For many of us, the holiday season means an onslaught of festive cheer – twinkling lights, warm cookies, and cozy movie nights with loved ones by the fire. But for some, it's a time-honored tradition that gets all the attention: baking from scratch.
As I load up my oven to whip up this year's batch of Christmas treats, I find myself gravitating towards a favorite holiday flick – one that defies expectations and celebrates the messy, imperfect joys of cooking and motherhood. "The Long Kiss Goodnight" (1996) may not be on everyone's radar, but for me, it's become an annual ritual.
This action-packed romp stars Geena Davis as Samantha Caine, a mild-mannered schoolteacher whose secret life is that of a deadly assassin. When the past and present collide, she must navigate her dual identities – all while whipping up a mean baked Alaska. Yes, you read that right: baked Alaska is the catalyst for an explosion of violence, laughter, and female empowerment.
The film's script, penned by Shane Black, masterfully balances witty one-liners with heartwarming moments of domesticity. For Samantha, cooking isn't just about nourishment – it's a form of self-care, a way to connect with her past while embracing the present. When she whips up a storm in the kitchen, donning an apron and trading banter with her partner, Hal (Tom Amandes), it's a testament to the transformative power of food.
In today's world, where artisanal products masquerade as homemade masterpieces, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. For many women, especially those in the kitchen, "The Long Kiss Goodnight" speaks directly to our experiences: the juggling act between roles, the pressure to perform, and the joy found in imperfection.
So, grab some popcorn, pour a glass of wine (or two), and indulge in this holiday classic. Who knows? You might just find yourself cheering on Charly Baltimore – aka Samantha Caine – as she takes down bad guys with equal panache and a mean sugar cookie.
As I load up my oven to whip up this year's batch of Christmas treats, I find myself gravitating towards a favorite holiday flick – one that defies expectations and celebrates the messy, imperfect joys of cooking and motherhood. "The Long Kiss Goodnight" (1996) may not be on everyone's radar, but for me, it's become an annual ritual.
This action-packed romp stars Geena Davis as Samantha Caine, a mild-mannered schoolteacher whose secret life is that of a deadly assassin. When the past and present collide, she must navigate her dual identities – all while whipping up a mean baked Alaska. Yes, you read that right: baked Alaska is the catalyst for an explosion of violence, laughter, and female empowerment.
The film's script, penned by Shane Black, masterfully balances witty one-liners with heartwarming moments of domesticity. For Samantha, cooking isn't just about nourishment – it's a form of self-care, a way to connect with her past while embracing the present. When she whips up a storm in the kitchen, donning an apron and trading banter with her partner, Hal (Tom Amandes), it's a testament to the transformative power of food.
In today's world, where artisanal products masquerade as homemade masterpieces, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. For many women, especially those in the kitchen, "The Long Kiss Goodnight" speaks directly to our experiences: the juggling act between roles, the pressure to perform, and the joy found in imperfection.
So, grab some popcorn, pour a glass of wine (or two), and indulge in this holiday classic. Who knows? You might just find yourself cheering on Charly Baltimore – aka Samantha Caine – as she takes down bad guys with equal panache and a mean sugar cookie.