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!
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Friday, November 8, 2013
Impractical Jokers (TV)
Last year my kids and I discovered Impractical Jokers on truTV. I have slowly realized that this is still a hidden gem as I try to explain the show to friends and family.
The Premise
Four life long friends have taken what they know best, practical jokes, and turned it into a reality tv show. They dare each other to say and do outrageous things or risk a punishment that is sure to be worse than the original dare.
My Take
This is one of the few shows I am not allowed to watch without the entire family present. Joe, Murr, Q and Sal never fail to get us laughing. Not just a giggle here and there, but fits of laughter so hard that we have to pause the DVR in order to catch our breaths before we can continue watching. Impractical Jokers is also one of those shows that is nice to have on hand to watch when you have an especially bad day. It doesn't matter if it's an episode you have seen before, it will at least bring a smile to your face.
Some of the things they have done in the past include pretending to be inventors, kissing random strangers, stealing socks, giving sensuous foot massages, teaching seminars about sexual harassment, getting a stranger to dance, teaching art class, working at restaurants and offices, having personal calls in front of strangers... All of this is done by one or two of the guys while the other guys tell them what to do and say. And, of course, all of this is in an effort to get the doer to quit or fail in some way. And it is hilarious!
The Verdict
Every once in a while Impractical Jokers gets a little raunchy for young kids to watch, so if you're the type of parent that likes to watch things before your kids do, at least you won't mind. Like any practical joke, there are some that are just stupid, but my 12 year old son still thinks they are the funniest thing ever. I give Impractical Jokers 3/4 best friends. Because you know what would this better? A ninja. (If you watched the show - you'd get it)
The Premise
Four life long friends have taken what they know best, practical jokes, and turned it into a reality tv show. They dare each other to say and do outrageous things or risk a punishment that is sure to be worse than the original dare.
My Take
This is one of the few shows I am not allowed to watch without the entire family present. Joe, Murr, Q and Sal never fail to get us laughing. Not just a giggle here and there, but fits of laughter so hard that we have to pause the DVR in order to catch our breaths before we can continue watching. Impractical Jokers is also one of those shows that is nice to have on hand to watch when you have an especially bad day. It doesn't matter if it's an episode you have seen before, it will at least bring a smile to your face.
Some of the things they have done in the past include pretending to be inventors, kissing random strangers, stealing socks, giving sensuous foot massages, teaching seminars about sexual harassment, getting a stranger to dance, teaching art class, working at restaurants and offices, having personal calls in front of strangers... All of this is done by one or two of the guys while the other guys tell them what to do and say. And, of course, all of this is in an effort to get the doer to quit or fail in some way. And it is hilarious!
The Verdict
Every once in a while Impractical Jokers gets a little raunchy for young kids to watch, so if you're the type of parent that likes to watch things before your kids do, at least you won't mind. Like any practical joke, there are some that are just stupid, but my 12 year old son still thinks they are the funniest thing ever. I give Impractical Jokers 3/4 best friends. Because you know what would this better? A ninja. (If you watched the show - you'd get it)
Monday, October 28, 2013
More Halloween Movies to Watch...
To conclude my series on which Movies to Watch this Halloween season, I am only including the movies that were submitted by you, the readers, via FaceBook, Twitter and Google. Please forgive me as there are some movies that I am unfamiliar with, but I am going to try my best to do them justice. And without further ado, and in no particular order:
The Mist (2007)
More Halloween Moves to Watch...
Clownhouse (1989)
Three mental patients escape from an institution and murder a troupe of traveling circus clowns. After donning their costumes, they terrorizing some young boys in a nearby town. Unfortunately, this is also one of those movies that is incredibly hard to find and I need it! I really do!
What Lies Beneath (2000)
This is one of those movies that begs the question, "Am I crazy or is my husband just trying to make me think I'm crazy so he can get away with murder?" It is kind of like a modern day Gaslight and Psycho all in one.
