Film Review “Arthur Christmas”

Directed by: Sarah Smith
Starring: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton,
Ashley Jensen, Ramona Marquez
Distributed by: Columbia Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG
Running time: 97 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The holidays seasons are here and that means new Christmas movies. For kids that weren’t able to see “A Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas”, this is the film for them. “Arthur Christmas” is fun for the whole family. It is very colorful and funny for kids and it is witty for adults. The film also mixes in a little flavor of sci-fi with the whole spaceship/sleigh. I caught the film presented in 3D and I thought it was just OK and could have been seen in 2D, without losing anything. The story is fun, the voice cast is fantastic and it also has some great heart.

The story of “Arthur Christmas” follows Santa Clause and his family as we see the behind the scenes of what happened on the night Santa delivers the presents to the children of the world. We meet Arthur who is the clumsy son of Santa but he has a real heart for the spirit of Christmas. His older brother Steve is running the show behind the scenes helping Santa with his high tech equipment but ends up missing one child. Arthur sets out on a journey with the help of Grandsanta to deliver that one gift and shows what Christmas is all about.

The voice of Arthur is played by James McAvoy. He is funny and very likable. Hugh Laurie, aka Fox’s House, voices Steve, Arthur’s older brother and runner up to take over Santa’s reign. He is a awesome baddie. Jim Broadbent voices the big guy, Santa, and Bill Nighy voices Grandsanta and steals the show easily (as usual). Keep an ear out for other notable voices as well such as Will Sasso as American James, Joan Cusack as Mission Control Elf, Michael Palin as Ernie Clicke, Dominic West as Field Sargent Elf and Andy Serkis as General Elf.

One thing I would like to let Sony know if you going to include a music video by Justin Bieber, please make sure next time to include it AFTER the credits and not before. It was torturous having to watch that video. Overall though, this film will surely get you in the Christmas spirit and ready for the holidays. Get your family together and head out to enjoy this film this holiday season.

“A Christmas Story” I Triple Dog Dare You! Video Contest

I Triple Dog Dare You!

 Recreate a scene from A Christmas Story for a chance to win the ultimate fan vacation!

Now at a www.AChristmasStoryScene.com

Who doesn’t love “A Christmas Story”, Media Mikes invites everyone to get into the holiday spirit by recreating your favorite scene from the classic holiday comedy, A Christmas Story, with the A Christmas Story: I TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU! Video Contest.” The contest features celebrity judge Ian Petrella, who starred as the lovable and hilarious Randy Parker, Ralphie’s younger brother, in the film and you will have the chance to win the ultimate A Christmas Story experience.

You can can enter at www.AChristmasStoryScene.com.

Contestants must recreate and film their favorite scenes from A Christmas Story for a chance to win a trip to the real A Christmas Story House in Cleveland, Ohio, with a VIP Chinese dinner included!  Upload your creations onto YouTube and submit the links to the contest site.  

Please make sure to leave a comment below with your YouTube video and you will also get a chance to win a copy of “A Christmas Story” on DVD.  Good luck and don’t miss this fantastic opportunity.

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Official Contest Instructional Video with Ian Petrella:

Sample Fan submission:

Blu-ray Review “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”

Director: Jules Bass
Narrated by: Joel Grey
Studio: Warner Home Video
Rated: G
Run Time: 25 minutes

Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” is one of the little known Christmas classics.  It has always been a fun short special, another great from Rankin-Bass.  The video on this Blu-ray is decent and showcases some rich color. The sound is original with Dolby Digital 1.0 mono but has some problems.  One cool aspect of this set is that it comes with the Blu-ray and the DVD of this special.  The only issue I have with this is that is it really worth the upgrade to Blu-ray for a short 25 minute.  If you are looking to get in the Christmas mood and do not own this yet, I recommend it for sure otherwise stick with the DVD.

The only really extra included on the “deluxe edition” is a feature called “Christmas: A Global Tradition”. It is an animated comic book exploring Christmas traditions around the world. Not really great but would have loved to see a feature instead on Rankin/Bass.  I am not sure whey they are calling this the deluxe edition when it is barely deluxe and they even removed the “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” special from the previous release.  Overall the special is great but the overall set is not amazing.

