Gotta love Bill Murray. The classic Dickens tale is retold in big city fashion for a self- absorbed entertainment executive. You know the story, of course. So the magic is in the retelling, and the inevitable humor with Bill Murray in the starring role.

A community, a church, a family: all are in need of a Christmas miracle. Dudley the angel arrives to answer their prayers. Watch this any time of the year. But I especially recommend it in mid-December when the pressure and commercial gloss leave you needing a shot of the true meaning of Christmas. The soundtrack and musical numbers with Whitney Houston are bonus.

Admit it, you didn’t see it in the theatre. No one did, except me, and the other people working the popcorn counter. Since you weren’t there, we had lots of time to slip into the theatre and watch it during the brief run. You don’t have to buy the DVD right now either, unless you want a commercial-free version. This lovely family show is usually played to death on television.

Pretty sure this is the only R rated film on the list. It’s rated R for its very British handling of sexuality. This same very accepting sensibility, applied to the very non-British theme of love, is a tear jerker every time, as it looks at love in the family from different voices and points of view. So be aware, and watch with tissues, but without the kids.