Seasonal Movies

Seasonal Movies

Spring
February 1st – April 30th
Beginning Anew

Candlemas/Imbolc/Groundhog Day
February 1 & 2

Dogma
I don't know why I associate Dogma with Candlemas. Perhaps it is because of the renewal of Bethany Sloan's faith. Bethany begins her voyage believing that a male vengeful god stole her ability to have children. As she proceeds through the movie she learns that life is more about faith that things happen for a reasons that we may not understand. She also learns that the Goddess is actually a loving being. Regardless of trappings I love that God is actually a Goddess. I like that said Goddess likes to smell the flowers. I like the idea that faith isn't knowing, but just a really good idea.

Groundhog Day
Obviously Candlemas is Groundhog Day so what better movie to celebrate the season than this one? Again the topic is renewal and while Phil Connors is not on a search for spiritual renewal what he gets is a whole soul makeover. He learns that one day at a time he can be a better person, make a difference and that is why life is worth living. I think this movie is a wonderful tale of rebirth. The Phil that arrives in Puxatawney the day before Groundhog'sw day is very different than Phil who leaves it the day after.

Valentine's Day/Saturnalia
February 14

Chocolat
This may be the most romantic movie I've ever seen. While the romance between Vianne Rocher (Juliette Binoche) and Roux (Johnny Depp) is not the main story point of the movie it is a moving and beautiful piece. I love how the movie isn't just about romantic love, but all kinds of love. Love of God as seen by Pere Henri's gentle devotion. Love of friends as demonstrated by Vianne and Josephine. Love of mother and daughter portrayed by Vianne and her daughter Anouk, but also with Vianne and her mother who is now dead and by Caroline and Armande (Judi Dench). Love of family shows up everywhere but particularly with the generational story of Caroline who loves her mother Armande and her son Luc. Love of community which Vianne shows in trying to bring people together, in love I think Pere Henri is her peer. Love of tradition is certainly the Comte's forte. As for romantic love, we have Vianne and Roux of course, but we also see Caroline and the Comte, and the charming story of Guillaume Blerot and Madame Audel who loves chocolate seashells. Last but not least we have the love of chocolate, life and good things.

Simply Irresistible
Another favorite, this magical movie uses food and magic to add flavor to romance. A light fluffy movie with a lot of appeal. I like how her intentions flavor the food and create mood. Isn't this similar to how real magic works? After all it is our intention, mood, ritual and work that bring change. It's also interesting to see the vampire slayer in a more traditionally feminine role.

Ladyhawke
Another love story, one with an evil curse, a wicked priest, a gentle priest and a very funny thief. The magic of transformation from human to animal is very much a part of this movie.

Princess Bride
One of the best love stories of all time. Full of adventure and humor.

Cinderella stories, need I say more?
Slipper and the Rose
Ever After
Roger's and Hammerstein's Musical Cinderella

Meg Ryan movies
Kate and Leopold
Sleepless in Seattle
and all the rest...

St Patricks Day/Dionysus' Day
March 16 & 17

Darby O'Gill and the Little People
Secret of Roan Inish

Spring/Vernal Equinox/Ostara
March 20-22

Legend
Good vs Evil, Tim Curry as the Devil, horses as Unicorns, return of spring, romance, all great reasons to watch this movie.

Practical Magic
One of my all time favorite witch movies. I like it for spring because of the new loves, the new generations, the new flowers... I get a little frustrated that the visual phases of the moon are out of sync with the verbalized time line. I also wish they had said it was the Equinox they were preparing for instead of the Solstice, another timeline error. But, it is a wonderful movie. I loved the flowers, the house, the kitchens and rituals. I want that house so much...

Secret of NIMH
A gem of a tale where smart mice are in peril because of planting season. Smart rats help them relocate their home.

Easter
Varies, First Sunday after the First Full Moon after the Vernal Equinox

Alice in Wonderland
A heartwarming tale of a girl and a bunny... Who could ask for anything more? My favorite version is the audio tale read by Ginger Rogers. This Disney version is pretty good.

Easter Parade
Judy Garland and Fred Astair in a marvelous musical celebrating spring and really big hats.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Another tale of a girl and a bunny...

