Nothing beats snuggling up in front of a movie together to celebrate Christmas.
However, there has been criticism about staples such as Richard Curtis’ Love Actually and It’s a Wonderful Live. Refinery29 taking festive films apart and lambasting the ‘toxic’ male characters.
Social media users are ripping into many of our most loved movies like Bridget Jones’s Diary starring Rene Zellweger for “sexual harassment, fatphobia, and everyday sexism”.
What if your favorite Christmas movie was to be canceled? Find out which ‘offenders are most at-risk…
LOVE, 2003
Mark the creepy stalker, Natalie’s ‘body shame’ and sexist treatment for ‘passive women’
Are your Christmas movie favourites problematic? Love Actually has been branded sexist by viewers who believe it condones sexual harassment and ‘sociopathy’ (pictured: Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon). Many suggested that Hugh Grant’s character uses his power of flirting with Martine McCutcheon to tea-date his tea-lover, and then fires her when she’s sexually harassed.
Reaction: Wired fans are becoming increasingly critical over the holiday extravaganza. They call several tropes of it misogynistic or problematic.
Richard Curtis’ Love Actually was a hit when it came out in 2003. It was renowned for its stellar cast of stars and romantic plotlines, as well as the infectious music numbers.
In the build up to Christmas, several stories are told by various characters.
The storylines featured a step-father who was grieving and looked after Sam (Thomas Brodie Smith), to an emotionally charged Prime Minister Hugh Grant. Grant juggles duty with fancy and is seen dancing at 10 Downing Street, the Pointer Sisters, and even around 10 Downing Street.
However, over time, many of the holiday tropes have been criticized by woke fans who find them to be problematic and misogynistic.
A much discussed storyline follows Mark, played by Andrew Lincoln, who is in love with his best friend Peter’s wife Juliet, played by Keira Knightley, and struggles to suppress himself from acting on it.
Tasked with filming their wedding video, viewers later learn that Mark spent the entire ceremony with the lens trained solely on Juliet’s face.
Andrew Lincoln plays Mark. He is in love and trying to keep it from happening. The couple were given the task of filming the wedding video. Viewers later learned that Mark focused his entire attention on Juliet throughout the ceremony. The moment Juliet realizes that this is Mark.
Jezebel writer Lindy West went viral in 2013 with her ruthless criticism of Love, Actually, where she said Mark’s behaviour was ‘not romance,’ it was ‘sociopathy.’
Andrew Lincoln, actor has even called the character “a strange stalker.”
In 2017, he stated that he kept repeating the words to Richard [Curtis]”Are You Sure I’m Not Going to Come Off As a Creepy Stalker?”
The film’s director, Lulu Popplewell is not the only one to critique it. Lulu Popplewell, a child star and critic of Love Actually’s success, criticized the film for making women ‘passive objects’ and being too cheesy.
Speaking about her experience doing the film when she was 12-years-old, Lulu said she thought it was s***, adding: ”I think it’s aged badly. The film’s women are all passive objects. They are passive objects that can be bought, according to my memory.
Some speculated that Hugh Grant used his power of flirting with Martine Mccutcheon to play his tea lady. She was fired by him after being sexually harassed and harassed by the United-States president.
One person commented: ‘I watched Love Actually for the first time last night and not only is it fatphobic, but it’s also sexist ??? there were maybe 2 or 3 times throughout the whole thing that I laughed but most of the film i was just like “wtf, how is this considered romantic.’
Another wrote: ‘I rewatched Love Actually tonight and I’m so shocked that I never noticed how sexist and bad it is??
“There’s so much body shame, and women are continually objectified. The only gay couple actually fist bumps at end.
“Worst of all, I have never noticed this before.”
THE HOLIDAY (2006)
Miles, a dangerous and toxic sociopath leads the women.
Holiday is the story about two singletons, who become disgruntled by their inability to love men. They swap homes and move across continents. However, some viewers felt that Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, as their new love interest, were not as cruel as the men they wronged at the start of the movie.
One user on social media (pictured) said that the Holiday was terrible, but it is utterly entertaining. This is especially true because Jack Black’s “charming” character acts like a dangerous sociopath all through.
The Holiday (2006) starred Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz and two unhappy singletons who swap houses over the holidays period. The movie was a success in box office and has remained a popular seasonal favorite with many.
Iris Winslet of Winslet goes to Los Angeles for Telegraph editor Jasper. Amanda Diaz jets off to Surrey, after she has broken it off from her cheating boyfriend.
However, these male characters don’t have much to redeem themselves, and Jasper is rightfully given a telling off by Iris in the final scene. Others have had issues with Miles, Iris’ love interest played by Jack Black.
Refinery29 has claimed Miles, a music composer who ends up with Iris when the movie reaches its climax, treats ‘her poorly’, leading her on throughout her time in LA, only to drop her the second his cheating ex-girlfriend wants to get back together.
