Loved & Looking Forward To

Here's more listing just to pass the time before the ball drops in an hour and a half...

My favorite things of 2007:

• My MacBook: I got it in June... how did I live without it before then?
• The West Wing: I watched the entire series on DVD in 2007. What an amazing show. Great cast, great story lines, and I actually learned something every time I watched it. Jed Bartlett is my president!
• Wicked: I finally saw it in early 2007 and have never forgotten it. I hum the music constantly and only wish I could sing like Idina Menzel.
• Chicago: I visited three times in 2007 and honestly? It wasn't enough.
• Netflix: Once again I can't get enough. I could do infomericals for them, I say such cheesy-yet-super-supportive crap about them.
• The Apple Store: Just going in there gives me goosebumps.
• Arrested Development: I'm almost done watching the entire series. Where has this show been all my life? Plus hello, I heart Michael Cera!
  

What I'm looking forward to in 2008:

• Graduating! I'll finish my Master's in May and I better be getting a teaching job somewhere... fingers crossed!
• Seeing Jersey Boys in January, Rent in March and Wicked again in May!
  
• Sex and the City: The Movie!!! May can't come fast enough for this one.
• Finally, after six years, getting the heck out of Des Moines
• [Hopefully] The Writer's Strike ending and TV shows coming back with new episodes. A girl can wish, can't she?
• And oh so much more...

Year in Review

Since everyone else in the blogosphere is busy making lists of their favorites of 2007, I guess I'll follow suit... so here they are:

Favorite Books Read in 2007
A Thousand Splendid Suns
The Glass Castle
Bitter is the New Black
Bright Lights, Big Ass
Impulse
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius
The Year of Magical Thinking
Nickel and Dimed
Hunger Point
Nineteen Minutes

Favorite Movies Seen in 2007
Hairspray!
Atonement
Sweeney Todd
In the Valley of Elah
Waitress
Amazing Grace
Enchanted
Across the Universe
Becoming Jane
Ratatouille
A Mighty Heart
Freedom Writers

Favorite TV Shows in 2007
Pushing Daisies
Dirty Sexy Money
The Office
Nip/Tuck
Brothers & Sisters
Lost
Project Runway
House--just the end of Season 3; Season 4 kinda sucks

Favorite Blogs in 2007
Jennsylvania.com
BestWeekEver.tv
TVsquad.com
The "Blog" of "Unnecessary" "Quoatation Marks"
Blogging Project Runway
1000 Tiny Things That I Hate
PerezHilton.com
and of course my own kinda-new blog, Media Addiction

I would list music, too, but I mostly just listen to Broadway musicals soundtracks and Christmas music.

Ha! I just made myself sound super lame. I guess I am. Happy 2008!

What an Idea!

So the other day I was at Border's standing in line and I heard a conversation between two people about Netflix. Since I am basically obsessed with Netflix and had nothing else to do while I waited in the sea of people returning stuff and/or using gift cards, I listened in. Here's how it went:

Lady 1: Yeah I just love Netflix.
Lady 2: [Looking at the pile of books she was purchasing] Wouldn't it be awesome if there was a Netflix for books? Where you could rent them out and return them and get a new one? I would totally pay $15 a month for that.
Lady 1: Totally! You could make a ton of money with that idea.

Me (thinking to myself, of course): HELLO! A place where you can "rent out" books? It's not a brilliant idea, it's called a LIBRARY and they've had them for years. Aaaand you don't have to pay for books, they're free.

Wow. Too bad the line was up to the cashier by then or else I might have said that out loud.

I looked into it a little more to see if anyone else thought they came up with this brilliant idea and guess what? There are actually a few websites out there that are basically Netflix for books. One is Booksfree.com (which, ironically enough, is definitely NOT free but costs $10-$40 per month depending on your plan) and others include Paperspine and Bookswim.

I guess getting free books from the library just isn't convenient enough for these people. Personally, I'm gonna stick with Des Moines Public Library.

The Glass Castle

If you enjoy laughing at other people's misery, this book is for you.

No, but in all seriousness, Jeannette Walls is truly outstanding at making you actually enjoy reading her memoir of a life with a crazy drunken father and a mother who would rather be homeless than cash in her parents' land in Texas. Her stories are delivered in a lighthearted manner with a very young voice (despite her acquired wisdom) that is really appealing. I have no idea how Walls survived such a crazy childhood but she did, and she ended up successful, and reading about that journey is both entertaining and enlightening.

I definitely recommend The Glass Castle for anyone who enjoys memoirs--this is a very quick read but one you'll be glad you read.