April Fools Day
April 1

Fish Called Wanda
If ever there was an April Fools movie, this one is it. Everyone gets to fool someone and be fooled. Kevin Kline is particularly memorable as the crazy American.

Fierce Creatures
Another fabulous movie from the Monty Python crowd and another big April Fools joke as the zookeeper tries to get people to believe that the cute fuzzy animals are "fierce creatures."

Summer
May 1st - August 1st
Growing

Beltane/Beltaine
April 30 & May 1

Excalibur
I saw this in the theater when it came out and was sooooooo impressed. Watching it now, though all I can do is laugh and hope that it ends soon. First there's Merlin with his Snidely Whiplash accent, the man is practically twirling his mustache he's playing it so broadly. Then there's the snivelling John from Lion in Winter pretending to be King Arthur. And then there's the jumping from momement to moment and all that football player styled armor. ARRRRRRGH. On the other hand, it does show the land and the king as being one and I liked the lady in the lake. This isn't one that I'll watch very often.

King Arthur
I loved this movie! I loved the historical context, the costuming, the lack of snivelling. I thought the portrayl of tensions between Christians and Pagans was delightful and the Merlin was believable. I do not love big battle scenes, but this movie focuses on the individuals involved, not just the mass movements. As for mystical elements, there really aren't any, but the beauty of the filming and the wildness of the setting more than makes up for it.

Merlin
This cheesy rendition of the tale of King Arthur revolves around Merlin as portrayed by Sam Neill. I wasn't sure if I should add it, but if you're going to watch a bunch of King Arthur movies, why not this one? I do like the portrayl of magic as being neither good nor evil inherently, but being dependent on the individual. I loved the concept that belief is required for certain things like magic to exist. Helena Bonham Carter was wonderful as a nutty Morgan Le Fey and somehow she and Martin Short as Frik created one of my favorite relationships. There are definitely overtones of Mary Stewart's well known books in this movie.

Mists of Avalon
A story about the women involved in the story of King Arthur. This is the most mystical, pagan and wiccan telling of the story it includes a rite of Beltane, the training of the Morgaine, the lifting of the mists to show Avalon, the continuance of the Goddess in the guise of Mary... The soundtrack was great and the visual photography was stunning.

Wicker Man
I recently purchased this and have not watched it. I also realized that I've got an edited version and that most people recommend finding the unedited one.

Mothers Day
Sunday in May

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
I am not sure why, but I was reluctant to watch this movie. It may have been because of it's portrayl of alcoholism and addiction (of which my family knows too much about). I ended up watching the last third on tv because I was flipping channels and got caught. I then went out and bought a copy so I could see the whole thing. I'm uncomfortable with the 'out of control' scenes (I do not drink because of a promise I made to my grandfather who died of cancer from a lifetime of alcoholism and cigarettes.) On the other hand I love the relationships of the women to each other, to the daughter and to the men in their life. It's a beautiful movie and definitely one to watch when you need a good cry.

First Wives Club
It may not be about mothers directly, but it is certainly about women and girl power. I love this movie and its message of sisterhood, teamwork, love, triumph and self-esteem.

Fried Green Tomatoes
Another movie of sisterhood, motherhood and girl power. The story is compelling and the characters are well crafted and interesting. I am particularly drawn to the Kathy Bates character Evelyn Couch and her transformation as she hears the stories of Idgie. I think many of us can identify with Evelyn and her life stuck on hold. We may not be in her exact situation but how many times are we stuck? This is one of those movies that make me believe I can do something new or different.

Joy Luck Club
Anytime I need a good cry I watch this movie. It is a profound film about mothers and daughters and their relationships. It helped me to understand how I too am part of a set of stairs where the problems of my mother and grandmother have been somehow translated through me to my daughter. I recognize that it isn't only problems, but talents, interests, and other characteristics. I really think this movie is worth watching for anyone trying to pursue a self discovery/healing process in regards to their mother.

