Tag Archive for: what to watch

9 Movies That Are Great Even After Christmas

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It happens to the best of us, Christmas comes and goes but we still yearn for more holiday movies. Luckily there’s those movies that hint at Christmas time but focus their attention elsewhere making them movies that are watchable all year long. Here is a list of 9 Movies That Are Great Even After Christmas. Huzzah!

9. Die Hard (1988)

Yes, it comes up every year, and maybe you even view Die Hard as a true Christmas movie, but nevertheless this comedic action thriller has all the kicks and punches that make us come back again and again all year long. We can’t get enough and neither should you. Yippee-kay-yay!

8. Lethal Weapon (1989)

Continuing with our love for action, Lethal Weapon is indeed a Christmas time movie. In fact, there’s even a scene that takes place lit in red by the Christmas tree. And with a mullet like Mel Gibson’s this movie deserves to be played on repeat.

7. Edward Scissorhands (1990)

As lovable as his McFarlane Toys action figure which we’ve carried in the past, Edward Scissorhands knows how to decorate for Christmas. Yet with the green foliage, hot tight pants, and Avon lady world that is this movie, you can watch this film year round. It will give you all the good vibes you wish for with a Tim Burton picture and leave you wondering, why don’t I watch this more often?

6. Gremlins (1984)

Gremlins may be more on the nose about its Christmas feelings then the other movies on this list but the mayhem that it creates makes it an all-the-time favorite. Christmas time, Halloween time, random day in March, this film is viewable at any time. And how we love the collectibles that remind us of this heartwarming movie, like the 2-Pack Winter Gremlins Action Figures released by Neca shown below.

5. Batman Returns (1992)

As our excitement grows about the newest Batman movie, The Batman (2022), we can’t help but yearn for Batman Returns. Nothing gives you those Christmas-feels like Gotham blowing up and Danny Devito as the Penguin. However, the movie doesn’t get hung-up on the fact that it’s Christmas time instead it let’s Batman fall in love with Catwoman while the Penguin tries to take over Gotham City. Pure Batman gold in Tim Burton glory. In fact, you can enjoy this movie over and over again as you cuddle next to your Batman Returns action figure. We’ll allow it.

4. Shazam! (2019)

A wizard at Christmas time? Sign me up! Not only do you get the child-like wonder that is Zachary Levi but this movie offers a warming family cheer with bad guys and good guys fighting amongst Christmas decorations. Score!

3. 12 Monkeys (1995)

I’ll admit this movie took me awhile to go back to with being in a pandemic but the truth is 12 Monkeys has always been a great movie. Another Christmas time movie featuring Bruce Willis (Die Hard), the zany apocalyptic world designed by Gilliam is a non-stop enjoyment-fest. Did I mention ’90s Brad Pitt? Yea, reason enough to watch all year.

2. Prometheus (2012)

We can’t get enough of the Alien universe and that includes Prometheus. The fact that it takes place during Christmas time makes me want to jump up and down with my Alien collectibles. So, yes, we will be watching the Alien movie franchise on repeat during 2022.

1. Iron Man 3 (2013)

Writer and Director Shane Black knows what we want during this time of year (Lethal Weapon, Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang) and it’s no different with Iron Man 3. He once said that, “Christmas bands together and cements a story.” It brings everyone together those in the film and watching it. We couldn’t agree more. In fact, it’s bringing us to watch this movie right now.

No matter what time of year, these 9 movies are sure to bring you the warmth of Christmas without hitting you over the head with it. And, yes, it’s okay to watch Christmas movies in the middle of July. We asked, and also, we won’t tell. So, carry on, friends.

Your movie addicts at Blast From the Past

6 Bad A** Women Lead Movies to Watch

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As Black Widow hits screens everywhere we took a look at what other women lead movies to recommend. If you are looking for fun, bad a** women movies, we decided that these are the six to start with. Do keep in mind they may not be suitable for all ages, after all, it’s hard to be a lady all the time when you’re kicking butt.

Black Widow (2021)

Just released, we love the strength and feisty attitude of Scarlett Johannson as Natasha Romanova, aka Black Widow. What’s even better is that there are many women making their mark in this movie which shows that not only one woman can take names but many.

The Hunt (2020)

This movie was a surprise hit for me. It is subtle, funny, full of action, and features Betty Gilpin who, since I love Netflix’s Glow, is everything. Keep in mind this is a movie with people being hunted so it’s not for every age, but if you are in the mood for a strong female lead with dark comedy and blood, you are golden.

Cruella (2021)

The animation style of the 1961 One Hundred and One Dalmations is one of my favorites and has a special place in my heart. Watching Cruella de Vil careening down the road with her crazy hair and maddening eyes made me scared and excited. That’s why I was over the moon to see Emma Stone hunched over the driver’s wheel just like the animation in the Cruella trailer. The movie also didn’t disappoint. Have some punk fun and root for the girl who doesn’t apologize for being bad.

Atomic Blonde (2017)

Atomic Blonde is a non-stop thrill ride of woman bad-a**ery. Charlize Theron did her own stunts in this movie and they are incredible. Also a movie not suitable for youngins’, this movie is packed with ’80s dressed spy-ness. So grab some pink lipstick because this ride is going to be killer.

