Category: Christmas

Christmas Film Advent- Rare Exports A Christmas Story (2010)

Watch your mouth! It’s Christmastime, so let’s act like it

Length: 1 hr 25

Rating: 15

About: A young boy named Pietari (Onni Tommila) and his friend Juuso (Ilmari Järvenpää) think a secret mountain drilling project near their home in northern Finland has uncovered the tomb of Santa Claus. However, this a monstrous, evil Santa, much unlike the cheery St. Nick of legend. When Pietari’s father (Jorma Tommila) captures a feral old man (Peeter Jakobi) in his wolf trap, the man may hold the key to why reindeer are being slaughtered and children are disappearing.

First Thoughts

Rare Exports first came on my radar when it appeared on YouTube as a self contained short. It was something rather different. The training of feral Santa’s was unsettling in a weirdly good way. It perhaps was one of my first explorations into Christmas horror and the film itself became a Christmas Eve watch for me and my brother once our dad had gone to bed. Which year is was, I’ll leave to my brother to inform me.

I don’t remember the inclusion of what I would come to call Krampus (Joulupukki in Rare Exports) in the short and I’m definitely certain this was my introduction to the anti Santa.

The Naughty List

  • It’s length is a doubled edged sword. While a short film, it’s pacing is rather slow compared to the film short that preceded it. You feel every minute of celluloid. Some minutes even feel doubled. Watching it this time, I was able to appreciate how this creates atmosphere and comments upon a different lifestyle than the one I’m used to living, but when I watched it the first time; it felt like Rosemary’s Baby all over again.
  • It won’t feel very Christmassy to some when you consider that the profession of the main family is to kill Rudolph for its meat. The film could risk dampening your Christmas spirit, depending on your outlook. Me? I’d eat Rudolph for Christmas dinner if he tasted good.

The Nice List

  • It’s a short film at 82 minutes and if I was well versed in the original language it would feel even shorter than it already does.
  • Subtitles aren’t for everyone. Even I sometimes veto a film on original language alone, the only thing I hate more being a poor dub. Original language films get my attention better when I’m in a cinema and free of all distractions. That said, I would never want to see this film given a Hollywood treatment; it’s more about the culture and mythology than anything else.
  • The kid (Onni Tommila) holds his own in the film and it’s quite refreshing to have a young lead in this type of film.
  • I know this is stupid thing to pick up on, but I loved seeing Pietari using nails in a candle as an alarm clock. It’s such a vivid image that immediately came to mind before I started my rewatch.

Final Thoughts

It’s not one for the whole family and certainly one that would make very few people’s regular festive viewing. That said, with the lifestyle Swedish and Finnish becoming popular within the UK, this should be on everyone’s list to ensure they’re of an understanding that life isn’t all about hygge hipster bullshit that’s now bordering on a stereotype.

Christmas Film Advent- Trading Places (1983)

“You know, it occurs to me that the best way you hurt rich people is by turning them into poor people.”

Length: 1 hr 58
Rating: 15
About: Upper-crust executive Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd) and down-and-out hustler Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) are the subjects of a bet by successful brokers Mortimer (Don Ameche) and Randolph Duke (Ralph Bellamy). An employee of the Dukes, Winthorpe is framed by the brothers for a crime he didn’t commit, with the siblings then installing the street-smart Valentine in his position. When Winthorpe and Valentine uncover the scheme, they set out to turn the tables on the Dukes.

First Thoughts

I know I’ve seen this before at some point. I’m just not sure why I’ve not made it a regular watch. On the surface it checks all the boxes, so I wasn’t sure why it never made regular billing like holiday staples such as Die Hard and Home Alone.