Gothika (2003)
A movie that takes a woman who has lost her memory, places her in an dangerous place, accuses her of a heinous crime and now makes her battle with frightening spirits.
The Ring (2002)
If you watch a certain video tape, you will die. That is the premise of The Ring. So you ask yourself, why would anyone ever watch it?
The Strangers (2008)
There is nothing more terrifying than people that are willing to torture you just because they want to. In The Strangers, a couple has become trapped their own vacation home. What is supposed to be a time to relax and enjoy each other and become a time to fight for survival from masked, anonymous intruders.
Pet Sematary (1989)
Sometimes the dead are better off dead, no matter how painful it is for the living. This is a lesson that the family in Pet Sematary will soon learn. Pet Sematary is based on a story by horror maven Stephen King.
Shocker (1989)
Shocker is about a serial killer who has been put to death and then uses electricity to continue to kill from beyond the grave. Even dead murderers want revenge, especially on the ones responsible for putting them away.
Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
A young couple has broken down in the rain and has sought shelter in a nearby home. Little do they know that they are in for a night of debauchery, cross dressing, and song and dance! RHPS as become one of the biggest cult classics ever and has a huge fan base around the world.
The Woman in Black (1989/2012)
Vengeful ghosts make for good stories. In this movie, a spirit is seeking revenge for her drowned son. Her story seems to unfold only to terrorize a young lawyer who has been sent to settle the angry spirit's estate.
The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
This is the story of what happens when horror has been designed for you. When five friends get together in an isolated cabin, and someone else is pulling the strings, how far will they go to escape their fates?
The Awakening (2011)
A young woman, who exposes hoaxes, gets involved with a ghost investigation at a boarding school. Events lead the usually skeptical woman to doubt her beliefs and to be afraid for probably the first time.
Devil (2010)
Claustrophobia is a real fear. In Devil, a group of people are trapped in an elevator and if that wasn't enough, one of them has a hidden agenda.
Peur(s) du Noir AKA Fear(s) of the Dark (2007)
This film features animated scary stories in a series of shorts.
The Mist (2007)
Another movie based on a short story by Stephen King, The Mist is about the unseen things you are afraid of. People become trapped in a small town grocery store after a freak storm pushes a strange mist into their area. The mist is full of strange blood, sucking creatures.
Jisatsu Sakuru AKA Suicide Club (2001)
A detective is trying to solve the mystery of a rash of suicides in Japan. But how do you stop a killer when the killer is yourself?
Janghwa, Hongryeon AKA A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
A Korean film about two sisters having to deal with a cruel step-mother and a few ghosts while recovering from a stint in a metal institution.
L'uccello Dalle Piume di Cristallo AKA The Bird With the Crystal Plumage (1970)
An American writer travelling in Rome becomes the target of a serial killer after witnessing the attack on the lone surviving victim. Without much for the police to go on, the writer takes on the investigation himself, pulling him further and further into the killer's deadly game.
Hour of the Wolf (1968)
A husband is haunted by his past demons. His wife, desperate to help him, begins to share in his late night hallucinations.
That Darn Cat (1965/1997)
A kidnapped woman is able to get messages out via a wandering cat. The cat's owner, in turn, contacts the authorities. Together they take down the inept crooks.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
A romance movie that just happens to have zombies... Shaun is trying to win back Liz's heart when a zombie apocalypse breaks out and hilarity ensues!
Zombieland (2009)
Zombieland taught us the rules of how to live in a world infested with zombies. "Double Tap!"
When a Stranger Calls (1979)
Before the days of Caller ID, it was so much easier to terrorize your babysitters. When someone calls and keeps inquiring about the children in your care, it's either their parents or a lunatic waiting to tear you apart.
Thank you so much for all of your suggestions! I had so much fun reading all your comments and discussing movies with all of you! Look for the next list coming out in December, "Christmas Movies You Must See"!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Life According to Sam (2013)
Progeria is known as the "premature aging" disease. It is a rare genetic condition that is caused by a mutation in one of our genes. In Life According to Sam, we get to know the Berns family and their life with Progeria. Sam is the son of doctors Leslie Gordon and Scott Berns. His parents refused to accept the grim diagnosis given them and the Progeria Research Foundation was born.
