Sure Christmas is over and you’re burned out from watching sentimental holiday classics like ‘A Christmas Story” or “A Miracle on 34th Street ” one too many times. But if you are still looking for a few DVDs to fill in some down time this holiday season, here are my suggestions for some often overlooked movies that have a holiday theme. Most of them are not suitable for younger children, but they certainly have inspirational messages mixed with more mature themes and I hope you’ll check at least one of them out – or leave your own suggestions in the comment box below!
The Fabulous Baker Boys: This is an oft-overlooked Jeff Bridges film and showed off Michelle Pfeiffer’s assets – including her singing – as well. The pivotal moment between Pfeiffer as a former call girl turned night club singer and Bridges’ piano-paying playboy takes place on New Year’s Eve, but the movie is enjoyable because it is a quirky but warm look at second chances.
The Apartment : With “Promises, Promises” becoming such a hit on Broadway, maybe it’s time to check out this smart movie about sexual morals that the musical was based on. It’s pivotal moment between a rising exec and a girl trapped in a dead-end relationship also has its key moment on New Year’s Eve and features great acting and a still timely look at love.
Frozen River: I look for any excuse to plug one of my favorite indie movies of the last few years. The movie takes play over the holiday season and features two women who come together through a series of unlikely events and make surprising personal sacrifices for each other. Melissa Leo – currenty starring in “The Fighter” – gives a stand out performance.

200 CIgarettes: This is my edgiest choice I guess, and may not be for everyone, but it’s a realistic look at the lonliness and angst many of us have felt on New Year’s Eve at one time or another. It is also jam-packed with amazing actors from Ben Affleck to Christina RIcci and Martha Plimpton as a group of twentysomethings making their way to a New Year’s bash.
Trading Places: If an out-and-out comedy is what you are looking for, why not revisit this classic Eddie Murphy comedy which has a great New Year’s scene on a train!
Metropolitan: Another movie that has been a DVD pick of the week in the past, it’s worth mentioning again for it’s sweet but smart insight into the glitzy world of Manhatten’s elite as a group pf co-eds search for meaning amidst a bunch of holiday parties over their Christmas vacation.