Friday, December 26, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Online Movies
Here's a great resource that takes you directly to online versions
of 202 Christmas movies, TV specials and Sitcom episodes.
Enjoy!
of 202 Christmas movies, TV specials and Sitcom episodes.
Enjoy!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Top 20 Christmas Movies: Part III
At Last....
The Top 5 Christmas Movies of all time. First, let's review where things stand:
6. The Muppet Christmas Carol
7. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (cartoon)
8. (tie) Miracle on 34th Street
8. (tie) It's a Wonderful Life
9. The Santa Clause
10. A Garfield Christmas
11. Love Actually
12. White Christmas
13. Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer
14. Frosty the Snowman
15. Home Alone 2
16. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (live action)
17. Polar Express
18. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
19. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
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When this premiered just five years ago, it became an instant classic. Will Ferrel's portrayal of human-turned-Elf-turned-disillusioned-not-Elf is classic. There are so many classic one liners. In fact, there is an entire Facebook group devoted to answering the phone like Buddy the Elf for a day. "Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?" This movie weaves together the over-the-top ridiculous Ferrel is know for and the magic of Christmas lore. A great cast (James Caan, Mary Stienburgen, Zooey Deschanel, Ed Asner, and Bob Newhart) helps fill out a well balanced script that isn't dependent on any one character's performance. The duet between Buddy and the shop girl (Zooey) of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is wonderful-slash-hysterical. And the stor manager-turned Santa fill-in...ha! This is always the first movie I watch with friends to kick off the season. "G'bye Buddy...hope you find your dad" - The Norwall.
Chances are, you either love this one with a disturbing addiction, or you don't really care for it all that much. This is by far the Christmas movie I've watched most in my life. Perhaps it's because I was about the same age as Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) when it came out. Or perhaps because it's just amazing. Again, a slew of memorable quotes and one-liners fill up the script. Another wonderful cast (Catherine O'hara, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern and a cameo by John Candy) pulls of this less-than-believable scenario. But it is every kids dream! The soundtrack is wonderful as well (check it out!) and many of those songs bring instant images of this movie to mind. It has hi jinx, heartfelt moments, and the hopes and dreams of every child strewn about. Seriously, what eight year-old doesn't want to make his own ice cream sundae, set up booby traps, do his own shopping, use (memorably) aftershave, and cut down his own tree? So much greatness here, I'll have
That this movie is played for 24 hours straight on TNT every Christmas Eve-into-Day should tell you how popular and wonderful it is. It's set in Indiana, has the glean of years-gone-by, and includes more hopes and dreams of little boys at Christmas time. Again, as with all of the Top 5, there are too many memorable scenes and moments to outline them all here. That being said, remember the point were Ralphie beats the crap out of the bully? Or how about his dream sequence when he uses his Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle (BB Gun) to shoot the bad guys in the backyard? Of course, the mantra 'you'll shoot your eye out' rings so true to life. And the dirty department store Santa kicking Ralphie down the slide. And the Chinese restaurant rendition of Jingle Bells (Fa ra ra ra ra, ra ra ra ra). I love the "Wonder Years"-esque voice over - it adds so much. And just like Home Alone, there is so much for little boys to relate to in this one. Who hasn't been tortured with that ridiculous present from an aunt, that your parents seem to love so much? And we all learned that you really shouldn't stick your tongue to a metal pole when it's freezing outside.
A lot of people may be confused how this one can be anything but first. True, it is the quintessential Christmas movie and probably the last thing any of us saw Chevy Chase in. I know I'm repeating myself, but just like the last two movies, the reality presented is startling and reassuring all at the same time. The Griswolds represent the everyman and the ridiculousness know as family gatherings. It is comforting to see other families (fictional, though they may be) are as dysfunctional as our own. A wonderful cast, great music, and the "Hap-Hap-Happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny *** Kaye. Cousin Eddie and that awful green dickie under the shear, white turtle neck. The neighbors. "I don't know Todd." Aunt Bethany's Jello, wrapping the cat, and saying grace (who died thirty years ago). What makes a movie so wonderful, memorable, and worthy of the top spot is it's ability to make you see yourself in the movie, and to go on for YEARS quoting it. This is that movie. This is a masterpiece that must be watched, over and over and over. Of course, Clark Griswold is the inspiration for so many outdoor light displays. Someday, I'll do it....someday.
The only reason that 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' beats out the other worthy Christmas movies is because of the scene where Linus tells the true meaning of Christmas on stage.
