The War on Christmas: The Movie

There’s a Baldwin brother in a crazy Christian movie and it’s not Stephen?

And the guy from the (super-Christian!) show Married with Children is in it?

“Christmas with a Capital C” was filmed in Seward the last of February and early March. The movie stars Daniel Baldwin (the second-oldest of the Baldwin brothers) and Ted McGinley (from “Married … with Children), plus a slew of Seward extras, including high school students, stay-at-home moms and guys standing in the cold rain for hours without a jacket. The straight-to-DVD movie centers around two high school rivals – Baldwin and McGinley – at odds over a Nativity scene in a city building. Baldwin plays the antagonist, or the Grinch, who experiences an eventual change of heart. “This is a feel-good movie, with a lot of conflict and the theme of the Grinch finally coming home,” said Anchorage-based executive producer David Cuddy. “The final scene is like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ where his character melts and becomes a good guy.”

As a commenter at Joe. My. God. put it, this sounds more like “Vomit with a Capital V.”

Yet, I have to watch it…

Awe. Some.

I *have* to go see this when it comes out in theaters. (What’s that? Straight-to-DVD, you say? I see…)

Anyone else wondering how they made a movie like this without Kirk Cameron? I guess he was off making the sequel to Fireproof…?

(Thanks to everyone for the link!)

Gordon

I think they have the wrong character becoming “a good guy”.

The real “feel-good” would have been the sanctimonius lead realising why the state shouldn’t have been endorsing religion.
Diego, El Mapache

It’s more like “Butthurt Christians… with a capital B”
Tom J. Lawson

Number 1: Wow, does getting old mean you get fat?

Number 2: I say the U.S. should make it a religious holiday and take everyone’s day off away.

Number 3: More people should watch “Little Mosque on the Prairie” to see how you handle cosmic shenanigans in small towns.
El Perro

Aren’t they about 4 years too late in coming out with this? The whole “War on Christmas” meme was the rightwing nutter’s boogie man years ago. They’ve since moved on to Mexican-bashing.
toomanytribbles

i think daniel baldwin is a born-again christian.

@tom j. lawson
‘little mosque on the prairie’
lol
Mikko

little infidel on the prairie
Justin

Married with children “super-christian”?

Really?

I’ve only watched 7 seasons of it, but still, I haven’t really found any christian themes (other than god being a major dick :D)
NewEnglandBob

Rate NR-6: Not recommended for anyone whose age or IQ exceeds 6.
anthrosciguy

I guess this means Baldwin and the whole “war on Xmas” has jumped the shark, since they have Ted McGinley, the patron saint of jumping the shark, in their movie. McGinley is known for having appeared in a number of shows just about the time they jumped the shark (including MWC and of course he was in the episode of Happy Days that gave “jump the shark” its name).
Cindy

And don’t forget McGinley was in Love Boat. He really does show up late for the ball every time, doesn’t he?
Richard Wade

Ugh. What contrived, candy cane-sucking nausea. In just 2 min. 43 sec., there was one tattered, shopworn, bullshit cliche after another, from the “angry atheist,” to the “noble bumpkin,” to the “big cities are evil and small towns are good,” to the “we’re all free to have our opinions as long as the minority’s opinion is silent,” to the “America was started by Christians,” to the “angels are blond girls,” and finally to the “Scrooge has a change of heart.”

Don’t let the toilet bowl lid hit you on the back of the head.
Cafeeine

Justin, I strongly think Hemant was being sarcastic.

Toomanytribbles, as its probably not that well known, “Little mosque on the prairie” is actually a real show, a canadian sitcom.
( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I4YrgGHCXE ). It stars Carlo Rota, of “24” fame.
Valdyr

I almost had a heart attack when my eyes jumped to “Married, With Children”. Ed O’Neill, in schlock like this? Katey Sagal, how could you? Christina Applegate?! But no, thankfully, it’s just the guy who played that dweeb Jefferson D’Arcy.
Bob

Ah, yes. Time again for the highest form of praise: lawsuits.

