Category: Televison
Stuff you’d see on the small screen.
Casablanca
Still one of my fav movies for dialogue. And it stars Humphrey Bogart, my first love, well, one of the firsts, it’s hard to remember.
Sadly, Ingrid Bergman is more of a Barbie figure with limited facial expressions: worried and adoring, sometimes worriedly adoring or adoringly worried. I never thought this was her best, although I loved her wardrobe.
This was a love story with a perfect ending. If that doesn’t satisfy the viewer you can always imagine Ilsa and Richard get together after the war when Laszlo doesn’t need her strength anymore.
The bromance between Ric
k (Bogart) and Renault (the magnificent and sardonic Claude Rains) is the best part of the movie; especially as Renault And Rick walk off into the fog together and Rick says: “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
If you’ve never given yourself the gift of watching this movie, do so. If you have, do it again…you’re worth it.
Some interesting info about Casablanca:
Casablanca wasn’t expected to be a hit, just one in a string of patriotic World War II films and Bogart’s first try as a leading man. Bit of a shock when it went on to be one of the greatest movies of all time.
Humphrey Bogart was a brilliant chess player. 
Many extras in Casablanca were European émigrés who shed real tears while filming the battle of the anthems scene. Conrad Veidt, (Major Strasser) had escaped with his Jewish wife from Germany in 1933 when he learned he was being targeted by the SS. Veidt was resolute in being cast only as Nazi villains believing it would help the war effort.
Even though it’s in black and white (spare yourself the horror of the Colorized version) we know the colour of Ilsa’s dress the day the Germans invaded Paris. “The Germans wore gray. You wore blue”.
There’s been talk of a sequel and a few unsuccessful remakes and prequels, but no success. However, I did love Bugs Bunny in Carrotblanca and The Marx Bros in A Night in Casablanca.
No one in Casablanca ever says, “Play it again Sam”…one of the most famous misquotes of all time.
Rick dramatically reads the dissolving note from Ilsa in the rain at the train station in Paris…seconds later he and Sam are getting on the train, dry as a bone.
Humphrey Bogart, Sydney Greenstreet, and Peter Lorre (he was sooo cool) had previously appeared in the amazing The Maltese Falcon together.
Dooley Wilson (Sam) was actually a drummer; didn’t play piano.
Too many best lines, here’s a few…
Yvonne: “Will I see you tonight?”
Rick: “…I never make plans that far ahead.”
Rick: “…My health, I came to Casablanca for the waters.”
Renault: “The waters? What waters? We’re in the desert.”
Rick: “…I was misinformed.”
Ugarte: “You despise me, don’t you?”
Rick: “…If I gave you any thought, I probably would.”
Renault: “Major Strasser’s been shot.” (Glances at Rick, holding the smoking gun, and he repeats–) “…Round up the usual suspects.”
Rick: “But it doesn’t take much to see that the problems of three little people don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. Someday you’ll understand that. Now, now. Here’s looking at you, kid.”
WHO COULD HAVE IMAGINED THE BEATLES?
From screaming fans to scoffing critics to worried parents, the world might not have been ready for The BeaTles, but there they were.
50 years ago The BeaTles stepped onto North American soil and into the history books and hearts of millions.
Crashing in on the first wave of the British Invasion of North America, Beatlemania was just the edge of what they had in store.
Their diverse techniques and elements ensured that The BeaTles music appealed to wide audiences.
Songs that ranged from mindless love songs to pop hits to anthems of a generation looking for change, with a few quirky bits thrown in to remember just how much fun they must have been having, recreationally.
The music was driven by whatever they were thinking and doing, crunching in novel ideas and technologies.
The band played with mediums, expressions, and thoughts like children enthusiastically playing with Christmas morning toys.
I wonder in this more homogenized world if we would ever allow bands like this again? There have been great bands, but they seem fewer and farther between.
So whether you love them, hate them, ardently mock them, or try to ignore them, The BeaTles left their shiny boot prints all over the world…
Living is easy with eyes closed. Misunderstanding all you see. It’s getting hard to be someone. But it all works out, It doesn’t matter much to me. Let me take you down…~The BeaTles
Who could have Imagined The BeaTles? You can’t make this stuff up.
GROUNDHOG DAY
Love it or hate it, I think Groundhog Day is hilarious.
Love it or hate it, I think Groundhog Day is hilarious.
Love it or hate it, I think Groundhog Day is hilarious.
This is basically A Christmas Carol twisted around to be repetitious, the day itself is the visiting ghosts who teach Phil Connors (Bill Murray) what he’s done wrong with his life and how to fix it. We love a good story of redemption.
It could also be seen as an allegory for human history, we just keep doing the same things over and over and over again…we just haven’t learnt the lessons yet.
Any way you see it, it’s hilarious and evocative.
The original ideas told the audience the reason Connors/Murray was reliving Groundhog Day over and over again, but it was decided it would be best to give no explanation. Good choice.
GD is such a pop culture phenom that many people, including the military refer to an unpleasant situation that loops as Groundhog Day.
