Review: It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

It's a Wondeful Life. Everybody's heard of it, and most people have probably seen it as well. It is, perhaps, the most loved Christmas movie of all time. A true classic from the golden age of cinema. Released in December of 1946, It's a Wonderful Life was not considered such a classic back in its day. It opened to mixed reviews, and placed 26th on the list of the highest grossing films of 1947. For years, It's a Wonderful Life was deeply underappreciated. It was time that made it a classic. The film currently holds the 29th spot on IMDB's Top 250.

As George Bailey, a man who has spent a great deal of his life helping others, contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve, he is joined by an angel named Clarence, who shows George what life would have been like if he had ever existed.

"George Bailey, I'll love you till the day I die."

George Bailey is a man with big dreams. He wants to travel the world, go to college, and be somebody. Having lived his whole life in the small town of Bedford Falls, a place that he both loves and hates, George longs for the opportunity to stretch his legs, but it always seems to be just out of his reach. After settling down with Mary Hatch, a girl who's loved him for years, and having a bunch of kids, George finds himself in a difficult situation when a great deal of money that he owes is misplaced. Feeling he has no other options, George results to suicide. But before he can go through with it, an angel named Clarence, who's trying to get his wings, prevents him, and shows George what he means to the people of Bedford Falls.

Frank Capra directed a couple of fantastic films in the 1930's and 1940's. It Happened One Night (1934), You Can't Take It With You (1938), and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) all belong to him. But his best film, and certainly his best known film, is It's a Wonderful Life. It was Capra's third and final collaboration with James Stewart, and one of the last Hollywood films that he directed. This was due in part to the commercial disappointment of It's a Wonderful Life. Though the film was hardly a failure, it didn't make as much money upon its release that the studio, RKO Pictures, had hoped, and Capra was no longer seen being able to produce popular pictures. It's ironic that his most famous film is the one that very nearly ended his career.
It's funny to think that in a time where we pay to see such films as Dance Flick (2009), that we've also learned to appreciate older films that weren't so fondly thought of in their time. It's a Wonderful Life was hardly a "must-see" picture back in 1946. The "big" film of that year was the post-war drama The Best Years of Our Lives, which went on to win the Best Picture of 1946 Oscar, beating It's a Wonderful Life. The Best Years of Our Lives is a very good film, and I like it a lot, but, I bet if you were to ask people about it today, many wouldn't even know it was a movie. On the other hand, I'm certain that a majority of people would be able to tell you at least a little something about It's a Wonderful Life. It joins the likes of Casablanca as one of the best films of the 1940's. A classic in every sense of the word, and it was made one by us, not the critics.

"A toast to my brother George: The richest man in town."

Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey, in his first major post-WWII role. In 1941, Stewart was enlisted in the United States Army as a pilot, and would spend the next four years of his life flying planes as part of the Air Force in World War II. Stewart was the first major Hollywood star to enlist in the war, with other stars, such as Henry Fonda and Clark Gable, following in his footsteps. While Stewart would remain in the Air Force Reserve after the war, in 1946, he would return to filmmaking as his primary occupation, with his first serious role being George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life. Bailey is the character for whom Stewart is best known, with the film It's a Wonderful Life often being considered his best work. He plays the role of George brilliantly, as he did with all his roles. Stewart always played these nice guy characters, and I have a feeling that this was simply because he was a nice guy in real life. Hardly anybody ever said a bad word against him. He seemed like a terrific guy and he certainly had terrific talent. It's a shame that the stars of today can't be more like Jimmy. It's a shame that we all can't be more like him. I feel that, if more people were as nice as Jimmy Stewart was, the world may be a nicer place to reside.

Donna Reed plays Mary, a very sweet girl who has been in love with George Bailey all of her life. Reed is great as Mary, and makes a perfect onscreen companion to Jimmy Stewart's George. She glows whenever she's on screen. Henry Travers is also very good in his small role as Clarence the Angel. He brings a whimsical edge to the film. Lionel Barryore (That's Drew's Greatuncle) is menacing as Mr. Potter, the man that sets out to distroy the Baileys. He plays the perfect mean old man.

As I've already stated, It's a Wonderful Life didn't become known as the great film it is until its later years. Now, it's considered one of the best American pictures ever made, with the American Film Institute voting it as the 20th greatest American film of all time. The AFI also voted George Bailey as the 9th greatest Hero in American film and Mr. Potter as the 6th Greatest villain. The film also landed the number one spot on AFI's list of the most inspiring films in American cinematic history. That's a great many honors for a film that was once considered a major disappointment. I wonder what the original critics of It's a Wonderful Life thought of their reviews of the film in later years...

It's a Wonderful Life is a wonderful film that everybody should see at least once in their lifetime. 10/10

Trivia: George Bailey was Jimmy Stewart's favourite film role. The part, which was originally written with Cary Grant, was rewritten to suit Stewart after Frank Capra signed on as director of the film. 

