I love Christmas movies. I’ll admit to being a die hard Hallmark fan. *giggles at the wordplay* If you are too, definitely check out our GGR Hallmark Journal, but I also appreciate “alternative” Christmas movies. I kind of love that folks have found “Christmas” movies of their own. When Sherin asked about our suggestions in the vein of Shane Black-esque alternative Christmas films, it led me right to The Long Kiss Goodnight with Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson. Literally, a film written by Shane Black. (Yes, I picked a film from 1996, so sue me. It is a great one!)
The story is about amnesiac teacher Samantha Caine (Geena Davis) who lives in a picturesque wintery town – very much like a traditional Hallmark Christmas environment – with her 8 year old daughter Caitlyn and her lover/partner/fiance, Hal.
I want to point out that everything starts with Geena Davis’ character Samantha being recognized by the assassin One-Eyed Jack while she is PLAYING MRS. CLAUS IN THE LOCAL CHRISTMAS PARADE – echoes of a Hallmark Christmas movie (just gone sideways). Come on! Look at the scene below. Doesn’t it just scream Christmas?!
Second, she’s hired private detective, Mitch (Samuel L. Jackson) to help discover her identity. A lead woman character searching for…something, trying to find herself. See? Again, shades of a Christmas movie.
Third, she gets in a car accident after a holiday party that begins the return of memories of her past life. She embarks on a journey to discover who she really is. Pulled between two lives…two versions of herself. Sound familiar?
Yes, there’s a fourth too! A past love interest who isn’t right for her anymore – Timothy – played in appropriately dastardly fashion by Craig Bierko. *Day happily checks off another Hallmark Christmas Movie box*
Okay, okay, the kidnapping, torture, neck-snapping, and tons of shooting and massive explosions, and death may not quite fit. And Davis and Jackson are definitely more buddy-cop than lead love interests. But it does have a happily ever after! Check out the last scenes. An absolute necessity for any holiday favorite. That’s makes FIVE.
Therefore, I would posit that The Long Kiss Goodnight is a Hallmark Christmas movie dialed up to 11.
Want more from our Hostage Holiday Collection?
Catch up on the Although Things Explode It Really is a Christmas Movie series
Want more more more? We have a Hallmark Holiday Journal with sips and treats
