Spring Break
Classics you remember, classics you don't
Paresh Jha
Issue date: 12/5/08 Section: Focus
As long as Hollywood exists, filmmakers will always attempt to capitalize on the holiday spirit. That essentially means we get nonsense like "Four Christmases" along with the great ones like "Bad Santa." Regardless, check out these great movies over break to really enjoy the essence of the holidays.
"Home Alone 2"
"Kevin!" Yes, you remember Macaulay Culkin's mom screaming in the airport in what has become one of the most memorable scenes in holiday film. Let's also not forget to the mention the quintessential scream that Culkin coined as his own for the foreseeable future. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern turn in memorable performances as the thugs chasing after Kevin as well. The movie has become a classic blueprint for slapstick holiday comedy.
"Home for the Holidays"
Probably a movie not many have heard of. Jodie Foster directs in this "dramadey" centered on a family's dysfunctional Thanksgiving.
Holly Hunter stars as a single mother going back to her parents because her only child has decided to spend the holidays with her boyfriend. Hilarity and heartwarming moments ensue when the family collides morally, physically and grammatically. Robert Downey Jr. is also quite memorable as Claudia's Holly Hunter's gay brother.
"Bad Santa"
What makes Billy Bob Thornton so endearing? Maybe it is because he is great at playing the jerk in many of his movies. "Bad Santa" works on every level as a great holiday movie - except as a family film. Watching this movie with your parents is bound to cause some uncomfortable moments - but you'll be laughing anyway.
"Love Actually"
Spending the break with your significant other? This is the perfect movie for you two lovebirds. "Love Actually" is an interesting story focusing on multiple characters and their search for love during Christmastime. Hugh Grant and Colin Firth are cast perfectly in their roles as writer and prime minister respectively. Did I mention Billy Bob Thorton is here again and this time making a cameo as the President of the USA. Talk about dream scenarios huh? Regardless, this film is a charming, fun and star-studded event.
"The Nightmare Before Christmas"
An unconventional holiday film that has somehow moved through the pantheon of Christmas films to become a classic. And it's technically a Halloween film! Co-written by Tim Burton, this movie is as creepy as it is fun. The animation is unique and innovative, managing to celebrate two holidays properly in one film. Some films can't even handle one.
"Elf"
There is only one reason to watch this: Will Ferrell. Considering the title of the film, you would not guess that the main character is played by none other than one of the tallest funnymen around. In one of his few family-friendly films, Ferrell portrays a human who was raised by elves at the North Pole. Not many people would be able to get behind that concept, but leave it to Mr. Ferrell to understand it perfectly.
"Home Alone 2"
"Kevin!" Yes, you remember Macaulay Culkin's mom screaming in the airport in what has become one of the most memorable scenes in holiday film. Let's also not forget to the mention the quintessential scream that Culkin coined as his own for the foreseeable future. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern turn in memorable performances as the thugs chasing after Kevin as well. The movie has become a classic blueprint for slapstick holiday comedy.
"Home for the Holidays"
Probably a movie not many have heard of. Jodie Foster directs in this "dramadey" centered on a family's dysfunctional Thanksgiving.
Holly Hunter stars as a single mother going back to her parents because her only child has decided to spend the holidays with her boyfriend. Hilarity and heartwarming moments ensue when the family collides morally, physically and grammatically. Robert Downey Jr. is also quite memorable as Claudia's Holly Hunter's gay brother.
"Bad Santa"
What makes Billy Bob Thornton so endearing? Maybe it is because he is great at playing the jerk in many of his movies. "Bad Santa" works on every level as a great holiday movie - except as a family film. Watching this movie with your parents is bound to cause some uncomfortable moments - but you'll be laughing anyway.
"Love Actually"
Spending the break with your significant other? This is the perfect movie for you two lovebirds. "Love Actually" is an interesting story focusing on multiple characters and their search for love during Christmastime. Hugh Grant and Colin Firth are cast perfectly in their roles as writer and prime minister respectively. Did I mention Billy Bob Thorton is here again and this time making a cameo as the President of the USA. Talk about dream scenarios huh? Regardless, this film is a charming, fun and star-studded event.
"The Nightmare Before Christmas"
An unconventional holiday film that has somehow moved through the pantheon of Christmas films to become a classic. And it's technically a Halloween film! Co-written by Tim Burton, this movie is as creepy as it is fun. The animation is unique and innovative, managing to celebrate two holidays properly in one film. Some films can't even handle one.
"Elf"
There is only one reason to watch this: Will Ferrell. Considering the title of the film, you would not guess that the main character is played by none other than one of the tallest funnymen around. In one of his few family-friendly films, Ferrell portrays a human who was raised by elves at the North Pole. Not many people would be able to get behind that concept, but leave it to Mr. Ferrell to understand it perfectly.
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