225 staffers’ top 10 Christmas flick picks

When the request went out to 225 staffers to help compile the top 10 best Christmas films, Business Report Executive Editor JR Ball said, “A Christmas Story. That’s the list… the entire list.” Most of us agree, but still found some films worth a mention during the holiday break. Here are our suggestions (in no particular order):- Elf – Try topping Will Farrell raised by elves. – Scrooged – When Ebenezer Scrooge gets a hold of Bacardi at Christmas, you’ll know it’s another brilliant performance from Bill Murray. – Miracle on 34th Street – If the U.S. government says you’re Santa Claus, and it’s enough for the courts to agree, then that’s good enough for us all. Starring Maureen O’Hara and Natalie Wood.- Muppet Christmas Carol – Narrated by Gonzo, this adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic stars Michael Caine as Scrooge. Directed by Jim Henson’s son, Brian, in 1992.- Christmas on Mars – If Rod Serling, David Lynch and Michael Nesmith put their heads together, you’d get a movie much like Christmas on Mars, the long-anticipated futuristic film by the Flaming Lips, just released on DVD.- Home Alone – If between 1990 and ’95 you watched this over and over until your cheeks turned raw from slapping them, this holiday may be the opportunity you need to rekindle your love for Macaulay. Besides, John Candy’s in it.- Gremlins – See if you can find E.T. in the background.- Cider House Rules – Because Christmas is the best time to find your place in this world- Rudy – Says 225 designer Carolyn Blakely, a Chicago native, “I don’t know why, but my family watches this one every year… a classic family film and a tearjerker.”- “Night of the Meek” – starring Art Carney as drunken Santa in the 1960 TV series, Twilight Zone. If you can’t access that jewel, find the version remade in 1986.