Five movies to watch while you're snowed in
Seventeen inches of snow has slowed the university to a crawl, canceling classes and trapping students in their homes. It’s bad out there, but it’s not nearly the “Snowpocalypse” people are making it out to be. You want real blizzards? Bundle up and make some hot chocolate while you check out these winter-themed flicks.
"The Empire Strikes Back" (1980)
On the planet Hoth, 17 inches of snow isn’t a forecast: it’s a guarantee. The early scenes from this, the fifth in the Star Wars timeline, showcase just how bad the weather can get. No one in Columbia is cutting open their Tauntauns for warmth – partly because of the temperature, but mostly because they’re imaginary. But thinking more about it, driving an AT-AT to campus would be pretty awesome.
"The Thing" (1982)
Stuck inside with your roommates during the blizzard? Wondering which one of them stole that last soda from the fridge? John Carpenter has just the thing for you!
Nothing like a little mistrust and alien assimilation on an Antarctic research facility to really throw your suspicions into overdrive. Just don’t go trying to test your roommates’ blood; they don’t seem to appreciate that.
"Home Alone" (1990)
Or maybe you don’t have roommates, in which case your suspicions are more focused on the outside world. Hear a knock on the door from a man claiming to offer his services shoveling the snow from your walk? Throw your preferred gangster movie on the surround sound (you dirty animal) and build your home into a domestic fortress with zip lines, tacks and whatever else you’ve got on hand.
"Snow Day" (2000)
The city of Columbia has to have a couple of those bladed trucks on hand right? I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if a couple of us savvy snow day-ers borrowed them for a couple hours to strategically keep the class cancelations rolling. Also, watch this movie right before an episode of NBC’s "Community" to see what 10 years can do to Chevy Chase.
"Groundhog Day" (1993)
But if you’re looking for the most apropos film for the season, Harold Ramis’ time-looping comedy is your best bet. If you think your cabin fever is bad, just be glad you’re only living today once. Hide the toaster, make some pancakes and queue this up on your Netflix for maximum snow day enjoyment.
Speaking of Groundhog Day, it appears the little rat didn’t see his shadow, so watch these movies while you can before Spring makes snow days a thing of the past.
