Two days out, we’re here to ask one very important question: Are you feeling Christmas-y? If not, consider this a shot of Christmas-y straight to the veins.
Here are a few of our favourite holiday films to put on whilst decking the halls, egging the nog, and stuffing the stockings, guaranteed to cure all stages of Christmas-y deficiency.
Love Actually
I am not ashamed to admit that I am one of the probably millions of women to watch this movie on an annual basis. It is a nearly flawless film. Firstly, it’s a British film set in London. Secondly, it’s ensemble cast is like a who’s who of Britain’s most talented actors, from Emma Thompson to Alan Freaking Rickman. Thirdly, it depicts Hugh Grant as the Prime Minister of the UK, and one who stands up to the President of the United States, special relationship be damned. Doesn’t that sound like a better world already?
While the consumer industries’ slant on the holidays turns many people into green-hued grinches, Love Actually‘s scene depicting the arrivals gate at Heathrow is enough to melt even the iciest of hearts. Says Prime Minister Hugh Grant,
Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it’s not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it’s always there – fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge – they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.
Home Alone
I get a certain rush when I’m watching Home Alone. It could be nostalgia – I was 4 when this movie was released and, through pure accident, seemed to have watched it around every Christmas since. It could be that wonderful tug-o-war between solitude and family that many people can relate to. It could be that ice cream scene that I’ve mimicked as a child, leading to many a stomachache. Or it could be the sweet and satisfying righteousness of defending yourself against those who’ve underestimated you. Whatever it is, whenever I hear ‘Carol of the Bells’ anywhere, all I can think about is little Kevin McCallister running down the street, on his way to kicking some serious home-intruder ass. Santa would be proud.
The Lord of the Rings
Ah yes, what better way to celebrate the holidays than with Gollum. For three wonderful years, The Lord of the Rings was my family’s holiday tradition. After driving an hour and a half to the closest movie theatre, we would revel in the glory of Middle Earth. Though The Hobbit is in theatres, I still can’t help but reminisce about Frodo. How about a Lord of the Rings marathon this holiday season? It only takes about twelve hours, not including sanity breaks, and will leave you feeling accomplished and slightly numb in the buttocks. I’ve done this all of once… dare I try again?