The Premise
Life According to Sam takes us through the not so ordinary lives of the Berns family. Sam is a teenager living with Progeria. His parents, both doctors, have dedicated their lives to healing others and have now poured that same passion into finding treatments and a cure for Progeria. This illuminating documentary shows what it is like to endure a child's illness, and the heart break and triumph that go along with it.
My Take
Sam is an an incredibly inspiring young man. His optimism and honesty are contagious. When facing the possibility of a short life, Sam still has the motivation to make plans for the future and that speaks volumes about his character. His parents are ever present in his life and help make sure that he has every opportunity to succeed. As a result, he is an honor student and a member of his high school's marching band. I can think of very few people that are equally as encouraging as young Sam.
Dr. Leslie Gordon is Sam's mother and is the Medical Director of the Progeria Research Foundation (PRF). When Leslie and Dr. Scott Berns, Sam's father, got the diagnosis that their only son had Progeria they quickly realized that there was a lack of information out there for other families as well as a lack of research being done for the medical community. They were able to form the PRF to help children affected with Progeria in hopes to raise awareness, educate families and the public, find the cause, find a treatment and one day find a cure for Progeria.
During the course of the documentary, we follow the Berns family, as well as other families, as they participate in the first ever human drug trial for a treatment for Progeria. We experience first hand the difficulty these kids experience as their little bodies are aging and their minds stay young. Their bones become brittle, their hearing and sight change, and their arteries harden and narrow, too. In fact most of these children will die of heart attack or stroke. And anyone that knows me knows that stroke is near and dear to my heart, having suffered a stroke at a young age myself due to a heart defect.
The Verdict
Life According to Sam made me cry probably half a dozen times. It tugged at my heart in ways that few documentaries have. It made me laugh, too. This film is not about trying to make you feel bad or feel sorry for the kids that were featured. In fact, it made we wish I knew them. They were all so brave and so beautiful and so full of life. I give Life According to Sam 17/17 years, because that is how old Sam is today.
Please visit the Progeria Research Foundation Website by clicking here.
The Premise
Life According to Sam takes us through the not so ordinary lives of the Berns family. Sam is a teenager living with Progeria. His parents, both doctors, have dedicated their lives to healing others and have now poured that same passion into finding treatments and a cure for Progeria. This illuminating documentary shows what it is like to endure a child's illness, and the heart break and triumph that go along with it.
My Take
Sam is an an incredibly inspiring young man. His optimism and honesty are contagious. When facing the possibility of a short life, Sam still has the motivation to make plans for the future and that speaks volumes about his character. His parents are ever present in his life and help make sure that he has every opportunity to succeed. As a result, he is an honor student and a member of his high school's marching band. I can think of very few people that are equally as encouraging as young Sam.
Dr. Leslie Gordon is Sam's mother and is the Medical Director of the Progeria Research Foundation (PRF). When Leslie and Dr. Scott Berns, Sam's father, got the diagnosis that their only son had Progeria they quickly realized that there was a lack of information out there for other families as well as a lack of research being done for the medical community. They were able to form the PRF to help children affected with Progeria in hopes to raise awareness, educate families and the public, find the cause, find a treatment and one day find a cure for Progeria.
During the course of the documentary, we follow the Berns family, as well as other families, as they participate in the first ever human drug trial for a treatment for Progeria. We experience first hand the difficulty these kids experience as their little bodies are aging and their minds stay young. Their bones become brittle, their hearing and sight change, and their arteries harden and narrow, too. In fact most of these children will die of heart attack or stroke. And anyone that knows me knows that stroke is near and dear to my heart, having suffered a stroke at a young age myself due to a heart defect.
