As the holidays are upon us, many will find themselves trapped indoors with a variety of relatives – some you might cherish, some you might despise.

What might help is movies that everyone would enjoy. Our favorite writer and film historian Mark Jordan Legan stopped by with his suggestions.

First up is the 1996 film, "Matilda." Danny DeVito not only directed the film, but he also starred in it with his wife, Rhea Perlman as Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, and Mara Wilson as Matilda. 

 
 
Next is the film, "My Neighbor Totoro."  A beautiful hand drawn animated film from Oscar-winning director Hayao Miyazaki, who became a major influence on many animators, including Pixar creator John Lasseter. This sweet, imaginative story is about two young sisters who move to the countryside to be closer to their ailing mother in the hospital. They soon discover the nearby woods are full of magical creatures and one Totoro becomes their friend and protector.

Next we talk about 1963's all-star comedy classic, "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." It's from producer/director Stanley Kramer who brought together several generations of comedy legends Phil Silvers, Ethel Merman, Sid Caesar and Jonathan Winters among others. 

And we close with 2003's adaptation of "Peter Pan" from acclaimed director PJ Hogan.  

Mark Jordan Legan is a writer living in Los Angeles.