In 25 Christmas Movies You Should Watch I brought you my family's favorite holiday movies and invited you, my readers, to share with me your favorite holiday films. A hearty thanks to all who participated and I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!
So here we go, in no particular order...
Bad Santa (2003)
Nothing could be more Christmas-y than robbing department stores, right? And who has more access than Santa and his little helper? Throw in a little sex, a lot of alcohol, and more than a few swear words and you've got Bad Santa.
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
After witnessing his parents' slaughter at the hands of a man dressed as Santa, Billy enters an orphanage only to be abused by the nun in charge. As a grown up, Billy has to take the place of an ill Santa in the store in which he works. He cracks under the pressure and goes on a murderous rampage all the way back to the orphanage.
Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas (1977)
How dare I forget my husband's favorite Christmas classic on my original Christmas list? Jim Henson created Emmet Otter's world complete with otters. porcupines, lizards, rabbits, snakes, bears, opossums, and so much more. A take on "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry, Emmet and his mother each sacrifice something in order to have a chance at giving the other the best Christmas present ever.
Love Actually (2003)
Love Actually is one of those few all-star cast movies that I think works really well. Sometimes these movies end up being a big pile-up and sometimes they are just right, with stories weaving in and out of each other without that messy crash ending. One of the things I really liked about this movie is that it affects all types of people at all social levels, stages of life, and parts of their relationships.
This may not have been a big list, but it was definitely a very eclectic list. I don't think we've left any genre out on this one. Thanks for playing along! Merry Christmas! And look for my favorite love stories coming in (when else?) February.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Thursday, December 12, 2013
The Brass Teapot (2012)
What could be better than a genie in a bottle? A teapot that gives you money, of course. It gives you an unlimited amount of funds, provided you are willing to give something in return. After all, you can't get something for nothing. Ramaa Mosley's, The Brass Teapot, is a well executed tale about greed, envy, pride and love.
The Premise
Alice and John are a young married couple struggling to make ends meet. They come across an antique brass teapot that magically gives them money. The catch is, they have to experience pain in order to get paid. With big dreams and high expectations, they push their limits and find out just how far they are willing to go for the big pay off.
My Take
I have been a big fan of Juno Temple since Dirty Girl (2010). Since taking notice of her, I have realized just how many movies I have seen her in and just how versatile Juno really is. In The Brass Teapot, she plays Alice. Alice is educated and looking for a job but wants to start anywhere but the bottom. Therefore, she remains unemployed. Michael Angarano is Alice's husband, John. He is working as a telemarketer and is doing the best he can to make ends meet. Angarano has grown so much since I first saw him in Sky High (2005), which I absolutely loved. Together, they make the perfect couple. It is clear how much they love each other, despite the problems they may be having.
Alice comes across an antique brass teapot and takes it home. She discovers, by accident, that if she gets hurt the teapot produces money. From there, John and Alice do some funny, crazy, and kinky things in order to see the teapot pay them for their efforts. Eventually, they are able to move into the neighborhood they always wanted to live in, have the parties they always wanted have, eat in the restaurants they always wanted eat in, and fit in with people they always wanted to fit in with. This means nearly forgetting the true friends that they already had, played by Bobby Moynihan and Alia Shawkat, whom I just saw in The To Do List. Alice and John are chased by Jewish brothers (Thomas Middleditch and Bob McClure), a curious Chinese man (Steve Park), and greedy landlords (Billy Magnussen and Crisitn Milioti). All why trying to be happy emulating their richer friends, Payton and Ricky (Alexis Bledel and Ben Rappaport).
The Verdict
This movie was perfectly cast. Juno Temple and Michael Angarano were perfect together as Alice and John. They were fearless as actors and loving as their characters. They portrayed a couple that went to the brink of disaster but somehow managed to hold onto each other in the end. The supporting cast did their jobs wonderfully. All of the actors, especially Moynihan and Shawkat, were touching and funny in such an effortless way that they blended in seamlessly with landscape of the movie. The Brass Teapot was sexy, absurd, and a wonderful allegory about greed, pride and love. I give The Brass Teapot 5/5 dollars.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
The To Do List (2013)
I enjoy a good sex comedy. Combine that with a coming of age flick, and you get Maggie Carey's The To Do List. The To Do List is a movie about letting go of your insecurities and learning more about yourself as you explore sex and friendships. Mistakes happen, hearts are broken, and memories are made as Brandy Klark feels her way through her last summer as a virgin.
