'Tis the season for being cozy
Check out Carter's top 5 films for comfy holiday viewing
Ho-Ho-Happy holidays everyone! It's finally time to snuggle in as the snow falls and Christmas takes over every radio station on the dial.
If a pajama-clad evening in is your holiday plans, I invite you to light the fireplace and grab a nice hot cup of cocoa, as I check twice my list of some favorite holiday movies.
A movie night is a great way to connect with your loved ones, and films can bring so much joy during the holiday season. So hop on my sleigh as, from sleighs to slays, I take you for a ride through my favorite five.
"Planes Trains, and Automobiles"
I know this is more of a Thanksgiving movie rather a winter holiday one, but you can make the exception that it carries similar themes to most popular Christmas films.
This John Hughes classic tells the story of Neal Page, played by Steve Martin, and his desperate attempt to make it home in time for Thanksgiving with his family. Along the way he meets Del Griffith, (the late John Candy), and the two clash in unexpected way that leads to a heartbreaking revelation.
This is a movie that you watch to feel good around the holidays. Martin and Candy's dynamic comedy is a gut-buster and doesn't get in the way of telling a rich, emotional story about two random people coming together to help each other in the spirit of the holiday season.
"It's A Wonderful Knife"
Shudder, the horror streaming service, surprised me last year with it's release of this Christmas-themed horror movie starring Justin Long ("Clerks III"), Joel McHale ("Mortal Combat Legends"), Jane Widdop ("The Lost Girls") and Jessica McLeod ("The Unforgivable").
The movie follows Winnie, (Widdop) as she's recovering from the previous year's Angel Murders that killed her friend. Frustrated that nobody wants to talk to her about her grief, she wishes that she never existed.
She then realizes that by some Christmas miracle the wish works and she isn't recognized by anyone in town -- not even her parents. Then the murderous Angel re-appears, restarting the rampage from the last year. Now Winnie must find a way to stop the killer and reverse her wish before the night is over.
This movie is a lot of cheezy fun with an entertaining plot and some really cool kills. It isn't Oscar-worthy but it is still a really enjoyable. Take it in with the horror fans in your family.
"Home Alone"
The reason "Home Alone" is so low is because I doubt anyone doesn't know why this movie is here. It's a holiday classic about growing up and accepting the idea of love into your life. The scenes with "Old Man" Marley (Roberts Blossom) and Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) are prime examples of why we as humans choose to love and forgive, rather than hold grudges and hate.
Marley teaching Kevin to not take things for granted is reflected right back at him when Kevin, in exchange, challenges Marley to listen to his own advice and take the chance to see his granddaughter again. By the end of the movie, of course, that effort pays off.
It's an excellent movie, that deserves to be on this list. Plus, home security.
"A Christmas Story"
This is a staple for the holiday season. Everything about the film screams Christmas, which is funny because everything seen, including the snow, was filmed in the middle of an early-'80s summer.
That just goes to show how insane the production was, as it perfectly captured the feeling of the holidays. The movie is incredibly quotable, and iconic characters such as Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) and "The Old Man" (Darren McGavin) still bring a smile to my face.
The movie is also very witty, with the narration of a man reflecting or making clever comments on ridiculous memories of his childhood. It's a very cozy film that mimics that soft, warm blanket at a relative's house: A great movie to watch towards the final days of Christmas to really get you in the spirit.
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"
I know the Griswolds as if they were family of mine.
This is always one of the first movies I watch this time of year, so much so that I own a Christmas sweater of Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid).
Everything about this film is perfect -- one of the few movies I never get tired of. I have worn down several copies and know it by heart, top to bottom.
Every character has a moment to shine, especially Chevy Chase as Clark when he reaches his boiling point: it's one of the funniest psychotic breaks in the industry.
Johnny Galecki is my favorite version of Russ. His character has great deadpan comedy; and I wish he did more acting as a child, as he's hilarious as a kid. The movie is a timeless classic.
Thank you everyone for reading my festive feature this year! I wish everyone good holiday cheer and plenty of time to relax and unwind with loved ones at your side. Thank you to Central Michigan Life for another great year! Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all, and to all a good night!
Reviewer Carter Salley is a junior majoring in Media Arts. He is the co-host of Central Michigan Life's pop culture podcast "Raving Geeks."
