tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82028304778948642702024-03-15T21:09:33.299-04:00Holiday Film ReviewsJ.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.comBlogger318125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-42051835272305505612023-10-20T11:04:00.002-04:002023-10-20T11:04:51.380-04:00A Haunting In Venice<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJxWLldW4nEIPeZr_wossoAv4WiA0Y27UEpKd05zYzI4oAwpzZzVifXSGTlKjuV59pHNQ_Un-UVEg_8ohZdKYJ1xt0VPpGnkRKA_scioGxJ1UG8T8hMIi2O4JhBql5QzPiq_fFl7iWSMRRmzbbK7tzg42oXsDln5HAKR5_ggkhFShAnisEAILaHGu-u0/s889/Haunting%20in%20Venice.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJxWLldW4nEIPeZr_wossoAv4WiA0Y27UEpKd05zYzI4oAwpzZzVifXSGTlKjuV59pHNQ_Un-UVEg_8ohZdKYJ1xt0VPpGnkRKA_scioGxJ1UG8T8hMIi2O4JhBql5QzPiq_fFl7iWSMRRmzbbK7tzg42oXsDln5HAKR5_ggkhFShAnisEAILaHGu-u0/w270-h400/Haunting%20in%20Venice.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Premiered September 15, 2023.</p><p>Dateline:Venice, Italy, October 31, 1947. </p><p>Hercule Poirot (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Branagh" target="_blank">Kenneth Branagh</a>), the world's greatest detective, has retired from solving crimes and now lives a quiet life in Venice. His bodyguard, a former policeman named Vitale Portfoglio (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riccardo_Scamarcio" target="_blank">Riccardo Scamarcio</a>), protects Poirot from people who seek his detective services and those who would harm him.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmYp6rZmIIRGMhq-UUZKV8qZCTKmUxqCJABwJn-RNbCDu5U0g6cX-w7Hzyi03zVlpiCP6QUfY9leCCRR-V0Bwd45gocxuzNuQVXoKYQjgKMsk9-PpM4mdZgIiHtJk1g8uAb1ftM4rmRbGBV91ty09IvJ-icPaySMu_b2QP-i0Jw9ji3yuL1-6B7uL90c/s1500/haunting-5%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1500" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmYp6rZmIIRGMhq-UUZKV8qZCTKmUxqCJABwJn-RNbCDu5U0g6cX-w7Hzyi03zVlpiCP6QUfY9leCCRR-V0Bwd45gocxuzNuQVXoKYQjgKMsk9-PpM4mdZgIiHtJk1g8uAb1ftM4rmRbGBV91ty09IvJ-icPaySMu_b2QP-i0Jw9ji3yuL1-6B7uL90c/w400-h214/haunting-5%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Since the end of World War II, Venice has been occupied by U.S. troops. The Americans have brought their Halloween traditions with them. Venetian children are wearing costumes and marching in a Halloween parade. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyIq5LPeKl6aTuF35-EyegxdSBkBC37JlbYWrvL8Injaq6A60Um8Nk9GLZoA0D008KG0OgrDXEKotb0S0eeGy5Z78KpXmGGtUKhZEDRc0Fm0CT9EdldDUFNdvv85KoWlDMGgmsl2VGOl_ilQOGFWIErmATfkGkL25YhdkjC1YTtoHAplVvrGDBQ3iIik/s1424/GO_Movie_AHauntingInVenice.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1424" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyIq5LPeKl6aTuF35-EyegxdSBkBC37JlbYWrvL8Injaq6A60Um8Nk9GLZoA0D008KG0OgrDXEKotb0S0eeGy5Z78KpXmGGtUKhZEDRc0Fm0CT9EdldDUFNdvv85KoWlDMGgmsl2VGOl_ilQOGFWIErmATfkGkL25YhdkjC1YTtoHAplVvrGDBQ3iIik/w400-h205/GO_Movie_AHauntingInVenice.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Poirot is visited by mystery writer Ariadne Oliver (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tina_Fey" target="_blank">Tina Fey</a>), who has written stories based on Poirot's exploits. She invites Poirot and Vitale to attend a séance at a villa owned by opera singer Rowena Drake (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelly_Reilly" target="_blank">Kelly Reilly</a>). The séance will be conducted by a medium named Joyce Reynolds (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Yeoh" target="_blank">Michelle Yeoh</a>). Oliver wants Poirot to expose Drake as a charlatan. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQFVmnMZtkYUqMjkluLRS4prWAy6lRQgdMt2BmzIQ-7eLTiKgIL4Ug4XWemGVPeYZ5rQpql_NtRDwYPWguatwsEV7KGoKP-KUlDvbEO21TO1KRJ4yDH3tOmwEek4lcddc-KrtshUkFn6owPMK-U2KYDwDEqHDGLQIOdwvBYvfQr0_s1teZb-zCvDaZBM/s2811/haunting%20seance.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1553" data-original-width="2811" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQFVmnMZtkYUqMjkluLRS4prWAy6lRQgdMt2BmzIQ-7eLTiKgIL4Ug4XWemGVPeYZ5rQpql_NtRDwYPWguatwsEV7KGoKP-KUlDvbEO21TO1KRJ4yDH3tOmwEek4lcddc-KrtshUkFn6owPMK-U2KYDwDEqHDGLQIOdwvBYvfQr0_s1teZb-zCvDaZBM/w400-h221/haunting%20seance.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>We learn that the villa used to be an orphanage that is allegedly haunted by spirits of children left to die during the plague epidemic. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoCVQcFv0SU_coZKe7O86Oq_tBstgo1dqiSNdEzH_nEUox8r5QF5o6pZ914lJ16IdKrFf7rsQOKOx48SZVR6XH69qjxtGsgvxaO2Rp0agXJ1aHEzAb6vwIzfBh-fcvMBxTE4F7IHmHMT5JDdeu07fkucO0mLBouUeAOPWh2g4L2A7z4O04Aoa76K57Tc/s1788/a%20haunting%20scream.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1788" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoCVQcFv0SU_coZKe7O86Oq_tBstgo1dqiSNdEzH_nEUox8r5QF5o6pZ914lJ16IdKrFf7rsQOKOx48SZVR6XH69qjxtGsgvxaO2Rp0agXJ1aHEzAb6vwIzfBh-fcvMBxTE4F7IHmHMT5JDdeu07fkucO0mLBouUeAOPWh2g4L2A7z4O04Aoa76K57Tc/w400-h199/a%20haunting%20scream.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>As the evening progresses, strange, seemingly supernatural events occur and dead bodies begin to pile up in the villa. Is the villa truly haunted? Or is there a more conventional explanation for the multiple deaths? The only man who can answer those questions and solve the mystery is Hercule Poirot!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yEddsSwweyE" width="320" youtube-src-id="yEddsSwweyE"></iframe></div><p><b>J.A. Morris says:</b><br />I am reluctant to say much about the plot of <i>A Haunting In Venice</i> because to do so would spoil it. I've read some Agatha Christie stories, but I was completely unfamiliar with this Hercule Poirot adventure. In short, this is a typical Christie mystery, with the added bonus that it takes place on Halloween! If you're a fan of Christie and Halloween (like I am), you will enjoy <i>A Haunting In Venice</i>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzNbBXX35kEaK2WGhlFk8twjJpOVhGbF9V73YBJAxRtmIvhpe2D3DSPj1UMDGS-dUDyKNIf4B1s_oX8f5b-IE-TuGNsZanoxsQz7ZFtrJgjeskSERPqGL4BsBKzWhj6EbacTJP1pTDKneIInx9Go6aruKQva92VhQZQuiJBrJi-DIwIK1QVnoS5B44q4/s800/haunting%20gondola.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="800" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzNbBXX35kEaK2WGhlFk8twjJpOVhGbF9V73YBJAxRtmIvhpe2D3DSPj1UMDGS-dUDyKNIf4B1s_oX8f5b-IE-TuGNsZanoxsQz7ZFtrJgjeskSERPqGL4BsBKzWhj6EbacTJP1pTDKneIInx9Go6aruKQva92VhQZQuiJBrJi-DIwIK1QVnoS5B44q4/w400-h296/haunting%20gondola.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>This film marks the third time Kenneth Branagh has portrayed Poirot. He's as good as ever and Branagh also directed <i>A Haunting In Venice</i>. The rest of the cast provides good support and it's beautifully filmed. Branagh creates an atmosphere that makes the villa feel creepy and otherworldly.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCAmRoJqUUfBFyCxfGHBGbaQ4M-nIxKjWz2nMZeR415o23EBurvL9t1MJCeJstnej49I2dfKLx37-l-wJT2B_545AjfXnQ0Iot0sW5RJvKNjuc6ZN8yqy-MMv6wGVyAtT5xCPJhHkLLcROZXPp3RpcZ7JINxiM3xfGhvzN1pjTtzgcr0VNMuFRRd2d8E/s2822/haunting%20Poirot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1581" data-original-width="2822" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCAmRoJqUUfBFyCxfGHBGbaQ4M-nIxKjWz2nMZeR415o23EBurvL9t1MJCeJstnej49I2dfKLx37-l-wJT2B_545AjfXnQ0Iot0sW5RJvKNjuc6ZN8yqy-MMv6wGVyAtT5xCPJhHkLLcROZXPp3RpcZ7JINxiM3xfGhvzN1pjTtzgcr0VNMuFRRd2d8E/w400-h224/haunting%20Poirot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>While I enjoyed this movie, I didn't feel that it took enough advantage of the fact that it was a theatrical film. It looked great on the big screen, but it just felt like a "very good TV movie," nothing more, nothing less. It could've used a few more jump scares too. </p><p>However, it's still lots of fun and it's something I could see watching around Halloween in the future. <i>A Haunting In Venice</i> is recommended, but it's limitations keep me from giving it a higher rating. </p><p><b>J.A. Morris' rating:</b><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvGPPZsUxfuIAnTNO1Y0Hnce8e_pgQY5hs6slftc82ehabQVMlYRu4FWnRhCWpIdxciEc1Qy9qXylVMxKS58lCSWmRjGhnwHiSNhEknwnAcsQYIdC_3NT9L_qc37yau78G1vCtmB1VXlQ3XEE4kS7NkQt8_isxhjmneX9PLVRDpzG8Hy9YAiImT5mHeU/s279/2%20jack-o-lanternsA_edited-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="117" data-original-width="279" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvGPPZsUxfuIAnTNO1Y0Hnce8e_pgQY5hs6slftc82ehabQVMlYRu4FWnRhCWpIdxciEc1Qy9qXylVMxKS58lCSWmRjGhnwHiSNhEknwnAcsQYIdC_3NT9L_qc37yau78G1vCtmB1VXlQ3XEE4kS7NkQt8_isxhjmneX9PLVRDpzG8Hy9YAiImT5mHeU/s1600/2%20jack-o-lanternsA_edited-1.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>.5</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p>2 and a half jack-o-lanterns.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9hdrtnoEbOFHcfld63vheh3OjrKHQ4HhCeM-MzmtLUecIVzur8UZb0R7m9gWv_hKUgaSjJ8XPB9cH8R_zqxDtZEqilsa00nKJEuKs5pdjkIiwTR99OZB-a6jXe6-QYsZnAv5aDmTwMHr7UcJCk_Xq-hRhcTE9yUWNd0lS2iCa8zJwaNuCkvGzMCKOBk/s1612/haunting%20poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1612" data-original-width="1277" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9hdrtnoEbOFHcfld63vheh3OjrKHQ4HhCeM-MzmtLUecIVzur8UZb0R7m9gWv_hKUgaSjJ8XPB9cH8R_zqxDtZEqilsa00nKJEuKs5pdjkIiwTR99OZB-a6jXe6-QYsZnAv5aDmTwMHr7UcJCk_Xq-hRhcTE9yUWNd0lS2iCa8zJwaNuCkvGzMCKOBk/w316-h400/haunting%20poster.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>RigbyMel says: <br /></b><i>A Haunting in Venice</i> is an entertaining whodunit with a creepy edge. 1940s Halloween costumes are creepy all by themselves, and we get a well-staged séance, creepy visions, disembodied voices and murder to boot. </p><p>The story is rather loosely based on Agatha Christie's 1969 book <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallowe%27en_Party" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Hallowe'en Party</a>. But it mostly only retains the children's party, an incident involving bobbing for apples and several character names. I guess the Venice setting was deemed more visually interesting than an English country house? That being said, the Venetian setting does give us a reason (a bad storm) to keep Poirot and suspects trapped in the spooky haunted orphanage. Moreover, Venice's traditions of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Venice" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">masquerade and carnival</a> fit in nicely as a backdrop to the Halloween proceedings. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsrEC0lRA0BZrXxaQpCNLV9zO6owaU6xfBzSgNLjVxn3bP0KUR3mXEmHInZMv1GJFS0dBpiCwhyphenhypheniwLmu_gY2j3iVlmocji5J5fPWsvuDEUT9BpTe6zg70gAu6Q2caNtdypXHJevPFud0UbOGlrOPPVCcNx4h5uFqun8tbXb05XfLZcBfhD_UFQGySuXg/s1702/mask.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1702" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsrEC0lRA0BZrXxaQpCNLV9zO6owaU6xfBzSgNLjVxn3bP0KUR3mXEmHInZMv1GJFS0dBpiCwhyphenhypheniwLmu_gY2j3iVlmocji5J5fPWsvuDEUT9BpTe6zg70gAu6Q2caNtdypXHJevPFud0UbOGlrOPPVCcNx4h5uFqun8tbXb05XfLZcBfhD_UFQGySuXg/w400-h193/mask.