While this year is seeing many of us unable to partake in the typical feasting we're used to for the holidays, there's likely to be no shortage of internet streaming and movie-watching to be had. In many ways, the films we pair with the season offer equivalent soul-food side dishes to compliment things. With this idea in mind, let's consider some examples of movies which can offer a mental and emotional substitute for many classic holiday side dishes.
Firstly, we'll get one big thing out of the way: we're talking side-dishes, here. Yes, yes, turkey and chicken, of course - there's always the original Star Wars and Lord of the Rings trilogies and such to fill that substantial, too-much-for-one-sitting feeling. And yet time and again so many will overestimate their appetites and think it's reasonable to consume it all in one go, only to end up sleepy and drowsy for trying to scarf it all down in one evening, and there will inevitably be leftovers. Be reasonable with your main dish and portion it out over a holiday weekend, hm?
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A recurring and well-established classic dish for these meals is mashed potatoes, and a movie equivalent of American culture is undoubtedly It's a Wonderful Life, which is always aired during the holidays. It's easy to come by, you'll see it everywhere that weekend across many homes, it can be enjoyed in different ways...The movie is also fluffy and light with just enough substance to be filling. It's simple classic that's hard to go wrong with, though too much of it too often might make it taste dull, so do be mindful.
There are many options you could pair this with for gravy, but Chicken Run is a recommended choice. The movie is tasty and smooth and goes well with many other movies (as gravy does). The rich brown condiment has a habit of breaking free and spilling out from whatever it's contained upon or within, as do the chickens in the film. Or maybe it's that life-threatening action sequence with a gravy explosion...For those of us avoiding meat, it's also a nice little alternative to see such birds avoiding such a fate.
Green bean casserole is another often seen side accompanying holiday dinner, made of common ingredients without too much complication, yet combining to create a classic, textured meal. This is also the role Die Hard plays in the American psyche during this time of year, prepping us for the end of the year festivities by somehow being more than the sum of its parts.
On the subject of greenery, a movie like Children of Men might feel like Brussel sprouts. An acquired taste that can be a bit hard to go down easy, isn't particularly rich in flavor, and yet for those who enjoy it, offers a nice alternative to the usual kinds of food eaten on American tables during this weekend.
To recreate the sensation of eating sweet potatoes or yams, one recommendation would be any Charlie Brown movie. They come prepared in a wide variety of styles but at the end of the day it's all a classic flavor that's just a little sweet, just a little simple, and in smaller doses just feels right for the season. The surprisingly well-made 'reboot' movie from 2015 in turn feels like seeing one's kids offer their own take on a family recipe passed down for generations that has been missing from the holiday festivities for years.
So we've had your main meal, and we're ready for dessert. What kind are we in the mood for? Our eyes might say 'everything,' but let's remember that there's only so much room in our stomachs - and our brains - for one evening or weekend.
There's always the light, fluffy, crumbly, soft texture of cornbread - a time-honored treat. And, of course, there are the Rankin-Bass stop-motion animated specials to fill that flavor gap, if one is longing for decades gone by. Hungry for something more filling and sweet, like pudding? How about a Disney movie? Or a Pixar one, if you're interested in some ice cream. Watch out, though, as there is a noticeable difference between homemade banana pudding and the snack-sized servings in the stories, as well as the large tubs of watered-down ice cream instead of the more rich and expensive quarts.
Or you could always go with something less conventional that manages to pop up everywhere (because of how dang good it is) in the form of handmade marshmallow ambrosia salad - in this case, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. A mixture of all kinds of different pieces and chunks that despite its chaotic appearance, it's so tasty and easy to eat one could inhale it all.
But if one really wants, they could always have salty fries or greasy hamburgers at their spiritual holiday feast for the eyes and watch Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy or Paul Blart: Mall Cop. No one's stopping you, but you will be judged for it.