It’s the end of 2015 and it’s time to prepare to usher in 2016. This month we have a few Christmas-themed movies, a dark New Year’s Resolution between 2 friends and a feel good family movie. Most movies here were not screened locally except for the family-friendly National Lampoon.
Happy New Year 2016 from the team here at Masses! Party, celebrate and stay safe wherever you are!
1. New Year’s Day (2001)
Two 17-year-old teens cope with life after being sole survivors of an avalanche. After their traumatic experience, they make an agreement to kill themselves after a year has passed. The dual embark on a quest to fulfill 12 sometimes-hazardous ‘tasks’ of their fallen friends and live life to the fullest. An interesting look at themes of suicide, the aftermath of tragedy and the lives of 2 teens surrounded by adults who are as clueless about life as they are.
2. The Night Before (2015)
Childhood friends Ethan, Isaac and Chris have always it a point to gather on Christmas’s Eve to celebrate the holidays with plenty of gusto for the past decade. With the realization that Isaac is about to become a full-time dad, they realize their hardcore partying tradition is about to end. They make it their goal to go after the Holy Grail of Christmas parties in New York City; the Nutcracka Ball in one night of excessive indulgence.
3. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
The story begins with a team excavating a mountain and discovering a large burial mound. They are sent in to investigate whereby they discover a sacred grave; only the occupant is still very much alive. Their discovery begins the occurrence of reindeers slaughtered and children disappearing. It’s up to a group of reindeer herders and a boy to save the village… from an evil Santa!
4. The Ref (1994)
A black comedy film, the story centers on a bickering couple and a cat burglar. Lloyd and Caroline are married, have a son and marriage counseling doesn’t seem to work for them. Blaming each other for their problems, their marriage seems to be on the brink of divorce. Along comes a chance encounter with Gus, a criminal, who “referees” them back together. An underrated film, it is set on Christmas Eve.
5. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
A much-loved classic, Chevy Chase stars as a family man who wants to take his wife, Ellen, and his children on a road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles to bond closer with them. Their final destination, Walley World, a theme park billed as “America’s Favorite Family Fun Park”. Along the way, they run into numerous mishaps along the way that will test their family ties with one another. Obviously it ends with a happy ending but it’s their hilarious journey that makes the ride worthwhile.
