A feast of festive movies being screened in Cork 

The festive season is upon us; for many people, one of the most treasured Christmas traditions is watching seasonal films.

Triskel Cinema in Cork city has lined up a programme of some of the finest festive flicks to get us in the spirit.

The Christmas At Triskel season kicks off this Saturday, and Chris O’Neill, head of programming at the Triskel Cinema, says that screening Christmas movies at the venue has become an annual tradition.

“2024 marks the 14th year that we have screened It’s A Wonderful Life,” said Chris.

“It’s such a wonderful and timeless film in many ways, so much so that it’s hard to believe it was considered a flop when it was originally released, and only became popular over the following years.”

Released in 1946 and directed by Frank Capra, the film tells the story of George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), a family man facing financial difficulties. Feeling hopeless, he contemplates ending his life. George is stopped by Clarence (Henry Travers), a mysterious man who knows a lot about him and his family.

George confesses to Clarence that he wishes he had never been born. Clarence then shows George what life would be like had he never existed.

Through this experience, George learns how much he means to his friends and community. But will this change his perspective on life? And how does Clarence know so much about him?

The Muppet Christmas Carol is another festive favourite, and a big part of the Triskel Christmas tradition, as O’Neill explains.

“We’ve also screened The Muppet Christmas Carol many times over the years, and it always proves to be popular - which is understandable.

“We get adults coming to see it who saw the film when they were children, and many are parents themselves now, and they bring their kids to see it. It’s always a nice buzz when we screen that film.”

The Muppet Christmas Carol is a whimsical retelling of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, A Christmas Carol.

Released in 1992, this delightful adaptation features Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. Kermit the Frog plays Bob Cratchit, the under-appreciated clerk struggling to his beloved family, while Miss Piggy portrays Mrs. Cratchit.

Gonzo takes on the role of Charles Dickens, and the iconic Muppet duo Statler and Waldorf portray the ghostly Marley brothers.

O’Neill says Home Alone, which inspired this year’s Late Late Toy Show, is one of his favourite festive films.

“ Home Alone is one we’ve added in recent years. If I had to pick a favourite family Christmas film, it would probably be this.

“It’s always on television in our house this time of year, but there’s no beating seeing it in a cinema with an audience.”

When Home Alone was released in 1990, it revolutionised children’s films by blending action with a family-friendly story. The McAllister family mistakenly leave their eight-year-old son, Kevin (Macaulay Culkin), home alone while rushing to leave town for the holidays.

Initially, Kevin revels in his new-found freedom, enjoying complete control of the house. However, his excitement turns to fear when two thieves, Harry and Marv (played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern), attempt to break in.

Every year, the debate rages: is Die Hard a Christmas film? O’Neill says yes, it is.

“Personally, I think any film that takes place during the season and makes you feel ‘Christmassy’ is a Christmas movie, regardless of whether it is a family movie or not.”

In Die Hard, Bruce Willis delivers an iconic performance as John McClane, a New York police officer who travels to Los Angeles on Christmas Eve in hopes of reconciling with his wife and children.

His wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia), is at an office Christmas party when events take a dramatic turn.

Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) and his terrorist cronies seize control of the event, taking the guests hostage and planning to steal $600 million.

Once McClane realises the gravity of the hostage situation, he springs into action, employing innovative methods to infiltrate the building. His mission is clear: rescue Holly and the other hostages at any cost.

Triskel has added two new films to the line-up this year: Gremlins and Scrooged. O’Neill is looking forward to audiences seeing them on the big screen.

“ Gremlins, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, is so imaginative, funny and dark, and I’m delighted that we’re adding it to our seasonal list.

“Scrooged has a great central performance by Bill Murray, a modern retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, and I’m sure folks will enjoy seeing it on the big screen.”

The comedy horror Gremlins revolves around mogwai, small, furry critters with large, expressive ears. These seemingly innocent creatures harbour an unsettling secret: they transform into deadly gremlins when they are exposed to light or water or fed after midnight.

The narrative follows a young boy named Billy (Zach Galligan), who receives a mogwai, Gizmo, as a Christmas gift from his father. Things take a dark turn when Gizmo accidentally gets wet, triggering a rapid transformation that unleashes a swarm of gremlins who wreak havoc on the town, hiding among the decorations of Christmas trees, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Scrooged, released in 1988, is a darkly comedic retelling of A Christmas Carol. Bill Murray stars as Frank Cross, a cynical TV executive haunted by ghosts on Christmas Eve, who force him to confront his selfishness and rediscover the holiday spirit.

Christmas At Triskel runs from December 14-22, see www.triskelartscentre.ie.