5 Movies to get you to Christmas Season

Ah, it’s November. The spooky season is over, but the holidays aren’t upon us just yet. Midterms are finally past us, but finals are just around the corner. I’m sure you’ve worked hard this term, so it seems like the perfect time to reward yourself and watch some movies. 

November, 

This break in the action isn’t the time to binge-watch a new show or start a new trilogy, save that for Christmas break. November is a month to watch something digestible with no strings attached. Therefore, to make this list, each film must be a story-driven narrative while being a standalone film, meaning it has no sequels. So below, I’ve listed 5 movies that are perfect to get you through November and ready for the holiday season. 

Conclave

First and foremost, this is the only film that is currently in theatres. Conclave is a movie that covers the process of a papal election after the passing of the Pope. I must also mention that you do not need to be Catholic or religious in any particular way to enjoy this movie.  It features all different kinds of intrigue and court politics that roll out slowly similar to Game Of Thrones in its prime. I also felt despite it not being a whodunit, it still feels vaguely reminiscent of Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series in the way it plays. Not to mention Ralph Fiennes in an oddly specific creative movie is always a good time (If you liked him in The Menu I’m sure you’ll like him in Conclave). I feel like this is just a good, creative, independent film, and as corporations continue to beat every intellectual property to death in pursuit of profit, it is refreshing to find something unique and creative.  

Surf’s Up

A forgotten classic in my opinion. The mockumentary style is reminiscent of early 2000s television, with themes that were slightly more mature than the usual Disney Channel movies Surf’s Up always gives a bit different feeling from other animated films for children of that era. 

In addition, I find this movie always feels so much more significant watching it in your late teen years or early adulthood as I think we people in those demographics can relate to the protagonist on a more personal level. Pursuing one’s desire in the face of adversity gets more challenging as we get older and that is something we can all relate to in some capacity. So I think getting to recapture that feeling of freedom through a penguin pursuing his dreams of surfing waves in Antarctica is the perfect setting for us to vicariously reclaim this feeling even if it's only for an hour and a half. So in short, if you’re feeling a bit lost or confused with your life, do yourself a favor and watch Surf’s Up. 

(Also, I know Surf’s Up has a sequel but I think we all pretend like it doesn’t exist so that's why it made this list.)

Wanted

For the action movie lovers among us, you have been missing out if you haven’t seen this movie. I mean curving bullets, need I say more? Aside from the cool action scenes the movie feels like something that would be adapted to play on cable television on a random weekend in 2012. It is enjoyable but nothing special. You need only to admire the cool action shots, conventionally attractive cast, and the somewhat interesting plot. A true Hollywood action movie through and through. 

Les Intouchables 

We all like a feel-good movie from time to time and it really doesn’t get better than Les Intouchables. The film follows an unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic Parisian aristocrat and an ex-con who was recently released from prison. It is a fun story that will lift your spirits, nothing more and nothing less. Omar Cy is incredibly likable which makes the relationships in this story so engaging and François Cluzet humanizes his character in a way that feels fresh and fun, subverting the expected feeling of melancholy throughout the film. A bromance movie at its core; watch it for a couple of laughs and a couple more smiles. 

Hot Fuzz

Hot Fuzz never really gets the credit it deserves. It is truly a fantastic film top to bottom. It is incredibly witty, very funny, and perfect to watch with a group of friends. I won’t speak too much about the plot or story because the basic synopsis of this film will always serve as a tremendous undersell for the wild ride this film offers. Lastly, the film is directed by Edgar Wright, also known for Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World and Baby Driver, I will let that serve as an indication of the style and tone of this film. A really good watch after a stressful week of work, school, and what other parts of your life are feeling like a drag.