Anarchist_Rationale

I’ve always thought it interesting that Christmas is a holiday with its origins in Christian religious tradition, yet non-Christians celebrate it too. I can’t think of any other religious observation that transcends the camp that gave rise to it, though I’m sure that’s just my ignorance. Nevertheless, Christmas does seem to be for everyone. The message of peace on earth and good will toward man has universal appeal. Nobody could lay claim to the idea exclusively, yet it is part of the branding of Christmas, and that branding has generally steered clear of the religious side of the holiday, focusing on gift-giving and familial cheer ahead of the birth of a messiah two thousand years ago. When you think of it, a lot of Christmas songs and stories since the middle of the 20 th century (like White Christmas , Jingle Bells , Rockin Around the Christmas Tree and many others) are quite agnostic, focusing on the spirit of generosity and goodwill rather than reminding you whose birthday ...

In trying to figure out my favourite Christmas movie, I find myself stuck. I’m not really a big fan of the traditional yuletide films like A Christmas Carol or It’s a Wonderful Life , though I do love A Christmas Story . I guess that would be my favourite Christmas movie, in the strictest sense. However, I do have another in mind…. Part of the problem, of course, is deciding what counts as a Christmas movie. Just because the story is set during the season does not make it valid. I appreciate the ironic sentiment behind calling Die Hard a Christmas movie, but it’s a tad violent for the label, in my opinion. Also, does simply having a seasonal setting make Batman Returns eligible? So it is with some sense of humour that I nominate Gremlins as my favourite Christmas movie. It’s seasonal, it involves family and gift-giving, there are some life lessons (Phoebe Cates’ character has a particularly dark backstory) and it is packed to the rafters with Christmas music and songs. Sup...

I saw Thor: Ragnarok last weekend and had a fun time. I enjoyed its playful tone and sense of humour. In general, I have found Marvel movies to be formulaic product and the only reason I would go see one is to see actors I enjoy and/or a director who I like. Doctor Strange is a good example of the former and Thor: Ragnarok the latter because I was curious to see what Taika Waititi ( What We Do in the Shadows ) would do with Marvel. And, like Doctor Strange , I was not disappointed. First of all, the film is very colourful. Relentless eye candy is how I would describe the bulk of the film as it takes place on Sakkar, a planet-scale garbage dump ruled by Grandmaster, played wonderfully by Jeff Goldblum. That’s his name, by the way, not a title, like “Such-and-Such, the Grandmaster”. He introduces himself with “My name is Grandmaster”, which I found hilarious. The movie does not take itself seriously at all, which is not to say it’s all goofs and gags but it is very light in tone ...

It’s that time of year again where everywhere you go there’s Christmas music playing. I don’t mind, mostly, but some of it is infinitely overplayed. A few years ago I made my own playlist of Christmas favourites and I love listening to it every year from December 1 to 25. I have tried inserting other songs but I’ve become too accustomed to this set by now and can’t think what other songs would work. Maybe it’s time for a volume two…. The following is my perfect Christmas playlist in the order they appear. “I Wish it was Christmas Today” by Julian Casablancas – I open with this slick rock production of a jokey song that was part of a Saturday Night Live skit in 2000 featuring Jimmy Fallon and Horatio Sanz. I like it because it’s fun, not serious at all, yet this version is a big production. It’s got a lot of positive energy, always makes me smile and it just rocks. And who doesn’t wish it was Christmas today? “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitr...