January Film Releases I’m Excited About

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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: “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

 

Ten Songs To Obsess Over This Christmas

It’s safe to say the festive fever is upon me and there ain’t no cure. Well, except for January, which normally proves dauntingly sufficient, but we shan’t think about it for at least another few weeks. As a part of my twelve-day countdown to the big night of many celebrations, I have assembled a mighty list of unmissable films to feast your eyes on. However, sitting on my desk this morning I realised I had forgotten something just as important! One cannot simply enjoy December to its fullest potential without the company of a good Christmas playlist. Precisely for those reasons, today’s post will give you ten songs to listen and love for a truly Yule-inspired day!

 

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1. Fun. – “Sleigh Ride”

Their rhythmic take on this classic tune has some deeply defined beats in between an orchestra of string instruments, with the occasional drop of atmospheric horns. Now backtrack and try to pronounce that sentence full speed three times in a row, I double dare you, heck, I’ll even triple dare you. Nate Ruess’s soaring vocals bring a sense of pop slash punk, slash indie influences, which turn out to be a sweet and exhilarating jam. Let’s put it like this, if “Home Alone”‘s soundtrack got a nifty, chilled 2015 re-mix, then this track would be heavily featured on the album.

9. The Bird & The Bee – “Carol of the Bells”

Imagine you were sneaking out of your bedroom on Christmas night, hunting for a glimpse of Santa. The danger of forbidden business weighs on you as the stairs become lesser and lower. You tiptoe from the kitchen to the corridor, edging past the living room corner. This is what “Carol of the Bells” sounds like – quiet, yet playful. Listening to the low voice of vocalist Inara George brings a wave of childish mischief, which adds a special note to every bedtime.

8. The Vamps – “Hallelujah” 

I’m not normally one for boy bands under my own age of twenty, but The Vamps deserve a place on this list. Their rendition of necessary track “Hallelujah” is simultaneously sensual and strong. The voice to blame is Bradley Simpson’s, although bandmate James McVey’s stripped down guitar accompaniment is a flawless, gentle accolade. It’s a slow song, so if you prefer classic, jazzy varieties, you might want to give this one a miss. I happen to quite enjoy a healthy mix of styles on one playlist, so I’m adding it to today’s countdown.

7. Bing Crosby – “Litte Jack Frost, Get Lost” ft. Peggy Lee

Bet you thought I’d forgotten the old-school unmissables. Ha! You were wrong, buster, I got this front covered, too! Bing Crosby has become a Christmas necessity to households around the globe. His critically acclaimed festive tunes have been remastered into a 2014 assembly called “Bing Crosby’s Christmas”, which is full of Hollywood Gold Era songs. What an ageless, swing recording of a true appreciation for the holidays, only few vintage artists can compare to!

6. The Raveonettes – “The Christmas Song”

This one is a wrapped up nineties with a pretty bow on top. It definitely applies for the chilled crew amongst you, featuring leisurely, punk guitars, low, dragging voices and the perfect rhythm for a slow dance with your lover. Although the song is from 2003, it carries a sprinkle of Radiohead and Nirvana inside, which mixes better than you’d think with the ol’ Yule moods.

5. Jessie J – “Man With the Bag”

Before you judge this song as “too pop” or “not my kind of artist”, just trust me and give it a listen. Although Jessie J’s voice is able to stretch acrobatics from here to the Moon and back, the girl deserves some props for keeping it mild. A full orchestra on the instrumentals and a quintessential jazz fluctuations on her vocals, it verges more on Peggy Lee territory than an Ariana Grande number. There was potential to go full Mariah Carrey, but Jessie restrained from that, resulting in a classy track, rather than a radio smash.

4. Elvis Presley – “Blue Christmas”

It’s almost midnight and you’re sat in front of a pointless television show, sipping a barely warm glass of mulled wine. The snow is piling outside, but you don’t care enough to plow it off the driveway. If this scenario sounds vaguely familiar, this song is your go-to deal. Elvis’s charmingly elegant, rock song “Blue Christmas” makes your “not really giving a fuck” into “fucking this shit”, from zero to sixty in point two seconds. 

3. Pentatonix – “White Winter Hymnal”

This is the only song on my list, which is performed a cappella. Pentatonix are famous for their exceptional variety of voices and tonalities, which seem to be utilised magically in this track, harmonising throughout. It’s positive, poetic and atmospheric – a winning combination for a great morning attitude. “White Winter Hymnal” would be perfect to sing with the family around a warm, crackling fire. 

2. Kanye West – “Christmas in Harlem”

This one’s for my hip-hop people, and just when you thought I’d ignored a portion of my crew. A personal favourite part of this track is Teyana Taylor’s hook, which will get you lip synching under your breath or even screaming at the top of your lungs while baking those gingerbread cookies. If you learn the rap verses, you could even end up showing off to hipster cousins with some mad game.

1. Seth MacFarlane – “Baby It’s Cold Outside” ft. Sara Bareilles

Undoubtedly my favourite song on this countdown. It combines the best of both worlds – a modern recording with its own special flavour and timeless voices, which pop above the triumphant instrumentals. We all know and love Seth MacFarlane as the goofy Peter Griffin from “Family Guy”, but this side of him completely blindsides any casual television audience member. The entire album I pulled this out of – “Holiday For Swing!”, is mesmerising and tasteful. I recommend it for a long road trip or background music to any household chore.

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Destiny’s Child – “Carol of the Bells”

It has Beyonce front and centre stage performing damn good voice acrobatics. Michelle and Kelly are in the role of background bells. The most R’n’B Christmas you could ever have imagined.