The Verdict
Life According to Sam made me cry probably half a dozen times. It tugged at my heart in ways that few documentaries have. It made me laugh, too. This film is not about trying to make you feel bad or feel sorry for the kids that were featured. In fact, it made we wish I knew them. They were all so brave and so beautiful and so full of life. I give Life According to Sam 17/17 years, because that is how old Sam is today.
Please visit the Progeria Research Foundation Website by clicking here.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
It's a Disaster (2012)
It's a Disaster is couple's movie if there ever was a couple's movie. You know, if there was also an impending world disaster on the horizon. Written and directed by Todd Berger, It's a Disaster is a comedy about what happens when people who know too much about each other are trapped in a house together, until they die.
The Premise
Four couples meet for their regular Sunday brunch, but this is anything but a regular Sunday. The eight friends become trapped inside as catastrophe strikes, only to air grievances, lick old wounds and watch their fates unfurl.
My Take
The reason this movie works so well is because it is so easy to relate to all the characters. As I watched this movie, I saw each friend and each couple as either myself or as other friends and other couples that I know.
There is Emma and Pete (Erinn Hayes and Blaise Miller). They are the perfect couple that are hosting the perfect couple's brunch. It seems that this is the couple every other couple looks to for advice. They were the first to get married and now they are the first to file for divorce. Too much pressure to be perfect? Next is Lexi and Buck, played by Rachel Boston and Kevin M. Brennan. This is the couple that is always on the verge of being inappropriate. Be it the drugs, the sex, or the bad timing, they are hilariously carefree. That brings us to America Ferrera and Jeff Grace, who are Hedy and Shane. Hedy and Shane are the couple that cannot get along no matter what. That's the couple that makes you wonder how they ever got together and why they even bother, but Ferrera and Grace make their blunders fun to watch. And finally there is Glen, played by David Cross, and Tracy, played by Julia Stiles. They are the new couple. They are on their third date, to be exact, and Tracy is nervous because she always attracts the crazy ones.
As the movie progresses, and the individuals are trapped in the house together, they all reconnect in ways they don't expect. Of course there are the expected arguments as personalities clash, but there are also tender moments as some fires are rekindled and others are put out. Everything is pieced together in such a funny and brilliant way, that you almost forget it is Armageddon outside.
The Verdict
I love how casual the dialogue is in this movie. Everyone talks over each other just like in real life. In real life, no one waits their turn to talk. You interrupt one another, talk over each other, yell, whisper behind each other's backs, and they do that in It's a Disaster. All of the actors did an excellent job of developing their individual personalities and fusing them to match and counter their mate's personalities. I give It's a Disaster 7/8 friends to watch this with, if you're lucky enough to find friends like these.
The Premise
Four couples meet for their regular Sunday brunch, but this is anything but a regular Sunday. The eight friends become trapped inside as catastrophe strikes, only to air grievances, lick old wounds and watch their fates unfurl.
My Take
The reason this movie works so well is because it is so easy to relate to all the characters. As I watched this movie, I saw each friend and each couple as either myself or as other friends and other couples that I know.
There is Emma and Pete (Erinn Hayes and Blaise Miller). They are the perfect couple that are hosting the perfect couple's brunch. It seems that this is the couple every other couple looks to for advice. They were the first to get married and now they are the first to file for divorce. Too much pressure to be perfect? Next is Lexi and Buck, played by Rachel Boston and Kevin M. Brennan. This is the couple that is always on the verge of being inappropriate. Be it the drugs, the sex, or the bad timing, they are hilariously carefree. That brings us to America Ferrera and Jeff Grace, who are Hedy and Shane. Hedy and Shane are the couple that cannot get along no matter what. That's the couple that makes you wonder how they ever got together and why they even bother, but Ferrera and Grace make their blunders fun to watch. And finally there is Glen, played by David Cross, and Tracy, played by Julia Stiles. They are the new couple. They are on their third date, to be exact, and Tracy is nervous because she always attracts the crazy ones.
