New Year's Eve Movie Marathon with Midnight Run in Memphis, TN

Is there any better experience than staying up late with friends, eating snacks, and watching some movies together? Come New Year's Eve, this is exactly what I'll be doing with Memphis, TN movie social group- 'Midnight Run'. This gathering of cinema-loving Hamilton and MCHS graduates will be starting off the New Year with some great films to go with great company.

While I am not as devoted a member as the other fourteen Midnight Runners, I will still be attending the event. This late-night barbeque and movie marathon will ring in the New Year at the group founder's home, George Wilson. Near the beginning of December, the group voted on what four films the marathon would consist of. Accompanied by a lot of popcorn and maybe a little wine, we'll be viewing some classics and modern hits.

First up is "Can't Catch Me"- a personal favorite of Mr. Wilson himself. The original and its remake are among the films to really spark George's love of movies. Those members uninterested in seeing Leonardo DeCaprio and Tom Hanks will instead be outside, taking in some fresh air while barbequing some plump sausages and prime cuts. Admittedly, the laidback nature of the social group is just what makes 'Midnight Run' so enjoyable. You don't want to watch a movie? You don't have to- no problem. "Can't Catch Me" barely beat out its competitor "Lean on Me" in the marathon vote.

The second film brings with it some holiday cheer. "A Christmas Story" will be occupying the second slot of the Midnight Run marathon. The evening will be filled with laughter as poor Ralphie tries his hardest to convince his parents he is responsible enough to receive an official Red Ryder BB gun. This lighthearted tale of childhood desperation easily outdid "Christmas With The Kranks" in the MR polls. Just be careful out there on New Year's Eve, or "You'll shoot your eye out."

The arrival of midnight will signal the third movie. At the countdown's completion, the New Year will begin with "Beowulf." This action-filled reimagining of the ancient epic might take a lot of liberties with the original story, but it's still a fun experience. In a fairly close vote, one vote knocked "300" out of the running.

"You see George, you've really had a wonderful life. Don't you see what a mistake it would be to just throw it all away?" One of the most famous and influential holiday classics will be concluding the marathon- "A Wonderful Life." The life and times of George Bailey spawned countless television parodies, a terrible remake, and innumerable counted blessings. This classic won against equally beloved Christmas movie, " ." Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get ready for the new year.