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Synopsis:
For some unexplained reason, letters to Santa Claus are being returned to the children of Junctionville. It seems some sour soul has angered St. Nick, calling Christmas “a fraudulent myth!” The skeptical rodent Albert Mouse has to be brought to his senses “and let up a little on the wonder why.” How Albert is persuaded to change his tune paves the way for Santa’s jolly return to Junctionville — and the joyous finale of this charming animated fable inspired by Clement Moore’s poem. Joel Grey, Tammy Grimes, John McGiver and George Gobel are featured voices. Approx. 23 minutes. Year: 1974

CD Review: Black Label Society “Glorious Christmas Songs That Will Make Your Black Label Heart Feel Good” EP

Black Label Society
“Glorious Christmas Songs That Will Make Your Black Label Heart Feel Good” EP
eOne Music
Tracks: 3

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

“Glorious Christmas Songs That Will Make Your Black Label Heart Feel Good” is the Newest EP by the Zakk Wylde fronted group Black Label Society. The EP consists of 3 classic Christmas songs performed by Zakk and his band. The album is being released via eOne Music and available today via iTunes.

I found this CD to be somewhat of a letdown. The tracks feature minimal performances of 3 Christmas Classics by Zakk Wylde and company. I really struggled to find something that stood out and was different. I am a huge Zakk Wylde fan and have quite a collection of his material however the only thing that was somewhat interesting about this EP was the ridiculously long title.

Black Label Society’s “Glorious Christmas Songs That Will Make Your Black Label Heart Feel Good” is nothing that hasn’t been done before. However for those BLS chapter members looking for something to listen to during the holiday season the 3 tracks contained on “Glorious Christmas Songs That Will Make Your Black Label Heart Feel Good” should help get you in the Christmas mood.

Track Listing:
•    I’ll Be Home For Christmas
•    Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
•    It’s A Wonderful World

Orlando’s 12 Days of “Arthur Christmas” Announced

Welcome to the 12 Days of Arthur Christmas!

Between November 12 and running for 12 days, Arthur Christmas will be touring throughout Orlando on his way to the theaters when ARTHUR CHRISTMAS opens on Wednesday, November 23.

All of the events are open to the public. Some events may require a ticket.

Complete Schedule:

11/12 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS is Coming to Town
Central Florida Zoo
10:00AM-3:00PM
It’s a winter wonderland at the Central Florida Zoo! Don’t forget your cameras and get ready to participate in some fun activities with the chance to win prizes!

11/13 Sugar and Spice and Science Time Nice
Orlando Science Museum
12:00PM-4:00PM
Come to the Orlando Science Museum for some science time fun! Kids get in free with a regular priced paid adult during Arthur Christmas promotion on Sun, (limit 1 kid per 1 paying adult). The promotional code is AC2011.

11/14 Deck the Lanes with Boughs of Holly
World Bowling Center
4:00PM-6:00PM
Head on over to World of Bowling for some bowling fun and free pizza! The first fifty kids receive an afternoon of free bowling.

11/15 Holly Jolly Dance Party
Arthur Murray Ballrooms in Winter Park
5:00PM-7:00PM
Put on your dancing shoes and come out to the Arthur Murray ballrooms in Winter Park for some jingle bell rock and some milk and cookies!

11/16 Arthur’s Holiday Bonanza
UPS Store on 3208 E Colonial Drive
4:00PM-6:00PM
Come by the UPS store at 3208 E Colonial Drive in Orlando to donate money and write letters to the kids of the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and ship your gifts to loved ones from 4-6 pm!

11/17 Operation Elf
Fashion Square Mall
4:00PM-7:00PM
Prove that you can be one of Santa’s helpers! Become a certified Junior Christmas Expert at the Fashion Square Mall.

11/18 A Berry Merry Christmas
Menchies in Winter Park
3:00PM-7:00PM
Come out to Menchies in Winter Park for some frozen yogurt fun and ARTHUR CHRISTMAS prizes!

11/19 Grand Santa’s GRAND Screening!
Premiere Fashion Square
10:30AM
Grab your pajamas and grandparents, because it’s time for Grand Santa’s GRAND Screening! Attend a very special breakfast and screening of ARTHUR CHRISTMAS! Visit www.gofobo.com/rsvp and enter the code: TBD to download passes while supplies last!

11/20 Operation North Pole Post
Sony Style Store in the Mall at Millenia
1:00PM-4:00PM
Drop off your letter to Santa at the Sony Style store at the Aventura Mall and receive a 5% discount on your purchase as well as some prizes!

11/21 Santa’s Workshop
Fashion Square Mall
4:00PM-7:00PM
Make memories and come create Christmas cards and holiday ornaments.

