I’ve watched three Christmas movies so far this holiday season. Here is a quick review of each of them (in order that I watched them). Two ratings on two different scales of 1-10
Holidate (2020)Moving rating: 3/10 Christmas movie rating: 4/10 Reccomended: No Age Rating: TV-MA, not family-friendly Genres: romance, comedy Summary: “Fed up with being single on holidays, two strangers agree to be each other's platonic plus-ones all year long, only to catch real feelings along the way,” (Netflix). My Commentary: The idea of the movie was funnier than the movie itself. A lot of the humor depended on the cringe-factor which isn’t my favorite kind of humor. But, it made me laugh plenty. The romantic speech at the end almost made the rest of the movie forgivable (and forgettable), but that’s might just be me. It’s not the worst movie I’ve ever watched and I don’t regret watching it, but I wouldn’t watch it again and don’t really recommend it. That is, of course, unless you enjoy bad Christmas movies. Then this might just be up your alley. Starring: Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey Other actors I enjoyed in this film were Manish Dayal and Kristin Chenoweth. Director: John Whitesell Screenplay: Tiffany Paulsen Producers: McG, Mary Viola Christmas Catch (2018)Moving rating: 5/10 Christmas movie rating: 5/10 Reccomended: Sure Age Rating: TV-PG Genres: romance, drama, crime thriller (sort of) Summary: “A cop working undercover to trail a possible diamond thief gets caught in a tricky spot when she finds new clues — and new feelings — for the suspect,” (Netflix). “Detective Mackenzie Bennett is hot on the trail of Carson, a suspected diamond thief, and goes undercover to catch him in the act. While working, Mack not only falls for Carson but begins to suspect that he's been framed,” (Google knowledge panel, unclaimed). My Commentary: Definitely cute and a little different from other Christmas movies I’ve seen. Then again, it wasn’t particularly Christmasy. It took place in December and the MCs loved Christmas, but that is about it. One thing I loved is that both main characters loved Christmas to a ridiculous extent, the spirit of it, and especially decorations. I found it a nice reprieve from the characters (especially female-leads) who want Christmas to die until they meet Santa or something. I recommend it more as a sweet romance and light mystery than a Christmas movie™. It’s not going to win any awards, but there are things like that the female-lead is supposed to flirt and is so bad it had me in stitches. As if that wasn’t good enough, her mother (also her captain) and her (cop) partner KNOW she’s terrible at it and tease her pretty mercilessly. It’s hilarious. Starring: Emily Alatalo, Lauren Holly, Yanic Truesdale Director: Justin G. Dyck Screenplay: Patrick McBrearty Producer: Myles Milne Christmas Chronicles (2018)Note: A sequel came out this year.
Moving rating: 8/10 Christmas movie rating: 10/10, it had Santa, kids, decorations, reindeer, music, everything Reccomended: Absolutely! Age Rating: TV-PG, family-friendly Genres: comedy Summary: “After accidentally crashing Santa’s sleigh, a brother and sister pull an all-nighter to save Christmas with a savvy, straight-talking St. Nick,” (Netflix). My Commentary: Even though this is the movie I liked best on this list, I don’t know what to say about it. It was super sweet, funny, and fun. It had the most original Santa (character) I’ve seen. I did not stop laughing the whole movie, I don’t know where to start. The kids, Santa, the elves, the normal people they interacted with and their reactions to Santa- all priceless. Everytime you think you know what is going to happen next- you are wrong, haha. I definitely recommend this movie for the whole family! Starring: Kurt Russell, Darby Camp, Judah Lewis Director: Chris Columbus Screenplay: Chris Columbus, Matt Lieberman Producers: Kurt Russell, Chris Columbus, Mark Radcliffe, Michael Barnathan
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Have you ever stopped to wonder if there was a comedy about cannibalism out there, waiting to be enjoyed? Probably not, but if you have, I am here with good news. Delicatessen (1991) is a French film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amélie, 2001) and Marc Caro (The City of Lost Children, 1995). It takes place in the future, in a post-apocalyptic France (although there's a certain timelessness about it), focusing on a single apartment owned by The Butcher. It is full of interesting tenants, all of whom share one, dark secret. And it’s the reason they keep needing to hire new handymen. Some of the tenants...