Four Fast Movie Reviews

I've seen four movies in the past six days--gotta love the holidays. Here are four fast reviews:

Sunday: Sweeney Todd
Honestly? How awesome is Johnny Depp? He can pull off creepy like no other, and his character definitely fits that description. Plus he can sing! Good music, awesome costumes, amazing cast. Overall a must-see. *****




Tuesday: Atonement
Not exactly a happy holiday movie to see on Christmas, but we tend to do that for some reason. This film was just plain beautiful--beautiful people, beautiful scenery, beautiful story. Very sad but a fabulous adaptation of Ian McEwan's eloquent and tragic love story. ****



Thursday: Juno
This movie definitely defied my expectations: I expected weird and instead it was cute! Definitely more plot than I expected, too. I wouldn't say it was a super hilarious comedy but Ellen Page is great as the super bizarre Juno. I wish Michael Cera would've had a bigger part! ****



Friday: P.S. I Love You
The critics have been brutal in their reviews of this movie, but I actually liked it a lot! I would, however, debate the "Romantic Comedy" label as there were more tears than laughs. I was impressed by how developed the story was, though distracted by Hilary Swank's giant teeth and the fact that she is now basically a bunch of toothpicks held together by rubber bands. Eat a sandwich! But oh there were some beautiful men in this movie... ****


Still want to see: Charlie Wilson's War, The Great Debaters, There Will Be Blood, Kite Runner and The Savages

Recapalooza

1) The 8-Minute Lost Recap is awesome and I am glad I will have at least one show with new episodes to watch in January. Here it is in all its glory:


2) I've been watching Season 1 of Grey's Anatomy before I go to sleep each night and man it makes me sad. Sad that this show was so damn good when it started and it definitely is not anymore. Sad that the Meredith-Derek thing is still happening basically the same as it did 3 1/2 seasons ago. Sad that George is super homophobic in this episodes--ironic considering all the events of the summer. Sad that Burke is gone for good and we are left with Cally and that mean heart surgeon in his place. Just plain sad. But that won't keep me from watching!

Oh and in the spirit of recaps, here's a random Season 1 recap I found on YouTube:

Flip That Marathon

Today I didn't do much but what I did do was watch a marathon of Flip That House on TLC.

Aaaand it was pretty amazing.

Apart from House Hunters, this is my other favorite "home show" on TV. I love watching people take totally crap houses and turn them into really nice homes, plus how much fun is it to figure out how much profit they're going to make?

I only wish I knew how to do all that to a house and earn like $100K in 6 weeks!

Merry Christmas: Little Women

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Twenty-Five!!!
(The Grand Finale... okay, maybe not grand but definitely the finale)
Little Women (1994)

My sister, mom and I have a tradition to watch this movie every Christmas. We have done so for many years and somehow don't remember how this tradition began. The movie starts with Christmas but after the 8 minute-mark ticks by, Christmas is nowhere to be found. Despite that, we do enjoy laughing at some of the silly lines, singing the goofy carols and (sick I know) watching Beth die. For some reason, it wouldn't be Christmas in our house without watching Little Women.

Soundtrack Highlights: "Ding Dong Merrily on High," "Here We Come a Wassailing," "Deck the Halls" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing"

My favorite quotes:

• Amy [after Jo reveals she's cut off her hair and sold it]: "Oh Jo! How could you? Your one beauty!"
• Laurie/Teddy: "In token of my gratitude and as a means of promoting communication between adjoining nations, shouting from windows being forbidden, I shall provide a post office in our hedge, to further encourage the bearing of our souls and the telling of our most appalling secrets."
• Jo: "He's dull as powder, Meg. Can't you at least marry someone amusing?"
• Marmee: "I am going to write that man a letter." Jo: "A letter. That'll show him."
• Marmee: "Oh, Jo. Jo, you have so many extraordinary gifts; how can you expect to lead an ordinary life?"
• Amy: "You don't need scores of suitors. You need only one... if he's the right one."
• John Brooke: "Mr. Laurence! One doesn't shout at ladies as if they were cattle. My apologies!"
• Amy: "What's that strange smell? Like burnt feathers... AHHH!"
  
• Jo: "Meg! Pregnant? Why didn't you say anything in your letters?" Meg: "One hardly speaks of such things."
  

Rating: 5 snowflakes

********************************

And so my celebration of Christmas Movies ends. I know I enjoyed it--sometimes more than others--but I am definitely glad to be writing about whatever I want from here on out. Get excited for movie and book reviews ASAP!

Merry Christmas!

The Santa Clause 3

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Twenty-Four
The Santa Clause 3 (2006)

"Twas the fight before Christmas..."

By far the lamest of the Santa Clause trilogy, despite a fun performance by Martin Short. Tim Allen is--again--back in the red suit to battle Jack Frost and save his family at the same time. It was, as a user on IMDB said, a "good but definitely not great trilogy ender." And that might be giving this one too much credit. At least after seeing this movie, kids in the US think Canada is a fun and cheery place similar to the North Pole!

Soundtrack Highlights: Lots and lots of Christmas songs

My favorite quotes:

• Mrs. Claus: "Oh look, tall people!"
• Sylvia Newman: "Well they are petite." Bud Newman: "Tom Cruise is petite, these guys are short! What's the deal?"
• Jack Frost: "Did you just accuse me of being skillful and delicious?" Santa Claus: "Oh please." Jack Frost: "Guilty as charged!"
• Scott Calvin: "I thought the idea was to give them the sleeping powder when we got them in the car." Sandman: "I just couldn't listen to the Yosemite story again."
• Jack Frost: "You're not Santa anymore. You're just the guy who smells like a cookie."

