Top Ten Christmas Movies

Its Christmas time!! And what better way to celebrate than hitting up the Redbox and nabbing a few movies before the cold freeze settles in. So pull up a chair and a blanket and have a gander at the Top Ten holiday movies to keep you cozy.

1. A Christmas Story
“He looks like a pink nightmare,” that has got to be my favorite line from the whole movie. How can you not love this movie when it has such quotable quips like this? This is a story as old as time. This movie is a flashback of one particular Christmas of in the life of Ralphie. Christmas is rolling around and Ralphie wants a toy that he’s been told he can’t have. Does this derail little Ralphie. Nope, not even the school bully can detract young Ralphie from his quest for a bebe gun. Filled with the internal dialogue of Ralphie, the young protagonist this is a classic movie that is sure to have the entire family rolling from laughter.

2. The Santa Clause
There are a million and one movies out there about Santa Claus, but few actually infuse the story with modern sensibilities. Now Tim allen is not my favorite actor on the big screen but he manages to tone down the stupid antics to deliver a sweet story of a divorced day who through his surprise of Santa actually kills the Big Red guy. Putting on his coat to finish up his deliveries he in-advertly takes over the reins. No pun intended, no seriously that was totally unintentional. on his roof. Well his son is thrilled, I mean what kid wouldn’t want their day to be Santa Clause, I mean I had my list already made at the thought, but his ex-wife thinks he has gone totally crazy and has his court ordered visitation revoked.

3. Scrooged.
We are all familiar with the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. And this story is slightly different because its my favorite adaptation of the Dickens classic. I like the Bill Murray version because Murray is classically funny. If he can’t make you laugh then I would see a doctor quick. Murray plays a TV executive that schedules the reenactment of Charles Dickens tale on Christmas Eve. He is chased through the building but a disgruntle employee and a shotgun as the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Add this to your egg nog and enjoy.

4. Bridget Jones’ Diary
Now this is for the older people and maybe its not a good thing to watch alone if you are single, but its still a classic holiday movie that everyone should enjoy. Based on the bestselling novel of the same name. The movie opens up with a Christmas celebration at the childhood home of Bridget Jones, a soon to be middle aged Londoner publicity worker at a flailing book company. After realizing that the man catching tactics she has employed for the first 30 years of her life haven’t worked she sets out to start a diary to record the whole truth about Bridget and maybe figure out why she can’t keep a man. With the choose begin between the delish Colin Firth and the polished Hugh Grant its a wonder she has a hard time choosing between the two. Its a great holiday movie to enjoy with a group of friends or by yourself. And that kiss Firth plants on Renee at the end is enough to roast my chestnuts any day of the week.

5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Those Whos down in Whoville will agree that the Grinch is what makes Christmas cookies worth baking. Those cartoon has been delighting generations of men, women, and children across the globe. Its been translated into more than 20 different languages. The Grinch is possible Dr. Seuss greatest tale and it reminds us all of the true meaning of Christmas. And I know I’m not he only one that sings along with “You’re a Mean one Mr. Grinch.” And I have found that properly achieve the infamous Grinch grin one just needs to consume my sister’s cooking.

6. Charlie Brown Christmas
It seems the Peanuts gang celebrates the holidays the best as this is the second time they have landed on my holiday movies lists. But you can never have too many Peanuts. This one find Charlie Brown depressed about all the goings on during Christmas. The gift giving, the cards, the neighborhood light competition. So he sets out to right all the wrongs. He takes over the director chair for the school Christmas play and tries to fend off the others trying to Glee up the Naivety story. He dismisses Lucky’s insistence on a fake aluminum tree. In the end the gang and Snoopy find the true meaning of Christmas and we get another classic tale to add to the DVD collection.

7. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
This year the Griswolds are staying home for Christmas and the in-laws are stopping by to break bread. And what ensues with the in-laws, the cousins, and the dog is nothing short of Holiday Mayhem. Its a movie that is sure to tickle the holiday funny bone and it will bring the whole family to the couch. If I had a cousin like Eddie I would move to Montana and live in the mountains. He takes mooching to an all new level and he makes it an art form.

8. Miracle on 34th Street (the 1947 version)
Now I know some of you will disagree with me that the remake was better, but I’m sorry something is classic for a reason and the original capture the magic perfectly the first time, and the remake just tried to reinvent the wheel and failed. Here we have a movie where Santa Clause himself is put on trial to prove his existence. Is he really Kris Kringle like he claims? Or just a deluded old man in a funny beard and read suit. Well watch the movie to find out!

9. Die Hard
What’s a little Christmas without Bruce Wills hanging on the side of a building and terrorizing a group of thieves. This isn’t a holiday movie that will teach you the true meaning of Christmas, though if you don’t pick up the subtle hint not to mess with Willis during Christmas Eve then you might need to go see a doctor about that. I mean what is better than watching Wills dangle down the side of a building cursing about not remembering to wear shoes?

10. The Home Alone Franchise
How can it be Christmas without an eight year old concocting a house full of hilarious horrors for two bumbling would be thieves. I included all three films because I honestly couldn’t choose which one was funnier. I love all three films, just make sure the little brother is out of the room. We don’t want to go giving him any ideas.

So folks I hope you are able to at least see half of this list and I hope it goes a long way to make your holidays merry and brights. Season’s greetings!!

Scream Fest 2010!

It's a Scream Movie Fest!!

