Favorite Christmas Movie/Special Moments: Final Part

Here we are, folks. The final five. 

Links to the other four:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Honorable Mentions

#21:

Buddy arrives in New York from Elf (2003, dir. Jon Favreau)

I won't lie... this isn't one of my favorite Christmas movies. I don't think it's bad, but how some people feel about A Christmas Story is how I feel about this movie. I'm sure if I saw this when it came out I'd like it more but now it's like, "I like but it's not my first choice."

But if there's one thing I like, it's Will Ferrell's performance as Buddy and when he arrives in the Big Apple, it's awesome.

Most of the comedy, of course, comes from the overly joyous character straight out of a Rankin/Bass special be in the more (realistic) cynical world. Which is indeed funny!

For some reason when he goes into the restaurant and shouts, "congratulations! World's best cup of coffee!" is my favorite moment.

Of course, his optimism pays off in the end, but I think if Buddy suddenly showed up in our town we'd all be a bit weirded out.

But it's still a fun scene.

Honorable mention goes to Mr. Narwhal. No reason why. I just love him.

#22:

The Truce from Joyeux Noel (2005, dir. Christian Carion)

Link to the full scene

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. One of the most memorable events that happened in the war was the Christmas truce of 1914, where the opposing sides decided to cease fire and spend Christmas together. 

That's what this film is about. The first act is the lead up to it, the second act is the truce, and the third is the tragic aftermath. 

This is one of the sadly beautiful movies ever and the way the truce was presented makes the latter half more somber because how does one go back to fighting someone they just called a friend?

It's an amazing film and my words can't do it any proper justice. Please watch it if you can.

Also, check out this commercial from four years ago commemorating the event:

#23:

Scrooge's trip to the past from A Christmas Carol (2009, dir. Robert Zemeckis)

Robert Zemeckis's third outing with the motion capture animation is a mixed bag for me. While I do like it overall, there are points where they go a bit overboard with CGI stunts, chase and that such. They also go a bit over the top with the darker stuff, in my opinion. 

But at the same time, there are some powerful moments and one that got me when I first saw it was when Scrooge (Jim Carrey) is taken back in time to his childhood days. I remember actually getting teary-eyed in this scene.

I can't really put my finger on why. Maybe it was the music score by the always reliable Alan Silvesti. Maybe it was the atmosphere that was present while Scrooge was flying and when on the ground looking around that tapped into my emotions over nostalgia. I don't know but somehow Zemeckis and his team did it. 

But whatever the reason, the scene still holds up and I really wish I saw the movie in 3D when it came out if not just for this part.

Sadly I can't find a clip of the scene online though I'm sure you'll catch it as one of the five Christmas movies on ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas. Yeah, I know the channel isn't called that anymore but we all call it that regardless.

#24:

The Doctor's entrance from Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol (2010, dir. Toby Haynes)

Anyone who knows me should not be surprised that I'm putting a Doctor Who Christmas moment on this list. 

For me, out of all the televised Christmas specials, this to me is the best mainly because it feels closest to having Christmas be part of the plot. 

QUICK SIDE NOTE: For those bummed about there not being a Christmas special this year (we're getting a New Years one so don't worry) please check out the 8th Doctor (Paul McGann) audio drama The Chimes of Midnight by Rob Shearman. It's amazing story and one of the best audio dramas out there. It's a good introduction for those who haven't listened to any yet. You can download it from Big Finish's website, iTunes, and Spotify I believe.

As for my favorite moment, there were plenty to choose from. Katherine Jenkins singing the beautiful "Abigail's Song", just the overall clever spin on the Dickens classic, but for me, I have to go with the entrance of the Doctor (Matt Smith). 

The way he comes out of the chimney is absolutely perfect for his Doctor and for this special. The way he takes over the situation and explores the room is just amazing and joyful. And he caps it off with a great line. 

"You know if 900 years of time and space I never met anyone who wasn't important."

