1988 - R - 132 MINS - ACTION
Nutshell: A New York City police officer tries to save his estranged wife and several others taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles.
Top Cast: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman
Review: Die Hard IS a Christmas movie, blending action with holiday cheer in a way that’s unexpected and surprisingly festive. McClane's insane pursuit to reunite his family makes a perfect alternative to traditional Christmas movies. Yippee-ki-yay!
1990 - PG-13 - 105 MINS - FANTASY
Nutshell: In this modern fairy tale, a scientist animates human being, but dies before he can finish assembling Edward, leaving the young man with a freakish appearance. The story of an outcast trying to fit in with suburban society.
Top Cast: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder
Review: Strange and moving at the same time and wonderfully acted. Highly memorable but sometimes art does not deliver a result for a Christmas movie, which qualifies with its holiday season scenes.
2005 - 14A - 103 MINS - ACTION
Nutshell: After being mistaken for an actor, a New York thief is sent to Hollywood to train under a private eye for a potential movie role, but the duo are thrown together into a murder mystery.
Top Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer
Review: A black comedy thriller, one that is easy to pick apart, but still keeps viewers entertained. The Christmas season is the backdrop which helps to heighten the emotions of redemption and second chances.
2021 - PG - 106 MINS - FANTASY
Nutshell: In this origin story of Father Christmas, an ordinary boy, with a pet mouse, sets out on an extraordinary adventure to find his father, who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of Elfhelm.
Top Cast: Maggie Smith, Henry Lawfull
Review: Offers few surprises in this Santa origin story but sprinkled with wholesome holiday spirit. Personally I feel that the mouse was mis-cast but I will let you judge. It was enjoyable if not memorable.
2022 - R - 112 MINS - ACTION
Nutshell: When an elite team of mercenaries breaks into a family compound on Christmas Eve, a disgruntled Santa Claus must take them out to save both the hostages and his Holiday.
Top Cast: David Harbour, John Leguizamo
Review: Late night and you want something a bit different? This cross between Die Hard and Home Alone, sees Santa McClane cracking jokes and kicking ass. The was fun but don't concentrate too much on the story line, acting, script etc.
2020 - PG - 122 MINS - FANTASY
Nutshell: An imaginary world comes to life in a holiday tale of an eccentric toymaker, his adventurous granddaughter and a magical invention that has the power to change their lives forever.
Top Cast: Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key
Review: Cast was great. Visually appealing - costumes, set, CGI. However, too long, musical sections were pretty unmoving, a little slow, the mathematics was nonsense (sorry) and pretty predictable. Wanted to love it but came short.
2005 - PG - 143 MINS - FANTASY
Nutshell: During World War 2 to escape the London bombings, four English siblings are sent to a country house to be safe. While playing, they find a wardrobe that transports them to a mystical place called Narnia.
Top Cast: Tilda Swinton, Georgie Henley
Review: Christmas becomes a symbol of hope and change when Father Christmas provides gifts the children use in their battle against the Witch, restoring hope - an endearing reminder of the power Christmas can have.
1987 - R - 119 MINS - ACTION
Nutshell: Set against a backdrop of Christmas lights and decorations, two newly paired cops who are complete opposites must put their differences aside in order to catch a gang of drug smugglers.
Top Cast: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover
Review: A holiday season's themes of family, redemption and companionship resonates through this movie. While it is primarily an action movie (a good one), the subtle Christmas undertones give it a suitable festive watch.
2024 - PG-13 - 123 MINS - ACTION
Nutshell: After a villain kidnaps Santa from the North Pole, an E.L.F. (Extremely Large and Formidable) operative must partner with the world's most accomplished tracker to find Santa and save Christmas.
Top Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans
Review: This action-adventure "Marvel-style" Christmas movie, jam packed with festive folklore takes you on a fantastic ride. Maybe not an annual rewatch but enjoy the jokes and something a bit different!
2023 - R - 104 MINS - ACTION
Nutshell: A gritty revenge tale of a tormented father who witnesses his son die when caught in gang crossfire on Christmas Eve. While recovering from a wound that takes away his voice, he takes vengeance.
Top Cast: Joel Kinnaman, Kid Cudi
Review: This very John Woo film delivers a nightmarish spectacle of over-the-top brutal action. Definitely worthy of viewing, this silent night certainly delivers a 'holey night' - with the gangs certainly left with lots of those.!
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