What is a Christmas movie? Is it a movie that includes Christmas cheer and faith? Is it a movie that can contain anything but is set in December? This debate has been a raging topic on websites such as Reddit, PremiumBeat, and even The Hollywood Reporter. One movie that has been fought over for quite some time is “Die Hard”. Multiple debates have sprung up over this movie, but that’s all online, and there is no definitive answer.
“There has to be snow and it has to be something that you can sit around with your family and watch—everyone has to like it,” said Mrs. Paula Nicolau, Department Chair of Science. She was then prompted with another question, “Would you believe that ‘Die Hard’ is a Christmas movie,” to which she responded, “‘Die Hard’ is a Christmas movie, it feels Christmasey.”
“It has to be set during Christmas time and it has to involve a Christmas element—‘Die Hard’ does not. Christmas also has to be a part of the plot and it drives the story,” said Mrs. Rachel Mroz, Department Chair of Career and Technical Education. When asked about “Nightmare Before Christmas”, a movie under the same debate, she responded with, “‘Nightmare before Christmas’ is a Christmas movie since it creates most of the story and it brings me joy”.
“A Christmas movie has to take place during Christmas, and Christmas has to have some sort of an effect on the plot.” Said freshman Brady Plummer. A movie that may portray Plummer’s needs could be “Home Alone”.
Although the controversy over titles such as “Die Hard” and “Nightmare Before Christmas” still lingers, at least here at St. Viator, some peace has been established. Based on the 3 quotes that are listed here, most believe that to be considered a Christmas movie, it has to contain some sort of Christmas theme, you have to be able to watch it with the family, and Christmas should be the plot of the movie/story,just like it did in “Home Alone”.