![]() ![]() Of course, we can’t ignore Will Ferrell’s other immature goofball roles, such as in Step Brothers. Deeds is a good alternative here, as well. Speaking of Sandler, he’s one of the kings of man-child shtick, particularly in Billy Madison, which makes for a decent counterpart to Elf. If it’s the 1994 remake of Miracle on 34th Street, though, don’t follow that up with the 2002 remake of Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, only with Santa Claus in the place of a man thought crazy for being kind and generous. The original Miracle on 34th Street has surely been mistaken for a Capra film, and that’s easily forgiven because of its being a contemporary of It’s a Wonderful Life and, more so, because of how much its courtroom scenes are reminiscent of those in his Mr. Follow it with the sequel Faraway, So Close!, which might be more relevant given how it ends with its main character wanting to go back to what he was before. ![]() Later remade in America as City of Angels, this German film by Wim Wenders looks at the human/guardian angel relationship from the latter’s perspective as he wants to be human. Fortunately, there is an amazing alternative that bears enough resemblance to choose: Wings of Desire. Then there’s a dark, inverse take in Donnie Darko, but that’s a Halloween movie, if we’re boxing in holiday entertainment. It’s more of a downer- even its musical interlude is sad – but a lot of Love Actually is rather depressing itself.įrank Capra’s most beloved classic has inspired or is aligned with a number of similar efforts, and unfortunately for the task at hand, many ( The Bishop’s Wife, The Family Man) are also Christmas movies. Then there’s Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia, a movie clearly inspired by Short Cuts and Altman in general, which is the masterpiece you need. And Robert Altman films such as Nashville and Short Cuts. And there are so many better films that do the multi-character, loosely connected-subplots thing, like Dazed and Confused, which is younger, cooler, and set on the kids’ holiday known as the last day of school. Richard Curtis’s ensemble rom-com inspired a few holiday-themed movies from Garry Marshall, including Valentine’s Day and this year’s Mother’s Day, but they’re not nearly as good as Love Actually. By the end of the movie, Bogie sort of goes full-on John McClane in order to kill the bad guys and save the day. Robinson leading a crew who hijack a resort hotel. John Huston’s Key Largo stars real-life spouses Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall plus Edward G. The best, though, is the earliest known take on the “ Die Hard on a…” premise, released 40 years beforehand. Because of its numerous copycats, there are plenty of movies not set during the holidays to consider, including Under Siege, Air Force One, White House Down, Speed, and the precursor Bullet Train. ![]() The one movie on this list where you’re most likely to ignore the rule and watch January through November, Die Hard is also kind of a big blockbuster alternative to Home Alone, as well. Although home invasion thrillers that aren’t for kids are a dime a dozen, this one under Fincher’s direction is most like Home Alone in its methodic thrills, making it like a game, plus it’s got a great performance by Jodie Foster and early proof that Kristen Stewart is a talent. It’s like if Kevin’s mom returned at the end and then both of them had to continue to stave off the Wet Bandits. If you want something that’s a lot like Home Alone for grown-ups, then David Fincher’s Panic Room ought to be your go-to. ![]() If you want more kids defending their turf from baddies, there’s The Goonies, Toy Soldiers, and Attack the Block, which exchanges criminals and terrorists for alien invaders. In June if you want to watch something with Santa, film nazi elves appear and say, “No, you can’ta!” So here are alternatives to all of your faves, to help you with your untimely craves. Because after December 25th comes and passes, Christmas movies are once again ignored by the masses. Twas the day before Christmas and all through the land, people are trying to watch all the holiday staples they can. This entry recommends alternatives and pairings to watch after or with all your favorite Christmas movies. Learn some film history, become a more well-rounded viewer, and enjoy like-minded works of the past. Welcome to Movie DNA, a column that recognizes the direct and indirect cinematic roots of both new and classic movies. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |