A scene from ‘The Holiday’
Growing up in South India meant changing seasons; The yellowing leaves of autumn, the cold winds of winter and the snowfall that followed were experiences that were enjoyed only through films. Perhaps that’s why my earliest memories of a Christmas movie are so deeply tied to a season I experienced only through a screen. I remember watching with awe as Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) trudged through knee-deep snow and around New York City, decorated with tinsel and surrounded by giant Christmas trees. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
the status of die HardReleased in 1988, it has been debated for years as a cult Christmas film. This argument continues not only because of its Christmas Eve setting, but also because of how it has proven to be the ultimate cozy repeat watch. Years later, many of us flocked to theaters to see Arnold Schwarzenegger take on the Christmas spirit in the 1996 film. Jingle All the WayAs kids, we cheered when Howard Langston was searching for a toy for his son on Christmas Eve amidst rival parents, jetpacks, and a bomb scare or two.
A scene from ‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York’
However, as a millennial, it’s been interesting to see how cozy, tropey romance that promises an unlimited supply of warm fuzzies has slowly but surely climbed my favorites list, thanks to these family-friendly Comedy is separating plays. The handsome, brooding hero? check. Small town heat? check. Great winter fashion moment? check. Predictable emotional beats and guaranteed pulsing hearts make up for the lack of nuance. Honestly, are we missing it at all?
2003 film really love An ensemble cast was brought together to tell stories centered around the holiday season. The film produced a series of memorable swoons and smiles courtesy of Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson and most importantly Andrew Lincoln, Keira Knightley and a simple set of cue cards. However, nothing has captured the romance of the holiday season for me—idyllic cottages, crackling fires and woolly warm jackets—as Jude Law did. Holiday in 2006. With her hazel eyes, tousled brown hair and winning smile, she starred alongside the dazzling Cameron Diaz, the charming Kate Winslet and the lovable Jack Black in the film, the story of two women who switch houses for the season and head to Are over-heels in the most unexpected ways.
‘Hallmark films’ as a genre (holiday-themed movies that are released on the Hallmark Channel) have always promised and delivered a few key things: transitioning from a big city to a small town, dealing with personal and professional crises, Being alone for the holidays, and the possibility of falling in love with a man who is either just as stupid as them, or a manic-pixie dream girl. The predictability of it all, and the sheer comfort of always knowing that things will end well, feels like a very worthy reward at the end of a long year that probably had its fair share of jump-scares. The holidays aren’t easy for everyone, and you can’t help but notice Emilia Clarke holding on to the swoon-worthy Henry Golding in the 2019 film, who tells her ‘it’s hard to be a human being’ last Christmas.
A scene from ‘The Merry Gentlemen’
Over the years, Netflix-fiction of this genre has ensured unlimited access to a large number of films. This year, I’ve seen three new releases back to back and barely any changes to their holiday movie list. The tropey goodness is there, of course, but the nostalgia is there, too.
Chad Michael Murray fills the screen as an angry and extremely fit carpenter ready to break into a sexy gig to save a small-town bar. happy gentlemen, our little secret Favorite mean girl Lindsay Lohan is trying to impress her future in-laws while battling complicated feelings for her ex-boyfriend. His mean Girls Co-star and high school best friend Gretchen, Hallmark movie regular Lacey Chabert, also has a Netflix Christmas movie, hot coldIn it, she plays a grieving widow who falls in love with a snowman who comes to life. Is the plot ridiculous? Yes, but no one particularly cares when the objective is a small-town romance, complete with a cozy house, friendly townspeople, and a male protagonist who gives an attractive green light.
I have about five more new movies lined up, and no need to re-watch the old ones. ‘Tis the season of tinsel, trees and Jude Law indeed.
From The Hindu Cinema team, a fortnightly column recommending films and shows that relate to a mood, theme or pop cultural event.
published – December 18, 2024 01:15 PM IST
