Winter Isolation Films

What's a boy to do when the world has become a frozen and inaccessible landscape virtually bringing the city to a grinding halt? The following list of films attempts to answer this question. These are some titles I recommend while you are trapped inside with nothing better to do. Although mostly from the horror genre, there is a glimmer of hope with at least one title for the kiddies to watch. So, pop some corn, get a silo of soda and enjoy.

1. The Shining (1980) - One of Jack Nicholson's most memorable performances. A must see for any fan. Shelley Duvall does an excellent job as the frightened wife. Over-the-top psychological thriller set at a closed hotel in the mountains during a debilitating snowstorm. Claustrophobic and mind numbing scenes set this one up to be a very well done experiment in sanity. And who can not forget REDRUM...REDRUM?

2. The Thing (1982) - Updated remake of The Thing from Another World finds Kurt Russell and his crew trying to contain an alien creature from making its way to more populated areas on Earth. Desolate and cut off from the outside world, our characters are pitted against an ever changing nemesis. One of my favorite sci-fi films of all time. This is an excellent movie if you like suspense, action, and a side order of gore. Eerie soundtrack only adds to the tension.

3. Misery (1990) - James Caan has finally finished his novel and Kathy Bates has an obsession. Both collide in this delightful little thriller. She saves him, but he eventually wishes she hadn't. Tight acting and one scene that will make you go EWWW!!! Isolation and desperation abound in this superb film.

4. 30 Days of Night (2007) - Where did all those well dressed angry arctic Scandinavian vampires come from? Based on a graphic novel, this is a tale of townspeople cut off from the outside world in perpetual night. If they do not last 30 days, they will surely die. Lots of blood and lots of ice make this a must see. Have a snow cone with cherry syrup on top if you dare.

5. Eight Below (2006) - Loosely based on true events, this is a story of sled dogs left behind at an isolated outpost for several months to fend for themselves. Uplifting film is not for younger viewers, but older kids may enjoy it. Do they all make it? Do they all die? Watch and see. Melodramatic and somewhat predictable, but worth a watch if you have the time.

6. Black Christmas (2006) - This was our anti-Christmas film in 2006. A marginal film at best, this remake was not very memorable. Basic shock fest horror flick about a group of sorority girls stuck in a house during a winter storm. Silly decisions make for the obvious deaths. If you like slasher films where all the victims are hot babes, then this should do the trick.

Thank you for taking the day out of your day to read this article. I hope you find it helpful and, at least, somewhat informative.