Itcan be hard to find good Christmas movies. While the holiday season hasplenty of classic films associated with it, there are quite a few dudsundeserving of your time, and they’re peppered across every streamingservice right now. For those looking for a gem that flew under theradar, 1994’s Trapped in Paradise likely fits that description; unlike Elf, Die Hard, or Christmas Vacation, it doesn’t have the yearly delugeof tie-in merchandise like Funko Pops, puzzles, or coffee mugs. Despitean all-star cast and a story that actually feels fitting for a Christmasmovie, it doesn’t get a whole lot of attention the way it once did.However, it’s a holiday movie well worth watching for anyone searchingthis week.
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Trapped in Paradise stars NicolasCage as restaurant manager Bill Firpo. Bill tries to do the right thing,though he sometimes finds himself struggling. The same can’t be saidfor his thieving brothers Dave and Alvin (played by Jon Lovitz and DanaCarvey, respectively). Dave and Alvin are serving time in prison, butbecome eligible for parole in time for Christmas due to overcrowding.Immediately after Bill picks the two up from prison, his brothers gethim implicated in a theft from a local store. Convincing Bill he shouldlay low until the heat dies down, the trio makes their way to the tinytown of Paradise, Pennsylvania. There, Dave and Alvin convince Bill tohelp them make a huge score by robbing a local bank. The bank’s lack ofsecurity and working cameras make it an easy target for theFirpo boys. They make a clean getaway, but in true Christmas fashion,the trio finds themselves “trapped in Paradise” following a snowstorm.Helped along by the unknowing townspeople (including the owners of thebank), the three quickly find themselves regretting their actions.
The biggest highlight of Trapped in Paradise is its cast. Cage mostlyplays the straight man to Lovitz and Carvey, but he gets to cut loose afew times in a way we didn’t see often in his ’90s roles. Carvey isdelightful as kleptomaniac Alvin, swiping everything from bank pens tothe toy in a box of Cap’n Crunch. Meanwhile, Lovitz plays the slimiestof the Firpo brothers in a way that only he can; his infamous “who, me?”expression, perfected on Saturday Night Live, is on full display here. Theirmother/enabler Edna is played by Florence Stanley, who absolutelysteals every scene she’s in. Her interactions with antagonist Vic Mazzucci (played by Vic Manni) are one of the film’s biggest highlights. Last but not leastis Richard Jenkins, showing his comedic chops more than a decade beforehis role as Robert Doback in Step Brothers.
While a lot of supposed holiday movies play fast and loose with their connection to Christmas, Trapped in Paradise very much embraces the themesand content viewers have come to expect from a traditional Christmas movie. Setmostly in Pennsylvania, as well as New York where the brothers are from,the film takes great advantage of the two states’ seasonal climates. Thepractical snow effects look fantastic more than 20 years later, and theblustery winter weather will make you happy you’re watching from thecouch.
That said, it’s not just the setting and visuals that make Trapped inParadisean authentic Christmas movie, but the themes. Some of the bestChristmas media centers around the concepts of redemption and good willtowardsmen; themes that have made A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Lifeenduring classics. Bill’s internal conflict in the film, particularlyupon getting to know the people of Paradise, fits in well. While Billimmediately slips into the role of a bank robber, his regret is palpablethe second he sees the actual impact of his actions. Every bungledattempt at escaping the town results in catastrophe for the brothers,and yet the locals continue trying to help these complete strangers.
What Trapped in Paradise does better than most holiday movies is that it manages to balance its humor and messaging. The religious aspect of Christmas plays a key role in the movie, but it never comes across as preachy, and when elements are played for humor, the jokes land without seeming mean-spirited. When Paradise’s Father Ritter lies to protect the Firpo brothers, his deadpan “we’ll talk later” as he looks to the sky is perfectly timed. Outside of some swearing and brief use of an outdated term used to describe those with special needs, the movie is also easy to watch with viewers of all ages.
Trapped in Paradise was a staple of Comedy Central’s Decemberprogramming in the late ’90s, which is where many people likely saw itfor the first time (myself included). These days, the movie is a lot less commonlyshown, but it can be streamed on Tubi for free, on Paramount+, or on the Showtime app. I’ve always found thatthe best Christmas movies are those that strike the right balancebetween heart and humor. Trapped in Paradise does just that, with trulyfunny character moments and just the right amount of sweetness. These elements have made the film a yearly view in my household, and just might foryou, too.
Have you ever seen Trapped in Paradise? Do you plan to watch the movie this season? Letusknowin thecomments or share your thoughts directly onTwitter and onHive at @Marcdachamp to talk all things gaming!