I think many of us have experienced our own Groundhog Day where we’re caught in a loop until we realize why and break free.
This is really the ultimate self-improvement film.
So whether groundhogs see their shadow or not today, some form of Spring is coming at some point; unless you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, then you know…Winter Is Coming. 
PINKY & THE BRAIN
Subtle, silly, witty, snort-your-beverage-of-choice-up-your-nose-genius.
The theme song will be in my head forever. Although I was never quite sure which one was the genius and which one was insane. Each night they tried to take over the world and failed, but kept trying. Quite a lesson in perseverance.
This sadly only ran for 65 episodes (and I have them all!!!), but it will run through our hearts and brains forever, leaving tiny little paw prints that leave tiny little ouchies…
This isn’t a show of half measures, people either love it or hate it or possibly just miss out on its brilliance altogether.
My fav lines were always when Brain (voiced by the astonishing Maurice LaMarche) would say, “Pinky, are you pondering what I’m pondering?”
Pinky (voiced by the talented Rob Paulsen) would usually have some bizarre answer like:
“I think so, Brain, but…but burlap chafes me so.” or
“I think so, Brain, but this time, you put the trousers on the chimp.” or
“I think so Brain, but pants with horizontal stripes make me look chubby.” or
“I think so, but what if the chicken won’t wear the nylons?” Or
“I think so, Brain, but if they called them ‘Sad Meals’, kids wouldn’t buy them.” or
“Well, I think so, hiccup, but Kevin Costner with an English accent?”
“I think so, Brain, but me and Pippi Longstocking… I mean, what would the children look like?” or
“Well, I think so, Brain, but if Jimmy cracks corn, and nobody cares, why does he keep doing it?”
And it’s all funnier in his Cockney accent and throw in a: narf, zort, poit, and a troz and you’ve got yourself a lot of laughs.
THE CAROL BURNETT SHOW
Still one of the funniest shows ever to grace the small screen.
Went with the Wind still cracks me up; a classic. Loved As the Stomach Turns.
Never did get the Tarzan call though. And never thought Mama’s Family was even slightly funny.
Some of the best moments were the cast’s inability to keep a straight face, especially Harvey Korman. There was so much ad-libbing you could just see some cast and guests trying to keep up. I’m giggling thinking of Tim Conway as the old man.
Amazing guest stars over the years, so funny to see Steve Martin and Betty White together.
Also,
Madeline Kahn, Shirley McLaine, Vincent Prince,
James Stewart, Bob Newhart, Roddy MacDowall,
Jerry Lewis, Rich Little, Paul Lynde, Ricardo Montalban,
Debbie Reynolds, George Carlin, Shirley Jones,
Jonathan Winters, The Smothers Brothers, Sonny & Cher,
Barbara Eden, Leonard Nimoy, Robin Williams, Alan Alda, 
Dick Van Dyke, Buddy Ebsen, Rock Hudson, Janet Jackson,
Kenneth Mars, Wayne Rogers, Telly Savalas, Phil Silvers, Maggie Smith,
Jean Stapleton, Sally Struthers, Sammy Davis Jr., Don Adams and so many more.
The Breakfast Club
I guess you could read all sorts of profound messages into The Breakfast Club, such as:
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If people from various cliques were forced to spend time with each other they’d see what they have in common and empathize with each other or they’ll get along for that day without their respective peers around, but when they’re back with their cliques, things would be the same.
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Teens from various groups can bond over their mutual contempt for parents, authoritarian figures, really, most adults. So I guess for that moment in time they get each other and see they’re not that different, at least in this. It would be interesting to see The Breakfast Club 20 years later when they are the adults they disdained.
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How teens feel pressure from adults as well as peers and the subsequent forms of rebellion.
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Vernon doesn’t really enjoy being an authoritarian. He clearly doesn’t have the resources to properly work with the students on a productive level. He resorts to bullying which is what educational professionals are trying to stop.
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One day can change your life.
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Or you could see The Breakfast Club as a bunch of kids bored in detention, smoking marijuana who talked the nerd into doing their essays for them.
This film did change the way teens were marketed. It’s also one of the movies that makes some people believe they’d like their life to be an 80s movie.
Mostly it just gave us great lines like:
Does Barry Manilow know that you raid his wardrobe?
Mess with the bull, young man. You get the horns!
And my personal fav, Screws fall out all the time, the world’s an imperfect place.
Of course this movie wouldn’t exist today. The Athlete, The Basket Case, The Princess, The Criminal and The Brain would all be on the cell phones all day and would never be bored enough to interact.
Labyrinth
I’ve never been sure if Labyrinth was meant to be a children’s film that grown-ups love, or a grown-up film that some children just might like as well.
I guess it doesn’t really matter.
Either way it’s certainly a brilliant lesson in be careful what you wish for.
Remarkable performances by David Bowie (of course) and Jennifer Connelly (a vision of things to come), but we all know, the Muppets are the real stars in this fantastic fantasy flick.