Yanno, if Christians want to look at why Christmas has become meaningless, they need to look at themselves. I mean, I don’t think it’s *atheists* standing in line for Black Friday and clogging the malls rushing to buy presents.
Buffy

C is for Cookie, that’s good enough for me.
Grimalkin

@El Perro – Nonsense. Much like other wars the conservatives have started, the War on Christmas never ends.

Things I learned from this ~3 trailer:

1) Christians can’t handle well-wishing if it isn’t phrased in a way that’s exclusive of all non-Christians.

2) Good Christians towns don’t let black people in.

3) Christians think that the entire world celebrates Christmas (other than Atheists, of course).

4) If someone moves into your town, the immediate assumption made by Christian residents is that he must have an evil agenda.

5) Anyone who tries to be inclusive of cultural perspectives other than Christianity will be labelled by Christians as someone who “hates God.”

6) Christians think that sarcastic eye-rolls are an appropriate response to the legitimate complaint that they have been shoving their beliefs and their traditions down the throats of those who do not share them.

7) Asking that Christians be respectful of non-Christian neighbours is tantamount, in the minds of Christians, to ruining their holiday and taking the community hostage. Because it simply isn’t the same if it’s celebrated privately rather than forced on everyone.

8) Christians are ignorant when it comes to history, yet have no problem telling other people (in loud, shouting voices) whatever historical “facts” they learn from their pastor.

9) Christians can’t spell (‘Christ’ is the beginning of ‘Christmas,’ not the centre of it, sheesh!).

10) Christian women are permitted to be somewhat inclusive, or at least not as aggressive in their shoving of Christianity down the throats of non-Christians – even if they do it in a very condescending way.

All that from the trailer. I shudder to think what kind of ‘educational opportunity’ the whole movie might be!
Beth

“C is for Cookie, that’s good enough for me.”

I second that.
LawnBoy

Personally, I’m hoping this is the long-awaited heart-warming tale of the town of country bumpkins who finally take a class in constitutional law.
Fett101

At the end of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, I thought the important point was that Christmas is not in the all the trees and declarations and the presents, etc, but i the hearts, minds, and community of the people of Whoville? From synopsis of the movie given, aren’t they saying the opposite.

Also, the Grinch stole what seemed to be a very secularized Christmas celebration. I haven’t seen it in quite a while but don’t remember any religious presence in the movie.
Anonymous

El Perro:

“The whole “War on Christmas” meme was the rightwing nutter’s boogie man years ago”

Indeed. Which makes this just all the more pathetic.

Pope warns that sidelining of religion puts Christmas at risk
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/17/pope-warns-sidelining-religion-christmas-risk

I had to laugh. This man is no better than a third rate Fox News commenter.
Noble 6

~:10 “this is the only time the entire world celebrates…”

Since when did the 1+ billion Christians in the world suddenly become 6+ billion of the entire population?

Oh, I forgot…it’s only the Christians that really matter in the world. *eyeroll*

Oh, and is he saying that Jehovah’s Witnesses aren’t Christians? 😉
Aegis

I guess he was off making the sequel to Fireproof…?

Ooooh, burn.
Revyloution

Take home message from the trailer

“none of our rights, none of our traditions matter”

@2:26
Martin

Of course they happen to leave the part in the movie out where another group tries to put up a non-Christian Christmas display and the Christians throw a fit, which is the whole reason the Nativity scene has to end up coming down in the first place because when given a choice the Christians are the ones who decide to take their display down instead of allowing other groups to share the day under their own non-Christian belief.
Rich Wilson

I was reading facebook comments on a Fox affiliate’s coverage of the Atheist sign in Oklahoma. One person asked “Why is it OK to put up this billboard on public land”. It seemed an honest confusion over the difference between public and government, so I tried to clarify in a personal message. We had a friendly discussion, but he was under the impression that Wal Mart dictating “Seasons Greetings” was the fault of the ACLU.

I think atheists and ‘church-state seperationists’ get the blame for a lot of stuff that has nothing to do with them. I suspect that any move by private businesses to be inclusive has more to do with catering to Jewish and Muslim customers than to Atheists.

