Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

I guess I should start this off by saying I don't really like Tom Cruise. There I said it. I am not a fan of Top Gun nor really any of the things he has done. (shocking I know). However the first Mission Impossible I enjoyed. I don't remember the 2nd one and I never saw the 3rd. Yes, this movie fan didn't can't even recall that there was a 3rd one. If you know me, you know I like movies like this, Star Trek, Bond (older and now Daniel Craig ones), Marvel's Avengers Heroes Movies, etc. And yes overall I enjoyed this movie. Simon Pegg really was more of what I enjoyed. I love him! He made the movie more enjoyable to watch. The movie itself plays on the old ideas of cold war tensions with Russia even in our current world. There's always someone trying to get Russia and the US to get into a nuclear war. And in classic Mission Impossible style not everything goes right even with gadgets and smart plans you don't always know about. The most silly thing was the hardest for me to watch as one afraid of heights. Sure Ethan Hunt did that on the tallest building in the world....right. But in general fans of Tom Cruise or Mission Impossible won't be disappointed in this one. And no you don't really need to see any of the others to see this one. However, I had no idea Ethan Hunt got married and lost his wife, guess that was in the 3rd movie. But, if you already saw Sherlock Holmes and need another date night out or movie to see go ahead and see this one you won't leave feeling like the trip to the theater wasn't worth it. Plus, maybe you'll get lucky and see the Titanic 3-D preview (that's a joke people!), but the Avengers preview is fun!

Christmas Movies I love

I could review tons of Christmas Movies, after all it's that time of year. Instead I'd just thought I'd share my favorites and why they are my favorites. But, let me start by saying that I personally only watch Christmas themed movies between Black Friday and New Years Eve. It's also the only time I listen to Christmas music. I think saving it for only the actual Christmas season makes them more enjoyable and part of tradition. Otherwise I think the movies (and music) can lose that special touch they bring to all of us. There's a reason everyone (most everyone that is) loves Christmas and we all can't seem to get enough of the Christmas movies and even sappy TV specials. The movies are not listed in any order of favorites but rather the order in which I was inspired to mention them.

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation 1989
Truly the best Lampoons movie ever and quite possibly the best Vacation movie made too! Although I love Vacation and the adventures the Griswold's have getting to Wally World, there's something magical about Christmas Vacation. I think we can all relate to something in the Christmas Vacation movie. For me Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold will forever remind me of my own father. My dad is a wonderful man who loves Christmas, his family, and loves a lot like Chevy Chase. While my dad may just be slightly more intelligent than Clark, I am just reminded of my dad and our own Christmases every time I watch Christmas Vacation. I want to say here too that if you have only seen it on TV, please just buy the DVD or Blu-Ray of it and watch it uncut, the TV version leaves too much out! A family man desiring his Christmas bonus to pay for a swimming pool for his family while also wanting the perfect family Christmas in his home. Of course in classic Griswold style nothing goes right and Cousin Eddie is just crazy as ever. Truly a Classic Christmas movie for teens and adults. Not something for kids!

White Christmas 1954
Bing Crosby tap dancing with Danny Kaye! So classic that even the movie above mentions it. (I left out the bad word Clark used in between Danny and Kaye). I love musicals and Broadway and how can you not love Bing Crosby singing White Christmas. If you don't love this movie you may want to check your pulse and make sure your heart isn't two sizes too small.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 & 2000)
Animated or Jim Carrey I'll watch either one or both! I love the Who's in Whoville! I know not everyone loved Ron Howard's take on the classic tale with Jim Carrey in crazy yellow contacts and a green costume, but what fun to have a family movie everyone can love and enjoy. I love the heart of the movie that everyone is included for Christmas, even the grinches!

The Ref 1994
This movie shows you my dark comedy side, the side of me that prefers something slightly different than the Miracle of 34th Street movies. Dennis Leary and Kevin Spacey in the same movie with great lines! A fun story all taking place on Christmas Eve. This movie is not for anyone who doesn't like the F word or dysfunctional family fun. This movie is for adults,  not even teens and so not for kids. But if you are like my husband or love the usual suspects and other Kevin Spacey films i think you'll enjoy this movie.

