A classic holiday movie that is still relevant today always makes for a great film. Miracle on 34th Street is probably the best Christmas movie to get into the holiday spirit. It takes place on 34th Street in New York City where the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is taking off and a new Santa Claus is hired at random. He gets hired at the Macy’s department store and mysteriously makes almost the impossible suddenly possible every time.
I really enjoyed this movie from start to finish. Even despite the black and white quality and the actual 1940 release date, it was still so relevant today. The topic of commercialism in regards to Christmas was one of the main discussions in the movie which is still speculated today. I like how the event director, Doris (Maureen O’Hara), was truthful with her daughter about the true meaning of Santa’s character so she does not get her hopes up. However, I love how the film was kind of a modern fairy tale and encouraged wishful thinking.
The dialogue was a bit lackluster but considering it came out in the early 1940s, I would expect something like this for this time period. The storytelling was still great and makes for a great classic film. I was expecting a more dated plot, and in a way it is, but it still fits the magic of what everyone expects to come from the holiday.
Unfortunately, this digital copy does not include special features. I also felt a bit deceived considering the DVD cover is in color. I was hoping the movie would eventually lead to color like the classic, Wizard of Oz. The black and white was a bit dull and I found myself being less engaged at times. On the plus side, the entire film is on Youtube which is great for easier play and pause access.
The best thing about Miracle on 34th Street is the plot in its entirety. One could watch the film from that time period or even today and it will remain the same. People of all generations can relate and may have been through the exact minor struggles the characters faced during the holiday season. For example, in the beginning of the movie, there was a woman frustrated at Santa because he promised her son a toy that was sold out everywhere. She then confronted Santa about her failed search for her the gift. However, he comforted her by informing her he keeps track of all the toy stores and was certain a specific store still had it.
This was a great example of the whole wishful thinking concept in the film. From personal experience, I know buying gifts for loved ones can be difficult at this time. The movie may have been a bit unrealistic considering the actual Santa factor but it is still a great story for the family to enjoy. Also, kids watching the movie will be entertained to witness the magic that Santa seems to produce.
I would recommend this movie to all families. The mystery of trying to figure out if the man who claims to be Santa is really Santa is intriguing and fun to investigate. It is such a classic and really put me in the Christmas spirit. I think young children may be a bit turned off just because of the lack of color but the magic in the story is always enjoyable. Although, 20th Century Fox has released color editions of the film. There is even a 1994 version of the movie with color. Many of the classic holiday films are in black and white but this one is more fun because Santa Claus is directly involved and kids all over love Santa. I would not consider this one of my favorite holiday films but it is definitely enjoyable and is even more exciting because it is still mentioned and recognized today.
