The Daily Beasts
For theme projects (like #Kaijuly, #Mocktoberfest, and #SeasonsBeatings—for example),
a new film/show is profiled every day by a different writer.
ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE (1969)
Christmas comes early again for James Bond as Rafael Ruiz looks at the sixth film in the series that promised a lot of change for the icon.
DEATH WISH V: THE FACE OF DEATH (1994)
A look at the last of Bronson's vigilante saga—set at Christmastime and in the fashion world—where Paul Kersey truly becomes the sadistic force for vengeance.
Holiday Movie Mood Board
Not sure what to watch this holiday season? Aundria Parker has compiled some choices to fit whatever mood you’re in.
IRON MAN 3 (2013)
A Christmas Carol in the merry Marvel manner, the holidays weren’t complete until Shane Black and IRON MAN 3 showed up to lend their fireworks to the MCU.
THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT (1996)
Memories can define who we are and our relationship to what we like. These ties remain and cast significance, even with popcorn films like THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT.
BATMAN RETURNS (1992)
The holidays are a perfect time to reflect on the past and look to the future as Andres Guzman hopes for a return to the Batman of Tim Burton’s second outing in Gotham.
DEADLY GAMES (1989)
Unfairly (and inaccurately) dismissed as “French HOME ALONE”, DEADLY GAMES is a much darker film full of dread and ‘80s charm.
FATMAN (2020)
Jeremy Lowe finds great delight in FATMAN’s choice to take its bonkers world completely seriously.
COBRA (1986)
Stallone faces off with a murderous cult in this vaguely Christmas-adjacent action classic!
PUPS ALONE (2021)
Mistakes have been made. Including this talking dogs version of HOME ALONE.
REINDEER GAMES (2000) [Director’s Cut]
In what may be the most Christmas-centric action film ever, the mixed REINDEER GAMES still boasts a great cast and significantly improves with a director’s cut.
Rambo: The Force Of Freedom, “When SAVAGE Stole Santa” (1986)
Yes, there was a Rambo cartoon. Yes, there was a Christmas episode. And yes, it is awesome.
FIRST BLOOD (1982)
A monster built for brutality takes on an overzealous fat man’s iron fist of control. Is this Krampus vs. Santa? No, it’s 1982’s FIRST BLOOD.
TUCKER & DALE VS EVIL (2010)
Director Eli Craig’s film flips the script and reveals the inherent absurdity of many horror tropes—while creating genuine characters that are more than just jokes.
HIGH SPIRITS (1988)
A look at Neil Jordan’s star-studded Irish ghost story that had lots of wackiness and a few sexy hijinks.
FULL MOON HIGH (1981)
Matt Wedge finds some strong gags, and some incredibly dated bits, in Larry Cohen’s spoof.
PARENTS (1989)
Bob Balaban’s dark dive into adolescent dread isn’t necessarily “funny ha-ha”, but absolutely bonkers and well worth watching.
BELA LUGOSI MEETS A BROOKLYN GORILLA (1952)
G.G. Graham monkeys around with a Martin & Lewis/Abbot & Costello knock-off and finds much to love about this slice of schlock.
ANNA AND THE APOCALYPSE (2017)
Michael Scott talks about ANNA AND THE APOCALYPSE - a romcom, coming-of-age story, Holiday movie, zombie film, and a musical all in one delightful experience.
What We Do In The Shadows (2016—)
Amber R.W. Knapp explores the wide spectrum of sexuality in “What We Do In The Shadows” and how comedy can comfort as those try to find their way.