A Nightmare Before Christmas 1993
Tim Burton. I love Tim Burton. I love Danny Elfman (music and Jack Skeleton). I was so glad when my boys were finally able to enjoy Nightmare with me. When this movie came out in 1993 I was there, opening weekend with my good friend Betsy! Instantly I was a fan of the movie of Tim Burton and Danny Elfman. (It's also why I love Mars Attacks, Edward Scissorhands, etc). This stop motion animated movie features Jack Skeleton from Halloween Town searching for something more to his life and stumbles upon Christmas Town. Of course those in Halloween Town who try to take over Christmas don't go a good job of it and Jack realizes in the end he is perfect for Halloween. The songs and music are fantastic. (it is a musical after all!) This is one movie that is the exception to the not before Thanksgiving rule and it allowed to be viewed as early as October for Halloween too.

It's a Wonderful Life 1946
James (Jimmy) Stewart in the classic black and white Holiday Classic. Perfection. Lasso the moon! This is the best one to play while baking cookies, wrapping presents, or snuggling by the fire. I love Jimmy Stewart. He was a fantastic actor with so many great movies, Harvey, Rear Window, Veritgo, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, etc. You know how loved this movie is by all the references and spoofs to it in our culture today in TV shows, movies, etc.

A Christmas Story 1983
To be quite honest when I was younger I thought this movie was an older movie and not one made in my lifetime. For the love of a boy who wants a gun for Christmas. I can't watch it enough! I try to watch it more than once on Christmas Day (thank you TBS!). One of these years I'll actually buy it on DVD to watch whenever I want too. A fantastic movie that has become a household tradition. If for some crazy reason you haven't seen this movie all the way through please for the love of leg lamps and Red Rider BB guns see this movie from beginning to end just once!

Elf 2003
Smiling is my favorite. I loved Will Farrell on SNL but Buddy the Elf makes me want to believe that Santa is real again. I find myself wanting to spread Christmas Cheer by signing loud for all to hear. This is the favorite of my boys and my husband and one of the first movies we watch for the Christmas Season. Syrup on noodles for everyone!

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

When I was younger I would watch Sherlock Holmes with my mom. I can't remember the version or the channel it was on I just remember enjoying it. I've always liked crime drama, detective, hero style shows/movies. A Game of Shadows is a delightful movie with stylized action sequences, intrigue, and of course great banter between Dr. Watson and Holmes. What I love most about the Sherlock Holmes movies is when the camera/action is slowed down to show us the details Holmes sees, the action before it happens, or the action as it's happening.
The camera work, direction, and cinematography add elements that really fit the Holmes movies. It's also nice to see a PG-13 movie without added sexual things when its not needed. No excessive blood in the fighting and barely a bad word. Something I can consider watching with my boys when they are old enough to just follow the story and appreciate the character of Sherlock Holmes.
The story of the movie flows wonderfully, even if you can't truly figure it all out. (We aren't suppose too, only Holmes is to know everything). While I loved the first one, A Game of Shadows had a better plot, more fun, great stylized action, and you truly wondered if Holmes is just an eccentric genius or insane. Those who love Robert Downey Jr, Sherlock Holmes, or just an enjoyable action/intrigue movie will enjoy this movie. I was almost let down at the end, but of course in true Sherlock Holmes style it ended perfectly and (of course) without any hint it did leave room for a third one, please!

Arthur Christmas 2011

Every now and then a new movie comes out at Christmas time that can actually capture the attention of all audiences and even add new ideas and elements to the classic tale of Santa Claus and the North Pole. Here's Arthur, the second son of Santa Claus. Didn't think Santa could have kids...um hello he is married. The idea that Santa Claus is not the same person rather a passed down family business name was nice and a little more realistic (if we are to keep up with the idea of Santa as a real person). Arthur loves Christmas, loves the idea of what his father does (or suppose to do) and fully believes in the magic of Christmas. But he is also kind of goofy. Reminds me of many movies where the hero is not really the big hunky guy but rather the skinny goofy one that maybe slightly less favored by his own father. (How to train a dragon comes to mind). But of course in the end Arthur proves his worth and reminds everyone why every child is important and how the magic of Christmas really is. The jokes and humor were clean with plenty for kids and adults. I doubt any child would get the reference to Grandpa Santa talking about almost starting WWIII during the Cuba Missile Crisis. Even I'm too young for that, but I do know some history. I found myself laughing and enjoying the movie. I think I liked it more than my own children. (yet again an animated movie fails to impress my 8 year old) And this movie may not find its way into our DVD collection. But it was a fun movie with a great message of the magic of Christmas and how every child should be remembered on Christmas. If you can go out and enjoy this one this Christmas weekend with the entire family.