Review: The Santa Clause (1994)

The Santa Clause was the 4^th highest grossing film in North America of 1994. The film is notable for helping Tim Allen make his transition from television star to film star, his previous success being the hit show "Home Improvement". The Santa Clause was Followed by two sequels, The Santa Clause 2 (2002) and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006). Despite both films being moderately successful at the box office, they were slaughtered by critics, unlike their predecessor.

After accidentally killing Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, Scott Calvin must step into the big man’s shoes and become Santa himself.

"Seeing isn't believing. Believing is seeing."

Scott Calvin is a rather rude workaholic, who doesn’t spend much time with his son, Charlie. He’s divorced from his wife, and has a great dislike of her new husband. He doesn't seem to have many friends, and his life outside of work leaves much to be desired. This all changes the night he becomes Santa Claus. Calvin’s experience as Mr. Claus brings him closer to his son, and gives him a real purpose in life: To keep the spirit of Christmas alive in the hearts of Children everywhere.

By putting on Santa’s suit, Calvin effectively accepts the terms of “The Santa Clause”, a clause legally binding him to the role of Santa until he is no longer able to fulfil it. Calvin is given one year to “get his affairs in order” before he must return to the North Pole to live permanently, which he fails to comprehend. Upon waking up the next morning, Scott believes the whole thing was just a dream, and continues to believe this and live his life normally until his appearance starts to drastically change, leaving him with an uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus.

This movie gives an interesting take on Santa Claus, and a logical one at that. The idea that Santa is replaced by a new man every time the previous Santa dies makes a lot of sense. It's a very clever idea. I admire it.

"I don't know what's happening to you. You're starting to look like the Pillsburg Doughboy."

When I was a kid, this was the Christmas movie; the one all the kids loved and wanted to own. It's a magical film that really delivers on the spirit of Christmas. As an adult, I find that I still like this movie, but for different reasons. It has a real comedic edge that I didn't notice as a child. It actually happens to be a very amusing film. I'm not sure if I enjoyed it more as a child, or if I enjoy it more now, as an adult.

Tim Allen, who I usually find overacts, is very good as Scott Calvin, aka Santa Claus. I like him a lot in this movie. David Krumholtz is also good as Bernard, the elf, and really shines in the role. The rest of the cast is fine, though not outstanding, in their supporting roles.

The Santa Clause is a Christmas fantasy created by the best, Disney Studios. 8/10

Trivia: Disney, which produced The Santa Clause, broke one of its own rules to allow Tim Allen to star in the picture. The rule? No hiring of an ex-con. Allen had previously spent time in jail on drug charges, making him an exception to the rule.

Review: Love Actually (2003)

Let's face it: Christmas films these days are a dime a dozen, and they're usually overly sentimental, unoriginal, and not very good. Every now and then, however, a Christmas film comes along that "presents" (My attempt at a Christmas joke) us with something new; something special. Love Actually is one of those films. While it wasn't wildly successful at the North American box office (It grossed just under $60 million), Love Actually was a huge success overseas, and became the 14th highest grossing film (In worldwide sales) of 2003.

Love Actually follows the lives of various people, all of whom are related in a "six degress of..." sort of way, during the five week run up to Christmas.

It's hard to write a summary for Love Actually as so many different stories occur within the film:

• The newly elected British Prime Minister finds himself attracted to one of his employees.
• A writer travels to France in search of solace after discovering his girlfriend has been cheating on him with him brother.
• A devoted wife discovers that her husband's affection may be misplaced in the workplace.
• A recently windowed man encourages his young step-son to go for the girl of his dreams.
• A burned out rockstar, trying to revive his music career, takes out a somewhat desperate bid for the UK Christmas number one. His effort being a cover of The Trogg's classic "Love is All Around", "Christmas is All Around".
• A newlywed tries to understand why her new husband's best friend can't seem to stand her presence.

And these are just the main stories featured in Love Actually. There are many more, interesting tales sewn throughtout this fantastic film.

"Hiya, kids. Here's an important message from your Uncle Bill - Don't buy drugs... Become a popstar and they give you them for free!"

The opening monologue of Love Actually, narrated by Hugh Grant, is perhaps the best monologue I've ever heard in a film. It's not particularly clever. It doesn't tell us anything that we don't already know. What it is, is simple; A person's simple, poignant view on love and how it's evident all around us, all of the time.

Despite its happy premise and seasonal setting, Love Actually is not as happy and cheery as it may seem. A few rather devastating things do occur in the film, which, believe it or not, isn't such a bad thing. Too much of a good thing is never, well, a good thing. If Love Actually had been based entirely around happily-ever-after stories, it would have lost its credibility. Real life, even at Christmas, isn't always happy. It pained me to type that, but it's true. I'm glad that Richard Curtis, the writer and director of Love Actually, realized this and incorporated sad events into the screenplay as well as happy ones.