The Premise
Brandy Klark is ready to lose her virginity before going off to college in the fall. With the help of her sister and her friends, she makes a To-Do list of all the things she needs to do to get her ready for her first sexual experience with the very lusty Rusty Waters.
My Take
The girls who played Brandy Karl's friends stood out and stole many of the scenes they were in. Their characters were perfect examples of high school girls trying to be grown ups. Alia Shawkat played friend Fiona and Sarah Steele played friend Wendy. They were the perfect comedic compliment to Aubrey Plaza's rendition of very a serious and studious Brandy Karl. All three girls worked together to form a cohesive unit of horny teenagers exploring sex in the early 1990's.
Scott Porter was the object of Brandy's affection as he portrayed life guard, Rusty Waters. He was everything a girl could want as her 'first'. He was tall, blond, tan and played the guitar. And he was a college boy, to boot. Cameron was the cute, but platonic, boy in the story. Played by Johnny Simmons, Cameron was used for some of Brandy's sexual experiments but ended up having his poor little heart stepped on when he when discovered that Brandy had her eyes on a hunkier prize. Simmons was hilarious and was able to hold his own against the more experienced Bill Hader, who played a prominent role in the movie as the teens' boss at the neighborhood pool.
Adding to Brandy's sexual escapades were Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Andy Samberg, and Donald Glover. Rachel Bilson and Connie Britton gave her some sound, and sometimes not so sound advice, along the way. Clark Gregg played Brandy's stodgy and traditional father. It was nice to see him play something other than Agent Coulson in the Marvel franchise.
The Verdict
The To Do List was well written, well directed, and well acted. There weren't any weak links as far as the cast goes. It was a cute coming of age story about a girl who had trouble letting loose. Sometimes, the main character felt a little hard to relate to, but Aubrey Plaza managed to make her charming and likable. Likewise with Connie Britton's portrayal of Brandy's mother. I give The To Do List 4/5 friends with benefits, because, while it wasn't perfect, the direction and the cast made up for any imperfections.
The Premise
Brandy Klark is ready to lose her virginity before going off to college in the fall. With the help of her sister and her friends, she makes a To-Do list of all the things she needs to do to get her ready for her first sexual experience with the very lusty Rusty Waters.
My Take
The girls who played Brandy Karl's friends stood out and stole many of the scenes they were in. Their characters were perfect examples of high school girls trying to be grown ups. Alia Shawkat played friend Fiona and Sarah Steele played friend Wendy. They were the perfect comedic compliment to Aubrey Plaza's rendition of very a serious and studious Brandy Karl. All three girls worked together to form a cohesive unit of horny teenagers exploring sex in the early 1990's.
Scott Porter was the object of Brandy's affection as he portrayed life guard, Rusty Waters. He was everything a girl could want as her 'first'. He was tall, blond, tan and played the guitar. And he was a college boy, to boot. Cameron was the cute, but platonic, boy in the story. Played by Johnny Simmons, Cameron was used for some of Brandy's sexual experiments but ended up having his poor little heart stepped on when he when discovered that Brandy had her eyes on a hunkier prize. Simmons was hilarious and was able to hold his own against the more experienced Bill Hader, who played a prominent role in the movie as the teens' boss at the neighborhood pool.
Adding to Brandy's sexual escapades were Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Andy Samberg, and Donald Glover. Rachel Bilson and Connie Britton gave her some sound, and sometimes not so sound advice, along the way. Clark Gregg played Brandy's stodgy and traditional father. It was nice to see him play something other than Agent Coulson in the Marvel franchise.
The Verdict
The To Do List was well written, well directed, and well acted. There weren't any weak links as far as the cast goes. It was a cute coming of age story about a girl who had trouble letting loose. Sometimes, the main character felt a little hard to relate to, but Aubrey Plaza managed to make her charming and likable. Likewise with Connie Britton's portrayal of Brandy's mother. I give The To Do List 4/5 friends with benefits, because, while it wasn't perfect, the direction and the cast made up for any imperfections.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
25 Christmas Movies You Should Watch...
Christmas is a time for family and a time for get togethers. We love movies in our household. I want to share with you some our favorite Christmas movies and Christmas specials that only come around once a year. I want you invite you, my readers, to tell me your favorite Christmas movies and Christmas specials. Leave me a comment below, on Face Book, or on Twitter and I'll include your movies in a special follow up later this month!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my family to yours!