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I enjoyed Poirot's skepticism of the supernatural and its juxtaposition with the weird setting and possibly supernatural occurrences. Kenneth Branagh does a great job of portraying Poirot's ego and skepticism during the course of the film. Michelle Yeoh is excellent as the medium Joyce Reynolds and Tina Fey does fine as the Christie-esque author Ariadne Oliver. </p><p>I like how the film uses its post-WW2 setting to develop themes regarding people being haunted by their war experiences, it adds a bit of depth to the proceedings. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwj_ls3DEirgO1jqD_Xo99N7V7MW79trAtIzTV1ovAM6XipKG_PkjWAxhaqe5bVyq9g41Vw3qXeUE0cK-aL7ubNFuk6krorkHIaG-4Vmdl5F7VQv5aF69Yi1xFd39nNnPGxyl79x4aMU1cjP1wX2GAvZ9EkUI0RJSZv0FNjXjj5XqWwbNytzodHRo3zM/s1062/fey%20yeoh%20branagh%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="1062" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwj_ls3DEirgO1jqD_Xo99N7V7MW79trAtIzTV1ovAM6XipKG_PkjWAxhaqe5bVyq9g41Vw3qXeUE0cK-aL7ubNFuk6krorkHIaG-4Vmdl5F7VQv5aF69Yi1xFd39nNnPGxyl79x4aMU1cjP1wX2GAvZ9EkUI0RJSZv0FNjXjj5XqWwbNytzodHRo3zM/w400-h225/fey%20yeoh%20branagh%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>There were elements of the plot that felt a bit cliched and underwritten at times, but the setting and the actors make <i>A Haunting in Venice</i> worthwhile. </p><p><b>RigbyMel's rating: <br /><br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYuBeeJy8x0b2QxGky-zsUOOhnhEjF1WlS7MoCdAnAjRGuqsDVqp0YN8fmAP3cBhyphenhyphen9_C0Cv_c_7qQOFtdEDgOfz9xMNTPDQtV8TED-IZ5tqCJD2TlBWbh32NMOjVOmyAo9GpEIBABEuyA-TmkW1Jow1kFaXBMQ7OIN-3Ug9OKM5mZpv9tLjbYCsOgNJM/s436/3%20jack-o-lanterns.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="121" data-original-width="436" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYuBeeJy8x0b2QxGky-zsUOOhnhEjF1WlS7MoCdAnAjRGuqsDVqp0YN8fmAP3cBhyphenhyphen9_C0Cv_c_7qQOFtdEDgOfz9xMNTPDQtV8TED-IZ5tqCJD2TlBWbh32NMOjVOmyAo9GpEIBABEuyA-TmkW1Jow1kFaXBMQ7OIN-3Ug9OKM5mZpv9tLjbYCsOgNJM/s320/3%20jack-o-lanterns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>3 jack-o-lanterns </p>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-10155064479444983382022-12-31T17:12:00.015-05:002022-12-31T17:16:35.993-05:00Violent Night<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJCPs2hO_fkxlcSjjvnKwl8T43sj6bo40nrT6ywetogCPOFsnWKICm-sL1w4nZLu1zK2urMPUEJYoJISWXCer2OlMHlATSr82ZekqK3LM0y4BCjQj8TIY9FLybpqzuJut62W8STrkYqU5Z5jKqVVQadU5Z0tl1ZeagW93BekZtNTPIjR5pPpsDrqE/s1614/Screenshot%20(6).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1614" data-original-width="1288" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJCPs2hO_fkxlcSjjvnKwl8T43sj6bo40nrT6ywetogCPOFsnWKICm-sL1w4nZLu1zK2urMPUEJYoJISWXCer2OlMHlATSr82ZekqK3LM0y4BCjQj8TIY9FLybpqzuJut62W8STrkYqU5Z5jKqVVQadU5Z0tl1ZeagW93BekZtNTPIjR5pPpsDrqE/w319-h400/Screenshot%20(6).png" width="319" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Premiered December 2, 2022.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Christmas Eve has arrived. However, Santa Claus (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1092086/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t1" target="_blank">David Harbor</a>) feels cynical about his role in the holiday. He takes a break from his deliveries to drown his sorrows in a bar.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIz6iYVgOsH_mpH095v5g38Nrvv1h6kdGPc-asyVBBuYMI-CeE-Gbl85fwNFOLlOAaYmp9KyBpeY9SHH8XgEIQVhNjhjSv6zp3FZKyIM9RhenbEcu_4kNxKG_g_cHFvB0aLzhwaEyNYTAbN_PM22ALcASa7BexDUr4ZuAU6GYKH40iImFgwalt-nAg/s3840/Screenshot%20(14).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1508" data-original-width="3840" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIz6iYVgOsH_mpH095v5g38Nrvv1h6kdGPc-asyVBBuYMI-CeE-Gbl85fwNFOLlOAaYmp9KyBpeY9SHH8XgEIQVhNjhjSv6zp3FZKyIM9RhenbEcu_4kNxKG_g_cHFvB0aLzhwaEyNYTAbN_PM22ALcASa7BexDUr4ZuAU6GYKH40iImFgwalt-nAg/w400-h158/Screenshot%20(14).png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-64995555-7fff-5511-9d9b-4635c1cddf3c" style="font-family: inherit;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
At the same time, in Greenwich, CT, Jason Lightstone (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1307435/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t4" target="_blank">Alex Hassell</a>), his wife Linda (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6951875/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t5" target="_blank">Alexis Louder</a>) and their daughter Trudy (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9538402/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t8" target="_blank">Leah Brady</a>) are driving to his mother’s mansion for the Lightstone family’s elaborate Christmas celebration. Linda and Jason’s marriage is in trouble and they’ve been living apart. Trudy is angry at her father because he forgot to take her to see Santa at the mall. The only thing she wants for Christmas is for her parents to get back together. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jason’s mother Gertrude (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000350/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t3" target="_blank">Beverly D’Angelo</a>) heads a major international oil corporation and has illegally obtained much of her wealth. This comes back to haunt her when gunmen led by Jimmy Martinez (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000491/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2" target="_blank">John Leguizamo</a>) take the Lightstones hostage and demand billions of dollars. Jimmy and his minions take on Christmas-related codenames, with Jimmy calling himself “Scrooge.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeHiIvlC6g2PhcG0gXTQvi_2a975TadnWakztWkXWgLJjl-qFXTUseTn_o-ZAkFc6WmlKD1_zex2Q_Vs4QdpX_UOPDo3wUPzQcN-hIyQdMy7UJQurRP_lTT_6k-AKMHiKoSwB49RDFgUO0WADIiTi46dFGPU_6Ul_9IBrGx3eYUn5JR0PkhC1c4uO/s2430/Screenshot%20(8).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1617" data-original-width="2430" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeHiIvlC6g2PhcG0gXTQvi_2a975TadnWakztWkXWgLJjl-qFXTUseTn_o-ZAkFc6WmlKD1_zex2Q_Vs4QdpX_UOPDo3wUPzQcN-hIyQdMy7UJQurRP_lTT_6k-AKMHiKoSwB49RDFgUO0WADIiTi46dFGPU_6Ul_9IBrGx3eYUn5JR0PkhC1c4uO/w400-h266/Screenshot%20(8).png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When Santa arrives at the Lightstone house to deliver presents to Trudy, he quickly realizes what’s going on. Santa steps into action and kills several gunmen.
<br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGpY1YHcj6kkyEmmHfWGmRhhhYPc_08WhrgHS0vYtcD0fXKhMCY8a12QWLbFcrL72YivJO7omDCb6dpH6GVf1eS2OzcU_TEqOKou5gI7CZV-TKxBlvybniMZagf8AyjFLGFhj-mNOvE4ctFxR9yb9ZwCXZfRTWJQ-0ApgLrbPWmV51u2Bp35PDN-C/s2483/Screenshot%20(4).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="2483" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGpY1YHcj6kkyEmmHfWGmRhhhYPc_08WhrgHS0vYtcD0fXKhMCY8a12QWLbFcrL72YivJO7omDCb6dpH6GVf1eS2OzcU_TEqOKou5gI7CZV-TKxBlvybniMZagf8AyjFLGFhj-mNOvE4ctFxR9yb9ZwCXZfRTWJQ-0ApgLrbPWmV51u2Bp35PDN-C/w400-h263/Screenshot%20(4).png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Can Santa save the Lightstone family and regain his Christmas spirit? Or will Jimmy and his gang cancel Christmas forever?<p></p><b><br /></b><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>J.A. Morris says:</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ll mention up front that if you’ve heard of <i>Violent Night</i>, you probably know it’s not for kids and contains more violence and gore than just about anything we’ve reviewed here. It definitely brings the violence its title promises. Having said that, it's a very good R-rated action movie. The main attraction here is David Harbor as Santa Claus. Fans of <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stranger_Things" target="_blank">Stranger Things</a></i> (where Harbor famously portrayed police chief Jim Hopper) will probably enjoy <i>Violent Night</i>. With anyone else in the role, this movie wouldn’t have worked. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Tj8ezDbLiCzidTer1HHnseGb94-_JuOgPSe-WDF3ycwyArCWH3YtAHty3G3k83UuA2dh-Z10Vj-BVXHXrks97Hz7SPuQXb0gMU6h6t3YOn8SD5GtmSCqcAf9vEkacsrui8yXqBX_xMdxAG9-XSNm7ojUF23hWldEke6jZp1j2CEgcs2_6A8rDrgX/s2385/Screenshot%20(7).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1625" data-original-width="2385" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Tj8ezDbLiCzidTer1HHnseGb94-_JuOgPSe-WDF3ycwyArCWH3YtAHty3G3k83UuA2dh-Z10Vj-BVXHXrks97Hz7SPuQXb0gMU6h6t3YOn8SD5GtmSCqcAf9vEkacsrui8yXqBX_xMdxAG9-XSNm7ojUF23hWldEke6jZp1j2CEgcs2_6A8rDrgX/w400-h272/Screenshot%20(7).png" width="400" /></a></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Gertrude Lightstone is played by Beverly D’Angelo. I’m thinking this was a bit of stunt-casting, since D’angelo also plays Ellen Griswold in <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Lampoon%27s_Christmas_Vacation" target="_blank">National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation</a></i> (and other <i>Vacation</i> movies). She’s convincing in <i>Violent Night</i> as a corporate oil executive who will use criminal methods to maximize profit.</span></p><div><span><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKl_1jP7PGP3gP0w62zKa66Z6OR9IbGBl4CFHee2s1iXSyohnXX6vqiq6_I-nTfGlAFqgit1u2fHXZgmTo15AblJI9Jyg_T8s6pAEP4esS7xm4eSDKmyilfb4QNAYtKcSrxsHfvBQR9ABCWWoUmm85KUmg4en0UiZiZBEiozjQwcd8shCQpQsNiKr/s3840/Screenshot%20(10).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1603" data-original-width="3840" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKl_1jP7PGP3gP0w62zKa66Z6OR9IbGBl4CFHee2s1iXSyohnXX6vqiq6_I-nTfGlAFqgit1u2fHXZgmTo15AblJI9Jyg_T8s6pAEP4esS7xm4eSDKmyilfb4QNAYtKcSrxsHfvBQR9ABCWWoUmm85KUmg4en0UiZiZBEiozjQwcd8shCQpQsNiKr/w400-h168/Screenshot%20(10).png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Since this is a recently-released film I don’t want to reveal too much here. So I’ll just say that I thought some of the bad guys in this movie got off easy, which keeps me from giving the movie my highest rating.</span></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Still, it’s a well-made action movie and it’s entertaining from start to finish. If you’re looking for blood and gore and Santa killing terrorists in novel ways, you will appreciate <i>Violent Night</i>. </span></p><div><br /></div><div><b>J.A. Morris's rating:</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZdxiSZ_2xsL7pgocvY4S0hURjP7EUJpbg6MWpMVxSkNJHZ856cWjHG9z_Os3Cws_DGXIwNheHAgyjUx26tNeBDo4F6JLsvnWv4KjNFeShfEgehATx2iv12iApi8jLG3nFUh7K39kUiJfIX526W0GJJK271lpN-2GsNWf6lZXDjwCzutFQXoxWO29/s1024/3%20candy%20canes.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="1024" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZdxiSZ_2xsL7pgocvY4S0hURjP7EUJpbg6MWpMVxSkNJHZ856cWjHG9z_Os3Cws_DGXIwNheHAgyjUx26tNeBDo4F6JLsvnWv4KjNFeShfEgehATx2iv12iApi8jLG3nFUh7K39kUiJfIX526W0GJJK271lpN-2GsNWf6lZXDjwCzutFQXoxWO29/w200-h104/3%20candy%20canes.1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3 candy canes.