#25: 

Arthur writing letters from Arthur Christmas (2011, dir. Sarah Smith)

With this moment I was thinking of naming the delivering of the forgotten gift as my favorite moment because it really epitomizes the character of Arthur (voiced by the incredibly underrated James McAvoy) and the message of the film. I decided to go with something towards the very beginning.

I previously talked about this scene in the first segment of an article series I write called "Little Moment, Big Meaning." I'm not going to link to it because last I looked at it were a ton of typos and such and I'd like to fix them. Yeah, I know there will probably be some here but I'd like to think my proofreading has improved since.

But, anyway, in that piece, I talked about how Arthur was given the task of writing back to the kids who wrote to Santa. My guess is because Arthur tends me be clumsy, so this is a safe job. But Arthur really does have his heart in this and the Christmas spirit. 

The main thing I noted was Arthur has a computer, but it's pushed off to the side and he handwrites every single letter!

That for me speaks volumes about the character. While it would be much easier to do it on the computer, he knows that a handwritten letter means something a bit more. It means, that somebody actually read it and is responding. It's not a mindless machine that just fills out blanks on a standard form for these, it's a real person who wants to make somebody's day a bit more special. 

That for me is part of the spirit we need to have not only at Christmas but throughout the whole year. Just try to make things a little bit better by being a bit nicer. 

Thank you to everyone who read, shared, and commented on these. It means a lot and I certainly hope your season has been festive and happy, and may the new year bring you joy and prosperity. 

Share your own favorite moments in the comments, follow me on Twitter @DocJohn90, and check us out on Facebook. 

Favorite Christmas Movie/Special Moments Part 4

If you haven't seen the other three posts, here are the links:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

#16:

"Squirrel!" from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989, dir. Jeremiah S. Chechik)

This is another movie that has so many quotable and memorable moments that it's hard to pick one. And it's not even just the big moments (sentimental or comedic), there's a bunch of small moments that stick me with me.

But if you had to twist my arm to make me pick one, I'd have to go with...

I don't know what it is about this scene that makes me laugh so much. Maybe it's because I grew up in the country so the idea of a squirrel isn't an "OMG RUN FOR YOUR LIFE" moment.

Maybe it's the fact that they're all acting like a dragon came bursting through the door and started devouring all the kids and... wow my brain went to some dark places there.

But anyway, it's a silly and over the top scene that I can't help but love. 

Honorable mention goes to any moment with Aunt Bethany. 

#17:

Old Man Marley reunited with his family from Home Alone (1990, dir. Chris Columbus)

Another classic from my childhood. While I can certainly remove my nostalgia goggles and see the flaws in it, I still can't help but get a chuckle and a heartwarming feeling when watching.

And there's no scene in particular that brings a tear of joy to my eye than when Old Man Marley (Robert Blossoms) is reunited with his estranged family.

With the snow falling, the heartwarming hug, and of course, John Williams's BEAUTIFUL music always brings a heartwarming tear to my eye.

Honorable mention goes to the legendary scream from Marv (Daniel Stern).

#18:

Any scene with Tim Curry from Home Alone 2 (1992, dir. Chris Columbus)

As for this one... yeah, this one isn't as great. But I still get a kick watching this because it is firmly placed in my nostalgia. 

The best thing about the movie: Tim Curry! Curry gives that 110% performance that he has given in every movie he's been in. 

Whether it's him asking Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) about his "stolen credit card!", his Grinchy smile, the way he pronounces pizza, or how he tells "Kevin's dad" how he loves him. No matter what, we love you, Tim.

And have a lovely day!

#19:

"Marley and Marley" from The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992, dir. Brian Henson)

If you don't like the Muppets... then I would kindly ask that you reassess your life choices. 

The Muppets have always had a firm place in my heart and Jim Henson will always be one of my idols. 

The Muppets have also always been a staple of me and my family's holiday season. Whether its listening to the John Denver-Muppets Christmas album, watching this classic retelling of the Dickens classic, or for me at least, watching Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977, dir. Jim Henson), Christmas Eve on Sesame Street (1978, dir. Jon Stone), or watching the aforementioned Muppet Family Christmas in my honorable mentions.

