Christmas arrives at The Good, The Bad and The Remake offices for real this time, as we watch the two Miracle on 34th Street films.
The original, directed in 1947 by George Seaton, is something of a classic, brimming with festive wonder and cheer, as well as getting properly stuck in to questions of mental health, commercialism and politics. There are also thoroughly endearing turns from Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle and young Natalie Wood as the girl who doesn't believe in santa. If you only watch one Christmas film this year, The GBR team recommend you make it this one.
However, the 1994 remake - overseen by John 'Home Alone' Hughes - is probably even better known and stars young Mara Wilson in the Natalie Wood role, Sir Richard Attenborough is perfectly cast in the Kris Kringle role and then there's the debate-stirring Dylan McDermott in a rather fetching sweater. There's no question of the film's sweetness and sentimental charms, but can it hold a christingle candle to the earlier film? More importantly, can it join the rarified ranks of the films that have earned a Remazing rating?
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Music is 'Bring Me the West' by phlaala
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