As the movie progresses, and the individuals are trapped in the house together, they all reconnect in ways they don't expect. Of course there are the expected arguments as personalities clash, but there are also tender moments as some fires are rekindled and others are put out. Everything is pieced together in such a funny and brilliant way, that you almost forget it is Armageddon outside.
The Verdict
I love how casual the dialogue is in this movie. Everyone talks over each other just like in real life. In real life, no one waits their turn to talk. You interrupt one another, talk over each other, yell, whisper behind each other's backs, and they do that in It's a Disaster. All of the actors did an excellent job of developing their individual personalities and fusing them to match and counter their mate's personalities. I give It's a Disaster 7/8 friends to watch this with, if you're lucky enough to find friends like these.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Cockneys vs Zombies (2012)
I love a little comedy in my horror. That's probably why I love movies like Shaun of the Dead, Grabbers, and Tucker and Dale vs Evil. They use a lot of classic horror movie ideas but make them their own by mixing in a lot of classic comedic moments. And I apologize to my fellow Americans, but I think our neighbors across the pond have a great handle on this genre. Movies like Shaun of the Dead, Grabbers, Attack the Block, and Cockneys vs Zombies are quickly becoming some of my favorite films.
The Premise
Two brothers and their cousin have decided to rob a bank in order to save their grandfather's convalescent home from being torn down. The problem is, they haven't enlisted the most competent people to help them and the East End of London is being over run by hordes of zombies. Now they have to make it back to the retirement home, hostages in tow, to save their grandfather before zombies eat them all.
My Take
I love my grandpa and would totally rob a bank to save his arse. Especially if he was as gritty and spirited as the way Alan Ford plays Ray. Ray is the grandfather Terry, Andy and Katy are robbing the bank when zombies are released from a tomb on a construction site. The poor inept bank robbers accidentally end up with more money than they intend to and are surrounded by police. Mental Mickey, played by Ashley Bashy Thomas, decides to take hostages and comes out of the bank, guns blazing, only to find out that zombies have done the job for them. The police have either been eaten or have turned into zombies themselves. The only thing they can think to do is to go rescue their grandpa.
Of course, things are never that simple. People are lost on the way, sometimes through really bizarre circumstances. Poor Davey. The elderly get trapped in their retirement home and have to fight their way through zombies with walkers, canes, and corn flakes. The dialogue is hilarious and there were several times we had to pause the movie because we didn't want to miss anything simply because we were laughing so hard.
I loved Michelle Ryan, who played Katy. She is a fantastic female lead. She kicked butt and managed to still be sexy. Rasmus Hardiker and Harry Treadaway were very good as the two brothers, Terry and Andy. Their chemistry was such that when they argued, cut each other off, and finish each other's sentences, they managed to make it feel natural. Emma, the hostage played by Georgia King, made me laugh several times. And,of course, the cast wouldn't be complete without mentioning the elderly heroes, Honor Blackman, Tony Selby, Georgina Hale, Dudley Sutton and Richard Briers. You guys can protect me any day.
The Verdict
I felt that Cockneys vs Zombies set out to do what it wanted to do. They made an entertaining film about zombies and the importance of family. It made me laugh. I loved the script and the direction. The special
effects were good, but sometimes they were either over the top or a little lagging for me. But, having never seen a zombie up close, who am I to criticize? This is a movie I will be adding to my next "Must Watch List". I give Cockneys vs Zombies 7/10 rolling zombie heads.
I do have one question, though. Being American, I have no idea what the tagline, "The undead are brown bread" means. Perhaps one of you can be so kind as to explain it to me?
The Premise
Two brothers and their cousin have decided to rob a bank in order to save their grandfather's convalescent home from being torn down. The problem is, they haven't enlisted the most competent people to help them and the East End of London is being over run by hordes of zombies. Now they have to make it back to the retirement home, hostages in tow, to save their grandfather before zombies eat them all.