Sidenote: Cookie Monster's Santa writing saga is an honorable mention for this list. 

But what about Christmas Carol? This was a hard one to narrow down. Originally I was going to list Beaker (performed by Steve Whitmire) giving Scrooge (Michael Caine) his scarf in the Christmas morning segment because it was a sweet scene. 

Then I decided to let my darker side pick and it went with the musical number "Marley and Marley" performed by Scrooge's former partners Jacob and Robert Marley - Statler and Waldorf performed by Jerry Nelson and Dave Goelz respectively. 

It's a great dark little number that is pulled off wonderfully with Paul Williams's eery but humorously haunting tune. 

Credit also has to be given to Nelson and Goelz who truly do a great job with the roles. This is the first time the two would play the characters after the deaths of Jim Henson and Richard Hunt, the original performers (at least the main version, I know Nelson played Statler in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence pilot). 

Below, you'll also see the extended version which I just discovered. This features dialogue and lyrics you'd hear in the official soundtrack. 

#20:

Mr. Hyunh reunites with his daughter in Hey, Arnold!: Arnold's Christmas (1996, dir. Jamie Mitchell)

If you never watched the show Hey, Arnold!, the basic premise is that it's about a nine-year-old named Arnold and his friends and family. Arnold - voiced by Lane Toran - lives with his grandparents (voiced by Dan Castellaneta and Tress MacNeille respectively) in a boarding house they run. 

For Christmas, the tenants hold a Secret Santa gift exchange. Arnold gets Mr. Hyunh (voiced by Baoan Coleman), a Vietnamese immigrant. 

Arnold notices that he looks a bit a sad around this time of year. He goes to ask what's on Mr. Hyunh's mind and... well, I'll let Mr. Hyunh explain. 

So, Arnold decides he wants to track down Mr. Hyunh's daughter for Christmas. Arnold and his friend Gerald (voiced by Jamil Walker Smith) do the last minute Christmas shopping for Mr. Bailey, an employee for the Federeal Office of Information (voiced by the legendary Vincent Schiavelli). Unfortunately, they can't get one item, because of that, Bailey won't help. 

Well, it turns out Arnold's classmate Helga (voiced by Francesca Marie Smith) who is Arnold's bully who has a secret crush on him, gets the item on the list - a pair of highly fashionable boots - but decides to give it to Bailey so they can track down Mai. 

And of course, we get our happy ending. 

Merry Christmas, Mr. Hyunh indeed. And to all the Arnolds and Helgas as well who go above and beyond to help others.

Stay tuned for part five!

Favorite Christmas Movie/Special Moments: Part 3

#11:

Any moment with The Old Man in A Christmas Story (1983, dir. Bob Clark)

I seriously could not narrow this down! Anytime I thought of my favorite moment I then thought, "Oh wait, that was a good one!" And then I realized, all of my favorite moments involve the Dad (the awesome Darren McGavin). Seriously, every time I quote the movie, I quote him or at least a scene with him in it. His battle against the furnace, the major award, and "Sons of bitches! BUMPUSES!"

Darren McGavin is without a doubt one of the biggest reasons why he is so memorable. We've seen the character attempted to be replicated a few times by talented people but NONE have been able to replicate that magic. But then again those projects both sucked. You know what I'm talking about. 

Despite the massive commercial exploitation of this movie, I will always remember and cherish this classic. 

#12:

Tiny Tim's Grave from Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983, dir. Burny Mattinson)

I think this was the first version of the Dickens classic I saw growing up, that or the Muppets version but I'll talk about that later. Despite this being an animated short, they manage to cram in a lot of the original's themes and story in a great way, all the while maintaining an awesome atmosphere. It also has the best Tiny Tim I've seen. Mainly because he doesn't come off as forcefully "pwecious!"

Awwww!

And speaking of Tim. 

