Unlike other films that get stamped with Christmas season approval merely because they happen to take place around the red-and-green holiday, Stanley Kubrick’s final film makes Xmas pretty dang involved in its otherwise not-so-jolly plot. After all, what sets Dr. Bill Hartford (Tom Cruise, of coconut cake fame) down his journey through upper-crust depravity is a chance encounter during a Christmas party. Add that to the New York City at Christmas decorations adorning the streets he hurries through while spinning out over Nicole Kidman’s weed-induced confession of adulterous thoughts, and this here’s the most seasonal picture ol’ Cruise ever made. So c’mon down to the Drafthouse and have a laugh with your favorite auteur’s last flick – or maybe your Grinch-ass thinks that 400-day production shoot’s not worth a ticket? – James Scott
