The Great Muppet Caper

The Great Muppet Caper (1981)

Directed by: Jim Henson

Written by: Tom Patchett, Jay Tarses, Jerry Juhl, Jack Rose

Starring: Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz, Diana Rigg, Charles Grodin

Rating: G

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars!

Viewing platform: DVD

Hello friends. I'm in the process of doing a lot of other things currently, which include working full-time, a full-time relationship with my betrothed, and a part-time gig playing the Scarecrow in a production of "The Wizard of OZ". That's one of my dream roles, but the worst part is that I'm unable to consistently get movie watching time. I've mostly been seeing movies in the theater, actually, but I'm trying to stick to the niche that makes my blog unique! Of course, if my readership would like to read new movie reviews, I am all about that, but I'll try to stick to a "You should rent/borrow/watch on netflix" kind of dynamic otherwise.

This post has actually just been sitting in my "pending posts" for awhile, and my most recent viewing isn't terribly fresh, but to be perfectly honest, I've seen this movie probably 50+ times, so I think I'll be okay. This film is my favorite of the Muppet movies, though not the most often remembered. My next favorite is 2011's The Muppets starring Jason Segel and Amy Adams, but I'm sure I'll get to that one eventually!

Synopsis:

Kermit the Frog (Jim Henson; The Muppet Movie), Gonzo (Dave Goelz; The Muppets), and Fozzie the Bear (Frank Oz; Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back) are off to rocky starts in their journalism careers, so they decide to follow a story about a jewel theft to London. The prize jewels of Lady Holiday (Diana Rigg; Game of Thrones) were stolen, and our trio intends to interview her, but instead mistake her receptionist, Miss Piggy (also voiced by Oz) for Lady Holiday herself. Kermit complicates his professional endeavor when he falls for Miss Piggy (as he often does) and it is further complicated by Lady Holiday's brother, Nicky (Charles Grodin; Beethoven). Ultimately, Kermit and the gang (including all your favorite Muppets) must sort all this out and stop another heist in the process!!

Thoughts:

My thoughts are: you should immediately rent this movie! (There's more, but seriously. Watch it!)

My favorite element of this film (aside from the Kermit/Piggy/Nicky love triangle) is the writing. I think the jokes are all fantastic, whether corny or otherwise, and I find it all fantastically clever. I have been watching this movie since I was a child, and I still laugh out loud every time I watch it (of course, I do that with a lot of things, so...grain of salt)! Of course, when I watched this as a child, I had a tad different sense of humor (Spoiler Alert: Gonzo jumps in front of a taxi) but still, it appeals to a broad audience!

As previously mentioned, another of my favorite elements is the triangle between the long-beloved couple, Kermit and Miss Piggy, and odd man out Nicky Holiday. Grodin plays Holiday with as much conviction as a Muppet movie can have, and all in all it makes for a very interesting scenario. Plus, you get a sweet operatic love ballad out of it!

One of the best parts of all the Muppet films through the years has been the celebrity cameos. In this particular film (which was released nearly 8 years before I was born), I have not quite appreciated them as I have in others. In my older, wiser (?!) years, however, I've come to appreciate the cameos of Jack Warden (The Replacements), Peter Ustinov (Spartacus), Peter Falk (The Princess Bride), John Cleese (Monty Python and the Holy Grail) and of course, Oscar the Grouch (Sesame Street). I didn't understand the degree to which most of these folks had celebrity back then, but I get it now. I'm sure that in 22 years, the new Muppet fans won't get it, either!

Final Thoughts:

If you haven't gotten this impression from me already, watch this movie. If you are a Muppet fan of any kind, appreciate good writing for young audiences, or even just want 95 minutes of relatively quiet time with your kids, wife, grandparents, mailman or second cousin, you will enjoy it. That's the Archives Report guarantee. It's not often that I endorse G-rated movies (which have lost something over the years) but I'm in full support of this family endeavor!!
I welcome all of your feedback, as always, and hopefull will start to get more entries in as my schedule opens up! I love you all! Thanks for reading!

God Bless!

