Monthly Favourites: DEC/15

Looking back on December, there isn’t much that I would change. My favourite holiday of Christmas surrounds the world with joy, I get to give and receive presents, decorate the old house and drink extra-alcoholic egg nog. I get to compose myself a nice Spotify playlist, including the most shamefully hipster and comfortingly classic tracks. I also get to devastate all bank accounts with vigorous purchasing and a distinct lack of logical thought. During the process this month I separated all products, which stood out to me in one way or another. I’d like to share them with you and even open up a conversation, should that happen. So, here we go – my top December favourites!

I have to give Lush a special nudge in the festive category. As well as relaunching their Christmas Edition soaps and bath bombs, they drew attention to a glorious selection of gift sets. If you are in need of a quick present, make sure to drop by and have a little browse. I have taken advantage of the deals a few times over the past weeks and admittedly, would spend a lot more on them had my bank account not been left barren. Dreamy smells, lathery gels and mesmerising scrubs to go, please!

 

Yeah, you know above, when I say “Yule Log”? That’s actually Yog Nog! My laptop autocorrected it under my nose, silly thing… Anyway, carry on!

In the book department, “Joyland” by Stephen King came closely third. I do adore my horror fiction. However, I was somewhat disappointed in the piece, so I placed the ones you see above up the scale. If you are interested in literature, please comment bellow and I shall make an all-time favourites post!

 

With December being as exciting and awesome, I’m looking forward to what January brings! If you enjoy the monthly favourites column, be sure to click the like button as that shows me I should keep making it!

Share what your own winter favourites have been and we can have a little product swap! Wouldn’t that be exciting?

Neato burrito.

Megs x

 

 

 

 

Christmas Film Reviews: “It’s A Wonderful Life”

Here we are, folks, at the very end of my December countdown. It’s Christmas morning, I have my trusty coffee and a slice of Alaskan bombe. Although the streets outside are devout of snow, today feels festive enough solely in spirit. True, I wouldn’t have minded a nice pile or two to dive in, but London persistently refuses to make a habit of that. Anyway, I’ll jump straight into my film recommendation for the big night.

“It’s A Wonderful Life” is perhaps the most well-known Christmas production of all time. Undoubtedly, a classic which has withstood the tests of time and the tidal wave of quality competition thrown its way. Released back in the cold winter of 1946, this film acted as a much needed reminder of life’s beauty. Ugly pictures of war and death had been showering newspapers and television programmes for too long. Hollywood’s first step towards reflecting this recovery came in motion pictures. “A Beautiful Life” was the only movie ever completed under director Frank Capra’s independent studio – Liberty Films. His desire to break free of the Golden Age’s repressive, Capitalist exploits, gave the project five Academy Award nominations and with a reason.

Enter George Bailey – Bedford Falls’s most altruistic and kind-hearted resident. His only dream is to see the world, explore everything life has to offer outside the boundaries of New York. Every time a door seems to open and give him a glimpse of those desires, someone runs by slam it shut. Instead of leaving for South America before college, George stays behind to run the family business after his father’s sudden death. The boy manages to save up for tuition fees once more, but ends up giving the money away so that younger brother Harry could receive an education instead. He protects and helps Bedford Falls’s people agains the overhanging tyranny of loan shark – Henry Potter, whose cruel intentions benefit no one, but his egocentric self. However, things are looking up when George marries the love of his life – Mary, a girl he’s known since childhood. They create a family and nestle down in an old house. Years go by and children start spurting, four to be exact, their affordable housing business seems to be thriving better than ever, life is looking up. In the peak of his happiness, a disaster comes to tear the joy apart. George is painfully used to being ripped off in one way or another, he rolls with the punches and tries to keep walking. However, that night is particularly daunting, leaving him in a desperate and suicidal track. George decides to jump off a near-by bridge and end the hurt for ever. Little does he know, Clarence the angel is watching over him that night. An angel who will make a single wish come true – let George see the world as it would have been if the man had never been born. A picture of decay and misery unfolds, playing out every worst scenario the town could have imagined. George learns just how important his kindness was to everyone around and releases the tunnel vision of success for the bigger picture of humanity. Upon realising life is an amazing gift, which should never be wasted on cruelty and disregard, he begins being Clarence for a chance to go back. Once more hug from his children, one more kiss from his wife, a chance to apologise and re-estimate his values, that’s George’s biggest Christmas desire. Moreover, surprises come stacking when the man returns home, and the puzzle pieces finally fit together, because life is truly an amazing treasure.

