Thanksgiving "Snuggle-In" Movie Selections

I love the Holidays. I also love all the traditions that they bring. One tradition that my family has is movies. I look forward to all the traditional ones that they play on TV, going to the theater and snuggling up on the couch with your loved ones.

Here are a few of my picks that are sure to remind you of all the blessings in your life and are in the spirit of giving Thanks:


The Way 
Andy and I recently watched this movie and were blown away at how wonderful it was. It's just the kind of movie that is beautiful all around. It tells the story of a father who travels to the South of France to claim the remains of his son who had just started the El Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage which is a 500 mile journey from the south of France thru northern Spain. Martin Sheen, the father, decides to finish the pilgrimage with the ashes of his son. It is such a wonderful & awakening journey. I recommend this film to anyone who wants to feel love & determination. This is a film for the entire family but one with children old enough to understand. It is rated PG-13 and directed by Emilio Estevez.

The Red Violin 
This film is older but perfect if you are love history & a love story.  This movie starts out in present day at an auction house with a legendary violin up for sale.  It then flashes back to the origins of this violin and the journey that it has made through different owners throughout 3 centuries.  It is such a unique film that you will definitely enjoy as much as Andy and I did.  It is rated R and directed by Francois Girard.

Whale Rider
I saw this movie at the Telluride Film Festival before it was released.  I was blown away with this film. I cried.  I laughed.  I was touched.  This New Zealand movie is unlike any that I have seen.  It tells the tale of a tribe in New Zealand that has been waiting for the arrival of their 'savior' that is told through their legends and stories.  It focuses on the family of the leader who is raising their granddaughter.  The grandfather searches so hard to find the answer for his tribe but overlooks what is right in front of him - his granddaughter.  Like any family theirs has sad stories, heart ache, sorrows, joys, laughter & love.  And at the end of the film the savior is found.  I can't tell you enough how amazing this film is.  How much it will touch your heart and how much it will help you reflect on the blessings that you may be dismissing in your life.  The little girl, Keisha Castle-Hughes, gives a performance that will always leave a mark on your heart plus what is even more incredible is this is her debut film.  It is rated PG-13 and directed by Niki Caro.  I would let my children watch this film.

TV holiday schedule