Woke wannabe film critics cancel Christmas classics over ‘toxic masculinity’
Bah, humbug!
Woke wannabe critics are attempting to cancel some of the most beloved holiday films in history, calling out problematic plot lines and characters in movies such as “Love Actually” (2003) and “The Holiday” (2006).
While many Americans find comfort in reruns of these films, some Scrooge-like viewers claim the Christmas classics should be thrown out like an unwanted gift.
And it’s not just those relatively recent holiday films that are attracting the ire of politically correct users on Twitter.
Movies made as far back as the 1940s are also being targeted by the Twitterverse for racism and misogyny.
Here are five Christmas movies and the reasons why woke critics say they should all be placed on Santa’s Naughty List.
‘The Holiday’
In the 15 years since its release, “The Holiday” has become a beloved Christmas classic. Currently streaming on Netflix, the Nancy Meyers rom-com has officially “entered the holiday canon,” according to Parade.
And while many love the film for its leading ladies, Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, it’s the lecherous male characters that leave some armchair critics calling for its cancellation.
Jude Law plays Graham, a widowed book editor who drunkenly shows up at a house being rented by Diaz’s character, Amanda Woods. The pair proceed to have sex — an act some Twitter users say seems icky and inappropriate.
Graham later cautions Amanda, “I tend to hurt women simply by being myself,” adding that he has a “classic male problem of no follow-through.”
“Unfortunately I have realized Jude Law in ‘The Holiday’ is a f–kboy,” one critic stated.
Meanwhile, Jack Black’s character, Miles, has also been criticized for making moves on Winslet’s emotionally vulnerable character, Iris.
“Jack Black’s ‘charming’ character behaves like a dangerous sociopath throughout. It’s a film about toxic masculinity that doesn’t know it’s a film about toxic masculinity,” one surmised.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
It’s not just “The Holiday” that purportedly features problematic men.
Frank Capra’s Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” is also being targeted by viewers who accuse Jimmy Stewart’s character of exhibiting “misogynistic” behavior.
The movie revolves around protagonist George Bailey — a loan banker contemplating suicide on the eve of Christmas. However, the film highlights how Bailey’s life is worth living, as his kind heart and good deeds have subtly influenced the lives of many in the town of Bedford Falls.
But skeptics say, “Not so fast!”
“George Bailey was an emotionally abusive and a manipulative misogynist,” wrote one naysayer, appearing to reference a scene where George yells at his wife, Mary.
In a follow-up scene, George grabs his spouse and kisses her without consent.
“The scene in It’s a Wonderful Life is an example of both the man imposing himself, and the woman deciding to give in to him, rather than resist further,” one outraged viewer posted.
Others are calling out the lack of diversity in the 1946 flick.
“I see @NBC is playing ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ right now. It’s in B&W. Is that why I see no people of color?” a viewer posted last week.
‘The Santa Clause’
“The Santa Clause” was a box-office smash back in 1994, grossing almost $200 million and spawning two sequels.
But some viewers say the film hasn’t aged well in the 27 years since its release and have branded it as “fatphobic.”
Tim Allen plays toy salesman Scott Calvin, who assumes the duties of Santa Claus and begins to pile on the pounds in order to resemble him. The sudden weight gain prompts several fat jokes, which are far from politically correct in today’s Hollywood.
“Well s–t, I forgot about all the super fatphobic s-it in The Santa Clause Disney movie. Dammit,” a disappointed viewer wrote after a rewatch last week.
“Oh, gosh, I haven’t seen it since I was a kid. I was looking forward to rewatching, but I don’t think I could deal with that right now. Thanks for the heads up!” an ally responded.
‘Jingle All The Way’
Like “The Santa Clause,” “Jingle All The Way” became a ’90s Christmas classic — but woke critics say problematic characters and themes ruin a nostalgic rewatch.
The 1996 film sees Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad play rival characters desperately trying to purchase a Turbo-Man action figure for their respective sons for Christmas.
The relentless focus on capitalism has turned some woke viewers off, with one saying: “Rum-soaked viewing of Jingle All The Way now and gang, this is a deeply problematic s–t fest about late capitalism.”
Others have taken issue with a seemingly perfect neighbor named Ted, played by Phil Hartman, who offers a sympathetic ear to Rita Wilson’s character, Liz.
Some claim Ted is “creepy” and that his inadvertent advances on Liz spoil the seasonal film.
“I am now realizing as an adult, how problematic Jingle All The Way is,” a social media critic surmised.
‘Love Actually’
British hit “Love Actually” charmed American audiences following its release in 2003, and it is watched in households all across the country during the festive season.
The star-studded flick is comprised of interconnected love stories and features seasonal tracks, including Mariah Carey’s perennial hit “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”
Some jokes and storylines, though, have made politically correct critics furious.
Chief among them is a plotline involving Mark (Andrew Lincoln), a man in love with his best friend’s wife, Juliet (Keira Knightley).
Juliet soon learns of Mark’s motives when she sees a video Mark has made on her wedding day, in which he obsessively zooms in on her.
“This part of love actually is treason…its not cute, it’s not endearing…he’s a creepy prick who’s in love with his best friend’s wife…no for me. F–k you Mark,” one raged.
“Why does nobody ever talk about the stalker video that Mark makes at the wedding. That s–t ain’t romantic or cute it’s creepy as hell and if that was done now he’d be outed all over the internet like the weirdo stalker that he is,” another concurred.
However, that viewer added that they “proper love” the movie, despite its flaws.
Dozens of others on Twitter have all acknowledged problems with the film, but have leaped to its defense.
“Just warning y’all if anyone in the next few weeks shows up on my timeline critiquing love actually you will be blocked. you have been warned. i will enjoy my problematic christmas movie in peace. thank you,” a fan defiantly declared.