I generally do tend to like Curtis' work. He's written some very good, if slightly corny, things. I believe that this may be his best. I'm sure that a lot of people would disagree with me on this, and claim that Four Weddings And A Funeral (1994) is Curtis' best work, but I've never particularly liked that film. There's just something about it that never really hit me like it seemed to hit everybody else. I am, However, a HUGE fan of the television show "The Vicar of Dibley", which is also written by Curtis. Now, that's funny stuff. If you love Love Actually, you'll love "The Vicar of Dibley".

Apart from having a great opening monologue, Love Actually also features one of the most romantic (Yes, I used that word. I promise I'll try never to use it again) scenes I have ever seen in a film. It involves giant flashcards and practically no words at all. It is a very sweet scene that's beautifully subtle. The irony of it is that it occurs between two people who have, until that point, not gotten along very well with each other. It's a great scene. It's almost worth watching the film for this scene alone.

"It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or news worthy, but it's always there."

Love Actually features a ensemble cast of brilliant actors. And, though everybody pulls their weight, there are a few key players that outshine the rest. Liam Neeson and Thomas Strangster are very touching as father and son duo Daniel and Sam. They bring real emotion to the film and have great chemistry. Emma Thompson, who plays a woman wronged, is excellent as Karen. Thompson has some of the more serious scenes in the film, and she plays them with complete honesty. And then we have the man that stole the picture: Bill Nighy. This man is funny, and, boy, can he act! He is incredible as Billy Mack, the aging rocker with a heart. I loved him in this film. I loved everybody in this film. The cast was great.

Love Actually is not a Christmas film about love; it is a film about love that just happens to take place at Christmas. And the love in question isn't always "romantic"; As in life, the love in this film is shown to us in numerous forms: the love of a parent; the love of a child; the love of a friend. I hope I've managed to show to you my love of this film. 10/10

Trivia: All of the airport footage from the very beginning and the very end of Love Actually is genuine. Love Actually's director, Richard Curtis, sent cameramen to Heathrow airport's arrival gates for a week to film real reunions between loved ones, and later obtained their permission to use the footage for the film.

Review: Die Hard 2: Die Harder (1990)

After the unexpected success of Die Hard in 1988, a sequel was, of course, going to be made. Released in 1990, less than two years after the first, Die Hard 2 would outgross its predecessor by more than $30 million, and go on to become the 8th highest grossing film of 1990.

After terrorists take control of a Washington DC airport, John McClane once again finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time on Christmas Eve.

"How can the same shit happen to the same guy, twice."

In the opening scenes of the movie, we learn that McClane in now living in Los Angeles with his family and works as a Lieutenant for the LAPD. As the film begins, we see that McClane is at Washington Dulles International Airport waiting for his wife's plane to come in from LA. However, before long, all hell breaks loose when political terrorists take the airport hostage.

People often refer to this film as Die Hard on a plane. This isn't strictly accurate. You see, the terrorists don't take over the planes, they take over the airport. So, strictly speaking, Die Hard 2 is actually more along the lines of Die Hard in an airport.

Like its predecessor, Die Hard 2 was released in the middle of July, despite the fact that it's set on Christmas Eve. However, this time around, I think that this probably had something to do with a clever marketing strategy. If a movie is released to cinemas in the summer, it should be available to buy sometime around Christmas; therefore, Die Harder would have boosted its, what would have then been, video sales simply due to the fact that it was set at Christmas. Now, this is just a theory, I have no idea when Die Hard was released to video, and I could be completely off the mark... But, it wouldn't surprise me if I was right.
 
Die Hard 2 could have very easily seemed completely unrealistic; the unrealistic part being that this could all happen to the same peron twice (As of now, it's actually happened to the same person four, going on five, times). It is unlikely, lets face it. But McClane himself realises this, even stating it several times throughout the film. This also gives the picture a bit of an appreciated (By me, at least) humorous streak.

"I'll be damned if I'm gonna clean up this mess!"

What I love about Die Hard 2 is that it stays very faithful to Die Hard. This can't be said of the series' third installment, and though the fourth is an improvement over the third, it's nothing like the first. Die Hard 2 is another matter. It has the same tone and gives the same feel as the first film did, despite the fact that it takes place in an entirely different location, with a cast that greatly differs from Die Hard. Die Harder is also every bit as exciting as its predecessor, and it still, even today, stands strongly as a worthy sequel to a great film that didn't really need one.