Take this as a promise from me – this film will melt your heart. The phrase “they don’t make them like they used to” is in full effect here, proving that old pictures have a quality about them that a blockbuster just cannot replace. Its script, written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett is romantic, funny, happy, exhilarating and painfully honest about pain and struggles. The dialogue flows like a river, turbulent with snappy George’s humour and rhetoric, yet calm with its authenticity. It manages to touch big themes will small sentences. “What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey, that’s a pretty good idea. I’ll give you the moon, Mary,” George said on his first date with future wife Mary. Infinitely beautiful their lines are to listen and see, about that there is not a single doubt inside my mind.

James Stewart is a name that should be a part of your film repository. An actor, father, war hero and generally kind human being, Stewart could not have been a better fit for the role of George Bailey had he consciously tried to be. He is absolutely extraordinary, quiet, but understood, funny, yet truthful and serious. Nothing more could I have asked from his character or portrayal, because Stewart masters both to perfection. His blue eyes stare at you through the black and white picture, digging holes inside your soul only to bury a seed of subtle positivity and joy.

Henry Travers is in the role of Clarence, who we only get to see for half the movie. In that time, however, he manages to become irreplaceable as a plot point and influence, creating an unshakable staple of the timeless tale. The angel who wants to get his wings and gives a small-town man a second chance at life, is the sidekick every person needs. Another supporting role goes to Donna Reed, who encapsulated George’s intelligent, funny and supporting wife Mary. The two’s connection shakes the ground with forceful tremors, leaving its audience wishing they had a romance of such proportions. From that first date, to their embrace over the phone and calm marriage that followed, a picture of an ideal is painted. Although critics gave Capra a hard time about his characters’ unrealistic idealism, they later re-visited that opinion, which was inevitable. It’s a chemistry and a love story, which surpass superficial expectations.

The theme of suicide is explored in one of the film’s culminations, which leaves spectators on the edge of their seat. George is someone we have created a relationship with and having to see him pushed to the limits of disappointment hits us just as hard. Capra does not simply gloss past the issue, dwelling into it through Clarence and George’s conversations. That’s partially what makes the recovery so powerful. We’ve seen the lows, we’ve hit rock bottom, so having a kick start back into happiness in its purest form feels exhilarating.

If you hadn’t figure it out by now, “It’s A Wonderful Life” could very well be one of my favourite films, period. It holds quality, which we rarely get to see in mass cinema nowadays, its cast is more than perfect for the complex set of characters we explore, and the rollercoaster of emotions leaves us gasping with overwhelming joy. There is nothing more that I could wish for in a perfect Christmas film. This is everything and more.

Now, have yourselves a very merry Christmas!

Thank you for following my blog this past year and hopefully I can continue to entertain you throughout the next one!

Stay amazing!

Megs X

Christmas Film Reviews: “Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas”

Long and furry fingers grace two horrid, bony arms,

in their middle is a tummy full of smelly, trash bin charms, 

when night fall comes, he watches all that sleep,

for evil plots are conjured in this green and spoiled creep.

Jim Carrey is in the role of Grinch, Dr. Seuss’s beloved Christmas villain. Excuse my astonishingly bad rhymes there, but I thought the best way to start off a children’s character is by couplet-ing my way in. The film was directed by industry titan Ron Howard, who holds movies such as “A Beautiful Mind” (2001) & “The Da Vinci Code” (2006) under his belt. Now that we know both cast and mastermind are skilfully chosen, let’s venture into the plot itself.

Whoville lays tucked in the snowy mountains of a snowflake. Its people are polite and helpful, living together in their small town community. Towering above them, in the depths of a hill, is the Grinch’s dusty abode. He watches them throughout his days, as Christmas approaches, and makes evil plans to steal away the joy. That is until a little Cindy Lou Who, one kind and thoughtful child, remembers the lonely creature and decides to present him with a gift of friendship. She nominates the Grinch for a prestigious award, making him socialise with past family and friends in Whoville, rather than hide. We become acquainted with a past, which triggers sympathy and sadness, but can ego-centric mayor Augustus and his girlfriend Martha May turn their attitudes around? Can they right the wrongs of a childhood long-concealed? The Grinch isn’t willing to wait for an answer even a second longer, setting a plan to sweep Whoville’s houses of their precious offerings at once. It’s Cindy Lou’s last chance to change his mind and heart. It’s the final plea to make him see a light within the darkness.