NAH




Post Script:

I'm trying to get more traffic to this blog, and I'm looking for ideas on how to do that. If you have any ideas on that front, or if you have some special topic you'd like to read here, PLEASE send me your ideas! Thanks so much!!

Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters (1984)

Directed by: Ivan Reitman

Written by: Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis

Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, Ernie Hudson

Rating: PG*

My rating: 6.5 out of 5 stars!

Hello again!

Last week, I had the pleasure of introducing one of my top 3 favorite movies to my fiancee. Over the years I've spent countless hours (105 minutes at a time) introducing people I love to Ghostbusters and I've gotta say...It NEVER gets old.

As I said, it's one of my top 3 favorites. Also, I have yet to get it on Blu-ray, so if you haven't gotten me a birthday present yet, it was three weeks ago :)

As you may recall from previous posts (though it's been awhile) the asterisk (*) next to the PG rating means that in 1984, there was no PG-13 rating. I put that on here as a disclaimer, in case by some miracle there is a parent out there who hasn't seen Ghostbusters (which would be a crime in and of itself) and is looking to advise their child. There is some language and suggestive elements to this film! It would probably receive a PG-13 rating today.

Let's move on, shall we?

Synopsis:

Peter Venkman (Bill Murray; Caddyshack), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd; The Blues Brothers) and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis; Stripes) are professors of paranormal studies at a university who are searching for work when their funding is cut. They must borrow money, but they are able to create the world's greatest start-up, the Ghostbusters. Eventually, they gain clients, starting with Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver; Galaxy Quest). Ultimately, Dana's problem turns into an apocalyptic coming, and the Ghostbusters must save the world!!


Thoughts:

What is there to say? This film is a classic. Its special effects were advanced for its time (nominated for the Oscar in Best Visual Effects, actually). Its funny, entertaining, and exciting. The cast and writing are phenomenal. Bill Murray drives the plot and the comedy as Venkman. Aykroyd and Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters II) provide a different style of comedy, and Harold Ramis' Egon Spengler is the perfect straight man. Weaver and Rick Moranis (Little Shop of Horrors) lead the supporting players, and they all just fit perfectly.

I've seen this movie tons of times over the years, and I would not change a thing. I hope they don't try to do a remake. It's perfect as is. It's quotable, funny, and compelling.

My favorites (if I had to pick them, of course) would be Venkman (Murray) and Winston (Hudson), but I really can't pick between anyone in such a great cast.

You musn't count out the writing for this film's greatness, either. Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd are a great duo. Murray's Venkman was deadpan and perfect comedically, but all (most) of it was due to impressive writing by the Aykroyd/Ramis duo.

Overall, I just can't find anything that I don't like about it. I'm sure that I'm a little biased after the years and years of repeated viewings, but if you just watch it a couple of times, I'm sure you'll come to appreciate it like I do.


Conclusion:

In conclusion, if you've never seen this film: ADD IT TO YOUR LIST IMMEDIATELY. If it's already on your list, bump it up a couple spots!! Come on! It's not every day a seasoned movie blogger such as myself gives it a 6.5 out of 5 rating!

Great comedy movie, little bit of language, but overall a fun flick for almost any age. I laughed, I cried, and I swore up and down that I was a god.

I'd have more to say, but there's only so many times you can call something great. It is not an easy feat to break my top 10 films, let alone my top 3.

Anyway: Thanks for reading if you have gotten this far! I truly appreciate your support! If you ever have movie suggestions or want to watch something with me, please feel free to shoot me a comment, tweet me, facebook me, throw rocks at my window (not recommended, I'm grumpy when I wake up), text me, email me, call me, smoke signal me, or wire me a message in morse code. I've got a lot of films at my disposal, but I'm super indecisive.

Another successful Archvies entry complete! Thanks for the support, everyone! Leave me some feedback!! God bless!!

NAH

Django Unchained

Django Unchained (2012)

Directed by: Quentin Tarantino

Written by: Quentin Tarantino

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson

Rating: R

My rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Hello blog-o-sphere! I told you I'd be back!