Fathers Day
Sunday in June

Fly Away Home
A heartwarming (sorry for the cliche) story of a young girl who moves in with her dad when her mother dies. The dad, a free thinking and wheeling artist. Eventually she finds and nurtures a clutch of baby geese. Refusing to have their wings clipped to prevent them from flying, she and her dad teach them to fly. Using ultralight aircraft they then lead/teach the geese to fly south for the winter. This is a gorgeously filmed movie with a great story about the relationship of a father and a daughter.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Fathers and sons have complicated relationships. This movie depicts one where the distant father raises a creative, intelligent son. It is, of course, a jolly good romp of an adventure too.

Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi
The middle movie, Empire Strikes Back most illuminating in our search for father and son stories. Okay, maybe I'm not taking this seriously...

Summer Solstice/Midsummer
June 20-22

How to Make an American Quilt
Winona Ryder may be the focus of the film, but it is the cast of older women who really steal and make this movie. Maya Angelou, Anne Bancroft, Ellen Burstyn, Lois Smith and all the rest give us rich performances of how the past creates the present. The choices we make determine our lives, but we are not powerless to change our perceptions of our choices. I thought this was a very moving movie.

Midsummer Night's Dream
I haven't watched this version of Shakespeare's play, but since it is set at Midsummer and titled Midsummer it had to be listed here.

Independence Day July 4

Dirty Dancing
An anthem for independence. The character Baby finds her own independence from her father's good will and the conventions of the time in this movie. I love the summer setting and of course the dancing.

Independence Day
Of course this movie has to be listed here. I loved how the petty bickering between countries completely stopped when the aliens invaded. Of particular note was the piece where the attack plan is being communicated by morse code to the combined arab/israeli forces. The speech by the president at the end is amazing.

Now and Then
This movie is not about mothers, but about friends and growing up, sisterhood. I love it for the deep, long lasting, embedded in childhood, friendships it shows even though I have never experienced such. I'm not sure that many people have had this type of relationship and if you have, you are very lucky. Still, I think profound friendships are not limited to those that begin when we are young. I also think that the relationships shown are not just mirroring friends, but siblings, which I do have. I like the rituals of summer that they show, swimming, riding bikes, playing Red Rover. The 1970's setting is very nostalgic for me since that is when I was a teenager.

Fall
August 1st - November 1st
Ripening

Lammas/Lughnasadh
July 31 & August 1

Dancing at Lugnasadh
I have not watched this one yet, but it is one that is recommended by practically everyone.

Grosse Pointe Blank
Ah August, and thoughts return to school. I couldn't resist this all time best movie about high school reunions and rekindled relationships.

Autumn Equinox/Mabon
September 20-22

Batman Forever (3)
Everyone involved with the cinematography of this film needs to be congratulated. It is a beautiful autumn tale. The leaves blowing around the cars, the tables at Wayne Manor laden with autumn pumpkins and squashes, the costumes on the trick or treating tots are all evocative of fall. Okay, so I also really enjoy a good action movie with superheroes and Val Kilmer is gorgeous in this role.

Batman & Robin (4)
I LOVE Poison Ivy. I want to be her when I grow up. This film always gets me in the mood for working on costumes for Halloween.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks
A lively romp in live action and animation. Set during WWII in England this tale is one of a young witch learning magic via correspondence course and her adventures upon aggreeing to take care of three young children. During the war, many children from the city were farmed out to "safer" locations. The witch is played by Angela Lansbury and is most delightful.

Ghost and the Darkness
Here's a movie about the magic of animals and the indomitable human spirit. Set in africa the movie itself is one of beauty with long golden dried grasses, tall trees and amazing visuals of hot late summer days. Val Kilmer gives a golden performance as an engineer who becomes a lion hunter to save a project. Another notable performace is Michael Douglas' slightly mad hunter.

Winter
November 1st - February 1st
Resting

Samhain/Halloween
October 31 & November 1

Craft, The
Although a knowledgeable and public Wiccan was consulted for this movie it wavers between Wicca and fancy. Of course the horror elements are from the director/producer/writers fancy. Still it has beautiful scenes such as those in the park and terrible scenes such as the entire ending with the snakes, bugs and such. I still like to watch it around Halloween and am particularly intrigued by the shop owner.