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a53e4HHnx_s" width="320" youtube-src-id="a53e4HHnx_s"></iframe></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>RigbyMel says:</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Violent Night</i> is an outrageously over the top Christmas action movie. It definitely earns its R-rating and is decidedly not for kids. When we saw the <a href="https://youtu.be/a53e4HHnx_s" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">trailer</a> earlier this year, I was reminded of a parody promo from <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrooged" target="_blank">Scrooged</a> </i>called "<a href="https://youtu.be/Ofq0qVBN3Iw?t=11" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Night The Reindeer Died</a>" and thought it <i>might</i> have potential, especially with </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">David Harbor as Santa. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNFpfmq3g7AnIMe_1jl-xn8wyqDC7f8PdIcrRZ3xtW2jeiFhDKkoV-gQBV7txrfh-or_X1Nw6qtx6QmgJZQxolbL3Uopa2hwg-aCfI9-C3a_MI4GzvaLXD-Q44MQ9V5mpzPv3f6gpOS32mKy2rBXG2YIC_GKif43K1bHP8U-hlAZXWubMlQL1Yq5b/s1620/Screenshot%20(9).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="1075" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNFpfmq3g7AnIMe_1jl-xn8wyqDC7f8PdIcrRZ3xtW2jeiFhDKkoV-gQBV7txrfh-or_X1Nw6qtx6QmgJZQxolbL3Uopa2hwg-aCfI9-C3a_MI4GzvaLXD-Q44MQ9V5mpzPv3f6gpOS32mKy2rBXG2YIC_GKif43K1bHP8U-hlAZXWubMlQL1Yq5b/w265-h400/Screenshot%20(9).png" width="265" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When we went to see </span><i style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Violent Night, </i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">my impression was reinforced. David Harbor makes an appealing world-weary, butt-kicking St. Nick. I also enjoyed the way the film managed to tie in some of <a href="https://www.ecpubliclibrary.info/santa-is-odin/" target="_blank">Santa's mythological connection to Odin</a> in an interesting way. Also, Harbor's experience working with young actors in </span><i style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Stranger Things</i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> pays off with his interactions with young Trudy (played by Leah Brady), who makes you root for the family despite some of the loathsome behavior of her relatives. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As its title might suggest, the film is VERY violent indeed, making use of every conceivable holiday decoration -- up to and including a baby Jesus from a manger scene -- into a weapon of some sort or other. Some of the violence is so out there that it becomes humorous. And I am one of those people who tends to wince when people get punched in movies. I still winced, but I also laughed throughout <i>Violent Night</i>.
</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtexbYtigvipLYrAAVvjsnVcZjWCuzNV7QDRxt8opSR2a_kn05AWrNLnqetHXp0E1wlqrb2GvbKBtzaapPeppasunaH8TxZSRha8AurwbFcupttlDYNbPY3gJ2c9KrwMvj_CHeVBhdFl6caiTJjLe439v9xNMYT6uPMmrtnjSG0vEIEari1DVJpG34/s2438/Screenshot%20(5).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1608" data-original-width="2438" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtexbYtigvipLYrAAVvjsnVcZjWCuzNV7QDRxt8opSR2a_kn05AWrNLnqetHXp0E1wlqrb2GvbKBtzaapPeppasunaH8TxZSRha8AurwbFcupttlDYNbPY3gJ2c9KrwMvj_CHeVBhdFl6caiTJjLe439v9xNMYT6uPMmrtnjSG0vEIEari1DVJpG34/w400-h264/Screenshot%20(5).png" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
There are also darkly humorous turns such as the bad guys having ridiculous holiday themed code names ("Scrooge" and "Krampus," of course, but also "Frosty," "Sugarplum," and "Candy Cane.") However, under the mordant humor, violence and gore lies an almost sweet holiday tale of good triumphing over evil and a very entertaining holiday action flick. </span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>RigbyMel's rating: </b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBr7xyGVkoo-f5HAZ13XFaE-Ss6pc7wGv4i5ALhmESgMhuheEYqppgu0olgk2hf5OrAM25Ka8mSaTiRz36pX9DEWBugIxixIT6xRoFoh3kCzZkLi62FHA3tD9IltYC1DTYc_6jjTPmE3k8KydzqQLsJShwLhT03xnEFe_rg9r0FOxkVte2ZW1moXG/s1024/3%20candy%20canes.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="1024" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBr7xyGVkoo-f5HAZ13XFaE-Ss6pc7wGv4i5ALhmESgMhuheEYqppgu0olgk2hf5OrAM25Ka8mSaTiRz36pX9DEWBugIxixIT6xRoFoh3kCzZkLi62FHA3tD9IltYC1DTYc_6jjTPmE3k8KydzqQLsJShwLhT03xnEFe_rg9r0FOxkVte2ZW1moXG/w200-h104/3%20candy%20canes.1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /><br /><br /><br />3 candy canes </p></span>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-17404012348122563502022-10-26T09:46:00.003-04:002022-10-26T09:47:18.968-04:00Hocus Pocus 2<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-fP_6HKgUuzhz496_q98VgXJrPjYSig7fMbA91HVQkkg6GWXM4wOoYPowzba67Rkhpx6lGfz3WMAGQO1Y4bbLMFh__jIYHJntxD7SlIJy2Su-47XlxOc4wTNEU5Fh35gm8MUFnkKZrF5JANVMZhQHXZiiGAy73tSIyMxJGiQ8oQiw5lGjEEVgJH2/s1781/Hocus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1781" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-fP_6HKgUuzhz496_q98VgXJrPjYSig7fMbA91HVQkkg6GWXM4wOoYPowzba67Rkhpx6lGfz3WMAGQO1Y4bbLMFh__jIYHJntxD7SlIJy2Su-47XlxOc4wTNEU5Fh35gm8MUFnkKZrF5JANVMZhQHXZiiGAy73tSIyMxJGiQ8oQiw5lGjEEVgJH2/w270-h400/Hocus.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><p><i>Premiered September 30, 2022.</i></p><p>On Halloween Night, 1993, in Salem Massachusetts, Winifred Sanderson (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000541/?ref_=tt_cl_t_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bette Midler</a>) and her sisters Mary (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001562/?ref_=tt_cl_t_3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kathy Najimy</a>) and Sarah (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000572/?ref_=tt_cl_t_2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sarah Jessica Parker</a>) were resurrected when a black flame candle was lit. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIf8XkPS7sXjwQJXZHkbvHY65Fn_Kj7bxKfSkjt5DSR0zGxBULWp-Zv54qF4EKimN-2qqc0OcDboMdvLV0vyNYk7jQPNfpO4Hmphs104tfRZ-wRKxvnrk4ODWB97gQnAdWMzuYZ47AZwEGfEUVAq95bV37luYmUXsbcah7KGibd2ftZIOL9owg7o7V/s2787/Screenshot%20(2203).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1302" data-original-width="2787" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIf8XkPS7sXjwQJXZHkbvHY65Fn_Kj7bxKfSkjt5DSR0zGxBULWp-Zv54qF4EKimN-2qqc0OcDboMdvLV0vyNYk7jQPNfpO4Hmphs104tfRZ-wRKxvnrk4ODWB97gQnAdWMzuYZ47AZwEGfEUVAq95bV37luYmUXsbcah7KGibd2ftZIOL9owg7o7V/w400-h186/Screenshot%20(2203).png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Twenty-nine years later, history repeats itself when two witchcraft-curious Salem teens named Becca (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8857173/?ref_=tt_cl_t_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Whitney Peak</a>) and Izzy (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7650817/?ref_=tt_cl_t_5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Belissa Escobedo</a>) prepare to celebrate Halloween and Becca’s sixteenth birthday. They refuse a party invitation from their estranged friend Cassie Traske (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5339815/?ref_=tt_cl_t_6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lilia Buckingham</a>) and go to the woods to perform Becca’s birthday ritual. The girls light a black flame candle during the ritual and accidentally summon our favorite witches from the beyond.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjiiGSXwb50SDFlmWvTA8TWdDzWjxakWwlHz5149JTgk04Jl0DJGB58fqvCqa9zSXu6heuNWEiT5GRRiiJFBWeh9e-VyUplaE_iQqpKxZmV-EKlci5FPIH3Hw-d-wX4xonwBiG4zDOS6qsZXvbcTtBJrUv4qmC1vRodQ3cVRKqcGfb7kI53LZQFrH/s2460/Screenshot%20(2185).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="2460" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjiiGSXwb50SDFlmWvTA8TWdDzWjxakWwlHz5149JTgk04Jl0DJGB58fqvCqa9zSXu6heuNWEiT5GRRiiJFBWeh9e-VyUplaE_iQqpKxZmV-EKlci5FPIH3Hw-d-wX4xonwBiG4zDOS6qsZXvbcTtBJrUv4qmC1vRodQ3cVRKqcGfb7kI53LZQFrH/w400-h265/Screenshot%20(2185).png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Sanderson sisters are excited about their return. They’re once again determined to brew a potion that steals the souls of children in order to gain eternal youth for themselves. Lizzy and Becca pretend to idolize the sisters and that a potion containing children’s souls can be bought at the local apothecary…a Walgreen’s drug store. The girls trick the witches into thinking that various beauty products in the drug store will achieve the same effect as their potion, but the ruse does not work for long. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBDxKP53HpMORqh-AHsUrhPtvkQ4r0X-3jkyYrPUP1oZ1QPrylNHqtXSiFyYpnL012b0fwBK36Dmt3MKUCPeVFsSIKkIABmpN6JXSHUhxF4bWasdInIOwKvSH8Of_OjIn-3CXyIHbm1VSBkyiug9072MufJlTNxDZZ8pqJIfG455z7ByFUFAZjfLm/s2388/Screenshot%20(2182).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1645" data-original-width="2388" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBDxKP53HpMORqh-AHsUrhPtvkQ4r0X-3jkyYrPUP1oZ1QPrylNHqtXSiFyYpnL012b0fwBK36Dmt3MKUCPeVFsSIKkIABmpN6JXSHUhxF4bWasdInIOwKvSH8Of_OjIn-3CXyIHbm1VSBkyiug9072MufJlTNxDZZ8pqJIfG455z7ByFUFAZjfLm/w400-h275/Screenshot%20(2182).png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The witchy trio winds up at their old home, which is now a magic shop, managed by a man named Gilbert (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3931538/?ref_=tt_cl_t_8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sam Richardson</a>). He became a fan of the Sandersons sisters when he saw them when they wrecking havoc in Salem in 1993. Gilbert has been trying to revive them ever since so he agrees to help the sisters. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusFRybfKIGf64OOmENDm9cxGHyWoRiS-r9i14DlhYBQkmkwNwc3DyXyH6UBLoRp_E-L9Gm62HgkEJb-WEhkXvteedndD_DPjOAycrKbpeBy8FyuoZvuIA-a5-RFhir9W2ipNmxVmtHoB53SEncN30dTHi9BDJ7yI81az_8z9Dlrrcm75mdM7LPEV2/s3081/Screenshot%20(2183).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1648" data-original-width="3081" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusFRybfKIGf64OOmENDm9cxGHyWoRiS-r9i14DlhYBQkmkwNwc3DyXyH6UBLoRp_E-L9Gm62HgkEJb-WEhkXvteedndD_DPjOAycrKbpeBy8FyuoZvuIA-a5-RFhir9W2ipNmxVmtHoB53SEncN30dTHi9BDJ7yI81az_8z9Dlrrcm75mdM7LPEV2/w400-h214/Screenshot%20(2183).png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Meanwhile, the Sandersons stumble on a campaign flier for Mayor Jefry Traske (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0355024/?ref_=tt_cl_t_10" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tony Hale</a>) - who also happens to be Cassie’s father. The witches realize that the mayor is a descendent of Reverend Traske, who banished them from Salem in 1653. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsx9zyOrWRVuAVPLCDmVuGpnD_rPGvEX7XOtXS1ssCLkjGlxHtbmyLpyHd22pDamsXWhOffwKHP2MwrhM87GWCY02yEtWYBqf3G96iSx1d3hUWyP8dwQoQAMcqMar81UI1fhyxz8UVmBVHSzQ9sF_duP0-g5hO5ObwzkkPRTD1ZbqJg2jjy5tigd26/s2864/Screenshot%20(2199).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1212" data-original-width="2864" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsx9zyOrWRVuAVPLCDmVuGpnD_rPGvEX7XOtXS1ssCLkjGlxHtbmyLpyHd22pDamsXWhOffwKHP2MwrhM87GWCY02yEtWYBqf3G96iSx1d3hUWyP8dwQoQAMcqMar81UI1fhyxz8UVmBVHSzQ9sF_duP0-g5hO5ObwzkkPRTD1ZbqJg2jjy5tigd26/w400-h169/Screenshot%20(2199).png" width="400" /></a></div><p>They decide to take vengeance upon Traske and Salem by using his blood to create the dangerous Magicae Maxima spell which the sisters believe will make them all-powerful and immortal. They leave to hunt down Traske after trapping Becca and Izzy in the basement. They force Gilbert to collect the other ingredients. Gilbert digs up Billy Butcherson (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0427964/?ref_=tt_cl_t_9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Doug Jones</a>) from the graveyard and enlists Billy’s aid in collecting potion ingredients. Billy doesn’t realize that his head is one of the items needed to complete the spell. The girls manage to escape from the basement and attempt to contact Cassie to warn her about the Sandersons’ return. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpy3F0iyPwj91-ms9Tj8SXMG6F2zQMm9h_gR_KODGyqnkumpJ1GxVWEua0tIkuWEILcpg0r4wHv_lZXggYd1os7Y-UY5ahDBmNDmkpZUEZH1BBDmbmO_Tg-oTUNyQ8s531GfFGQ2ZfpJkNcsNnDWeog_NpZBw0tj2mwiTo3zbLfiQQcViN00xHET0m/s2887/Screenshot%20(2202).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="2887" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpy3F0iyPwj91-ms9Tj8SXMG6F2zQMm9h_gR_KODGyqnkumpJ1GxVWEua0tIkuWEILcpg0r4wHv_lZXggYd1os7Y-UY5ahDBmNDmkpZUEZH1BBDmbmO_Tg-oTUNyQ8s531GfFGQ2ZfpJkNcsNnDWeog_NpZBw0tj2mwiTo3zbLfiQQcViN00xHET0m/w400-h169/Screenshot%20(2202).png" width="400" /></a></p><p>Magical mischief and mayhem ensue and in order to find out whether Winnie, Mary and Sarah succeed in carrying out their plans, you will have to watch the movie! </p><p><b>RigbyMel says:</b></p><p><i>Hocus Pocus 2</i> builds upon the cult nostalgia surrounding the first movie and has a lot of fun doing so. There are quite a few nods to the original 1993 film (but alas, none of the original actors playing the kids who defeat the Sanderson sisters in the first film return). That being said, Midler, Najimy and Parker are always super entertaining to watch in their silly witchy roles. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCKDXX6evZTveDzYYxg1G5jvACimHpK7wwTyloKRf6_Ua5Zu605MbMlIFEcJR4XHCywfITsxBxXtAdI4cMXQxPa2EiK33Y06Rkl8mgqO6Vf6UYe9_8ILJrnpU0OPvYiLgb7yY6Fzs3O50bBWaL9wCFQJ5MjW6HAmxYOqcredTH9sT4EDrziV723Eh/s2898/Screenshot%20(2189).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="2898" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCKDXX6evZTveDzYYxg1G5jvACimHpK7wwTyloKRf6_Ua5Zu605MbMlIFEcJR4XHCywfITsxBxXtAdI4cMXQxPa2EiK33Y06Rkl8mgqO6Vf6UYe9_8ILJrnpU0OPvYiLgb7yY6Fzs3O50bBWaL9wCFQJ5MjW6HAmxYOqcredTH9sT4EDrziV723Eh/w400-h170/Screenshot%20(2189).png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Winnie, Mary and Sarah also get another chance to shine musically with a scene set to Elton John’s “<a href="https://youtu.be/IGo6x_uzG8Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Bitch Is Back</a>” appropriately re-titled to “<a href="https://youtu.be/17FwtAA-Ap8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Witches Are Back</a>” as well as a big song and dance number featuring their take on “<a href="https://youtu.be/wP5FzkPFHIo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">One Way or Another</a>” - originally of <a href="https://youtu.be/_zBwRDEFMRY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blondie</a> fame. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bT9CdFtn3OW1CFojWrAAe1VGC0pryNvbpH0deez0PNNMf_t0Keg2F5N1lB3gQohdLk5Z6_tJkDVrUAerGXnXvC3Y4pLIG-PS5CrnDTs3LB_u78GIeJhFylIa3dfnMYUuMB9u9BpUCzwGz7VRSNZZvoCG1UOxi4vHEeOZ6I3We6Ls13dc798NeyHq/s2770/Screenshot%20(2204).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="2770" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bT9CdFtn3OW1CFojWrAAe1VGC0pryNvbpH0deez0PNNMf_t0Keg2F5N1lB3gQohdLk5Z6_tJkDVrUAerGXnXvC3Y4pLIG-PS5CrnDTs3LB_u78GIeJhFylIa3dfnMYUuMB9u9BpUCzwGz7VRSNZZvoCG1UOxi4vHEeOZ6I3We6Ls13dc798NeyHq/w400-h174/Screenshot%20(2204).png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I appreciated the somewhat fleshed out 17th century backstory the film gives to the Sanderson sisters – Winnie defies authority and refuses to marry and then fights to save her sisters from being taken away from her. But I also appreciate that [SPOILER] our delightfully naughty witches never do get *completely* redeemed either.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2fa7f5qrOaDW3khjd1UndL56QxkTFb0s_oljq6mz84F4eZrx7NSL-fcgcCX31bAytNNUdA9bFcdxCqMdN-uWvjLaOXN2XXRKV7CnKzpReZ-Y3d2nxAXJpepNrP-pTXL2y6cp5VD1XX7lNqkTl0WDfhlWF4mxrz62Y2tf3dRLGTKv_RkTpOQKoqxI/s2706/Screenshot%20(2205).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1309" data-original-width="2706" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2fa7f5qrOaDW3khjd1UndL56QxkTFb0s_oljq6mz84F4eZrx7NSL-fcgcCX31bAytNNUdA9bFcdxCqMdN-uWvjLaOXN2XXRKV7CnKzpReZ-Y3d2nxAXJpepNrP-pTXL2y6cp5VD1XX7lNqkTl0WDfhlWF4mxrz62Y2tf3dRLGTKv_RkTpOQKoqxI/w400-h194/Screenshot%20(2205).png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Some of the jokes feel a bit re-hashed from the original movie, but the cast makes the material enjoyable even if it is a *bit* familiar. </p><p>I also found it interesting that since there is a nearly 30 year gap between the original 1993 <i>Hocus Pocus </i>and its sequel, one can see some distinct differences in the way Halloween is celebrated then and now. Spookiness, treats and costumes remain consistent, but the context changes a bit. For example, the big trick or treating scene from the first movie has been replaced with a Halloween carnival which feels more like the “trunk or treat” events that have become rather more prevalent today. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCdmTHmT2R9ISauEA-Z60SQQ2IOrD0VMllv3KrE-qm_7WgRnO0TxAm-zhybQXNm2WzSoQxYtrZcFpSi_o509-3TXABv6SStVPDuzu_aAPOfQxxYMjTAvIMAtwj-sTkTYsjoq1pBPJRpIHPv2Fesi8gq-vXTVsTamWMCV2raBRMzUduLidbyNK_3oZ/s2772/Screenshot%20(2206).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1315" data-original-width="2772" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCdmTHmT2R9ISauEA-Z60SQQ2IOrD0VMllv3KrE-qm_7WgRnO0TxAm-zhybQXNm2WzSoQxYtrZcFpSi_o509-3TXABv6SStVPDuzu_aAPOfQxxYMjTAvIMAtwj-sTkTYsjoq1pBPJRpIHPv2Fesi8gq-vXTVsTamWMCV2raBRMzUduLidbyNK_3oZ/w400-h190/Screenshot%20(2206).png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>All in all, <i>Hocus Pocus 2</i> is good silly fun – not quite as good as the first movie, but enjoyable. </p><p><b>RigbyMel’s rating: </b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8r_BvUbtf0RK7RyV0CYhbsO3URUfUxz8nsHjYdTiD_kpk6AjChop2kcA3UMKF3qYxvRP8g0Z-HZDLU8L9iVHCkSMqP586CVyKLD3_PG_eOO4cH9-VjxMcTYfHr3mw9A2S5HZ5BvI8EqC4oKBQMqi2_ayJKdUxrNUPfnEojSTsig1C9nmNAj3WIz_/s280/2%20jack-o-lanterns_edited-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="143" data-original-width="280" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8r_BvUbtf0RK7RyV0CYhbsO3URUfUxz8nsHjYdTiD_kpk6AjChop2kcA3UMKF3qYxvRP8g0Z-HZDLU8L9iVHCkSMqP586CVyKLD3_PG_eOO4cH9-VjxMcTYfHr3mw9A2S5HZ5BvI8EqC4oKBQMqi2_ayJKdUxrNUPfnEojSTsig1C9nmNAj3WIz_/w200-h102/2%20jack-o-lanterns_edited-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">.5<br /><br /></span></b></p><p>2 and a half jack o' lanterns.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxusTMDSb95gA6lfzjxlRYhUSCUmMozrg6TGZS8RyK0K1aHFkPyOqHGtH7gRhqPuOV-rKaZseKKbP70oTXwG24nhQCNFnxnKmdLHtYfgig6mvXgDI01t9XeTkblmKfoCJAOS6YqwfzvlZzn8Q-lBc7MAseg-qGeq0uFHB0vNnUemCpbvEwWN9aseti/s2733/Screenshot%20(2193).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="2733" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxusTMDSb95gA6lfzjxlRYhUSCUmMozrg6TGZS8RyK0K1aHFkPyOqHGtH7gRhqPuOV-rKaZseKKbP70oTXwG24nhQCNFnxnKmdLHtYfgig6mvXgDI01t9XeTkblmKfoCJAOS6YqwfzvlZzn8Q-lBc7MAseg-qGeq0uFHB0vNnUemCpbvEwWN9aseti/w400-h193/Screenshot%20(2193).png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b>J.A. Morris says:</b></p><p>I am mostly in agreement with RigbyMel about <i>Hocus Pocus 2</i>. It’s a good sequel, about on par with the original. It’s a fun Halloween movie, nothing more, nothing less. Like the original <i>Hocus Pocus</i>, this movie is worth watching due to the presence of Midler, Parker and Najimy. They’re all funny and their musical performances made me smile. The younger actors are likable and do a good job in their roles.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3x1D65Clhgp2i5qqsy8bF_ZjSUXELtxF0IbsK1l0iKiffhQ0sZBK_5V-PKpdCvWdyQ5OHtoWCPus4K8TC_7bf_S71b04Ll6xbqc4y3lxjqAvx1019ivGsySPjgzs8NqQ22OeC8ZgE6aYrXV5qQFSqitA2aZvGO-7Q7UZzY5Vw5n4XiBG5dtOPI67/s2772/Screenshot%20(2198).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1309" data-original-width="2772" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3x1D65Clhgp2i5qqsy8bF_ZjSUXELtxF0IbsK1l0iKiffhQ0sZBK_5V-PKpdCvWdyQ5OHtoWCPus4K8TC_7bf_S71b04Ll6xbqc4y3lxjqAvx1019ivGsySPjgzs8NqQ22OeC8ZgE6aYrXV5qQFSqitA2aZvGO-7Q7UZzY5Vw5n4XiBG5dtOPI67/w400-h189/Screenshot%20(2198).png" width="400" /></a></div><p>I don’t understand why none of the actors from the original movie appeared in <i>Hocus Pocus 2</i>. Most are still alive and it would’ve made the sequel feel more connected to its predecessor. </p><p>There’s a scene during the flashback to 1653 where the young Sanderson sisters encounter the Witch Mother, who is played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1821446/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hannah Waddingham</a> (of <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10986410/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ted Lasso</a></i> fame). The Witch Mother arrives with much fanfare and I expected to see her again during the portion of the movie set in the present. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBOXgWkCshtO7bYBvNKOTt-1sInqtowLjR5nigJs6gAX22JAU0EYdthCNRnqnOTi8st2_DjoWaJQyA2oAhw6GzirbXtRGUp10Y8VXhXrAzH9h0uuFbqoyzjn9pePJoIfgc6IcaglNqPGK8zdAh7aEbAcYdMbCKIRT5fd0LA-ydw3PYhR7nBOnncWD/s2707/Screenshot%20(2201).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="2707" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBOXgWkCshtO7bYBvNKOTt-1sInqtowLjR5nigJs6gAX22JAU0EYdthCNRnqnOTi8st2_DjoWaJQyA2oAhw6GzirbXtRGUp10Y8VXhXrAzH9h0uuFbqoyzjn9pePJoIfgc6IcaglNqPGK8zdAh7aEbAcYdMbCKIRT5fd0LA-ydw3PYhR7nBOnncWD/w400-h193/Screenshot%20(2201).png" width="400" /></a></div><p>However (SPOILER ALERT), the Witch Mother is never seen or mentioned again. I’m not sure why they teased the character and brought in an actor of Waddingham’s caliber for one brief scene. </p><p>I was also annoyed by the preponderance of product placements on display in this movie, most notably during the Sanderson's visit to Walgreen's. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4iRP-T7KtfoCn0PoKFeZJKBQvHB6KaTj2o8h76erQY7KzgXpM4XLbLeHPTQiskGOketMNfwZu_PQ2bJ3ji8wCV-tZoCj5ZgHR1I2Oif29ohqXw7wQ3LzQxfem01ciCCBCh8uLsIy5bEF5qfx7itrKwkDPp_6hUx769gbSgNY3NMA7vm6MGy1jFVP/s2907/Screenshot%20(2195).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="2907" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4iRP-T7KtfoCn0PoKFeZJKBQvHB6KaTj2o8h76erQY7KzgXpM4XLbLeHPTQiskGOketMNfwZu_PQ2bJ3ji8wCV-tZoCj5ZgHR1I2Oif29ohqXw7wQ3LzQxfem01ciCCBCh8uLsIy5bEF5qfx7itrKwkDPp_6hUx769gbSgNY3NMA7vm6MGy1jFVP/w400-h170/Screenshot%20(2195).png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><i>Hocus Pocus 2</i> is recommended for anyone who liked the first movie or if you’re just looking for some light seasonal fare. But I doubt it will attain the “modern Halloween classic” status of the 1993 film. </p><p><b>J.A. Morris’ rating:</b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgza1VbKqbtuzvREnguC_L-ffrg8DIDyBbc1iVaNqI3cbHMR6HQDkDAVan9enxrKvv08L29LcoIhQEPPY8-3GkHZmBYfAhZtwMTkrmbHvt4f-31RvRJWuKI_MKJo3y3dJiYcx7cVMyiiBVOMcYWgH0Kyi2ldYxNZHAo7idCy36L59QMj3RX18HowpiT/s280/2%20jack-o-lanterns_edited-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="143" data-original-width="280" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgza1VbKqbtuzvREnguC_L-ffrg8DIDyBbc1iVaNqI3cbHMR6HQDkDAVan9enxrKvv08L29LcoIhQEPPY8-3GkHZmBYfAhZtwMTkrmbHvt4f-31RvRJWuKI_MKJo3y3dJiYcx7cVMyiiBVOMcYWgH0Kyi2ldYxNZHAo7idCy36L59QMj3RX18HowpiT/w200-h102/2%20jack-o-lanterns_edited-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><br />.5<br /><br /><br /></span></b><div>2 and a half jack o'lanterns.