I suppose it’s too much to hope that in the midst of this schlock that they actually get constitutional issues correct. This being America SQUIRREL! it’s likely that some people will walk away thinking it’s a documentary.
hoverfrog

Humbug!
Hamilton Jacobi

C is for Cookie, that’s good enough for me.

Om nom nom nom nom.
Kevin, Critically Skeptic

Ugh, this is the type of movie I know my family would want to see and start to spout off all the possible misconceptions of. It’s hard enough being the only person in my entire immediate family who’s an atheist, let alone the only one not taken to drivel like this to fuel my beliefs. The only people who’ll watch this kind of crap are those who already don’t need a reason to dislike atheists.

Where’s the Muslim or Jewish family who walks outside to the town hall and sees the Nativity there – realizing that the town council is saying their faith isn’t important enough to get representation?

Where’s the gay person being tormented by his – quite obviously – Christian neighborhood and told he’s going to Hell because he dares like the same sex?

This film deserves one spot. In the hearth, burning brightly.

C is for Cookie, that’s good enough for me.

Agreed.
MikeTheInfidel

Seriously, you can’t make this stuff up. From the synopsis on their own website:

The rivalry re-ignites when Mitch takes offense to seeing the town’s flagrant violation of the constitution’s Establishment clause.

They know what they’re doing is unconstitutional. They just don’t give a shit.
Jeff

@Anonymous: Pope warns that sidelining of religion puts Christmas at risk… I had to laugh. This man is no better than a third rate Fox News commenter.

Worse – Fox News (as far as we know) doesn’t shelter child molesters.

@MiketheInfidel: They know what they’re doing is unconstitutional. They just don’t give a shit.

My father used to have a phrase he’d use to refer to people with a colossal attitude of entitlement: “It’s their America”.
SeekerLancer

I have news for these people and for the Pope. Your pagan-based holiday has been celebrated by other civilizations long before Christians even existed and it will continue to be celebrated with or without you.

Christmas is just your personal branding for it. Forcing it onto everyone is not only childish but unconstitutional. And yeah I know they don’t care about being either of those things.
muggle

I’m surprised Ted McGinley’s getting any acting roles. He’s been the kiss of death to everything he’s ever been in. I was amazed how long “Married With Children” lasted after he joined the cast. Hopefully, he’ll be the same kiss of death for this bigoted piece of shit. If I may be blunt.

Speaking of Ed O’Neill, Valdyr, if you want to check out the “Married” alumni with the real talent (I’ve seen him in some movies and stuff too and he’s fantastic in both comedy and drama), catch “Modern Family” wherein he plays the family patriarch that’s the direct opposite of Al Bundy: rich, successful and a great dad and grandfather, with not just a close relationship with his adult children from his first marraige (one of which is gay and whose partner he’s embraced as much or even more than his daughter’s husband as son in law; they laugh about his difficulty accepting his son as gay when he first came out) but also to his second wife’s son. She’s like 30 years younger than him and Latina but as he said on one episode to his son after they’d both had arguments with their respective partners, “Let’s face it, you and I got lucky.” I cracked up because I was screaming at them all episode what are you crazy, you’ve both hit the jackpot with the sweethearts you landed. Sorry I love that show.

Christina Applegate, however, is a fundy nutjob.
Carlie

I’d seen the trailer, and couldn’t figure out who you meant by the “Married with Children” guy. I always think of Ted as either the “Love Boat guy”, the “Facts of Life” guy, or the Jump the Shark guy. Because I’m old.
Holytape

If I were living in that town, I would be less afraid of the war on Christmas than the possible Baldwin infestation. All it takes is one Baldwin, and before you know it, there are thousands of them roaming around town, talking about how they should have starred in “Patriot Games” and how the only way to deal with sharks in Venice is to have a charming and handsome leading man.
And there is little you can do about it. If you spray or try to trap them, you’ll have the PETHBA (People for the ethical treatment of has-been actors) all over you. Do you want Willie Aames and Kirk Cameron in your town too? Hell, no.