The Naughty List

  • There’s a few too many breast on show for my liking. Not sure about anyone else, but the only breasts I’m after at Christmas are those that can be found on a turkey. The 80s was rife with the gratuitous topless scene, and Trading Places is no exception. When you’ve got ‘Scream Queen’ J-T dropping clothes not once, it becomes trite and unnecessary. Of course, there will be many who completely disagree! 
  •  Based on the current climate, I predict this film being put on society’s naughty list alongside Baby it’s Cold Outside within a few years. While I’m not one for censorship, there are a few scenes that aren’t appropriate and made me cringe. To contextualise, it was the 80s and even Mystic Meg didn’t see the revolution of political correctness coming.
  • So, where are the issues? There’s a few niggles throughout and I didn’t like the use of the N-word, even if it had been long established that the dude who said it was a knob. However, my biggest problem lies within the final act. Who on earth thought black-face Dan Akroyd was a good idea? Or funny? I’m sure it was fine at the time, but I’d very much like to edit it out.

The Nice List

  • Quite possibly one of the best life swap movies out there. Not only does it comment upon social status, elitism that money festers in the world and the dangers of power but it at least tries to explore the pitfalls of the race divide. While to today’s eyes, it only appears to be an attempt, I still can appreciate how brave it may have appeared at the time.
  • It’s funny, its clever and its wonderfully retro. From the computers to the price of money, it’s all now so far removed for this to no longer seem cutting edge, but still sharp enough to be saying something.
  •  Dan Akroyd is on top form as an Ivy Leaguer with a silver spoon in his mouth. While there’s elements of his goofiness in the later half of the proceedings, its the stiff and proper gentleman that’s a brilliant touch. It’s like seeing Chris Barrie in the role of Rimmer after watching him play Mr Brittas.
  • Brody! Wow, how was Denholm Elliot ever cast as Alfred or Q is beyond me. What I love so much about his role in Trading Places is that he gets to play the ‘stuffy’ British stereotype who gets to break the convention and have fun with it. His straight faced interaction with the downtrodden Akroyd is pure brilliance.
  • Jamie-Leigh Curtis runs laps around Julia Roberts for the prostitute with the heart of gold. She’s delightful, intelligent and the perfect partner in crime for Akroyd. Their chemistry is better than most of their modern counterparts. 

Final Thoughts

It’s a dated festive film and there are bits that I’m not entirely sold on, but while the PC police are up in arms, I will be fighting for this film to stay on everyone’s Christmas viewing list.

Christmas Film Advent- Surviving Christmas (2004)

“Some things cannot be unseen.”

Length: 1 hr 31
Age: 12
About: A wealthy executive, Drew Latham (Ben Affleck) has no close relationships and becomes nostalgic for his childhood home as Christmas approaches. When he visits the house and finds another family living there, he offers the residents, Tom Valco (James Gandolfini) and his wife, Christine (Catherine O’Hara), a large sum of money to pretend they are his parents. Soon Drew tests the couple’s patience, and, when their daughter, Alicia (Christina Applegate), arrives, things get increasingly tense.

The Naughty List

  • Little heavy on the incest and porn jokes. Which is funny, for the first one or five. For such an uplifting film, it just seems unnecessary to lay it on so thick. Either it needs to be toned down, or diversely amped up in order to earn a 15 rating.
  • Thank god Jennifer Morrison realised these dipstick princess were not how she wanted to spend her acting career and landed two plump roles on prime time TV. She’s just not believable as the pampered Legally Blonde wannabe and is nothing more than fingernails on a blackboard the entire time she’s on screen.

The Nice List

  • James Gandolfini is a grumpy delight in this comedy. He’s the perfect chalk to Ben Affleck’s cheese. He’s downright perfect and, in all honesty, I’d happily have had more of him in the film.
  • Catherine O’Hara is the Queen of Christmas. I couldn’t think of anyone better in the role of the mother. She is able to roll with the unusual scenario and sass everyone while doing so.
  •  The plot has a heart underneath its strangeness. At the root of the plot is family and while playing pretend, something real came home. Working with what could perhaps be considered a clique, Surviving Christmas manages to make something new and charming. Even with Ben Affleck circa twat in the lead.
  • Its really funny and the chuckles don’t come from the ruder portions of the film. 

