HERE ARE THREE OUT-OF-THE- BOX CHRISTMAS FILMS TO WATCH TODAY.

   Sure, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE is your classic holiday film but TPC is stepping outside the box to chronicle three great flicks. The popcorn lady says to mention age appropriateness so TPC will do just that.
     First, and for 12-and-up, introduce the family to EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, a gothic fantasy romance that marked the emergence of Johnny Depp and Winona "lightfingers" Ryder as major stars. (Astonish the youngsters by telling them that the title character is actually Jack Sparrow from PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN!) An all star cast with the scene where inventor Vincent Price (nearly) gives Edward hands for Christmas a tear-jerker. Ryder and Depp were romantically involved at the time of the filming so the PG-13 kisses seem (and are) very real.

       If you've got single-digit kids in the house, you might want to remember that each of the first two HOME ALONE films are slapstick mayhem with a PG rating. They also take place during the Christmas holidays. Macaulay Culkin's Kevin is eight in the 1990 film and the scenes where he outwits the burglars always bring shrieks from the kids. Start with the first one and if the turkey isn't ready by the time it's finished, slide in the second one.

       Finally, if you are without the peach-fuzz face set, and want an R-rated, but gentle romance that takes place around Christmas time, you could do worse than LOVE ACTUALLY. That is, if you can believe Hugh Grant as a bachelor British Prime Minister and Billy Bob Thornton as the President of the United States.) The movie has eight interlocking romances and the cast includes Emma Thompson, Kiera Knightley, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, and (representing America) Laura Linney. Written and directed by Richard Curtis of FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL fame.
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     The answer to yesterday's trivia is PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Today: Johnny Depp has been nominated for three Oscars as best actor. Name at least two.