Rating: 2 1/2 snowflakes

Only one more day til Jolly Old St. Nick arrives and my celebration of Christmas movies is over!

Crappy TV Movies

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Twenty-Three
Crappy TV Movies

I had to take time out from my list of (for the most part) quality movies to include what has now become a ginormous category of shows. It seems that channels like Lifetime and ABC Family just love to torture us with heart-wrenching yet ultimately vomit-inducing programming around the holidays.

Over the past two days, I watched bits and pieces of Santa Who? (Santa loses his memory then gets a job as--guess what?--a Santa at the mall), Christmas Shoes (cheesy movies based on cheesy song... ugh), A Very Married Christmas (a guy's wife wants a divorce at Christmas) and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (the twins who play Ben on Friends think their mom is cheating on their dad with Santa Claus--please).

Perhaps the most horrific display of Christmastime this year is Christmas in Handcuffs, about a girl who kidnaps a guy when she needs a date to a Christmas party. Oh Mario Lopez and Melissa Joan-Hart! What happened to you two?

These "movies" (yes the quotation marks are necessary) almost make me want the holidays to be over. And I NEVER want the holidays to end.

Serendipity

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Twenty-Two
Serendipity (2001)

Okay another one not so much about Christmas as it is during Christmas, but that's okay cause it has a fantastic cast--who could not love John Cusack and Jeremy Piven as best friends and co-obituary writers? Perfect! And Aidan from Sex and the City playing that stupid flute thing? Hysterical! This movie almost made me believe in fate--but it did actually make me read Love in the Time of Cholera. And it made me happy that they go to Serendipity 3, one of my favorite NYC spots.

Soundtrack Highlights: "Cool Yule," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," and "Joy to the World"

My favorite quotes:

• Jonathan: "Maybe I am just getting cold feet." Dean: "I'm telling you right now British women do not age well. Eight years ago she was a luscious treat, you know, she probably looked like, you know, Baby Spice, now she could look like..." Jonathan: "Old Spice."
• Sara: "Eve, for someone who owns a new-age store you're incredibly earth-bound." Eve: "Oh yeah, well, for a shrink-in-training, you're a little bit crazy, I'll tell you that much."
• Sara: "Eve, that's a horrific knockoff! At least my knockoff says 'Pradi,' yours says 'Prado!'" Eve: "Well, I say for a dollar I can buy a magic marker and fix it. I'll take it!"
• Dean: : "You know the Greeks didn't write obituaries. They only asked one question after a man died: 'Did he have passion?'"

Rating: 4 snowflakes

The Polar Express

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Twenty-One
The Polar Express (2004)

"All aboard!"

A feature-length adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg's classic kids' book--we used to read this book on Christmas and I would dream about getting one of those sleighbells. There's maybe a little bit too much Tom Hanks in this, but overall a cute show.

Soundtrack Highlights: "Hot Chocolate," "Rockin' on top of the World," and "Believe" (oh, Josh Groban you are too amazing)

My favorite quotes:

• Conductor: "Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see."
• Conductor: "Here we only got one rule / Never, ever let it cool / Keep it cooking in the pot / Soon we got hot chocolate!"
• Conductor: "What in the name of Mike?" (omg I laugh out loud every time with that!)
• The Boy: "At one time most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I've grown old the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe."

Rating: 3 1/2 snowflakes

Home Alone

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Twenty
Home Alone (1990)

Seriously how cute is Macaulay Culkin in this movie? Seriously! And seriously, who thought up a movie about leaving a kid at home to battle burglars? Who thought that people would find it heartwarming to see a six-year-old surviving on his own? Who needs parents, really?

Soundtrack Highlights: "Carol of the Bells" (awesome when he is getting ready for his fight against the burglars!), "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" (that fake scene he sets up is priceless!) and many other great Christmas carols

My favorite quotes:

• Kate McAllister: "This is Christmas. The season of perpetual hope. And I don't care if I have to get out on your runway and hitchhike. If it costs me everything I own, if I have to sell my soul to the devil himself, I am going to get home to my son."
• Kevin McAllister: "Is this toothbrush approved by the American Dental Association?" Store lady: "Well I don't know son." Kevin McAllister: "Could you please find out?"
• Kevin McAllister: "This house is so full of people it makes me sick. When I grow up and get married, I'm living alone." HA HA!
• Gangster Johnny [in the TV movie]: Hey! I tell you what I'm gonna give you, Snakes. I'm gonna give you to the count of 10 to get your ugly, yellow, no-good keister off my property before I pump your guts full of lead! One, two, ten! Keep the change you filthy animal."
• Linnie McAllister: "Kevin, you're what the French call les incompetents."
• Kevin McAllister: "Bless this highly nutritious microwavable macaroni and cheese dinner and the people who sold it on sale. Amen."
• Gus Polinski (the hilarious John Candy): "Allow me to introduce myself, Gus Polinski. Polka King of the Midwest? The Kenosha Kickers? That's okay I thought you might have recognized--Anyways I had a few hits a few years back. Polka, Polka, Polka. No?"

