5 Unconventional Christmas Movies
– By Adam Mast –
‘Tis the season, folks. ‘Tis the season for Christmas classics! But rather than focussing on the likes “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “A Christmas Story,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” “Christmas Vacation,” and “Elf”–all films I love unconditionally– I thought I’d take a little time to focus on 5 unconventional Christmas treasures that are completely worthy of viewing during the most wonderful time of the year. It should also be noted that these titles are more of a deep-cut variety. Translation; While movies like “Die Hard,” “Gremlins,” “Black Christmas,” and “The Ref” certainly qualify, they tend to pop up on Christmas lists all the time so I’m leaving them off for that very reason. Therefore, if you’re in the mood for Christmas films that are a little more outside the box, check these out;
“EDWARD SCISSORHANDS” (PG-13)
Tim Burton could have made this list a few times with quirky Christmas-themed films like “A Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Batman Returns” tucked firmly under his belt. That said, I’m going with the delightful modern fairytale, “Edward Scissorhands.” Not only does it star a warm and lovable John Depp as a misunderstood simpleton with scissors for hands and not only does it sit alongside “Ed Wood” as Burton’s best movie, but it also manages to answer the age-old question; Where does snow come from?
“KISS KISS, BANG BANG” (R)
Screenwriter Shane Black made his directorial debut with this noir-infused thriller/comedy in which Robert Downey Jr.’s Harry Lockhart teams with Val Kilmer’s Gay Parry (it makes me laugh just saying the name) to solve a mystery during the holidays. Black’s direction is just as stellar as his writing here and for all the fun to be had in “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang,” this movie was an instant reminder of how good Downey Jr. could be given the right material. Likewise, this is some of Kilmer’s most entertaining work. A must-watch!
“LETHAL WEAPON” (R)
Shane Black is the only repeater on this list. Before he would go on to direct Christmas-tinged fare like “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang” and “Iron Man 3,” he would cause bidding wars between countless studios all over Hollywood with his screenplay for the high octane auctioneer, “Lethal Weapon.” Directed by the late, great Richard Donner, this Mel Gibson/Danny Glover-headlined thriller would find a pair of mismatched cops ultimately bonding over the course of one turbulent holiday season. “Lethal Weapon” is a quintessential 80s action movie and it would go on to spawn a handful of sequels. In fact, Gibson just announced that he would be directing one final installment as a tribute to Donner after his unfortunate passing. Clearly, he and Glover aren’t too old for this shit!
“RARE EXPORTS” (R)
This imported gem of a horror show puts an entirely new spin on a Christmastime legend and the end result is something that could be best described as “The Thing” meets “Santa Claus: The Movie.” “Rare Exports” is certainly offbeat but it’s so assured and so serious in a tone that I wasn’t about to leave it off this list. It’s just one of those unique Christmas-set horror films that have to be seen to be believed.
“WAR OF THE ROSES” (R)
Danny DeVito is quite an actor but some folks tend to forget that he’s one hell of a director as well! Riding high on the success of “Throw Momma From the Train” in the 80s, DeVito would go on to something far more mean-spirited. But for all its jet black humor, “War of the Roses” is a cautionary tale first and foremost. With its harsh story of an estranged couple (played by Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner) duking it out in a bitter divorce over the course of the holidays, this sometimes brutal always hilarious gem plays like “Die Hard” meets “Divorce Court.”
Honorable Mention: “Krampus,” “Rocky IV,” and “Eyes Wide Shut”
Viewpoints and perspectives expressed throughout The Independent are those of the individual contributors. They do not necessarily reflect those held by the staff of The Independent or our advertising sponsors. Your comments, rebuttals, and contributions are welcome in accordance with our Terms of Service. Please be respectful and abide by our Community Rules. If you have privacy concerns you can view our Privacy Policy here. Thank you!
Click here to submit an article, guest opinion piece, or a Letter to the Editor
