By Sam Nguyen

 Winter film recommendations that are sure to spread joy and whimsy to movie enthusiasts.

For this winter season, the Raider Review team has put together an inventory of holiday films that encourage festivity. If looking for a goofy and charming short episode, “It’s a Spongebob Christmas,” is the perfect choice. With a beautiful and smooth art style separate from the main show, this special episode of Spongebob Squarepants has a unique charm that is perfect for those who don’t have the time to watch a longer film. I believe that this festive episode deserves a nine out of 10.

Contrary to a series of short episodes, four holiday-themed films are next up on the list. For a dubious and magical movie with lots of disaster and Christmas tones, the movie “Elf” has just that. Created by David Berenbaum and starring Will Ferrell, this movie has an adventurous and impactful story about love and return. The tone of the film is bursting with joy, the wacky story is able to brighten up a home with giggles and gasps. On an opinion-based score, I believe that this story deserves a good eight out of 10. 

For a more sullen and enchanting story, the “Polar Express” hits all of those wonderous and adventurous notes perfectly. The main voice actor being Daryl Sabara, playing the protagonist. The Polar Express has a nostalgic animation style and homey songs—, this movie has the viewer covered with sparkling visuals that catch the eye. The intense chase in the movie also makes up a delectable part of the story; a dramatic film that brings the holiday spirit into the home and transfers the viewer into a world of chuckles. I feel like this movie deserves an eight out of 10.

Moving onto a more mischievous movie, “Home Alone” by John Hughes has lots of wacky and goofy aspects that are sure to make any child giggle with excitement. “Home Alone” sets place in the perspective of a 8 year old boy, Kevin McCallister, being left home alone after his parents leave him by accident. The actor who plays Kevin, Macaulay Culkin, was 10 when the movie was being filmed. The narrative is a slapstick comedy with lots of fun subplots and games. I feel like this story deserves a good nine out of 10.

Finally, for the last movie in the holly jolly recommendations, the Raider Review believes that the well animated and funny movie, “The Grinch,” steals the last spot on our recommendation list. The voice actor who played the Grinch is Benedict Cumberbatch. With a well crafted art style like candy to an eye, it’s perfect for those who love a bit of dubious action in their Christmas movies. I love how the characters reference the old Grinch movies and believe that this film deserves a good eight out of 10. It has a lovely storyline that pairs in with the other Grinch stories.