As we get ready for the semester to end, the holiday season is right around the corner. It normally sneaks up on college students because we’re busy dealing with finals, work, making another run at the Stagg Bowl or any other stressors.
Some holiday movies fly under the radar, because they don’t fall into the category of holiday movies that are ‘Hallmark classics’. You know, the same romantic comedy story told again and again. Christmas movies evoke a certain feeling, but who’s to say you can’t call a horror movie, or a crime movie or a comedy movie a Christmas flick. Don’t get me wrong, I love “A Christmas Story,” “Elf” and “It’s A Wonderful Life“ as much as the next guy.
But sometimes that gets old. So, instead of blinking and it being the 25th, here are three underappreciated movies that help you get in the holiday spirit.
1: “Black Christmas” (1974)
Created by Bob Clark, yes the same Bob Clark from “A Christmas Story,” this horror flick takes place in a sorority house at Christmastime. The characters are stalked and hunted down by an anonymous psycho. While displaying some typical elements of older horror movie tropes (jarring cuts, cheesy dialogue, etc.), the film was a box-office success.
“If this movie doesn’t make your skin crawl, it’s on too tight!” That was the tagline of the film, and it drew me to watch it for the first time. It sometimes surprised me with how much I jumped out of my seat. A big trigger warning for over-the-top violence and vulgar, threatening phone calls made by the killer.
At the end of the day, though, it was a fun change of pace from the typical holiday film. If you can stomach movies like this in October with Halloween candy, you’ll be fine with this one, some eggnog and peppermint as well.
2. “Bad Santa” (2003)
We all grew up idolizing Saint Nick, but we were also all confused as to how he was in every mall in America. He has helpers who report to him, duh. Billy Bob Thornton, a mall Santa, is a thief with a dwarf assistant to go with. The film centers around the ‘bad guy to nice guy’ journey. Thornton deals with the head security guard, a bartender who wants to be Mrs. Claus and even a kid who’s convinced he’s the real Santa.
If you want a (very inappropriate) pick-me-up, this is the one to watch this holiday season. For reference, The Washington Times considered this as the evil twin to “A Miracle On 34th Street.” After all, no one’s 100% nice. Even Santa is a little naughty.
3. “Fred Claus” (2007)
Vince Vaughn as Santa’s cynical older brother. Paul Giamatti as the man himself. Vaughn is brought to the North Pole after being arrested for impersonating a Salvation Army worker. He does this to make some cash on the side. Santa wants to keep a close eye on his brother, and he promises to pay the bail money. Do you see how wild the plot line of this film can be? The two leads’ chemistry adds to the feeling of rediscovering the Christmas spirit. That was a given, because holiday movies require emotional growth.
The amount of lore involving the background of Santa makes this movie one of a kind. It’s not the highest-rated movie you’ll watch this season. It is still, however, worth a try. Witty dialogue and better timing from Vaughn help this “Elf”/”The Santa Clause” Frankenstein stick out.
I don’t have the ultimate blueprint to thoroughly enjoy this holiday season. Nonetheless, sometimes you need to switch it up every once in a while. Yes, still include the classics in your plans. But, if you find that you have some downtime and want to try something new, give one of these a try.