This film has romance, it has action and suspense, and it will surely make you laugh out loud. Story aside, the cinematography and audio are incredibly clever. You can find English subtitles, but even without understanding the dialogue, you can figure out a lot. The story comes alive on its own. It is a crazy and even ridiculous story at times, but always intriguing. I highly recommend this movie (rated R). I wouldn’t consider it true horror, but still suggest not watching it right before bed or while you eat. When my mother was 18, the movie “When Harry Met Sally” came out. She loved it, of course. She said she’s pretty sure it was always playing somewhere in the all-women dorm. 31 years later, I am 18, so she showed it to me. And I’m so glad she did. Because it was beautiful. And hilarious. And heart-wrenching. And I loved it, too. There are many enemies-to-friends-to-lovers slow burn romances out there, but few as phenomenal or as iconic as this one. And few with so much hair. If you don’t know the movie, here is the basic premise: Sally (Meg Ryan) drives Harry (Billy Crystal) from the University of Chicago and New York City, not because she likes him, but because they were going to the same place. It was both the practical and the kind thing to do. I believe she later describes the drive to a friend as “the longest night of [her] life.” When they get to the city, she drops him off at his new apartment and drives away. This was first time I wanted to squeal. They said goodbye as if that were it! “They don’t know,” I’d said to my mom then, “That this is only the beginning of their movie.” Of course, they meet again. And again. And again in another random place by coincidence. And soon they become friends, best friends, even though Harry has always claimed that men and women can’t really be friends (the sex part always gets in the way). This movie made me laugh so hard I couldn’t breathe while also leaving me teary, clutching my heart. The beauty is in the details. The writing, the dialogue especially, was incredible. The characters were in the most interesting situations, including setting and activity. And it all worked perfectly. The conversations were incredibly clever in both the writing and the delivery. I don’t know what more I can say about it. I had to write this down before I could go to sleep. It was simply too good to wait. I 100% recommend this movie to any romantics, for I think it will please your hearts. And for anyone who doesn’t usually watch romantic comedies, I still recommend it. It is that good. Oh, one more thing, I do not know if I am in love with Sally or if I merely relate to her very much. Either way (maybe both), I think she is a fantastic character. Director: Rob Reiner Writer: Nora Ephron Romantic comedy Director: Blayne Weaver Screenplay: Patricia Harrington Can you hear the sleigh bells ringing? Tis’ the season for Hallmark Christmas movies! I think Santa Girl had a fresh take to share. What if Santa (Barry Bostwick) wasn’t quite so jolly? He has a business to run after all. His latest matter of business? Convincing his daughter to marry her betrothed, Jack Frost’s (Hank Stone) son, to save the family business. Jack Frost, by the way? Terrifying man, I mean, absolutely despicable. But, with his money and Santa’s elves and toy-making business, they would be a perfect team. Except, Cassie Claus (Jennifer Stone) doesn’t want to marry someone she’s never met. She wants to travel the world and find herself before she has to settle back down in the North Pole for the rest of her life. As a compromise, her father lets her go to college for one semester, just until Christmas, if she promises to come back and get married. Since when do things go as planned in movies? The entry into the real world isn’t a smooth ride, but she makes two friends quickly. Well, she has two boys who have crushes on her (or do they?) and, well, it’s mutual. But, she can’t date or let herself have these feelings because she’s engaged. But, neither JR (Joshua Cody) or Sam (Devon Werkheiser) are going to give up easily.
Update: includes details added to the synopsis's and small edits to mechanics. Originally posted 7/29/19. I read the first book in the “Rosie Project” series two years ago, adored it, and wrote a review on this website (click Read More to read it). This summer, I happened to see the two new books in the series on the shelf at the library. It was definitely a wonderful act of fate- I read them within a few days. On every page, the author, Graeme Simsion, surprised me and drew me in closer. I will probably re-read these soon. Overview of the series (slight spoilers) PS. All three of these books are amazing. The Rosie Project (Book 1) - Don Tillman (POV) is a socially awkward, but incredibly intelligent, genetics professor. One day, he decides that he wants to find a woman to be his life partner. It is a struggle, but when he meets Rosie, she changes everything. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with Rosie right alongside Don.