Hocus Pocus
The real Halloween movie. Here we have classic fairytale witches set against innocent children. The backdrop of the city of Salem and the night of Halloween is enough to really tip this into disaster. It is saved by the witches themselves. So foul, so absolutely hysterically funny that the movie is one of my favorites. Bette Midler is wonderful and her rendition of "I put a spell on you" as she puts a spell on the adults is enchanting. Sarah Jessica Parker as the blonde ditzy witch is effervescent and funny. Kathy Najimy is able to hold her own and even give some back as the not bright, not dumb, straight man with a twist character. Get this movie now, if you don't own it already.

Satan's School For Girls
Originally made in 1973 and remade here for television in 2000 we have a predictable story with mediocre acting by beautiful people. The lead role is played by Shannon Doherty and since this is contemporaneous with one of the early seasons of Charmed the acting in both blend together. Kate Jackson is the one bright amusing spot. In this version she is the school headmistress. In the 1973 version she plays the lead role now done by Doherty. Still it is an amusing tale of wickedness and witches suitable for All Hallows Eve.

Sleepy Hollow
I LOVE this movie. It is so beautiful and so haunting. The acting is terrific and the story solid with a truly terrifying headless horseman.

Witches, The
Angelica Huston is a marvelous Grand High Witch. A young boy and his grandmother end up at a witches convention. And all witches, of course, hate children so the romp ensues with the boy being turned into a mouse.

Escape to Witch Mountain
Return from Witch Mountain
As an afterthought I have added these two movies. In them two young siblings with "magical" powers are involved in several adventures. In the end of the first movie we find out that they are aliens from another planet living here.

Buffy Episodes

Buffy the Vampire Slayer "Halloween" (season 2 episode 6)

Someone from Giles' past wreaks havoc on Halloween, causing Buffy and the gang to be transformed into their costumes.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer "Fear Itself" (season 4 episode 4)

The gang finds themselves in a real-life house of horrors at a Halloween party, in which a Fear Demon feeds on their individual fears.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer "Family" (season 5 episode 6)

Tara’s family makes a surprise visit to Sunnydale for her birthday, threatening to reveal a shocking secret that could endanger all of their lives.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer "All the Way" (season 6 episode 5)

After Xander announces his engagement to Anya, the gang throws a party for the couple. Meanwhile, Dawn sneaks out and gets into a dangerous situation.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer "Him" (season 7 episode 6)

Dawn and Buffy (and then Willow and Anya) fall for the school quarterback, whose jacket is enchanted. Meanwhile, Xander and Spike become reluctant roommates.

Thanksgiving
Varies, Last Thursday of November

Addams Family
Addams Family Values
Aren't you grateful for your own family? I love the fact that the Addams family values each other regardless of their interests, habits or behavior. I love to watch these two movies around Thanksgiving. I usually watch while making pies or potatos or other feast goodies. The second movie has the additional tie in to the season with the whole Thanksgiving Pageant and the "eat me" song. :)

Chicken Run
This is another good movie to cook by. Chickens and pies are the perfect topics for Thanksgiving.

Labyrinth
It may seem misplaced, but this movie really is about being thankful for what we have, what really matters and the importance of retaining your imagination as you get older. I was particularly struck by the old woman carrying all of her possesions on her back. I think we do this too many times.

Buffy Episodes
Buffy the Vampire Slayer "Pangs" (season 4 episode 8)

Angel secretly arrives in Sunnydale to protect Buffy; Buffy tries to have a perfect Thanksgiving.

Decorating for Christmas/Yule
Varies, Weekend after Thanksgiving
I love to watch the Lord of the Rings Extended DVD versions while decorating the house for the coming winter holidays.

Fellowship of the Ring
The foundation of the story, the beginning of friendships, trusts and war. I particularly like the scene where the fellowship begins to work as a team in order to fight the orcs and troll in Moria.

Two Towers
Where The Fellowship Of The Ring is about beginnings, The Two Towers is about the ripening and the start of the harvest season. Saruman's plots come to fruition, Faramir, Frodo, Samwise and Gollum/Smeagol all grow in new directions and we get to see trees go to battle.