Well, here comes our show-stealer – Grinch himself, who absolutely nails the eponymous archetype with flying colours. Although Cindy Lou (Taylor Momsen) sticks close behind, it’s Jim Carrey’s slapstick movements and brilliant grump portrayal that take the prize home. Mannerisms are an important attribute to any good comedy and Carry is famous for his physical capabilities, so being able to transfer them onto the Grinch gives the Dr. Seuss creation an entirely new dimension. Don’t get me wrong, the storyline had been explored in a television series many a-year before that. However, live action gave both kids and adults a fresh look at things.

Taylor Momsen was fluid and clever – carrying the phantasmagoric Whovian costume as naturally as her own outfit. No teeth, ears or braids felt out of place, props to the six-year-old girl, who carried them like a champion. Although Taylor has changed direction with a singing career in rock music, the role will remain a part of her professional affiliations for ever. She was the sweet child who saved a hopeless Grinch and turned hatred into love.

As far as production design is concerned, it’s refreshing to see a physical set up, opposed to a green-screened computer animation. We see the convenience of manufactured graphics entirely too much nowadays, so a large part of “The Grinch”‘s charm comes from its adorable set. To kids, this wouldn’t make much of a difference, but trust me, grown-ups of the world, that fuzzy Christmas feeling will flow a lot easier after watching a throw back like this. Ron Howard’s vision of the production definitely surpassed any expectations Dr. Seuss fans could have conjured. The live action rendition of “The Cat in the Hat” (2004) proved to be another challenge, which, however, failed to please audiences and was generally received badly by both viewerships and critics.

In summary, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is an amazing, heart-warming tale of grand imagination and comedic threads. Ron Howard’s spin of the all-time book classic has now become a classic in its own right. Jim Carrey’s green creature is an image I grew up with and never want to part, Taylor Momsen’s Cindy Lou gives children an image of kindness to strive to. All of these ingredients combine perfectly in a Christmas dessert worthy of a film night home.

Stay awesome!

Megs X

 

Christmas Film Reviews: “Elf”

You didn’t think I’d get through the entire countdown and forget about Will Ferrell‘s syrupy spaghetti, did you? I mean, holy nutcrackers, what kind of blogger do you take me for? This A-lister went on the Jimmy Fallon show last week to excitedly announce his position as upgraded St. Nicholas, which surely tickles us all. From this point forward, Yule is expected to be equal parts exciting, hilarious and mildly inappropriate, so tuck in! It’s forming to be quite a ride.

“Elf” was released back in 2003, starring said comedy titan, plus the likes of James Caan, Peter Dinklage and Zooey Deschanel. At the helm of this ship stands Jon Favreau, who might ring jingly bells from the “Iron Man” franchise. However, during its relatively short life, the flick has managed to reach and surpass competitive heights in the Christmas film category.

We start at the beginning of things. Buddy is a newborn baby, who accidentally hitches a one-way ride from the nursery to the North Pole in Santa’s slay. Facing no alternative option, Papa Elf (Bob Newhart), the head helper, raises him as one of their own with care and love, no matter how awkwardly tall Buddy keeps on growing. One day, the truth manages to escape. Buddy’s biological parent is a publishing magnate called Walter – a humbug, and a human one at that! A trip to New York City ensues, aimed to spread festive spirit through the force of family values. Buddy makes friends with younger brother Michael (Daniel Tay), kind of scores a job at Gimbles and falls head over heels for Jovie, a co-worker with a lovely voice. Although Walter is greedy, selfish and work-obsessed, perhaps Buddy will manage to get past his chilly exterior. Who said even the hardest of hearts couldn’t be melted with some Christmas joy? After all, the best way to spread cheer is sing it aloud for all to hear.

Not much of an introduction can be given to Will Ferrell. He has been in the television and film industry for over two decades, spanning between SNL glory and silver screen success. Audiences tend to recognise a comedic talent when they see one, which explains how he was spotted as early as 1997. Buddy is portrayed with such childlike naïvety and tireless positivity that no stone remains unturned on the feel trip of his family reunion. Ferrell has mastered an iconic blank expression, which is open to conveying every emotion a kid surrounded by infinite wonder would have. His performance, as usual, is tummy-turningly done, case and point being the gum chewing scene upon his NYC arrival. Pure gold.