11/22 Arthur’s CANdemonium
Food drive at Little Fish Huge Pond in Sanford
4:30PM-6:00PM
Experience the holiday season by dropping off a can of food to Little Fish Huge Pond in Sanford. While you’re here decorate an ornament and receive ARTHUR CHRISTMAS prizes!

11/23 It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Opening day of ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
THEATER: TBD
TIME: TBD
ARTHUR CHRISTMAS is finally here and we are celebrating with carolers, cookies, and more!

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STUDIO
Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation Inc., Aardman Animations Limited

GENRE
Animated Family Comedy

RELEASE DATE
In Theaters November 23, 2011

RATING DETAILS
This film has been rated PG by the MPAA for SOME MILD RUDE HUMOR.

SYNOPSIS
The 3D, CG-animated family comedy Arthur Christmas, an Aardman production for Sony Pictures Animation, at last reveals the incredible, never-before seen answer to every child’s question: ‘So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?’ The answer: Santa’s exhilarating, ultra-high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole. But at the heart of the film is a story with the ingredients of a Christmas classic – a family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero, Arthur, with an urgent mission that must be completed before Christmas morning dawns.

CREDITS
Directed by :
Sarah Smith

Written by :
Peter Baynham & Sarah Smith

Produced by :
Peter Lord
David Sproxton
Carla Shelley
Steve Pegram

Co-Producer :
Chris Juen

Co-Executive Producer :
Peter Baynham

Co-Director :
Barry Cook

Cast :
James McAvoy
Hugh Laurie
Bill Nighy
Jim Broadbent
Imelda Staunton
Ashley Jensen

Film Review “A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas”

Starring: John Cho, Kal Penn and Neil Patrick Harris
Directed by: Todd Strauss-Schulson
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 30 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4 out 5 stars

I’ve found out over the years that the best of the adult-humored raunchy comedies have one thing in common. The unquestionable bond of friendship. Dante’ and Randall in “Clerks.” Seth and Evan in “Superbad.” Now add to that list Harold and Kumar.

It’s been two years since we last saw the title characters. We find Harold (Cho) working on Wall Street, married and anticipating spending the holidays hosting his wives’ family. Kumar (Penn) has grown a beard, lost Vanessa and spends his time sampling the finest holiday themed marijuana his Santa Claus-playing dealer (Patton Oswald) can provide. When a package meant for Harold arrives at Kumar’s apartment, he decides to personally deliver it. And so begins the season of giving.

Funny to its core and filmed in gloriously rendered, over the top 3D, “A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas” is full of the humor fans of the previous films have come to expect. And like the previous films, the story’s success revolves around it’s supporting cast. Danny Trejo plays Harold’s father-in-law, a rough and tough character who has a soft place in his heart for Christmas. He has brought along his own tree, which he has spent the last eight years growing just for the big holiday. Throw in a waffle-cooking robot, a crazed Russian gangster and the always funny Neil Patrick Harris and you’ve got a film that keeps you laughing from start to finish.

Unlike so many other films advertised in 3D, this one not only utilizes the process but takes it to its intended level. Eggs, traffic barrels, shattered glass…even a clay-mated rendering of an important body part hurl towards the audience with seemingly nothing to contain them. The jokes come fast and are definitely of the adult variety. And another extended musical cameo by “NPH” is a true highlight. The two leads have developed a genuine bond between them, one the audience can feel. For Harold and Kumar, Christmas without each other is…well, definitely not Christmas!

CD Review: She & Him “A Very She & Him Christmas”

She & Him
A Very She & Him Christmas
Label: Merge Records
Length: 33 minutes
12 Tracks

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

There is only one way to describe this album…”An instant classic”. I have been waiting for Zooey Deschanel to release a Christmas album since she teased us with her amazing singing in 2003’s “Elf”. Here voice is just meant to sing holiday music. The album includes 12 folk/indie covers of classic Christmas songs. I can easily see She & Him’s version of these songs catching on to become the “norm” popular version of these great classics.

There is just something about Zooey Deschanel’s voice that makes this a total kick-back and relax Christmas album. Her voice is really mellow but also uplifting which makes for a unique folk take on these tracks. What I like most is the track “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, which Zooey is known singing in the movie “Elf”, role reversal with her and M. Ward, which is really fun. The rendition of “Blue Christmas” is one of my new favorite version of this song.  “Little Saint Nick” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” are definitely two of the most fun tracks on the album.

Overall I think this will be my new favorite Christmas album of the year if not the last few years. I also see this album sticking around on my iPhone even after the holidays are over. If you are fan of great Christmas music, then you need to check this album out and help it put you in the real mood for this year’s upcoming holiday.

