Stephen Arnell

Christmas films for all the family

  • From Spectator Life
Mrs Doubtfire, Shutterstock

According to Collins English Dictionary, a ‘Feel-Good’ movie is one ‘which presents people and life in a way which makes those who watch it feel happy and optimistic’

Of course, one person’s feel-good picture could be another’s syrupy turn off.

I have yet to see The Sound of Music (dubbed by star Christopher Plummer as ‘The Sound of Mucus’), Frozen or ET, and have no plans to do so.

With this in mind, here’s my selection of movies that should keep the whole family watching together, with enough knowing humour or inadvertent yuks to engage the adults.

Stardust (2007) Amazon Rent/Buy

Matthew Vaughn’s adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel is a light-hearted romantic fantasy with a Princess Bride vibe that serves as an antidote to the likes of His Dark Materials and the epically turgid Wheel of Time.

When the King of Stormhold (Peter O’Toole) dies, his fratricidal sons compete to occupy the throne.

Meanwhile, likely lad Tristan (Charlie Cox) ventures across the border from the real world to bring back a falling star (Claire Danes) to prove his love to the flighty Victoria (Sienna Miller).

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