• just take a little off the throat, please

Three Holiday Movies:

       SWEENEY TODD: That Crazy Guy Over the Pie Shop

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My review of the new Tim Burton / Johnny Depp film version of Stephen Sondheim's monstrous Broadway musical - SWEENEY TODD  - is now posted on line at HollywoodJesus.com.

 

~ McNair

A Friendlier Monster

Long after I stopped believing in Santa Clause (as a real person) I still believed in "Nessy" (a.k.a. th Loch Ness Monster in Scotland.) Now there's proof that I was right, all along, in holding on to that belief. The Water Horse is the big screen version of a small children's book from Dick King-Smith, author of Babe. This is no small film. Flawless computer generated imaging brings the monster to life. It is a personal story of a small boy during World War II who's father is off to war and the boy creates his own isolated life. When a cocky artillery battalion arrives to billet themselves  in their large home and grounds,  his world is turned upside down. Oh, and there's a monster in the tool shed, then the  tub of the spare bathroom, and then...well you've seen the trailer.  Thus,  you think you've seen the move. Not even close.

There's a stranger who comes to visit. Tension between mom and the military and hiding the monster and then whether to return him to freedom in the Loch.
The whole story "based on a true tale..." is told to us, and a couple of young travelers, in the corner of a pub. There's a  famous photo hanging on the wall of  "Nessy's" long  neck and head  sticking above the water of Loch Ness,  silhouetted against the moonlit water.

"That picture's a fake."

"That's just the beginning of the story." Says the old man in the corner booth. And the tale, our story, he tells grabs our attention and weaves an adventure that is as thrilling as any theme park ride. (This I know.) It will hold the attention of audience members of any age. (I attended with three adults and a four year old. We got worried when the story became intense enough to scare us three big kids. But my little friend, Jonah, loved it all–especially the most intense moments. (As for your own four year old, your mileage my vary.)

This is a near-perfect family film for the holidays.  Excellent cast with a bit of romance, family tensions, unexpected troubles from outside the family unit, and what to do with your children's flights of imagination. This is one flight I am glad to have taken. Get your boarding pass soon!

And showing in theatre 3...

Midnight Clear

There's an unlikely Christmas story  in the independent film , Midnight Clear (website and trailer link.) Based on a short story by my friend, Jerry Jenkins, this was originally produced as a short film.  Many folks were intrigued by who the characters were, their back stories and  what happens next. Dallas Jenkins' careful, steady directing , and Wes Halula's naturally list and spare screen play, expanded the story to feature-length to pursue these lives and the answers to some of those questions.

Scene: roadside mini-mart/gas station

Time: Late night, Christmas Eve

(Minimal camera movement) We meet five strangers who  cross paths and effect each other's lives inextricably.

Viewing the film at the San Jose International Film Festival early this year (2007) the opening night audience responded very positively. Like too many "indy" films,  the story is dark, but unlike most indies there is no splattering blood of angry, furniture-breaking moments. Through the darkness comes a strong message of hope. As such this story of broken lives, strained relationships, and empty hearts is the simple story of how each of us is connected to each other--even the stranger.

Stephen Bladwin (Usual Suspects, "Doyle" of Bio-Dome, and "Barney" in Flinstones in Viva Rock Vegas) leads a cast of pitch perfect performances by some of Hollywood's most accomplished character actors. Midnight Clear is now available on DVD (through all the customary online and retail sources) and worth more than a look. Buy a couple of copies and pass them around to friends. Watch it as a family, or with a group and talk about how we can be more attentive to those in need who are right next to us, or stuck at the mini-mart with car trouble we might be able to fix.

Watching it again, this week , reminded me that there can be glimmers of Hope in any darkness and especially during Christmas when Hope came to visit.

McNair

There are lots of great movies out right now. Let me know what you see that we shouldn't miss and what we should avoid.

Comments

[Sonja]

Hi McNair :)
I did NOT like Sweeny Tood at first because I did not even realize that it was a musical. I think they way overdid it on the singing. Had it not been for the bright scenes mid-way as you describe-I probably would have left the movie. When it was over, I did leave the theater bothered, but not able to put my finger upon: "why?"...
Then after reading your review at HollywoodJesus.com, you filled in the "why?". The reason for my irritation at the movie was, as you said, surely "they" knew the movie would attract Jonny Depp worshipers-as in, teenage girls. That is what bothered me!

I found the Water Horse to be a delight. I was surprised at the choreography! so bold and so beautiful! The colors were outstanding in the setting. And a sweet surprise that I did enjoy, was experiencing a "bad guy" turn, "good guy" and help save the day. I love that. Something we sure need more of in this old world.

Hugs and best wishes,
Soni in AZ