All the things that are FAKE in your favourite Christmas films! Obvious plot holes and filming secrets that you won’t be able to unsee in these festive classics

All the things that are FAKE in your favourite Christmas films! Obvious plot holes and filming secrets that you won't be able to unsee in these festive classics

As someone who has spent countless winters huddled under layers of woolens and battling against the harsh realities of British weather, I must admit that The Holiday’s portrayal of the English countryside during wintertime is nothing short of fantastical.

Households across the United Kingdom are starting to come together, igniting the holiday cheer by tuning into a beloved Christmas television program.

As someone who eagerly anticipates holiday movie season, I must admit that while classics like Elf and Home Alone are cherished annual traditions, they’re not as flawless as they might seem at first glance. These films, beloved for their festive spirit, are riddled with plot inconsistencies and clever camera techniques that occasionally threaten to shatter the enchanting experience they aim to provide.

Instead of immediately dialing 911 like a clever kid such as Kevin McCallister, or the seemingly effortless way Will Ferrell appeared gigantic amidst the elves, there are countless instances where we tend to overlook details during our holiday viewing.

Some viewers of The Holiday were disappointed to learn that the idyllic setting portrayed in the movie, specifically the cottage belonging to Kate Winslet’s character Iris, does not actually exist, as Jude Law shared behind-the-scenes information about the filming on BBC Radio 2 this week.

As Christmas draws near, TopMob has compiled a list highlighting some elements from our beloved holiday movies that aren’t entirely accurate to real-life experiences.

All the things that are FAKE in your favourite Christmas films! Obvious plot holes and filming secrets that you won't be able to unsee in these festive classics

Home Alone

The movie “Home Alone” has firmly established itself as a timeless Christmas favorite, thanks to its amusing storyline and numerous comedic scenes that leave viewers in stitches.

Yet, the extraordinary Christmas adventure that Kevin McCallister embarks on seems incredibly implausible when you ponder over its events in retrospect.

At the age of eight, the young boy was left at home all by himself due to a misunderstanding; he thought his family had vanished.

Actually, it turned out that Kate and Peter didn’t notice their youngest child hadn’t come down from the attic when they left for their family vacation. They ended up sitting comfortably in first class without taking the time to check everyone was present.

Subsequently, the main story unfolds as Kevin’s home gets attacked by the notorious duo, Marv and Harry, who are known for their burglary sprees.

It can be clearly seen that Kevin had an exceptional talent, as he knew how to heat a golden doorknob without it breaking and also calculated precisely the required height and weight for the paint cans to achieve a straight shot.

Given that this young prodigy had the intelligence and ingenuity to create sophisticated security traps to apprehend intruders without assistance, one might wonder why he didn’t consider contacting the authorities instead.

On top of that, many fans have questioned how Marv and Harry actually survived.

Experiencing events such as having one’s hair set ablaze, getting struck in the head with a can of paint, walking barefoot over shards of glass decorations, being shot in the groin with a BB gun, or stepping on a nail – these scenarios are not just painful, they border on torture. It is highly likely that the human body would react with at least a state of shock under such circumstances.

Beyond that, it’s frustrating that the authorities seem to be indifferent, as they merely dispatch a single officer to knock on the door, while in a different scenario, if a youth were to swipe a toothbrush from a local shop, he would find himself pursued relentlessly by police down the street.

Love Actually

Instead of saying “What better time is there for romance than Christmas?”, you could phrase it as “There’s no better season for romance than Christmas.” Regarding your second sentence, a possible paraphrase could be “Despite its title, Love Actually isn’t a film that truly explores love, as some critics have noted, because many of its characters exhibit questionable moral values.

Instead of focusing on Natalie’s defining characteristic as ‘the overweight girl’, her character’s moral dimensions raise concerns. On the other hand, Mark’s behavior, which involves secretly recording his friend’s wife during their wedding without capturing any shared moments, is undoubtedly questionable from an ethical standpoint.

It’s also worth noting that, despite his infidelity, character Harry (portrayed by the late Alan Rickman), gives his wife Karen (Emma Thompson) the album Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell as a gift.

For over two decades, this musician’s admirers have felt confident in assuming that she possesses such items. So, when he presented a costly necklace to his workplace companion instead, their disapproval intensified, as it was not only an extravagant gesture but also seemed unjust given her long-term fan base.

Moreover, the charming endeavor of Sam learning drums to win over his crush provides an engaging plotline as well.