Rating: 4 snowflakes

Christmas with the Kranks

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Nineteen
Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

"We Skip Christmas?!?"

Based on the novelette by John Grisham, this movie is about a couple (Jamie Lee Curtis and Time Allen--now a Christmas movie staple, apparently) who decide to skip Christmas when their daughter is out of the country for the holiday. Skip Christmas?! The horror! The entire town gets in an uproar about it and basically sabotages their plans, but it all ends well with a fantastic last-minute miracle Christmas party.

Soundtrack Highlights: "The Christmas Song" (Raveonettes--so awesome) "The 12 Days of Christmas," "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus", "Frosty the Snowman," "Feliz Navidad," and "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" --A+++ Soundtrack, tons of Christmas songs!

My favorite quotes:

• Spike Frohmeyer: "You're skipping Christmas? Isn't that against the law?"
• Blair Krank: "I'm bringing home Enrique!" Luther Krank: "What's a reekay?"
• Nora Krank: "You forgot the white chocolate!" Luther Krank: "They didn't have any." Nora: "Did you ask Rex?" Luther: "Who's Rex?" Nora: "The butcher." Luther: "As odd as it sounds, I didn't think to ask the butcher about chocolate."
• Vic Frohmeyer: "NORA KRANK, WE'RE HERE FOR FROSTY"
  

Rating: 4 snowflakes

A Media-less Post

DISCLAIMER: This post has nothing to do with media in any way--not a movie, book, TV show, song, article or website in sight. Proceed with caution.

I just got done with all my holiday treats and Christmas cards and thought I'd share pictures like a proud mama bear.

Treat bags for the RAs and other staff

Two examples of this year's Christmas cards

Christmas is now one of the only times of the year I take time out to get crafty and... bakey? Right. Bakey.

Whatever.

Miracle on 34th Street

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Eighteen
Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

"Do you believe in Santa Claus?"

Richard Attenborough is just the perfect Santa in this updated version of the old classic. I like this version better than the old one. Dylan McDermott? Yes please! Plus color, Richard from Sex and the City, a dollar bill as the answer and a super cute "I wished for a house and a brother and I got it!" ending.

Soundtrack highlights: "Song for a Winter's Night" and "Joy to the World"

My favorite quotes:

• Judge Harper: "I'm sorry, he thinks you're Santa Claus." Kris Kringle: "I am!"
• Kris Kringle: "Well, I would greatly like to oblige, Mr. Collins, but I cannot make this reindeer fly." Mr. Collins: "I didn't think so." Kris Kringle: "He only flies on Christmas!"

Rating: 4 snowflakes

Muppet Christmas Carol

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Seventeen
Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

"Tis the season to be jolly and joyous..."

Great music, great actors (muppets + Michael Caine? Brilliant!), great story. A total classic and I sing along with the entire thing. No matter what age you are, this movie is just that good.

Soundtrack Highlights: "One More Sleep Til Christmas," "Bless Us All," "It Feels Like Christmas," and "Scrooge" -- but really every song in this music is amazing

My favorite quotes:

• Rizzo: "Light the lamp, not the rat!"
• Fozziwig: "At this time in the proceedings, it is customary for me to make a little speech." Marley: "And it is customary for us to take a little nap."
• Scrooge: "You're a little absent-minded, Spirit." Ghost of Christmas Present: "No, I'm a large absent-minded spirit!"
• Scrooge: "How would the bookkeeping staff like to be suddenly UNEMPLOYED!?" Bookkeepers: "HEAT WAVE! This is my island in the sun. OY!"

Rating: 5+ Snowflakes

While You Were Sleeping

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Sixteen
While You Were Sleeping (1995)

"I've had a really lousy Christmas, you've just managed to kill my New Year's, if you come back on Easter- you can burn down my apartment..."

I just love this movie. Sandra Bullock is so great as the sorta-creepy-gawker-turned-fake-fiancee and man the Callaghan family is so awesome. What other movie lets you root for the girl to cheat on her coma-ridden boyfriend with his brother? It's like lying is a good thing to do in order to get married! Plus it's in Chicago and there are lots of scenes with Christmas trees and Christmas presents and such.

Soundtrack Highlights: "Winter Wonderland" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

My favorite quotes:

• Elsie: "I like Mass better in Latin. It's nicer when you don't know what they're saying."
• Jerry: "You're born into a family. You do not join them like you do the Marines."
• Jerry: "Listen, Lucy, when I told my mother I was getting married to my wife, her intestines exploded. You tell them the truth now, you may as well shoot grandma."
• Lucy: "It's amazing how exotic Wisconson... isn't."
• Lucy: "I'm in love with your son." Ox Callaghan: "I know." Lucy: "Not that one. [points to Jack] That one."
  
• Lucy: "Peter once asked me when I fell in love with Jack. And I told him, 'It was while you were sleeping.'"