</div>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-24901154776520398572022-03-16T20:16:00.003-04:002022-03-16T20:18:33.025-04:00Bewitched: "The Leprechaun" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LzL5qfmrzIQ/YD1U0oVgHXI/AAAAAAAAlwk/IqFOFSbuRq0f0pkuML0Hr4_q82ksuGGDwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Leprechaun%2B1966.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1654" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LzL5qfmrzIQ/YD1U0oVgHXI/AAAAAAAAlwk/IqFOFSbuRq0f0pkuML0Hr4_q82ksuGGDwCNcBGAsYHQ/w323-h400/Leprechaun%2B1966.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Premiered March 17, 1966<div><br /></div><div>Darrin Stephens (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0948685/?ref_=tt_cl_t_2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dick York</a>) is dismayed to learn that yet another of Samatha's (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000548/?ref_=tt_cl_t_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elizabeth Montgomery</a>) relatives has come to visit. The visitor is a bona fide leprechaun named Brian O'Brian (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0428216/?ref_=tt_cl_t_6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Henry James</a>). </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiplAtqj8taPJDU0takOEJD3D1zssmtRv4-fbcdaFddpd8esFGEMaA31sA6nvTFdUvJ0IQ7LoF7Q0tVyxJ0YtOQ84mEZJhLcEtWDu5Ds4PAQWraNEc2iyb9GYOsBZx73smCrWAJZ2TZe8nja9fV04sOwNmEVK9sD0I3_5R0cNOib0xLn781dCbpf0wF=s2852" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2150" data-original-width="2852" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiplAtqj8taPJDU0takOEJD3D1zssmtRv4-fbcdaFddpd8esFGEMaA31sA6nvTFdUvJ0IQ7LoF7Q0tVyxJ0YtOQ84mEZJhLcEtWDu5Ds4PAQWraNEc2iyb9GYOsBZx73smCrWAJZ2TZe8nja9fV04sOwNmEVK9sD0I3_5R0cNOib0xLn781dCbpf0wF=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Brian turns out NOT to be one of Samatha's kinfolk, but is from Darrin's side of the family. The leprechaun is seeking his last remaining pot of gold, which he'd hidden away in a fireplace in Ireland.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-dKS5ENm4u2y3rtCIvHDygkxpt9PgHpRTdslAsZ7yaRp-dFxZcw4wFX55GjO-cIs1WadooPHlWR38YyYIxTXnhNE8DLLU4ZeEvBXNSjbpYXj0ynKYE-Gxa1U31qlH0iRZb-DMgSI0Zfr13aYm-OKD85sYtoGlIkzc4l1XmOBlVnFoRoM1x2ceR4I8=s2864" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2864" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-dKS5ENm4u2y3rtCIvHDygkxpt9PgHpRTdslAsZ7yaRp-dFxZcw4wFX55GjO-cIs1WadooPHlWR38YyYIxTXnhNE8DLLU4ZeEvBXNSjbpYXj0ynKYE-Gxa1U31qlH0iRZb-DMgSI0Zfr13aYm-OKD85sYtoGlIkzc4l1XmOBlVnFoRoM1x2ceR4I8=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Unfortunately for Brian, that fireplace was transported from the Auld Sod to the US by a wealthy businessman named James Dennis Robinson (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0046373/?ref_=tt_cl_t_5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parley Baer</a>) where it holds pride of place in Robinson's mansion! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeYk_rrbPlwwkmD6x-HHDJrPm5GWvGah4-qyAN5-ahdwc9GubOYqbrCoC0xjYDAf5jCUXj35NQU556Kr-hAPVmyOu9swx55z49maWOXPExSRX9qy44ttOd4yeyUOglrBHrE1KSb0L72dQoNGDi_qcc79sNT381p30dmpfyE8fD8Xr5jT_SNX7f5WPk=s2880" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2880" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeYk_rrbPlwwkmD6x-HHDJrPm5GWvGah4-qyAN5-ahdwc9GubOYqbrCoC0xjYDAf5jCUXj35NQU556Kr-hAPVmyOu9swx55z49maWOXPExSRX9qy44ttOd4yeyUOglrBHrE1KSb0L72dQoNGDi_qcc79sNT381p30dmpfyE8fD8Xr5jT_SNX7f5WPk=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Since Brian isn't in possession of the pot of gold, he cannot use his leprechaun magic. Moreover, Samantha cannot use her witchcraft to obtain the pot of gold as its leprechaun bewitchment prevents this. So Brian will have to find a way to retrieve the pot himself. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiu7tyRKkc1aS_JpH-Gs23B1Qycep_owxxXTWvheQPgEyxixfPaFq0H71yCfhu3oQCyo4HiPk6M_p3HnP_ss_8xWKacucUxJMr-cOADpxhlJe7Ux5bTSTNqEmeiE8-O_ThmfBj0ZdhkcFqLNzEq7HTm6OBu75okjaRYTm8SSlsWl-ZkEdUXt86mnyP=s2868" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2868" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiu7tyRKkc1aS_JpH-Gs23B1Qycep_owxxXTWvheQPgEyxixfPaFq0H71yCfhu3oQCyo4HiPk6M_p3HnP_ss_8xWKacucUxJMr-cOADpxhlJe7Ux5bTSTNqEmeiE8-O_ThmfBj0ZdhkcFqLNzEq7HTm6OBu75okjaRYTm8SSlsWl-ZkEdUXt86mnyP=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Matters are complicated by Darrin's skepticism of the whole issue and the fact that Darrin's advertising firm would very much like to obtain Robinson's business. Darrin goes to Robinson's home to verify Brian's claims and attempt to drum up some ad firm revenue, but is not very successful. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRzhZqkCGO0j4_MV0ZwcZUn9wxP2X7THvQQDsCZwseSy2ERIkLPeBG7gIfimtu6mtoQvD6IQG1_UiGCcZ68EyTmsxrl1V7Z9_v2l6ph7ARWFJKyQJaKTF1Y5BIVHxx24MQMDFcBKYWfemNylyXsgvbBrxRbB9S3IfO0Z_seOLs5uwxvGYScyhRFqbN=s2880" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2880" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRzhZqkCGO0j4_MV0ZwcZUn9wxP2X7THvQQDsCZwseSy2ERIkLPeBG7gIfimtu6mtoQvD6IQG1_UiGCcZ68EyTmsxrl1V7Z9_v2l6ph7ARWFJKyQJaKTF1Y5BIVHxx24MQMDFcBKYWfemNylyXsgvbBrxRbB9S3IfO0Z_seOLs5uwxvGYScyhRFqbN=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The leprechaun decides to take matters into his own hands and runs into serious trouble in the form of guard dogs. Robinson himself calls the police and has Brian sent to jail. Brian uses his one phone call to ask Samantha for help. She obliges and springs him using witchcraft. Darrin is angry that she interfered and forbids her from helping further. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWUPCxI4APpBCl3sgXSOZNb3jKiymFTxlEH9ZaKa8ifclejoTecOlJa3_ItfXze425OpoVVZDFV8PdnKVEZUJj0vAybPK8AdCoSa2IXa_wQ36NbpVQ2pe0JvTNHjMcibasCBFONErIC_BzP43fSGx6SssiPcWqPFiZW_9IgDDM7fYr-k84Xp7M6Z8b=s2876" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2876" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWUPCxI4APpBCl3sgXSOZNb3jKiymFTxlEH9ZaKa8ifclejoTecOlJa3_ItfXze425OpoVVZDFV8PdnKVEZUJj0vAybPK8AdCoSa2IXa_wQ36NbpVQ2pe0JvTNHjMcibasCBFONErIC_BzP43fSGx6SssiPcWqPFiZW_9IgDDM7fYr-k84Xp7M6Z8b=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Ignoring Darrin, Samantha witches herself and Brian back to Robinson's mansion to search for the pot of gold. However, it seems that someone else has already discovered its hiding place! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPzXYQCWYxRa9M752YfuMx70iCo96kBOL1IvnpaxSLohNsv_HTI39wLVtny9cb_jB9yzE7xcvVgp0oIEe96np-BI5mfE4D6HQ4TrIeCNjkMc5PRQjMYMN66Gy4uAFK-FtxkQKT59v6Kbn32kJ5ZNT2LgDhguYWr7czjBik57D-VN9FKEkjrNCLgmXp=s2861" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2861" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPzXYQCWYxRa9M752YfuMx70iCo96kBOL1IvnpaxSLohNsv_HTI39wLVtny9cb_jB9yzE7xcvVgp0oIEe96np-BI5mfE4D6HQ4TrIeCNjkMc5PRQjMYMN66Gy4uAFK-FtxkQKT59v6Kbn32kJ5ZNT2LgDhguYWr7czjBik57D-VN9FKEkjrNCLgmXp=w400-h303" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Will Darrin win another advertising deal for his firm? Will Brian O'Brian regain his pot of gold or will he be reduced to a mere mortal? Will Samantha think of a clever way to save the day? </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLbTgEJZYLjM53WnfgStSrww4OUSyLOEtP578Kp-SdZQ-fTtm6mRo3nxLB7HlDemDlX4u4aZaiB8K8-oQA3X6I-awgAIoWPblzRHzIN8aYyGAm5owKuTs__oJASZl7l7Cjyom8QPmYh_Nqx0dWNyX4bT6OJRcDwYjQGvtMYXaoaYrBf43b74VwOecq=s2872" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2872" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLbTgEJZYLjM53WnfgStSrww4OUSyLOEtP578Kp-SdZQ-fTtm6mRo3nxLB7HlDemDlX4u4aZaiB8K8-oQA3X6I-awgAIoWPblzRHzIN8aYyGAm5owKuTs__oJASZl7l7Cjyom8QPmYh_Nqx0dWNyX4bT6OJRcDwYjQGvtMYXaoaYrBf43b74VwOecq=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>RigbyMel says: </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This is a slight and silly episode of <i>Bewitched.</i> It's amusing to see how the sitcom's writers work some leprechaun mythos into the suburban setting -- but also a bit annoying to see how heavily they lean into the "drunken Irishman" stereotype. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQNz6Ecx1GkgJbydXe47zaNDFTZe2k2NWjsyW4gmgRiCKn0OWK9qnlmTksFrWrJU3uE9sZN5qpoeVfkIbf3ajARXVAOP0O6-Bj1F1iCXKuM_8WDZMYiJzHC4hIb0EmTbdGzc2abWsxMz-gk0i08-XkMkrqGV1Aue_fAy-w-CNkVGr1zbbC_-3rmWCF=s2876" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2876" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQNz6Ecx1GkgJbydXe47zaNDFTZe2k2NWjsyW4gmgRiCKn0OWK9qnlmTksFrWrJU3uE9sZN5qpoeVfkIbf3ajARXVAOP0O6-Bj1F1iCXKuM_8WDZMYiJzHC4hIb0EmTbdGzc2abWsxMz-gk0i08-XkMkrqGV1Aue_fAy-w-CNkVGr1zbbC_-3rmWCF=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Brian seems particularly dopey for a leprechaun -- they have a reputation for being reasonably clever if not tricky, after all. Maybe the loss of his pot of gold is dulling his faculties? That being said, Henry James is fun to watch as Brian the leprechaun and definitely knows how to work the <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blarney" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blarney</a>! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8BsMl-rRJpCLgAxBNQ4u4_FHxvyxPu-q9jfI7hgWkAgTyuB-i5qb-weAigv-ce7RDv3pxrcJvMEZ4O-cGcXAv40oi96JK90SujiqL8N09qqW75pkHFJ3EjojshZEERxT-RsooneBBYS9jXSfeauY0EPg0uo7sns5P2a1PjeOCbFf-gcIpAipAWY4O=s2860" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2159" data-original-width="2860" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8BsMl-rRJpCLgAxBNQ4u4_FHxvyxPu-q9jfI7hgWkAgTyuB-i5qb-weAigv-ce7RDv3pxrcJvMEZ4O-cGcXAv40oi96JK90SujiqL8N09qqW75pkHFJ3EjojshZEERxT-RsooneBBYS9jXSfeauY0EPg0uo7sns5P2a1PjeOCbFf-gcIpAipAWY4O=w400-h303" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I liked that they played with the sitcom's formula a bit in this episode as it's one of <i>Darrin's</i> nutty relations (not Samantha's) causing the difficulty. However, Darrin is a bit less likeable than usual in this episode as well. He's rather mean and unsympathetic to Brian and to Samantha throughout -- and they come through for him in the end anyway! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjykATVQ4KhuRhzhCOqHHUShZjWENdr_cLRPgp1KesrFrKIWrQPMddlVt-_TFcRiICf0-9jtILfDW0AULmYMl4dDlOV-txo2jYfc3XjiDGkV1DRhhfkGHKltjPoJpoYM3VTL4RofWasbvaUfiFUAzzcln0ziUC4IONK7mZmwMIyIuvFj4rGjRp2sCB1=s2872" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2872" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjykATVQ4KhuRhzhCOqHHUShZjWENdr_cLRPgp1KesrFrKIWrQPMddlVt-_TFcRiICf0-9jtILfDW0AULmYMl4dDlOV-txo2jYfc3XjiDGkV1DRhhfkGHKltjPoJpoYM3VTL4RofWasbvaUfiFUAzzcln0ziUC4IONK7mZmwMIyIuvFj4rGjRp2sCB1=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Interestingly, Parley Baer who plays the episode's antagonist Mr. Robinson, appeared on nine episodes of <i>Bewitched </i>between 1966 and 1972. He played different characters each time! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsu-v-hLfoY23IhNyw06VYsrU06Xku40pp1dXOThUNp_rx1V-ecxKOZSXAJUwWMsVjGTa5MS5twbP_ux2CzS4OyKDE3sdwd3sOLxG2e3qw2BUjgNy7OgFIAOzADVHMEtRDvFqZPzZ4504ytPriOLHs2T0efID3SAFyw7mkekCxakD6dLMv5y987ZNO=s2864" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2864" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsu-v-hLfoY23IhNyw06VYsrU06Xku40pp1dXOThUNp_rx1V-ecxKOZSXAJUwWMsVjGTa5MS5twbP_ux2CzS4OyKDE3sdwd3sOLxG2e3qw2BUjgNy7OgFIAOzADVHMEtRDvFqZPzZ4504ytPriOLHs2T0efID3SAFyw7mkekCxakD6dLMv5y987ZNO=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"The Leprechaun" is an enjoyable episode of <i>Bewitched </i>with lots of St. Patrick's Day flair but it's not really a classic.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>RigbyMel's rating: </b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLkcN_LjFn4CBQmcL5rm3J4WasMBukYE8ZDD5Rke8ZV_ClcLbVt63fYKQ2irCno-BlFw2duadbB7P1eMFBv4kho0fM_n8S1Bgf0F-C3M6S9cEmKZ79o9WOKrA8LsfY-zWgtKfyUzZ8FyZjsBXgMs0dGV2nBdbcY4_qHOrRH0q_SycQGcOfz8kiUiia=s641" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="641" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLkcN_LjFn4CBQmcL5rm3J4WasMBukYE8ZDD5Rke8ZV_ClcLbVt63fYKQ2irCno-BlFw2duadbB7P1eMFBv4kho0fM_n8S1Bgf0F-C3M6S9cEmKZ79o9WOKrA8LsfY-zWgtKfyUzZ8FyZjsBXgMs0dGV2nBdbcY4_qHOrRH0q_SycQGcOfz8kiUiia=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>2.5 shamrocks </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjz0OxWFcGrJCiLsZeRgkH77DfN1Obk8lFyeKIRbpLoxGT6U4vGkW-CNNvKKpE5ABKYwQTWag-nFmNOTdk2gKfn9tiWc7tAWzcvFpm0VHbqTtf76D_luLkW5pB7yVxM4LDSqwe-ifSlykPg2JQbDqHTFlZknjjyKu2TP_JsvCvpnbZ4H-cLcIjh70lC=s2828" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2150" data-original-width="2828" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjz0OxWFcGrJCiLsZeRgkH77DfN1Obk8lFyeKIRbpLoxGT6U4vGkW-CNNvKKpE5ABKYwQTWag-nFmNOTdk2gKfn9tiWc7tAWzcvFpm0VHbqTtf76D_luLkW5pB7yVxM4LDSqwe-ifSlykPg2JQbDqHTFlZknjjyKu2TP_JsvCvpnbZ4H-cLcIjh70lC=w400-h304" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>J.A. Morris says: <br /></b>We should mention that even though St. Patrick's Day is never mentioned in "The Leprechaun," this episode premiered on St. Paddy's of 1966. So I believe it qualifies as a "holiday" episode.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtRzwrxYGeRFi8xSLfxYBDyC_2lvO4PxmZtI1uzM-LjywplNPDgJhf12tcToeDgPEtKJDD2QpjJkozoXIAfPWkczha6cfevfMlGPkWfyod5bUadS0sMSbAoNPAYLWR3ynsQzF0FY9owxzooRnuzdDRxPvj5BcxZnGVwKKV8rsd_Dn-ksXB5n8FZKKy=s2864" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2864" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtRzwrxYGeRFi8xSLfxYBDyC_2lvO4PxmZtI1uzM-LjywplNPDgJhf12tcToeDgPEtKJDD2QpjJkozoXIAfPWkczha6cfevfMlGPkWfyod5bUadS0sMSbAoNPAYLWR3ynsQzF0FY9owxzooRnuzdDRxPvj5BcxZnGVwKKV8rsd_Dn-ksXB5n8FZKKy=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>This is an OK episode of <i>Bewitched</i>. I agree with most of what my co-blogger says. If I have any problem with "The Leprechaun," it's that I felt it gets off to a slow start. It's a "low energy" episode until Brian tries to get his gold back from Robinson. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjImx9raKEQZJj7ghy-UOi_76bPz6yqhR8eZ6Y7dZvOlsgi3p3Fgb1Zej4MqMxIuIZrTVQVRFdMnAAnzCWtik-oKIAFKlG2tOGDHAo5PYkUQQPOTNV9__3BAHJvRJ-IMFWN28Z6fmK05orz6OmpJOWyDiR7A1ZSbKxVx4tzoaVxxWwsev-w9zOIpAnP=s2876" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2876" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjImx9raKEQZJj7ghy-UOi_76bPz6yqhR8eZ6Y7dZvOlsgi3p3Fgb1Zej4MqMxIuIZrTVQVRFdMnAAnzCWtik-oKIAFKlG2tOGDHAo5PYkUQQPOTNV9__3BAHJvRJ-IMFWN28Z6fmK05orz6OmpJOWyDiR7A1ZSbKxVx4tzoaVxxWwsev-w9zOIpAnP=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There isn't a lot of St. Patrick's Day programming out there, that makes "The Leprechaun" worth watching at least once, but that's about it.<br /><br /><b>J.A. Morris' rating:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhejD4bWjRLGbRvrs9qQ-XE8r7YLu7toUm9RU1BZtgsUHmeTKjANvezbLi22yWZ0INEyM9yTVetlDixQ4JexpAK68kPJ7L3hHszy_NV8DJi7r5lt-jIuLi4VsisjCVKwRcc2Vl5CWRWfagdx-IlgHUvEtEijm9-uqMhWa3YgbbVvz1QkINKVtO2bpj8=s507" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="507" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhejD4bWjRLGbRvrs9qQ-XE8r7YLu7toUm9RU1BZtgsUHmeTKjANvezbLi22yWZ0INEyM9yTVetlDixQ4JexpAK68kPJ7L3hHszy_NV8DJi7r5lt-jIuLi4VsisjCVKwRcc2Vl5CWRWfagdx-IlgHUvEtEijm9-uqMhWa3YgbbVvz1QkINKVtO2bpj8=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>2 shamrocks.</div>RigbyMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01570379580272470425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-87024783232097613582022-02-14T13:57:00.000-05:002022-02-14T13:57:58.788-05:00Night Court: "Billie's Valentine"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjRV-Gig35zLA7wGx7MMUaOEbAObaAumA0UafzimT6Mz73UMbhhOQfSKVC3SiPLgWPdaUvzLkfJoSO1VnXWbLia1ROoJX9ReQlSDY80hZW0ddB1G4VhTRdmZoTNRBscH7asY3BKpME5maRV2N6z5y7XWuIVG3UsgTW4AQXVEZtVhm-GbJ2gEox3IU6=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjRV-Gig35zLA7wGx7MMUaOEbAObaAumA0UafzimT6Mz73UMbhhOQfSKVC3SiPLgWPdaUvzLkfJoSO1VnXWbLia1ROoJX9ReQlSDY80hZW0ddB1G4VhTRdmZoTNRBscH7asY3BKpME5maRV2N6z5y7XWuIVG3UsgTW4AQXVEZtVhm-GbJ2gEox3IU6=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Premiered February 14, 1985.</p><p>It's Valentine's Day in New York City. Judge Harold T. Stone (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0026789?ref_=tt_cl_t_1" target="_blank">H</a><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0026789?ref_=tt_cl_t_1" target="_blank">arry Anderson</a>) has feelings that he hasn't yet expressed for his court colleague, Public Defender Billie Young (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0284129?ref_=tt_cl_t_2" target="_blank">Ellen Foley</a>). He plans to ask her out for a Valentine date, but she already has plans. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmSVNEvDZplk03XdGKxvj_IthiPY6qIc0JS3ZsKf_55g37hV3iqeGZwQiZOroAMIPyVLWDLgGVYmhQ4T819mJVaRMbbsM-4f3zX4oBBcz-FfZ78CD794HalrZ4yMdJGIhL1Mq0sBhypkv3HHZxvKjkl-vfyR-U6oMPpZ2VeLrZ7kR9Bj6NOQKG7zsY=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmSVNEvDZplk03XdGKxvj_IthiPY6qIc0JS3ZsKf_55g37hV3iqeGZwQiZOroAMIPyVLWDLgGVYmhQ4T819mJVaRMbbsM-4f3zX4oBBcz-FfZ78CD794HalrZ4yMdJGIhL1Mq0sBhypkv3HHZxvKjkl-vfyR-U6oMPpZ2VeLrZ7kR9Bj6NOQKG7zsY=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>She's head over heels for David Towers (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0779178?ref_=tt_cl_t_7" target="_blank">Geoffrey Scott</a>), a very wealthy Public Relations executive with an impressive list of accomplishments. David has a romantic dinner planned for them.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7NQ_1Hjv2i2yC_kdFFHxYd62ksZjTGl08S-A6ExFK0ycVSqD_dqwiSSMps2z313TTJ_lUdcDorNhB-OWM9Ynu2TVccGcmy5x6OmXZ4oKnxs8fYZy_IBPix1v37Ge2QgG4LDbkUFsq84-gRTNVGy1_GVq3TFAbXLfDts0NUUfEAEqA2cS2zS1NC5qs=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7NQ_1Hjv2i2yC_kdFFHxYd62ksZjTGl08S-A6ExFK0ycVSqD_dqwiSSMps2z313TTJ_lUdcDorNhB-OWM9Ynu2TVccGcmy5x6OmXZ4oKnxs8fYZy_IBPix1v37Ge2QgG4LDbkUFsq84-gRTNVGy1_GVq3TFAbXLfDts0NUUfEAEqA2cS2zS1NC5qs=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>Cupid's arrow has also struck the heart of Bernie (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0307043/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martin Garner</a>), who runs a newsstand in the courts building. He asks the court's bailiff Selma (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0224723/?ref_=tt_cl_t_6" target="_blank">Selma Diamond</a>) if she'll go out with him, but she's not interested. Bernie tells if she's still not interested by midnight, he'll leave her alone.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKF19Y0TNPAKrXxwst2uy17xXqNCqJPstVAIWvy6ZoSDuBvE9wgHP84g06zzNVcyHSEm4MMpi97Gfq4z6uTuPm3FsXwR4_C9fv7o3FDWywIwc4W1v9zceROg4nZyFdQgUCuxlUz5khw5z_aJza25k44W-cpx3eCalfXUNJUwmwHNZ-ovC2wHxMKWl5=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKF19Y0TNPAKrXxwst2uy17xXqNCqJPstVAIWvy6ZoSDuBvE9wgHP84g06zzNVcyHSEm4MMpi97Gfq4z6uTuPm3FsXwR4_C9fv7o3FDWywIwc4W1v9zceROg4nZyFdQgUCuxlUz5khw5z_aJza25k44W-cpx3eCalfXUNJUwmwHNZ-ovC2wHxMKWl5=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>When night court begins, Billie is surprised to see David enter the court as a defendant! She thinks its some sort of Valentine prank. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdCUTYxcU339J67a39QBcLWDIyKsfYfCimZwlPYGcLWnW8_E9j2MEZl_45DDtd_uMnR_YCyxh4SrToE7cOKVtmxAH1cQjSymsLihxHYJhoup32dF3hLFKpF1iYhkYXT40ps0mWRMbpnPxBMprj95-G4bqNx4u3NcK2c6wXO1JzD7pwtaTU7OdA5yTe=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdCUTYxcU339J67a39QBcLWDIyKsfYfCimZwlPYGcLWnW8_E9j2MEZl_45DDtd_uMnR_YCyxh4SrToE7cOKVtmxAH1cQjSymsLihxHYJhoup32dF3hLFKpF1iYhkYXT40ps0mWRMbpnPxBMprj95-G4bqNx4u3NcK2c6wXO1JzD7pwtaTU7OdA5yTe=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />However, David has been arrested for grand larceny and pickpocketing. It turns out that David lied about his wealth, he's actually a habitual criminal. Billie is shocked and distraught and storms out of court. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidIu0csKeipJXJpL_JP3OGzJBu2UafrBKLiI4kNtYoaoPQtEvpRT492pCPlpacSMSJ75UBu9FtdawO3PpJyrQv19vl6GHOOtikJZBnWB8tAEuQJFx9xh3KR0H4fOpRMUirrkUU5oZEdcYNjtbcFuIBRnWEWxIapH8ReBA8l2ncz_aZIx_s2C99obWu=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidIu0csKeipJXJpL_JP3OGzJBu2UafrBKLiI4kNtYoaoPQtEvpRT492pCPlpacSMSJ75UBu9FtdawO3PpJyrQv19vl6GHOOtikJZBnWB8tAEuQJFx9xh3KR0H4fOpRMUirrkUU5oZEdcYNjtbcFuIBRnWEWxIapH8ReBA8l2ncz_aZIx_s2C99obWu=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>In spite of his criminal record, Billie still loves David. She later visits him in jail and says she'll wait for him while he serves his sentence. Her Valentine's Day gets even worse when David breaks up with Billie. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFKT11u-WkrFbu-J0Un9Oyuv8Dvh0EdGDG1s727ZnYaQWB4_QDWtOU1NPcoifyW3DS9BLFwIBKsKiveQ3vIqHwB10KdtHm9ydTBZ93E-At2cD0OgElWmCbVrAwjUFRSsO_8MF6lX-1itVjjK9O2s49-JONnmErWqk4cw5IHlVF8UT3m9gVkeOFFwxY=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFKT11u-WkrFbu-J0Un9Oyuv8Dvh0EdGDG1s727ZnYaQWB4_QDWtOU1NPcoifyW3DS9BLFwIBKsKiveQ3vIqHwB10KdtHm9ydTBZ93E-At2cD0OgElWmCbVrAwjUFRSsO_8MF6lX-1itVjjK9O2s49-JONnmErWqk4cw5IHlVF8UT3m9gVkeOFFwxY=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>While Harry has feelings for Billie, he also doesn't want to be hurt. So the judge visits David to confront him. Can this Valentine's day be saved? <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3PhS6dgeyx6-LxclY4pBYwMYIEsAQpLuYa7cY2S9YatIWor5696PcfhDhz0lYDt_pxc66PTOrB0qRo5pqbXDbnvn-zd83WMU7V0Y12Sp9b1B0ms_NDvq-RpZ8QBdpvaYj9zGWTSuqUtHI17zyFswyu8nTM-HszkIiAHhRpBqyA2523-7kVcea1yno=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3PhS6dgeyx6-LxclY4pBYwMYIEsAQpLuYa7cY2S9YatIWor5696PcfhDhz0lYDt_pxc66PTOrB0qRo5pqbXDbnvn-zd83WMU7V0Y12Sp9b1B0ms_NDvq-RpZ8QBdpvaYj9zGWTSuqUtHI17zyFswyu8nTM-HszkIiAHhRpBqyA2523-7kVcea1yno=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>J.A. Morris says:</b></p><p>"Billie's Valentine" is a solid holiday episode. Lots of Valentine episodes involve someone getting their heart broken and that's what happens here. Harry likes Billie, so he could try to catch her on the rebound. Since he's a good person who genuinely cares for her, he tries to be a bigger person and talk David into reconsidering. <br /><br />This episode gives us plenty of Valentine's Day atmosphere. In one of the best moments of "Billie's Valentine," David hires a man (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0312475/?ref_=tt_cl_t_9" target="_blank">Larry Gelman</a>) to dress up like a Valentine heart and sing to Billie. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_kKai5XX1KcvM2_QSF4wfgGxVj19t8koSQluZwuhz3BnLDpgqv9fXG6XTHrJkTXoi_OIrsMwo5rHPPBX9hcu0nlGzEN3aK9nVHcSdWgh94lo45f8CVUaFq3Fnh7ly38zs7gyNZfk6cUAfRoV1EvtnuQtME5S5Dhs7pJTggmzyXPzXsh1ix1OUfFIv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_kKai5XX1KcvM2_QSF4wfgGxVj19t8koSQluZwuhz3BnLDpgqv9fXG6XTHrJkTXoi_OIrsMwo5rHPPBX9hcu0nlGzEN3aK9nVHcSdWgh94lo45f8CVUaFq3Fnh7ly38zs7gyNZfk6cUAfRoV1EvtnuQtME5S5Dhs7pJTggmzyXPzXsh1ix1OUfFIv=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />We get some presents with hearts on them, Bernie hitting on Selma and Dan Fielding (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0488662?ref_=tt_cl_t_3" target="_blank">John Larroquette</a>) trying in vain to get a Valentine date. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxQi3hv9Y8KuV1bbuA46AmlaF83VLrKJ4AwdEGcTEAvyPctS2Q0Ous2_LA896v-FNyS3MQkBYyJ9hHfD9JNst21uMoiEWPe5GYCYaQsy7w6HFYhHoXbveWlJlHKpeZqkeaOj_ppL4OiRscuRNTS9BJw7A-iW10Ncqg7n3R3i9OkaNeMgePC76sjeYc=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxQi3hv9Y8KuV1bbuA46AmlaF83VLrKJ4AwdEGcTEAvyPctS2Q0Ous2_LA896v-FNyS3MQkBYyJ9hHfD9JNst21uMoiEWPe5GYCYaQsy7w6HFYhHoXbveWlJlHKpeZqkeaOj_ppL4OiRscuRNTS9BJw7A-iW10Ncqg7n3R3i9OkaNeMgePC76sjeYc=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>I wouldn't call "Billie's Valentine" a "classic" episode, but it's fun and like all holiday episodes, it's a nice way for <i>Night Court</i> fans to get reacquainted with the series' great ensemble cast. </p><p><b>J.A. Morris' rating:</b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtk-k7Gdaet05GJM4Lfr0KzXqaDWblA0eBVT_hypqino_YCybyb92DAWpyM_idiZSa7h74Pc-8bSxUBKPT7d5sD-WBfki7ZTV8EsdZ0pINLZYUx0J-R31Vf1toFOhBpssRsFdVso1Maa_eSzL8N6Mz5_wUPS1DGFrYmSj6C7J7v8XH1sCM4oT50Tuf=s772" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="772" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtk-k7Gdaet05GJM4Lfr0KzXqaDWblA0eBVT_hypqino_YCybyb92DAWpyM_idiZSa7h74Pc-8bSxUBKPT7d5sD-WBfki7ZTV8EsdZ0pINLZYUx0J-R31Vf1toFOhBpssRsFdVso1Maa_eSzL8N6Mz5_wUPS1DGFrYmSj6C7J7v8XH1sCM4oT50Tuf=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>3 Valentine hearts.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_gILWEfmJ7MsA7mADRvTxYXnI8vk_1jP0kz7N_LeErQOvcsrFBGfieQ2-nc84HU1xVgjFWwcawCcz-7C55l2oVV8qONGjPqIwgfjf4Ol4Qkb7rfL_MF0ujMb7_wiblYzIguTY7VFhc1vAO8lRESdODxFbzLZSUlqv80ww-VKoyj54CmpHitRZMb_Q=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_gILWEfmJ7MsA7mADRvTxYXnI8vk_1jP0kz7N_LeErQOvcsrFBGfieQ2-nc84HU1xVgjFWwcawCcz-7C55l2oVV8qONGjPqIwgfjf4Ol4Qkb7rfL_MF0ujMb7_wiblYzIguTY7VFhc1vAO8lRESdODxFbzLZSUlqv80ww-VKoyj54CmpHitRZMb_Q=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>RigbyMel says:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>"Billie's Valentine" is an amusing episode from the second season of <i>Night Court. </i> As J.A. Morris points out above, the holiday tropes abound -- we've got hearts and flowers and candy and romantic rivalry/disappointments galore. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZeYru0u4cAQ1hxOVYibKsGSWjd-AVWMg_t9Nc9__b8BH7etoVknv16y9bP_mHyH9WimZPToln7CnCzd0Xrxju5Lsl0A_CCp4gPu5ZxSUqRDwrSbLiKoYs014vcJgdChM3mH27iZW6gQxorQ0oRLUulS4RprDXcCGHkniisd8_5RDg28qcQeSvd6JQ=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZeYru0u4cAQ1hxOVYibKsGSWjd-AVWMg_t9Nc9__b8BH7etoVknv16y9bP_mHyH9WimZPToln7CnCzd0Xrxju5Lsl0A_CCp4gPu5ZxSUqRDwrSbLiKoYs014vcJgdChM3mH27iZW6gQxorQ0oRLUulS4RprDXcCGHkniisd8_5RDg28qcQeSvd6JQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The regular courtroom zaniness of the series frequently featured cases on the docket that tied in thematically with the general theme of the episode and this installment features a comic elderly couple who have gotten arrested for starting a fight in a restaurant during their 65th anniversary party. Their interaction in the courtroom indicates they might be better off going their separate ways, but they refuse on account of their (retirement age) children! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCuk-Ox8QY6O5AQbk7HxGx_Zk6rDTwehfmgBUSKg0hdcJ-LnjvPa3u2x_dhqOJbyT4tytTnKMgLumNZ9GvP4lJLmUf8E9ZLqGVoYQfe8cYQJ0M-ncp6LAnupW40OUs597MfNrJugh4Nz609K3ii9JFZgU1Zg5e6eMI1GOS_BX-w7hqj3RDXwkAXwSg=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCuk-Ox8QY6O5AQbk7HxGx_Zk6rDTwehfmgBUSKg0hdcJ-LnjvPa3u2x_dhqOJbyT4tytTnKMgLumNZ9GvP4lJLmUf8E9ZLqGVoYQfe8cYQJ0M-ncp6LAnupW40OUs597MfNrJugh4Nz609K3ii9JFZgU1Zg5e6eMI1GOS_BX-w7hqj3RDXwkAXwSg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Billie's personal and professional troubles regarding larcenous David, Bernie's fruitless pursuit of Selma and Harry's sacrifice on Billie's behalf are all both funny and touching. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUpB6EXs_hyMR3aGj3Dee8lT8o7P6F4mE-ZUc0nqK7rDYPwkltDxyamVO0hg315eqrlV3ifqLc6NCVZS1bkBG4gGnJGwuLCOLmbdTqVXr5AAa0LjOLGoqGJNT_BH_6UdNLQi8JOtGgRMtnM_dkQnbYGuQYJ3l_fNjzL5-9G_N_bU5jerCMzeT2UBxX=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUpB6EXs_hyMR3aGj3Dee8lT8o7P6F4mE-ZUc0nqK7rDYPwkltDxyamVO0hg315eqrlV3ifqLc6NCVZS1bkBG4gGnJGwuLCOLmbdTqVXr5AAa0LjOLGoqGJNT_BH_6UdNLQi8JOtGgRMtnM_dkQnbYGuQYJ3l_fNjzL5-9G_N_bU5jerCMzeT2UBxX=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>This Valentine's episode is a lot of fun even if it's not in the upper echelons of television. It reminds us to be careful of others' feelings on Valentine's day since hearts can be fragile and easily bruised. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc1Guz8T6BMuckhTHa8gKGYSMC14laOZW9prE4yC0zQcQTkCUd9xnxb9b0UIsYvq1G3UzCTySSdOSMR4bCkwXdp9_wkrqYVmaCFOy2HfD8vTpirzbqoThDMOVm35-SveNwUwmPsMAvHx-zGFklRC0xNQ76KC5TCFcPrrlunc6aAupkUqmBXF5GbRON=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc1Guz8T6BMuckhTHa8gKGYSMC14laOZW9prE4yC0zQcQTkCUd9xnxb9b0UIsYvq1G3UzCTySSdOSMR4bCkwXdp9_wkrqYVmaCFOy2HfD8vTpirzbqoThDMOVm35-SveNwUwmPsMAvHx-zGFklRC0xNQ76KC5TCFcPrrlunc6aAupkUqmBXF5GbRON=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Billie confronts a broken heart in a more than metaphorical sense! <br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>"Billie's Valentine" is worth a look if you're a fan of <i>Night Court </i>or of holiday themed sitcom episodes in general. <div><br /><div><b>RigbyMel's rating: </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzSib0y7Iw3PWG-z7Z--jp2juAhmXsKZCXRPPm7-iGFMk-sDCubtKyiKKVSp4Jive7_rRPyJcXLncNrrJnUHXFjTAZChZU4_5epfXM_v3cRVs75skVSpKybwEGZnvMrCsCzMRhmdjxJfA5c1E9XQgVr5plP45DvIgzxCo-7PvB3ATFli3JuFbxCg6G=s772" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="772" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzSib0y7Iw3PWG-z7Z--jp2juAhmXsKZCXRPPm7-iGFMk-sDCubtKyiKKVSp4Jive7_rRPyJcXLncNrrJnUHXFjTAZChZU4_5epfXM_v3cRVs75skVSpKybwEGZnvMrCsCzMRhmdjxJfA5c1E9XQgVr5plP45DvIgzxCo-7PvB3ATFli3JuFbxCg6G=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>3 Valentine hearts.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-82422567925708769452022-01-12T14:31:00.001-05:002022-01-12T14:31:11.875-05:00The Addams Family: "Christmas With The Addams Family"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ9ZquKEDSRm-HiUQJF4kXoo3MzDetwPtr9RJmHhP3yc03XNw9TRncKyzsBxn5m6HQnHcyMI_AKLgVcGVAwN5jWzyV0rMcza47bUcuIN6KPagKKcYua8Vg8PPYJxmRpaZ48jC56RTiOWQJPt17TTc2XJvEsKQsJoOp6IEVyuXXkmpMk6sWyAy7dZ2Z=s1152" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ9ZquKEDSRm-HiUQJF4kXoo3MzDetwPtr9RJmHhP3yc03XNw9TRncKyzsBxn5m6HQnHcyMI_AKLgVcGVAwN5jWzyV0rMcza47bUcuIN6KPagKKcYua8Vg8PPYJxmRpaZ48jC56RTiOWQJPt17TTc2XJvEsKQsJoOp6IEVyuXXkmpMk6sWyAy7dZ2Z=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Premiered December 24, 1965.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's Christmas time and the Addams family is preparing for the holiday season. The Addams' daughter Wednesday (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0521006/?ref_=tt_cl_t_6" target="_blank">Lisa Loring</a>) hopes Santa Claus will bring her a Marie Antionette doll to use on her guillotine, while her brother Pugsley (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0915797/?ref_=tt_cl_t_7" target="_blank">Ken Weatherwax</a>) wants a bow and arrow so he can shoot apples off the head of his Uncle Fester (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001067/?ref_=tt_cl_t_3" target="_blank">Jackie Coogan</a>). However, their Christmas spirit is diminished when their neighbor tells them there is no Santa.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo7VvAQY5ms5aLT-2l5cl49-BsJPMe_WKvg98EQj_9cd95zH-G5OSJfSxEBgLjNJ9Y9udv2sbX8_ZJQ6KuCZMoXfeInSBpTef2sAHKmEfNs54loWZo_vsEvq1QqaQodFpKUUYrhEFvKKurET6EjK_y7dUHyYHr5B8aGJp6obzguymPvL0nYtW2nk_Y=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo7VvAQY5ms5aLT-2l5cl49-BsJPMe_WKvg98EQj_9cd95zH-G5OSJfSxEBgLjNJ9Y9udv2sbX8_ZJQ6KuCZMoXfeInSBpTef2sAHKmEfNs54loWZo_vsEvq1QqaQodFpKUUYrhEFvKKurET6EjK_y7dUHyYHr5B8aGJp6obzguymPvL0nYtW2nk_Y=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Pugsley and Wednesday's parents Gomez (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0040014/?ref_=tt_cl_t_2" target="_blank">John Astin</a>) and Morticia (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0427700/?ref_=tt_cl_t_1" target="_blank">Carolyn Jones</a>) reassure them that Santa is real and they decide to take action. They ask Fester to put on a Santa suit and climb down the chimney on Christmas Eve and deliver gifts. Unfortunately, Fester gets stuck and doesn't show up, so the family is forced to improvise. </span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUlk2zgFwTOrlVc9vQWciFlsa1HUissv9v4mqSt7KPvWVdBC76QnMe25R4TwqgplDiFt-j726fyUtjBWbpgjx-VHajrjqN2ChGCpuNtkhymTvFGcPbTeN4kt2Ll7QJ16plIOf5o3ZL63QTQ6gmp71ckZuwNL22e6O1b1DZ3iZOlc5XLIPpp0JZ5fcF=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUlk2zgFwTOrlVc9vQWciFlsa1HUissv9v4mqSt7KPvWVdBC76QnMe25R4TwqgplDiFt-j726fyUtjBWbpgjx-VHajrjqN2ChGCpuNtkhymTvFGcPbTeN4kt2Ll7QJ16plIOf5o3ZL63QTQ6gmp71ckZuwNL22e6O1b1DZ3iZOlc5XLIPpp0JZ5fcF=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gomez puts on a Santa suit and and visits Pugsley and Wednesday. He brings them the doll and bow and arrow presents they asked for.