Wonder Woman (2017)

When DC’s Wonder Woman hit theatres in 2017 we were unprepared. Suddenly a blockbuster action movie that did well in the box office featured a strong female lead. Now it’s not like female leads didn’t exist before 2017, but it was the first time a whole world of strong women didn’t rely on another sex to tell a story. Despite the story falling into the realm of love stories, Diana Prince and her Amazonians showed that if you believe in truth and love you can kick meanies butts. After all, besides an invisible jet isn’t that what most of us want anyway? If you’ve been waiting to watch this movie, do it now. And if you’ve already seen it, watch it again. Then go back and watch some Geena Davis movies, women film education people.

Thelma & Louise (1991)

Speaking of Geena Davis, if you want a powering women duo, Thelma & Louise is a must-see. I can never get enough of this movie. It is quirky and familiar, strong and unapologetic, it’s the right actors with the right dialogue and story, and yes, even has the famous Brad Pitt abs. Though the dynamics between Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis is enough a reason for me.

You may be asking yourself, “This is July? Shouldn’t this be a list of 7 Bad A** Women Lead Movies?” The reason for there being no #7 just as there are no numbers marking this list, is that any film that features a powerful lady is #1 in our book, and we want to know what your favorite movies are to watch! Let us know which movies we missed below or on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Stay classy collectors. Your bad a** blogger,

Diane

10 Movies That You Can Watch for Halloween and Christmas

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​The pumpkin is lit, the lights are dimmed low, the popcorn is in hand… now, what movie to watch? With so many options to choose from nowadays, we thought we would help you out. Here are 10 movies that work for Halloween and Christmas because why not double down, am I right?

1. GREMLINS (1984)

GREMLINS (1984) always holds a place in my heart. It’s funny, it’s weird, it’s spooky, and jolly all rolled into one. I almost always forget how dark it is, which makes it perfect for Halloween. The mom cooking the gremlin in the microwave– classic! Yet, it’s hard not to feel a warm, soft spot for little Gizmo when he’s singing along in a Santa hat. Though the first on our list, I would be so bold to say it may reign supreme for Christmas horror movies in my book.

2. KRAMPUS (2015)

What a pleasant surprise KRAMPUS (2015) was when it came out in theatres. It hits all the seasonal buttons: family, snow, presents, and the mythology of Krampus. As someone who was always wary of toys coming to life in a PUPPET MASTER (1989) tone rather than a plucky Disney one, KRAMPUS gives me chills just thinking about it. The special effects are spot on and the story doesn’t disappoint.

3. SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT (1984)

A joyous, timeless romp in all 80s splendor. SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT (1984) shows how taking a symbol like Santa and turning him deadly can have negative effects later on in life. That’s putting it mildly, but hopefully, it gets your mind churning.

4. THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993)

For a bit of a lighter touch on the holiday, you could opt for Tim Burton’s THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993). A beautiful stop-motion film, this movie brings Christmas together with the darker, twisted stylings of Tim Burton. It’s engaging, spooky, and will leave you humming the songs all season long!

5. BLACK CHRISTMAS (1974)

This movie still gives me the creeps. I suppose it’s that feeling that you should be safe somewhere but really anything could happen. That’s what makes BLACK CHRISTMAS so disturbing and wonderful for Halloween. Yet, with all the Christmas decorations you’ll be yelling, “Where’s the eggnog?”

6. RARE EXPORTS (2010)

This Finnish movie is one of the scariest takes on Saint Nick. It will have you repeating to yourself, “I am good. I am good.” It will stick in your mind like any great story does and will leave you haunted well past Christmas.

7. CHILD’S PLAY (1988)

There’s a reason CHILD’S PLAY (1988) and its demonic doll, Chucky, are cult classics. This movie punches all our childhood fear buttons. Chucky is the perfect present for any boy, unfortunately, this one just happens to be possessed by the soul of a serial killer. Want to play? Um, not really, but we’ll watch the movie over and over again!

8. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990)

Another story on the lighter side of Halloween, but fitting nevertheless. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990) brings Tim Burton’s knack of odd and unique characters into the heart of a suburban neighborhood. It’s one I always love watching and one I always forget how wonderful it is until I watch it. Dianne Wiest as the mother– I mean, come on– genius!

9. THE SHINING (1980)

Stanley Kubrick’s THE SHINING (1980) may not seem like a Christmas movie to you but it meets our requirements: family, snow, well wishes… What is more endearing than the love of a father who allows his family to vacation at an incredible resort while he works? Sure he’s going to cut them up into little bits, but it’s not like it’s going to hurt. His love will go on forever, and ever, and ever…

10. CRONOS (1993)

Guillermo Del Toro is a master of monsters and CRONOS (1993) is no exception. It brings a 600-year-old monster to the surface in an incredible visionary dance. As always, Del Toro combines the macabre and dark with a childlike wonder that is delicious for Halloween and magical enough for Christmas. Just watch it and let us know what you decide.

There are many other wickedly horrific Christmas-centered movies that we sadly could not fit on this list. What’s your favorite? Let us know below or give us a shout out on social media! @Blastftp