Noelle - 2007

Slow moving, somber Christmas drama. Two troubled priests struggle with the course their lives are taking. This dreary storyline was obviously meant to be uplifting but fell far short of the mark. In fact, parts of the plot actually felt somewhat insulting. With some of its darker issues, this was definitely not family friendly. The acting was dreadful and the main characters were so unlikable it was hard to care whether or not they worked out their problems. The scenes with the community Christmas pageant were somewhat humorous and the final scene was mildly touching but this was certainly not enough to redeem the rest of the movie. On the plus side, filming was actually pretty good, with some beautiful scenes of the Cape. Of the three viewers in our family, I’m the only one who actually finished watching and I certainly would never watch again. Definitely better choices available. **

Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe - 2009

So-so sequel. When Santa (Sorvino) decides to retire, he wants Mary (McCarthy) to take over the job. Unfortunately, there were some pretty big holes between this storyline and that of its predecessor. Even well into the movie there is little explanation for where the first story left off and this story begins. Mary must go home and again save the day, but you are surprised that she wasn’t already there in the first place! It was also disappointing to have new actors in more than one of the major roles. Santa was apparent immediately, but the boyfriend took some time before we realized that he was the same character, just a new actor. The main outline of this film’s “Christmas conflict” was fairly clever but it really struggled to come together. Nor was Mary’s character as enjoyable this time around. In the first film you felt she just hadn’t “found” herself but in this one you were annoyed she was acting so selfishly. We are pretty forgiving of holiday films so even with its problems we still moderately enjoyed this one. ***

Santa Baby - 2006

Likeable Christmas film. After her father, Santa (Wendt), suffers a mild heart attack, Mary (McCarthy) must leave her corporate job to help with Christmas. This light-hearted holiday film included the usual concerns that Christmas would be ruined, the failure of any attempts to change Santa's system and the love triangle where a choice must be made between the "bad" and the "good" boyfriend. Although completely predictable, the storyline was still fairly charming with some fun comic moments, especially watching the elves try to cope with Mary's addition of new technology. There was also some wonderful chemistry between the characters. Performances were good from both the main and the supporting cast. We were particularly fond of the portrayal of Santa (Wendt) and Mrs. Claus. Definitely an enjoyable addition to our Christmas viewing. Maybe 3 1/2 stars. ***

Most Wonderful Time of the Year - 2008

Enjoyable, light-hearted Christmas romance. The storyline included the usual single, suspicious mom (Burns), the stiff “almost” fiancé who only pretends to like her son, and the caring, handsome, spontaneous stranger (Christie). With the help of her match-making uncle (Winkler), both the Christmas spirit as well as a romance blossoms. Although this was certainly a predictable film, it somehow managed to be fairly charming anyway. Performances were pretty good with a fair amount of chemistry between the characters. It was especially enjoyable to see the great performance of Henry Winkler as the lovable, interfering uncle. The film also included some enjoyable humor as well as several heart-warming moments. Definitely one we can enjoy watching each year. ****

Jingle All the Way - 1996

Moderately enjoyable Christmas comedy. Workaholic Howard (A.S.) has forgotten to purchase the coveted Turbo Man for his son’s Christmas. Finding that everywhere is sold out, Howard ends up on a fervent hunt to find one. Admittedly, this is an unrealistic, goofy story. In its defense, though, it never actually pretends to be anything deeper. The situations are mostly ridiculous, the acting is often over-the-top and the conclusion is completely off the wall. But it all seems to be part of the intended outcome. The comic aspects of the film are a little forced with much of the humor coming from comic violence. And the underlying message that at all costs you must get your child whatever they are demanding is moderately uncomfortable, but the story is so improbable that it’s hard to take either of these issues very seriously. In spite of its problems, we usually watch this one every year.  ***

Ernest Saves Christmas - 1988

Light-hearted comedy from the memorable Ernest (Jim Varney). For those of us who remember the lovable Ernest, this was probably the best of his films. Ernest steps in to aid an aging Santa in his search for his replacement. Along the way we meet some of Varney’s most unforgettable characters. (His snake man really had me chuckling!) Even my teens, who are certainly too young to remember Ernest, found themselves laughing at some of his antics. The story itself is somewhat cheesy (as are many Christmas films), but the special effects are surprisingly pretty good. Although not at the top of my Christmas watch list, this film was great fun. ***