Bruce Willis is back in the role that made his film career, John McClane, and he picks up right where he left off. Willis is fantastic in the role he was born to play. Nobody could play McClane better than he, and I wouldn't want to see anybody try. Bonnie Bedelia and William Atherton also reprise their roles as Holly McClane and Richard Thornburg, with Atherton being particularly good in the film. New additions include William Sadler as lead terrorist Colonel Stuart, and Dennis Franz as Police Chief Lorenzo. Both of them are good in their roles, as is everybody else. There's also a nice cameo from Reginald VelJohnson as Sgt Al Powell, the cop who helped McClane out in the original film. I would have liked to have seen more of him, however, it just wouldn't have been realistic. There's no way that this could have happened to both Powell and McClane twice, which the filmmakers probably realised.

Die Hard 2: Die Harder is an excellent sequel to a film that I really love. It's not as good as Die Hard, but it's not far off the mark. 10/10

Trivia: Like its predecessor, Die Hard (1988), Die Hard 2: Die Harder was adapted from a novel. Die Hard was adapted from the 1979 novel Nothing Lasts Forever, written by Roderick Thorp. Die Hard 2: Die Harder was adapted from the 1987 novel 58 minutes, written by Walter Wagner.

Review: Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

Judy Garland was box office gold during the late 1930’s and 1940’s. She made many a musical for MGM during that period, including the film Garland's best known for, The Wizard of Oz (1939). Meet Me in St. Louis, another one of Garland's most famous films, was released five years after Oz. The film was a smash hit for MGM, more than doubling Oz's box office take, and grossing more money than almost any of the studios' other film releases over the previous 20 years, the only film having made more being 1939's Gone With The Wind (Which, adjusted for inflation, is still the highest grossing film of all time).

A family with four daughters finds out that they will be leaving their home in St. Louis for New York City just before their beloved city is set to hold the World's Fair in 1904. Issues on life and love ensue, with a few musical numbers to help them along the way.

"You've got a mighty strong grip for a boy."

Often billed as a Christmas movie, Meet Me in St. Louis has very little to do with Christmas. In fact, only a very small portion of the film is actually set at Christmastime, though I suppose it is probably the most important part of the film, as it’s when the climax occurs. It also happens to be the part of the film where we hear the famous song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", which was written specifically for the movie.

The songs in St. Louis are very catchy, with two of them proving particularly difficult to remove from one’s head; their names are "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". Though "The Trolley Song" is generally considered the best known song from the film, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is the better known of the two in general. It's achieved world wide fame as a premiere Christmas tune, and has been covered by dozens of artists over the decades. The song also holds 76th spot on AFI's list of the 100 greatest songs from American cinema. "The Trolley Song" also landed a spot on the list at number 26.

You know, I've always wondered how it is that everybody in a musical knows all the words to the songs and all steps to the dances. It lacks realism, and I always notice it in musical numbers. But, I suppose films arn't really supposed to be realistic, are they? If they were, then they'd lose some of the magic that the best films manage to produce, and magic is an important ingredient to any film; not realism. Besides, it doesn't annoy me. No, I must admit, I do enjoy a big musical number. It's just something that I tend to notice...

And while I'm on the subject of things I noticed, I must say a word about the dresses in this film: They all look like they were made out of curtains. Now, this did annoy me (ever so slightly), until I watched the Making Of... featurette after the movie. Apparently, all of the costumes in Meet Me in St. Louis are historically accurate, which means that it's not the film's fault; it's the time period's. You know, I bet that people back then thought that those clothes were the cat's meow. That's funny to think about. 100 years from now, people will likely look at the types of things we wear and think, "What were they thinking?"

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light. Next year, all our troubles will be out of sight..."

John Truett. Ahh, now he is definition of the boy next door. He’s nice, handsome, charming; everything that a girl could want in a man. I always seem to fall for the leading men in these classic films. The leading men of today got nothing on them. John was, well, perfect. And his romance with Esther was terribly sweet. Tom Drake, who played Truett, gave a wonderful performance in the film

Judy Garland. What a legend. Her acting was so natural, and she had such a beautiful voice.  In St. Louis, Garland gives a wonderful performance as Esther, the girl in love with St. Louis. Directing Garland in the picture was her future husband, Liza's father Vincente Minnelli, whom she met on set. The two married not long after the completetion of the film, but would sadly part ways in 1951 after six years together. Judy had the great ability to inject cheer into the hearts of not only her characters, but the hearts of her audience as well. What happened to her was such a shame. Her death was a great loss to the entertainment world. Very few entertainers have ever been as talented as her.

One final preformance from the film that I must mention was the preformance given by then-seven year old Margaret O’Brien. She is absolutely adorable as little Tootie, the youngest of the girls in the film. O'Brien would go on to win a special juvenile Oscar for outstanding child actress of 1944 for her role as Tootie. Incidentially, Judy Garland had won this award in 1940 for her "outstanding performance as a screen juvenile" during the year of 1939.