Here we go (in no particular to order)...
A Christmas Carol (ALL OF THEM)
A Christmas Carol is my absolute favorite story of time. For me, nothing will ever compare to this Charles Dickens classic. I own many different copies of this masterpiece and torture my family with it every year. My favorite version is the 1951 Alastair Sim version. No particular reason why, I just love that one. Unfortunately, most of my copies are on VHS, so if anyone wants to donate their DVDs to an avid fan, I certainly won't complain...
Scrooged (1988)
Speaking of A Christmas Carol, Scrooged is another one of my favorites I have to watch it every year. It's a more modern take on the tale starring Bill Murray, Karen Allen, Bobcat Goldthwait, David Johansen, Carol Kane, Alfre Woodard, and John Murray.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Hmm, I'm sensing a theme here. A man goes back and examines his life. Except in this one he discovers what would have happened had he never been born. He discovers the joy that he brings to those around him.
A Christmas Story (1983)
When this movie was played on an endless loop on television, I grew tired of it. Now that it seems to be a rare find, I love it. In fact, now I own it. Who doesn't quote lines from this movie? "You'll shoot your eye out!"
Die Hard (1988)
Yes, this is a Christmas movie. John McClane is out beating the bad guys at Christmas time. Who doesn't love a sweaty, sexy Bruce Willis and and equally sexy and formidable Alan Rickman.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
I have to admit that this is the only one of the vacation movies I truly love. I love the wackiness of the whole family, the uninvited guests, the lights, the cat, the dried out turkey, everything. Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Johnny Galecki, Juliette Lewis, and Randy Quaid round out the cast in this movie.
Home Alone (1990)
I like movies where kids get the best of us adults and this movie is one of the best examples of that.Yes, the parents weren't as responsible as they should have been, but all in all they raised a pretty darn creative kid and they should be proud.
The Santa Clause (1994)
Santa Claus is one of those things that gets passed on from generation to generation. So it makes perfect sense to me that Santa Claus be vulnerable and there be a clause in place so that someone else can take his place. Why not? The only bad thing about this movie is that they never show it on the movie channels. I hate having to watch my movies commercial cut and edited for time. There really should be a law against it.
Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Another Tim Allen movie, Christmas with the Kranks is a movie about a couple who try to put Christmas off for one year, but, of course, life gets in the way. I love Jamie Lee Curtis in this film. She is perfect as the wife who wants to agree with her husband but is struggling against that Christmas spirit that infects us all.
Gremlins (1984)
Gizmo is the cutest little thing ever! Gremlins, starring Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, and Corey Feldman, is a story about a boy who learns a very important lesson about what happens when you break the rules.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Boris Karloff was the narrator in this Christmas special in 1966. Based on Dr. Seuss's book of the same name, the Grinch sneaks into Whoville thinking he will ruin Christmas, but learns a very heartwarming lesson instead.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Director Ron Howard managed to bring Whoville to life in the live action version of Dr. Seuss's famous story. Starring Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Bill Irwin, Molly Shannon, Christine Baranski and Jeffrey Tambor, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of our family's favorites.
Deck the Halls (2006)
Christmas isn't always love and cheer and peace. Sometimes there is a little feuding between neighbors. Deck the Halls is a movie about two neighbors constantly trying to outdo each other. Finally, it results in an all out Christmas light war when one of them decides he wants his house to be so bright it can be seen from space.
Jingle All the Way (1996)
This is another movie that isn't all about peace and love. Remember when Tickle Me Elmo was all the rage? This movie is about two dads (Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad) doing everything they can to get the last Turbo Man action doll for their sons.
The Polar Express (2004)
Based on the best selling book of the same name, The Polar Express takes you on a journey to the North Pole. During the adventure, the young boy in the story receives a bell that he will be able to hear so long as he believes. I loved this book, even though I was older when I found it, and I think Robert Zemeckis did an excellent job recreating it for the movie.
Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)
One of the Rankin and Bass classics, this is the story of Rudolph, the reindeer with the unfortunate red nose. Even Santa didn't accept him until that one foggy Christmas Eve.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970)
This is the story of the origin of Santa Claus. Rankin and Bass takes us to a town where toys are no longer allowed and Kris Kringle takes it upon himself to deliver happiness to the children by sneaking into their homes and leaving presents in their stockings.
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Frosty comes to life because of a magic hat. Unfortunately, he has to find his way to a colder climate before he melts. The snowman, and his little friend, Karen, make their way north to Santa's village.
Lethal Weapon (1987)
Mel Gibson and Danny Glover team up at Christmas time in Lethal Weapon. They are two cops with very different personalities who somehow manage to make it work in order to do the right thing. And make it home in time for Christmas dinner.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
I like this movie a lot because I have often felt like a misfit and can relate to Johnny Depp's character. I can't say that I have ever had scissors for hands, but I think that everyone understands that longing to belong somewhere. Likewise, with Winona Ryder and Dianne Wiest, sometimes it only takes one person to make a difference in someone's life.
Just Friends (2005)
I adore Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart in this movie. I laugh every time I watch Just Friends. It is romantic and funny and smart and is one of my favorite guilty Christmas time pleasures.
Prancer (1989)
A young girl finds a deer and comes to the logical conclusion that it's Prancer, one of Santa's reindeer. She hides him in her family's barn and feeds him cookies. She wants to get him well enough to fly home but her dad has other plans for the deer.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Charlie Brown wants to find the true meaning of Christmas, despite the rampant commercialism he sees all around him. I think it is a lesson that still rings true today. We all need a tiny Charlie Brown Christmas tree in our lives to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.
Four Christmases (2008)
Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn star in this film about a couple who accidentally get stuck spending Christmas with their families. Because both of their parents are divorced they have four separate families to visit. These visits begin to make the couple reevaluate their lives together.
Arthur Christmas (2011)
When one child gets forgotten on Christmas Eve, Arthur takes it upon himself to deliver his present. But Arthur isn't next in line to be Santa Claus, his brother is. This causes a huge problem. Not to mention that Arthur is more than just a little bit clumsy. I always like rooting for the underdog and Arthur is a great one to root for.
I hope you enjoyed my little list and that it inspires you to make your own. If you have a personal favorite let me know and I will include it in my next list!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my family to yours!
Here we go (in no particular to order)...
A Christmas Carol (ALL OF THEM)
A Christmas Carol is my absolute favorite story of time. For me, nothing will ever compare to this Charles Dickens classic. I own many different copies of this masterpiece and torture my family with it every year. My favorite version is the 1951 Alastair Sim version. No particular reason why, I just love that one. Unfortunately, most of my copies are on VHS, so if anyone wants to donate their DVDs to an avid fan, I certainly won't complain...
Scrooged (1988)
Speaking of A Christmas Carol, Scrooged is another one of my favorites I have to watch it every year. It's a more modern take on the tale starring Bill Murray, Karen Allen, Bobcat Goldthwait, David Johansen, Carol Kane, Alfre Woodard, and John Murray.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Hmm, I'm sensing a theme here. A man goes back and examines his life. Except in this one he discovers what would have happened had he never been born. He discovers the joy that he brings to those around him.
A Christmas Story (1983)
When this movie was played on an endless loop on television, I grew tired of it. Now that it seems to be a rare find, I love it. In fact, now I own it. Who doesn't quote lines from this movie? "You'll shoot your eye out!"
Die Hard (1988)
Yes, this is a Christmas movie. John McClane is out beating the bad guys at Christmas time. Who doesn't love a sweaty, sexy Bruce Willis and and equally sexy and formidable Alan Rickman.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
I have to admit that this is the only one of the vacation movies I truly love. I love the wackiness of the whole family, the uninvited guests, the lights, the cat, the dried out turkey, everything. Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Johnny Galecki, Juliette Lewis, and Randy Quaid round out the cast in this movie.
Home Alone (1990)
I like movies where kids get the best of us adults and this movie is one of the best examples of that.Yes, the parents weren't as responsible as they should have been, but all in all they raised a pretty darn creative kid and they should be proud.