Checking it Twice

I’m still not sold on Ben Affleck in the lead. He works well with the cast and there’s a nice chemistry with Christina Applegate, however I want to punch him in the face most of the time he’s on the screen. I think I would have enjoyed it better had someone like Adam Sandler or Jason Bateman. That said, Affleck handles the heartfelt reveal really well and does show potential that’ll recognised fully in 2012 with an Oscar nod for his role in Argo.

Final Thoughts

It’s a fun film that is a little flawed, but will always be charming enough to stay on the festive watch list.

Han x

Christmas Film Advent- Scrooge (1970)

“You said I can’t have none of them, so I might as well like them all.”

PG
2 Hr
About: 
Ebenezer Scrooge (Albert Finney) is the definition of a miser. He is rich, but completely stingy with his money, and he exploits the good nature of his employee Bob Cratchit (David Collings). On Christmas Eve, however, Scrooge is in store for a rude awakening when he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley (Alec Guinness), who informs him that he is going to be visited by three ghosts, including the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Edith Evans) and Present (Kenneth More).

First Thought

The second Christmas Carol of the advent and another I’ve not seen before. 

Naughty List

  • I love Albert Finney so it pains me to say that I really didn’t enjoy his performance. He’s too much of a miser and I don’t quite believe his change of heart. His portrayal jars with the levity that the songs bring to the tale.
  • Speaking of the music; I hate it. It’s very Oliver-esque and I’ve soured towards this style of musical over the years. It’s just a little to high pitched and ‘happy’ for my liking.
  • The additional scenes don’t add anything to the character’s development. For example, the diversion Scrooge takes to bully the people who owe his company money. It detracts from Scrooge’s conflict and makes me struggle to see him as a redeemable character.

Nice List

  • We have an adorable Tiny Tim. I feel the loss of this one a little more than the 1951 version and I can understand Bob’s turmoil a little more.
  • The colours and cinematography is enjoyably psychedelic and remind me of Christmas as a child; a kitsch Christmas card and those ceiling decorations. It doesn’t really fit with the film, but it sits comfortably as the definition of Christmas and I’m sold.

Final Thoughts

It’s an inoffensive version of the film, that pales in comparison of the Simm’s delightful offering. It’s a shame because the bar was set unreasonably high with last weeks retelling. 

Christmas Film Advent- Elf (2003)

“You sit on a throne of lies”

PG
Watched via Prime Video
Length: 1 Hr 37
About: 
Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.

First Thoughts

I hated this film the first time I’d seen it. Will Farrell was an adult and it didn’t sit right with me the childlike nature he ran around New York with. I found it hideous and as far from funny as any film could be.
However, over the years I’ve warmed to it, and Farrell.  One of the last time’s I watched it was as part of a movie marathon inside the Prince Charles Cinema and it was a delightful was to end the night.

Nice List

  • Now I know who Farrell is, this is a charming and adorable film. Farrell, as Buddy, is able to bring to the role an element of child-like idiocy that he is well known for. He brings joy and laughter that ensures its a fan favourite for many.
  • The cast is rounded out by some amazing people; James Caan and Bob Newhart are the perfect straight face actors to compliment Farrell’s insanity.
  • The films progression through the story is well paced and with enough humour to keep it from stalling. The final act’s action sequence is a stroke of genius and who doesn’t love a cameo from pre-GOT Dinkledge!

Naughty List

  • I’m not certain there’s enough chemistry between Farrell and the barely recognisable Zooey Deschanel. It’s a shame because I remember her presence was one of the film’s saving grace’s, but now she grates.
  • I’m still not sold completely on Farrell as Buddy. The only reason why it’s not passable is because he’s a household name. I’m certain if it was an unknown in his place, I’d struggle with the story and question how wholesome it is.