The best you can do is drive slowly through the infected town with a poorly written script and a box of ho-ho’s dragging behind. With any luck you can lead the poor Baldwins to the next town over and let them deal with the problem.
Chelsea Spaulding

You know, I am a sucker for Christmas specials. I mean, I get all warm and fuzzy inside when people go out of there way to make christmas special for people less fortunate. I love people spreading the warmth and love and all that other fuzzy stuff.

But damn, this film won’t just be happy with that. They have to make it about Christ and make it sound like NOTHING about christmas is good without Christ being the center of everything.

I especially love the lines:
“If we spent less time worrying about our rights and worrying about others’ needs…”
and my personal favorite:
“Christ the lord is the center of christmas. Not our rights not our traditions none of that matters…if it starts to detract us from the one who is worth celebrating…”

Those lines are a little contradictory if you ask me…
ziztur

It’s not being released until sometime in 2011. I wonder if they are waiting to release it for the next holiday season then?
Siamang

I for one am highly offended that once again folks are forgetting the real center of Christmas. Santa!
NewEnglandBob

I for one am highly offended that once again folks are forgetting the real center of Christmas. Santa!

Don’t be silly, the real center of Christmas is presents…and turkey…and pie.
Jeff

If we spent less time worrying about our rights and worrying about others’ needs…”

Oh, the irony.
Gauldar

El Perro said,

“September 19th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
Aren’t they about 4 years too late in coming out with this? The whole “War on Christmas” meme was the rightwing nutter’s boogie man years ago. They’ve since moved on to Mexican-bashing.”

I guess it took 4 years of bake sales to fund the production of this movie.
TXatheist

Keep the C in Sol Invictus, the real reason for the season 🙂
ButchKitties

Of course they happen to leave the part in the movie out where another group tries to put up a non-Christian Christmas display and the Christians throw a fit…

They also left out the fact that the only time Christmas has ever been banned in America, it was banned by Christians (the Puritans) for being a pagan holiday. Actually, in pretty much every historical example I can find of Christmas being legally forbidden in the Western world, it was Christians who banned it.

I’ve also noticed they also tend to forget the passage in Jeremiah that warns again pagan tree decorating rituals (Jeremiah 10:1-4), or the works of Tertullian, who thought that decorating with wreaths and lanterns was unseemly because it imitated the decorations of a brothel. Or the dozens upon dozens of Bible passages that specifically forbid engaging in pagan rituals.
SwedishSkinJer

What a load of predictable, one-dimensional nonsense. Of course, it has to have the cliche “grumpy atheist” who ultimately experiences a change of heart due to the cartoonish grace of the local Christian community that is almost consistently portrayed in a positive, enlightened way. Despite the reasonable legal objections brought forth by the atheist, his calm, measured arguments will be destroyed by the feel-good theology of the Christians that support the questionable history of their holiday.

Let’s place a bet: The “Christian Nation” argument will be made in the movie.
Dan W

This sounds like a terrible, incredibly stupid movie. When I watched that trailer, I found myself rooting for the “bad guy” atheist over the asshole Christian characters who clearly don’t realize or care that there are other religious holidays that happen in the month of December. Ugh, this sounds like a movie to avoid watching.
Jeremy

And when is porn version of this movie coming out? 🙂
adam

SwedishSkinJer Says:

Let’s place a bet: The “Christian Nation” argument will be made in the movie.

it is in the movie skip to 1:53 in the video
pansies4me

Blood. Pressure. Rising.
Anna

When did Daniel Baldwin join “the dark side?” I thought that Stephen was the only fundamentalist Baldwin brother.
Jeff

When did Daniel Baldwin join “the dark side?” I thought that Stephen was the only fundamentalist Baldwin brother.

