A different spin on classic action-packed holiday films

by NATHAN DIEBENOW

Bosque Film Society Secretary

When it comes to classic action-packed Christmas movies, many of us gravitate toward the ol’ reliables: “Die Hard,” “Lethal Weapon,” or “The Long Kiss Goodnight.” At the same time, some find comfort in “Die Hard 2,” “Iron Man 3,” or “Rocky IV,” while others must re-watch “Batman Returns,” “Enemy of the State,” or “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” or the yuletide just wipes out.

All fine choices with trusty plots, riveting performances, and MPAA ratings befitting their violence, but it just seems good, right, and salutary that this year, we should all have a “Patrick Swayze Christmas.” Together. At a distance. As human beings, we frankly deserve it. Thanks to the pandemic, it’s been one helluva ride around our ancient hydrogen cloud that’s slowly collapsing on itself in the heavens.

Honestly, I can’t think of a better way to sweep 2020’s dumpster fire under the promise of 2021’s rug this Christmas season than with the films of Patrick Swayze –the late, great action star and People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive (1991). The dude could sing. He could dance. He could rob a bank in a rubber Ronald Reagan mask! They don’t make’em like Patrick Swayze anymore –that’s for sure!

Lucky for us all, the Nellie Pederson Civic Library has our back! Clifton, Texas’ public library has a baker’s dozen of Patrick Swayze’s films so you and yours can watch one each night from Christmas Day to Epiphany… or in quarantine. To look up films in Clifton’s DVD library (aka “Nellflix”), visit its online catalog at https://clifton.biblionix.com/catalog/ and type “dvd” in the search box at the top. FYI: The Nellie still offers curbside service Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., but it’s closed weekends.

If Patrick Swayze and his movies taught us one thing, it’s we should have fun together. Okay, local filmmaker Matt Wallace actually taught us that in one of our Bosque Film Society meetings at the CLIFTEX Theatre –which inspired me to write this post based on the “Let’s Have a Patrick Swayze Christmas” song from the hit comedy show Mystery Science Theater 3000. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZyJCV_dyug

If Houston, Texas’ favorite son and his movies taught us three things, it’s we should reflect on what we have, be grateful for them, and share them with our beloved community. Our fledgling film club might not have much to give the public this holiday season, but when we do, we’ll manifest it by working together across our different tastes in cinema, pop culture, and humor.

Stay ditto, Wolverines! And Happy New Year!

Meridian Public Library’s online catalog: https://meridian.biblionix.com/catalog/

Valley Mills Public Library’s online catalog: https://valleymills.biblionix.com/catalog/