On the first day of Christmas-ish movies we spoke of Die Hard. The Christmas-ish ultimate classic. Internet wars are still being fought over the film. Is it a Christmas movie or just one of the greatest action films of all time? We at ECV have concluded that it’s “Christmas-ish.©”
Basically “Christmas-ish” means that it’s revolving around Christmas and Christmas is a vital part of the story. Bonus points are if the the story wouldn’t have happened without it being Christmas. In Die Hard, John McClane wouldn’t have gone to the office building right after his flight if it wasn’t for the Christmas party.
Our next pick for Christmas-ish movies is one of my all time favorite movies – The Long Kiss Goodnight.
1996’s The Long Kiss Goodnight is directed by Renny Harlin – the man that directed Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, Deep Blue Sea and the criminally underrated Cutthroat Island. The screenplay is written by the Christmas-ish god Shane Black (we’ll get into him on a later day).
Ok, let’s get into this – in The Long Kiss Goodnight stars Geena Davis as Samantha Caine in an action role that should be put up there with Sigourney Weaver in Aliens, Charlize Theron in Atomic Blonde and well… Charlize Theron in Mad Max Fury Road.
Samantha Caine is a school teacher with amnesia and a daughter played by Yvonne Zima who suddenly realizes that she has… talents. All this is happening around the buildup to the holidays. The action occurs alongside Christmas parades, holiday lights and more.
I will admit that the motivation for the film, like Die Hard, isn’t Christmas… it’s just that everything revolves abound the season. That said the main character does appear at Mrs. Claus and many moments in the movie are of the Christmas season.
Most importantly the film builds the importance of family, and togetherness – even if it’s a swear word spewing, booze drinking private detective played by Samuel L. Jackson named Mitch Henessey. Jackson and Davis need to be in another film together as their banter in this one is truly incredible.
- Samantha: Easy, sport. I got myself outta Beirut once, I think I can get outta New Jersey.
- Mitch: Yeah? Well, don’t be so sure. Others have tried and failed. The entire population, in fact.
or
- Mitch Henessey: [singing] Putting the keys in my left pocket. Hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm. Gun in the right-hand side.
- Samantha Caine: It makes a bulge, people can see.
- Mitch Henessey: Ya want me to stick it in my pants and shoot my damn dick off?
- Samantha Caine: Now you’re a sharpshooter?
The film also stars Brian Cox, who is about as Brian Cox-y as he comes in any film. Craig Bierko is the villain and he is SO much fun.
Get the film on:
4k:
https://www.arrowvideo.com/p/4k/the-long-kiss-goodnight-limited-edition-4k-uhd/16034468/
Blu-ray:
DVD:
Emerald City Video 
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