Movie Review – Home For The Holidays

In the spirit of the season I found a Thanksgiving movie with a gay character hoping to impress you, the reader.  Instead, I think it’s more likely to depress you.  It’s the 1995 film, Home for the Holidays.

The story follows Claudia Larson, played by Holly Hunter, as she fumbles through Thanksgiving with her certifiable family.  Her life is falling apart before she even arrives so she begs her gay brother who happens to be her best friend, Tommy who is played by Robert Downey Jr., to come home as well.  For the rest of the movie we are forced to endure chaotic scene after chaotic scene while we try to follow long, rambling stories while two characters talk over each other.  Very typical of the ’90s style I might add.  The ending is even more cliche.  Director Jodie Foster sends us through this whole whirlwind of madness just to leave us with the point that there is no point.

I understand that 20 years ago directors were taking big risks making movies like this.  This was a new style and a new concept on life and art.  However, at the end of 2014 when I’m sitting with my own crazy family and developing a headache from their boisterous claptrap, the last thing I want to do is watch more of the same.  That said, I think this movie would have a great audience with anyone who loves the National Lampoon movies and all the mess of the Griswolds.

Now, I cannot rate this movie on Netflix because for once I am not giving you a Netflix title.  Instead, this movie can be watched on YouTube.  If you choose to do so I hope you enjoy!  Happy Holidays!

Keep the Peace to Have a Happy Thanksgiving Day

Today I only have a quick message for you; keep the peace this Thanksgiving.  Easier said than done, I know, but you will be glad if you do.

It’s all too easy during these times when we are crammed into houses too small with family members we usually avoid to end up in heated debates about political issues, especially for the LGBT.  We have to realize that something is wrong when every year we dread the holidays because last year’s memories still turn our stomachs, and not just because grandma tried another international dish.  It’s too much to hope for that someone else will change, so this year be the change that you want to see.

If Republican Ron wants to give a big speech on how gay marriage will ruin the country, then let him.  He’s only making himself look bad.  Just make sure your side of the table is discussing happy memories and laughing loudly.  I guarantee you that no one else wants to debate with him either.  They would much rather me happy and will become very interested in your boisterous discussion of how Ron got drunk and slept in the wheelbarrow last Easter.  Pretty soon everyone will be laughing and joking again in no time.

If Meddling Mona wants to corner you in the kitchen to discuss how your private life is sure to send you straight to hell, just look her directly in the eyes and say, “Today is not the day.”  Then, walk away and find people who you can have a pleasant conversation with.  If she doesn’t have enough decency to leave you alone after that then it’s best to ignore her.  Eventually she will tire of talking if no one is listening.

If all else fails, take your coffee and your phone out to the porch and zone out to Pandora for a while.  At the end of the day, you know you can’t convince them to change their minds by yelling, crying, or causing a scene.  If they want to debate with you then they can correspond with you throughout the year in a civilized manner.  I recommend e-mail personally so that all words can be carefully chosen and you can decide when you feel ready to take on the challenge.

It may not always feel like it, but we gather with our family during the holidays because we love them and they love us.  Yes, they are imperfect, but they never came with the promise to be perfect.  It’s time to put down the sour grapes and extend to them what we want in return, unconditional love.