Bowie is the perfect choice (again, of course) for Jareth, the Goblin King. Edgy, intense, mature, and smooth, he embodies a very, very adult world. Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) is drawn to him (of course) as she teeters on the brink of becoming a woman while still desperately clutching onto her childhood with a grubby fist. Jareth is the embodiment of temptation, to want, to yearn, to cling…he compels her, offering what she thinks she wants, fighting herself to take responsibility for her own actions.
In the throes of teen angst, Sarah blames everyone for her restlessness and discontent. Jareth seems the answer to all until she sees the truth (“I ask for so little. Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave.” ~Jareth) and the consequences – losing not only her baby brother, but herself.
Sarah‘s lesson? There are so many to choose from, but the most important? That accepting who she was, is, and will be has its own rewards…instead of running from the future, she must embrace it and the present. The past will take care of itself, it always does.
OK, this definitely isn’t a new story, but this was beyond well-told, all the same.
And it has Bowie. And Bowie singing. Sigh.
Sarah: That’s not fair!
Jareth: You say that so often, I wonder what your basis for comparison is?
Magical…magically so.
Emma
Jane Austen’s diverting and delightful Emma has intrigued audiences, in print and on screens for many years. Emma is a woefully well-intended but misplaced matchmaker, suppressed adventuress, and a stymied intellectual. Her main foil is her own Queen Bee attitude; her immature overconfidence that she knows best for everyone.
Along with her overprotective father, her handsome and under-appreciated neighbour/brother-in-law and a whole cast of other characters Emma takes a winding and oft self-deceiving journey to a place she should have explored long before – her own heart.
I enjoyed much of this 2009 TV adaptation.
Lively and amusing, Romola Garai seemed a tad too worldly for Emma.
Jonny Lee Miller (a divine Mr. Knightley) was too background. They needed to use Miller and Michael Gambon to more effect. They really needed to use this whole cast to better effect. For heaven’s sake why hire brilliant actors and then under- utilize them?
The chemistry with Garai and Miller is fabulous, the cut and thrust of their conversations scrumptious, but sparse.
The flow of the series leans at times toward tentative and expected. Emma should be more bold, joyful, and flourishing in it’s a journey of self-discovery.
Overall, this series was charming, efficient, and lovely, but how many versions of Jane Austen novels do we need? Many will disagree, but I would like to see some other stories told, perhaps some that are more unfamiliar to us. While it is cozy to watch a story so beloved and memorable, why not give us some other classics, or lesser known works that we may also enjoy? I know the answer. Money. People flock to the recognizable.
While I enjoy various versions of Austen, I guess I’d also like more variety.
WATERSHIP DOWN
Ever read a book you basically wanted to dislike for various reasons yet still you like it, and you like it a lot? Watership Down by Richard Adams is one of those books, for me. It should seem cheesy and all rabbity and odd, but it’s endearing and compelling instead.
I suppose it depends on how you view the story. 
As a sweet tale a father started telling his children on car rides or an allegory about corporate persecution, domination of the vulnerable, logic and sentiment at war and so much more.
If viewed as the latter I wonder who would be most disturbed by a freedom so longed for, snatched away, the children or the parents? Both can understand, but children still have the hope of that freedom, while adults realize it is more illusionary.
Depending on the level you choose to read or believe, perhaps a challenging read, but worth it. Very strange, but there it is.
Watership Down has been adapted to film, TV, theatre, games, and has inspired songs, album titles, references, and parodies, it’s become a cult classic. Why? I’m sure there are various reasons.
Perhaps because the 1970s were a time of change where people were exploring massive social, political, and economic shifts. Using anthropomorphic depictions of animals lets us examine human issues, problems, flaws, transformations, strife, horror, etc. through nonhuman images in a sort of Safe Mode.
It’s a lot like Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (by Robert C. O’Brien, later made into The Secret of NIMH) which published just a year before, similar ideas and visions. But maybe we’re reading too much into WD, sometimes a rabbit is just a rabbit.
I wonder…40 years from now what literature will represent our times, to last the test of time, if any? Maybe just an app or chip or a memory. Hopefully all is not Lost.
Jeeves and Wooster
Understandable this clunky British 1930s era comedy isn’t for everyone…but isn’t that a shame? You really don’t know what you’re missing, then again, if you don’t know, you’re probably not missing it and are ok with that.
Jeeves and Wooster is a lenient, laconic, laughable dance. Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry onscreen are pure magic. Their chemistry is flawless.
Jeeves and Wooster are like:
Pasta and sauce. 
Cake and ice cream.
Oil and vinegar.
Tomato soup and grilled cheese.
Hot chocolate and whipped cream.
Chips and salsa.
Cabbage and tomato.
Peanut butter and banana. 
Peanut Butter and jam.
Peanut butter and bacon.
They’re peanut butter and chocolate.
Oops, I’ve gone off on a peanut butter tangent. But you get the point. Things that could be great separately, but are superb together.
Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry are fantastic on their own, but together, they’re a magnificent treat that’s timeless.
