Twelve Films At Christmas - 5 & 6

 I'm in danger of watching these films too soon - may have to adjust the title of the entries.

A black and white fest this time. Two very different classics in fact. First up was the original 1947 version of Miracle on 34th Street. I am a sucker for the 1994 reboot of this movie as well, but the original has a skilful brevity on its side and if you have cockles in your heart then they will be warmed. In both versions (there is actually a 1973 remake as well but the less said about that the better) the juvenile lead is crucial - Natalie Wood in 1947, Mara Wilson in 1994. The early edition gets 71/100.

Six years on and a very different stamp of a film but a very good one. Film noir does not come much darker than The Big Heat. It tells you much that despite the passage of time and our increased appetite for violence, this still goes out on Sky under a 15 certificate. The violence is not graphic but its unapologetic vigour remains telling. I love the atmosphere of good noir. I love the hats, the suits, the lighting, even the constant smoking is part of the aesthetic. Directed without missing a beat by Fritz Lang the cast are uniformly excellent but particular praise should go to Gloria Grahame's moll. Cinematic gold. 86/100.