual, Christmas imagery. Director Bob Clark’s Christmas comedy still holds a special place in many people’s hearts, enough so to make it number three on our poll of favorite Christmas movies. I’m confident now that more than a few people will be spending their Christmas day watching the 24-hour marathon on TBS.
2. Die Hard 2
Not all Christmas movies center around jolly old St. Nick or finding love under the mistletoe, sometimes Christmas is rung in with massive explosions and a yippie-kay-yay. The first two “Die Hard” movies feature Bruce Willis’ John McClane dealing with crazy villains who put a damper on his holiday plans. NoVA has a fondness for “Die Hard 2,” though, as it is set at our very own Dulles Airport.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life
There’s a reason that Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” is not only regarded as a Christmas classic, but one of the best movies of all-time. Clearly, northern Virginia agrees with that statement as it tops the list of favorite Christmas movies in NoVA. What would Christmas be like without Jimmy Stewart’s George Bailey? Much like Bedford Falls, we wouldn’t want to know.