Just so happens I had 165 minutes to kill today, plus an entire bottle of Mountain Dew and a $5 Hot-N-Ready Little Caesar's Pizza. So I combined all of that into a "watch the movie no one wanted to see with you since you're by yourself" kind of thing.

So, following that little alone time sesh, here is a collective pile of my thoughts on the very fresh viewing of Django Unchained. 

Prelude:

I bought this movie just a few weeks ago (it hasn't been out on DVD and Blu-ray even a month yet). I've been allowing myself to splurge on a special edition Blu-ray of some kind every so often, and Django was my April. I got the Blu-ray combo pack special edition from Target. It came with a metal case, the DVD, the Blu-ray, a disc of bonus features, plus an iTunes digital copy and an Ultraviolet digital copy. So far it's been worth the little extra I've paid. I used the Blu-ray today, and it was stunning picture quality.

I'd also like to add to this newly discovered "prelude" section that I had heard a lot of good and bad things about this movie before watching, but I'm a huge Tarantino fan.

Synopsis:

Two years before the Civil War, as winter approaches, a dentist-turned-bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz; Inglorious Basterds) is hunting for three particular wanted men, and seeks help by purchasing a slave who would know their faces, named Django (Jamie Foxx; Ray). Schultz enlists Django's help by including the promise of freedom. Django is freed, but chooses to remain in the employ of Schultz, and Schultz agrees to help his friend look for his estranged wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington; Fantastic Four), who is undoubtedly still enslaved somewhere closer to their South Carolina roots. Once found, Django and Schultz hatch an elaborate scheme to free Broomhilda from the ownership of plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio; Inception).

My thoughts:

In short....I loved it!

Christoph Waltz won an Oscar for this role and it's easy to see why. His Dr. Schultz kept us guessing the entirety of the film. Part of me thinks that I was just so used to Waltz playing the villain (even in Tarantino's other films) that I kept waiting for some evil turn or twist to happen from him, but it never did. His character was brilliant from start to finish. Tarantino also deserves props for his contributions to creating Schultz's character. Most directors would have made him seem more like "the hero", but Waltz and Tarantino created him as just another flawed man, and the brilliance of it shines through (to me, at least).

I've always been a DiCaprio fan (though Titanic isn't my favorite film) but I have to say he delivered here too. His Calvin Candie was believable and strong throughout. The level of play was very high from everyone, but DiCaprio set the stage. Candie's head slave, Steven, played by Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction) was a perfect compliment to DiCaprio's collected Candie, and both played an integral part in the story as well.

The writing (of course) was superb as well. It was well deserving of it's Oscar win in that category as well. A  lot of people find Tarantino's constant use of profanity (and in this case, the "n" word) unnecessary, but I call shenanigans! Is it unnecessary because it didn't further the story, or because it made you uncomfortable to hear it? It DID (in most cases) do both of those things. Tarantino is good at using profanity, nudity, and violence to further his stories. In this case, he told a fictional story about a time when the slave trade was running rampant through the United States. Without the language, nudity, or violence, it's just a feel good story about a free slave who finds his wife, but with it, it becomes a real picture into somewhat recent human history. It SHOULD have made you uncomfortable. That was the intent.

I thoroughly enjoyed the cameo roles played by some of the more famous people, like when Miami Vice's Don Johnson appeared as plantation owner "Big Daddy", Jonah Hill as an enraged member of the Klu Klux Klan, and even Quentin Tarantino himself, in the employ of the slave trade. It made my film experience that much more enjoyable to have so many recognizable faces among it.

The biggest props of the film, though, have to go to Jamie Foxx. The last movie I saw him in before this was Horrible Bosses, and while that movie is hilarious, it doesn't equate to the cinematic accomplishment that Jamie Foxx was such an integral part of here. I had heard Will Smith turned down the role and (as much of a Will Smith fan I am) I couldn't be happier. Foxx's Django accomplished something strangely reminiscent of Tom Hardy's "Bane" in The Dark Knight Rises in that he says so much without saying much in the way of words. Django's character does speak more and more as the movie goes on, but he says way more with his face and his actions than his Tarantino-scripted lines can.

