This reviewer is only human just like the rest of campus, meaning I had to undertake final projects and other productions over the weekend. Thus, I was unable to get out to theaters this weekend. Fear not, though, I still am offering bits of criticism on what to check out and see this Winter Break, once finals begin winding down.
Since it is the holiday season, you probably should watch some Christmas flicks to get in the holiday spirit, but this time, break away from the norm and check out these four alternative films.
Okay, I thought I was trying to avoid cliché, but I have to say "Christmas Vacation" or "A Christmas Story" are essential to getting in the holiday cheer. Both offer valuable life lessons, with hilarious situation comedy. You can't beat the duo of Chevy Chase and Randy Quaid. They are just so perfect together on screen. I almost feel like stringing Christmas lights right now and greasing up a saucer sled. On the other hand, the period piece "A Christmas Story," about childhood misadventures to get the best Christmas ever, should always be on your Christmas marathon list. It has so many classic elements that just saying Red Rider BB Gun, Leg Lamp or Chinese Christmas dinner should stir up nostalgia for Christmases gone by.
Next I move to the least Christmas movie of this list: "Toy Story." Now hold your criticisms of my incompetence and hear me out. For heaven's sake, it was released during the holiday season of 1995. I remember going to see it in theaters on Christmas day with the family, while "Santa" wrapped presents. I can't complain if it really wasn't Santa because Pixar filled that day with more childhood magic than three Christmases combined. The pure charm and storytelling of the film is enough to entertain and touch anyone, child and adult alike. If that isn't enough relevance to Christmas, then just watch it again for the ending, which climaxes on Christmas Day. Not too shabby for an animated non-holiday movie.
You may not have heard terribly much about the next film, but I promise it is well worthwhile. "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang," is the most obscure on my list. The story takes place on Christmas, or at least it all starts at a Christmas party. I call that legit, especially with Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer as the funniest buddy detective combo of the decade. It is a detective story with Indiana as a mentioned location in the film, so bring out the merry side of Christmas with laughs from this one.
Finally, I have my favorite Christmas movie of all time, and the single film I make sure to watch over the holiday season: "Die Hard." Call me a guy, insensitive to sappy chick flicks (if you are looking for that check out "Love Actually"), but this is the essential Christmas movie. I always saw this as the suavest of criminals, Hans Gruber, hijacking the Christmas cheer from the Nakatomi Plaza citizens. It's got all of the action of summer blockbusters, with the essential holiday merriment, making it my choice for a Christmas Eve midnight movie.
If none of that tickles your yuletide fancy, why not get out to theaters. There are some good looking releases coming out this month, with Clint Eastwood's portrait of Nelson Mandela in "Invictus;" Peter Jackson's directorial return to the silver screen in "The Lovely Bones;" a musical from the director of "Chicago" entitled "Nine;" an anticipated action flick on the big day itself: "Sherlock Holmes." And finally, one of the most anticipated films of the decade, from James Cameron we get "Avatar."
I recommend trying to have a mini-movie marathon. Check out some flicks that you have never seen before, because I guarantee there are thousands of films out there that you will love. Another option is to try to catch up on some of the best TV shows on DVD. I recommend "Mad Men," since I am midway through the season 2 discs, or if you feel like undertaking an epic task, marathon all five seasons of "Lost" before its final season begins in the new year. Find something for over break, and use it as an excuse to get cultured while sitting on the couch (go ahead and try out a foreign film). Until the new year, get busy livin' or get busy dyin'.
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