Christmas Caper - 2007

So-so romantic comedy Christmas film. After she narrowly escapes being arrested during a robbery, Cate (Doherty) hides out at her sisters while she is away on vacation. Gradually Cate finds herself changing as she cares for her sisters kids. The storyline for this film was certainly predictable, unbelievable and cheesy, with few changes to this often used outline. However, this is certainly the case with many of the Christmas shows being churned out these days. Still, if you are a holiday film enthusiast like me, you don’t seem to mind some mindless fluff with its sentimental, happy ending if a little Christmas spirit is thrown in. Performances were good, although I’m not a fan of Shannen Doherty. She was perfect in the role, however, and made a good transition from the cynical thief to a loving, caring human being. Definitely not at the top of my Christmas film list but Ok for at least one viewing. ***

The Storyteller: Greek Myths - 1991

Mildly entertaining. Although patterned after the original Henson "Storyteller" series, these darker myths have little of their charm. Michael Gambon as the storyteller/narrator does an exceptional job but the stories themselves are dreary and depressing. The myths are very adult in nature and far from family friendly. Typical for Greek myths, but unless you are a fan of Greek mythology, they are not as enjoyable as the fairy tales and legends used in the first series. Filming is Ok, but the special effects as well as the sets and costuming are very simple with very dark lighting. Although not rated, this should probably be PG. Just OK. ***

The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice - 2009

So-so third installment to this series of films. Flynn must again secure a mythical artifact, this time fighting vampires! Although this film had a fairly strong start, it didn’t seem to have the charm of the earlier two films. The story itself just wasn’t as appealing. Performances were again pretty good and the special effects were equally up to the task but they just couldn’t make up for the lackluster script. We found ourselves rolling our eyes more than once and even considered skipping through certain scenes. We all stuck with it but would certainly not watch this one again. Maybe 2 1/2 stars. **

The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines - 2006

Enjoyable sequel. With the world again at risk, Flynn (Wyle) sets out to retrieve an ancient artifact. This film managed to do a good job of following in the footsteps of its predecessor. The story was a light-hearted adventure that included a little humor and romance. Performances again fit in well with the story and enhanced the characters. Special effects were also well done. If you liked the first film, you are sure to enjoy this entertaining sequel.  ***

The Librarian: Quest for the Spear - 2005

Entertaining! After finally being forced to leave college, Flynn (Wyle) becomes a “librarian” and protector of antiquities. With a script that loosely follows in the footsteps of “Indiana Jones”, this film was great fun with adventure, humor and romance. Admittedly, the story was highly implausible, had several plot holes and was certainly far from family friendly. However, it never really pretended to be anything other than a light-hearted adventure that wanted you to suspend belief and just enjoy the story. The performances were pretty good, fitting in well with the style of the film, and the special effects were also well done. This is one we’ve enjoyed watching more than once. ****

The Storyteller - 1987

Wonderful collection of fantasy stories and myths produced by the masterful Jim Henson. Filmed more like stage productions, these are darker stories rather than your typical light-hearted fairy tales. Each episode is a wonderful blend of live action and mild puppetry, but one of their main strengths is really the talented narrative of John Hurt as the “Storyteller”. His "storytelling" is truly magical and will have you completely entranced. Definitely worth your time! On a side note, although family friendly, these would probably not appeal to a younger audience.  *****

Gaslight - 1944

Chilling classic mystery thriller! After getting married, Paula (Ingrid Bergman) reluctantly returns to her childhood home where a murder took place years before. This was a very suspenseful film that was so well crafted you will be on the edge of your seat from the first scene to the last. Although the mystery is somewhat altered from its 1940 predecessor, the changes were well written and actually helped flesh out the story. The talented cast gave exceptional performances, particularly Bergman who perfectly portrayed the despair and uncertainty of her character, while Charles Boyer was right on the mark as the charmingly cold and calculating husband. The story would struggle without its supporting cast, however, who were also right on the mark. The filming was superb with excellent sets and costuming, plus an eerie atmosphere that was perfectly balanced with the story. This one is not to be missed. *****

Gaslight - 1940

Chilling classic mystery thriller! A young woman (Diana Wynyard) is slowly being victimized by her husband (Anton Walbrook). This was a very suspenseful film that was so well crafted you will be on the edge of your seat from the first scene to the last. Although the mystery is somewhat different from the ‘44 film, this version was well written and is perhaps even more chilling than the later film. Wynyard gives a perfect portrayal of a deeply troubled and terrified young woman, while Walbrook expertly depicts a villainous husband whose cruelty is frightening. The supporting cast was excellent as well, although their roles do not seem as vital in this version. Excellent filming and costumes that fit well with both the time period and the story. This version is also definitely worth your time!  *****