The reveal of what happened to Tim in the supposed future is absolutely heartbreaking and brilliant! In the atmospheric graveyard, Scrooge - played by Scrooge McDuck voiced by the late Alan Young - asks the cigar-chomping Ghost of Christmas Future - Pete (voiced by Will Ryan) - what happened to the youngest Cratchit. The ghost points to the mourning Cratchit family.

Without a single word uttered, we see the pain and grief that the family is going through especially for Bob. 

That single tear and the laying of Tim's crutch by his grave sends a big punch in the emotional gut. I won't lie, I find more powerful than what's done in the book.

Of course, it all works out and we get a happy ending but still, this segment packs a lot of emotions and some great storytelling. 

#13:

Scrooge's chat with Fred and Janet from A Christmas Carol (1984, dir. Clive Donner)

One wouldn't think the gruff George C. Scott would be an awesome Scrooge? But, nope, he was great. I guess that shows what a real talent he was. 

His acting ability really shines during a scene where Scrooge takes up his nephew Fred's (Roger Rees) invitation to have Christmas with him and his wife Janet (Caroline Langrishe). 

One of the strongest things about certain versions is that they expand a bit on certain scenes. For example, in this film, we see just how strained Scrooge's relationship is with his father. We've heard about Scrooge's father but we never really saw him or got an idea as to why he was abusive (at least in an emotional sense). In this one, whoa boy, is he a prick. 

Quick note: Hi, Mark Strickson (aka Turlough in Doctor Who) as young Scrooge!

But the scene I want to highlight is the scene I mentioned before. Usually, in the story we have Scrooge arrive and asking if he can join with Fred quickly accepting him. But in this one, yes those events do happen, but we get a bit more. There's a chat between the two lovebirds and the now former miser. Scrooge reminisces about the days when he was in love and even recalls the love of his sister Fan, whom he sees in her son. 

It's a very touching scene and a nice bonus.

#14:

Santa's first flight from Santa Claus: The Movie (1985, dir. Jeannot Szwarc)

The best description of this movie is from Bob Chipman (aka MovieBob) in his review. It's basically a combination of two movies: The first half is the critically acclaimed movie that goes into the origin of Santa Claus. The latter half is the crappy sequel.

Personally, I like it. It's not perfect but it's still a pretty enjoyable film and David Huddleston (the Big Lebowski in... well, you know) is a great Santa Claus.

The first part is absolutely amazing. The sets, the atmosphere, it's all spectacular. But the best part comes when Santa makes his first Christmas flight.

The main thing that sells the moment in the music composed by Henry Mancini. Want to know how good it is? He makes "Deck the Halls" sound epic!

It's a solid moment and it always gives me goosebumps!

#15:

"It can't be done that way" from Ernest Saves Christmas (1988, dir. John R. Cherry III)

Here's a movie that enters the realm of guilty pleasures. 

Jim Varney's lovable working-class pitchman Ernest P. Worrall in this outing tries to help Santa (Douglas Seale) get his magic bag back to him while he tries to get his replacement - actor Joe Carruthers (Oliver Clark).

Seale - probably most famous for voicing the Sultan in Disney's Aladdin (1992) - is an absolute delight as Kris Kringle. You can tell his version of St. Nick loves his job but he knows that he needs to pass the torch and when asked why he doesn't just continue his duties he explains it in this speech: 

"...what I'm talking about is a torch; a bright, shining torch, that is carried for a while... and then passed on to another. If it's not passed on, the flame flickers and dies. You know, I've carried this torch for more seasons... than I should have done. Because I loved it so much. But now, I've taken to making notes. Well, you can't do it that way. It shouldn't be done that way. It can't be done that way. It's time for someone new. It's time for you, Joe."

I sadly couldn't find a good clip of the full speech in video format but, trust me, if you heard the speech, it would touch your heart. 

Stay tuned for part four!

In the meantime, check out the other posts, and enjoy Mancini's amazing music. 

Honorable mentions, part 1, part 2. 

Favorite Christmas Movie/Special Moments: Part 2

Let's continue!

