5 Great Christmas Films Not Meant to be Christmas Films

Matt here!

Most know of my essential list of Christmas films I post every year, but, for those looking for Christmas films not often found on essential Christmas film lists, here are five films that can be considered Christmas films even though they were not released as Christmas films. Even It's a Wonderful Life, which has gone on to be the quintessential Christmas movie, was originally released with no intention of being a Christmas movie. So, for those looking for both the cliche and different, here are five great Christmas films not meant to be Christmas films!

Die Hard

Starring Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson, Paul Gleason, Alexander Godunov, and William Atherton

I know I listed this film in my "Essential Christmas Films" list but Die Hard also ranks on this list as it was released in July, and doesn't fit conventional Christmas standards. Nevertheless, the soundtrack features Christmas music, showcases good will toward men, and has tons of Christmas references! If you need any more reason why Die Hard is a Christmas film, read Jay's article here!

Gremlins

Starring Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Dick Miller, Polly Holliday, and Corey Feldman

It all seems like innocent fun when an inventor father purchases an extraordinary, cute creature for his teenage son for Christmas -- until said creature multiplies and his eerie clones start becoming reptilian-like creatures that cause havoc, mayhem, and even death in the small town in which they live! Most people would probably show this film to their children, and I say "beware." It may be written by Goonies screenwriter and Home Alone director Chris Columbus, but there is some extremely creepy moments in this one -- the most notable being Phoebe Cates' urban-legendesque tale of her father's death and a couple of characters' deaths (it was this film and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom that prompted the creation of the PG-13 rating). But, all in all, it's an enjoyable movie with a wicked streak! Perfect for the horror/suspense fan for the holidays!

Just Friends

Starring Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart, Anna Faris, Chris Klein, Chris Marquette, Julie Hagerty, and Stephen Root

Ryan Reynolds stars as Chris Brander, a successful, womanizing Hollywood record producer who, thanks to pop music star (think of a dense Britney Spears) Samantha James (Anna Faris) finds himself inadvertently returning at Christmas to the one place he promised he’d never return to: his hometown in New Jersey. Upon his return, he must face his former life as an obese dork, with a lisp and braces, that had a huge crush on his high school best friend, Jamie Palamino (Amy Smart). When he thinks a simple revenge scheme will bring him closure, it turns out that his feelings aren’t as gone as he thought, especially when he has to contend with another former dork (Chris Klein). Anyone who’s ever been caught in the exhausting loop of “I think of you as a friend” can definitely empathize with Chris’ plight. The thing I liked most about this film is the physical comedy – particularly from Reynolds, who I’ve always liked better as a comic actor than a dramatic one – as well as the pacing of the story and the chemistry between the cast. It’s a zany comedy with a great message: don’t try to live up to someone’s expectation; you can’t force anyone to love you; and if you’re a good person, you shouldn’t have to change to please anyone. Sounds serious, but it’s definitely anything but! Plus, any movie that has Reynolds lip syncing to All-4-One’s 1990s R&B ballad “I Swear” and quotes Springsteen (“This town is full of losers, and I’m pulling out of here to win!”) is a winner in my book!

Less Than Zero

Starring Andrew McCarthy, Jami Gertz, Robert Downey Jr., and James Spader 

Based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis, Less Than Zero is certainly one of the heavier, more depressing fare on this list. The story follows Clay (Andrew McCarthy) as he returns home to California from Princeton for winter break. Just a few weeks prior at Thanksgiving, he had caught his girlfriend, Blair (Jami Gertz), in bed with his best friend, Julian (Robert Downey Jr.), so he returns -- all to the glorious, dramatic Bangles cover of "Hazy Shade of Winter" -- feeling completely over the place he once called home and the people he once called friends. However, he is quickly drawn back to his two friends and their world when Blair begs him to check up on Julian, whose drug habit has grown exponentially worse. The entire movie takes place during Christmas, and while themes such as forgiveness, love, and redemption are explored (and the score by Thomas Newman is haunting, melodramatic and great), there is quite a bit of melancholy as well; but it is a good cautionary tale regarding the danger of drugs. 

