Every year at this time television stations haul out their holiday movies. Problem is, most of them we have seen before. Now there are some movies like Miracle on 34th Street you can pull out every season, but I am getting a little tired of the countless replays of The Santa Clause, Elf and Home Alone. Don't get me wrong, they're all ok flicks but sometimes in order to really enjoy them you need to take a Christmas off from the same ole same ole. Between now and the end of the month, in 12 Days, I am going to feature movies you may not have seen, and of course the hunks who star in them. Hopefully there will be at least one movie, and one actor, that might bring a little joy to your holidays.
To be honest, last years A Merry Friggin' Christmas isn't exactly joyful. Not only is it one of Robin William's last film roles, it is also rather dark, if not honest, about what family gatherings are really like. The film is a mixed bag saved by a few well written and acted scenes by Williams, Candice Bergen, Lauren Graham, Oliver Platt and Wendi McLendon-Covey. It also stars the very enjoyable Joel McHale (12).
I have always thought Joel was adorable, yet since I do n't watch Community, I believe this Christmas movie is the first time I have actually seen a movie or tv show he has been in. Under those suits he often wears, McHale is incredibly fit, clearly spending more than a few hours at the gym the last year or two. He really kept me watching the film as I felt his strong desire to not replicate the mistakes of his own father (Williams) especially at Christmas.
Love the shot below by renowned celebrity photographer Timothy White
I recommend checking out this movie, but remember it is not full of fa la la la la's. The Mitchler family have their issues, and might be to close to what some of our families are truly like to actually enjoy. The relationship between Williams and Bergen in particular is hard to watch, but again, because I have seen it play out many times in my real life. Like most holiday movies, it does end on a nice note, maybe too nice actually as it sort of changes tone a little abruptly the end in order to tie the film up with a holiday bow.
Joel by Jill Greenberg for EMMY Magazine
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Deleted scene from Ted
