Cornerhouse has programmed a selection of classic and recent festive favourites for all the family to enjoy this December, including the timeless and much beloved It’s a Wonderful Life – it wouldn’t be a Cornerhouse Christmas without it!
WINTER WONDERLAND
Gremlins
Sat 8 Dec, 18:00 & Thu 13 Dec, 20:30
Dir Joe Dante/US 1984/102 mins/15
Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Polly Holliday, Keye Luke
A sleepy American suburban town gets a rude awakening in this classic 80s comedy horror. Teenager Billy gets more than he bargains for when caring for his exotic new pet goes catastrophically wrong. Accident- prone Billy has just three simple rules to follow, but his failing on all three counts results in cute mogwai Gizmo being joined by a band of malevolent, mischievous gremlins and all hell breaks loose. Screening from the original 35mm print, don’t miss this one-off opportunity to catch this cult classic on the big screen.
Elf
Sun 16 Dec, 15:40 & Tue 18 Dec, 18:20
Dir Jon Favreau/US 2003/97 mins/PG
Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Edward Asner, Mary Steenburgen
Elf is a delightful fantasy comedy that follows the fish-out-of-water story of Buddy; an oversized elf who leaves the North Pole for Manhattan in search of his real family, after realising he is in fact a human inadvertently raised as an elf. Under the watchful eye of writer/director Jon Favreau, Will Ferrell’s performance as loveable man-child Buddy is played with supreme comedic skill. With a tongue in cheek story and accessible humour for children and adults alike, Elf is a true modern Christmas classic.
New Print: It’s a Wonderful Life
Wed 19 – Sun 23 Dec
Dir Frank Capra/US 1948/131 mins/U
James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
This ultimate feel good and festive favourite, from Oscar-winning director Frank Capra, stars James Stewart as despairing businessmen George Bailey. One fateful Christmas Eve, George receives a visit from Clarence, a celestial messenger, who prevents him from jumping into a freezing river. The pair travel together through moments in George’s life to show him what the world would be like if he had never existed. A genuinely tender and enduring piece of yuletide cinema.
Miracle on 34th Street
Fri 21 Dec, 17:45 & Sun 23 Dec, 15:30
Dir George Seaton/US 1947/96 mins/U
Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood, Edmund Gwenn
In his Oscar-winning role, Edmund Gwenn excels as Kris Kringle; a bearded old man who stumbles across a commotion backstage at New York’s Thanksgiving parade, only to be rushed onto a float to play Santa Claus. Proving to be a roaring success with the crowds, he is hired by Macy’s to work as Santa throughout the festive season in their department store grotto. However, when his enthusiasm for his job appears to go a little too far and he begins to claim to be the real thing, he is put on trial by the non-believers for insanity. His only hope of salvation lies with a little girl, played by an enchanting 9-year old Natalie Wood, whose no- nonsense mother taught her that Santa doesn’t exist. An essential Christmas film which depicts yuletide goodwill at its best, with real cheer with charm.
Edward Scissorhands
Sat 22 Dec, 18:10
Dir Tim Burton/US 1990/101 mins/12
Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Kathy Baker
This magical fairytale romance is one of director Tim Burton’s masterpieces and, even 22 years since its release, shows no sign of losing its visual prowess and hauntingly powerful story. A reinterpretation on the Frankenstein story, Edward’s inventor unfortunately dies before he finishes his creation leaving him to grow up all alone in an eerie castle with cumbersome blades in place of his hands. A humble and gentle soul, Edward eventually makes contact with the real world and what ensues is a delightfully pastel-coloured vision of an outsider trying to fit in. Featuring Johnny Depp in the first of his eight Tim Burton collaborations to date and with a wonderfully playful score from Danny Elfman, Edward Scissorhands is an emotional and unforgettable comic fable.
More in info on the Cornerhouse website.