Zooey Deschanel contributed to the visual ensemble, yet also landed a helping hand to the audio devision of this production. Her voice is the first sound that draws Buddy to a friendship. She’s the anchor, which keeps him from losing grip with optimism. The two quickly find chemistry together, even if it is not a sexual one, which throws a sprinkle of romance in “Elf”. Deschanel’s natural ability to impart sardonicism and do it with a charming smile really takes to the dark humour spectators, myself included.

I’ll keep this review a comparatively short one. After all, there’s only one more day until Christmas! You’d rather be re-pinning photographs of cakes and turkeys rather than reading analytical film articles, and you know what, I don’t blame you one bit. Christmas is a time to sit back and take a look at life’s bigger picture. Sit back and relax with a good movie!

Stay awesome!

Megs x

 

Christmas Film Reviews: “Miracle on 34th Street”

With the realisation I might just get shot for this, I’d like to say I haven’t much favour for “Miracle on 34th Street”. It’s not normally a Christmas tick on my list, but since that opinion remains unpopular, I am reviewing it today, forcing an attempt to stay objective. Despite that, I cannot promise against a healthy dose of bias, which is hopefully not too harsh towards the picture. It stars legendary actor Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle, a.k.a. secret Santa; Mara Wilson, Elizabeth Perkins and Dylan McDermott. So far, every ingredient for a successful blizzard are present.

Susan Walker does not believe in Santa Clause! She is a clever, well-spoken girl and the daughter of special events director Dorey Walker, who insists on teaching truthfulness over fiction. They live in a spacious flat by the city’s centre, neighbouring handsome lawyer Bryan, who is also Dorey’s boyfriend. When Kris Kringle, an old man with a fluffy, white beard comes into their lives with a promise of fantastical proportions, nobody truly believes him. However, Dorey is in need of help and simply can’t resist the opportunity to hire him. Soon enough everyone finds themselves in the midst of a dilemma. Kris Kringle lets the rivalry between him and an ex-mall Santa get a little too aggressive, Dorey is confused about her feelings for Bryan, who seems to want more than she can offer. Little Susie is left in between the merging sides of fact and legend and she doesn’t know who to believe anymore. Hopefully a Christmas miracle can swing by, magically making everything fit into place, but can 34th street make it through?

Now, here is my issue – “Miracle on 34th Street” feels more like a court film, which happens to feature Santa Clause, than it does the other way around. It’s a film about divorce, cynicism, hopelessness and… the judicial system of the United States? The plot’s supposed culmination, which is structured around Bryan’s defence for Kringle, is riddled with holes and, to my sensibilities, utter ridiculousness. If children believe the old man is truly Santa, then by God, it must be so! The dollar trick played during Judge Harper’s final sentencing tugs so hard on the obscurity of its logic, that it barely holds the resolution together. All of this is brought on, because Santa went to jail, and trust me – not in a cute, slapstick way.

Although the picture’s last five minutes tie loose ends and make everyone get an idilic, happy ever after, that does not make up for almost two hours of downfall. To my belief, it barely holds onto the brink of a spectator’s attention only by half a hair’s width.

Besides these points, I have to say the dialogue flowed smoothly and the craftsmanship of George Seaton shun through in that aspect. This rendition is a remake of 1947’s film of the same name. So, if we have to get analytical here, perhaps the storyline Seaton envisioned would have worked better for its original release time. The era was different, entertainment was meant for grown-ups rather than children. Therefore, giving it a second life in the nineties, when television and cinema had evolved to be any man’s game, should have endured larger changes.

Performances were delivered skilfully by the main cast. Mara Wilson is somewhat of a Macaulay Culkin case, having made her name a household item back in the day. Right now, she’s off into oblivion, although making theatrical appearances here and there. Dylan McDermott has become a regular on the small screen, with a very admirable lead role in the famous “American Horror Story”.

Although I’m all for changing it up every day of the countdown, I’m not sure how much this film can move its audience. Unlike the cheerfulness of “Arthur Christmas” or the desperation in “It’s A Wonderful Life”, “Miracle on 34th Street” manages to miss all the marks for me. It holds close to no impact, despite being dotted with touching moments. Something went wrong, but you could still enjoy it. Give the film a shot and commend bellow what you think on the subject!