However, as depicted in the film’s chronology, Sam didn’t just master the drums within five short weeks, but he was also said to be exceptionally talented, capable of backing a rising pop star.

Among all the unbelievable scenes in the movie Love Actually, Colin’s plot stands out as the most extraordinary. Feeling disheartened by his love life struggles in England, he concludes that a change of scenery might be the answer and sets off for Milwaukee instead.

Upon arrival, he steps into a dimly lit tavern, and to his astonishment, discovers himself enveloped by no less than three exquisitely attractive women, all captivated by his British accent.

However, things don’t end there. He is invited by the women to their residence, where he encounters another stunning roommate. Spending the night together ensues among all of them.

In my perspective, the events unfolding seem too extravagant and implausible to be realistic. Instead, they appear as if I’m living through Colin’s imaginative fantasies rather than actual occurrences in the real world.

The Grinch

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, starring Jim Carrey, is a beloved Christmas movie while also somewhat resembling a bizarre fever dream.

This movie tells the story of the Grinch, a grouchy, green being, who concocts a plan to spoil Christmas for the residents of Whoville. However, his heart unexpectedly transforms through the magic of the Christmas season.

Though it’s common knowledge that the movie is meant to be a work of fantasy, certain elements of the storyline take things a step further, and let’s not forget the many behind-the-scenes details that have been revealed about the filming process throughout the years.

In Whoville, nearly everything was created using Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI), and more than 125,000 pounds of ground marble were utilized to create the artificial snow that covered every handcrafted house they built from the ground up.

Initially, I was set to work on a project where every scene would be shot against a green backdrop, but in the end, it turned out to be an intriguing fusion of virtual and reality.

As stated by Animation World, the determined spirit of The Grinch necessitated a large portion of Whoville’s environment to be crafted digitally. Consequently, if one were to pay a visit, it would unfortunately prove impossible.

Furthermore, it’s interesting to note that the role of Max, the Grinch’s cherished canine companion, was portrayed by no less than six distinct dogs: Kelly, Chip, Topsy, Stella, Zelda, and Bo.

As a devoted follower, I was privileged to be part of a team where each member was utilized intermittently during filming sessions to distribute the tasks effectively. Interestingly, prior to our time on set, an experienced animal trainer invested around three months, or 15 weeks precisely, in coaching and preparing us for our roles.

In terms of absurdity, the Grinch’s daring slide down the towering 10,000-foot Mount Crumpit certainly ranks among the most implausible moments in the storyline.

The mysterious sled, seemingly disregarding physical rules, races swiftly along the mountain slope at breathtaking pace, miraculously halting mere inches away from an abyss—completely undamaged.

It’s a miracle the sleigh (and everyone in it) didn’t crash and burn never mind ace a perfect landing.

Furthermore, the Grinch’s unexpected transformation from a lifelong grump into a loving soul seems rather implausible, given his history and the towering pile of uncertainties surrounding the story.

Instead of years of anger, it’s suggested that viewers should think that he quickly transitioned from being angry to feeling remorse within just a few minutes.

As they feel it, the swift change seems more like a fabled occurrence than an actual event, causing viewers to ponder over the power of just one tune to erase years of animosity.

Although the magical aspects contribute to the film’s appeal, they undeniably weaken the credibility of the depicted holiday story.

Elf

Elf, starring Will Ferrell, has become a cult classic since debuting on screens in 2003.

The narrative unfolds around Buddy, a lovable character who was nurtured as an elf in the North Pole, but is actually human. His journey takes him from the North Pole to bustling New York City where he searches for his biological father and spreads the joy of Christmas.

To emphasize Buddy’s size relative to his peers, the team utilized an optical illusion technique known as forced perspective. This method involves constructing two different-sized sets, with one being smaller than the other.

Director Jon Favreau explained to Rolling Stone that one set was positioned nearer, lower, and more compact, while the other was larger and situated at a greater distance.

If you align these two groups and compare their sizes, it’s possible for an individual in one group to seem significantly bigger than someone in the other group. In our case, we carried out this comparison for every shot taken at the North Pole.

He added: ‘And if you look closely, you can see the two sets meet because we didn’t use CG to paint over that or blur it. I wanted it to have the same flaws that it would have had, to make the movie feel more timeless.’

In terms of the storyline, there are numerous instances throughout the series where inexactness and noticeable plot inconsistencies can be found.

Buddy’s extraordinary, seemingly implausible, trek from the North Pole to New York City is merely the beginning of his tale.

Born among elves and having no knowledge of the human world, it seems almost unimaginable that Buddy would effortlessly move around a bustling cityscape without stumbling or needing a guide, such as a map.

