I’ve always liked airports; I think they can be beautiful, representative spaces, often with floor-to-ceiling windows, sweeping landscapes, and even the ergonomic wonder of the chairs. That being said, my goal in an airport is to spend the least amount of time humanly possible from the entrance to the plane. Which is why I think Paul Feig’s 2006 UNACCOMPANIED MINORS resonates so much with me – and maybe even formed my opinions on airports in the first place.
Based on an episode of This American Life (“In The Event Of An Emergency, Put Your Sister In An Upright Position” by Susan Burton), the film follows a group of titular unaccompanied minors after their flights home are canceled due to a snow storm on Christmas Eve. It stars a group of child actors, most notably Tyler James Williams, and small parts and cameos from familiar faces (Tony Hale, Paget Brewster, B.J. Novak, Mindy Kaling to name a few). It ends up being BREAKFAST CLUB-lite set in an airport…but goofier and much less impactful. But that’s not a bad thing.
UNACCOMPANIED MINORS was one of my favorite holiday movies growing up, and rewatching it this year made me so happy. It’s the only time I’ve seen an airport look so fun; and as someone who typically travels during the holidays, I have a feeling that all my repeat childhood viewings may have helped paint airports in a rosy light during the season.
Whether you’re on a layover or just looking for a Christmas movie you haven’t seen, check out UNACCOMPANIED MINORS, now streaming on Max.