Meet Me in St. Louis is delightful. And, despite it not strictly being a Christmas film, Christmas is certainly a good time to watch it. 8/10

Trivia: One of Meet Me in St. Louis's most famous songs, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", was drastically rewritten during filming when the film's star, Judy Garland, refused to sing the original, gloomy lyrics to seven year old Margaret O'Brien. The original lyrics read like this:

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas, it may be your last.

Next year, we may all be living in the past.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas, pop that champagne cork,

Next year we will all be living in New York.

No good times like the olden days, happy golden days of yore,

Faithful friends who were dear to us, will be near to us no more.

But at least we all will be together, if the Fates allow,

From now on we'll have to muddle through somehow.

So have yourself a merry little Christmas now."

The song's writter, Hugh Martine, was initially against changing the lyrics, but eventually did so to make the song more upbeat and match the feel of the film. A later rewrite was also made by Martin in 1957, when Frank Sinatra asked him to lighten up the line "Until then we'll have to muddle through somehow". Martin changed the line to read "Hang a shining star upon the highest bough", hence introducing the most commonly used version of the song today.

Review: Die Hard (1988)

A Christmas film released in the summer... Yeah, these don't often fair well with audiences. However, in the summer of 1988, audiences were feeling particularly festive when a little film called Die Hard was released. Despite opening in 3rd place in the middle of July, Die Hard would remain popular through the end of its run in October, and would become the Seventh highest grossing film of 1988. Over the following years, Die Hard became the standard for all action flicks; the film all other action movies are held up to, and is considered by many to be the greatest action film ever made.

A New York City cop spends his Christmas Eve fighting off terrorists in a Los Angeles office building.

"Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker."

Doesn't sound all that exciting, does it? I've tried, and no matter what I put as a plot summary, it wouldn't do the film justice. You see, Die Hard is THE action movie. It has a little bit of everything: Action (obviously), comedy, suspense, drama, romance, and it all happens at Christmas. What more could you want from a film? It also happens to be one of the most exciting films I have ever seen.

John McClane is an unlikely action hero. He's an everyday guy with average looks and no special abilities to speak of. But this is what makes him so great. Watching Die Hard, you believe that the whole situation McClane finds himself in is purely accidental. If Schwarzenegger or Stallone had been in the role, the film would have felt like to much of a coincidence. Filmmakers took the right route in casting Bruce Willis. 

Hans Gruber is, in opinion, one of the best film villains to ever grace the big screen. He's suave, sophisticated, attractive, charming, and, lets be honest, quite sexy. He's the type of guy that would make a terrific husband... That is, if he wasn't a cold blooded, murdering terrorist. Played to perfection by Alan Rickman, Gruber was voted the 46th greatest screen villain of all time in a 2003 by the American Film Institute, and though I'm pleased he landed a spot on the list, I believe that his position should have been higher.

Some people argue that Die Hard isn’t a Christmas movie, but I'd debate that it is one any day. I mean, it occurs on Christmas Eve during an office Christmas party. That's a Christmas movie hands down. Even portions of the score are based around well-known Christmas songs, and the film's characters make several referrences to it being Christmas. What more do you need? Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Period. Anyone who says differently is talking bull.

"I'm going to count to three, there will not be a four. Give me the code."

This movie made Bruce Willis. Before Die Hard, Willis was a popular TV personality, starring on the hit ABC series "Moonlighting", but that was all he was known for. So, when it came time to cast Die Hard, Willis was hardly at the top of anybody's list. In fact, the original choice to play John McClane was Mr. Action Star himself, and one of my personal favourites, Arnold Schwarzenegger. When Arnie declined the role, it was offered to Sylvester Stallone, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson; even Richard Gere and Burt Reynolds were offered the chance to play McClane. After all of those actors also declined the part, it was offered Willis, who readily accepted, and it was a good thing too. I mean, can you picture Rambo running around a terrorist-occupied building unnoticed? Haha :-)

Die Hard was also Alan Rickman's introduction to feature films. Having only perviously worked on stage and in television projects, Die Hard was a massive step forward in Rickman's career, and Hans Gruber is still the role that Rickman is best known for; well, that and Professor Snape from the Harry Potter series, but, as far as adults are concerned, he's probably better known for his role in Die Hard. He is truly brilliant as Gruber, the role he was born to play, and he steals every scene he's in.

The rest of the cast are also very good in their roles, especially Reginald VelJohnson, who gives Die Hard emotion as Sgt. Al Powell, and De'voreaux White, who provides the film's comic relief as Argyle. Fabulous acting by all involved.

"If this is their idea of Christmas, I gotta be here for New Year's."

Now, if you haven't already guessed, I love Die Hard. I love it a lot. Die Hard is my favourite film, and it has been for quite some time. I couldn't say enough good things about it, and I would never say a bad word against it (Unless forced to, like I was in my 12th grade Honors Physics class. Ugh. That was hard...). I love Die Hard 10 times more than I do any other film, and I'm quite sure that it'll always be my favourite.

