The other day, the hubby and I were out looking at Christmas Lights in some of the ritzy Pasadena neighborhoods, and the original version (at least, I think it was) of JINGLE BELL ROCK came on the radio. He said to me, "you know, this song always makes me think of LETHAL WEAPON". I told him that was funny to associate a holiday song with an action film...but he said to me "some of the best holiday movies aren't really holiday movies." And that got me to thinking....
There are a handful of movies out there that I always want to watch during the holidays because they remind me of "Winter Break" and either Christmas or New Year's. And they aren't traditional holiday movies like A CHRISTMAS STORY or IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. And yet, when it comes down to that week off I get between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day because I work in Education, I find myself always wanting to watch these movies during that week (provided that I'm not binge watching really intense shows like BREAKING BAD or DEXTER).
1. As suggested already - LETHAL WEAPON. That opening scene and Jingle Bell Rock.
2. Speaking of action films, how about DIE HARD? Takes place during the Christmas Season as John McClaine is visiting his wife in LA. And features the best Christmas song ever in CHRISTMAS IN HOLLIS by Run D.M.C.
3. THE LION IN WINTER: this is, by far, my favorite movie of ALL TIME! Another film taking place during the holiday season - Christmas Court, when Henry II is "kind enough" to let his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine "out of jail." Fun family dysfunction at its finest. Katherine Hepburn won an Oscar for her portrayal of Queen Eleanor. LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie!
4. THE APARTMENT: (sigh). Not a better love story out there in the whole world! A story about an accountant who becomes a Junior Executive by letting the managers take their adulterous dating habits to his apartment, this film won Best Picture in 1960; and I.A.L. Diamond wrote this film SPECIFICALLY for Jack Lemmon. It's a perfect performance and this is a perfect movie. Taking place from November 1st to January 1st, you can't think about New Year's Eve without watching this movie. If you've never seen it....make it a point to watch it this year. You won't be sorry!
5. WHEN HARRY MET SALLY: I just love the whole dialogue about the meaning of Auld Lang Syne. People remember this movie for other reasons...I remember it because they finally find each other (i mean, really find each other) on New Year's Eve.
Good times! Let me know if you find any other movies about the holidays that aren't really about the holidays! Have a good holiday season!