Final Thoughts

It’s a lighthearted and sickly sweet. It’s perfect for a post shop watch and I’ll happily watch it again this Christmas.

Christmas Film Advent- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

“Nobody’s walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas.”

Length: 1 hr 37
About: 
The Griswold family’s plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.

Making Way for Christmas Vacation

Have you ever hated a film? No, not hate; loath. Yes, okay I guess that’s a given. Everyone has a film they’ve watched that they’ve not liked. How about a film you’ve hated with a passion without watching more than a few clips?! Yep, that’s me and this film. It borders on irrational, so hear me out before you judge.
1. Chevy Chase scared the crap out of me. I called him being part of Operation Yewtree before that was even a thing. I couldn’t explain why I thought he was sleaze, but I couldn’t shake it.
2. My dad stopped me from watching Johnathan Creek one Christmas because he wanted to watch Vacation. My argument that he had it on video wasn’t enough and when I decided I’d record the permed detective’s Christmas special it was decided we’d watch one of the films we’d bought instead. Me, being a teenager and a stubborn Capricorn laid the blame at the film’s door and my hatred for the film i’d never seen built further.
3. My brother knows how to push my buttons. He finds a weakness and exploits it. Thing is, its quite fun. So knowing my hatred of this film and knowing I had declared I’d never watch a single second of it, he conceived a rather funny Christmas tradition.
It was rather subtle at first. A dvd of the film which I gifted to a friend when they’d said they were in the mood to watch it early the following Christmas. A sigh of relief was had until (and I should have seen this coming), I unwrapped another copy come Christmas morning.
The following year, I hadn’t bothered to check the shelves and it turned out he’d pulled it off there and gifted it to me, again. I thought I’d learned my lesson for the following Christmas; DVD in hand, I scanned the shelves. Not that it matters; it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Two years ago, I opened the dvd with indifference. I’m guessing its what triggered my brother to change his tactics. I spent my birthday with him that year. Upon sitting down to open my presents I had what I can only describe as a learned response to seeing a wrapped dvd among everything else. Good on him, his indigence at my suspicion was nothing short of Oscar worthy.  There is was ‘Christmas Vacation 2″. 

So, I think it took my brother by surprise last year when I had offered to go see the film in the Prince Charles if they had a screening while he was over. Alas, they didn’t so we had to settle for me digging out one of the many copies I own on DVD.

The Nice List

  • Chevy isn’t the creeper I always thought him to be; on screen at least. I’m so done making comments on actor’s in that respect because over the past few years it has seemed that no one is clear or free from accusations. Clark Griswold is a rather likable character who has reasonable wants for the Christmas holiday. He’s actually what makes the movie and its his Christmas spirit that will have me watching it somewhat sporadically over the coming years.
  • It is funny. I can’t deny it, I do kick myself a little at leaving it so long to watch it. That said, I think the humour would have gone over my head on the most part when I was younger, so in one respect I was watching it at the right time.
  • You don’t need to see the other Vacation movies. While perhaps you might be more attached to the characters, you don’t lose anything by seeing it as a stand alone.

The Naughty List

  • It’s not really a movie. It feels more like an extended episode of Saturday Night Live; sketches stitched together a little too loosely. It feels a little clunky, a little dry and in need of a script redraft to give it more of a plot.

Final Thoughts

The film is okay, but the banter I had with my brother was much more fun.

Christmas Film Advent – Trapped in Paradise (1994)

“I detect resistance”

Length: 1 Hr 51
About: 
Residents of a friendly Pennsylvania town foil three brothers’ plan to rob a bank on Christmas Eve.

Naughty List

  • I’ve never been a fan of John Lovitz. I can’t quite put my finger on what it is, but he is the human equivalent of nails on a blackboard. He’s the American Joe Pasquale.
  • It’s too long and slow. The action sequences are brilliant, but there’s no pace or urgency between the set pieces. It would be fine if there was enough character development, but I didn’t feel there was enough to warrant the pace.

