Spice Up Your Season: KARE 11’s Holiday Movie Gems

As the chill of winter truly settles over Minneapolis, many of us settle into familiar holiday routines, often including a well-worn playlist of seasonal films. But what if you could inject some unexpected joy and fresh conversation into your viewing traditions? The staff at KARE 11 have shared their unique holiday movie picks, inspiring locals across the Twin Cities to venture beyond the traditional yuletide favorites and discover new cinematic treasures.

Beyond the Yuletide Staples

For years, our holiday viewing habits have often been dictated by network schedules or streaming service “holiday hubs” that recycle the same beloved, yet predictable, classics. While there’s comfort in revisiting films like It’s a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Story, the KARE 11 team challenges us to broaden our horizons. Their selections aim to redefine what a “holiday movie” can be, offering a refreshing departure from the conventional feel-good narratives.

The beauty of these unique picks lies in their ability to spark new conversations and create fresh memories. Instead of simply passively watching, engaging with an unconventional choice encourages discussion, debate, and perhaps even a new personal tradition. It’s about finding the “holiday spirit” in unexpected places, whether it’s through a film set during the holidays that isn’t overtly festive, or one that has simply become a cherished seasonal watch for personal reasons.

What Makes a Movie a “Holiday” Pick?

The KARE 11 staff’s approach highlights that a “holiday movie” isn’t solely defined by Santa, elves, or overt Christmas themes. Sometimes, it’s about the setting, the underlying message of family or redemption, or simply the time of year you choose to watch it. For many, a movie becomes a holiday pick through personal tradition, a film they return to year after year during the festive season, regardless of its original intent. This opens up a vast new world of cinema waiting to be explored during the colder months.

The Unexpected Genres

Imagine swapping a classic rom-com for an action-packed thriller set on Christmas Eve, or a heartwarming family drama for a quirky horror-comedy with a holiday backdrop. KARE 11’s insights suggest that the holiday season is an ideal time to explore genres not typically associated with festive cheer. Films like Die Hard, often debated as a Christmas movie, perfectly exemplify this shift, offering high stakes and explosive action against a holiday setting. Others might gravitate towards lesser-known foreign films or cult classics that resonate with a particular seasonal mood, proving that holiday viewing doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all.

Nostalgia and Personal Connection

Many of the most cherished holiday movie memories are rooted in personal experience. A KARE 11 staff member’s unique pick might be a film they watched every year with their grandparents, a movie that premiered during a particularly memorable holiday, or even an animated special from their childhood that isn’t widely recognized as a “classic.” These personal connections imbue films with a special holiday significance that transcends their original classification. Encouraging locals to embrace their own unique nostalgic picks can lead to sharing truly personal and heartfelt viewing experiences.

Crafting Your Own Minneapolis Holiday Movie Marathon

Inspired by the KARE 11 team, Minneapolis locals can easily curate their own roster of unconventional holiday films. Start by thinking about films you love that are set during the holidays but aren’t overtly festive. Consider action, drama, or even sci-fi. Streaming services, while often pushing traditional holiday fare, also have deep catalogs where you can search for films by release date, specific holiday settings, or even director. Don’t forget local independent theaters, which sometimes host special screenings of cult classics or unique older films around the holidays. Check the schedules of places like The Trylon Cinema or the Parkway Theater for unexpected gems that might just become your new seasonal favorite.

Turn your unique movie night into a community event. Invite friends and family to bring their own “non-traditional” holiday movie picks and share the stories behind why these films resonate with them during the season. Pair the movie with local treats from a Minneapolis bakery or brew a unique hot beverage from a local coffee shop. These gatherings can foster lively discussions and create new, personalized holiday traditions right here in the Twin Cities, making the long winter evenings even more enjoyable and memorable.

The Benefits of Stepping Off the Beaten Path

Embracing these unconventional holiday movie choices offers several compelling benefits. Firstly, it combats “holiday fatigue” by introducing novelty and excitement into what can become a repetitive routine. Secondly, it provides fresh talking points for social gatherings, moving beyond the usual discussions about weather or gift shopping. Thirdly, it deepens your appreciation for cinema by exploring how different genres and narratives can evoke a “holiday spirit” through subtle cues or personal interpretation. Finally, by engaging with the KARE 11 staff’s recommendations, you connect with local personalities and their own unique perspectives, enriching your community experience right here in Minneapolis.

FAQs

• Why bother with unique holiday movies?
  They combat holiday viewing fatigue, spark new conversations, and allow for a more personalized and diverse celebration of the season, moving beyond the same old classics.
• Where can I find these less common picks?
  Check streaming services beyond their curated holiday sections, explore independent film archives, visit local Minneapolis video rental stores if they exist, or ask friends for their unusual seasonal favorites.
• Can unique movies still feel “holiday”?
  Absolutely. A film can feel festive through its setting, a particular theme of togetherness, redemption, or simply by becoming a personal tradition during the holiday season, regardless of its primary genre.
• Are these unique picks always appropriate for all ages?
  Not necessarily. While some unconventional choices might be family-friendly, many adult-oriented films also make great holiday watches. Always check ratings and content warnings, especially for KARE 11 staff picks that aren’t widely known.
• How can I share my own unique picks with the KARE 11 community?
  Keep an eye on KARE 11’s social media channels or website during the holiday season for opportunities to share your own unique picks and join the local conversation.

This holiday season, take a cue from the KARE 11 staff and embrace the unexpected; you might just discover a new favorite film that redefines your festive viewing experience right here in the heart of Minneapolis.

KARE Eleven Redefines Holiday Movie Traditions