1. KISS KISS BANG BANG
Written and directed by Shane Black (the man who brought you the Lethal Weapon franchise). This dude knows what makes Christmas movies fun. Set in Los Angeles, the only way you’d know this is a Christmas movie is from the directions and occasional costume choices. Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr. have an amazing chemistry. This could also fall under the following genres: Comedy, Noir, Detective, Low Action.
2. GREMLINS
This movie scared me more than any other flick when I was a young man. As the years passed, it still scared me – but I began to appreciate the humor as well. The director balances over-the-top cartoonish type horror with a classic tale of Christmas caution. You even get a, truly, terrifying story from Phoebe Cates about her father surprising her as Santa Claus when she was younger…which, come to think of it…they lived in a relatively small town and I find it hard to believe that Billy wouldn’t have heard that story before. Also, the score by Jerry Goldsmith is perfect.
3. JUST FRIENDS
A romantic comedy that turns its upside down. Anyone who ever left town and “the one who put them in the friendzone” will identify with this piece. The laughs are there. The message is there. Ryan Reynolds crushes the jokes.
4. MONEY TRAIN
Don’t judge me. I know haters gotta hate, but if you were watching TV at 1am with the remains of a pizza…you could do a lot worse. Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson and Jennifer Lopez are the ensemble that bring this action movie (about an armored subway car that moves money) enjoyable. Try it. You might be surprised.
5. TRAPPED IN PARADISE
This movie about three half-wit brothers robbing a bank on Christmas Eve is wrapped up with small town humor, a heist and their attempt to get out of a town is witty, fun and relatable. Its been almost 25 years since this movie was released and it has proven to be a timeless favorite!
Agree or disagree? Come now! It’s the holiday season. Let’s all just cuddle up and enjoy a good holiday laugh/scare/car chase!