On social media, users concurred, one declaring, “The Holiday is terrible, but it’s utterly entertaining, particularly as Jack Black’s “charming” character behaves like an evil sociopath throughout.
“It’s about toxic masculinity, but it doesn’t realize that it’s about toxic masculinity.”
Graham, played by Jude Law is seen arriving at Amanda’s cottage blackout drunk. After having sex, he tells Amanda that she won’t see him again the next day because he doesn’t know how to ‘follow-up’.
He has also received criticism from viewers, with one commenting: ‘Unfortunately I have realised Jude Law in The Holiday is a f***boy.’
Love Hard, 2021
Problematic male behavior, ‘racist’ plan to portray Asian men in unattractive roles
Netflix’s 2021 Love Hard sees Natalie (played left by Nina Dobrev), being catfished by Josh (right). However, Natalie still falls in Love with Josh.
Others though accused the film’s racism. One said, “I seldom watch American TV/movies these day. However, I did make the error of watching Love Hard on Netflix as a way to unwind.” This made me laugh out loud at how the writers wanted viewers to feel, and it is very racist towards Asian men.
Netflix’s Love Hard is the latest addition to its Christmas movie list. It stars Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O. Yang and debuted last month on the streaming site.
The modern Cyrano of Bergerac story is told by Natalie, a columnist. She travels to the US to spend Christmas together with Josh. But she soon discovers that he has been presuming to be a better-looking man.
Spoiler Alert! Natalie and Josh finally get together in this Christmas tale. But, even though the moral promotes inner beauty as well self-confidence, viewers weren’t pleased by Josh lying to Natalie while still getting the girl.
Many people on Twitter claimed that the plot was “messed up,” especially because Josh makes Natalie pretend to be his girlfriend in order not to lose his face before guilting Natalie into agreeing to a false public proposal.
One viewer commented, “Love hard is such an problematic movie.”
Others accused it of being racist. One person wrote, “I seldom watch American television/movies anymore. But I hated Love Hard on Netflix because it was so relaxing.”
“It made me laugh out loud at some of the things the authors wanted to provoke, but it was pretty racist toward Asian men.”
Another added: ‘Netflix, why do you promote movies like love hard with racist stereotypes, again Hollywood is portraying Asian men as unattractive nerds that don’t get girls and speak in Asian accent.
‘Wtf is this sh**? Stop the racism. It will be 2021.
BRIDGET JONES’S DIARY, 2001
‘Archaic’ plotline which ‘romanticizes sexual harassment at work’ and is ‘fatphobic’ towards Bridget
Bridget Jones’s Diary, though a beloved classic, has become controversial. Viewers claim the 2001 romantic comedy ‘romanticised workplace sexual harassment’. (pictured: Hugh Grant, Rene Zellweger, and both of them at work in the film)
On social media, users accused the film of sexual harassment at workplace by portraying Bridget’s affairs with Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant).
Bridget Jones was born in 2001 from the desire of a 32-year old woman to lose weight and stop smoking.
But viewers today have dubbed the movie ‘sexist and fatphobic’, with one claiming the hit romantic comedy, starring Renée Zellweger as the titular role, is reflective of an ‘archaic time’.
Users on social media have accused the film of “romanticizing sexual harassment at workplace” by portraying Bridget’s affair with Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant)
And after leaving the publishing world following her affair Cleaver, she is faced with harassment at the fictitious TV show Sit Up Britain, where the heroine is told: ‘No one ever gets sacked for shagging the boss.’
Although it was viewed as progressive early in the noughties by viewers, today’s viewers worry about Bridget’s obsessive weight loss. They argue that Bridget is of average size and the film’s ‘fat phobic’ nature.
Alex Light, a body confidence advocate, stated last year that Bridget’s obsessiveness with her weight as an impressionable teenager led to her making a vow to lose weight. She was convinced 9st 4lbs was fat.
Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones’ writer – who was inspired by her personal experiences – said that she couldn’t believe Bridget Jones’ sexism in Desert Island 2020.
Helen, as she watched the trilogy with her kids years later, said that it was impossible to write such a story now. Bridget’s sexism, and the way she rubbed her bum so often in the scene, was shocking. [Sit Up Britain boss]Richard Finch, “Let’s get a shot for the boobs.”
‘I mean in the end she turned round and stuck it to them but it was just part and parcel of her life.
‘It was quite shocking for me to see how things have changed.’
It’s a Wonderful Life. 1946
‘Extremely misogynistic’
It’s a Wonderful Life was released in 1946 and has been beloved ever since, but some viewers have said it condones sexual assault
The scene where George shouts at Mary (Donna Reed), before suddenly grasping and passionately kissing him – viewers claiming that his wife was not in agreement with the gesture
Reaction: One Twitter critic commented: ‘It is probably 30 minutes too long, and has some weird (and extremely misogynistic moments) but I am always a blubbering mess at the end of It’s A Wonderful Life.’