Die Hard is great popcorn flick that I can't imagine anybody hating. It was made to be enjoyed by all (... of a certain age). 10/10

Trivia: As I stated above, Die Hard was originally created as a vehicle for Arnold Schwarzenegger; however, its script was not written as a stand alone project. Nope, Die Hard was originally written as a sequel... to Commando! Yes, I said Commando, Schwarzenegger's 1985 action hit. After Arnie declined the film, the script was reworked and made into the gem that it is today, Die Hard. Thank goodness for that!

Review: Jingle All The Way (1996)

I have previously stated that I would watch just about anything that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger. This includes Jingle All The Way, Arnie's so-so attempt at a Christmas movie. Released in 1996, Jingle All The Way hardly set the box office alight, opening in fourth place. The film was panned by critics, and fell out of the top 10 after only 5 weeks. Despite this, Jingle All The Way has received a great amount of airplay over the years, and is one of the better known holiday movies.

When Howard Landston forgets to buy his son a Turbo-Man doll for Christmas, he spends what is surely to be the most eventful Christmas Eve of his life trying to get his hands on the elusive toy.

"Put that cookie down - Now!"

Jingle All The Way is one of those movies that I watched a lot as a child, but that I grew out of as I got older. You know, the strange thing is that I can't really remember loving it. I would watch it whenever I saw that it was playing on TV, but I don't really know why. Even so, I have to admit that I did laugh out loud a couple of times watching this movie earlier today, but some of it is just so annoying, not to mention ridiculous.

A couple of super-annoying parts: A store having empty shelves with giant signs saying "sold out"? Please! They would fill those things with anything they could find. No store is going to have empty shelves, especially at Christmas. How does the same policeman manage to go everywhere Howard goes? Why doesn't Jamie recognize that Turbo-man is his father? And even more pressing, why doesn't Howard's wife recognize him? With that accent?? Ugh. And Sinbad's character in general. Now, he is irriating.

"You can't bench press your way out of this one"

I mean, this movie is so ridiculous and unrealistic. I know, I know, it's a movie, it's not supposed to be realistic, but... It's got to be semi-realistic, I mean,  it's based on real life for crying out loud. Now I'm getting angry... Calm down, it's only a movie. The sad fact is that I actually like Jingle All The Way, despite all its (many, many) faults.

And, for the most part, I really like it's cast too. Phil Hartman was an excellent comic. Rita Wilson is as completely likable as her Husband, Tom Hanks. Jake Lloyd is adorable. And you know how much I love Schwarzenegger. The only cast member I don't like is Sinbad, who I find incredibly annoying.

I was originally going to give Jingle All The Way a six, but after all that, I'm afraid it's going to have to be a five. 5/10

Trivia: Jingle All The Way is based on the real frenzy around Cabbage Patch Dolls in the US in the 1980s.

Review: Elf (2003)

Elf opened in cinemas across the world in 2003, and debuted at number two in North America. Unlike most films that came before it, instead of making a steady decline in the box office chart, Elf climbed to number one in its second week, and went on to become an unlikely success, making over $170 million in North America. However, Elf wasn't such a massive success overseas, only making $47 million internationally. Still, it became the seventh highest grossing film of the year domestically, and has become somewhat of a modern Christmas classic.

Buddy, a human elf who travelled to the North Pole in Santa's sack as a baby, leaves the home he's always known to go to New York City and find his birth father, spreading Christmas cheer to all he meets along the way.

“The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”

Buddy is a wonderfully unique character. He loves syrup with all his foods, has an epic snowball-throwing ability, and applies a child-like wonderment to everything he sees. Upon learning that he isn't an elf by birth, Buddy is eager to learn his true identity, which is why he makes the trip to New York. On his arrival in the Big Apple, Buddy is fascinated by everyday human things, such as gum and escalators, which is fun, and often funny, to watch. It's rather sweet, not to mention interesting, watching Buddy adjust to every day human life.

One of my favourite things about this film besides the way that Buddy reacts to everyday things and other people, is the way that people react to Buddy. I'm referring particularly to the reactions of Walter's wife, Emily, and younger son, Michael. Emily reacts immediately with kindness and understanding, even trying Buddy's spaghetti and syrup, which he makes specially for her. Michael is initially rather embarrassed by Buddy, but quickly grows to love him. I think that Michael sees that, though Buddy is quite obviously an adult by years, by nature, he is still quite clearly a child. This, incidentially, makes Buddy all the more endearing. 

I remember really not looking forward to seeing Elf. In fact, I had no desire to see it at all. You see, I'm not a huge Will Ferrell fan. I can't name a single movie of his, besides Elf, that I like, or have seen for that matter. He just doesn't appeal to me. It was a friend of mine that eventually persuaded me to watch the film, and it was nothing like I thought it would be. No, to my surprise, it was actually really rather good. I bought the DVD soon after, and have watched it every Christmas ever since.

