With the time change and the switch to winter time, Montrealers are having a rather strange week. We technically sleep an hour longer, but with the rain and the cold snap that smells vaguely of snow, it almost feels like we’ve been robbed of an hour’s sleep.
The holiday season also brings with it the darkest time of the year, and to get in the mood we recommend staying at home (for once) and watching a movie with hot chocolate.
We’ve got 10 movies to watch during the long afternoons of the season, when Montreal is gray…
1.love actually
Love Actually is a classic to watch at your peril if your relationship isn’t going well…
But it’s a perfect movie to watch if you’re expecting a lover who’s arriving at the airport and you can pick him up, and for those who liked to imagine a romance with Justin Trudeau(sorry).
It’s a film about love in all its forms… and what better way than Christmas to ignite our inner hope? I feel it in my fingers…
2.Home Alone (Mommy Missed the Plane)
A classic for the whole family, Home Alone takes us back to the simpler days of our youth, when it was possible to forget your child at home while you went off to Europe for Christmas, and no one had FaceTime or a cell phone to make sure everything was okay.
We’ll always appreciate the two villains and the incredible McCallister house, which really makes you wonder what a father’s job is to raise all those kids and have enough cash for wall-to-wall carpeting.
If you ever want more, there’s also Home Alone 2 in New York, Home Alone 3 with another kid, and Home Sweet Home Alone, the 2021 revival.
3The Family Stone
This year, this film is going to be especially hard to watch – after the death of the iconic Diane Keaton, who suffers from a terminal illness in this film. That doesn’t stop it from being atrocious with Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, and that’s why we can still laugh at The Family Stone.
It’s a touching story of a slightly eccentric but loving family who reject the eldest child’s new flame during their holiday visit. It’s perfect for the holidays!
4.Die Hard (Die Hard)
Set on Christmas Eve at a Christmas party, John McClane puts Christmas tape on his back to tie down his rifle, and writes “Ho-ho-ho” on one of the terrorists he has no choice but to execute. Plus, there’s a Christmas tree.
It’s a perfect action movie for those who don’t want to participate in all the emotional moments of romantic comedies. Thank you, John McClane.
5.34th Street Miracle
Whether you’re a fan of the 1947 or 1994 version, Miracle on 34th Street is a must-see this holiday season!
It’s a historical film that tells the story of Kris Kingle, a Santa Claus who’s so good at his role that he could really be Santa… until the day he announces to his colleagues that he really is Santa.
It’s very strong on Christmas magic, and it’s a forced return to childhood that feels very, very good…
6.Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The holiday season is a magical time of year. This unique period is also the perfect time to view the complete series of Harry Potter™films once again.
We chose the fourth film in the series because it pays special attention to Christmas with the magic of the Great Christmas Ball.
After seeing the film, we’re looking on TikTok for ways to recreate the ice sculptures for our December 25 centerpiece…
7It’s A Wonderful Life
Another holiday classic, It’s A Wonderful Life is a film not to be missed, and to be watched for the umpteenth time!
When a businessman decides that his life just isn’t working anymore, he’s visited by a guardian angel who shows him what his life would be like if he were gone.
A moving tale that reminds us of the importance of self-esteem and love, it’s an unforgettable holiday experience.
8.Happiest Season (My beautiful family, Christmas and me)
Happiest Season is the story of a young woman in a relationship who is supposed to meet her girlfriend’s parents for Christmas. The only problem is that her girlfriend has never told her parents that she’s a lesbian… and a series of lies and adventures ensue to hide the nature of their relationship.
It’s a love story that’s both funny and sad, with a critique of our society that preaches the importance of accepting oneself and loving oneself in order to be able to love others. Nothing like a dysfunctional, wealthy family to get you in the holiday spirit!
9The Holiday
A holiday classic, The Holiday is the perfect opportunity to see Hollywood’s finest actors perform in a funny, touching and extremely relatable film. Who doesn’t want to get away from it all this holiday season?
Join Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Jack Black in one of Christmas’ greatest romantic comedies. No matter where we travel to escape our problems, love will always find us in the end… especially when it’s the holidays!
10.Elf (Le lutin)
Are you in the mood for a bowl of spaghetti covered in maple syrup? Did you know that maple syrup is one of the five food groups of Santa’s elves?
Elf, a film both hilarious and touching, tells the story of Buddy, a man raised by elves who actually believes he is one.
When he learns that he really is a human and that his biological father lives in New York, he sets out to find his family… even though his family wants nothing to do with him! This is the perfect opportunity to see Will Ferrell in one of his most iconic roles.