Simsion’s writing is nothing like anything else I’ve ever read. His stories are sweet, but also tackle heavy, emotional issues with grace. I definitely cried a few times. Each of his characters have strong, defining personalities. Don’s voice as a narrative is incredibly well-done and thought-provoking. I love these books so much and hope you read them soon.
Also, I have not read any of it, but Graeme Simsion has other writing published. He has two other novels, as well as short stories and plays. An action-packed comedic movie, directed by Peter Segal and produced by Leonard B. Stern. This is the kind of movie (and these are rare) that both my parents and I all enjoyed. I was cracking up the entire time. It was light-hearted, but had a few sweet moments to give it some umph. The humor had undertones of a slap-stick with some physical comedy, and there were some clever lines, as well. Well-rounded on that front. Also, the lead is Anne Hathaway who is amazing, gorgeous, talented, and all around adorable, playing a badass character- the movie was worth it just for that alone. Synopsis (no spoilers) There was a spy government agency, until the bad guys blew up the building (and all their covers). The only two agents who’s covers haven’t been blown, who can do the mission, are Agent 99 and 86. Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) is experienced and one of the best in the field. She was safe because she recently had dramatic plastic surgery, so the bad guys didn’t know who she was. The second person was brand-spanking new to the job, Agent 86. Max (Steve Carell) had always dreamed of becoming an agent, and on his eighth try, he passed the field test to become one. Unfortunately for him, the boss wanted to keep him behind the desk, in analytics, because he was so good. But, in the aftermath of the explosion, in the moment of crisis, he was promoted. And, so, the two agents set off. As you can imagine, things went less than smoothly… It’s rated Rated PG-13 for “some rude humor, action violence and language” (IMDb). It was still a great family movie for us, though.
If you like movies like this, I highly recommend: Johnny English (Rowan Atkinson, 2003) and The Spy Next Door (Jackie Chang, 2010). I have to start with the director, Ross Gibby, himself because this is no normal review. I met Ross last summer when he was giving a talk about writing to a small group of people. First of all, it was awesome and I ended up writing all afternoon. He gave me some good tips about voice and how to deal with writer’s block. His kindness really brightened my day. Anyway, he talked about one of his projects, a comedic web series, called, “Marketing Tools.” I hope I can do it justice in this post, but you’ll have to watch for yourself. Above is the trailer for the entire series.
I reached out to Ross again, recently, and found out he is shooting a second of the series. No spoilers, but I got to see the script, and it is going to be hilarious. I don’t know when it is coming out exactly, but they are shooting this weekend and I will post as soon as I know.
Speaking of marketing... check out Marketing Tool’s Youtube Channel and Ross Gibby’s Youtube Channel. Give it a thumbs up and subscribe! Warning: do not watch at work because you will be laughing out loud. :) Underrated. I love the characters! The story of this family makes me just laugh out loud and is also very sweet. It’s mostly about various people coming to the house, meeting the family, and being freaked out; all the while, none of them notice a thing because to them, they are normal. I’m not quite sure how to describe them, but I’ll try. I definitely recommend watching some of their stuff, 100%. There is a TV show (1964) with 2 seasons on Hulu and a movie (1991) on Netflix. Theme song: They're creepy and they're kooky/ mysterious and spooky/ they're all together ooky/ the Addams family/ Their house is a museum/ where people come to see 'em/ they really are a scream/ the Addams family/ Neat/ Sweet/ Petite/ So get a witches shawl on/ a broomstick you can crawl on/ we're gonna pay a call on/ the Addams family!