Rating: 4 1/2 Snowflakes

Legendary Box Office King

So tonight we went to see Will Smith's new film I Am Legend. Despite its trailers never featuring a single mention of it, this movie is basically another version of 28 Days Later complete with scary screaming zombie-vampire creatures. About 10 minutes into the movie, I turned to Chad and asked (in all honesty) "Is this a horror film?" I had no idea.


And it turns out, yeah it pretty much is.

The movie was overall pretty good though--at least David and I thought so, as we cowered together in the dark when the crazy infected things were chasing Will Smith and his dog. Mostly it makes me think I won't sleep tonight cause now I'm seriously scared of the Bird Flu.

What's important to note is that we tried to see this movie last night and--shock of all shocks--it was sold out! And tonight it was way busy, too. Perez Hilton reported here that I Am Legend is projected to make more than $80 million this weekend, good enough for the biggest December opening ever.

Not bad for a thought-it-was-maybe-a-drama-but-oops-WRONG-it's-a-horror film.

A Christmas Story

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Fifteen
A Christmas Story (1983)

" A Tribute to the Original, Traditional, One-Hundred-Percent, Red-Blooded, Two-Fisted, All-American Christmas..."

Christmas in Indiana brings Ralphie, a crazy looking kid with glasses much too similar to those I used to wear when I was that age (except mine were purple), and his dreams of an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle under the tree. Too bad his parents, friends and even Santa stand in his way... it's all fun and games 'til somebody shoots his eye out.

Soundtrack Highlights: "Jingle Bells," "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," and "The Hut-Sut Song"

My favorite quotes:

• Ralphie: "Ohhhh Fudge!" Narrator: "Only I didn't say 'Fudge.' I said THE word, the big one, the queen-mother of dirty words, the "F-dash-dash-dash" word!"
• Narrator: "Aunt Clara had for years labored under the delusion that I was not only perpetually 4 years old, but also a girl."
• Chinese restaurant singers: "Deck the halls with boughs of horry. Ra ra ra ra ra, ra ra ra raaaaa." Chop Suey Palace Owner: "No, no, not 'ra ra ra ra', 'la la la la'! Try again."
• Mr. Parker: "It could be a bowling alley!" Mother: "How are they going to deliver a bowling alley here tonight?" Mr. Parker: "They'll send the deed for cripesake. I didn't expect them to send a whole damn bowling alley."
• Mr. Parker: "Fra-gee-lay. They must be Italian." Mother: "I think that says FRAGILE, dear." Mr. Parker: "Oh, yeah."
• Santa: "If Higbee thinks I'm working one minute past 9:00, he can kiss my foot. Ho ho ho."

Rating: 4 Snowflakes

The Family Man

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Fourteen
The Family Man (2000)

"What if you got a second chance?"

On Christmas eve, workaholic jerk Jack gets visited by an "angel" in the form of Don Cheadle who gives him a "glimpse"--what his life would have been like had he chosen love over his career. He finds out that a house in Jersey with two super cute kids, a hot wife and a sorta lame job ain't so bad... and then he wakes up.

Soundtrack Highlights: "A Holly Jolly Christmas," "La Donna e mobile," "Sleigh Ride," and "La La (means I love you)"

My favorite quotes:

• Jack: "I'm in the middle of a deal!" Angel: "Well, you're working on a new deal now, baby."
• Annie: "They did a pretty good job." Jack: "Who did?" Annie: "The aliens, in the mothership. You look just like him."
• Kate: "How can you do that?" Jack: "What?" Kate: "Look at me as if you haven't seen me every day for the last 13 years."
• Arnie [the fantastic Jeremy Piven!]: "A little flirtation is harmless but you're dealing with fire here. The fidelity bank and trust is a tough creditor. You make a deposit somewhere else, they close your account - FOREVER."

Rating: 4 Snowflakes

Overlooked and Underappreciated

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Thirteen
Slate's Guide to Overlooked Christmas Movies

Okay, fine, it's probably cheating but I came across this list today on slate.com and couldn't pass up using it for today's Christmas Movie. It talks about a ton of great "Christmas" movies (i.e. Some are a stretch, but hey I support that! Any movie that takes place around Christmas is a Christmas movie in my book. See past posts for proof). Highlights include Die Hard, Yogi's Christmas, Muppet Christmas Carol, Miracle (!), and Meet Me in St. Louis.

Plus I really didn't watch a Christmas movie today. Sad, I know!

I'll Be Home For Christmas

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Twelve
I'll Be Home for Christmas (1998)

"This yule, be cool..."

Okay here's another movie my sister makes fun of me for watching. JTT plays Jake, a jerk boyfriend who has to get dressed as a Santa and left in the middle of the desert to figure out how much he cares about his girlfriend, Jessica Biel. Highlights include a Santa marathon, a crazy German village and a fake organ donation. Sounds great, huh? Yeah, it's that good.

Soundtrack highlights: "I Won't Be Home for Christmas," "Blue Christmas," "Up on the Housetop" and "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays"

Honestly? There aren't really any good quotes in this movie. Buuuut it's still fine holiday fun.

Rating: 3 snowflakes

His Majesty Returns!

Season Two of The Tudors looks awwwwwesome...

