Fans of the “Vacation” films have followed the Griswold family on a cross-country vacation, a European vacation, and even a Las Vegas vacation. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is arguably the funniest of the “Vacation” movies and focuses on their attempt at a “good old-fashioned family Christmas”. Of course anyone familiar with the Griswolds knows this … Continue reading
Christmas movies are their own special brand of films. Much of what makes them good is centered on how well they tie into this wonderful holiday season. You can’t separate them from the holiday, and their success depends on that relationship to Christmas. Jon Favreau’s “Elf” is a perfect example. Soaked with Christmas lore, “Elf” … Continue reading
At the start of the year “The Hobbit” was easily one of my most anticipated films of 2012. But over time my excitement has been tempered by less than flattering reviews and some bad press centered around director Peter Jackson’s decision to stretch this limited material into three feature-length films. But at the end of … Continue reading
It’s amazing how Bob Clark’s little Christmas movie “A Christmas Story” has vaulted into full Christmas Classic status. Today everyone is familiar with the movie and it’s story of Ralphie and his endless pursuit of a Red Ryder BB gun. Everyone has their favorite moments and almost everyone has an opportunity to see it every … Continue reading
Dear Santa, It’s that time of year again. I will forgo the slanted justifications as to why I deserve Christmas presents this year. Instead I’ll get right to the goods. As a movie-oholic I have a very specific list this year. I’m listing five actors or actresses that I think are deserving of a major … Continue reading
As audacious as filmmakers can sometimes be, their finished products don’t always match their ambition. Such is the case with the normally reliable Ron Howard’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. When I first saw this film, I left the theater with a pretty gnarly opinion of it. My dislike has eased up after a recent … Continue reading