Morticia is probably the most sensible person in the house. She is married to Gomez and they are completely in love. Wednesday and Pugsley are her children and she wants them to have all of the opportunities life could offer. Life’s not all lovely thorns and singing vultures you know. *cutting the flower part of her roses and leaving the thorns* Morticia: Children, what are you doing? Wednesday: I'm going to electrocute him. Morticia: But we're late for the charity auction. Wednesday: But, Mother... Morticia: I said no. Pugsley: Pleeaaaase? Morticia: Oh, all right. Gomez is sporadic, to say the least. He smokes cigars, stands on his head to relax, crashes elaborate train sets, and some sort of gambling on the stock market(?). He respects his wife immensely. They dance and support each other through everything. [about Morticia] I would die for her. I would kill for her. Either way, what bliss. [in court] They say a man who represents himself has a fool for a client. Well, with God as my witness, I am that fool! Gomez [searching for Wednesday]: Fan out. Pugsley, head for the dung heap. Mama and Morticia, the shallow graves. I'll take the abyss. Lurch, check out the bottomless pit. Fester? Uncle Fester: [from a window] Up here! Gomez: Fester, you take the ravine, and the unmarked, abandoned well! Uncle Fester: Somebody should stay behind in case she comes back. Gomez: Good man. Good thinking! Grandmama: Then who'll take the swamp? Gomez: *Thing taps his shoe* That's the spirit, Thing. Lend a hand. Let's go! Puglsey is the oldest Addam’s child. He isn’t as big of a character as the others, mostly bouncing off (meaning in scenes following) his sister. Wednesday: Pugsley, sit in the [electric] chair. Pugsley: Why? Wednesday: So we can play a game. Pugsley: What game? Wednesday: It's called, "Is There a God?" Pugsley: Ok. Wednesday: *switches a lever* It has to warm up. Pugsley: Why? Wednesday: So it can kill you. Pugsley: I knew that. Morticia: *walks in* Children, what are you doing? Wednesday: I'm going to electrocute him. Morticia: But we're late for the charity auction. Wednesday: But, Mother... Morticia: I said no. Pugsley: Pleeaaaase? Morticia: Oh, all right. Wednesday is the youngest of the family. Very matter-of-fact, unexpressive in the most terrifying (but hilarious) way. She is easily my favorite character. She has a strong sense of self and is not afraid of anything or anyone. [when asked about her Halloween costume] This is my costume. I'm a homicidal maniac- they look just like everyone else. [her and Pugsley are selling lemonade on the side of the road] Girl Scout: Is this made from real lemons? Wednesday: Yes. Girl Scout: I only like all-natural foods and beverages, organically grown, with no preservatives. Are you sure they're real lemons? Pugsley: Yes. Girl Scout: Well, I'll tell you what. I'll buy a cup if you buy a box of my delicious Girl Scout cookies. Do we have a deal? Wednesday: Are they made from real Girl Scouts? Nobody gets out of the Bermuda Triangle, not even for a vacation. Everyone knows that. Honorable mentions: Uncle Fester - lives with the rest of them. Funny and goes to their torture, I mean “play,” room to relax. He can generate electricity, eg. light a light-bulb by sticking it in his mouth. Lurch - the family’s Frankenstein-monster-like butler who plays the piano rather nicely and comes at the (deafeningly) sounds of a gong that shakes the house. Thing - the hand that travels between boxes in the house and has quite the attitude . Yes, just the hand. Grandmama - obviously a witch.