My Take
I love my grandpa and would totally rob a bank to save his arse. Especially if he was as gritty and spirited as the way Alan Ford plays Ray. Ray is the grandfather Terry, Andy and Katy are robbing the bank when zombies are released from a tomb on a construction site. The poor inept bank robbers accidentally end up with more money than they intend to and are surrounded by police. Mental Mickey, played by Ashley Bashy Thomas, decides to take hostages and comes out of the bank, guns blazing, only to find out that zombies have done the job for them. The police have either been eaten or have turned into zombies themselves. The only thing they can think to do is to go rescue their grandpa.
Of course, things are never that simple. People are lost on the way, sometimes through really bizarre circumstances. Poor Davey. The elderly get trapped in their retirement home and have to fight their way through zombies with walkers, canes, and corn flakes. The dialogue is hilarious and there were several times we had to pause the movie because we didn't want to miss anything simply because we were laughing so hard.
I loved Michelle Ryan, who played Katy. She is a fantastic female lead. She kicked butt and managed to still be sexy. Rasmus Hardiker and Harry Treadaway were very good as the two brothers, Terry and Andy. Their chemistry was such that when they argued, cut each other off, and finish each other's sentences, they managed to make it feel natural. Emma, the hostage played by Georgia King, made me laugh several times. And,of course, the cast wouldn't be complete without mentioning the elderly heroes, Honor Blackman, Tony Selby, Georgina Hale, Dudley Sutton and Richard Briers. You guys can protect me any day.
The Verdict
I felt that Cockneys vs Zombies set out to do what it wanted to do. They made an entertaining film about zombies and the importance of family. It made me laugh. I loved the script and the direction. The special
effects were good, but sometimes they were either over the top or a little lagging for me. But, having never seen a zombie up close, who am I to criticize? This is a movie I will be adding to my next "Must Watch List". I give Cockneys vs Zombies 7/10 rolling zombie heads.
I do have one question, though. Being American, I have no idea what the tagline, "The undead are brown bread" means. Perhaps one of you can be so kind as to explain it to me?
Friday, October 4, 2013
25 Movies You Should Watch This Halloween
I thought I would compile a list of movies you should add to your "Must Watch" list of Halloween movies this October. I want to invite you, my readers, to add any movies you love in the comment section. From that comment section, and comments I get on FaceBook and Twitter, I will compile an additional list. See? I listen to you guys! Here we go!
In No Particular Order You Should Watch:
Halloween (1978)
Duh! Who hasn't seen this classic? It is an absolute must! It changed the face of all horror movies and was done on the budget of an independent film. Just goes to show that you can do great things with a small amount of money. It is also a lesson in self defense for every babysitter.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
The zombie movie that started all zombie movies and another movie made with very little money. It accidentally added to the commentary on racial tensions in America at the time by casting a black actor in the lead role that ultimately had control over the white actors.
Pumpkinhead (1988)
The story of a man seeking revenge for his fallen son. This is a personal favorite of my husband. Some teenagers accidentally kill a man's son so he conjures up a demon in order to seek vengeance. But vengeance comes with a steep price.
Young Frankenstein (1974)
I love this movie. It is my absolute favorite Mel Brooks comedy. You can only deny your heritage for so long. And poor Dr. Frankenstein finally succumbs to who he really is in the most fantastically funny way in Young Frankenstein.
Jeepers Creepers (2001)
I like this movie because it was an original idea at the time. They set the scene just right so that it wasn't cheesy or goofy. It was suspenseful and interesting and cast very well. In fact I just watched it again last night.
Beetlejuice (1988)
I make no apologies for loving this movie. Everyone has their guilty pleasures and this is one of mine. I saw it as a kid and thought that it was creepy and silly. As an adult I think that it's goofy and funny. But my kids love it so I still get to watch it. Just don't say his name three times!
Trick 'r Treat (2007)
I don't think very many people have seen this movie. I like this one. It had four separate stories that end up all coming together. It's one of those movies that I can't say too much about because I would give too much away, but it's worth a watch.
Scream (1996)
"What's your favorite scary movie?" This movie made the ghost face mask a favorite Halloween costume for years. It made fun of the 'rules' of scary movies and set new standards for new generations to live up to.
