### Revisiting *The Long Kiss Goodnight*: An Overlooked Holiday Action Treasure
In the realm of unconventional Christmas films, titles like *Die Hard* (1988) and *Lethal Weapon* (1987) usually take center stage. Yet, hidden amongst the holiday action genre lies an underrated treasure that merits recognition: *The Long Kiss Goodnight* (1996). Featuring Geena Davis alongside Samuel L. Jackson, this movie fuses witty dialogue, intense action, and festive spirit into an exhilarating cinematic experience. Nearly thirty years later, it continues to be a beloved classic for genre enthusiasts.
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#### **The Story: Amnesia, Assassins, and Festive Spirit**
Geena Davis portrays Samantha Caine, a schoolteacher from a humble town in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, who has no recollection of her life before washing ashore eight years ago. Suffering from a head injury and memories lost, Samantha creates a peaceful life with her daughter Caitlin (Yvonne Zima) and her partner Hal (Tom Amandes). However, her tranquil life is disrupted as snippets of her memory start to emerge—along with her lethal expertise.
Enter Mitch Henessey (Samuel L. Jackson), a wisecracking private investigator brought in to delve into Samantha’s past. What starts as a simple investigation swiftly turns into a high-stakes escapade as Samantha learns she was once Charly Baltimore, an elite government assassin. Together, Samantha and Mitch peel back the layers of a conspiracy involving mercenary terrorists, corrupt officials, and a nefarious scheme dubbed “Operation Honeymoon.”
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#### **A Star-Studded Partnership**
When the film debuted, Geena Davis was riding high off her collaboration with director (and then-husband) Renny Harlin on *Cutthroat Island* (1995), which infamously flopped at the box office. Keen to make a comeback, the pair embraced Shane Black’s sharp screenplay for *The Long Kiss Goodnight*. Black, recognized for his talents on *Lethal Weapon* and *The Last Boy Scout*, sold the script for a then-unprecedented $4 million, and his trademark humor and pacing are apparent throughout the film.
Davis delivers an impressive performance, effortlessly switching between the compassionate Samantha and the formidable Charly. At the same time, Samuel L. Jackson excels as Mitch, providing both comic relief and emotional resonance. The chemistry between Davis and Jackson is palpable, grounding the film’s fusion of action and humor.
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#### **Unforgettable Scenes and Extravagant Action**
One of the film’s most notable scenes occurs early on when Samantha’s knife skills resurface in a seemingly ordinary kitchen moment. After masterfully skewering a tomato to the wall, she jokingly states, “Chefs do that,” leaving her family in shock. This moment establishes the film’s balance of dark humor and adrenaline-fueled action.
As Samantha’s memories resurface, her alter ego Charly emerges, equipped with a no-nonsense attitude and a taste for violence. From thrilling escapes to explosive showdowns, the film’s action scenes are as exhilarating as they are exaggerated. While the plausibility of Samantha’s amnesia might stretch believability, it serves as an engaging narrative tool that drives the story ahead.
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#### **Why It Qualifies as a Christmas Movie**
Similar to *Die Hard*, *The Long Kiss Goodnight* unfolds during the Christmas season, with holiday decorations and customs interwoven into the storyline. From Samantha’s portrayal of Mrs. Claus in a town parade to the festive setting of snowy backdrops, the film revels in its holiday atmosphere. Nonetheless, its R-rated action and sharp humor ensure it distinguishes itself from traditional Christmas fare.
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#### **A Cult Classic in Progress**
Despite its strong performances and clever writing, *The Long Kiss Goodnight* didn’t perform well commercially, grossing $95.4 million worldwide against a $65 million budget. Critics generally provided favorable reviews, but the film struggled to match the box office success of other holiday action films. In time, however, it has cultivated a dedicated fanbase, with audiences celebrating its distinctive combination of humor, action, and emotion.
Samuel L. Jackson has even referred to *The Long Kiss Goodnight* as one of his favorites to revisit, and Geena Davis regards it as one of her most significant roles. For director Renny Harlin, this film remains a highlight of his career.
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#### **Reasons to Watch This Holiday Season**
If you’re in search of a departure from sugary holiday films, *The Long Kiss Goodnight* offers a refreshing option. Its blend of sharp dialogue, thrilling action, and holiday spirit makes it a perfect addition to your festive viewing list. Additionally, the dynamic pairing of Davis and Jackson promises ample laughs and excitement throughout.
Currently available for streaming on Prime Video, *The Long Kiss Goodnight* is primed for rediscovery. So grab your popcorn, get cozy, and let this overlooked treasure remind you.