I realize that was in great detail, but the watch was very fresh so I had a lot to say. Plus, it's nearly a three hour film.

In Conclusion:

I realize that this film is unusually controversial compared to normal "Archives Report" material (and if you have a problem with How the Grinch Stole Christmas you need to just leave right now) but this is one of my favorite things about film. I love discussing it. In my personal opinion, the work of the writer/director required the severe language and violence to properly convey his message. The controversy over it just means he made his point. Forgetting that these dark times happened to our nation shouldn't happen. We should remember our mistakes, so we don't repeat them. As I'm sure you'll find out from me in the future in this very blog, I'm a big believer in the point and the message of a film, rather than nitpick at the means they used to reach it.

If you made it this far: Thank you! I really appreciate any support this blog can muster! I'd love to blog for a living one day! Please let me know your thoughts on the film, my blog, your upcoming summer vacation...anything. I'd really love to hear it!

Thanks again! Until next time! God Bless!

NAH

Serenity

Serenity (2005)

Directed by: Joss Whedon

Written by: Joss Whedon

Starring: Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, Summer Glau, Sean Maher, Adam Baldwin

Rating: PG-13

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

GUYS!!! 

I'm back!!!

I know how agonizing it was for me to have been gone so long, but my life has been crazy! I eventually gave up on most of the Christmas movies I had watched during that season and tried but failed to put out an entry on The Great Muppet Caper... (don't worry, that one is still coming!) but I've spent most of the last few months watching TV Series'....which leads me perfectly into this review, because not too months ago I got hooked on the single season space western, Firefly.

Netflix has been my best friend lately, so it was no different in watching this series. The only complaint I had through the whole series was that there wasn't more of it. In retrospect, I think that it was ahead of its time. With the proper CGI involved, Firefly could still exist! I think Serenity actually helps make that case, since it came out a few years later.

Now, I know this blog is generally based on my ever expanding collection of DVD's (and now thanks to Santa Clause, BLU RAYS) but Netflix only expands that world for me, so I'd be a fool not to utilize the extra material it provides.

All that was to say this: If you haven't watched Firefly, you probably ought not to read this review. You need to be in the loop on this one, but I'll try to keep it generic so those of you will WANT to watch both the series and the movie.

The Film:

If you hadn't gotten it already, Serenity is set when Firefly left off (AFTER THE FIRST SEASON!!! CURSE YOU TELEVISION GURUS!!!!). Serenity is also the name of the Firefly class ship captained by Mal Reynolds (Nathan Fillion; Castle) and served by a rag-tag crew. Simon (Sean Maher; Much Ado About Nothing), a doctor, and his sister River (Summer Glau; Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles) are fugitives from the allied planets and aboard Reynolds' vessel, which can sometimes create tension. I really don't want to give too much away (in hopes that you'll watch all this and discuss it with me sometime) so let's just say Simon and River are running from something bigger than all of them, and however reluctant, Mal has a good crew and a good heart.

My Thoughts:

I'm really starting to dig everything Joss Whedon (The Avengers) has done. He has this uncanny ability to make you laugh, yell, and cry, all from the edge of your seat. Everyone's excited for Avengers 2, but I'm just as excited to see Whedon's take on Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. 

Needless to say, I loved this film. It provided me with a little closure to Firefly, as well as keeping me thoroughly emotionally invested. Whedon's characters have clear wants and needs but they're all incredibly unique, interesting and unpredictable.

The cast was always great, but Fillion, Maher, and Tudyk were the shining stars of this particular endeavor. Glau is perfect as River, and the rest of the cast does a fantastic job as well.

The Conclusion:

Serenity was a great way to round out Firefly. Do I miss it? Sure. But once the Avengers have settled into their roles, Joss Whedon may just toss us a little more action aboard Captain Reynolds vessel, and to that I say "Bring it on". 

If you have not had a chance, watch Firefly, and then if you have two more hours (TO LIVE), watch Serenity. Just a really well made film.

I know it was kind of short this time, guys, but I'm just getting back into it. For now, its back to TV on Netflix, but I will be bombarding you with reviews of films very shortly!

