Editor's note: As the Holiday Season is rapidly approaching, Cigar Weekly is pleased to re-publish this popular feature article from last year.

ROB'S TOP 10 CHRISTMAS FILMS

It's almost that time of the year. Soon, we'll be unpacking decorations stored away since last year. The kids will be giving us lists of all the presents they hope to find under the tree. My wife will be deciding what foods she will make for our family gathering. Yes, the Christmas season is upon us. And what better way to celebrate the season than with Christmas movies.

Starting on Thanksgiving Day, I begin my annual Christmas movie celebration. I usually view at least one film a day, watching some of my favorites several times throughout the season. The films I have listed here, along with mini-reviews, are my top 10 favorites. This list is certainly not exhaustive. These are the films that highlight the joy and beauty of the season for me.

Seven Samurai (1954)
Blu-Ray

I recently wrote about my favorite film of all time, the 1953 George Stevens masterpiece, Shane. For this review, I’m going to tell you about the best film ever made. Confused? Allow me to explain.

I’ve written about my favorite film, Shane, as well as (at least I think) the greatest film ever made, Seven Samurai. Now, I’m going to tell you about the greatest movie franchise.

Let’s face it – movie franchises aren’t always executed well. Usually, the first film is excellent. And then each film after that goes down a notch, with viewers following along simply because they love a character, characters or story. We do this despite the fact that each film is worse than the one before it. There are exceptions to this rule. The Empire Strikes Back and Terminator 2 are examples. But for the most part, a series franchise worsens the longer it extends.

Shane (1953)
Blu-Ray

“What’s your favorite film?” That’s a question I am often asked, and with good reason. Having a personal movie collection of almost 1000 DVDs, HD DVDs and Blu-Rays, as well as watching close to 300 movies a year, I fit the description of a movie fanatic. I don’t often watch regular TV, but spend most of my TV time watching movies.

Over many years, when asked what my favorite film is, I've answered the same way: "I don’t have a favorite." Sure, I am fond of many films. But choosing just one favorite film seems impossible. Eventually, however, I've been able to narrow the choices down and make my single selection.

Monday December 29, 2014

The initial days of November 1961 dawned amid both fear and hope. While the world continued to shiver through the ominous chill of the Cold War, U Thant became acting Secretary General of the United Nations following the sudden, and suspicious, death of Dag Hammarskjöld. Scotsman Sean Connery garnered the lead role in the upcoming James Bond film, Dr. No. A United States of America federal order banning segregation at interstate public facilities took effect. The Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, visited New York. And in a tiny yet fabled Greenwich Village nightclub, a noteworthy ensemble of musicians expanded the boundaries of contemporary jazz. The leader of the group was a 35 year old saxophonist named John Coltrane. 

Publisher's Note: CW Contributing Editor Rob Geyer (Rob G) has graciously volunteered to write a regular column on movies. He also is the proud owner of his own man cave, where he can smoke cigars while he watches movies. This column isn't meant to be like Roger Ebert, but rather a review of movies available on DVD that Rob has recently viewed and/or enjoyed.

Seabiscuit (2003)

HD DVD  

It’s the 1920s, and the United States is feeling the full effect of the industrial revolution. Henry Ford’s assembly line has changed the face of American industry forever. Cowboys like Tom Smith (Chris Cooper) become displaced, as the wide open plains of the western frontier slowly disappear. Many are forced to find work elsewhere. Some, like Tom, take up jobs with sideshows, circuses and rodeos.