Stay awesome! Only one more week until Christmas!

Megs x

Christmas Film Reviews: “Home Alone”

This entry hardly needs an introduction. The “Home Alone” franchise made its start twenty five years ago and has become one of the most prolific Christmas traditions. Child star Macaulay Culkin graces its original instalment as young Kevin McCallister – an eight-year-old grump who has trouble dealing with an overcrowded family. Chris Collumbus, a known name in the world of production, made a step in directing this project and has harvested worldwide reputation from it. The very first festive video cassette I owned happened to be “Home Alone” and it brings me great nostalgia to say – here’s the long-overdue review.

The McCallisters are going on vacation to Paris and everything is set – luggage, cousins, aunties and pizza. A staggering fifteen people wonder about the Illinois home the day before Christmas eve, buzzing like bees for their big adventure. Among them is young Kevin, who seems to always get the raw end of the deal. Upon being punished for causing chaos, he wishes his family would simply disappear.That desire is fulfilled when the boy gets left behind next morning in the rush to a late airport drive. Life suddenly becomes a party for the kid, who has waited for an opportunity like this years in time. However, a pair of local robbers also have plans for Kevin’s home and they’d travel great lengths in fulfilling them. When nightfall comes, they make a move, not expecting the child to fight back in a determined attempt to defend his castle. From then on, it is a fast-track rollercoaster through laughter and excitement as both sides try to even the score. Will Kevin get his family back in time for Christmas day? Will he regret having pushed them away in the first place? One thing’s for sure, the Wet Bandits will receive everything they deserve that holiday, burns and bruises included.

Macaulay Culkin’s star made a breakthrough with the “Home Alone” empire, launching the child’s career into A-list heights. It has since died down, but not before making his face a household image. Culkin’s performance has been appraised by spectators and critics for a reason. We see the innocence and naïvety of every child seep through, complimented by grand fantasies and painful realisations. A character and performance we can truly identify with, presented on a platter of catchy Christmas tunes and flickering faery lights.

Catherine O’Hara is a panicky, fidget-prone Kate McCallister, whose most memorable scene breaks the fourth wall of cinema. “We forgot Kevin!”, she shouts on her flight to Paris, having realised the unimaginable, yet hilarious gaff. That line has become so iconic, it has sprouted a boy band and a fandom.

Chances are I wouldn’t need to sell this film, because most of you have already fallen in love with it. However, it would’t hurt to try. There’s laughter, there’s tears, there’s the heartbreakingly sweet story of Old Man Marley and the adorable Gus Polinski’s polka group. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern are the Wet Bandit duo, a thieving pair of dimwits, who get made into complete fools by young Kevin. Both actors are exceptionally believable, portraying finely grated stupidity and undying ambition for their task.

All in all, “Home Alone” has almost everything you’d need in a perfect Christmas film, albeit having missed Santa Clause himself. It’s a heart-warming reminder of our families’ importance in the homeliest celebration of them all.

Naturally, I recommend a cheese pizza with this gem, and maybe a cup of chocolate milk for the soul.

Stay awesome! Four days to go.

Megs x

Christmas Film Reviews: “The Santa Clause”

I remember renting the video cassette for “The Santa Clause” when I was only eight years old. It had already been established as a classic by people far beyond my knowledge and age, which fuelled the flames of childish wonder sky-high. Although its success rendered two sequels, they fell behind on both revenue and satisfaction grounds. Tim Allen, who plays the jolly Saint Nicolas himself, should have called it a day after the first instalment, reserving a note of victory upon exit. Director Michael Lembeck seemed just as invested, continuing the series twelve years after the original’s release. Good effort, guys, but nothing beats film number one and here is the reason why.

Plotted around the story of Scott Calvin (Allen) – a divorced toy salesman, who is struggling to connect with only son Charlie, trouble comes when an unexpected guest falls off his roof on Christmas night. An empty-seated sleigh awaits on top of Calvin’s house, led by a full package of reindeer sniffling the crispy cold air. Unknowingly, Scott and Charlie are about to discover just how real Christmas magic is a the revelation will change their lives for good. After a colourful visit to the North Pole and Santa’s workshop, they return back home confused and bewildered by the almost unreal adventure. As Calvin begins to morph into his new position of festive guardian, he receives a beard that defies trimming and  a tummy able to devours cookies like a mighty paper shredder. Carol, Charlie’s mother, refuses to believe this process is the real spirit of Christmas and does everything within her power to fight for their son’s custody. But in the thick of family season, it’s up to Scott Calvin and his right hand elf Bernard to show her and the world otherwise.