Thanks for reading! I welcome your feedback of any kind. Let's discuss! I love it!

God bless you all! 

NAH

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Directed by: Ron Howard

Written by: Dr. Seuss, Jeffrey Price, Peter S. Seaman

Starring: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Molly Shannon

Rating: PG

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars!!

I'm still wayyyy behind on these. I'm so far behind that I'm not 100% certain of the order anymore..but here goes anyway!

This is one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time. I've always been a big fan of the cartoon, and (even though I was only 11 at the time) I was skeptical when they announced that they had made it into a live action movie. As an 11 year old at the theater, I was amazed. As a 23 year old at home, I still marvel at some of the fabulous film-making exhibited on this project. 

I've had access to this movie ever since I can remember, as we received the VHS tape immediately following its release when we (my brothers and I) were younger. When we got older, my mom gave our VHS tapes away, and my younger (middle child) brother and I both acquired copies of the DVD, so that we wouldn't have to lose out on this Christmas tradition.

Synopsis:

(I'll keep this part VERY brief, since you should already know)

The Grinch (Jim Carrey; Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) (first name "The", last name "Grinch") is embittered by the Whoville society, and put out by their Christmas joy. Curious after a run-in with him, Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen; Underdog) investigates his life and tries reaching out to him. He resists at first, and does so to the point of "stealing Christmas". But you'd never expect what happens after that!

Thoughts:

I. LOVE. THIS. MOVIE. Everything about it (in my opinion) is well done. The makeup and set is so extravagant. I just learned in my preliminary research for this entry that this film actually won an Oscar for best makeup! I'm not surprised but I'm impressed! I also never realized until my most recent viewing that this was directed by Ron Howard. Ron Howard has a great reputation, but that began with this movie. He did a thorough job as director, and all aspects (especially the artistic ones) are fantastic.

The Mayor (Jeffrey Tambor; Arrested Development) and Betty Lou Who (Molly Shannon; Superstar) head up an excellent supporting cast, but Taylor Momsen's naive but bold and intelligent Cindy Lou, combined with Jim Carrey's over-the-top and ironically lovable Grinch make for a fantastic leading duo. Even Anthony Hopkins as narrator adds an excellent layer of quality.

For the record, I like Momsen's version of "Where Are You Christmas?" better than Faith Hill's (though hers is good, too).

I also think that the screenwriters and director did a great job maintaining Dr. Seuss' original work. In a full length adaptation that was previously only 30 minutes, one may have to take some liberties. The liberties taken in this particular case, however, simply help the story by giving it background, and still make it flow. They did an incredible job combining Dr. Seuss' story, Boris Karloff's Grinch, and modern day children's humor to make an incredible product. 

What Can We Learn From This Movie?

It's simple really. It's a Christmas lesson that was not first addressed in this movie, and it will definitely be addressed in the future.

People who are mean are probably hurting. 

Not me of course. I'm just mean!

The Grinch was widely considered grumpy, evil, and mean, but only because he had bitterness in his heart. He was bullied because he was different. He got upset and he held a grudge. Should he have held a grudge? No, but you can't change other people's behavior, you can only change yours.

Cindy Lou Who's compassion, though it seemed futile for a long time (most of the movie) eventually reached the Grinch (They say that his heart grew THREE sizes that day!). 

SO. Here is what I'm trying to say: Keep going. Being compassionate (as Cindy Lou can attest) is discouraging at times. Persevere. Everything has an impact, even if you can't tell that at first. 

*steps off soapbox*

This really about wraps it up. I highly recommend this movie. It IS a Christmas movie but it works anytime. The lesson is still as important, and the comedy still relevant. If you haven't seen it by now...don't wait til next Christmas!

Thanks for reading, guys. I really appreciate it. Please leave me your feedback on here, Facebook, Twitter, or somewhere relevant where I'll read it! Thanks so much! God Bless!!