I think, at this point, they’re grateful for whatever work they can get.
A Christian

I love how each comment on here is from an atheist/other religion/something.
You all say Christians judge people, but what are you all doing right now?
Have you ever accepted Christ?
If not, i suggest you do and know what you’re talking about, don’t stereotype like you say all Christians do.
Honestly, what’s wrong with a religion that encourages people’s good will and love to the fullest? And even if some Christians don’t show that, who cares, they’re fakes, don’t worship them. Worship the one who’s laws are flawless.
Please understand that Christianity is not centered around its real (and a lot of times, fake) followers, it’s around God. Look at Him before you look at the disgusting people who are disgracing his name. (fake Christians)
Look i’m sure if I met all of you, you would be amazing people, but please just respect others, I’m sorry if some Christians have not done what they preach about, but that’s not ALL Christians. We ARE people, just like you, we are NOT the best, or flawless, or any better than any of you, and im sick of people thinking that we think we are! If a person was dying in the street, would you honestly think twice if they had a cross around their neck? Just because you have heard rumors about these “Christians” would you really think less of them? Who are any of us to judge?? I don’t know about you positive I’m certainly not worthy of anything along that line.
I would never tell any of you to become Christian; that’s not what I’m writing this for. I hope that you guys will think twice before you think of Christians as scum. Seriously, we are no different than you. So if you want to judge us, look at everyone else in the world and judge them while you’re at it, but most importantly, don’t forget to look in the mirror, and judge yourself.
This War will never end.
Cafeeine

Hello Christian, A.

I love how each comment on here is from an atheist/other religion/something.

Yes, you’d think some Christians would be ashamed enough of this piece of dreck to be vocal about it.

Have you ever accepted Christ?
If not, i suggest you do and know what you’re talking about, don’t stereotype like you say all Christians do.

Judging people based on their actions is not stereotyping.

Honestly, what’s wrong with a religion that encourages people’s good will and love to the fullest?

Nothing. Why, do you know of one? What? You can’t mean Christianity!?

And even if some Christians don’t show that, who cares, they’re fakes, don’t worship them. Worship the one who’s laws are flawless.

And if you can find me any flawless law, let me know. The God of the Bible doesn’t measure up to that standard.

Please understand that Christianity is not centered around its real (and a lot of times, fake) followers, it’s around God. Look at Him before you look at the disgusting people who are disgracing his name. (fake Christians)

Was Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his son in the name of your god a ‘fake’? I find the idea of anyone commanding or acquiescing to child sacrifice to be utterly disgusting quite frankly.

Look i’m sure if I met all of you, you would be amazing people, but please just respect others, I’m sorry if some Christians have not done what they preach about, but that’s not ALL Christians. We ARE people, just like you, we are NOT the best, or flawless, or any better than any of you, and im sick of people thinking that we think we are!

You may be a wonderful person, I don’t doubt that. However, as long as both the insane extreme radicals (the “fakes”) and the rest both sign their work with “love, a Christian”, it is not my job to tell the two apart. Clean up your own house before complaining to me, alright?

Just because you have heard rumors about these “Christians” would you really think less of them?

You seem to be confused. Most of us have personal experiences with Christians that justify the opinions expressed here. It’s not as if Xians are a rare animal in the Western world. Before you respond by saying most are fake Christians, please review my previous paragraph.

Seriously, we are no different than you. So if you want to judge us, look at everyone else in the world and judge them while you’re at it, but most importantly, don’t forget to look in the mirror, and judge yourself.

I note that you spent no time actually commenting on the subject at hand, only offering vague remarks about people generalizing and judging all Christians, which no one was actually doing. Yet you felt you should come here and defend what didn’t need defending, while trying on the martyr hat. I hope you didn’t expect not to get called on it. Maybe a little introspection would also help you.

This War will never end.

This war never started, at least outside of the imagination of some pundits and preachers.
NewEnglandBob

Good response, Cafeeine, to an awful comment by ‘A Christian’, but I’ll add one more note.

I would never tell any of you to become Christian; that’s not what I’m writing this for.

But your comment ‘A Christian’ is mostly just that. Proselytizing like your comment is the type of garbage that us thinking people no longer will tolerate.
Waltz707

I actually watched the movie on Netflix and was appalled.

It was even worse than it looked.

This was probably the most stereotyped, written by bigots and just… horrifying. If you watch it, though, you will be sure to laugh at the idiotic christians.
Joe

I liked it