Cool Runnings:
Jamaica, a country known for its tropical climate, is rarely associated with the Winter Olympics. Yet, in the 1993 film “Cool Runnings,” viewers are treated to the — loosely true — story of the Jamaican bobsled team and their improbable journey to a debut at the 1988 Calgary Winter Games. From a ragtag group of men who have never seen snow to Olympic medal contenders, the team must overcome mockery, cultural barriers and their own inexperience to prove that they belong on the world stage.
The film provides a deeper reflection on national pride, perseverance, joy and proving expectations wrong. As the team pushes forward in the face of adversity, it resonates with any viewer who has ever chased a dream that felt tantalizingly out of reach. Although the team ends up crashing on the course, their show of determination garners worldwide respect. The emphasis on unity in its snowy setting captures the holiday spirit, even if it’s not explicitly a holiday movie. Its lasting charm lies in its message: Success isn’t always measured by medals, but by the courage it takes to get in the race.
Home Alone:
No movie says “holiday mischief” quite like “Home Alone” (1990), the classic that has kept children and adults entertained for nearly 35 years. Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), a rebellious eight-year-old with a knack for creativity, is accidentally left behind by his family when they head to Paris to celebrate Christmas. Initially thrilled by his freedom in an empty house, it turns sour when two avaricious burglars, Harry and Marvin, target his home. Determined to protect himself and his family’s residence, Kevin sets up an outrageous plethora of traps, resulting a slapstick comedy film. “Home Alone” brings a flood of nostalgia. As we watch Kevin take his family for granted, we are reminded to better appreciate our loved ones. Watching Kevin not only make it out of a harrowing experience but also become closer to his family in the process strikes a chord in anyone who has ever realized how much those small, seemingly but not insignificant moments mattered. “Home Alone”’s lasting charm lies not just in its childish humor, but in its reminder of what truly makes the holidays special.