The Santa Clause 2

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Eleven
The Santa Clause 2 (2002)

"What's Christmas fun without some Reindeer Games?"

Tim Allen's back in the red suit for round two of the Santa Clause trilogy. This time he has to get married--the "Mrs. Clause." Naturally, he heads back to America to find a wife in about a month. I wish it was that easy and fast to find someone to marry. Charlie (yeah unfortunately he's back and not so cute this time, but still whiny) ends up helping Scott Calvin find the principal of his school (Juliette from Lost) and, with the help of a little magic, by the end, she's shaking her belly like a bowl full of jelly with the rest of 'em at the North Pole.

Soundtrack highlights: "Santa's got a brand new bag," "Man, I feel like a woman," "Santa Claus is coming to town" and "Everybody Loves Christmas"

My favorite quotes:

• Toy Santa: "You are a sad, strange little man."
• Charlie: "Seeing isn't believing; believing is seeing!"
  
• Scott Calvin: [going on a date] "A needlepoint sweater and a mini-van. I'll be back in about 8 minutes."
• Tracy the crazy Christmas date: "You know what, I totally put myself out there doing that, and that was not an easy thing to do, and if you're the kind of man that can't support a woman's ambition, then I don't think there's any reason to continue this date." Oh, Molly Shannon...
• Curtis the elf: [referring to Toy Santa] "I think he's learning at an excellent rate!" Bernard the elf: "Oh really? This morning he ate a bowl of wax fruit."

Rating: 3 1/2 snowflakes

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Ten
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

"You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch!"

This live-action remake of the cartoon version of the tale adapted from Dr. Seuss' book of the same name (whew-- say that five times fast!) stars Jim Carrey as The Grinch. The makeup is pretty amazing; I sometimes forget it's him under all that nasty green fur. Gotta love all those "who's" in Whoville, especially little Cindy Lou with her big giant teeth that barely fit in her tiny little mouth. My favorite part? After the Mayor accidentally gets shaved down the middle of his head, his crazy copy-cat assistant shaves his head the same way. Makes me laugh. Out loud. Not sure why exactly. But it does.

Soundtrack Highlights: "Where are you Christmas?" and "Christmas is Going to the Dogs"--oh and "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" of course!

My favorite quotes:

• Grinch: "Blast this music. It's joyful AND triumphant."
• Grinch: "Are you having a holly jolly Christmas?"
• Grinch: "Oh the Who-manity!"
• Martha May Whovier: "Did I have a crush on the Grinch? Of course not!" Cindy Lou Who: "Uh... I didn't ask you that."

Rating: 3 1/2 snowflakes

The Family Stone

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Nine
The Family Stone (2005)

"Christmas is not clothing optional this year--we have a guest..."

Soundtrack Highlights: "Right Back Where We Started From" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

This movie is such a great representation of what is the total chaos of a family getting together at Christmas. It's a little bit funny, a lot sad and pretty crazy but it totally makes me wish I had a big family. Although it also makes me never want to be the fiancee coming to meet the big family--yikes. This movie has such an amazing cast and how great that it can make me laugh and make me cry. I remember seeing this with Michelle and Val--Val didn't like it and kinda ruined it. Good thing I gave it another chance. Now it's a movie I watch every Christmas!

My favorite quotes:

• Meredith: "Isn't there anybody who loves me?"
• Ben Stone: "Calm down. You've been drinking Cokes all day."
  
• Meredith: "I don't care if you like me or not." Amy: "Oh, of course you do."
• Ben Stone: "Don't dilly-dally there pretty lady. We're all going to be down here talking about you."
  
• Meredith: "I love the gays!"
• Ben Stone: "You have a freak flag, you just don't fly it."

Rating: 4 Snowflakes

Christmas Vacation

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Eight
Christmas Vacation (1989)

"A fun, old-fashioned family Christmas..."

As I watched this movie tonight with the guys, I realized a lot of its charm has kind of worn off--maybe since I've seen it at least 20 times by now. I know when the jokes are coming and the physical comedy isn't quite so genius anymore. However, there are tons of great lines in it and it is definitely a Christmas classic, so here it is, folks. The Griswold family Christmas!

Soundtrack Highlights: "Christmas Vacation Theme," "Mele Kalikimaka," and "Hey, Santa Claus"

My favorite quotes:

• Aunt Bethany: "Is your house on fire Clark?" Clark: "No, Aunt Bethany, those are just the Christmas lights."
• Clark: "Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?" Eddie: "No Clark, I'm doing just fine."
• Eddie: "You surprised to see us Clark?" Clark: "Oh, Eddie... If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am now."
• Margot: "Why is the carpet all wet, Todd?" Todd: "I don't know, Margot."
• Clark: "That's a lot of sap!"
• Ellen: "I don't know what to say, except it's Christmas and we're all in misery."
• Clark: "Hey, Kids, I heard on the news that an airline pilot spotted Santa's sleigh on it's way in from New York City." Eddie: "You serious, Clark?"

Rating: 4 snowflakes

Look Who's Talking Now

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Seven
Look Who's Talking Now! (1993)

"And how does Rudolph's nose glow? What is he--radioactive?"

