That’s right – another weird quirk about yours truly. I’ve shared a bunch of unique, odd things about myself here on the SoBros Patreon, and I’m going to share another one today. Hey – what can I say? I’m an open book…transparent…comfortable in my own skin…however you want to say it, I am who I am. And, this time of year, I’m gearing up for a full-on holiday run. I’m a regular Kris Kringle from the time the clock strikes midnight on Halloween through the last bowl game at New Years. Part of my early start is my slate of “Thanksgiving movies.” Yes, that’s right – I have what I refer to as “Thanksgiving movies.”
I actually think Thanksgiving is pretty horrible….kinda like….why are we still celebrating Columbus Day? I guess us Americans just refuse to acknowledge the blood this country’s had on its hands since its very inception. Maybe that’s a little too deep for what we do here at SoBros Network. But, Thanksgiving, the food, the football, and the shopping that come with it represent something entirely different to me than pilgrims and Native Americans and the lies we tell our children….
*ahem*
It’s peak holiday season to me. The pinnacle of the big “End of Year Relax,” if you will. It’s all the festivities of the holidays, but you still get that anticipation of Christmas and New Years to come. It’s not like the end of December when you’re just sitting in this weird no man’s land of “what day is it?” I don’t sit there on Black Friday wondering where the time went and thinking about the oncoming seasonal depression like I do at New Years.
So, over the years, I’ve found that some movies just remind me of that time period – when you want something festive and charming but aren’t quite ready for the Christmas movies. The criteria for this is admittedly pretty loose – it’s usually some action, adventure, or mystery story. Something that’s fun and immersive – props if it’s a family movie that you can watch with the kids. I’ve been told that the Indiana Jones, Hunger Games, and James Bond movies fit the bill of what I’m trying to describe here too, but I haven’t seen all of those…
*shrugs*
My Quintessential Thanksgiving Viewing Plan
Beowulf (November 2007) – It came out in November of 2007. I distinctly remember checking it out in theaters, loving it, and always sort of associating it with that early holiday run. Plus, even though it’s animated, there’s something about the lighting in that movie that is very Polar Express and Jim Carrey Christmas Carol-esque that gives it a holiday quality.
Murder on the Orient Express (November 2017) – It’s a good popcorn flick. I know our resident film critic wasn’t too big a fan, but it’s the glowing scenery, the snow, and the fun element of mystery that keeps me coming back every year.
Night at the Museum (December 2006) – it’s charming, magical, family-friendly, has a great happy and warm ending. Nothing is as close to being a Christmas movie without being a Christmas movie as this one. Not to mention, Robin Williams as Teddy Roosevelt may be one of the greatest castings in movie history. Also, that could possibly be an exaggeration.
Sherlock Holmes (December 2009) – Another big time holiday release makes the list. This one has the added bonus of being one of the most iconic characters in the history of all fiction. Throw in prime RDJ, and you’ve got a holiday winner that never gets old.
National Treasure (November 2004) – I love the history component of National Treasure. I don’t know why, but I always tend to want to read history books in the fall. Maybe something is wrong with my brain. But, National Treasure is quintessential family adventure. I think this one comes on every November because it was indeed released in November. Maybe nothing’s wrong with my brain after all. Maybe.
Knives Out (November 2019) – I knew right away as soon as I saw this one last year that I would be adding this to the rotation. It’s just so fun, there’s something cool and nippy about the atmosphere of the movie, AND we get Daniel Craig in a thick Southern accent. Nothing too heavy, but the perfect ambience for a fun fall evening.
Try it out and tell me there’s not something wholesome and fun about these movies at the holidays.
What’s that? No? No – I’m just a fucking lunatic? Okay, good talk.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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