Nice List

  • Who doesn’t love a Nic Cage film?! Especially when he is being his impossibly wacky self. So many meme worthy facial expressions and unique verbal inflections that even if it was a rubbish plot, I’d sit through it again and again.
  • Cage’s character makes for quite a wonderful journey. The final act decision to head back to Paradise to redeem himself is rather charming, if not a little off set by the delivery of most of his lines.
  • The best part about this film though is Dana Carvey. Not at the start; he annoyed the hell out of me. However, when his character, Alvin, steps up and speaks out against Lovitz’ Dave, he becomes a less goofy, much more sympathetic character.

Final Thoughts

I’m happy to have watched it, but I can also see why its not a film I was aware of. With a good edit to cut it down to the 90 minute mark it might be a more digestible watch.

Christmas Film Advent- Santa Claws (2014)

“I’m old enough to decide if I celebrate Christmas or not.”

Length: 1 Hr 26
About: 
Santa is allergic to cats, but Tommy has been so good this year he decides to bring him a kitten for Christmas. When Santa has an allergic attack, the kitties have to take over the sleigh to deliver all the presents.

It’s 3am, I can’t sleep and I’m not quite ready to put on a ‘proper’ film. Now my cat is sat glued to the TV watching this kitten focused festive offering. For that alone, it’s worth the watch.

It’s hard to not watch this with a different mindset; its clear from the outset that it is not of the same quality as other films I’ve watched. However, this is not the sort of film that is wanting reviews comparing it to the countless Scrooge incarnations.

What it comes down to, is not how dire the plot might be or how many times I cringed. It doesn’t even matter if  special effects are ropy or the acting is top notch. What matters is if the target audience will love it. Parent’s, I give you warning; don’t show this film to your little ones without being prepared for it being the only thing you watch.

For a kid, its fun, cute and the plot doesn’t matter. The three kittens running about and causing mischief will entertain and engage. For the fury felines, just pop it on as your leaving the house. When you return, you’ll discover that your kitten hasn’t moved anything other than its head. Cassius’ head followed the kittens from start to finish.

Christmas Film Advent- Krampus (2015)

“It’s like Martha Stewart threw up in here.”

Length: 1Hr 38
About: 
A boy who has a bad Christmas ends up accidentally summoning a festive demon to his family home.

First Thoughts

I missed this in the cinema and I was gutted. I’d tried to get a few people together to watch it but I quickly discovered my friends aren’t horror people. I watched it late night one evening the following Christmas and wasn’t too impressed. However, to quote a much loved podcast, I’ve just looked at it with fresh eyes and I’m pleasantly surprised to discover I’ve had a change of heart.

On the Naughty List

  • I don’t like Adam Scott. It’s a personal thing and I put my first viewing misery down to putting up with his face. However, I will say he does a good job as a put down grown up boy scout made to step it up and protect his sheep. crew
  • The second act shifts the tone, and while I love how it brings the horror with the journey of the daughter, I do feel as if the film missed a trick with how it used its music. I found it a little too loud to invoke any sort of atmosphere. I perhaps would have preferred for the snow to bring an absence of sound rather than an excess. However, I love the use Christmas bells and later the film does explain why there was wind.
  • Aside from the creepy as Christmas cookies, I found the Krampus crew a little on the wrong side of silly. While the helpers bring with them a punchy action sequence, it reminded me that sometimes horror works best when they leave some things to the imagination.