If you missed part one click the link.

#6:

"Ringle, Ringle" from Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962, dir. Abe Levitow)

Completely forgot about this special when I made the initial list of entries.

One of the reasons I'm including this is because this is one of my Dad's favorite specials. I like watching this with him when I can and it's always enjoyable to watch. I can tell it makes my Dad happy. 

I actually like how the creative team decided to not make this Christmas Carol but with Mr. Magoo (whose main thing is that he's nearsighted). But they actually did make this a version of the classic story where Jim Backus (also known for being in Gilligan's Island) gets to play Scrooge - at least as Magoo.

A highlight of the special is the enjoyable songs by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill. I picked "Ringle, Ringle" because it's Scrooge's song that highlights his progress as a character. The first version is him as the miser, the reprise is sung by the newly reformed Scrooge. 

#7:

The Grinch's smiles from How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966, dir. Chuck Jones)

Now, I'm sure this is a weird thing to highlight in regards to this classic filled with so many memorable moments. There's no shortage of great moments. The amazing Thurl Ravenscroft singing the iconic song from this, the Grinch's heart growing three sizes, and, of course, Boris Karloff's legendary narration.

But the reason I decided to choose highlight two of the Grinch's smiles: his "wonderful, awful idea" smile and his "maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more" smile. The two in particular kind of summarize the journey the Grinch goes on. That first smile summarizes his intentions inspired by his hatred of Christmas but his smile realizing what Christmas is about shows that it's not impossible for some to change. 

Also, I wanted to highlight these because it shows just how amazing Chuck Jones's animation is and it shows the kind of respect he had with Dr. Seuss, who he had worked with before and since this special.

#:

"A choo-choo" from Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (1970, dir. Arthur Rankin Jr. & Jules Bass)

When I was a kid I loved watching these Rankin-Bass specials, I thought they were some of the best Christmas things out there. As an adult, well I've started to notice the cracks and such. But regardless, I still enjoy watching them, if not just for the nostalgic feeling I get watching it. 

With Comin' to Town we get our first of many performances of Mickey Rooney as Santa and it's incredibly iconic. His optimism and generosity are on full display. These notions don't just apply to the kids, he also extends it to the adults as well, at least three of the main characters. Each one is memorable but the one I'm highlighting is the one with the menacing Winter Warlock (voiced by the legendary Keenan Wynn). 

One would think he'd be one of the main antagonists for Kris Kringle but through a simple gesture, he melts the icy heart of this warlock. 

The other two are memorable, the first was to his future wife Jessica (voiced by Robie Lester), the second was a more comedic moment with the main antagonist the Burgermeister Meisterburger (voiced by Paul Frees) getting a yo-yo. 

But the Warlock getting a "choo-choo" shows that sometimes a simple thing like a gift can change someone and mean something significant to them. 

This also leads to a great optimistic number with "Put One Foot in Front of the Other" which always puts a smile on my face.

#9: 

"I Hate People" and "I Like Life" from Scrooge (1970, dir. Ronald Neame)

This is a version of A Christmas Carol that I enjoy watching mainly because of the atmosphere and the songs written and composed by Leslie Bricusse, who has written some many memorable songs they deserve their own post. 

The two songs I highlighted kind of summarize two moods I find myself not only at Christmas but throughout all the year.

"I Hate People" sung by Scrooge (Albert Finney) as he collects money from clients and after being asked for donations from the two gentlemen (Derek Francis and Roy Kinnear respectively). I try to maintain a level of optimism in my life but the way things are nowadays it is hard and I find myself channeling Scrooge some days. 

On the opposite end, we have "I Like Life" sung by the Ghost of Christmas Present - portrayed by the amazing Kennet More. This mood, in particular, comes out during the holiday season despite the troubles and such. 