Hugh Laurie plays Bertie Wooster, an upper class British twit who gets himself in one scrape after another. He’s not a bad guy, he’s just kind of oblivious. Stephen Fry plays his long-suffering pragmatic, perfect, and always prepared valet who keeps Wooster’s escapades in check, or at least, he tries. The P.G. Wodehouse books these were adapted from are worth a read as well.
Gentle, carefree merriment.
MEAN GIRLS
Snapping jaws…clutching claws…putrid, dank, evil swirling all around you as you struggle for your very survival. Bodies shuffling around, intent on their prey, with no hope of escape…sounds like the zombie apocalypse, but really just high school.
Ok, this Tina Fey classic is prone to amplification and hyperbole, but it is a difficult time for some teens. For others, it’s unbearable.
This movie is a funny look at how quickly things can escalate and spiral out of control.
The Christmas/Winter Talent Show was sadly hilarious.
Almost difficult to watch knowing how much Lindsay Lohan went from being a promising actress to a tabloid joke.
All in all, little silly, but had some good points.
MONTY PYTHON’S THE MEANING OF LIFE
Just in case I wasn’t feeling old enough, I just realized this movie is 30 years old…30…how is that even possible? Of course, it was a classic from the moment it was conceived. I have watched this movie so many times, I actually had it memorized, er, maybe still do. Some of my best times were watching this with friends, laughing hysterically.
I learned so much about The Meaning of Life from this film.
From the moment The Crimson Permanent Assurance building sets sail, until we find out the real meaning of life, with gratuitous images.
Here’s what I got from this.
Remember, always get the most expensive machines in the hospital, in case the administrator comes, especially the machine that goes ping…
Sometimes the little loves must be sold for medical experiments.
Hopefully you don’t lose your leg to a virus or Tiger (A tiger… in Africa?) or something.
Find The fish…
Careful not to trod in Monsieur’s bucket.
Have one more bite, it’s wafer thin.
Don’t open the door to Mr. Death even if you think it’s about the reaping.
In Heaven every day is Christmas.
If you’re feeling small and insecure, think of how unlikely your birth and pray there’s intelligent life in space, ’cause there’s bugger all down here on Earth.
If someone asks for your liver for a live organ donation, no matter how good their song, say no.
And gosh, we’re all really impressed down here, I can tell You.
Merry Christmas to all, I think I may have to go watch this again.
Ping
BELL BOOK AND CANDLE
While this 1958 romcom is not generally considered a Christmas movie, this elegant, charming, and unusual classic is a sumptuous break from sappy holiday fare.
Loved James Stewart in this, his last role as a leading man. He was simply amazing. Jack Lemmon is a chuckle generator. Kim Novak is glamour incarnate…Elsa Lanchester is delightful.
This comedic tale of love and magic makes one purrrrrrrr with holiday cheer.
BRIDGET JONES’S DIARY
It is a truth universally acknowledged that just about everyone knows a Bridget, is a Bridget, or wants to be a Bridget.
I get why this movie is branded a chick flick, but I respectfully disagree. This is a movie about choices, about being yourself and true to yourself even if that might be a little wonky, and about love. Aren’t those common themes? If not, maybe they should be.
And as funny as the movie is, I tend to think the book even funnier, but then you don’t get the cast, toss up.
So whether you’ve found your reindeer jumper magic or still asking where’s the loo, keep going, because as long as you’re having fun…that’s the real magic.
Happy Christmas!
HOME ALONE
There are just some movies where you have to suspend reality.
Otherwise this is how Home Alone really happens…
Parents forget child at home while they go on vacation.
Child Protective Services called.
Burglars break into house.
Parents charged with neglect and child abandonment.
Instead enjoy the John Hughes madness. Silly gags, endless shtick and slapstick, funny lines…the incomparable incredible, sadly missed John Candy…and history-making close ups that roll in money and make never-ending sequels. Obvious the latter is more lucrative and well, Christmassy, sort of.
Also enjoyed the Family Guy versions including with competent burglars…
War on Christmas
There’s a War on Christmas? Using terms like Happy Holidays and Season’s Greetings suggest that Christmas is being attacked? Wow, I didn’t know Christmas was that insecure or vulnerable. Kind of makes a mockery out of the soldiers who fight in real wars.
I love Christmas. Especially what used to be the spirit of Christmas. People caring about others. Although that seems to have dimmed over the years. Now it’s about rushing and shopping and whining and complaining and First World Problems…
Stores use terms like Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays to allegedly be inclusive. It’s really to extend the shopping period. The sustained commercialism has made for sustained greetings. To sell more.
Christmas decorations in malls, city streets, etc. up before Halloween, before Remembrance Day.
They blast Christmas music into stores for months.
Santa Claus parades block the streets.
More cars congest the streets and highways.
Christmas movies swarming the airwaves for 2-3 months per year.
Others started using Happy Holidays and Seasons Greetings to reflect the Christian holiday wasn’t the only religious or non-religious celebration this time of year. Wait, we wouldn’t want to include others in a time of giving.
What about people who don’t celebrate Christmas? Or those who don’t want it extended? Can you imagine Christmas if you weren’t Christian? Or maybe didn’t like Christmas? Or don’t have family and friends to celebrate with?
