Are You Playing The Game, Or Is It Playing You? Jumanji (1995) – An ancient game emerges from hiding in 1960s suburban America. It brings with it both chaos, and a chance to change the lives of its players. Directed by Joe Johnston Starring – Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, Bonnie Hunt, Bradley Pierce, Bebe Neuwirth... Continue Reading →
Santa Conquers Creepiness!
The Uncanny Christmas ValleyThe Polar Express (2004) – A boy who with doubts about the existence of Santa goes on a magical train trip to the North Pole.Directed by Robert ZemeckisStarring – Tom Hanks, Eddie Deezen, Nona Gaye, Peter ScolariWhy I Liked It – A Christmas movie that understands what Christmas is about.Let’s get the... Continue Reading →
Elves Are Terrible Parents
Oh, That Throne of Lies!Elf (2003) – A human baby is adopted by Santa’s elves. When the time comes, they send Buddy back to find his human father in New York City.Directed by Jon FavreauStarring – Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Bob Newhart, Mary Steenburgen, Ed AsnerWhy I Liked It: A heartwarming ending saves... Continue Reading →
Santa Sci-Fi!
Something Delightfully Dumb For Christmas!Santa Conquers The Martians (1964) - Mars decides their children need Santa! So the come to Earth to kidnap him! Directed by Nicholas WebsterStarring - John Call, Leonard Hicks, Vincent Beck, Pia Zadora (movie debut)Why I Liked It - Some trashy, campy, low budget Christmas fun!Let's get the low hanging fruit out... Continue Reading →
A Christmas Classic
That The Critics Have All WrongA Charlie Brown Christmas (1964) – The iconic characters from Charles Schultz’s “Peanuts” comic strip come together for a Christmas Pageant. Charlie Brown struggles with his feelings about the holiday, and his role as director of the holiday play.Directed by Bill MelendezStarring Charlie Brown, Linus Van Pelt, Lucy Van Pelt,... Continue Reading →
The Bikini That Almost Saved Christmas
Except Nothing Can Save ThisChristmas With the Kranks (2004) – When Luther (Allen) and Norah (Curtis) Krank discover they will be empty nesters at Christmas for the first time, Luther suggests just skipping the entire Christmas season. This results in a major conflict with his neighbors.Directed by Joe RothStarring Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan... Continue Reading →
An OK Christmas Classic
The One Where I Ruin Some People's Christmas Home Alone (1990) – In the chaos of trying to get two families ready for a Christmas trip to Paris, Kevin gets lost in the shuffle. While his family struggles to get back home, Kevin lives like a king, including the need to defend his home against... Continue Reading →
False Hopes and Broken Dreams
Played For The Dream or By The Dream? Hoop Dreams (1994)- Two young men from inner city Chicago chase a dream of professional basketball as they play for two different high schools. The different expectations from coaches, family and the players themselves show all the hurdles they face.Directed by Steve JamesStarring Arthur Agee, William Gates.Why... Continue Reading →
The Mystery of How To Screw A Good Story Up
I Always Want To Like Movies in Pittsburgh, But...Mysteries of Pittsburgh (2008) – During the last summer before he graduates, Art Bechstein takes the easiest job he can find. While he’s there, things get complicated. A group of new friends takes his life into a new direction. A direction for which no one is prepared.Directed... Continue Reading →
It's Fun. It's Fast. It's Han Freaking Solo! It's…OK
The Movie You Get From A Shopping ListSolo-A Star Wars Story (2018) – The origin story of “Star Wars” icon Han Solo. From his days as a street kid on the planet to the beginning of the career as a smuggler that would lead him to his time in the Rebellion.Directed by Ron HowardStarring –... Continue Reading →