December 24, 2008 
“What I really want Santa is a double pass to Vicky Cristina Barcelona. I hear Penelope and Scarlett make out!”
This year we are treated to sci-fi blockbusters, major Oscar contenders, family flicks and flighty romantic comedies. And yes, they ALL look great. But the economy is shot to pieces, and Christmas is expensive enough, so who wants to fork out $15 for all these films.
So, take heed of our extensive Boxing Day movie guide. I’ve collated the percentile scores of esteemed movie sites Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic (as well as my own humble opinion where applicable) to rank the six major Boxing Day releases (as well as one great holdover).
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Metacritic: 86%
Total: 93%
Now if romantic game show flicks aren’t really your thing, then maybe Frost/Nixon is more suited to you. You could describe it as a dramatization of the classic David Frost/Richard Nixon interviews, but it is really so, so much more than that. Would you believe me if I told you it was more exciting than The Day the Earth Stood Still? ‘Cos it is.
Metacritic: 79%
Kristen Scott Thomas is getting a lot of buzz for her performance as a woman released from prison after a fifteen year sentence for the murder of her child. And in French no less! Sure, it doesn’t sound like light viewing, but the connoisseurs will appreciate it.
If you’re desperate for a comedy this Boxing Day, Vicky Cristina Barcelona is your best option. It’s a beautiful, breezy and funny little holiday adventure, and perfect to enjoy with some wine and cheese (although you may have to smuggle them into the cinema). Woody Allen is a reliable entertainer, and I think it’s pretty likely you’ll enjoy his latest.
Rotten Tomatoes: 76%Metacritic: 77%
Total: 76.5%
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was meant to be the big Oscar contender of 2008, but it’s begun to falter slightly on the critical front. However, the film is supposedly technically spectacular, and I know I will be checking it out on Boxing Day.
So, I’m not the movies biggest fan (and I won’t be joining Jaden Smith’s fanclub anytime soon), but I think critics are being a little unfair on TDTESS Mark 2. There were certainly WORSE movies this year, and I think Keanu’s latest even falls into the ‘Decent’ category. As you’ve seen though, there are better movies on offer. But, if you feel you must, then definitely check it out on an IMAX screen. It pushes the movie from ‘Decent’ to ‘Almost Good’.
Rotten Tomatoes: 21%
Metacritic: 38%
Total: 29.5%
Falling into last place is Adam Sandler’s latest family comedy Bedtime Stories. Ironically, this will probably be the film that will be most popular on December 26th. With a supporting cast that includes Russell Brand and Guy Pearce, I was seriously looking forward to this one (after all, it had to at least be better than Zohan!) But it looks like this may be the resident Boxing Day stinker.
A final note of advice: Remember, no matter what your taste in films are, no matter what actors you love to see, and no matter how young or old your family members are – do not, I REPEAT, do not take them to see Twilight this Boxing Day. For the love of God. Why would you want to ruin a family holiday by doing that? You should be ashamed of yourself!
And on that note … MERRY CHRISTMAS QUICKFLIXERS!!!
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