The Devil's Brigade - 1968

This is a great action movie based on World War II's 1st Special Service Force. This unit was created from both American and Canadian troops and was used during the war for difficult missions. As with any movie of this type, the facts of the events depicted are not always accurate but they do accurately convey the courage and determination of the 1st Special Service Force. The film succeeds in drawing you into the lives of the men involved. As they face the dangers of war, you become involved emotionally and cheer for their success and cry for the loss of the men who fought and died for this country. This movie has plenty of action and moves along well. The acting is well done as is the filming. Some of the scenes would be too intense for young children but a good film for all. Not all war movies have stood the test of time but this is definitely one of them.  *****

A Kiss at Midnight - 2008

Charming romantic comedy from Hallmark. Susan Flowers (Faith Ford) runs a matchmaking service but is lonely herself. When a new rival service comes to town, she decides to check out the competition, which unknown to her, includes the CEO himself (Cameron Daddo). Although this light story has a pretty basic outline with few surprises, the enjoyable performances from both Ford and Daddo in the title roles manage to pull it off. It was nice seeing a 40ish couple find romance without the over-the-top slapstick comedy that usually accompanies this type of story. The two daughters give delightful performances (Mavity & Gould) as does Dyan Cannon as Susan’s quirky mom and Hal Linden as her mom’s new husband. Again, without the corny traits that are usually a part of the supporting cast for this type of film! Predictable ending but it does manage to avoid being overly sappy and you’re actually happy to see them end up together. Definitely family friendly.  ***

The Errand of Angels - 2008

Charming inspirational film highlighting the work of sister missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). This is not a fast-paced film but the story moves along smoothly and is well written. The acting is good, especially for this type of independent film and the cinematography of Austria is beautiful. Most of the dialog was in German so concentrating on the subtitles and eliminating distractions were a necessity for us. This film beautifully expounds on some of the very basic elements of the Mormon faith, blending it well as part of the story. Enjoyable film.  ****

Madame Curie - 1943

Exceptional film highlighting the life and scientific work of Madame Curie (Greer Garson) and her husband (Walter Pidgeon). Watching the incredible sacrifices made by these early scientists will leave you feeling humbled at the efforts they made. Outstanding performances by all, but especially by Greer Garson. She is so immersed in the part of Madame Curie that you can actually feel her determination to finish the work in spite of any obstacles that occur. Wonderful filming that enhances this intense subject matter. The story is perhaps a little long but not enough to be a problem. Although this is not a film that I would watch over and over, it is both an important part of our scientific and cinematic history and well worth viewing.  ****

Mamma Mia! - 2008

Disappointing! Wanting to have her father give her away, Sophie (Seyfried) hopes to discover who he is by inviting the three men her mother (Meryl Streep) was involved with to her wedding. I went into this totally expecting to enjoy this film but it was not to be. Love the music itself but the singing – moan! I’ve heard better singing at high school productions. Some numbers were Ok but by recent Hollywood musical standards, it was surprising they had settled so low! Grimacing at Pierce Brosnan’s renditions, it was actually embarrassing and painful to both watch and listen to him sing. It was hard to believe they couldn’t have found at least one handsome older actor who could actually sing. Perhaps they thought the music itself would carry it off. The casting was also a little off. I personally am a big fan of Meryl Streep and consider her to be a beautiful woman but there is no way that she passed for her early 40’s which was obviously the age suggested. Nor did Christine Baranski and Julie Walters come across as her 40ish friends. Performances were over-the-top which you sometimes expect from a musical, but in this case only succeeded in making this film feel frantic and rushed. The story was far from uplifting, as some have suggested. Instead I found myself feeling sorry that Sophie had to resort to such measures to try and discover her father’s identity. Definitely not one I would watch again. The movie as a whole rates only 2 stars but the music itself would add another star.  **

Miss Potter - 2006

Delightful film on the life of Beatrix Potter, author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. With excellent performances by both Renee Zellweger as Miss Potter and Ewan McGregor as her publisher, the story moves along smoothly. It was fascinating to watch a little of what a woman author would have faced in order to be recognized and published in this era of time. Although the script distorts several of the facts about her life and sometimes becomes a little too whimsical, the cinematography is wonderful and helps keep the basic story believable. The film had me wanting to locate a copy of her books, which to me is a strong plus for a movie's success in this genre. Enjoyable family viewing!   ****