On the Nice List 

  • I love the opening and the whole first act. From that icy themed Universal logo and the music fitting of a festive family comedy to the ‘Christmas time’ tropes and the offset tone of the movie. It sets me on edge knowing that this is a dark and twisted horror.
  • Most of the cast are on the approved list. I love Toni Collette; she’s a versatile actress but her strength is certainly horror and Krampus is no exception. There’s also the added surprise of Two and a Half Men’s Conchata Ferrell as Aunt Dot; her dry humour is a welcome addition to the proceedings, even if she wasn’t welcome at the Christmas home.
  • Emjay Anthony plays the protagonist and catalyst for the narrative. He’s a delightful young actor who seems beyond his years. While I welcomed other familiar facing, I don’t doubt he could have carried the film without them.
  • The German grandma and her animated back story are something I’m not certain I caught in my first watch and they are quite magical. I spent the film, both times, waiting for the lovely lady to become a type of demon and it really did keep me on edge.

That ending

I’m still not certain of what I feel about the ending.
Part of me wishes it ended with Max being left alone and the narration from Omi’s tale, reminding the audience that Krampus spares one as a reminder. Another was proud of Max for fighting for his family and was curious to how it would resolve.
Then it all goes tits up and we get a ‘it was all a dream sequence’. Yes, it’s a double bluff, but it goes on too long for me which is a shame as I’d be all up for it with the right execution. 

Final Thoughts

Better than I remembered and I’ll watch it again, but there’s some tweaks I’d need to make for it to be a regular watch.

Christmas Film Advent- On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

“This never happened to the other fellow.”

Length: 2Hr 22
About: 
James Bond woos a mob boss’s daughter and goes undercover to uncover the true reason for Blofeld’s allergy research in the Swiss Alps that involves beautiful women from around the world.

Me Before Bond
I was never a Bond girl. It was there on ITV on a saturday afternoon and it may have kept my attention until the next ad break, but I certainly didn’t go out of my way to watch an Ian Flemming adaptation until Daniel Craig earned his 007 status in 2006’s Casino Royale.
I am however a legacy Bond girl. Without this franchise, I would not have Austin Powers or Kingsman: The Secret Service to love and enjoy so it’s only give this festive outing a shot.

The Ugly

There are quite a few bits that didn’t sit comfortably with me. While I’m aware that it is reflective of the time, Bond’s treatment of women within the whole film hits the wrong tone for modern times and my viewing pleasure. From the slap Diana Rigg takes, her not only being ‘bought’ by Bond but ‘sold’ by her father, to Bond’s Playboy theft and his late night bedroom hoping with Blofeld’s test subjects. It all is tasteless and dated that I struggled to engaged from the outset. 

The biggest problem that draws more attention to the above problem is that I am not sold on George Lazenby as James Bond. He lacks charm and that certain something that allows the character to blend in while standing out to the audience. There are a number of scenes early one, namely while at the casino I lose Lazenby within everyone else in the scene. Far from charismatic, Bond feels sleazy and cheap; for example, does a man who I’m meant to believe can get any woman to drop her knickers for him really need to steal a Playboy centerfold? Diana Rigg has more presence than Lazenby and a Bond girl should never outshine the protagonist.

The Bad

It’s a rather clunky affair. The opening feels as if I’d walked in on the film having missed the first twenty minutes; I never understood why Rigg’s Tracy was in the water and in need of Bond’s rescue nor did I have the inclination to find out.
The link between Tracy’s father, Blofeld and Bond’s actual mission seemed very messy and required a little too much focus for what I’m used to with a Bond movie. I’m aware that I’ve been spoiled with what has become a filmic formula, but I’d take that over this any day.

The Good

I know it’s not the way it’s meant to go, but I loved seeing tropes in this film that became nods to the franchise in films like Austin Powers and Kingsman. From the snowy cable car accessed facility, Blofeld’s iconic wardrobe to Bond’s shirt frill.
Dianna Rigg was a wonderful bit of casting. While her chemistry with Lazenby was lacking and I would argue the films plot didn’t warrant so much screen time for her character, I enjoyed every second she was on screen.
I also loved the very opening scene; the one between M and Q. It had a feel of Shakespeare in the sense that we learnt a lot about our main character through these two, much in the same way Hamlet opens.
I will also say that it was a bold way to end the film. It was a refreshing how downbeat the end was and it actually has made me want to see if this plot point is picked back up in the next installment.