Return of the King
Endings, the only movie I've ever watched that has 6-7 (depending on how you count them) endings. However, this movie has war, adventure, sorrow and heroism in full measure. I always love the parts where Pippin lights the signal fires, Sam carries Frodo, Eowyn declares "I am no man" and of course, every scene with Legolas and Gimli.

Lord of the Rings Specials
Of course, if you haven't finished decorating after watching all three of the extended editions you can always move into the special features. There are hours and hours of interesting things to watch. If you're even more desperate for LOTR info, watch the commentaries that run with the movies.

Winter Solstince/Yule
December 20-22

Batman Returns (2)
My favorite scene has to be when Catwoman blows up the department store and says "meow" to Batman and the Penguin. Set at Christmas time this is a film to help you keep perspective on what's important (good costuming and a whip).

Cinderella (Rogers & Hammerstein)
This movie was released in 1965 and as a little girl it was rerun on television every Christmas season. I loved this movie. I wanted to marry a man who looked like the prince. I now enjoy the irony of the song the stepsisters sing at the ball about Cinderella. Still, this is a charming movie full of nostalgia for me.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
The first of the Harry Potter series. The first time we see Christmas at Hogwarts, it is enchanting.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Another beautiful movie.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Perhaps I associate the Harry Potter movies with Christmas because they are released around the holiday season.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
This one is darker than the other three and not really Christmasy. However I couldn't split it from the others.

Christmas
December 24 & 25

Christmas Carol (Patrick Stewart's)
The Christmas Carol is one of the few traditional tales that I like. I'm particulary touched by this version. As a Star Trek the Next Generation fan, I liked the inclusion of the flute/whistle instrument that he also used in the series.

Gremlins
Okay so this isn't a traditional movie by any stretch of the imagination, but it is set at Christmas time and it is delightful. I'm a little non-traditional you could say.

Muppets Christmas Carol
I really love Gonzo and to have him narrate this version of the Christmas Carol is delightful. I must admit that I fast forward over the schmaltzy love song every time, but otherwise it's great fun.

Buffy Episodes

Buffy the Vampire Slayer "Amends" (season 3 episode 10)
At Christmas-time, evil haunts Angel, torturing him with visions of his murderous past and urging him to kill Buffy.
Buffy Season 7
As a follow up to the episode Amends watch the entire seventh season, but only if you have the time.

New Years
December 31 & January 1

Thirteenth Warrior
I think this is one of my favorite movies of all time. I am a huge fan of the story Beowulf and this is an adaptation of it. This is a good film to stay up late and watch. I'm considering finding and watching other viking movies so that I could have nordic film fest.

Other choices
Any number of film sets could be used here. They could include:

The Robin Hoods

Robin Hood with Errol Flynn
Robin Hood the Disney version
Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves
Robin Hood, Men in Tights
The Court Jester
Robin of Sherwood, the series

The Jurassic Parks

Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park, The Lost World
Jurassic Park III
Godzilla (the Matthew Broderick version for kicks)

The Musketteers

Cyranno de Bergerac (with
Three Musketeers (with Richard Chamberlain)
Four Musketeers (with Richard Chamberlain)
Return of the Musketeers (with Richard Chamberlain)
Three Musketeers (with Michael Wincott)
Man in the Iron Mask (with Richard Chamberlain)

The Aliens

Alien
Aliens
Aliens 3
Aliens Ressurection
Aliens vs Predator

The Mummys
The Mummy (with Brendan Frasier)
The Mummy Returns (with Brendan Frasier)
The Scorpion King (with Brendan Frasier)

January Crafts
Weekends in January
I spend a lot of time in January recovering from the hecting Halloween through New Years season. I like to use this time to create scrapbooks, candles, and other arts/crafts projects.

Auntie Mame
No one has a good time like Rosalind Russell's Auntie Mame. A fabulous romp with only one set of fools (the rigid fiance's parents...).

Housesitter
I love the ability to play that Goldie Hawn demonstrates in this movie. I think it is one of the funniest around.

What's Up Doc
We had this movie on video tape when there were few video tapes to be had. My family watched it a lot. Even though I've seen it a zillion times I still think it is one of the funniest movies ever made.

Last updated: December 10, 2005