By Chris Kavan - 08/05/10 at 04:43 PM CT
Granted, it's gotten a little better where I live, but it's still sweltering in a lot of places. They say if you think cold thoughts, your body will actually respond, given enough time. It won't save you from heatstroke or dehydration, but if used temporarily it might make things bearable.
But I know there are some people out there with no imagination - and I don't want you sweating all over me - so in order to stimulate those brain cells, here are a list of some great movies that take place in the coldest environments around.
1) The Thing - Paranoia! Parasites! And, best of all: The Antarctic! Nothing like being caught out in a remote research station with a few of the guys, trying to figure out whose infected with a alien parasite and, you know, survive. If the arctic doesn't chill you, perhaps the tense story will do the trick.
2) Fargo - No one does cold like Minnesota and never has Minnesota been so entertaining as when the the Coen brothers give it their own dark twist. Frances McDormand is excellent as a small town sheriff on a mission and you can't forget the epic woodchipper scene. Plenty of bungling criminals, foul language and that Minnesota cold - sit back with an iced tea and think cool thoughts.
3) The Shining - Snow storm alert for Colorado - heavy at times with a chance of insanity. If you're going to be house (or hotel) sitting, best to check out the history before you decide to stay on for the off season. The bitter cold of a sudden storm is nothing compared to a rambling lunatic brandishing an axe. Good thing he's not so good at running mazes... or dressing warm. Keep that howling wind and deep drift in mind while mowing the lawn or gardening.
4) The Day After Tomorrow - Yes it's all about special effects and the story is pretty terrible, but watching New York get flooded THEN get frozen is just all kinds of fun. Watch out for timber wolves while burning thick law books, kiddies. Hopefully your dad is as cool as Dennis Quaid and will trek across a frozen wasteland for YOU. For when you want to think cold and cheesy - like a grilled cheese left out overnight.
5) The Empire Strikes Back - I wouldn't be a very good Star Wars fan if I didn't mention the best film in the original trilogy. Sure, only the first part takes place on the icy planet Hoth, but what a memorable opening! I mean, you don't get to be stuffed inside a dead Tauntaun every day now, do you? Just remember, they smell worse on the inside. If you have to be outside, pretend you're dodging wampas and AT-ATs instead of mosquitoes and deadly UV rays.
So, any films that give you the literal chills? I'll try anything to beat the heat this summer.