It’s highly implausible that he could journey from the harsh wilderness to bustling New York City, equipped with no practical survival abilities, no financial resources, and no travel plans in advance.

In addition, it’s hard not to notice that Buddy’s search for his father in New York City seems almost too easy – anyone who has attempted to navigate the labyrinthine NYC subway system can understand this.

Despite having no familiarity with the city, lacking a map, and not knowing anyone, Buddy effortlessly locates Walter Hobbs.

In reality, finding a specific person in a sprawling, unfamiliar city would be a monumental task, but in Buddy’s world, it is no trouble at all.

Miracle on 34th Street

1947’s Miracle on 34th Street is undeniably a beloved holiday movie, but certain elements in the story stretch the limits of plausibility.

The story revolves around an individual named Kris Kringle, who gets employed as the Santa Claus figure in Macy’s department store. His mission becomes proving his authenticity as the genuine Santa Claus to a doubting public and a judicial panel.

However, a rather implausible element lies in the fact that kids’ letters to Santa Claus are considered valid evidence in court, with these correspondences being taken seriously as solid legal proof of his actual presence.

Macy’s department store’s depiction, suggesting customers to shop at competing stores when they can’t find desired toys, is another example of a flexible approach.

During the bustling holiday season, as someone deeply involved in retail, I can attest that no store I’ve been part of would ever pass up on customers, given the competitive nature of our industry.

This ‘spirit of giving’ may be heartwarming, but it’s highly unrealistic in the real world.

In reality, a significant portion of the store depicted in the movie is not the actual Macy’s store. This might come as a letdown for the movie’s enthusiasts.

Rather than being filmed at the actual Macy’s landmark, the sets were instead constructed on movie soundstages because the real Macy’s was invariably too bustling for the film crew to acquire the necessary space and freedom for shooting.

Nativity!

nativity! finds primary school teacher, Paul Maddens, being assigned the challenging role of orchestrating a Christmas performance.

However, his well-intentioned plans unravel as his ex-lover gets involved and a misconstrued link to Hollywood transforms the simple nativity play into an over-the-top extravaganza.

It’s fair to assume that the lively and unconventional behavior of Mr. Poppy, the school assistant who contributes significantly to the movie’s humor, seems rather unlikely in a typical school setting.

His complete disregard for rules and order makes for great comedy, but realistically, he would likely be out of a job quicker than you can say Christmas carol.

Beyond the significant security concerns, it’s clear that both Mr. Maddens and Mr. Poppy would have faced severe consequences for their actions, as they illegally took the children from school and traveled with them overseas without proper authorization.

Without a doubt, anyone who critically pans Alan Carr’s nativity plays with biting wit would likely be seen as a villain in real-life situations, rather than someone whose opinions are given credence.

It seems more like a fantasy or wishful thinking than something realistic, imagining everything going smoothly with a camera crew present and an enthusiastic audience cheering.

It’s a perfect ending, but one that’s certainly hard to swallow in a real-world context.

To put it simply, while Nativity! offers many charming scenes, its representation of school life and the seemingly flawless staging of a disorganized play may not align well with reality when critically assessed.

Still, that’s what makes it so wonderfully festive.

The Holiday

With its abundance of romantic moments, breathtaking landscapes, and touching plotlines, The Holiday stands out as a timeless holiday favorite cherished by people of all ages.

Every year during the holiday season, Brits continue to gather around to watch a classic romantic comedy that debuted in 2006, and now it has been discovered that not everything about it is as it appears.

On numerous occasions throughout the years, viewers of the film have amusingly remarked that it’s improbable for Iris, given her journalist income, to own such a charming countryside house.

Despite it not being real, the cosy cottage that inspired it sold for a whopping £675,000.

Beyond the daily long journey into Central London from Surrey, it appears that the region where she resides lacks extensive public transportation options.

In my professional opinion as a lifestyle expert, the rapid house exchange between Iris and Amanda, pivotal to the storyline, might have been the least plausible aspect of the entire film. After all, swapping homes on such short notice is quite an extraordinary occurrence in real life!

Iris is employed as a journalist at The Telegraph, while Amanda works as a movie trailer editor, both holding full-time positions.

Even so, they were able to arrange their yearly vacation time and even secure flight tickets all within a single day.

In an enthusiastic burst, I acted swiftly and set everything into motion mere hours after we made our decision, making it seem as if there were no barriers in our path at all.

2024-12-25 12:05