#10:

"I Could Be Santa Claus" from A Years Without a Santa Claus (1974, dir. Arthur Rankin Jr. & Jules Bass)

I think out of all the Rankin-Bass specials this one has the biggest cult following of these movies. Or at least the Miser Brothers do. While I do enjoy their song - sung by Dick Shawn and George S. Irving respectively - the moment I want to highlight is Mrs. Claus's song.

Mrs. Claus - voiced by Shirley Booth in her final acting role before retirement - has a cute little number where after putting on the Santa hat she feels she could take the reigns, since her hubby is not feeling up to it (mainly because of that a-hole Doctor. Seriously, what was up with him? Tell me he still doesn't work there.)

Oscar-winner Booth brings a great sense of merriment and optimism when it comes to the idea or doing the legendary Christmas ride... unfortunately the special drops this aspect and they go on a way more complicated message.

Well, maybe in the future we'll have Mrs. Claus take up the mantle. Or maybe there's a special I don't know about. But we at least have this cheerful tune. 

Favorite Christmas Movie/Special Moments: Part 1

Let's get this list started!

#1:

"I want to live again!" from It's a Wonderful Life (1946, dir. Frank Capra)

I know it's cliched to pick something from the final part but I'd bet you're surprised I picked this moment. 

I, of course, love the final scene at George Bailey's (James Stewart) house and the "Atta boy, Clarence!" scene. But I love the beginning of George's new lease on life at the bridge. In particular, I love when his face is down, the snow starts to fall, and the music cuts off. Those small moments really help solidify how he got his life back. It's a great happy moment that leads to some of the happiest moments in film history. 

#2:

Speaking Dutch/Signing in Miracle on 34th Street (1947, dir. George Seaton) (1994, dir. Les Mayfield)

I seriously couldn't decide which of these I loved more so I picked both. They both similar and get the same point across - Kris Kringle will find a way to make a kid's day. 

the 40s version is very fitting for the time with Kringle - played by Edmund Gwenn in an Oscar-winning performance (yes, Virginia. Santa has an Oscar)- has him meeting a Dutch refugee who doesn't speak English but knew that Santa would be able to talk to her. And she was right. This scene is also special because it can easily resonate with today's audience. 

In the '94 version, we have a deaf girl and Kris (Richard Attenborough) speaks to her through sign language. Different kind of language barrier but the charm of the scene still stands. By the way, I love hearing stories of actual mall Santas signing to kids.

It doesn't matter where you're from or what language you speak, Santa loves you. 

#3:

Scrooge's Second Chance from Scrooge (1951, dir. Brian Desmond Hurst)

When it comes to tellings of A Christmas Carol this version reigns as one of my favorites and features one of my favorite portrayals of the old miser - Alistair Sims. 

One of the reasons why I love his portrayal is how he acts on Christmas morning. The sheer giddiness on display from him is amazing! And my favorite moment is when he just randomly goes, "I must stand on my head!"

By the way, what I'm about to say applies to all black and white movies and such: Do not get the colorized version! Colorized versions of black and white movies look butt ugly and should not exist!

#4:

The ending monologue in The Twilight Zone: The Night of the Meek (1960, dir. Jack Smight)

My words aren't needed for this. Listen/read Rod Serling's words and be ready to have your heart touched. 

"A word to the wise to all the children of the twentieth century, whether their concern be pediatrics or geriatrics, whether they crawl on hands and knees and wear diapers or walk with a cane and comb their beards. There's a wondrous magic to Christmas and there's a special power reserved for little people. In short, there's nothing mightier than the meek."

#5:

"Maybe it just needs a little love!" from A Charlie Bown Christmas (1965, dir. Bill Melendez)

I know people like to choose Linus's speech about the meaning of Christmas but for me, this is a great moment because it summarizes a lot of what the season is about. Just give a little love especially to those that may need a little extra.

Stay tuned for part two! 

Honorable Mentions here

Follow me on Twitter @DocJohn90 and follow the blog on Facebook.

Favorite Christmas Movie/Special Moments: Honorable Mentions

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Like, many out there, I love a good holiday movie/special. Those movies/specials feature moments that give me that special festive tingle in my soul. Or maybe that's heartburn.

