It has come to my attention that some people out there on the Interwebs still cling to the notion that Die Hard, the celebrated action film starring Bruce Willis, is not a Christmas movie.
Look, Gremlins counts as a Christmas movie, Edward Scissorhands counts as a Christmas movie, and –Lord help us all– Santa Claus Conquers the Martians counts as a Christmas movie. So yes, “the Christmas episode” of action movies does indeed count as a Christmas movie.
Consider the following:
- The protagonist is there because he’s trying to re-unite with his estranged wife at Christmastime.
- The antagonists are specifically there at the Christmas party because the Christmas party helps their plans.
- “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (aka “Twas the Night Before Christmas”) is recited with alternate verses.
- Halls, people, and pretty much everything gets decked.
- Santa hats are used for great comedic effect.
- The end of the film reunites the protagonist with his family, whom he now values more than ever, and they spend Christmas together.
Friends, there are many pressing questions about the holiday season from what the deal is with the Feast of Seven Fishes to the order to light Advent candles. Die Hard‘s place in the Christmas movie canon should not be one of them. Watch it with Yuletide joy… perhaps after the younger ones are in bed (there are some violent bits, after all). Twinkies are appropriate.
Yippee ki yay to all and to all a good night!
1 thought on “Sorry Cinema Scrooges: Die Hard is a Christmas Movie”