Per nineties ritual, the soundtrack to this picture is one of its most important ingredients. Composed by Michael Convertino, it conveys the triumphant highs of jollity and the thin lows of stumbling mishaps to perfection. For a true representation of the rollercoaster tonality, listen to “Let’s Go”, which is number one on the album. If that doesn’t get you in the mood for a warmly tucked blanked in front of the television set, then all hope shall be abandoned.

The elves, most of which appear as children, but are aged at an impressive number of centuries, help restore the balance of cheer just as much. Bernard’s dry stares and flat humour are sure to get you giggling over his stone cold facial expressions and nonchalant supernatural terminology. There is nothing more priceless than a grumpy, yet loving old soul trapped in the body of a prepubescent boy.

Tim Allen himself stays true to the comedic timbre of his Scott Calvin, complaining about lactose intolerance to a sleeping child and  trying to jog the Santa weigh off on a miniature treadmill. Despite these sunny-side-up undertones, the spectator is still majorly faced with the issue of divorce and abandonment. Struggling to prove the truth, Calvin slowly loses grip on the last fragments of family he has. Allen emphasises on this in equal measures, levelling hopelessness with undying optimism. However, this wouldn’t be a Christmas film without a miraculous bounce back, so a group of special-op elves fly to the rescue.

Let’s not forget the entire sequence of events is triggered by the accidental death of Santa Clause. Not a lot of movies are brave enough to pull a freak plot point such as this banger here, but Lembeck twists it notably well. Instead of lingering on the morbidity of it all, we find ourselves urging it on. If the spirit of Christmas himself fell down from my roof, I imagine I’d be calling an ambulance instead of thinking up possibilities.

Through medical appointments, court dates, custody battles and a police arrest, “The Santa Clause” manages to emerge as festive as the next film of its kind. It shows that the power of Christmas can bring the hardest of hearts to peace and the grimmest of situations to light. It finishes strong and exhilarating, feeding the desire to call your mum and dad, or step up and even visit them. Maybe it’ll be worth sleeping in your old single bed under a Jason Sudeikis poster, you never know.

May your Christmas be merry through thick and thin, because it’s the time of year where everyone’s a little nicer and a tad more generous. Be kind and be happy, and bring the same to everyone around.

Now pour yourself a cup of eggnog.

Stay awesome!

Megs x

 

Christmas Film Reviews: “The Muppet Christmas Carol”

As a self-proclaimed muppet, it would have constituted as a sin not to review this film in my twelve-day countdown. Having grown up on “Sesame Street” and its colourful, fuzzy characters, this rendition of the Charles Dickens classic really strikes the deep-rooted home feels. Michael Caine is our grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge, huffing and puffing at any jolliness the streets of London have to offer. Two narrators give us a real account of how Christmas night would change its meaning for ever – Great Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat. All of this gooey goodness is directed by experienced puppeteer Brian Henson and adapted by franchise veteran Jerry Juhl.

Unlike “Scrooged”, which I reviewed back on Sunday, “A Muppet Christmas Carol” does not attempt to modernise the timeline. We find ourselves in nineteenth century England, thrown in a blizzard of shoppers, children and tired commuters. Everyone’s rushing home to the burning fireplace, where a glimpse of magic awaits them for a single eve of blissful holiday. Ebenezer dismisses their merrymaking as unnecessary frivolities, but when perished business partner Marley makes an unexpected visit from the dead, this old fart is forced to listen. Three spirits will come, voices of reason and compassion, to show Scrooge why kindness and love need prevail over his cruelty. From then on, a classic Dickens tale unravels through the past, present and future. We embark on a thill-filled ride across two households and an old school, to look for Ebenezer’s last traces of humanity.

Kermit the Frog plays trustee bookkeeper Bob Cratchit and Miss Piggy is his loyal wife. Their family suffers enough by the hand of Scrooge and his minimal pay, but as destiny has it worse would come. Tiny Tim, the Cratchits’ little boy suffers from illness and shan’t make it much longer. This is one of the turning points both character and audience-wise, as the theme of hopelessness and loss are explored. Even though the muppets are a comedic bunch, Henson successfully emphasises those grim motifs without taking away from the children’s experience.

