Die Hard - Christmas movie or not?

[connor_in]

Already the turkey leftovers are running low, so time to drag out the annual debate...

DIE HARD...Christmas movie or not?


In this corner...

In the other corner...

Die Hard Is Not a ‘Christmas Movie’ | Washington Free Beacon




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[DogDaysIrish]

We had this conversation last year and it turned into a douche-fest.

 

[Irishnuke]

Lol. No.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

Yes of course it is.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

Also one of the greatest movies of all-time.

 

[IrishinSyria]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TnVe7fs-TQc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[MNIrishman]

This thread needs a poll. Actually it doesn't, since it's a Christmas movie w/o question, but it'd be interesting to see how many people think a movie that involves the phrase "ho ho ho" and takes place at Christmas isn't a Christmas movie.

 

[connor_in]

This thread needs a poll. Actually it doesn't, since it's a Christmas movie w/o question, but it'd be interesting to see how many people think a movie that involves the phrase "ho ho ho" and takes place at Christmas isn't a Christmas movie.

Poll added

 

[BGIF]

Oh, the weather outside is frightful ...

isn't Easter music.

 

[dublinirish]

the only christmas card you need

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

A ton of Christmas stuff... And he goes down a chimney. Soooo ya.

 

[ShamrockOnHelmet]

Yes, and so is Gremlins...

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

Yes, and so is Gremlins...

Thought the exact same thing right after I posted.. I was just too lazy to edit. I always watch Gremlins around Christmas.

 

[GowerND11]

And Lethal Weapon.

 

[Cackalacky]

Totally a Christmas Movie.

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

Not gonna chalk it up there with Home Alone but yeah, I'll go with it

 

[Black Irish]

I don't think I can sum it up much better than the Washington Free Beacon article linked in the OP. But I'll throw my hat into the ring.

I'll start with a few caveats. I LOVE "Die Hard." I contend that it is the greatest action movie ever made. And when push comes to shove, I'll pick it as my favorite movie, period. I've had many heated arguments with those foolish enough to argue against the American cinematic treasure that is "Die Hard."

That being said, I don't think it's a Christmas movie. Yes, it takes place at Christmas and, yes, there are Christmas references throughout. But Christmas is not central to the plot, the characters story, or really anything at all. "Die Hard" would be about 98% the same movie if it took place over July 4th weekend. You wouldn't even have to change the weather. Hell, "Die Hard 2" at least had snow. You wouldn't have a movie with: "Christmas Vacation" "A Year Without a Santa Claus" or "A Christmas Story" if they weren't about Christmas.

Put it this way "Die Hard" takes places at Christmas but it isn't about Christmas, in either a secular or religious way. It's not a Christmas movie. You can watch and enjoy it at any time on its merits as the pinnacle of the action genre so leave it at that. Yippee-Kai-Yay, IE. Beat USC!

 

[Ultimate Penn St. Hater]

Great movie, but no.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

Implying that the way John McClane crawls through the vent isn't just like Santa going down the chimney. He's bringing the hostages the gift of freedom.

 

[IrishinSyria]

I don't think I can sum it up much better than the Washington Free Beacon article linked in the OP. But I'll throw my hat into the ring.

I'll start with a few caveats. I LOVE "Die Hard." I contend that it is the greatest action movie ever made. And when push comes to shove, I'll pick it as my favorite movie, period. I've had many heated arguments with those foolish enough to argue against the American cinematic treasure that is "Die Hard."

That being said, I don't think it's a Christmas movie. Yes, it takes place at Christmas and, yes, there are Christmas references throughout. But Christmas is not central to the plot, the characters story, or really anything at all. "Die Hard" would be about 98% the same movie if it took place over July 4th weekend. You wouldn't even have to change the weather. Hell, "Die Hard 2" at least had snow. You wouldn't have a movie with: "Christmas Vacation" "A Year Without a Santa Claus" or "A Christmas Story" if they weren't about Christmas.

Put it this way "Die Hard" takes places at Christmas but it isn't about Christmas, in either a secular or religious way. It's not a Christmas movie. You can watch and enjoy it at any time on its merits as the pinnacle of the action genre so leave it at that. Yippee-Kai-Yay, IE. Beat USC!

I mean, this is obviously correct, but it's fun to call Die Hard a Christmas Movie anyway.

 

[connor_in]

Why 'Die Hard' Is the Greatest Christmas Movie Ever Made - The Moviefone Blog

 

[connor_in]

I don't think I can sum it up much better than the Washington Free Beacon article linked in the OP. But I'll throw my hat into the ring.

I'll start with a few caveats. I LOVE "Die Hard." I contend that it is the greatest action movie ever made. And when push comes to shove, I'll pick it as my favorite movie, period. I've had many heated arguments with those foolish enough to argue against the American cinematic treasure that is "Die Hard."

That being said, I don't think it's a Christmas movie. Yes, it takes place at Christmas and, yes, there are Christmas references throughout. But Christmas is not central to the plot, the characters story, or really anything at all. "Die Hard" would be about 98% the same movie if it took place over July 4th weekend. You wouldn't even have to change the weather. Hell, "Die Hard 2" at least had snow. You wouldn't have a movie with: "Christmas Vacation" "A Year Without a Santa Claus" or "A Christmas Story" if they weren't about Christmas.

Put it this way "Die Hard" takes places at Christmas but it isn't about Christmas, in either a secular or religious way. It's not a Christmas movie. You can watch and enjoy it at any time on its merits as the pinnacle of the action genre so leave it at that. Yippee-Kai-Yay, IE. Beat USC!

What you say about Die Hard can be said about It's a Wonderful Life too.

 

[Black Irish]

What you say about Die Hard can be said about It's a Wonderful Life too.

I agree, that's why I never considered "It's a Wonderful Life" to be a Christmas movie. The 3rd act could have taken place at any time of year. The vast majority of "Wonderful Life" has nothing to do with Christmas. It's like saying "Heat" is an action movie because of the 10 minute shootout during an almost 3 hour drama.

 

[ulukinatme]

Die Hard is to Christmas as The Waterboy is to Mother's Day. They go hand in hand.

 

[Irish#1]

No of course it isn't. Xmas movies are about Xmas, not something going on around Xmas time.

 

[dshans]

Holiday Inn with Der Bingle, Marjorie Reynolds and Fred Astaire.





"I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas ... "

 

[dshans]

No of course it isn't. Xmas movies are about Xmas, not something going on around Xmas time.

Taking the "Christ" out of Christmas, are we?






Tee-hee-hee-hee and Ho-Ho-Ho!





Enjoy the spirit of the season, regardless of tradition.

Heathen, Hollywood [redundancy, perhaps?], Hedonistic or otherwise.

 

[connor_in]

Taking the "Christ" out of Christmas, are we?
.

He's from the year 3000




















Futurama reference.






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[Black Irish]

Taking the "Christ" out of Christmas, are we?






Tee-hee-hee-hee and Ho-Ho-Ho!





Enjoy the spirit of the season, regardless of tradition.

Heathen, Hollywood [redundancy, perhaps?], Hedonistic or otherwise.

I forgot where I read/heard it, but "X" apparently stands for Christ. So it is actually a proper substitute. I don't get hot under the collar about it, now.

 

[dshans]

I forgot where I read/heard it, but "X" apparently stands for Christ. So it is actually a proper substitute. I don't get hot under the collar about it, now.

Yes, you are right.

Mine was a poke, a nudge, a tongue thoroughly planted in cheek response in answer to a similar crack.



Though my nose might be glowing red on occasion, I'm generally allowed to play in reindeer games.