Track list:
1. “The Christmas Waltz”
2. “Christmas Day”
3. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
4. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
5. “Christmas Wish”
6. “Sleigh Ride”
7. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
8. “Silver Bells”
9. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
10. “Blue Christmas”
11. “Little Saint Nick”
12. “The Christmas Song”

Blu-ray Review “Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale”

Directed by: Jalmari Helander
Starring: Tommi Korpela, Per Christian Ellefsen, Jorma Tommila, Jonathan Hutchings, Onni Tommila, Risto Salmi, Peeter Jakobi, Rauno Juvonen, Ilmari Järvenpää
Distributed by: Oscilloscope
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 84 min.

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

There is definitely something about this film that makes it stick. I have had numerous viewings of this film and it definitely gets better with each viewing. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I love holiday films but this is not your snuggley feel good film. Since it is considered a horror film though, it is almost virtually bloodless. I would have like to see more carnage but overall I was left relatively satisfied. I have a feeling that it is going to be ranked up there as a cult classic. along with “Black Christmas” and “Gremlins”. The film has a very large scale feel to it though doesn’t try to go overboard. The Blu-ray presentation is fantastic and really clear and the sound is also very impressive.

The story follows a young boy who believe that the Santa Claus is coming to town…literally, but he is not the happy giving St. Nick we know and love.  During an American-lead dig on Korvatunturi mountain, which sits right outside the village, the secret of Santa Claus might have been discovered.  With Christmas right around the corner it is up the boy to save the children of the village from being put on the naughty list.

The film is packed with great bonus features.  The original two short films “Rare Exports Inc.” (2003) and “Rare Exports – The Official Safety Instructions” (2005) are included, which inspired this movie.  “The Making of Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale” is definitely worth since the behind the scenes is very interesting. “Blood in the snow” is a  look at the concept art from the film.  My favorite feature is definitely the comparison for the animatics & computer effects since the film does have quite a bit of visual effects.  Also included is a photo gallery featuing behind the scenes production shots. Lastly there is the original theatrical trailer from Finland, which made me want to see this film to begin with and is far better than the American trailer.

SYNOPSIS:
It’s the eve of Christmas in northern Finland, and an ‘archeological’ dig has just unearthed the real Santa Claus. But this particular Santa isn’t the one you want coming to town. When the local children begin mysteriously disappearing, young Pietari and his father Rauno, a reindeer hunter by trade, capture the mythological being and attempt to sell Santa to the misguided leader of the multinational corporation sponsoring the dig. Santa’s elves, however, will stop at nothing to free their fearless leader from captivity. What ensues is a wildly humorous nightmare – a fantastically bizarre polemic on modern day morality.

RARE EXPORTS: A CHRISTMAS TALE is a re-imagining of the most classic of all childhood fantasies, and is a darkly comic gem soon to be required perennial holiday viewing.

 

Related Content

“Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale” is Coming to Town October 25th

The dark comic gem RARE EXPORTS: A CHRISTMAS TALE will be released on DVD and Blu Ray on October 25th. Based on the award winning shorts from director Jalmari Helander that have already acquired a cult reputation on the internet, this re-imagining of the most classic of all childhood fantasies features a Santa that you won’t want coming to town. This Christmas everyone will believe in Santa Claus. Own the film that is soon to be required perennial holiday viewing just in time for Halloween.

SYNOPSIS:
It’s the eve of Christmas in northern Finland , and an ‘archeological’ dig has just unearthed the real Santa Claus. But this particular Santa isn’t the one you want coming to town. When the local children begin mysteriously disappearing, young Pietari and his father Rauno, a reindeer hunter by trade, capture the mythological being and attempt to sell Santa to the misguided leader of the multinational corporation sponsoring the dig. Santa’s elves, however, will stop at nothing to free their fearless leader from captivity. What ensues is a wildly humorous nightmare – a fantastically bizarre polemic on modern day morality.