Michael Caine is a reputable actor, whose portfolio extends far and wide with timeless pieces such as Nolan’s “Batman” trilogy, Cuarón’s “Children of Men” and Barber’s “Harry Brown”. He has been characters we’ve loved, loathed, feared and admired. This versatility is welcome in a colourful man such as Scrooge, whose transition between the past and future is a bumpy road of emotional change. Caine excels in the challenge of fitting those shoes by creating a version of Ebenezer that stands out from the rest. In a classic sense, he will always be one of the few faces Dickens is associated with in this tale.

This happens to be the only film in my countdown which features puppeteering, so for that reason I definitely recommend adding it to your Christmas list. It brings a touch of diversity in an otherwise same-y collection of festive entertainment, plus, the kids enjoy a break from animation. Well, folks, I’d recommend scooting comfortably on the sofa with a plate of cookies and milk, wrapping up in a warm blanket and enjoying the ride.

Stay awesome! Only ten days ’till Christmas to go!

Megs x

Christmas Gift Guide: Designer Stocking Fillers

A few days ago I covered the issue of Christmas presents, or the lack there of. Well, this morning we’re mellowing down a bit with some simple and easy stocking fillers. Growing up means loosening childhood traditions and unfortunately, small surprises stuffed in socks is one custom that gets left behind. In my books that’s a darned shame, so let’s walk the extra mile and fill them up this year.

 

 

 

 

 

Here is just a touch of inspiration that you could hopefully build on. I enjoy the thoughtfulness of little gifts and will keep the stocking tradition for as long as possible. Comment bellow! Give me some of your own recommendations and ideas!

Meanwhile, stay awesome!

Megs x

 

 

Christmas Film Reviews: “The Polar Express”

The Conductor is Tom Hanks, the Father is Tom Hanks, even the Hobo is Tom Hanks. Everyone is Tom Hanks in this Robert Zemeckis production, but I’m not even a single neurone mad about it. If there could be one voice to narrate my Christmas eve, besides Jim Carrey and James Stewart, it would most definitely be his.

Upon the strike of midnight on the fateful Noel day, a magical late train circulates Earth. Its Conductor wiggles a moustache over a list of children, who weren’t particularly naughty or nice, but share a trait in common – their dying belief in the spirit of Christmas and Santa Clause himself. The Polar Express is a last chance to entrust them with a sprinkle of life’s secret greatness. Our heroic boy remains nameless, although we still share a seat in his journey to enchantment. Through walking atop the mystery train, to playing with ghosts, seeing elves and keeping the Conductor’s strict timetable, not a second of our night remains stationery. The children’s final destination – the North Pole, where St. Nicholas is preparing for yet another trip around the world. All of their dreams are about to be resurrected, sparking the fire of Christmas once more.

The themes of slipping childhood are highly explored in festive films as an inevitable part of life. Zemeckis manages to portray that experience fully through Hero Boy’s hesitation to trust his new adventure. Lonely Boy, which we meet deeper into the story, almost misses the Polar Express entirely because of mistrust and uncertainty. The realisation that perhaps none of our fantasies are true is a point in time we can relate to, which is what makes the motif so special. It makes identification with the children a lot more natural and entrances us into their story.

There’s not much to say about Tom Hanks’s voice work that you wouldn’t already know. The most famous piece of animation in his repertoire is “Toy Story”‘s character Woody, who kids like me grew up with. The A-lister’s reputation as a generous and kind man brings its energy into the picture, underlining an already clever Conductor with further qualities. This makes for a well-rounded and believable supporting crew that cures Hero Boy’s desperation.

Hero Girl, Lonely Boy and Know-it-All are (to my interpretation) the voices Hero Boy has to battle with while growing up. Hero Girl is his positivity and playfulness, Lonely Boy is the absence of hope and Know-it-All is a desire to think logically and factually. Becoming an adult means they begin to contradict instead of correlate – a struggle our protagonist is pushing through. In the resolution we see these voices become one again – full of Christmas jolliness and cheer instead of unsureness.

My verdict is this – “Polar Express” is the smooth peanut butter on a breakfast piece of toast, the drop of milk in a bitter tea. Although its majority revolves around grittier subject matter, whether we realise it or not, the running theme is a blossoming inspiration. Magic is real and it’s all around us, we can’t forget that around Christmas time.