As a frosty blanket of snow covers the grounds of Evanston, students are anticipating a restful break after finals. What better way to relax than with a cup of hot cocoa in hand and a cozy blanket? But the question remains: what movie will you watch? We asked ETHS students.

Home Alone

     The classic Christmas movie, Home Alone, is popular amongst students. The comedy film follows Kevin, the youngest of four in his family, who is accidentally left home alone over the holiday break. Kevin finds himself facing two thieves who have been breaking into houses in his neighborhood, and he decides to protect his house. The movie revolves around the importance of family and gratitude, and leaves you with a warm feeling on a cold winter day. 

      “It gives me Christmas vibes, and it’s a classic Christmas movie that is fun to watch,”  sophomore Maya Wallace says.

      Filmed at a house in Winnetka, Home Alone provides the Midwestern holiday season feeling that we know and love.

Iron Man 3

      Taking place after the first Avengers movie, Iron Man 3 focuses on the aftermath of the battle that destroyed New York City. The beloved superhero and billionaire Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) struggles with PTSD and goes on a journey to find himself despite a new global threat known as “the Mandarin.” Stark faces attacks on his personal life and must rely entirely on himself and gut instincts. Iron Man 3 shows the distinction between Tony Stark and Iron Man, as Stark must define who he is without his suit in order to defeat the Mandarin. 

      “I love Iron Man 3, because I like Marvel movies,” senior Chloe Chow says. “It’s a superhero movie that is set in a Christmas setting without being about Christmas.” 

      The trio of Iron Man movies are a great series to watch over break, as they intersperse within the Marvel timeline. The Iron Man movies are action packed and keep viewers on the edge of their seats wanting more.

Avengers Endgame

      Avengers Endgame is the final movie completing the iconic Avengers saga. The universe is in pieces after half the population is decimated in Avengers Infinity War. With only the original Avengers, the team must find a way to restore the peace and defeat Thanos, the villain responsible for the destruction. The thriller combines heroes from new and old Marvel movies alike, featuring characters like Black Widow, Spiderman, Iron Man, Black Panther and many more. Endgame gives viewers closure and an emotional ending to the legendary Avengers series.  

      “I like Endgame because of the drama, suspense and how you feel connected with the characters, but also how it makes you feel a lot of emotions. It’s my favorite movie of all time,” says freshman Mason Denlow. 

       If you’re in the mood to get cozy, Endgame is the movie for you with its three hour runtime. It is also preceded by many Marvel Universe movies, perfect to binge watch over break.

Blended

            After going on a disastrous blind date, Jim and Lauren find themselves continuously running into each other in uncomfortable situations. Both accidently purchase half of the same vacation package at a South African resort, and unknowingly, their families end up stuck together on safari vacation. The movie centers around bonding and new relationships, presenting the importance of family. 

       The romantic comedy Blended starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore is a quality choice if you’re in the mood to laugh. 

       “It’s funny and family oriented,” says sophomore Mariah Jackson. 

The Polar Express

      Released in 2004, the film The Polar Express continues to be a timeless story capturing the hearts of viewers. Based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express follows a young boy, Christopher, questioning the existence of Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, a magical train arrives at his house, and Christoper hops on. As the train heads to the North Pole, the boy meets new friends and embarks on an adventure that changes his life as he meets Santa Claus. 

      “I’ve watched it since I was little, so it’s a Christmas tradition,” junior Anna Grant-Bolton says. 

      The live action animation gives the film a realistic look and enhances the winter scene. The heartwarming story of The Polar Express shows the magic of Christmas and the importance of believing in the spirit of the holiday.  

Elf

      Elf, another favorite Christmas movie amongst students, is a comedic classic to watch around the holidays. 

      Buddy, played by Will Farrell, crawled into Santa’s bag of gifts as an infant and is accidently taken to the North Pole. Raised by Santa’s elves, Buddy starts to feel isolated as an adult and quickly realizes that at over six feet, he does not belong with the other elves in the workshop. While searching to uncover his roots, Buddy travels to New York City to find his real father—a successful businessman with a cookie cutter family and lack of holiday spirit. Elf follows Buddy on his quest to receive approval from his new family and spread holiday cheer. 

       “Will Ferrell is really funny, and it always brings out the holiday spirit in everyone,” junior Tejas Baichwal says.

       Buddy hopes to bring holiday cheer to the people of New York, and you will feel it too. If you’re looking to watch a funny and cheerful holiday movie, Elf is a great choice.