But anyway, throughout the month of December leading up to Christmas, I'll be sharing posts listing off 25 of my favorite moments. I'll be listing them off in chronological order because there was no way I could give them a good list order. Also, I'll be listing them off in five posts with five moments every five days starting on Dec. 1. 

Before the official list starts, I want to share two specials. These two are things that I love watching because of the overall feelings they give off while watching them.

First, is Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964, Dir. Nicholas Webster). 

I love watching the so-good-they're-bad movies and I love that there's plenty of these movies to watch for the holidays. I picked Martians because it's kind of the poster child for these kinds of movies.

I mean, come on, just read the title!

But I do also think there are some good things about it, mainly John Call's charming portrayal as Santa Claus. One of the best things about the movie is that it's in the public domain, so it's easy to find! 

I also recommend the riffings of this movie by Mystery Science Theater 3000 and Rifftrax. They've riffed other holiday movies and shorts of this quality and I can't recommend them enough. I also recommend Linkara of Atop the Fourth Wall's take on the comic book version of it. Yes, seriously there was a comic adaptation of it. 

The other honorable mention goes to A Muppet Family Christmas (1987, dir. Peter Harris). 

It has this magnificent cheesy family Christmas special vibe that they just don't make anymore. But then again, I'm not sure anything can top this when it comes to the feel and the crossover spectacle! 

Seriously, before the latest Avengers movie, this was the most daring crossover! 

Thankfully there are some lovely people who've uploaded it to Youtube.

So there's the beginning of this crazy list. Stay tuned for me. 

In the meantime, enjoy this compilation of classic holiday commercials. 

Thanks for reading. Follow me on Twitter @DocJohn90 and like the blog on Facebook. 

Double Feature Review: A Star Is Born (2018) and First Man (2018)

In this double feature review, we take a look at two major awards contenders. One is the fourth version of a classic story, the other is the story of one of America's greatest heroes. 

A Star Is Born (2018)

D: Bradley Cooper

W: Eric Roth, Cooper, Will Fetters

Based on screenplays by Moss Hart, John Gregory Dunne, Joan Didion, Frank Pierson, William A. Wellman, and Robert Carson

C: Cooper, Lady Gaga, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chapelle, Sam Elliott

PLOT: "Seasoned musician Jackson Maine discovers—and falls in love with—struggling artist Ally. She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer—until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally’s career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons." (From Letteboxd.com)

I was originally thinking of holding off writing a review for this until I watched all three of the previous films but I thought I might as well go ahead and review it. Also, there's no shortage of comparison articles and videos. 

One of the best I've seen was by the Youtube channel Be Kind Rewind. 

Also, this film should stand on its own. So, let's just look at this film as it is. 

First I have to acknowledge this film apparently a victim of production hell. 

Talks of it going as far back as 2011, Clint Eastwood was attached as the director with Beyonce playing the lead - and that's a sentence I never thought I'd say. 

They also went through leads including Christian Bale, Will Smith, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tom Cruise. 

But now, after seven years of talks, we have this film with Bradley Cooper in the role previously held by Frederic March, James Mason, and Kris Kristofferson, and Lady Gaga filling the big shoes previously worn by Janet Gaynor, Judy Garland, and Barbara Streisand. 

This film is spectacular. 

As I indicated in a previous post I was at first a bit unsure about the film due to it being a remake and starring Lady Gaga. Of course, I overcame that because I remembered I don't have as much hatred for remakes and I do actually like Lady Gaga.

Both Gaga and Bradley Cooper have really good chemistry in this film which kind of makes up for scenes that come off as a bit rushed, to me. 

I'm still amazed at how well Gaga pulls off playing an average girl before becoming the mega-pop star. I say that because... well... have you seen Lady Gaga? This is a woman whose music contains some of the most lyrics and the videos consist of bizarre imagery. Then, of course, there are the dresses she's worn at red carpet events and such. Like, this is stuff she had to plan in advance to becoming a mega-star. 