"We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup."

Christmas classics are few and far between. It's extremely rare for a newly made Christmas flick to become a classic. More so these days, when a majority of Christmas movies are made for TV. But I believe that Elf is one of the few films that makes the grade. Now, don't get me wrong. It's no It's a Wonderful Life, but it is a good, extremely cheery Christmas movie that certainly deserves a chance.

Will Ferrell perfectly captures the magical innocence of Buddy, the elf. He is wonderful in the role, and, despite my dislike of him as an actor in general, I do not think that anybody else could have played Buddy so brilliantly. James Caan is good as Buddy's birth father, Walter, and he makes it possible for us to like Walter, even though the character isn't exactly the nicest guy we've ever seen onscreen. I also liked seeing Bob Newhart as Papa Elf. Though the role was limited, he made the most of the character.

I would love to be friends with somebody like Buddy. I am a huge Christmas nut; the biggest one I know, and it would be an absolute thrill for me to meet somebody like him. As I choose to believe in Santa Claus, I also believe that there are elves out there... somewhere, and I like to think that they're all like Buddy. But that's just me... :-)

Elf is a funny movie with a gigantic heart. 8/10

Trivia: The screenplay for Elf first emerged in 1993, and originally had Jim Carey attached to play Buddy, the elf.

Review: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

After the massive success of Home Alone in 1990, it was a no-brainer: There would most definitely be a sequel. Released two years, fours days after the first, Lost in New York initially out-performed its predecessor, grossing over $30 in its opening weekend; However, it was unable to maintain its stride and fell out of the top ten after 10 weeks (Whereas Home Alone was still at number one after 10 weeks - Something that only 4 films have managed to achieve). Despite grossing over $100 million less than Home Alone, Lost in New York still grossed nearly $175 million and became the second highest grossing film of 1992 (Behind Aladdin).

One year after he was left home alone, Kevin McCallister once again finds himself having to deal with being without his family at Christmas. This time, Kevin's gone mobile. After mistaking a man at the airport for his father, Kevin boards a plane heading to New York, as opposed the the plane his family is on, which is on its way to Miami, Florida. Alone in the Big Apple, Kevin has a blast, that is, until he runs in to two figures from his past: The Sticky, formerly Wet, Bandits.

"My Family's in Florida, and I'm in... New York."

Home Alone 2 is a little misleading as a title for this movie, as it does not take place anywhere near Kevin's home. On the other hand, this film is a sequel, so it makes perfect sense that they would give it a title that let people know it was a sequel.

Lost in New York is very funny, perhaps funnier than the original. There's one scene in a hotel room that is one of the funniest scenes I have ever seen in a film.; It gets me every time. Yep, Home Alone 2 sure does produce a few good laughs. Overall, however, I'd have to admit that I prefer its predecessor. Home Alone (1990) is slightly more realistic, which makes it all the more magical. Both films are good, though, so I'd suggest a double feature, if ever you have the chance.

Despite my obvious love of this film, there are a few things I notice that annoy me every time I watch it. To start with, Kevin buys fireworks at the beginning of the film. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but you have to be a certain age to buy fireworks. Kevin is supposed to be 9 years old in this film. There's no way that someone would sell him fireworks. Then, you've got Harry and Marv: Two criminals that have escaped from prison. Their prison escape made the front page, so I imagine that their faces would be rather well known. So, tell me, how then is it that they can walk around New York without being noticed? Beats me. At the beginning of the film, Kevin receives a plastic, blow up clown as a present from a relative for use in the pool. This clown is later mistaken for Mr McCallister by a hotel employee. My question: When (And why?) did Kevin blow it up? It was very convenient to have it blown up there ready for him.... At the airport, Kevin somehow manages to board the wrong plane. That would NEVER happen today. I suppose, considering it was almost 20 years ago, it may have been able to happen back then, but it still bugs me, regardless. And there's one last thing...

"Get down on your knees, and tell me you love me."

The traps. Now, yes, it is very amusing to see Marv hit on the head with a brick over and over again, mostly due to Daniel Stern's comedic ability, but we, as viewers, can't overlook the fact that, in reality, this would likely be a fatal injury. In fact, just about all of Kevin's boobie traps in this film would have resulted in either serious injury or death. In the first film, a good portion of the traps were designed simply to hinder Harry and Marv's efforts. In this film, however, logic and reason seems to have been forgotten. A child of nine would not, could not, come up with these traps. It's pretty brutal. I mean, Kevin goes as far as electrocution this time. No child would think of that. They are funny, though, I have to admit.

