Since last I wrote I have enjoyed a couple of excellent pop culture moments. They are my film and television picks this week. I have also enjoyed a few inches of snow and Christmas shopping. What can I say, it's been a good week!
Film: The Golden Compass
I saw this film last night and am still thinking about it. It's not that the story is overly exciting. (From what I understand, much of the complicated novel storyline was pared down, as is normal with adaptations. The books are now part of my "must read" list.) But the acting and effects are phenomenal. There is an amazing bear fight that is entirely animated but you don't feel like it is; I was literally on the edge of my seat. Daniel Craig, Nicole Kidman, and Sam Elliott are all excellent in their roles. I will warn you, though, the film will leave you hanging. Much like LoTR, this film is one in a series. (There are three books so I assume there will be three films.) Don't expect a tidy little bow on this one. But go just the same, especially if - like me - your home theater leaves much to be desired. This is one film you need to experience on a big screen with surround sound. Incidentally, had the Catholic League not condemned this film, no one would ever have known the story is anti-religion. Although the Magisterium is vaguely Vatican-like, it's pretty subtle and most viewers wouldn't have picked up on it.
Television: The Tin Man
If you missed this Sci-Fi miniseries earlier this week, don't worry as I'm sure they'll show it again and again. It's a three-part retelling of The Wizard of Oz. I was amazed! Again, the effects were great. I really liked the pairing of 40s-era cars with futuristic inventions. The old elements that you know and love - tornadoes, flying monkeys, and scarecrows to name a few - are still there but in a new and original form. Having never read Frank Baum's books, I'm not sure if Sci-Fi's adaptation is closer to his original idea or not. I can say, however, that there are gold slippers, not ruby, which I believe was in the original books. The change to red was made due to technicolor's brightness. Anyway, if you're a fan of the Judy Garland movie you will still love this retelling. If you could care less about the Yellow Brick Road, you may still like this miniseries.
Literature: Twas the Night Before Christmas
I want to sprinkle in a few Christmas texts between now and the 25th. This is one such text. It's always a good idea to read this story out loud at least once before Christmas, even if it's just to an empty room. There is something about the way the familiar words roll off the tongue that makes the story a feel-good tale of Christmas cheer.
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7 comments:
I kind of like the obnoxious charm of National Lampoons Xmas Vacation though it gets old fast, and I can see how A Christmas Story can get old though I use it in my lit class to explain the key heuristics that we use when discussing literature just because of the virtue that its the one text 90% of the class has seen. But yes!!! I Am shocked and dismayed that I am probably condmened to live the rest of my life on the same planet as the people who made The Santa Clause! Tim Allen should have gone back to prison for that one. Also, the 1985 Santa Clause: The Movie with Dudley Moore and John Lithcow [sic] is utterly wretched, and it goes to prove my theory that if the makers of the thing feel compelled to explain what medium the thing is in part of the title of the thing, that thing usually sucks.
There are many sound arguments against the personal choice to procreate. The asthetic horrors that one must endure because of children is only one compelling reason against having kids.
I tivo'd the Tin Man mini-series but havne't had a chance to watch any of it yet. T watched the first part and loved it. I was curious what your take would be.
The Golden Compass: Supposedly, the book versions are much more obvious in their anti-religion, particualrly anti-Catholicism. I think what's referred to as "the magisterium" in the movie is actually just called "the church" in the books.
I haven't read them though. I've just heard about the hoopla. William Donahue of the Catholic League is repugnant. So anything he doesn't like, I like.
revpasternack: What about The Simpsons Movie?? Or The Muppet Movie? Don't you be dissin the muppets.
I take it you won't be going to see Fred Claus then! and ACK! I was just subjected to a commercial for the Chipmunk movie. Jason Lee, what are you thinking?
Yes, I too was subjected to the Chipmunk commercial. Sigh... Of course, I think the list speaks for itself in terms of what I like and don't like. Clearly I am not a fan of slapstick humor. Everyone has at least one genre they don't like and that's mine.
I agree about Krista's exceptions. I would certainly hope, Matt, that you do not include "The Muppet Movie" or "The Simpsons Movie" (which I am anxiously awaiting on DVD) in your general bias. After all, even I like a few slapstick films. (National Lampoon's Vacation and European Vacation being two of them.)
The Simpsons movie at least proves to be the acception to the rule. I used to work for this really terrible company where the I.T. people named the server after muppets. The community hard drive was called Fozzy, etc. I lost two years of my life in that place, it
kind of ruined Jim Henson products for me. I still need time to heal.
PS How are folks planning to deal with the writer's strike?
Have read all three of His Dark Materials. Cannot recall being hit over the head with the antireligious stuff, but then again, maybe I liked it :) I think I have the second two and I would be happy to lend them to you, Heather. Have to say the best Christmas movies are the classics--the newer ones always seem to be selling something I don't buy.
So far I'm okay with the strike. I think that's because my shows were still new up until this week. Actually, I watched "Private Practice" last night for the first time and sort of liked it. I may find a few new shows to watch now that they are all repeating. Who knows? Plus, my current favs - The Amazing Race and Project Runway - are fine since they are reality tv. I think I'll be hurting come spring, though.
Erin, I may take you up on the offer. Alison is letting me borrow The Golden Compass over Christmas. If I like it, I'll be searching for the next two!
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