You can’t go to a store to get a pair of socks without crowds; blaring Christmas songs; people running around like it’s the zombie apocalypse (that might be more fun); low or no stock; and very harried store personnel.
I suppose some believe the ‘Christ’ part of Christmas is being attacked. Times have changed, people seem to worship their cell phones more than Christ. And I doubt all the scandals that have rocked the various religions have helped.
Does someone saying Happy Holidays offend you? Does it offend Christ? If you have a strong faith in something, don’t you believe despite the odds?
If you receive a Christmas card that says Season’s Greetings does it make the fact that someone bought a card, wrote in it, addressed it, sent it to you via snail mail mean less?
The term, War on Christmas was popularized by a FOX News host, that should tell you something. Politicians, pundits, celebrities, charities all exploit Christmas to further their agendas just as many corporations, stores, charities, churches, etc exploit it to make money. John Gibson was simply regurgitating the whining with his book, The War on Christmas: How the Liberal Plot to Ban the Sacred Christian Holiday Is Worse than You Thought.
Yet Christmas is bigger than ever. Santa is still selling Coke. Jesus is still praised at midnight masses. The War On Christmas is failing. Commercialism is still going strong.
If you want Christ in Christmas, he’s there.
If you want the Grinch in Christmas, he’s there. If you want to just enjoy the season…enjoy it.
Looks like we’re stuck with Christmas three months a year and for me, it’s a bit much, but it doesn’t steal away my love of Christmas…but it does keep me away from shopping.
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
There have been so many versions of A Christmas Carol over the years, but none make me smile the way The Muppet Christmas Carol does.
They’ve adapted this (added a Marley bro so they could use Statler and Waldorf),
and made it a little more child-friendly that the original to give us a heart-warming, joyful gift that keeps giving. And we can’t get enough of this redemption ghost story, can we?
Kermit is the perfect Bob Cratchit and Michael Caine is the quintessential Scrooge.
I can’t say how many times I’ve watched this, but it’s still fun.
Tell me you can get this out of your head:
Still love The Muppets. Think I may have to go watch it…er, again.
DIE HARD
Yippee-ki-yay, mothernutcrackers!!!
This action landmark is a Christmas Eve you’d never forget!
Bruce Willis is the centerpiece of this movie with his sardonic and laconic smirking style highlighted as he swings, shoots, punches, rolls, bleeds, and falls his way into movie history.
Many have tried to recreate the tense exuberance of this flick, including it’s own sequels…none have quite measured up.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
Haven’t seen this special? Guess you’re deliberately avoiding it and that’s your choice.
This cartoon and the book of the same name are a Christmas tradition for many.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS quirky bits:
Done on a small budget, there are quirks, continuity issues, choppy animation and some quite scantily mixed sound moments. I think it adds to the love.
A Charlie Brown Christmas aired Thursday, December 9, 1965. Followed the Gilligan’s Island, “Don’t Bug the Mosquitoes” and pre-empted The Munsters (nooooooo!!!).
Charles M. Sculz insisted ABC not have a laugh track. I like that. I hate laugh tracks. I’ll laugh when I feel like laughing, I don’t need to be cued.
Lucy refers to Charlie Brown as Charlie, first, last and only time he’s referred to by his first name only. He’s been called Chuck and Charles.
It has been rumoured that the negative publicity aluminum Christmas trees received in the special caused their demise. Hugely popular between 1958-1965, just two years after the first airing of A Charlie Brown Christmas these trees ceased regular manufacturing.
Kathy Steinberg (Sally) and some of the other children couldn’t read yet so the lines were fed to them, sometimes only one or two words at a time. Most obvious in the line, “All I want is what I have coming to me. All I want is my fair share”. I think it gives an appealing authenticity.
The original broadcasts of A Charlie Brown Christmas includes references to their sponsor, Coca-Cola.
“Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”
~Charlie Brown
I guess Christmas or any part of life is about what you make it.
GREMLINS
When you think of Christmas movies, Gremlins probably doesn’t spring to mind. Yet this 1984 horror comedy is a Christmas movie.
Despite the fact that Gizmo was cute and the movie had massive marketing of toys, video games, etc. this is not a cuddly Christmas movie; not for children or those disturbed by violence and graphic scenes.
GREMLINS bits and pieces:
Howie Mandel did the voice of Gizmo, the Mogwai.
Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) 1943 book, The Gremlins influenced the director, Joe Dante.
During World War II, aircraft mechanical failures were jokingly blamed on gremlins or small creatures.
A WWII era Bugs Bunny cartoon had Bugs harassed and battling a gremlin on an airplane.
In Nightmare at 20,000 Feet, a 1963 William Shatner Twilight Zone episode he sees a gremlin on the wing of the plane trying to destroy it. There’s…something…on…the…wing!!!
John Lithgow re-enacted it in Twilight Zone: The Movie then he and Shatner referenced the scenes when they were together as Father and Son on 3rd Rock From The Sun.
In The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror IV, Terror at 5 1/2 Feet, a gremlin attacks the school bus…
Look at the set for Kingston Falls closely, it’s the same one they used as Hill Valley in the Back to the Future movies.
