Prompt Responses — Sort of

Want An Inspiring Christmas Movie?

OK, maybe not exactly a Christmas movie, but one that takes place during the holiday season. Plus a 10-word story.

“Just be sure to notice the collateral beauty. It’s the profound connection to everything.” — From the movie Collateral Beauty.

I’ve recently been challenged by two of my Medium friends to come up with answers to Christmas prompts. Natalie asked me to list 5 of my favorite Christmas movies and Shereen Bingham dared me to come up with 5 ten-word Christmas stories.

So, it’s Christmas Eve, and I’m a time-challenged madwoman with holes in her brain. The only solution at this point is to respond with fewer movies and stories, producing something that may be half-assed, but worthwhile.

I’ve come up with one movie that really speaks to me and one 10-word story that I really like. Oh, and I’ve decided to pull a Mike Knittel and put them both in one article.

I hope you’ll enjoy my little compromise and won’t think less of me for my reduced effort.

One of my favorite movies to watch during the Christmas season is Collateral Beauty. Released in December 2016, the movie didn’t stick around in theaters very long and was widely pooh-poohed by the critics. I don’t care. I find it fascinating, visually stunning, and emotionally raw. It’s one of my all-time greats.

Set during the holidays, the movie follows four people (Will Smith, Edward Norton, Kate Winslet, and Michael Pena) who are all suffering intense personal tragedies. They hire three community theater actors, (Helen Mirren, Keira Knightley, and Jacom Latimore) to assist in overcoming their crippling emotions.

I don’t want to give the story away, so I will leave it there. I will say that although each receives a resolution to their trauma, it’s not necessarily the one they hoped for. Much like in real life.

I definitely think the critics got this one wrong. The movie does include some blatant cliches, but the Christmas settings are stunning, the photography first class, and the cast impeccable. I found myself obsessed with the soundtrack, including artists such as Fink and OneRepublic, which fully enhances the film’s emotion.

Then there’s the message, so perfect for Christmas, that we are all connected and that beauty is everywhere.

If you end up watching this movie, be prepared to experience a full range of emotions and keep a ton of tissues handy. I cried just watching the preview again.

That 10-word story I promised you? It relates to the film and the Christmas spirit:

Beauty is in everything if you simply look for it.

That’s all I’ve got for now. I wish all of you Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and good times!

I’ve included my friend’s stories below. They are much more fun, so please give them a look.