The Santa Clause (1994)
Santa Claus is one of those things that gets passed on from generation to generation. So it makes perfect sense to me that Santa Claus be vulnerable and there be a clause in place so that someone else can take his place. Why not? The only bad thing about this movie is that they never show it on the movie channels. I hate having to watch my movies commercial cut and edited for time. There really should be a law against it.
Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Another Tim Allen movie, Christmas with the Kranks is a movie about a couple who try to put Christmas off for one year, but, of course, life gets in the way. I love Jamie Lee Curtis in this film. She is perfect as the wife who wants to agree with her husband but is struggling against that Christmas spirit that infects us all.
Gremlins (1984)
Gizmo is the cutest little thing ever! Gremlins, starring Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, and Corey Feldman, is a story about a boy who learns a very important lesson about what happens when you break the rules.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Boris Karloff was the narrator in this Christmas special in 1966. Based on Dr. Seuss's book of the same name, the Grinch sneaks into Whoville thinking he will ruin Christmas, but learns a very heartwarming lesson instead.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Director Ron Howard managed to bring Whoville to life in the live action version of Dr. Seuss's famous story. Starring Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Bill Irwin, Molly Shannon, Christine Baranski and Jeffrey Tambor, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of our family's favorites.
Deck the Halls (2006)
Christmas isn't always love and cheer and peace. Sometimes there is a little feuding between neighbors. Deck the Halls is a movie about two neighbors constantly trying to outdo each other. Finally, it results in an all out Christmas light war when one of them decides he wants his house to be so bright it can be seen from space.
Jingle All the Way (1996)
This is another movie that isn't all about peace and love. Remember when Tickle Me Elmo was all the rage? This movie is about two dads (Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad) doing everything they can to get the last Turbo Man action doll for their sons.
The Polar Express (2004)
Based on the best selling book of the same name, The Polar Express takes you on a journey to the North Pole. During the adventure, the young boy in the story receives a bell that he will be able to hear so long as he believes. I loved this book, even though I was older when I found it, and I think Robert Zemeckis did an excellent job recreating it for the movie.
Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)
One of the Rankin and Bass classics, this is the story of Rudolph, the reindeer with the unfortunate red nose. Even Santa didn't accept him until that one foggy Christmas Eve.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970)
This is the story of the origin of Santa Claus. Rankin and Bass takes us to a town where toys are no longer allowed and Kris Kringle takes it upon himself to deliver happiness to the children by sneaking into their homes and leaving presents in their stockings.
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Frosty comes to life because of a magic hat. Unfortunately, he has to find his way to a colder climate before he melts. The snowman, and his little friend, Karen, make their way north to Santa's village.
Lethal Weapon (1987)
Mel Gibson and Danny Glover team up at Christmas time in Lethal Weapon. They are two cops with very different personalities who somehow manage to make it work in order to do the right thing. And make it home in time for Christmas dinner.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
I like this movie a lot because I have often felt like a misfit and can relate to Johnny Depp's character. I can't say that I have ever had scissors for hands, but I think that everyone understands that longing to belong somewhere. Likewise, with Winona Ryder and Dianne Wiest, sometimes it only takes one person to make a difference in someone's life.
Just Friends (2005)
I adore Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart in this movie. I laugh every time I watch Just Friends. It is romantic and funny and smart and is one of my favorite guilty Christmas time pleasures.
Prancer (1989)
A young girl finds a deer and comes to the logical conclusion that it's Prancer, one of Santa's reindeer. She hides him in her family's barn and feeds him cookies. She wants to get him well enough to fly home but her dad has other plans for the deer.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Charlie Brown wants to find the true meaning of Christmas, despite the rampant commercialism he sees all around him. I think it is a lesson that still rings true today. We all need a tiny Charlie Brown Christmas tree in our lives to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.
Four Christmases (2008)
Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn star in this film about a couple who accidentally get stuck spending Christmas with their families. Because both of their parents are divorced they have four separate families to visit. These visits begin to make the couple reevaluate their lives together.
Arthur Christmas (2011)
When one child gets forgotten on Christmas Eve, Arthur takes it upon himself to deliver his present. But Arthur isn't next in line to be Santa Claus, his brother is. This causes a huge problem. Not to mention that Arthur is more than just a little bit clumsy. I always like rooting for the underdog and Arthur is a great one to root for.
I hope you enjoyed my little list and that it inspires you to make your own. If you have a personal favorite let me know and I will include it in my next list!
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