Final Thoughts

A little too dated for my taste and not enough Christmas within it to be part of a future Christmas line up, but I can see why die hard fans would enjoy this 00 outing and relish putting it within their Christmas line up.

Christmas Movie Advent- Tim Burton’s A Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

“But once a calamity ever so great occurred
When two Holidays met by mistake.”


Length: 1Hr 16
About: The film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the “real world.” When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all bright colors and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life — he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role. But Jack soon discovers even the best-laid plans of mice and skeleton men can go seriously awry.

This is an interesting film for me as I am possibly incorrectly remembering my mum banning my brother from taking me to see this film at the cinema and is perhaps how we ended up seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger fronted Junior (and even if it’s not, brother, it’s the story we’re going with! I watched Junior under protest). I won’t lie; at the time I LOVED good ol’ Arnie waddling around and pretending to be knocked up with Emma Thompson’s baby. But time has not been kind to that film and I’m not certain I’d be able to sit through it now.
It was the year after, when the film aired on my neighbour’s coveted cable, that I hazily remember seeing this film for the first time and not being completely enamored as I thought I’d be. That’s not to say 9 year old me had any taste when it came to films; I loathed Lion King the first time I saw that too.
So it’s quite curious actually that despite never declaring my love of Tim Burton’s cult, and contentiously festive, classic and probably never seeing it more than a handful of times I’ve been gratefully inundated with Jack Skellington based gifts. There are certainly other films of Burton’s that I regard much higher; Sleepy Hollow still hangs on in my ultimate top 10 films and Beetlejuice is not far away from being in it either. This has been my second viewing this year; I’d just finished watching it with my film club in school as part of our Halloween viewing so it’s been interesting watching it with Christmas in mind.

The Good

The stop motion is stunning. Jack is such a perfect character; both as a piece of artwork and as protagonist who is conflicted. While Tim Burton is only credited as the screenwriter on the project, it truly fits within his world. There’s elements that tie this up with Beetlejuice and other films in Burton’s catalogue. I can’t deny that visually, this film is a masterpiece.
Being a musical is a bit of a double edged sword for me, but for now I’ll concentrate on the positives. While I haven’t watched this all that much, I have listened to the soundtrack to death. Danny Elfman stands, for me, alongside the great John Williams for having an instantly recognisable style. Elfman has created beautiful imagery within the songs that they do stand strong away from the visual aspects of the story. There’s a wonderful homage to Beetlejuice within the film’s instrumental suite that I just adore and pulls me into this world further by implying the films are universally linked.
My favourite song will always be Kidnap the Sandy Claws sung by the trio; Lock, Shock and Barrel. Its a underrated song, but has all the charm, fun and blend of both holidays. That’s not to say I haven’t saved any love for the fan favourites, This is Halloween and What’s This?

The Bad

I’m not certain it’s a kid’s film or one that fits within Disney’s branding. Which fits, as it was originally released under the Touchstone banner. It’s rather dark; visually and tonally. I’m not sure when I was a kid I was able to appreciate the approach taken by it. I’d also be weary of showing it to any children I may, or may not, have for fear of scaring them.

The Ugly (Truth)

This, I am certain, will be an unpopular opinion but this doesn’t work as a film for me. The dialogue between the songs doesn’t quite have the punch that I need to keep me engaged with the narrative. And that’s saying something when it’s run time is 76 minutes; you can’t even get a Hobbit out of the Shire in that amount of cinematic time.
Its actually frustrating because the story is there, visually I am enchanted and I want to love it, but it’s those damn songs. They actually outshine, rather than compliment and it should never be that way.

Final Thoughts

So, I’m fond of that skeleton man. I’ll keep pining after the cookie jar the Disney Store bring out every year like Wayne Campbell after the Fender Excalibur, but I will always listen to the soundtrack before watching the movie.

