Here in central Texas, we just had one of those weird weeks, with freezing weather one day, then balmy weather the next.  We're back in the 30s today, and it's inspiring Christmasy thoughts. There are some recent, seasonal themed movies that might not be in your library or Netflix queue, that you might enjoy, with outstanding ensemble casts.

The Ref (1994)
Directed by Ted Demme   
Written by Richard LaGravenese and Marie Weiss

Gus (Denis Leary) plans on burgling the Chasseur, but ends up holding the family hostage.  In this O. Henry-esque tale, Gus gets more than he bargains for when Caroline and Lloyd Chasseur (Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey) are too busy battling each other to be intimidated by a mere burglar.  The cast has great chemistry and seems to have fun chewing the scenery - and each other.  Some of the funnest caustic repartee in recent memory.

Peter's Friends (1992)
Directed Kenneth Branagh
Written by Rita Rudner and Martin Bergmann

Sometimes when I think of this, I get the impression of "hey gang, let's put on a show" but the result is entertaining.  House fans might enjoy seeing Hugh Laurie as an anti-House character. The plot is simple;  Peter (Stephen Fry) has gathered his old college friends for a News Years visit at the old family manor, so naturally old wounds and new are opened with hilarity and biting English wit.  Cine-trivia fans will appreciate Emma Thompson with her now ex husband as well as her mother.

Love Actually (2003)
Director by Richard Curtis
Written by Richard Curtis (written by)

Another British ensemble seriocomedy, this one over packed with British talent and sentimentality, and is all the better for it.  Brought to you by the writer of Four Weddings and a Funeral, this works because of the time of release (post 9/11), and the introductory narration.  That airport montage with Hugh Grant saying "maybe love is actually all we need" really sets expectations and the mood.  In 2003 London during the Christmas season, eight interconnected stories of all kinds of love.

The Family Stone (2005)
Directed by Thomas Bezucha
Written by Thomas Bezucha

A New England family Christmas, complete with picking on each other, arguments at the dinner table, and targeting the new girlfriend.  It's dysfunction lite, with healthy doses of real family dynamics.  Rachel McAdams stole scenes, not by being pin-up gorgeous, but frumpy-bitter.  Diane Keaton makes a great matriarch, to the point I wish she played more of these roles, instead of the screechy mother she played in that Mandy Moore vehicle.  But the real scene stealers are Tyrone Giordano and Brian J. White, as the brother who happens to be gay and deaf, and his lover.  This is ensemble cast chemistry at it's best.