The holidays are known for being volatile — especially for those upset that Donald Trump is (still) in the White House. You don’t, however, have to let your Fox News-loving relatives dictate terms of engagement. Wielding the power of liberal cinema, you can start the argument party in a whole new way.
“Southside With You”
When someone inevitably whines about the very existence of a romantic drama about a young Barack and Michelle, just remind them that they voted for the “Apprentice” guy before shushing them.
“Inglourious Basterds”
This one is a more subtle selection — at first. It’s sort of a bait and switch, and requires some pithiness from you. As your Trump-loving uncle delights in the graphic destruction of the evil Nazis, make a quip about how totally weird it is that neo-Nazis today really seem to love the guy.
“Selma”
This impeccable civil rights drama is a must if anybody is wearing a Make America Great Again hat. The last time America was “great” in the minds of some Americans wasn’t so great for others.
“An Inconvenient Truth”
We can debate the merits of Al Gore’s global warming documentary all day, but one thing is for certain: It’s guaranteed to get a rise out of any climate-change deniers.
“Brokeback Mountain”
As a native of Alabama, I would say this is probably the one that would draw the strongest reactions, because everybody knows what kind of movie it is and will immediately understand what you’re trying to do. But it’s so good that even your cousins yelling “ewwwwwwww” throughout can’t ruin it.
“Good Night and Good Luck”
Trump supporters love to hate on the media for being biased liars, so it would definitely be chuckle-worthy to throw on the movie about renowned broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow sticking it to the demagogue Republican senator and communist witch hunter Joe McCarthy.
“Ghosts Can’t Do It”
It’s a really, really bad sex comedy featuring Donald Trump as himself. He won a Razzie for Worst Supporting Actor for it. This one is a particularly mean choice because it’s just about unwatchable.
