Film critics are wanting to cancel several Christmas classics over toxic masculinity. One of them being, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Critics are calling out problematic plots, and characters in older holiday movies. Most Americans turn to them for enjoyment around the holidays.
It’s not just the recent holiday films. Movies from the 1940’s have been targeted for racism and other backlash, as well.
The New York Post names five holiday movies that critics want banned.
Christmas Classics Facing Backlash
First, “The Holiday” has become an appealing Christmas classic in the 15 years it’s been out. Viewers can watch this film on Netflix. We know that many people love the main characters, Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, and the male characters leave critics disgusted.
Jude Law who plays Graham, a widowed book editor, drunkenly shows up at Amanda Woods characters’ house. Critics view their sexual behaviors as inappropriate for the audience.
At the end of the day, Graham warns Amanda that he tends to hurt women by being himself. This simply means that he has a classic male problem of no follow-through. One critic stated that Jude Law is not loyal to girls.
Reviewers are not happy with Jack Black’s character, Miles making moves on Winslet’s character, Iris. They say Black’s character behaves like a dangerous psychopath.
Critics are after the film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” as well. They say Jimmy Stewart’s character displays misogynistic behavior throughout each scene he appears in. George Bailey yells at his wife in one scene, and in another he kisses her without consent.
“The Santa Clause” is receiving some critical comments, too. I know, it’s hard to believe the almost $200 million Christmas movie with two sequels is getting some criticism.
In the film, Tim Allen plays a toy salesman, Scott Calvin, who assumes the duties of Santa Claus and begins to gain weight to resemble his appearance. The sudden weight gain causes many fat jokes, and critics believe this references fatphobia.
More Christmas Movies Being Criticized
The “Jingle All The Way” Christmas classic’s criticism is ruining a nostalgic rewatch this year. It was released in 1996 with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad portraying rival characters, as they try to purchase a Turbo-Man action figure for their sons for Christmas.
Some people claim that Phil Hartman’s character, Ted is creepy. His unintentional advances on Liz spoil the seasonal film.
On the other hand, “Love Actually” charmed American audiences in 2003. This love story features Mariah Carey’s hit Christmas song, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”
Critics argue that some jokes and storylines make them angry.
Where to Watch these Christmas Classics
These movies are available on-demand, or on numerous streaming services around this time of year. Enjoy them while you can. Happy holidays!