It is difficult to imagine Christmas movies without thinking of the touching classic It’s a Wonderful Life.
The story follows George Bailey (a businessman) who is visited and shown what his life would look like without Bailey.
Social media users have criticized several aspects of the 1946 movie that was based on Philip Van Doren Stern’s novel.
A particular scene that viewers chose shows Mary naked in the bush after George takes her robe off. George jokes about how the police would support Mary and refuses to return her robe.
Also, they criticised George’s (James Stewart), which is screaming at Mary (Donna Reed), and then suddenly grabs her and passionately kisses her. Viewers said that Mary had not consented.
One Twitter critic commented: ‘It is probably 30 minutes too long, and has some weird (and extremely misogynistic moments) but I am always a blubbering mess at the end of It’s A Wonderful Life.’
The Santa Clause. 1994
“Racist jokes” trivialize ‘casual workplace sexual harassation’
Tim Allen stars in The Santa Clause. However, viewers have accused the movie of being racist and mocking the Asian community.
This was due to Calvin’s workplace sexual harassment. Calvin’s coworkers commented on Calvin’s dramatic weight gain. It is a side effect from gradually becoming Santa Clause.
Reaction
The Santa Clause, a Christmas comedy about a man who isn’t quite sure what he does, has a mission to become the new St. Nick. It was wildly successful in commercials when it was first released in 1994.
The film stars Tim Allen playing Scott Calvin. He accidentally falls from Santa’s roof Christmas Eve. It received good reviews at release, but was criticized for its outdated themes.
The ‘racist restaurant scene’ is one that viewers love. In it, the protagonist refers to a local diner as an “American institution” before going inside and finding tables filled with Asian businessmen.
Critics also point out the “casual workplace sexual harassment” that Calvin experiences when his coworkers comment on Calvin’s weight gains – an unfortunate side effect of slowly becoming Santa Clause.
It’s even criticized for its ‘kidnapping plot’, in which Scott’s ex wife calls the police after he takes Charlie to North Pole. She didn’t recognize Charlie as Santa Clause. Viewers called this ‘problematic.
JINGLE ALL THE WAY, 1996 – ‘Creepy’ neighbour
Many people on Twitter are calling Ted the ‘creepy character’ Ted. He is a neighbor to Arnold Schwarzenegger and he makes an attempt at his wife.
Ted (pictured) visits Liz at her house and attempts to persuade her to have a bath. Liz, however, protests.
Due to the awkward scene, Twitter users have called Ted “sleazy” and “crazy”.
Jingle All the Way doesn’t celebrate romance. Arnold Schwarzenegger is seen running through the streets of the town looking for his son’s Christmas present.
However, viewers have been complaining about a scene that focused on Ted, Arnold’s perfect-seeming neighbor.
Ted is a great character in the film and succeeds where Howard’s character fails. He also enjoys showing Howard up.
The movie also suggests that Ted, the divorced father of Liz, is offering a listening ear, but she is really trying to move on Liz.
Ted attempts to convince Liz to have a bath. Liz protests.
Because of this awkward scene, people on Twitter called Ted’sleazy and creepy’.
ELF, 2003. ‘Sexist Christmas Song, Rude Buddy Doesn’t Care About Family Feelings
The 2003 Christmas classic Elf, which starred Will Ferrell from SNL, was a hit. However, many pointed out that Buddy barging into women’s bathrooms would not be acceptable by modern movie-making standards.
For some, the comedy scene in which Buddy (Will Ferrell), sings along with Jovie while Jovie (Zooey Dechanel), is funny. But for others, the Elf trying to get into a ladies’ bathroom is extremely problematic.
Reaction
The beloved 2003 holiday comedy about Buddy The Elf and his adventures taking on New York City, is loved by many.
For some, the comedy scene in which Buddy (Will Ferrell), sings with Jovie while Jovie is in the shower while they’re both in it is funny. But for others, the Elf’s intrusion into a woman’s bathroom is extremely problematic.
Cosmopolitan wrote an article about why Buddy was the worst in 2018
They are also singing Baby It’s Cool Outside, a controversial Christmas song that has come under fire for having ‘predatory undertones.
There were concerns about the “call-and-response” song. It tells of a woman who sings she needs to leave her husband’s home as he attempts to persuade him to keep it. Critics claim that the song is offensive to women.
Frank Loesser composed the song in 1944. It is so offensive, John Legend wrote new lyrics in 2019, replacing some of the more controversial parts with more pleasant phrases.
Original phrase “I’vegotta go away but it’s freezing outside” was changed to “I’vegotta go away, baby, it’s winter!” and added phrases like, “it’s your body, your choice”.