Most of the cast from Home Alone return for this film, with a few new additions, the two main ones being Brenda Fricker and Tim Curry. Fricker is good as the Bird Lady. She brings a bit of heart to the movie, and her character's friendship with Kevin is very sweet. Tim Curry is the standout of the film. He is hilarious as Mr. Hector, the hotel concierge . Very, very funny. I love him in this movie. I won't mention any of the original members of cast (as I mentioned them in a previous review, and things haven't changed) with the exception of one: Daniel Stern, who plays Marv. This guy knows comedy. Both he and Curry are the funniest parts of the film, and it wouldn't be as much fun without them.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is a worthy follow up to Home Alone, and, despite its faults, I love it. A lot. 10/10

Trivia: How The Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) and It's a Wonderful Life (1946) are featured in both Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Despite it being filmed in English, It's a Wondeful life is featured in the films in two different languages: French in Home Alone and Spanish in Home Alone 2. 

Review: Home Alone (1990)

1990 was a big year for the film industry. It was the year that Julia Roberts beame a pretty woman; the year Kevin Costner danced with wolves; the year Whoopi Goldberg heard a ghost. But more importantly (In terms of cash-flow, that is), it was the year that Macaulay Culkin was first left home alone. Yep, the biggest, most popular, highest grossing film of 1990 was Home Alone, which grossed an amazing $276 million domestically; impressive, even by today's standards. To put this into perspective, if Home Alone had been released in 2009, it still would have made the top 10. After 19 years, that is very impressive indeed. The film currently holds the 45th place on the list of the highest grossing films of all time.

After accidentally being left home alone at Christmas by his parents, eight year old Kevin McCallister has gotten what he wished for: To live alone. However, the novelty of his situation wears off when a pair of burglars plan to ruin Kevin's Christmas. Determined not to let them succeed in their plans, Kevin fights back, with amusing results.

"I made my family disappear."

Kevin is the youngest member of his family, and is one smart kid. Seriously, no flies on him. In fact, to be honest, Kevin actually copes quite well with being left home alone. He doesn't panic or cry about it. He actually revels in his freedom, and manages quite well without parental support. However, it isn't long before he begins to miss his family, and realizes that he doesn't want to be with out them, no matter how much they irritate him.

The thiefs that Kevin battles against in Home Alone are Harry and Marv, aka The Wet Bandits, and they are two of the silliest villains in recent cinematic memory. Silly in the sense that they arn't really all that scary. The height difference between these two is hilarious! They must be at least a foot apart, and it makes the pair all the more comical.

"This is my house. I have to defend it."

Is it me, or does that mac & cheese meal that Kevin that prepares before Harry and Marv arrive look like one of the yummiest things ever? I'd love to dive into the tv and eat it...

The boobie traps that Kevin devises are rather clever; far too clever for Kevin to have actually devised. But I suppose it's all in good fun, and I never tire of seeing Harry and Marv fall for each and every one of them.

The late, great John Hughes wrote the screenplay for Home Alone, and it is probably the most well known of his works outside of The Breakfast Club (1985). Leaving his usually teen-filled comfort zone, Hughes wrote this film specifically for Macaulay Culkin, with whom he worked with the previous year on Uncle Buck (1989), starring John Candy. Incidentially, Candy makes an appearance in Home Alone as Gus, the man at the airport who helps Kevin's mother get home.

Although Home Alone produces a lot of laughs, the film also manages to produce a fair few tears. From me, at least. The end of the picture is so heartwarming that even a stone would feel some emotion, and it doesn't help that the music is so beautifully placed. John Williams' score is incredible. So incredible that I have the soundtrack. I listen to it every Christmas. 

"Keep the change ya filthy animal!"

Every single member of Home Alone's cast is brilliant in their respective roles. Macaulay Culkin steals the show as Kevin. He's possibly the best child star there ever was. Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci is hilarious as Marv and Harry and make a great oncreen team. Another cast stand out is Devin Ratray, who plays Kevin's older brother, Buzz, with devilish delight. Fabulous cast. 

I really love Home Alone, and I have been a massive fan of the film since my first viewing of it back in the mid-90's. Despite my love of the flick, however, I seem to find that the same question re-enters my mind everytime I watch it: Would I like Home Alone as much as I do if I had been an adult the first time that I saw it? The truth? Probably not. But that's beside the point. I was a child the first time I saw it. I have this theory. You see, I don't think it's possible to love the films we see as adults as much as the films we grew up with as kids. There's something about being a child that makes everything somewhat more magical. That's certainly how it seems to work with me, anyway. But, hey, I could be talking nonsense.

Want to see some Christmas fun? Watch Home Alone. 10/10

Trivia: During an early scene in Home Alone, Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) is seen going through his brother, Buzz's, trunk. In the trunk, he comes across a picture of Buzz's girlfriend, who is rather unfortunate looking. Because he didn't want to be cruel to a girl, Director Christopher Columbus instead decided to dress a boy up and a girl and have him pose for the picture. That was such a nice thing to do!