While You Were Sleeping

Starring Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle, Glynis Johns, and Jack Warden

For those wanting a more romantic comedy feel to their Christmas films, I give you this 1995 film that was never marketed or made to be a Christmas film, but the holiday figures prominently throughout. Lonely Chicago Transit Authority token collector Lucy (Sandra Bullock) sees every day the man (Peter Gallagher) she has a huge crush on, but he's quickly gone and she's left alone. One day, he falls on the train tracks and she rescues him, soon pretending to his loving family that she and he are engaged. The only problem is that the man's brother, Jack (Bill Pullman), isn't buying it. Well, it doesn't take a genius to figure out where this story goes. But seeing how the film centers around Christmas and the importance of family and kindness, it's a welcome addition to the genre!

Are there any movies you can think of that you consider Christmas movies? Or films you enjoy watching at Christmas time? Sound off in the comments!

Matt Reviews "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" (Spoiler-Free)

It's been two years since the sequel to Return of the Jedi graced theaters, and now one of my favorite directors, Rian Johnson (Brick, The Brothers Bloom, Looper) has taken the reins of nearly every director's dream film. After loving The Force Awakens and Rogue One, I wasn't sure the saga could be improved upon, but The Last Jedi exceeded all expectations! Last Jedi works on so many levels: writing, acting, directing, pacing, music, action, emotion! It's as if Johnson completely geeked out on all things you'd like to see in a new Star Wars film and threw it in there!

It's difficult to write a spoiler-free review because, as a critic and fan, you want to instantly gush over the major plot twists and revelations! So, I will simply say there are a couple uses of the force that haven't been seen on the big screen, but the uses are such great, wonderful surprises, they are a welcome -- and some superfans may say long overdue -- addition to the cinematic universe! Of course, there are plenty of humorous moments spattered throughout the film -- the BB-8, newly introduced porgs, and Jedi temple caretakers are particularly for the kids -- but there are also many serious moments -- moments that underline the "Wars" in Star Wars. There is tragedy, loss and sacrifice; however, there is humor, caring and hope! As for the performances, they're all top notch here, particularly from Daisey Ridley, Adam Driver, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill. Johnson finally addressed -- to me -- a long-standing issue with Fisher's Leia and it is glorious! Seeing Fisher up on screen makes your heart both soar and hurt over how wonderful she was and how much she will be missed. Hamill finally gets to delve into the more serious undertones of being the "last Jedi" and he delivers it in the masterful way that only Hamill can, proving once again that he was born to play Skywalker! Driver does well with his unspoken acting, delivering both on the yearning to be accepted and wanting to pave his own path. Ridley especially really upped her acting game, and in one pivotal scene with Driver, she delivers a rather simple line in the most heart-aching way.

There were many scenes I figured out would happen but didn't know for sure if Johnson would actually go there, and, fortunately, he did! But there were also many unexpected moments and that makes for a great film! Of course, the film also saw the return of composer John Williams and his score this time around was SO much better than the Force Awakens score! This time, he does what should be done: he uses those familiar, favorite themes from the original trilogy and interweaves them with the new! Hearing themes like "Luke and Leia," "Han and Leia," "The Force theme," and others was a very welcome addition!

My favorite moment of Last Jedi is one I unfortunately cannot write without spoiling the surprise, but I actually teared up throughout the entire scene! To me, this scene made the movie and I think other diehard fans will love it just the same! New actors and characters such as Laura Dern's Vice Admiral Holdo, Kelly Marie Tran's Rose Tico, and Benecio Del Toro's DJ are wonderful additions to the cast and SW universe, each given their respective moment to shine! Some are saying Del Toro wasn't used enough but I was satisfied with his screen time. Other great moments are seeing the Millennium Falcon speeding through the caverns of new planet Crait; as well as the production design and sets, which were amazing! The colors used and photography brings an artistic distinction to the saga.

The only ever-so-slightly negative criticism I have of the film is the little side plot between Tran's Rose, John Boyega's Finn and Oscar Isaac's Poe, but those characters had to have something to do while Rey met with Luke! While, at first, the side mission felt a little perfunctory, it soon reveals some social class issues very relatable to the real world, as well as drive the overall saga toward episode 9!

Overall, Last Jedi is one of the most enjoyable films of the year! I enjoyed it more than Force Awakens and my ranking would be as follows:

1) Empire Strikes Back
2) The Last Jedi
3) Rogue One
4) New Hope
5) Force Awakens
6) Return of the Jedi & Revenge of the Sith (tie)
7) Attack of the Clones
8) Phantom Menace

I will be seeing this film MANY times over the holiday break and I urge everyone who even remotely likes Star Wars to see this film as soon as possible!

In loving memory of Carrie Fisher. May the Force be with you ... Always.