Our annual list of unconventional holiday fare, films (and the occasional TV show) provides an alternative to the usual "Christmas Story"/ "It's a Wonderful Life"/ "Elf" fest. Each selection is either set during the holiday season or includes at least one crucial yuletide scene, and all are available on DVD.
"The Godfather" (1972): The cheer of the holiday season belies the violence and vengeance during several key scenes in Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece, including the murder of Luca Brasi and the subsequent attempted assassination of Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). Truly, what better way to celebrate Christmas than with a little cannoli?
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2001): This is hardly the best entry in the movie series based on J.K. Rowling's beloved books. But much of the imagery -- including the warm glow of the decked holiday halls at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry -- makes this worth revisiting, especially if you're looking for something non-Rankin-Bass-related to watch with the kids.
"The Savages" (2007): Golden garlands and pictures of Santa spruce up the surroundings at Valley View, the nursing home where Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman choose to deposit their dad in this keenly observed, somewhat overlooked indie drama. A movie about nursing homes at Christmas? Absolutely. Because not only does this one partially take place during the month of December, it also paints one of the more realistic (and often funny) on-screen portraits of a family that I've seen in recent years. And family is what the holidays are all about, isn't it?
"The Man Who Came to Dinner" (1942): With a convincingly cranky turn by Monty Woolley and equally fine work from Bette Davis, this story of an arrogant writer holed up in a suburban Ohio home during the holidays delivers a much-appreciated dose of classic Christmas tartness. If you neglect to rent the DVD, Turner Classic Movies plans to air it on Christmas Eve afternoon, so set your DVR.
"American Psycho" (2000): For those dark, twisted individuals who have ingested too much "Bad Santa" but don't want to stoop to the level of "Silent Night, Deadly Night," there is this blackest of black comedies, which boasts a holiday party scene in which Reese Witherspoon wishes everyone a "merry Xmas" while holding a potbellied pig in her arms. Honestly, does anyone say "Have a holly, jolly Christmas" with more cheesy, sleazy menace than Christian Bale?