Poltergeist (1982)
A movie about a family plagued with problems turned cast plagued with catastrophe. Creepy!
The Thing (1982)
I remember watching this movie with my dad. I love this movie! The special effects were amazing for the time. It was a scary idea during the Cold War. People were not who you thought they were. It was a movie about hiding in plain sight. The 2011 version was pretty good, too.
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
I love special effects, in case you haven't noticed. In this movie, they wanted to show the audience the werewolf transformation and friend, Jack's, deteriorating state. The rest of the movie was pretty good, too.
Psycho (1960)
The Hitchcock movie that made every woman afraid of taking a shower. It may not be very scary by today's standards, but it was downright frightening in the 1960's.
It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (1966)
Not my personal favorite, but the kids love it. And it's a tradition, I suppose.
Casper (1995)
Casper, the friendly ghost, made it to the big screen. He befriends the daughter of a paranormal expert who moves into the house where he and his three ghostly uncles reside.
The Witches (1990)
This family movie is based on a book that I have yet to read. Witches think children smell like dog poop and turn them into mice. Then, one little mouse-child gets the best of them. It's not how big you are, it's how smart you are.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Another one of my favorite witch movies. I love when kids get revenge on adults. It helps keep things in check and keeps us adults on our toes.
Monster House (2006)
Monster House gives you a good reason to stay off of that old man's lawn. You never know if his departed wife's spirit has taken over his house and will devour you if ever come in. Best heed his warning...
Wasting Away aka Aaah! Zombies! (2007)
A zombie movie in which the zombies don't know they're zombies. It's completely silly and told mostly from the zombie's perspective as they try to understand why they are being chased, gunned down, and are soooo hungry! Mmmm, brains...
Clue (1985)
I knew every word to this movie when I was a kid and it is probably the one movie my mom will never watch again. It's another one of my guilty pleasure movies. It's a mystery and that's why it is on my list. Don't judge me.
The Amityville Horror (1979)
Supposedly based on true events, The Amityville Horror takes you through the terrifying events that the Lutz family experienced in their short stay in the haunted house.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
Another movie that is scary because people may not be what they seem. I especially love this movie for the ending.
Slither (2006)
I love movies that add humor to their horror and Slither is one of those. When I saw Grabbers, I immediately thought of Slither because of the similarity in style.
28 Days Later (2002)
I think this was one of the best post-apocalyptic zombie worlds ever created for a movie. It revealed all sides of human nature and inspired countless other movies and television shows, like the Walking Dead.
Friday the 13th (1980)
It was Mrs. Vorhees! Sorry to give away the ending, but I hate it when people blame poor Jason for all that carnage. I know we all laugh when it happens now, but the big reveal of finding all the bodies was genius in 1980.
Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Freddy will get you in your dreams! What a great idea! A person who can kill you in your sleep. And it was all your parent's fault! Even better.
I hope you enjoyed my list and that it inspires you to make your own. Please tell me your favorites so that I can compile a second "Favorite's List"! I look forward to hearing from you! Happy Haunting!
In No Particular Order You Should Watch:
Halloween (1978)
Duh! Who hasn't seen this classic? It is an absolute must! It changed the face of all horror movies and was done on the budget of an independent film. Just goes to show that you can do great things with a small amount of money. It is also a lesson in self defense for every babysitter.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
The zombie movie that started all zombie movies and another movie made with very little money. It accidentally added to the commentary on racial tensions in America at the time by casting a black actor in the lead role that ultimately had control over the white actors.
Pumpkinhead (1988)
The story of a man seeking revenge for his fallen son. This is a personal favorite of my husband. Some teenagers accidentally kill a man's son so he conjures up a demon in order to seek vengeance. But vengeance comes with a steep price.
Young Frankenstein (1974)
I love this movie. It is my absolute favorite Mel Brooks comedy. You can only deny your heritage for so long. And poor Dr. Frankenstein finally succumbs to who he really is in the most fantastically funny way in Young Frankenstein.