There was never supposed to be a Mogwai named Stripe. Gizmo was to turned into Stripe, but Gizmo was so cute they’d keep him around for the whole film.
Gremlins and Indiana Jones: The Temple of Doom were so violent the ratings were changed, on the suggestion of Steven Spielberg, and the PG-13 rating was created.
Howie Mandel learned to say “Bright light!” in several languages so he could dub the movie in various countries and do appearances and promos.
When Billy is walking by the movie marquee we see the titles A Boy’s Life which was the original title for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Watch the Skies which was the working title for Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Spielberg loves to put this stuff for movie buffs.
Steven Spielberg did a rare cameo as the man with the broken leg riding recumbent bicycle. His suitcase says SS Enterprises.
Merry Christmas and remember, if you get a Mogwai as a gift:
1. Never expose it to bright light;
2. Never get it wet;
3. Never, ever feed it after midnight.
PEACE ON EARTH/LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
“Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy“ is one of my favourite Christmas songs…The duet is amazing, David Bowie and Bing Crosby, two unique, powerful, stunning, and shiver-inducing voices ever.
“Little Drummer Boy” is a 1941 Christmas song (originally known as “Carol of the Drum”, based on a traditional Czech carol) written by the American classical music composer and teacher Katherine Kennicott Davis.
“Peace on Earth” was written by Ian Fraser, Larry Grossman, and Alan Kohan, to add to especially for that recording because Bowie hated “Little Drummer Boy” so they had Bing Crosby sing most of it.
It was recorded September 11, 1977 for Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas special. The dialogue they exchanged was scripted. Bowie was attempting to normalize his image by appearing on Crosby’s Christmas special. Crosby was doing it for the ratings, Bowie was a huge and attention-getting name. Sadly Bing Crosby died on October 14, 1977 and the TV special aired posthumously, November 30, 1977.
This is an oft parodied (some of my favs include: A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All! Sung by Stephen Colbert and Willie Nelson; Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly for Funny or Die – wait for the end, it’s worth it; and Craig Kilborn and Bob Mould of Hüsker Dü on Comedy Central) and referenced duet; most likely because the improbability of its performer
A CHRISTMAS STORY
30 years since we first heard Ralphie‘s teacher, Mom, Santa, basically everyone tell Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) he was going to shoot his eye out with the Red Ryder BB Gun he so desperately wanted for Christmas…
30 years since Flick got his tongue frozen to the flagpole…
30 years since the neighbour dog ate the Parkers’ Christmas turkey so they went out for Chinese food…
30 years since The Battle of the Lamp when Ralphie’s parents fight over the lamp shaped like a woman’s leg wearing a fishnet stocking that Mr. Parker (The Old Man) had won that came in box marked Fragile or “Fra-gee-lay. That must be Italian”.
What is it about this movie that people love?
Because it portrays a simpler time?
It’s authenticity, haven’t we all had or heard conversations just like in this movie?
Waiting in line to see Santa?
Evading or fighting bullies?
Wanting something soooooooo badly?
Or the flat tire scene?
Flick with his tongue on the flagpole cause, well, he was triple dog dared to do it?
The heroic narration of the film with classical music to punctuate the epicness?
The pink bunny PJs which make Ralphie believe his Aunt Clara thinks he’s perpetually 4 years old and apparently, a girl? Or is it all of this and more?
Whatever it is, it works. Still funny after 30 years.
Mrs. Parker: Randy, will you eat? There are starving people in China!
Randy: [groans and shoves spoon into his mouth]
My Mom, also Mrs. Parker used to tell us to eat our vegetables because children were starving in Africa…I was more than willing to send them my peas.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
I must say I’m partial to the black and white version, seems more authentic.
Why is this such a Christmas classic? In some ways because of its similarities to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Whether it’s a rich man who has lost the joy of Christmas or an everyday working person who just feels like the world would be better off without him, we love, love, love stories of redemption. We love to believe that no matter how far gone you are, there’s always hope, always a way back. Christmas is a time of hope, a time when people want to believe that all things can be put right again. And I love anything James Stewart was in.
It’s not a complicated story, in fact, its utter simplicity makes it appealing.
You can keep going, long after you think you can’t.
Funny notes:
The real name of the actor who played Nick the bartender is Sheldon Leonard (think Big Bang Theory)
The policeman is named Bert and his friend the cab driver is Ernie (as in Bert and Ernie, Sesame Street)
Who says product placement is getting worse? The products and advertisements featured in Mr. Gower’s drugstore include: Coca-Cola, Bayer Aspirin, Pepto-Bismol, The Saturday Evening Post, Camel cigarettes, Lucky Strike cigarettes, La Unica cigars, Chesterfield cigarettes, Vaseline hair tonic, Penetro cough syrup, and Paterson tobacco pipes. Apparently the people of Bedford Falls were heavy smokers.
In Gremlins, Billy’s hometown is Kingston Falls, laid out to look like Bedord Falls and also has clips from It’s A Wonderful Life.
