December 1, 2009
Prof: Where are the Christmas movies? Lack of holiday films is baffling
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The holiday box office is noticeably lacking holiday-themed films this year, says a Purdue University professor."A Christmas Carol," the sole holiday-themed movie of 2009, was released early in the season on Nov. 4.
William Palmer, a professor of film and English in Purdue's College of Liberal Arts, says it is noteworthy that there won't be any more holiday releases to follow.
"This is a significant shift from recent years, where the first holiday release in November traditionally heralded a bevy of Santa movies, reindeer movies and the like. Picture the 'Santa Clause' or 'Home Alone' movies and their sequels," Palmer says. "But not so this year."
In contrast, the 2008 season featured "Four Christmases," and "Nothing Like the Holidays." The 2007 season introduced "Fred Claus," "This Christmas," "Home for Christmas," and a 3-D release of "The Nightmare Before Christmas."
"If you're still in the mood to watch a Christmas flick, I'd suggest heading to the rental store and checking out some of the 'ghosts from Christmases past,'" Palmer says.
His picks include "Polar Express," "Scrooged," "Elf," and one of his favorites, "Love Actually," which he describes as an engaging and creative holiday movie.
Writer: Natalie Palmer, 765-496-3006, ncfox@purdue.edu
Source: William Palmer, 765-494-3729, wjpalmer@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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