February 6, 2012

Movie Review: Fred Claus (2007)

October 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Starring: Vince Vaughn • Paul Giamatti


OK, I have a confession to make. When I first saw the ads for this movie, I wanted to hate it.  The ads did absolutely nothing for me.  I remember thinking, “This is going to be one stupid movie.”  Because of this, I never did go see it while it was in theaters.

Nope.  I waited until it was out on DVD and cable and then I saw it by accident.  One night, while I was having trouble sleeping, I turned on the TV and Fred Claus was one of the offerings that evening.  Since I am a Christmas fanatic and it was May, I decided to watch the movie.

Boy was I ever surprised!  This movie was actually very good.  It was funny, warm and touching, with a little edge to it.  It goes to show that you really can’t judge a book by its cover or, in this case, judge a movie by its TV ad.

You can bet that this movie has made it’s way into our annual Christmas movie rotation.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4LCqnxIsmI

Fred Claus

Tim’s Grade: A-

Filed Under: Movies

Movie Review: Holiday in Handcuffs (2007)

September 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Starring: Melissa Joan Hart • Mario Lopez • Markie Post • Tim Bottoms


A few years ago, when ABC Family started airing the trailer for this movie, I remember thinking, “Who in their right mind would ever watch this strange film?” Well, over the years, I’ve answered that question by saying, “Me. I’ll watch it.”

At first blush, the premise of this movie seems bizarre at best and downright silly to boot, but first looks can sometimes be deceiving.

In this movie, Melissa Joan Hart plays Trudy, a young lady who wants to march to the beat of her own drum, but who feels pressured by her parents to meet their high expectations. Trudy’s mom plans a family Christmas in a rented cabin out in the middle of nowhere and reminds Trudy to bring her boyfriend, Nick, along. Unfortunately, Nick breaks up with Trudy at the last moment and that’s where the story takes off.

I won’t ruin the whole plot for you, but I will tell you that it’s a nice family story.

Sure, the ending is predictable, but, hey, it’s a Christmas film. You need a happy ending in a Christmas film.

This was a movie that I never thought I would like, but it has become a regular part of our Christmas TV viewing schedule. Thankfully, the DVD is available as a backup in case ABC Family decides not to air it one year. :-)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8ly4shNt4k&p=D1B61A8CFD819453

Tim’s Grade:  B

Editor’s Note:  Due to the subject matter, this movie may not be appropriate for the younger members of the family.

 

Filed Under: Movies, TV Tagged With: , , , , , ,

My Favorite Christmas Movie

August 22, 2010 By 1 Comment

Well, it’s August, so you know that I’m thinking about Christmas.  Of course, I pretty much always think about Christmas.  I just love the decorations, the songs, the family time and, of course the movies.  My favorite Christmas movie is the 1970 version of “Scrooge” starring Albert Finney.

Here’s a clip from the opening of that film.  No matter my mood, it always manages to make me smile.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yuz_gLpoUQ

Filed Under: Movies