Kermit the Frog examines what would of happened if he’s never been born It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie, a nod to It’s A Wonderful Life.
Cheers, Saturday Night Live, Veggietales, The Simpsons, Mork & Mindy, Family Guy, Raising Hope, Red Dwarf, ZuZu’s Petals, The Killers, and more have imitated or referenced this film, it’s a pop culture staple.
It’s A Wonderful Life lost RKO $525,000 at the box office during it’s original run.
SCROOGED
This progressive, uproarious retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is arguably one of the best Christmas movies of all time. Only downside, to show how much Christmas is being exploited they kind of had to exploit Christmas. Awkward.
Bill Murray is hysterical, hilarious perfection as Frank Cross/Scrooge, a ruthless, jaded TV programming exec who has lost the most valuable things on his way to the top: love, family, and joy.
As he struggles to produce a-wacked-out-makes-no-sense-at-all-conmercialized live version of A Christmas Carol, his life imitates art and he’s visited by his decaying mentor and 3 ghosts with issues, a guy who’s gunning for his job and a guy gunning for him.
It’s a wild ride until Murray sees the error of his ways and Puts A Little Love in His Heart. Come on, it’s Bill Murray and Christmas…
MR. BEAN
Mr. Bean? Goofy human, man-child, alien or just well, best not to think about it too much. As long as he wears a turkey on his head, who cares?
Way too many hilarious moments to even try to discuss…you either really love Mr. Bean or you just don’t get it. 
I’m just glad he’s not driving near me or swimming in the same pool…
BLACKADDER
I refuse to believe Blackadder was 30 years ago due to the insinuations, age wise and all. Yet there it is. Loved this show. Laughed so much it actually physically ached. Was also watching lots of Monty Python at the time. I place my very deep laugh lines squarely on the Brits, too witty.
The Blackadders (all played by the rubbery brilliant Rowan Atkinson) appear to be cursed. Possibly due to their horrible asinine unscrupulicity and their continued association with the dim-witted Baldricks, servants all played with sinister simplicity by Tony Robinson.
I don’t think they ever really explained how either line propagated because they always seemed to be single with no progeny. Perhaps it’s best not to 
know.
I’m always torn between Blackadder II and III as my favourites. The rest are hilarious, but there’s something special about II and III. Love the chemistry between Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, also seen in their Bit of Fry and Laurie stuff and then Jeeves and Wooster.
Hugh Laurie as the Prince Regent is still one of my all time fav parts for anyone in a comedy. I look at him and think, socks.
Blackadder even tackled Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and transformed it as only they could.
Blackadder: Back and Forth, the 2000 special was a little forced, but had lots of funny bits, even punching Colin Firth as William Shakespeare.
The unique blend of ribald and clever make Blackadder worth the deep laugh lines.
Pump Up The Volume
Pump Up The Volume explains why adults can’t seem find a way to stop teen bullying, self-esteem issues, suicide, etc. They don’t listen.
Instead, they spend so much time, money, and energy trying to control the situation, create laws, studies, ‘make-work’ projects about bullying that are either a joke or cause more bullying, and wringing their hands saying, why oh why…
Seems we’d rather place teddy bears and flowers, post pictures and hold candlelight vigils than fix the problem. Kind of symptomatic of the problem really, wasting yet more money, time and energy on symbolic gestures when people could be actually helping others.
Teens are worried. They have eyes, they have ears. They can see they’re living in a broken world, that we’re leaving them a broken world. They want some real hope, not just a slogan about it.
Teens (and many adults) are tired. Tired of the lies, scams, hypocrisy, scandals, cover-ups, pretending to care, destroying of their world by those that put power and profit ahead of humans. Adults complain that teenagers don’t respect them. Look around, would you?
Ever wonder why ever
yone is so obsessive? About: cars, sex, celebrities, toys, religion, exercise, video games, junk food, fast food, TV shows, decorating, news, alcohol, politics, Christmas and other holidays, drugs, fashion, cigarettes, work, crafts, gambling, consumerism, cooking, movies, cell phones, reality shows, weight, shopping, technology, the past, the future, music, well, just about everything?
Everyone is looking for something to cling onto, something to believe in, a way to feel. Teens defy because they want someone to acknowledge their pain and reassure them they have a future.
Is this a great film? Yes and no. The concept is fantastic, the frustration genuine. Christian Slater has to crash his way through some very sludgy, boring bits, nonetheless handing over that apathetic, frenetic amalgamation that does it every time. Of course, Samantha Mathis is great, as always.
Watch this recognizing we haven’t fixed the problems…doesn’t mean we can’t. And enjoy the music, it saves the day. Talk hard.
JUST ONE MORE THING…COLUMBO
I loved this show as a child. I waited for that moment when the rumpled, allegedly forgetful detective turned back to the suspect who thought they’d gotten away with it. Columbo would say something like: “Just one more thing” or “There’s something that bothers me” or “Just one more question” or “Just a few loose ends to tie up”. Then you knew and the suspect knew, they were caught. The classic false exit ending.