In this final installment of the Look Who's Talking trilogy, all the kids can actually talk so they had to make the voice over talking come from--guess who?--the dogs. Yikes. This is another movie I think my sister is embarrassed that I watch, but a ton of it is about Christmas and being together with family during the holidays, so I kinda love it, despite the dogs. And the crazy dream sequences. And the stupid car crash scene with the wolves. And... yeah. Good Christmas music in it, though!

Soundtrack Highlights: "Please Come Home for Christmas" and "The Chipmunk Song"

My favorite quotes:

• Mikey: "Stop brushing her Julie, she already looks like a Q-Tip."
• Molly: "Most little girls are obsessed with ponies and mermaids, not big sweaty men making jump shots. Should we be worried?" James: "Well, it's the Suns, honey. If it was the Mavericks, I'd be worried."
• Daphne: "I hate this haircut! My butt is freezing!"
• James: "If you don't brush your teeth, you're going to have plants growing out of your mouth." Mikey: "That way, we'll save on groceries."
• Molly: [working as an elf at the mall] "I hate children. I used to love children, but now I hate them. Also, this music is driving me nuts. I'm going to hurt Bing Crosby."

Rating: 3 1/2 snowflakes

I can't wait to "Get Carried Away..."

Is it May 2008 Yet?

Elf

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Six
Elf (2003)

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud, for all to hear..."

I think I may have watched this movie too many times cause I don't laugh as much as I used to. However, I do remember watching it for the first time with some pretty huge laughs, especially in the scene where Will Ferrell first gets to NYC and eats the chewed gum off of the subway rail... soooo disgusting but hilarious in its naivete. Two things that could have made this movie better: 1) Someone else as the dad, maybe Robert DeNiro or Dustin Hoffman or someone like that and 2) Delete the scene where Buddy dances in the mail room--just dumb. Two things that made this movie great: 1) The unicorn-whale saying "Bye Buddy, Hope you find your dad!" and 2) Leslie, the Grimbels' SantaLand manager with his mini Christmas light necklace. Plus all the great one-liners.

Soundtrack Highlights: "Baby It's Cold Outside," "Santa Claus is Comin' To Town" and "You Make Me Feel So Young"

My Favorite Quotes:

• Buddy: "Buddy the Elf. What's your favorite color?"
• Children's Book Author: "Call me elf ONE MORE TIME!" Buddy: [whispering] "He's an angry elf."
  
• Buddy: "Son of a Nutcracker!"
• Leslie the manager: "Why are you smiling like that?" Buddy: "I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite."
• Buddy [to the store Santa]: "You sit on a throne of lies!"

Rating: 4 Snowflakes

I <3 Michael Cera

I watched Superbad again last night and realized how I totally love Michael Cera. He is so super awkward but in such a super cute way.

This video is hilarious; too bad he wasn't actually in Knocked Up:
Michael Cera gets fired from Knocked Up

And I can't wait to see Juno, which is reported to be like a female perspective version of Knocked Up. Look at those short-shorts and pale legs!
His web series with friend Clark made me laugh out loud--in my office--and next up on my Netflix queue is Arrested Development: Season One. He's younger in it but I'm sure he'll still be super awkward and therefore super cute.

Can he really be younger than my sister? Does that make me a big creeper?

The Santa Clause

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Five
The Santa Clause (1994)

"This Christmas, the snow hits the fan..."

I remember going to see this movie at a little theater on the Plaza in KC that no longer exists. I loved it then and I still love it now. Tim Allen is great as a guy who takes over Santa's job after he falls off of his roof. The kid who plays Charlie is damn annoying and I'm not a big fan of the reindeer but it's okay cause Judge Reinhold is hilarious as the crazy psychiatrist with ugly-as-sin sweaters and I love Bernard the head elf. Pretty cheesy, I suppose, but a real holiday "classic." (It's only 13 years old, after all. Wait--that movie came out 13 years ago? I am getting old!)

Soundtrack Highlights: "Santa Claus is coming to town" and "Jingle Bells"

My Favorite Quotes:

• Little Elf Judy: "Seeing isn't believing, believing is seeing!"
  
• Laura: "All Neil told him was that Santa was more of a feeling. More of a state of mind than an actual person." Scott Calvin: "Kind of like Neil!"
• Scott Calvin: "Who gave you permission to tell Charlie there was no Santa Claus? I think if we're going to destroy our son's delusions, I should be a part of it."
• Scott Calvin: "Hey, kid, who's in charge here?" Larry the Elf: "You are, and I'm not a kid. I have pointy shoes older than you. I'm an elf."
• Little girl: "You're supposed to drink the milk!" Scott Calvin: "I am lactose intolerant."
• Scott Calvin: "Let's start with a tall refreshing holiday favorite--eggnog!" Charlie: "I don't like eggnog." Waitress Judy: "Eh we're out." Charlie: "I'll have chocolate milk." Waitress Judy: "We're out." Charlie: "Plain milk's fine."