I seriously love this show so much. It might be my favorite, after Grey’s, of course. I can’t emphasize how much I think this type of show is needed. It’s a sitcom that happens in the (fictional) NYC police precinct 99, but also so much more. I was surprised with the seriousness that came up throughout the seasons and how they handled it. It shows nuances of corruption, racism, sexism, and homophobia within the workplace and on the streets. As always, I love to watch for the characters, and they are amazing. The character arcs are a work of art. Nine characters, two latinas, 3 women with very different personalities and presentations and two black men in respected positions of power. I can’t explain it. I felt represented and it was a light setting. #diversity #crushing stereotypes Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg*) drinks too much coffee, cute, uses humor as a shield, always underestimated, leather jackets, immature, never gives up, loves his friends, loyal Jake’s mom: You have been protecting me since you were a kid. Sometimes I think you got so good at it, you decided to become a cop and protect everyone. Jake: Oh, that’s a cool thought but I became a cop because of Die Hard. #Jewish Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero) sharp, always seem put together, wants to seem tough, organized, teacher’s pet, secretly smokes, competitive, so many binders, loyal “But the real hero here is the binder”. #female #Cuban Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz*) mysterious, scary calm, plain scary, wears all black, where did those knives come from, will surprise you, observant, strong, loyal “What kind of woman doesn’t have an axe?” #female #latina #independent #lgbt Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio*) actually a bunny, food critic, falls in love too easily, protective, clueless, wants to be included, indecisive, loyal “That’s why I’ve never tried to develop and edge! Can’t lose what you don’t have- no surprises!” #feminine guy Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews*) father to everyone, does pull-ups in his sleep, caring, yogurt, talks in third person for some reason, person everyone goes to, motivational, loyal Jake: It’s like taking candy from a baby. Terry: What are you doing giving candy to a baby? Don’t give candy to a baby! They can’t brush their little teeth! #black #nurturing #physically intimidating, but a sweetheart Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller) how does he still have a job? eats only junk food, loyal “If we’re away from our desks for too long, they’ll update our computers and we’ll lose minesweeper.” #loving friendship with another man Hitchcock (Dirk Blocker) somehow still alive, silly, loyal “You had me at no paperwork.”#loving friendship with another man Gina Linetti (Chelsea Peretti*) dramatic, secretly kind, quick-witted, knows all the gossip, funny, wicked burns, dancer, trendy, loyal “Hi. Gina Linetti. The human form of the 100 emoji.” #female #owns her bossiness Captain Ray Holt (Andre Braugher) - no small talk, impossible to read, smiles sometimes, hard to impress, determined, more secrets, lived through hell, loyal “Do you want to hear the funniest thing ever? I also split an infinitive, and she didn’t notice.” #black #openly gay
The original came out 2004 and made up most of my childhood. I watched it again and again. Violet Parr continues to be my role model- scratch that- a goddess- scratch: everything I aspire to be. Okay, maybe not really, but her character development throughout the movie was impressive. I liked most of the women in this film. Ellen/ Elastigirl was saving the day, Velma was jaw dropping as always, and Frozone's wife even got a line! I enjoyed the fact that the most notable government official in the movie was "The Ambassador," a woman who stood strong even as her life and job were in peril. Don't get me started on Void, a newly introduced superhero who was adorable! She fangirled over Elastigirl, and anyone in any fandom could completely relate to the giddiness. My favorite scenes were the one about baby Jack-Jack because the mom is away saving the day nowadays, and dad is kind of overwhelmed. Hm hmm... who's the real super hero now Mr. Incredible? One sequel I'd say may just live up to it's original. My favorite scenes that sounds very odd out of context: baby Jack-Jack fighting a raccoon. It is crazy cute! They may have added one since I saw it in theaters, but strobe, flashing lights are in multiple scenes (where the characters are hypnotized), so, just a warning I wish I'd had! You may know the author from her first book, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, Becky Albertalli Renamed when made in a recent movie dubbed: "Love, Simon." I've decided that I like her writing. She gives you characters with a wide range of personalities and relationships between them. Meet Molly, a girl who has had 26 crushes that never went anywhere, who has a twin sister that is on the opposite end of the spectrum. Cassie is no rookie to dating, but Mina throws her world. Molly's house is getting a bit thrown around, with same-sex marriage legalized, her moms are getting married. And growing up is wanting to push the twins apart. Busy much? It reminds you that young love is hard. And complicated. And messy. And really freaking beautiful. A Tale of Rivalry, Romance, and Existential