It is a great movie for a host of other reasons. The soundtrack is the best Christmas album, bar none. I listen to it year round. The usual Peanuts gang is doing their usual things. The themes of over-commercialization appear, seeming to be the reason Charles Schulz made the show in the first place. Lost of great lines, lots of great moments and feelings conjured up here. Watching this show is a holy experience for me - I don't want to talk, I don't want to move. I just want to sit and watch and take it in. For years, I've contemplated owning it on DVD, but the idea of being able to watch it at my leisure, over and over, seemed somehow unbecoming the nature of the story. Maybe I'll cave at some point, but for now, I'll set aside time each season to take in the true meaning of Christmas through the immortal storytelling of Charlie Brown.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Rockefeller Tree
Each year, the man in charge of selecting the tree scouts for the perfect tree by helicopter. This year, a 72-foot Norway Spruce was selected from a home in New Jersey. Owner Bill Varanyak has called it the 'miracle tree', because the 77-year-old tree was planted after his parent's used it as their home Christmas tree in 1931 - the very same year Rockefeller began displaying a tree.
Some stats on this year's tree:
Height: 72 feet
Lights: Over 30,000 LED lights with 5 miles of wiring
Star: Sitting atop the tree, weighing 550 pounds and 10 feet in diameter, is a 25,000 crystal Swarovski star.
Going Green: The tree was cut with a two person saw and will be powered by 363 solar panels placed on top of the 30 Rock building. Once the season is over, the tree will be milled into boards and mulch, to be used in Habitat for Humanity projects in NYC, the Gulf Coast, India, and Brazil
Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 3 is the tree lighting ceremony.
You can watch the whole spectacle live on NBC at 8pm EST, and will feature performances by Beyonce, David Cook, Jonas Brothers, Faith Hill, Tony Bennett, Harry Connick Jr., and other stars.
You can watch the whole spectacle live on NBC at 8pm EST, and will feature performances by Beyonce, David Cook, Jonas Brothers, Faith Hill, Tony Bennett, Harry Connick Jr., and other stars.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Top 20 Christmas Movies: Part II
Now for numbers 10 through 6:
*There has been a clerical error and a movie was inadvertently left off of the list. It has been reinserted as a tie for where it should be. This would necessarily remove 'Jingle All the Way' from the Top 20, which is fine by me.
Where Garfield falls short on the Halloween special, it hits every right note for Christmas. It includes a down-home feel, a catchy song or two, heartwarming moments, and everything else you've ever loved about Garfield. John Arbuckle is off-beat enough, and folksy, so you end up wanting to be a part of that family, even if only just for a Christmas gathering. If you haven't seen this one yet, you need to.
It's pretty easy to use Tim Allen as the punch-line of many a-joke. And deservedly so (see: Starship Troopers, Man of the House, and Jungle-to-Jungle). But here, the mythology of Santa Claus is richer for having Tim Allen imagine what it would be like to be forced into becoming old Kris Kringle. That guy from Beverly Hills Cop is in it, which either improves it in your mind or denegrates it, but it's a fun picture that doesn't pander to just the children in the audience. It's good one to see, but by no means should you ever see the second or third ones.
Here is a classic, and as far as I know, the only movie on my list to be nominated for the Oscar for Best Picture. The story of a little girl who doesn't believe that Santa is real is confronted with a man who claims to be Father Christmas himself. This is a story of belief and unbelief, of family, and of the larger context of what St. Nick stands for in our culture. And a stellar ending. I prefer the original because of the overall feel. While the new movie is shot to resemble a softer, simpler time, I can't get past that little girl from Mrs. Doubtfire. Cute once, but no more. And the ending is changed - which works just fine, but feels more contrived to me. In the end, I love to see the girl's mind (and heart) changed over the course of the movie. It reminds me of the letter, 'Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus."
Here is the movie that was accidentally left out. It took considerable time for me to be able to even start liking this movie. Once I got past the depressing tone, the Jimmy Stewart squawk, and the pulsating-talking star, I started to realize the gems below the surface. I think you can't appreciate this movie until you're at least twenty. Yes, it has lines that have been beat into our storry of what happensmemory (against our wills), but the essence of the movie is what happens when people live in community with one another, when they begin to look beyond their own needs and wants. It's a great movie that , like fine wine, is better with age.
The genius of Dr. Seuss is brought to television in this classic cartoon Christmas special. From the Who's to the heart three sizes too small to the dog-turned reindeer, what brilliantly developed characters. The narrator weaves a tale as only told by Seuss. The adorable Cindy Lou Who warms your heart and the Grinch shrivels it. And even when the presents are stolen, the trees thrown up the chimney, and the Grinch back atop the mountain, the Whos gather to sing in the words of the Who:
Fah who for-aze! Dah who dor-aze! Welcome Christmas, Come this way! Fah who for-aze! Dah who dor-aze! Welcome Christmas, Christmas Day.
