Top 5 films and video games for winter break

Need last-minute gift ideas or some fun tips to enjoy the holidays?

Derek A. Burrill, associate professor of media and cultural studies, and Kimberly Norris Guerrero, assistant professor of acting at the University of California, Riverside, have assembled a list of their top-five films and video games to enjoy this holiday season. Yeah, just for the fun of it.

Burrill’s research focuses on digital games, media, and gender. He published “Die Tryin’: Videogames, Masculinity, Culture” in 2008 and sits on the editorial boards of the journals Games and Culture and the Journal of Games and Virtual Worlds.

Guerrero is an actor, writer, and director. Her acting resume includes the feature films “Hidalgo” and “The Cherokee Word for Water.” She’s also known for playing Jerry’s Indian girlfriend on “Seinfeld.” Guerrero also works with tribal communities to help them utilize filmmaking as a tool for empowerment.

Here are Guerrero’s top movie picks and comments:

“The Green Book” — Great film for the holidays, especially if you love jazz. Memorable performances by Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen.

“Won’t You Be My Neighbor” — This documentary is a must for those thirsty for a holiday dose of compassion mixed with the genius and imagination of the man behind the cardigan, Fred Rogers.

“Roma” — Two words: Alfonso Cuarón. A storyteller’s storyteller. Check out this autobiographical piece of cinematic magic.

“Minding the Gap” — Powerful documentary covering 12 years of two friends in the Rust Belt who celebrate skateboarding as a way of life.

“The Rider” — After a tragic riding accident, this champion rodeo star questions his life’s purpose. I’m friends with this family in South Dakota, so it’s especially special to see their beautiful way of life told on screen.