Top Ten Halloween Movies



It’s that time of year again my ghouls and ghoulettes. Its Halloween and what better way to celebrate the scariest month of the year than snuggling up to a bowl of popcorn and watching the Top 10 Best Movies for Halloween. The movies that follow are in no particular order of importance. So here are my favorite movies to bring out a little scream, giggle and sigh on that creepy Halloween night!

1. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
   
   It wouldn’t be Halloween without the Great Pumpkin and those lovable peanut characters. In this episode, Linus is sure that this year he will see the Great Pumpkin. As the gang ventures off to a party, Linus stays behind to await the arrival of the Great Pumpkin. Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween without some peanuts.
   
2. Rocky Horror Picture Show
   
   Need I really explain why this made my list? You haven’t properly celebrated Halloween until you and six of your friends have stood up, totally dizzy from the pound of bite-sized Twix bars ya’ll just pigged out on, and belted out “Time Warp.” Even the cast of Glee is getting into the spirit of Halloween with its RHPS episode. Don’t let Dr. Frank N. Furter have all the fun.
   
3. Evil Dead – The Musical
   
   Evil Dead is possible one of the worst low budget movies ever made (until they made Evil Dead 2), but for some reason the movies developed a cult following. However Evil Dead – The Musical is not to be missed. The jazzy show tunes such as “WTF was that” will have you side splitting from laughter. And of course all the blood spurting on the stage will have you eager to wear white and sit in the front.
   
4. Zombieland
   
   This is a recent add-on to the zombie world, but a good movie in its own right told from the point of view of a socially stunned college dork. Between his rules for surviving Zombieland and his sidekick Tallahassee this flesh eater is sure to leave you wanting another bite.
   
5. Once Bitten
   
   Sorry for all you kiddies born after the 80’s. But this movie deserves to be on the list. With a fresh faced Jim Carrey running from a blood drunk, sexy vampire in the form of Lauren Hutton, the teased hair and horrible dance movies might make you glad you didn’t have to live through the 80’s.
   
6. Blade Trinity
   
   Now what sort of Halloween would we have without a few blood suckers breathing down our necks. And with the addition of a sarcastic Ryan Reynolds, this is sure to leave your blood boiling. In this last movie, Blade must say goodbye to Whistler and hello to a new group of young vampire killers.
   
7. Interview with a Vampire
   
   Maybe Robert Pattison is a cute vampire, but the original gorgeous vamp will always and forever be Brad Pitt. And casted as the tormented Louie he makes seem almost lovable. Though the bratty Kirsten Dunst stole the movie from Bitt and Cruise, the Queen of the Damned needs to be honorably mentioned for its delicious costumes and a great Lestat played by Stuart Townsend.
   
8. Hocus Pocus
   
   Bette Midler plays an evil, though musically talented, witch who, along with her sisters, is burned at the stake during the height of the Salem Witch trials. The trio of witches are brought back to life on Halloween to suck the lives out of all the children in town. The musical number and a dizzy Sarah Jessica Parker make this cheesy movie shelf-worthy.
   
9. Edward Scissorhands
   
   Johnny Depp and Tim Burton make beautiful movies together. And this one is no exception. Depp is a stitched together gentle soul with scissors for hands who lands in Suburbia. The best scene has got to be a rosy cheeked Winona Rider frolicking in a confetti snow storm created by Edward. Love it!
   
10. The Nightmare Before Christmas
    
    I think we shall crown Tim Burton the Mayor of Halloween Town as he makes his second appearance on this list with this animated classic. This is the perfect example of what happens when you mix Halloween and Christmas. And this is they are separated by Thanksgiving. Though kidnapping Santa was a stroke of genius and I for one would love a ghost dog with a glowing pumpkin nose!

So, kiddies, I hope you go out and pick up some of these classics and if you are a movie lover like me and have all of them in your DVD collection I hope your midterms, papers, or A levels won’t keep you from enjoying a lazy day in front of the TV with these classics to keep you company.

Have a scream on me! Happy Halloween!

Lucky Number Slevin

Starring Josh Hartnett (Slevin), Morgan Freeman (The Boss), Bruce Willis (Mr. Goodkat) and Ben Kingsley (The Rabbi)


I've just recently watched this movie. Though I heard rave reviews about it, and I must say that I am sad that I waited so long to see this film. I thoughly enjoyed the ride this movie takes you on. It all starts with a Kansas city shuffle.

From the seemingly dull opening shot of a sterile and bright bus terminal. The story that Mr. Goodkat (Willis) weaves for the young man chills you down to your bones and makes you glad that you never got mixed up in any sort of organized crime.

Though this is a typical revenge movie, it manages not to be so typical.

Here you have a hitman, Willis, finding a conciseness and saving his mark, which happens to be a little boy.  Goodkat was actually called in to kill the boy as no one else would take the job. And then turning around and helping that boy seek revenge on the very men that slaughtered his whole family 20 years earlier. And mixed in between the lines you have the plot Hartnett and Willis concoct to get in with the mobsters. 

Lucy Liu as always puts in a stellar performance as the wanna be detective, coroner who lives across the hall. Though she made her mark playing a bitch worthy of the Devil Wear Prada, she made a convincing sweet heart in this movie. And I for one want to see her branch out more in her roles. Though I still love to see the Lucy bitch every now and then.

Freeman and Kingsley are the high rise mod bosses so afraid of each other that they have locked themselves away in their ivory towers. However stunted in their locations in this movie they still manage to put in some good work in this film. Freeman is almost a  likable mobster as he cracks jokes at Hartnett's expense.

4 out of 5 stars.