Columbo was one of the best inverted detective format shows ever. No whodunit. You knew who did it, in fact many times in Columbo we saw not only who did it, but how they did it. The problem was proving they did it. Catching them.
Columbo was on from 1968-2003 (with some time off here and there). Well-known for his crummy looking trench coat, his meandering, overly chatty style and his keen eye for detail, he was unusual and fun to watch.
In between telling the suspects personal details, some of which were actually true, asking them how much they paid for their shoes, asking about things for his wife (anyone remember the best-forgotten spinoff Mrs. Columbo starring Kate Mulgrew?), looking around their homes, cars, etc. he always found the clues that caught the bad guys.
Peter Falk wasn’t the only actor to play Columbo, but he was certainly the favourite. His seemingly absent-minded portrayal of Lt. Frank Columbo was brilliant and unforgettable.
I loved Peter Falk in so many things, especially Murder By Death, The Princess Bride, and the trilogy of Christmas movies where he played a quirky angel named Max, but for me and most people he will forever be Columbo.
Oh, uh, just one more thing…
…
Republic of Doyle
Newfoundland Rockford Files, but that’s not a bad thing.
Massive and awesome Canadian talent.
Hot guy, cool car.
Mayhem, adventures, chaos, drama, comedy, running, stunning scenery, romance, intrigue, and they find many opportunities to have Allan Hawco take off his shirt, thank you.
Heathers
As dark satire goes, Heathers is in a league all its own. Easily dismissed as a teen angst flick, its depths are much darker and deeper.
Heathers is about how easily you can fall and still think you’re standing.
- “You were nothing before you met me. You were playing Barbies with Betty Finn. You were a Bluebird. You were a Brownie. You were a Girl Scout Cookie.”~Heather Chandler
This sinister comedy spotlights issues of bullying, teen suicide, and the dangers of peer pressure.
Underlying theme? How completely self-absorbed people can be. How spoiled and narcissistic. Where they see their own world and issues, but have no wider vision of how other people are feeling, or suffering, or what they need.
Slater and Ryder are beyond compare and repair.
Severe, jagged, funny, pathetic, edgy.
Hard to believe it’s been 25 years.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen
What can I say about this masterpiece that hasn’t been said thousands of times and ways?
And if we’re going to involve the movies or TV series made of this novel that’s wow, just wow.
P & P is warm fudge topping over heavenly hash ice cream.
It is a kitten’s purr.
Silk on your skin.
A musical piece that caresses your soul.
It is all that the blarry, scratchy, low-manners modern world isn’t.
It is perfection that one can visit and relax. It is tea.
Tea with fresh crumpets.
Tea with fresh crumpets and jam.
AIRPLANE!
My go-to movie for laughs. Airplane! is slapstick, absurdity, puns, and gags.
Parodying the disaster film genre so popular in the 1950s thru the 1970s, I’d recommend you watch 1957’s Zero Hour! to understand where this was spawned.
The actors, many of whom were well-known for serious parts before being corrupted to this madness, such as Lloyd Bridges, Peter Graves, Robert Stack, and Leslie Nielsen really make this film.
Airplane! is palpably predictable, idyllically immature, feverishly foolish, cheese on top of corn topped with cheese, but that’s what makes it perfect. It’s so wrong it’s right.
I’m proud (maybe that’s too strong a word) to say at one point I could literally recite this movie word for word.
Surely I can’t be serious? Yes, I am serious and stop calling me Shirley. 
Airplane II: The Sequel had a sci-fi twist and William Shatner so I was already happy. Most of the cast came back, but not the writers & directors. So, maybe it didn’t have the same shine as the first, but I think it still had some hilarious moments.
Watch movie, laugh, repeat.
Watch movie, laugh, repeat.
Watch movie, laugh, repeat.
DEADWOOD
Really? That was it? You get us all worked up, we’re right on the edge and then, what, leave?
Deadwood was an almost too good to be true show.
Grit piled on top of edge slithering into crass hobbled up to clench.
The cast, headed by Timothy Olyphant, wait, let us just pause here for a moment of adoration…sigh, what was I writing?
Oh yeah, this cast was corker, simply one of the best ever assembled. And Ian McShane is so glorious I think he could just show up and any program gets a bang.
Seth Bullock, Al Swearengen, Wild Bill Hickok, Sol Star, Calamity Jane, Wyatt Earp, George Crook, E. B. Farnum, Charlie Utter, Jack McCall and George Hearst were based on actual historical figures, fleshed out by using diaries and newspapers from the 1870s Deadwood. Of course, artistic license was taken, but it’s still fascinating.
Interwoven are themes ranging from Capitalism, morality, racism, sexism, sex, crime, formation of communities, law, order, and food supplies including canned peaches and what was fed to the pigs.
Deadwood was filthy, in visual and audio. Granted, the somewhat cruder language was an anachronism; if they’d used real minerspeak they would’ve sounded more like Yosemite Sam, quite funny, but a detraction from the drama. Still, I doubt any of it would have been too clean.
Come on, one movie, you owe us that.
yadadarcyyada 