AngstNever know quite what to do about such titles. They are long, I'm saying, they're long. Feel about it as you'd like. But, the book itself? Stupendous! With YA fiction from the first perspective with this type of humor and mix of things, it is hard to write well. It follows a teenage boy named Tom Grendel who's crush moves in next door. Who's brother and cousin make hell for him. They party all night, every night, and it drives his dad to take a work trip out of town. It bothers everyone around, but he is the only one who can do anything to fix it. So he tries. And he tries. And it becomes a whole mess. One thing I noticed, as a writer, is one detail. Grendel lived in a neighborhood known for being a quiet place to retire and, therefore, inhabited mainly by the elderly. The boy interviews them to capture life stories. He wants to make sure the memories are not lost, that someone knew them. I love the growth that happens throughout the book on this small, seeminly insignificant, aspect. This book is high on the recommend list. I tagged on my personal book list as 'made me want to:' think and write. "It’s a similarity I’ve noticed between little kids and old people — they’re both always so surprised when anyone actually treats them like humans." This humorous, fast-paced, musical kept me on the edge of my seat. After reading it's companion novel: Will Grayson, Will Grayson*, it was the perfect dessert. Written like a script with songs that will get you laughing out loud! The director and main character is the only and only: Tiny Cooper. He is anything but small. Even his huge, football-player build can't contain his personality! He is big and gay and not afraid to show it- not that he could even if he wanted to! He uses this musical to explore all the past- failed- relationships. He shows off his parade of boyfriends #1 - 18. He writes side comments that put it all together. Levithan and Green take you on a journey of what love really means. Even his song titles hold your attention: The Ballad of the Lesbian Babysitter; OH! What a Big Gay Baby; The Size of the Package; Stating the Obvious. The character of Tiny is so strong, I want to reach into the pages and give him a big hug! This is a must-read break from all of those psychological thrillers! Even thought Tiny sees her as being effortless old, she's really just a sixteen-year-old girl dealing with everyone's shit, including her own. The time she spends with Tiny is her escape from the outside world, and she wants to teach him a few things about life before she inevitably leaves him for Oberlin. * Will Grayson, Will Grayson, was co-written by David Levithan and John Green and is the first book of these two. I recommend to read this first.
(5 stars) "The answer the life, the universe and everything is... 42." The Hitchhkier's Guide To the Galaxy) is a hilarious, (kind of) random book by Douglas Adams. Ford (having been stuck on Earth for fifteen years) takes Aurthur off the Earth when the Vorgons destroy it. They hitchhike from spaceship to spaceship finally getting settled on a ship stolen by Zophod Beeblebrox, former president of the universe, old friend of Ford. There is also Marvin the depressed robot. Somewhere else in space scientists are trying to figure out the answer to everything with a super computer, that is only the 2nd best in the world. Read this books and I promise you'll be laughing (a lot!). This is a crazy adventure that only people who have a sense of humor and a lot of time for nonsense. I recommend this book for middle schoolers and up. ***** (5 stars!!) "Sea-weed brain!" "Holy gods..." "Ella likes books!" This is what I call action packed comedy! The Percey Jackson series (The Lightning Thief, Sea of Monsters, The Titan Curse,, Battle of the Labyrinth and the Last Olympian)is by Rick Riordan, by far the best writer of all time!!!!!!! It's about these demi gods (Percey and Annabeth with the help from Camp Half-Blood and the Hunters) who have to go on quests and finally defeat the all mighty Kronus, the god of time. Not even a god, titan, father of the titans. I recomend this book for 4th through 8th graders. But really it canbe for anyone! If you like fantasy, greek gods or awesome, descriptive writing. You love this! It's like modern, but theres the whole ancient gods thing. SO GOOD!!! PS. this is not a review or even a recommendation: THIS IS A MUST DO!!!! PPS. Above Rick Riordan's name is pink. It is a link to his awesome website! ***** (5 stars) At first I was shy, but then I didn't want to leave. I had done so much that summer, seen Harris get into so much trouble. I had seen Glennis thwacked him too many times. I had gotten kicked by cow, wrestled by a rooster but mostly I watched: Harris practically get electrocuted, thrown off a horse he jumped onto, swing on a old rope like Tarzan, throw corn at my head and do so much I can't count it. I almost forgot, then there's Louie and buzzer... and Nuet... and Clair and well everybody else on the farm. Harris and Me is by Gary Paulson. I recommend this for a bit older readers maybe 4th through 6th grade. But my librarian reads it every year and she still thinks it's hilarious. I think it's for anybody above the grade of 4th. It has some mildly inappropriate humor, just a very tiny bit. I think Harris and Me is just one of those laugh out loud books! |
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