Jeepers Creepers (2001)
I like this movie because it was an original idea at the time. They set the scene just right so that it wasn't cheesy or goofy. It was suspenseful and interesting and cast very well. In fact I just watched it again last night.
Beetlejuice (1988)
I make no apologies for loving this movie. Everyone has their guilty pleasures and this is one of mine. I saw it as a kid and thought that it was creepy and silly. As an adult I think that it's goofy and funny. But my kids love it so I still get to watch it. Just don't say his name three times!
Trick 'r Treat (2007)
I don't think very many people have seen this movie. I like this one. It had four separate stories that end up all coming together. It's one of those movies that I can't say too much about because I would give too much away, but it's worth a watch.
Scream (1996)
"What's your favorite scary movie?" This movie made the ghost face mask a favorite Halloween costume for years. It made fun of the 'rules' of scary movies and set new standards for new generations to live up to.
Poltergeist (1982)
A movie about a family plagued with problems turned cast plagued with catastrophe. Creepy!
The Thing (1982)
I remember watching this movie with my dad. I love this movie! The special effects were amazing for the time. It was a scary idea during the Cold War. People were not who you thought they were. It was a movie about hiding in plain sight. The 2011 version was pretty good, too.
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
I love special effects, in case you haven't noticed. In this movie, they wanted to show the audience the werewolf transformation and friend, Jack's, deteriorating state. The rest of the movie was pretty good, too.
Psycho (1960)
The Hitchcock movie that made every woman afraid of taking a shower. It may not be very scary by today's standards, but it was downright frightening in the 1960's.
It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (1966)
Not my personal favorite, but the kids love it. And it's a tradition, I suppose.
Casper (1995)
Casper, the friendly ghost, made it to the big screen. He befriends the daughter of a paranormal expert who moves into the house where he and his three ghostly uncles reside.
The Witches (1990)
This family movie is based on a book that I have yet to read. Witches think children smell like dog poop and turn them into mice. Then, one little mouse-child gets the best of them. It's not how big you are, it's how smart you are.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Another one of my favorite witch movies. I love when kids get revenge on adults. It helps keep things in check and keeps us adults on our toes.
Monster House (2006)
Monster House gives you a good reason to stay off of that old man's lawn. You never know if his departed wife's spirit has taken over his house and will devour you if ever come in. Best heed his warning...
Wasting Away aka Aaah! Zombies! (2007)
A zombie movie in which the zombies don't know they're zombies. It's completely silly and told mostly from the zombie's perspective as they try to understand why they are being chased, gunned down, and are soooo hungry! Mmmm, brains...
Clue (1985)
I knew every word to this movie when I was a kid and it is probably the one movie my mom will never watch again. It's another one of my guilty pleasure movies. It's a mystery and that's why it is on my list. Don't judge me.
The Amityville Horror (1979)
Supposedly based on true events, The Amityville Horror takes you through the terrifying events that the Lutz family experienced in their short stay in the haunted house.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
Another movie that is scary because people may not be what they seem. I especially love this movie for the ending.
Slither (2006)
I love movies that add humor to their horror and Slither is one of those. When I saw Grabbers, I immediately thought of Slither because of the similarity in style.
28 Days Later (2002)
I think this was one of the best post-apocalyptic zombie worlds ever created for a movie. It revealed all sides of human nature and inspired countless other movies and television shows, like the Walking Dead.
Friday the 13th (1980)
It was Mrs. Vorhees! Sorry to give away the ending, but I hate it when people blame poor Jason for all that carnage. I know we all laugh when it happens now, but the big reveal of finding all the bodies was genius in 1980.
Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Freddy will get you in your dreams! What a great idea! A person who can kill you in your sleep. And it was all your parent's fault! Even better.
I hope you enjoyed my list and that it inspires you to make your own. Please tell me your favorites so that I can compile a second "Favorite's List"! I look forward to hearing from you! Happy Haunting!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)