NAH

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

Directed by: Chris Columbus

Written by: John Hughes

Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O'Hara, Tim Curry, Rob Schneider

Rating: PG

My rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Wow. I am behind. I'm so sorry to the Archives Report faithful out there. I've probably got five or six movies clogging up my queue right now. You can tell they've been there awhile, because it's January 9th and the next three after this one are also Christmas movies. So...hopefully you're still in the spirit!

I found this movie in the Wal-mart $5 bin, but it was not this year. It was several years ago, in fact. I always found it odd that the original just made it down in there this year, but the sequel has been in there for awhile. It mostly baffled me because "2" had always been my favorite.

This is an Archives Report first (and not because it's the first entry of 2013, although that is true), in which I have reported on a sequel immediately following the original. I have reported on sequels but not the originals, and have also never written on a movie in which a subsequent sequel was produced, with the exception now of Home Alone.

I know what you're thinking, and I promise the next review I write will not be on something written or directed by John Hughes.

Brief Synopsis:

Kevin (Macaulay Culkin; Home Alone) has returned a year after his last Christmas adventure (though he mysteriously ages from 8-10 years old). His entire family is around before leaving on another Christmas trip and he inevitably has another spat with them the night before they leave. They don't leave him at home, like the year before, but instead the threat of missing their flight has them running through the airport, and they lose Kevin. Kevin then accidentally boards a plane to New York City, instead of his family's flight to Miami, and heads straight for the city in which The Wet Bandits Harry (Joe Pesci; Goodfellas) and Marv (Daniel Stern: Bushwhacked) have escaped to. This sends Kevin on another whirlwind adventure, and maybe he'll stop the bad guys...again!!

My thoughts:

This movie is so much fun! If you thought the first was fun, strap in, because I like this one better. Obviously, the plot is a little less feasible than the first, but the sight-seeing is better, the cast is funnier, and the traps hit the bad guys harder. 

Some highlights for me:

1. Tim Curry (Clue: The Movie) and Rob Schneider (The Benchwarmers) as hotel concierge and bellboy, respectively. I've always been a big fan of both of them, and they show some of their great comedic chops while at work in this film. They were both quite young at the time, but at the top of their game nonetheless.

2. The slapstick has upped. I'm a huge slapstick fan (as I'm sure I've made clear to you if you've ever watched a movie with me) and this movie has it. The scene in which Harry and Marv chase Kevin back to his Aunt and Uncle's house that's being renovated, and Kevin gets them...is still one of my favorite slapstick scenes of all time...and I've seen some doozies. 

3. Donald Trump cameo. I emphasize writing reviews after a fresh viewing for precisely this reason. I've seen this movie probably a hundred times, and I never noticed this until this viewing. When Kevin first enters the plaza hotel, he asks a man for directions and it's Donald Trump!!

I haven't much to say about the film other than that. Generally implausible premise (but not impossible, I shouldn't think) and Harry and Marv probably should've died a few times, but other than that, a fun, family movie!

What Can We Learn From It?

There isn't much in the way of life lessons here, other than to treat your family well because you're never sure when you're going to lose them, or accidentally let them get on a plane to New York while you go to Miami. 

Final Thoughts:

Even though Christmas is over, I'd go ahead and recommend you watch this film. It's fun, good slapstick, family friendly, and has good life lessons. You really don't see too many movies like this one anymore. Cherish your kids and stand up to the bad guys, and you'll do just fine.

Thanks for reading! I'll continue to try and knock out my ever-growing list as the week continues! Please leave me your feedback in any way, shape, or form you choose! Thanks so much for reading!!

God Bless!

NAH

Home Alone

Home Alone (1990)

Directed by: Chris Columbus

Written by: John Hughes

Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O'Hara

Rating: PG

My rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars!

When you don't write in your blog, it's amazing how a week can turn into almost a month! I watched Home Alone  a couple of weeks ago with my fiancee, and I'm just now getting around to writing about it. I have about four more on the list to do after this one, also. All of them are considered "Christmas movies" so I really need to crank them all out before December ends, at least!

I acquired this movie VERY recently. I had the sequel from a few years back, but only this year did the original drop down into the Wal-Mart $5 DVD bin. From there, I acquired this gem and insisted my fiancee didn't know what she was missing, and that we had to watch it!

