A double feature of Short Cuts this week since I skipped it on December 10th. There are hundreds of Christmas movies to choose from but I've narrowed it down to two popular ones, one reverent and the other anything but.
To all those who celebrate it, have a Merry Christmas. I'm in Las Vegas for the week, desperately trying to thaw out before returning to the inhospitably frozen landscape of the Twin Cities...
_________________________To all those who celebrate it, have a Merry Christmas. I'm in Las Vegas for the week, desperately trying to thaw out before returning to the inhospitably frozen landscape of the Twin Cities...
The Nativity Story (2006). Directed by Catherine Hardwicke; written by Mike Rich; starring Keisha Castle-Hughes, Ciarán Hinds, Oscar Isaac, and Shohreh Aghdashloo.
There's weird irony in the fact that Keisha Castle-Hughes was actually an unwed, pregnant 16 year-old while filming this, and yes, the movie lacks an intensity that the story deserves, but The Nativity Story is nonetheless a decent retelling of the birth of Christ.
And for those whose celebrations aren't as spiritual, there are always classics like Bad Santa or Christmas Vacation, which two decades after its release is as much of a Christmas tradition as a tree for some families. Great movie, but I've never understood why they ditched the "Holiday Road" segment for the opening credits in place of a curiously kid-friendly animated sequence - anybody?
Christmas Vacation (1989). Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik; written by John Hughes; starring Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid, Beverly D'Angelo, Johnny Galecki, Juliette Lewis, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
I have to laugh, as I heard the other day that it was snowing in Vegas (a rarity for those not in the know). A) Did it snow for you, and B) is it still doing so?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it doesn't compare at all to the frozen tundra you inhabit, but still, the irony is thick.
At the tables or just visiting family/friends? Either way...good luck.
I love The Nativity Story. Not only a nice depiction of the tale, but a sweet love story. I own it, I enjoy it. Merry Christmas, have fun in Vegas!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays Mr. G!
ReplyDeleteGive me "Bad Santa" over "The Nativity Story" any day.
ReplyDeleteFletch, it's unfortunately no laughing matter. It's been in the 30's here all week for the most part. My girlfriend caught a cold. A good trip overall, though - we're visiting her family. No money gambled yet so no money lost.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda! Merry Christmas to you as well!
Happy Belated (?) Holidays, Craig - and Happy New Year!
Thanks, Matthew - hope you checked out Bad Santa or some other Christmas movie this week.