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!
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)