I had been familiar with this film for quite some time before this most recent viewing. I watched it multiple times a year every year as a child. Each year, Harry and Marv got a little less scary. It was only in the most recent viewing that I realized it was directed by Chris Columbus (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) and written by John Hughes (Ferris Bueller's Day Off). Chris Columbus has an extensive resume of directing children, family, and ultimately great films  The PG rating was appropriate, but only because you have to check the subtitles on Harry a couple of times.

Brief Synopsis:

Kevin (Macaulay Culkin; The Pagemaster) is the youngest member of his large immediate family (and the second youngest of the extended family) the McAllisters. We find that Kevin holds some anger towards his family, mostly because he feels ignored, isolated and bullied by his siblings and cousins. The night before the McAllisters leave on their Christmas vacation to Paris, Kevin has a huge fight with his whole family, especially his mother (Catherine O'Hara; Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events) and before going to bed, wishes that he would wake up to find them gone. Due to Kevin's wish/his parents inability to get up on time or count heads, he gets his wish. Lately, however, there have been a lot of burglaries from the notorious "Wet Bandits" Harry (Joe Pesci; GoodFellas) and Marv (Daniel Stern; City Slickers), which is bad for Kevin....or maybe it's bad for them!

Thoughts:

This movie is so much fun! Kids and adults alike will chuckle at the slapstick shenanigans of Kevin and the Wet Bandits (looking for a band name? HELLO!!). I gave this movie a high rating because it's just fun. It's not exactly Oscar material (although it WAS nominated for two....in the soundtrack category) but it's fun for the whole family, and has some good lessons in there too. As a 23 year old, I still enjoyed every minute of it. I had forgotten how much plot exposition exists in the first one, and how little fighting the bad guys there is, but nonetheless, an enjoyable ride.

Some highlights for me include the movie within a movie "Angels with Filthy Souls", which has a sequel that premieres during the Home Alone sequel, and the John Candy cameo, when he appears as Polka band leader who offers Kate McAllister a ride back to Chicago. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern give a brilliantly comedic performance as our now-favorite blundering burglars, and Macaulay Culkin....well. He was nothing special, except insight on the kids who act out today. But ultimately he shows to be a good kid who has been parented decently to that point in his life, despite being left at home by accident.

If you are a lover of slapstick, you HAVE to watch this! Especially if you have not. 'Tis the season!

What Can We Learn From This?

1. Don't wish your family gone...no matter how mad you are. You will miss them if they're actually gone.

2. Don't let Fuller have Coke before bed.

3. Call the police if your house is being broken into.

4. Do a double headcount before boarding an international flight with a family of 14 or larger.

5. Michael Jordan cardboard cutouts WILL convince people you are home. Especially combined with Jingle Bell Rock.

6. Buzz's girlfriend....WOOF.

Okay. This has been fun but seriously. You shouldn't wish your family away. It would be a good lesson never to go to bed angry.

Another lesson that Kevin learns (which has been a valuable lesson in my own life, as well) is to form one's own opinion. Buzz told Kevin terrible stories about their neighbor (who, I'll admit, is a bit scary looking) but Kevin eventually meets him, forms a friendship with him, and it pays wonderful dividends later..for both parties. This movie encourages you to stray away from your first impression and really get to know someone.

Final thought:

If you're looking for a good Christmas movie to watch that doesn't involve Santa, getting the present or the girl at the end, or a heart that grows three sizes (more on that later), watch this movie. I've said this a lot, but it's fun for the whole family. The writing and directing is done by two established artists and the veteran actors like Pesci and Stern make this a must-see. If you've made it this far in your life without seeing it, I suggest you remedy this immediately. Trust me on this one. You won't regret it.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I will try to get the other Christmas themed entries up at least before the end of the year. That's the standard grace period for Christmas related things, isn't it?

Again, thanks for your time and minimal effort! Please click the clicky buttons below if you feel one (or three) is appropriate, and your comments and feedback are always appreciated. 

Thanks for reading, God bless!!

NAH