 Han x

Christmas Film Advent- Christmas Carol (1951)

“There’s more gravy than grave about you”

Length: 1 Hr 27
About: Crotchety Victorian businessman Ebenezer Scrooge (Alastair Sim) has no use for festivity, even at Christmas. After resentfully allowing timid clerk Bob Cratchit (Mervyn Johns) to have the holiday to spend with his loving wife (Hermione Baddeley) and family, Scrooge is swept into a nightmare. The ghost of his late partner, Jacob Marley (Michael Hordern), appears, warning that Ebenezer will be visited by three more spirits who will show the cold hearted man the error of his parsimonious behavior.

If there’s ever a film that demonstrates the exact reason why remakes are redundant, this is it. 

The Good

I don’t actually know where to start. It’s not shiny, new or sickly sweet and I adore it. Alastair Sim is the Scrooge I never knew I needed; the bitterness that often comes across as one note is layered and tinged with such a regret that I feel for him, even before the supernatural visitors that will change his outlook.
 The famous Marley scene in which Scrooge is met with his late partner is nothing short of masterful; the music and sound effects are chilling, the acting is on point and Marley’s ghost is more realistic that the ghosts seen in 2016’s Ghostbusters. Sure, you can tell its some sort of camera trickery, but that is all part of its charm.
What caught my attention with this version was the religious commentary throughout. If you asked me to state one line from Christmas Carol, it would undoubtedly be ‘God bless us, everyone.’ Yet, I’ve never really considered it a religious film at all. Yet, the premise itself is one of salvation; Marley, knowing what awaits his friend sends Scrooge on a journey to save his soul. It’s a beautiful message that demonstrates a truer meaning of Christmas than any other film could ever address. 

The Bad

This isn’t so much a bad, but more of a sad. We spend so much time with the ghost of Christmas Past, and yet the Present and Future seem nothing more than fleeting lip service. It’s a shame because it’s quite clear a lot of his change in view happens within the latter two ghosts that its hard not to feel. in hindsight, a little overdosed by exposition. Of course, at the time I was just happy to see how the story played out.
Then, there’s the matter of what the ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows dear Ebenezer. It’s hard to make out at first when the audience arrives at the Rag and Bone man’s shop who the three people are talking about with such disregard. Then you feel the knot tighten in your stomach and you hope that your suspicions are not going to be right. It’s the curtains that give it away; they’ve ransacked Ebenezer’s house for all its worth. It makes for an interesting contrast to Scrooge’s treatment of Marley’s estate, but this is something that has been overlooked in modern retellings. I can see why; its a dark, ashamedly realistic, portrayal of humanity. It, again, is here in the bad not because it shouldn’t be there, but because it pulled me up short. I’m certain its exactly how Scrooge would have felt hearing it.

The Ugly

Not something about children again?! Yes, I’m afraid so. Only, this time our leading man is free and clear of my wrath. This time my issue is with Tiny Tim. What the hell?! Aren’t I meant to feel sorry for the character whose described in ways that are no longer politically correct?! The actor they’ve got is an over acting little shit and I all but cheer at the future that sees him buried in a ‘lovely’ patch with shade.
That’s not how Tiny Tim should be; you should understand his popularity within the Cratchit household and feel the insurmountable loss that his absence brings with it.
Luckily, he isn’t burdened with my favourite line and outside of Christmas present, the actor’s lines are kept to a minimum and I can pretend he’s cuter than he really is.

Final thoughts

This film has not only shot to the top of my Scrooge/ Christmas Carol movies, ousting long standing Murray from his perch, it currently is claiming top spot of the all the movies watched so far this advent. I’ll be honest, it’s going to take something amazing to replace it.
I’m off to watch Lethal Weapon on my phone; the internet won’t play night and stream the Gibson festive offering on my TV. Humbug!

Good night and god bless us, everyone x