The classic tale from Charles Dickens told in the fashion of Jim Henson and the entire of the Muppets. Narrated by Gonzo and Rizo the Rat, Kermit takes on the role of Bob Cratchet and Ebenezer Scrooge is played wonderfully by Michael Kane. It's a great, cautionary tale with the comic relief of the Muppets, wonderful musical moments, and the same pogniant moral written down so long ago. This is by far the best Muppet Christmas movie and you need to make it a part of your Christmas tradition.
Look for the Top 5 Wednesday.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Top 20 Christmas Movies
Last night, the family and I broke the Christmas movie seal. We started with Love Actually, a first-of-the-season tradition. And so now is the time to begin watching all of the other wonderful Christmas movies over and over and over again. So, I'll begin unveiling the Top 20 Christmas Movies today and continue over the next few days.
This one squeaks onto the list because of its portrayal of seeking after the 'must-have' gift of the year. Think Tickle-me Elmo. Sure, the acting is terrible, it stars the Gov-enator, and he is supported by none other than Sinbad. Still, it gets some elements of the Holiday spirit right. Don't stop reading this list - don't judge me just on number twenty.
The lesser of the stop-action TV specials, this is the story of who Santa is and, if my memory serves me right, taught me my first words of German -Burgermeister (it means mayor). He's the bad guy, and Winter Warlock, he's bad too, but so cool at the same time. It's a long plot, and a bit complicated, but it's great to see one version of Santa Claus lore played out. And I haven't seen it in probably ten years, but it clearly has stuck with me.
Most folks haven't heard of this one, or at least forgot about it. This is the tale about a village focusing on the clock maker, Mr. Trundle and his house mouse, Father Mouse. They are restless and it stems from the fact that Santa is angry at the residents of Junctionville, returning all their letters without even opening them. The reason? Somebody wrote a letter to the editor of the paper saying that he doesn't exist. In an attempt to fix the situation, Mr. Trundle comes up with a plan to lure Santa into town with having the town hall clock sing an enchanting song at midnight. When the clock doesn't work on its first test, the townsfolk lose all faith in him. Turns out the cause of all the trouble is Albert, a book-smart young mouse who thinks he knows the truth about Santa Claus. There are some great, memorable songs.
Maybe with time, this one will move up. It is a great book, and here it is presented with groundbreaking technology. At times the animation is a little creepy, and the story can drag at times. But overall, it is worth watching. Stacey and I saw it in IMAX 3-D a few years back. This one just doesn't have the emotional attachment that so many above it have.
This is fun, but by no-means comprable to the cartoon version. Jim Carrey does a remarkable job and bringing to live-action the slimy, writhing, over exaggerated faces and mannerisms of an inimmitable Dr. Seuss character. Some good chioces by director Ron Howard, some bad ones. But overall, well done.
Many groans are certain to come with this one. Sure, it's even more contrived than the first one, with a laughable plot and questionable acting - but come on. There's the bag lady, the hotel hi-jinx, the music. Okay - let's be honest, it's just the sentiment of watching when I was young. Very few redeeming qualities, but it's the sentiment that counts.
What a classic. Great voice work. Great animation. Great music. Great characters. There really aren't any parts of this show that I don't like. The Santa voice is perfect, as are teh rabbits' sound effects. That is only 14 is a bit of a surprise to me - perhaps because it is only a half-hour. But I definitely look forward to it each year.
Few Christmas TV specials have an entire soundtrack that is worthy of being an album - this one does it. With the help of Burl Ives, 'Holly Jolly Christmas became a standard in it's own right. From Herbie who "wants to be a dentist," to Yukon Cornelius, to the bouncing bumble (The Abominable Snowman), these are some of the most memorable Christmas characters from any movie. Don't forget 'Papa,' Santa Claus who miraculously puts all of his winter weight on between two scenes! Again, this one is surprisingly low. Too many great shows I guess. This is a must watch on CBS every year.
The song is a classic, and the movie may be a bit too old-fashioned for most folks, but it's just so classy. It's hard to beat Bing Crosby, especially when he is tap-tap-tapping with Danny Kaye. Rosemary Clooney pipes away as one of the "Sisters, never such devoted sisters." The final scene is just so picturesque and makes me want to own a bed-and-breakfast so that can put on a Christmas pageant and open the giant doors to a fresh snowfall. And yes, truth be told, I am dreaming of a White Christmas (even though this isn't where the song originated).
We usually start each Christmas season by watching this one. It's certainly not for everyone (especially because of a few scenes that may be awkward in group settings). But there are some fantastic moments - none better than the performance of "All I Want for Christmas." Excellent performances are turned in by Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, and Laura Linney.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
In the News
Here are two stories on the topic of Christmas.
It seems the financial crisis is effecting the availability of Santa.
And there are some grinches in Lou-Who-isville.
- Country Faces Santa Shortage
- Lawyers stop Louisville Whoville.
By the end of the week, expect to see my Top 25 Christmas Movies. I'll start watching them Sunday, if anyone wants to join.
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