But she does a great with the performance in playing both the pre-fame version of Ally and the superstar version. 

Cooper, also does a great job with playing the weary rockstar and with the directing. There are a few moments where the pacing seems a bit off, but there are some brilliantly directed scenes. Including one scene that will probably be the subject of a Little Moment, Big Meaning. 

I think Cooper has a good future as a director. 

The film also features some spectacular supporting performances with Sam Elliott, Dave Chapelle, and Andrew Dice Clay - seriously!

Then there's the music! Shallows, Always Remember Us This Way, and the rest are great! Even the "sellout" songs are enjoyable at least. 

Any problems I have with the movie are relatively minor and don't really take away from the whole experience. 

I'm sure I'll get around to watching the other films. I definitely see this getting nominated for several awards, especially for the music. 

SCORE: 4/5

First Man (2018)

D: Damien Chazelle

W: Josh Singer, based on First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong by James R. Hansen

C: Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Corey Stoll, Ciarán Hinds, Christopher Abbott, Patrick Fugit, Lukas Haas

PLOT: "A look at the life of the astronaut, Neil Armstrong (Gosling), and the legendary space mission that led him to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969." (From Letterboxd.com)

Oscar winner Damien Chazelle continues his streak of directing top-notch films by going out of the realm of jazz centered films. 

I'm a bit surprised it took this long to get a movie made about Neil Armstrong and the moon landing ... that aren't based around stupid conspiracy theories. 

I f**king love this shot!

I guess what's kept it from happening is the idea of whether or not the filmmakers who do the event any justice. Thankfully, I think Chazelle and write Josh Singer did a great job with this. 

Now, apparently, this movie is "controversial" to some - mainly people like Senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio - in that they don't show the American flag being planted on the moon. These people deemed it "unpatriotic." 

Fellow film lover Jake Hamilton thoroughly rips this claim to shreds in his review for Fox 32 News in Chicago. Link can be found here. By the way, Jake is definitely a film critic you should follow. 

But what about the movie itself? Chazelle does a great job with showing the moments of self-doubt that Armstrong may have had while training and taking parts in this space flights.

One of my favorite things about the film is how they decided to keep Armstrong a sort of blank slate with his emotions. I think this is tied around with the fact that Armstrong himself was a very quiet and humble man. This is in stark contrast to his co-astronaut Buzz Aldrin (Corey Stoll) who is blunter with his thoughts and feelings. At one point in the movie, he says, "I'm just saying what everyone is thinking" to which Armstrong says, "Maybe you shouldn't." That pretty much summarizes it. 

This is more of a character drama about Armstrong and his family. Earlier on in the movie, we see Armstrong care for his younger daughter Karen who is dying of cancer. During that we see him try to find the best way to treat her even looking at traveling to Canada to treat her. Ultimately, his daughter dies and it definitely broke him but keeps his emotions bottled up and only cries after secluding himself in his office. 

This stuff and moments of self-doubt about science especially after the multiple failed NASA flights really gives us a compelling drama about a man who wants to go forth but is worried it'll go wrong. 

There's also a great scene where his wife Janet (Claire Foy) at first tries to just be the supportive wife and mother but eventually can't contain her frustrations over Neil keeping things to himself and not talking to his sons about the dangers he faces. When she confronts him about the likelihood of him dying he starts to give statistics to which she replies with, "I don't want a f**king number!"

It's a powerful moment and Foy delivers a spectacular performance here. 

But it shows that in those moments of doubt and worry that these men at NASA are incredibly dedicated they were to this task that was seen as impossible and worthless. 

One of my favorite scenes of the movie is when Armstrong boards and launches Gemini 8 mission. For a lot of it, we see it from his point of view, and this was one of the most effective uses of it. Combining that with the sound design and editing, it truly is the closest I'll get to space travel. 

Much like A Star Is Born, any complaints about the film are minor. 

This is totally a film worth checking out, especially if you can see it in RPX or IMAX.

SCORE: 4.5/5

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