RARE EXPORTS: A CHRISTMAS TALE is a re-imagining of the most classic of all childhood fantasies, and is a darkly comic gem soon to be required perennial holiday viewing.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
– The two original short films in which the Christmas tale was born, Rare Exports Inc. (2003) and Rare Exports – The Official Safety Instructions (2005)
– The Making of Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
– “Blood in the snow” – a look at the concept art
– Animatics & computer effects video comparison
– Behind the scenes production stills photo gallery
– Original theatrical trailer from Finland

Official Site: http://www.oscilloscope.net/films/film/41/Rare-Exports-A-Christmas-Tale
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RareExportsMovie

“Thomas Kinkade Presents Christmas Lodge” Arrives on DVD This Holiday Season

Anything Is Possible This Holiday Season
THOMAS KINKADE PRESENTS CHRISTMAS LODGE
The Enchanting Family Film Arrives On DVD October 11 From Vivendi Entertainment and Nasser Entertainment

DVD Includes Limited Edition Thomas Kinkade Painting And 3 Free Holiday Music Downloads

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – Expect the unexpected and witness a sweet Christmas miracle in the heartwarming family drama Christmas Lodge presented by renowned artist Thomas Kinkade and arriving on DVD October 11 from Vivendi Entertainment and Nassar Entertainment. During the happiest times of her life, Mary (Erin Karpluk, “Life Unexpected”), a historical preservationist, spent the holidays with her family at the Christmas Lodge, a once beautiful but now dilapidated old country inn. After her family abandoned their tradition and spent many years apart, Mary’s ailing grandfather has one wish…to reunite the family and spend one more Christmas at the lodge. Desperate to make his dream come true, Mary leaves the big city to renovate the property. Jack (Michael Shanks, Red Riding Hood), the Christmas Lodge owner, also dreams of bringing the property back to its former glory but is struggling to get the project off the ground. Putting their faith in each other, Mary and Jack join forces to work together to fix up the lodge just in time for Christmas, and find love along the way.

With original songs by acclaimed musician, and co-star, Victoria Banks, Christmas Lodge is the perfect hopeful movie to watch with the family to kick off the holiday season. The DOVE approved DVD includes a free limited edition Thomas Kinkade painting and three free holiday music downloads at the suggested retail price of $14.93.

Synopsis:
Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge: a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now- dilapidated lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. Historically unlucky in love, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love. For an uplifting story about the importance of faith, family and the true holiday spirit, go to the Christmas Lodge.

3D Blu-Ray Review “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”

Directed by: Henry Selick
Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix, Ken Page
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG
Running time: 76 minutes

3D Blu-ray Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 5 out of 5 stars

I have been a fan of “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” since the first time I saw it in the theaters in 1993. Since then it has captivated audiences and became a major cult classic. In 2006, it was put back into theaters with new added 3D technology…I was in heaven. Since then it was also released in 2007 through 2009 in 3D during the Halloween season. So when the news was announced that Disney was releasing this film on its pristine Disney 3D Blu-Ray, I was out of my mind. I have to say, I have seen this film probably 100 times but watching it on 3D Blu-Ray was like it was the first time again. I was seeing new things that I have never seen before and hearing things I have never heard before. The picture quality was so clear and bright (despite the fact that most of the film is dark and black). The music was so fantastic in glorious 7.1 surround sound, which Disney never fails to include. I think my neighbors windows shattered for sure with the volume I watched it at. Let me just say that since I received this Blu-Ray, I have in fact watched it 5 times and it is not even September yet. I might need to go out and purchase a new one before Christmas due to wear. If you do not have a 3D TV or Blu-ray, now might be the time to start things about it because this is a release that you do not want to miss.

The extras on this disc are jam packed and are similar to the 2008 release. First there is audio commentary by producer Tim Burton, director Henry Selick and composer Danny Elfman from 2008 and it was actually recorded separately. Christopher Lee reads “Tim Burton’s Original Poem”, which inspired the film and is backed by animated concept art. “The Making of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a six-chapter 1993 television special that covers the development, overall production and of course the music of the film. “The Worlds of The Nightmare Before Christmas” focuses on its three production settings “Halloween Town”, “Christmas Town” and “The Real World” with concept art and character designs. There are three deleted storyboards, “Behemoth Singing,” “Oogie Boogie with Dancing Bugs” and “Alternate Identity of Oogie Boogie”. There are also four fully animated deleted scenes, “Jack’s Scientific Experiments,” “Vampire Hockey Players,” “Lock, Shock and Barrel” and “Oogie Boogie Shadow Dance.” Next up is a feature called “Storyboard to Film Comparisons” it is a short comparison, nothing special. “What’s This? Jack’s Haunted Mansion Holiday Tour” shows how The Haunted Mansion attraction gets a “Nightmare Before Christmas” redux. Fans of Time Burton will be happy to have the “Frankenweenie” and “Vincent” shorts, even though they are not in HD. Lastly there are the film’s teaser and theatrical trailers and a gallery of “Nightmare” posters. These are some amazing special features even though nothing is new for this release.