Rating: 5 Snowflakes

The Holiday

25 Days of Christmas Movies: Day Four
The Holiday (2006)

"It's Christmas Eve and we are going to celebrate being young and alive..."

Okay another movie not so much about Christmas as it is about relationships, but it definitely qualifies since it does revolve around the holidays. And there are Christmas songs in it. Double qualifier. Anyway! Two women with failed relationships switch houses for the holiday and poof! They find themselves in two fantastic relationships. Okay it's not quite as easy as that, but let's just say I've been busy on the Internet looking for a cozy Christmas cottage complete with Jude Law for my holiday. No luck yet. I'm definitely more of an Iris (Kate Winslet's character) than an Amanda (played by Cameron Diaz) but a girl can dream, can't she?

Soundtrack Highlights: "Santa Baby," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Let Go" and "Got to Be Real"

My favorite quotes:

• Iris: "You're supposed to be the leading lady in your own life, for God's sake!"
• Iris (to Jasper): "I don't know, but I think what I've got is something slightly resembling... GUMPTION!"
• [Miles reaches over to grab something on the counter, his arm grazing Iris's chest] Miles: "Okay, sorry about that. Boob graze." **LOVE Jack Black's in this movie!
• Iris: "I'm looking for corny in my life."
• Graham: "I have a cow and I sew. How's that for 'hard to relate to'?"
• Amanda: "I need some peace and quiet... or whatever it is people go away for."
• Girl at office: "My god, I've just noticed how pathetic you are." Iris: "Really? I'm *so* aware of it. "

Rating: 5 Snowflakes

Jingle All The Way

25 Days of Christmas: Day Three
Jingle All The Way (1996)

"I'm gonna deck your halls!"

This might be one of the worst movies ever. Despite that fact, and despite my sister making fun of me incessantly for it, I make sure to watch this movie every Christmas season. Basic premise: Arnold Schwarzenegger is a workaholic dad who forgets to get his son the ONE present he really wants, but of course he lies to his wife about it and then goes on a race across the city for the super-popular doll. How could that not be great? Yeah it's just not. But it was on ABC Family yesterday and I couldn't resist. So here it is.

Soundtrack highlights: "Run Rudolph Run" and a few other Christmas songs

My favorite quotes:

• Turboman: "It's Turbo Time!"
• Arnold: "It's Tuuurrrbo Time!" (in a crazy Austrian accent)
• Sinbad (yes Sinbad is also in this ridiculous movie): "Get out of my way, box!"
  
• yeah that's pretty much it

Rating: 2 snowflakes

Just Friends

25 Days of Christmas Movies, Day 2
Just Friends (2005)

"It's a Palamino Christmas..."

This movie isn't so much a Christmas movie as it is a movie that happens to take place during Christmastime, but it works because of the great holiday moments (i.e. Samantha James driving off in Chris' mom's Volvo, destroying the Palamino's holiday scene--including setting Santa on fire) and because it is just plain hilarious. Anna Faris is hilarious as a caricature of a Pop Star and Ryan Reynolds is always adorable.

Soundtrack Highlights: "Forgiveness" (a Samantha James original), "And That's the Way I Like It" and "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

My favorite quotes:

• Samantha: "Wait a minute, am I being Punk'd? Where's Ashton? Ashton? Oh my God, you totally got me!"
• Samantha: "Chris, let's go!" Chris: "I'm Busy!" Samantha: "I'm BUSY! Stupid dick."
• Chris's Mom (on the phone): "Chris? What are you doing at Joyce's?" Chris: "I'm in the living room, ten feet away from you."
  
• Mike: "I slapped the ham to it a few minutes ago." Chris's Mom: "What ham did you slap honey? Not the one I just bought for dinner."
  

Rating: 5 snowflakes

Love Actually

25 Days of Christmas: Day One
Love Actually (2003)

"If you really love Christmas, come on and let it snooooooooow..."

One of my favorite movies period, but definitely at the top of the Christmas movie list, too. 8 intertwined tales of a variety of romances--All-star British cast, including the great Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman and my favorite Colin Firth. If you haven't seen it, run to Blockbuster. Watch. It Now. It just makes me happy!

Soundtrack Highlights: "Christmas is All Around," "All I Want for Christmas Is You"

My Favorite Quotes:

• Kids: "I hate Uncle Jamie!"
• Billy Mack: "Hiya kids. Here is an important message from your Uncle Bill. Don't buy drugs. Become a pop star, and they give you them for free."
• Karen: "Now which doll shall we give Daisy's little friend Emily? The one that looks like a transvestite or the one that looks like a dominatrix?"
• Colin: "I'm off in few weeks... to a fantastic place called Wisconsin!"
• and soooooo many more

Rating: 5 snowflakes

Superstar

Christian Bale is reported to be the new Terminator.

So pretty. Siiiiiiiiiigh...

I have loved him since he longed for "Santa Fe" in Newsies. I'm so glad his career has continued. He's practically a Hollywood golden boy now.

Who woulda thunk? He went from "I'm the King of New York" to "I am Batman."

Here's hoping the new Terminator includes a little dancing and singing... for old time's sake. Count me in!