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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 25, 2019)
Donna Reed, Jimmy Stewart and Carl Switzer in “It’s a Wonderful Life” Silence,” 2019), Nathan Fillion finally earn his wings by helping By Jessica Gosse (“The Rookie”) and Minka Kelly George, and In preparation for his TV Media “Night Hunter” (2018) On Wednesday, Dec. 25, don’t miss this star-studded new crime drama. Henry Cavill (“The Witcher”) stars as police officer Marshall, alongside Alexandra Daddario (“Baywatch” 2017) as the newly promoted crimi- nal profiler Rachel. After arresting a serial killer named Simon (Brendan Fletcher, “Siren”), Marshall and Rachel must team up with retired judge and vigilante, Cooper (Ben Kingsley, “Self/less,” 2015), in order to stay one step ahead as Simon manages to orchestrate brutal attacks despite being behind bars. Also starring Stanley Tucci (“The (“Titans”), this thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat. “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) Prime Video has an eclectic array of Christmas films ready for your viewing pleasure, and this is the jewel in the crown. When George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart, “Vertigo,” 1958) suffers a financial setback so huge it will ruin his life, and possibly the town of Bedford Falls, he is des- perate enough to jump off a bridge and end it all. In his deepest mo- ment of despair, a guardian angel appears — well, a guardian angel- in-training. Clarence (Henry Travers, “Mrs. Miniver,” 1942) hopes to mission, he’s shown a number of pivotal moments from George’s life. As Clarence tries to demonstrate how much the frantic man has changed the lives of others for the better, he shows George what the world would be like without him in it. Donna Reed (“From Here to Eter- nity,” 1953) stars as George’s wife, Mary, while Lionel Barrymore (“Key Largo,” 1948) plays the horrible old Mr. Potter, one of the best villains in cinematic history. It’s an emotional and joyful story of love and hope, and it’s perfect for holiday viewing. “All Is Bright” (2013) Paul Rudd (“Living With Your- self”) and Paul Giamatti (“Bil- Claire Danes in “Home for the Holidays” lions”) star in this Christmas dramedy. Giamatti is Dennis, an ex-con just released from prison whose family has moved on without him. Rudd is Rene, an old friend of Dennis and an entrepreneur who gives him a job. The pair head to New York City to sell Christmas trees, and Dennis works to earn enough to buy his daughter a piano, hoping to win her affection and earn his way back into his family. The chemistry between the leading Pauls so fun to watch, and this film will crack you up and give you all sorts of feelings. Sally Hawkins (“The Shape of Water,” 2017) and Amy Landecker (“Transparent”) also star in this story of love, hard work and redemption. “Rare Exports” (2010) Rauno Juvonen, Tommi Korpela, Jorma Tommila, Onni Tommila, and Ilmari Jarvenpa star in “Rare Exports” This Christmas movie may not be on your radar, but it should be. The Finnish horror film is full of deadpan humor and Christmas carnage, and you won’t be able to look away. Set in the Finnish province of Lapland, the film centers on Santa Claus himself, but this isn’t the jolly old Saint Nick you’re used to — this is the Santa of Finnish folklore, a much more sinister figure. When drilling crews bore into an enormous fell thought to be an ancient burial ground associated with Joulu- pukki (the Finnish predecessor to our Santa Claus). What’s released is chaos and mayhem, and the townspeople will be lucky to es- cape with their lives. “Home for the Holidays” (1995) Ok, so technically it’s not a Christmas movie, but this one is a ‘90s gem, and its Thanksgiving themes translate perfectly to this family-filled time of year. Holly Hunter (“Saving Grace”) stars as single mom Claudia, who heads home (for the holidays) after be- ing unceremoniously fired from her job. Her daughter, Kit (Claire Danes, “Homeland”) stays home to spend time with her boyfriend, so Claudia is flying solo, and must deal with her overwhelm- ing — but loving — family on her own. It’s a real treat to watch young versions of some of today’s big stars act in this fabulous en- semble, and the antics and family dynamics are well-drawn and relatable, while still over-the-top enough for the big screen. Jodie Foster (“Contact,” 1997) directed the film, and it stars the likes of Robert Downey Jr. (“Avengers: Endgame,” 2019), Dylan McDer- mott (“The Practice”), Steve Gut- tenberg (“It Takes Two,” 1995) and more. East Oregonian and Hermiston Herald | December 25, 2019 Screentime | 23
