Traditionally, every year we watch Christmas films and get into the holiday spirit. Everyone has a favorite, including those cheesy, unrealistic Hallmark Channel movies where the guy who is an outsider, meets a girl who is already in a relationship and ends up with her by the time the credits hit the screen. Yeah, not quite my cup of tea. However, there are plenty of quality Christmas films that are hilarious: "Jingle All The Way," "The Santa Claus," and the timeless "Christmas Vacation" are just a few. However, none of these are my favorites although "Christmas Vacation" is probably second or third on my list.
Now, I love "It's a Wonderful Life," it's an amazing film and you can't go wrong with anything that has James Stewart (or to some, Jimmy), as the star. Although it's probably in my top three, it's still not number one.
My favorite movie without a doubt is "Die Hard" and every year (much to my Mother's dismay and my delight), I watch it around or on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day night. Now there have been arguments that Die Hard is not a Christmas film and I definitely disagree on that. However, how can you go wrong with a film starring Bruce Willis as the hero and Alan Rickman (yes Severus Snape from Harry Potter), as the villain? Sorry just the antagonist/protagonist star power alone makes this a remarkable film.
"Die Hard" has everything in it that any action could want. From explosions, funny one-liners like "Now I have a machine gun. Ho, Ho, Ho." And (sorry this line contains a spoiler so spoiler alert), "Happy trails Hans," and an incredible one-two punch for the two main characters. It also takes place during the "most wonderful time of the year" at a Christmas party. Every year at that time of the holiday season, it's a requirement for me to watch it.
Die Hard (1988) - Ho Ho Ho Scene (1/5) | Movieclips YouTube
The plot is pretty simple: Bruce Willis is a New York City cop coming to visit his kids and his wife with whom he is having problems with and that lives in L.A., to celebrate Christmas. He finds out that his wife Holly has changed back to her maiden name from all of the friction and distance between them. He also ends up at the wrong place at the wrong time as he visits her at her office building and then it is overtaken by terrorists.
So, I know what you're thinking: "Oh no, terrorists taking over a skyscraper!" Yes, we all have that reminder of what happened on September 11th and terrorism in that predicament (building terrorism) is and will forever be on our minds. That said "Die Hard" was filmed in 1988 long before 9/11 was even thought of (check the scene when Bruce Willis arrives at the airport and actually smokes indoors-ah, the 80s). John, Bruce Willis's character then has to fight his way through the terrorists and save not only his wife but everyone involved in the Christmas party.
Now there's always been some debate on whether or not "Die Hard" is indeed a Christmas film. Let me put this to rest: "Die Hard" is without a doubt a Christmas movie. Even though we have bullets, blood, and some language that would make Santa blush and add you to the naughty list if he heard you use it, it's still by all accounts a Christmas movie. Some even argue that Rocky IV is a Christmas movie as well.
Why do I say it's a Christmas film? Well, the time frame for one. You can't have a Christmas film if it's not set during Christmas. Two they play off of that as at one point in the film Bruce Willis is walking around in a Santa hat carrying a gun. Finally, not only is there a Christmas tree in the building, but I mean this film is the gift that keeps on giving. Now Bruce Willis himself said that it isn't a Christmas film but he was at a roast when he said it, so chances are that was supposed to be a painful joke to fanboys like me. The Washington Post talks about how Steve DeSouza, the film's screenwriter, made a chart to compare the film to White Christmas about the justification of a Christmas film and it appears that "Die Hard" is more of a Christmas film than White Christmas. Clever if I do say so myself.
Having said all of this, "Die Hard" is an exceptional film set during what was supposed to be holly jolly Christmas. Although there's a lack of snow, there's no lack of holiday references to that magical time. My viewing of "Die Hard" every year about that time is justified even though my mom hates that I watch it and is totally convinced that it isn't a Christmas movie. If you have never seen the film or just want to see it in theaters, it is actually going to play in a short run at our local Cobb theater. So please if you haven't watch it, I totally suggest you give it a try. It always makes my Christmas watching Bruce Willis give the viewer the gift on kicking bad guy butt.