<br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKn3W1gXGBiMIdYwuZwuIjOmSjqT1A2wNwVH8A8cKv2CR3lrNn3V6w6cl34Cab_PxXs3GD7eENgWRDjFTXDjnjO-xQ2Y3ary9-fup2GIFxDWb0zsLBFQoWEDHYu4cG6RtztFSxe-bAOncyAs07sPyk3GL_sZZy15SpSE9yNpIgKYtUMmxzSz1bO1hX=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKn3W1gXGBiMIdYwuZwuIjOmSjqT1A2wNwVH8A8cKv2CR3lrNn3V6w6cl34Cab_PxXs3GD7eENgWRDjFTXDjnjO-xQ2Y3ary9-fup2GIFxDWb0zsLBFQoWEDHYu4cG6RtztFSxe-bAOncyAs07sPyk3GL_sZZy15SpSE9yNpIgKYtUMmxzSz1bO1hX=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grandmama Addams (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0086641/?ref_=tt_cl_t_5" target="_blank">Blossom Rock</a>) also shows up dressed as Santa. She gives them the same gifts Gomez brought. <br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6F6w2tVJ_9rOPIjU7Drh6kGH-Uh91LK4xmnBl0fXzfqZSzCo9TIsf9t0ZQUzHnuUM0ZP0Dh5dsTJYYOCU-3HXZJRVRPNFo2Thg1SaJ8yRjZPBYbOCsCP43v63QVBj96v0AJIQeDpbVpEkksc7J_E20PXR7isfVjKzQdwwf3V9d64z0IyEg7AKQWfZ=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6F6w2tVJ_9rOPIjU7Drh6kGH-Uh91LK4xmnBl0fXzfqZSzCo9TIsf9t0ZQUzHnuUM0ZP0Dh5dsTJYYOCU-3HXZJRVRPNFo2Thg1SaJ8yRjZPBYbOCsCP43v63QVBj96v0AJIQeDpbVpEkksc7J_E20PXR7isfVjKzQdwwf3V9d64z0IyEg7AKQWfZ=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">She's followed by the Addams' butler Lurch (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0144252/?ref_=tt_cl_t_4" target="_blank">Ted Cassidy</a>)...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHlNU2fYaODQRm_6D6MgU_pNSlKK7eT516wqv9Mra_uJjMIWZL8a47ohlItkyid1aIuFtmMW--dVWuykQcsFZi1bZ6sZXcxn7d-5B_wKeACBwJo6tOu09fL33x3lpd8bKb-0TIsOtdyAEFViBNIhEyjOWM6tntVUmdNrA9Rvl-Wzt1l-iKqCJ0OLuG=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHlNU2fYaODQRm_6D6MgU_pNSlKK7eT516wqv9Mra_uJjMIWZL8a47ohlItkyid1aIuFtmMW--dVWuykQcsFZi1bZ6sZXcxn7d-5B_wKeACBwJo6tOu09fL33x3lpd8bKb-0TIsOtdyAEFViBNIhEyjOWM6tntVUmdNrA9Rvl-Wzt1l-iKqCJ0OLuG=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />...Cousin It (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0798061/?ref_=tt_cl_t_8" target="_blank">Felix Silla</a>)...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiA3N63c_44cuC220FU5T0yCKYQ1xXCg-IhxWNne6q-9fW7pQARGDTLmSmMr_Klw9NkQRTszdXrJr9wP4BuFjPSeQQJdEmjeEtKrnu48HlXZFkefDGSK79NjcucipUL1DObuwZUoRCULNiq0Ov09L1hsIF5CZfe86lkspSinyiOgVJxT_gx47pqeml=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiA3N63c_44cuC220FU5T0yCKYQ1xXCg-IhxWNne6q-9fW7pQARGDTLmSmMr_Klw9NkQRTszdXrJr9wP4BuFjPSeQQJdEmjeEtKrnu48HlXZFkefDGSK79NjcucipUL1DObuwZUoRCULNiq0Ov09L1hsIF5CZfe86lkspSinyiOgVJxT_gx47pqeml=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">...and Morticia!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpOlh3L2focU45MZhikjsBM5sos9BQFccuMU1nr_hMIkMgTLW9TywXHf64qrlUx2KMqEnoYY45tq_TMgnTm_yCHmaqufOo6i52QEAsLix9Ph89R2TxNBV0aUiaWH9lmhQz1BlsNKFThaP_FkYV3BZz7cA7J5CdmhAyopguaF9fzULe_-El5gUscjNo=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpOlh3L2focU45MZhikjsBM5sos9BQFccuMU1nr_hMIkMgTLW9TywXHf64qrlUx2KMqEnoYY45tq_TMgnTm_yCHmaqufOo6i52QEAsLix9Ph89R2TxNBV0aUiaWH9lmhQz1BlsNKFThaP_FkYV3BZz7cA7J5CdmhAyopguaF9fzULe_-El5gUscjNo=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each "Santa" gives the kids a doll and bow and arrow. Which means they end up with five of each!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxUcwH0trD5eL0zMnLkytyVMYiFJ2rk78GQnH7imqshANPj4Vr6IX_NpFJPl7zDjisEB-nXJF-OaAhlhOxjBQNh9shkIzMFTCLwdzadX4Mowdy2LVk7qAKIbRB6KzqDMbwABxNlPJIg6gBEMlfw59sAfXRQ5MBqUZvhcCgfwh6Q53AcMn2iOgpHrsQ=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxUcwH0trD5eL0zMnLkytyVMYiFJ2rk78GQnH7imqshANPj4Vr6IX_NpFJPl7zDjisEB-nXJF-OaAhlhOxjBQNh9shkIzMFTCLwdzadX4Mowdy2LVk7qAKIbRB6KzqDMbwABxNlPJIg6gBEMlfw59sAfXRQ5MBqUZvhcCgfwh6Q53AcMn2iOgpHrsQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Will the Addams Family's attempts to play Kris Kringle convince Pugsley and Wednesday that Santa is real?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>J.A. Morris says:</b><br />The belief in Santa Claus (or lack thereof) is an common trope of Christmas programming. The topic is dealt with very nicely in "Christmas With The Addams Family." </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZUfGk5PBFCrt3iRntL1UbkiR4Q-lJhQE7jz4rnquLlHvT-Z9S4_JWV9_2gjAAwrzeTcSA9kBGEBbuAxw9zcd34Qg1pC5IoA1Nc69GDdVUSR3ftVMaeia9IZheZ5-r0EqazTalcN21ExOVAlpVYVzN2GWI9_5MYDTFdMoo1G5MgO21qkOmIcr0Bvbj=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZUfGk5PBFCrt3iRntL1UbkiR4Q-lJhQE7jz4rnquLlHvT-Z9S4_JWV9_2gjAAwrzeTcSA9kBGEBbuAxw9zcd34Qg1pC5IoA1Nc69GDdVUSR3ftVMaeia9IZheZ5-r0EqazTalcN21ExOVAlpVYVzN2GWI9_5MYDTFdMoo1G5MgO21qkOmIcr0Bvbj=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a very sweet episode that features the "creepy" and "spooky" Addams Family going the extra mile to make sure their children believe in Santa Claus. It's a reminder that Morticia and Gomez had one of the best and healthiest marriages in the history of sitcoms and "Christmas With The Addams Family" shows they were also very good parents. It's also nice to see their extended family of Uncle Fester, Grandmama, Lurch and Cousin It helping out too.<br /><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AtwU6fILypo/Ydz0Q2QiKYI/AAAAAAABSqU/ho0-mQoshtAkcTXCDUqq8oKqvl3pIzBcACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AtwU6fILypo/Ydz0Q2QiKYI/AAAAAAABSqU/ho0-mQoshtAkcTXCDUqq8oKqvl3pIzBcACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The plot of this episode isn't very complicated. It's basically just a series of scenes that feature the cast in Santa suits and they eventually bump into each other!</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3HhsztrKG_NzeWJHxFtjHRn6ORo7oFs4w-VHlClaMUEV88573k7r7yXj9OhdXjGTXeqbXHBMBnHr0b08nLLucecXQSghK-N0oBiNNw_cxPDiy7GSUFYeVzUO_zRDGf5gn8ryQvrI2kk7hsUJdl1c6byKfJC2ZLxBNn6OveQq3Ah74zQqPU0Y1jLXp=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3HhsztrKG_NzeWJHxFtjHRn6ORo7oFs4w-VHlClaMUEV88573k7r7yXj9OhdXjGTXeqbXHBMBnHr0b08nLLucecXQSghK-N0oBiNNw_cxPDiy7GSUFYeVzUO_zRDGf5gn8ryQvrI2kk7hsUJdl1c6byKfJC2ZLxBNn6OveQq3Ah74zQqPU0Y1jLXp=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />The episode closes with the cast breaking the forth wall and singing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" to the viewers, which makes me smile every time I watch it. <br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_UXd3_Mmq0EZe6ZqBVgMasK30B-hAAsGqUtVtxHbqqJR8VyzTFHiLiQ9WQ_EmvFYJ3rm5b4YYt9nvixm-BW9izY6FT1FRYNWCQLcs3-OBmJe0j6AGeBFvC6vhODYkd_13ZLSl3HSGKm0N3yfemPZP7aK5NpuslbePWGIfXK3auiJ9CYJ04lej2WQ2=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_UXd3_Mmq0EZe6ZqBVgMasK30B-hAAsGqUtVtxHbqqJR8VyzTFHiLiQ9WQ_EmvFYJ3rm5b4YYt9nvixm-BW9izY6FT1FRYNWCQLcs3-OBmJe0j6AGeBFvC6vhODYkd_13ZLSl3HSGKm0N3yfemPZP7aK5NpuslbePWGIfXK3auiJ9CYJ04lej2WQ2=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Christmas With The Addams Family" is a touching episode that serves as a reminder that families often go to great lengths to make Christmas a magical experience for children.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">J.A. Morris' rating:<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCVBV8h0CJIChyWKBz9krd-38TFBq9g6cVHKkekdLoXxW24hc6NhfKThYHLQTFoQy9e1E2yb-vf8TdMzWLttFLkTEJdEizAZLM40Y_NxsNkkuDZwVDsPGOgUq9O2o_f3tWppQ37S9Uir6KhnLVK2xjC47r5i8rPY7Mj_TwVG2Xi8kh2F3O0JbwE5Gh=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="1024" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCVBV8h0CJIChyWKBz9krd-38TFBq9g6cVHKkekdLoXxW24hc6NhfKThYHLQTFoQy9e1E2yb-vf8TdMzWLttFLkTEJdEizAZLM40Y_NxsNkkuDZwVDsPGOgUq9O2o_f3tWppQ37S9Uir6KhnLVK2xjC47r5i8rPY7Mj_TwVG2Xi8kh2F3O0JbwE5Gh=s320" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 candy canes!</span></div>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-39283692247845703302022-01-03T09:00:00.001-05:002022-01-03T09:15:49.100-05:00Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDDwKZy0AITg5okz_AtiEhqdbZdG0-NPJVjlmFRNZGVHJbV-YCGEfHeAOfuosEsdkLY6rleHgjPOl_r_b_w_EtOuboMPCDL7YpPHm341evrfnMTb6LnRYQfXF2VrNBi0buFwyK33myuXN5fKEpoFjMhK8PBnXcI4SHwOYV3YltbKeTw8wuzed-iho5=s1906" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="1906" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDDwKZy0AITg5okz_AtiEhqdbZdG0-NPJVjlmFRNZGVHJbV-YCGEfHeAOfuosEsdkLY6rleHgjPOl_r_b_w_EtOuboMPCDL7YpPHm341evrfnMTb6LnRYQfXF2VrNBi0buFwyK33myuXN5fKEpoFjMhK8PBnXcI4SHwOYV3YltbKeTw8wuzed-iho5=w400-h199" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Premiered December 10, 2021.<p><br /><i>"Christmas was a letdown. But New Year's is going to be perfect!"</i><br />-Lucy Van Pelt</p><p>Christmas is approaching and the holiday season is in full-swing in the Van Pelt household. Lucy (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8933807/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t8" target="_blank">Isabella Leo</a>) and her brother Linus (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10334449/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t10" target="_blank">Wyatt White</a>) are excited because their grandmother is going to spend Christmas with them. Linus is a bit nervous, since Grandma always tries to make him get rid of his security blanket.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizXBt_b1Shjin71h8QgFsY29IGrNqdI5XHvmpDCfOG_uT9_JlyhlvAdbkRotPT0gHnWRgPiNhwax8JANTFKFfNm8E2mUKKDDOQSxKTPNmpyeH3jGvNyKI1HIHH0f4fplN0e8KUtO3lKd615HjjD7oeozYPCV_eQ-gylwI8dnm5aS7DpRAKtblVNxC0=s1913" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1913" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizXBt_b1Shjin71h8QgFsY29IGrNqdI5XHvmpDCfOG_uT9_JlyhlvAdbkRotPT0gHnWRgPiNhwax8JANTFKFfNm8E2mUKKDDOQSxKTPNmpyeH3jGvNyKI1HIHH0f4fplN0e8KUtO3lKd615HjjD7oeozYPCV_eQ-gylwI8dnm5aS7DpRAKtblVNxC0=w400-h200" width="400" /></a></div><p>Even though the year is almost over, Charlie Brown (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10544030/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t6" target="_blank">Etienne Kellici</a>) hasn't fulfilled most of his New Year's Resolutions. When he visits Lucy's psychiatrist booth, she tells him his resolutions are too ambitious. Lucy recommends that he should just try to complete "one realistic resolution" and then he'll be "covered for the year." </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs20ZRV5A7V5sRm7BIkqneIOYsxIXIK5ImNFUgyXLixvpxxiRh3EcVVHBtvwk6Beq3wqw2qeCwHmodCrArpduHIyJQrgyYZpz3jL8KOP1xZ_DsQadlCTJ5cm_7jwHFTzDKHz76SnBNJPpmixFpU34KBRQaVGm7H3DuHG2D88YWIIZ97Kjy3JqMNsm9=s943" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="943" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs20ZRV5A7V5sRm7BIkqneIOYsxIXIK5ImNFUgyXLixvpxxiRh3EcVVHBtvwk6Beq3wqw2qeCwHmodCrArpduHIyJQrgyYZpz3jL8KOP1xZ_DsQadlCTJ5cm_7jwHFTzDKHz76SnBNJPpmixFpU34KBRQaVGm7H3DuHG2D88YWIIZ97Kjy3JqMNsm9=w400-h200" width="400" /></a></div><p>Snoopy (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1040874/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t9" target="_blank">Terry McGurrin</a>) is happy to see his five siblings, who have come to visit for the holidays. They spend time reminiscing over an old photo album and playing music. His brother Spike (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0863999/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t3" target="_blank">Rob Tinkler</a>) has brought his camera along so that he can take a group photo of him and his siblings. He has only one photo of the whole family, which was taken when they were puppies. However, accidents keep preventing the photo from happening and Spike begins to feel unappreciated. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1k9MukW8U6lW6p1mrbCBcZxtiFPGNqSfG6bQOhVqOGKMgP55wP8j4KX2CI80QneIpSWAfGVF6jSbIAeBwHAID8kaisKFTIP5hI3IGD2fZdn9KtU-x3WXNULd283-twSNZ57u_DZosOkkCfT_sSYXq__j0pRCqRCw6Rwv2EMA8oVoG9eLSQfhbUICy=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1k9MukW8U6lW6p1mrbCBcZxtiFPGNqSfG6bQOhVqOGKMgP55wP8j4KX2CI80QneIpSWAfGVF6jSbIAeBwHAID8kaisKFTIP5hI3IGD2fZdn9KtU-x3WXNULd283-twSNZ57u_DZosOkkCfT_sSYXq__j0pRCqRCw6Rwv2EMA8oVoG9eLSQfhbUICy=w400-h200" width="400" /></a></div><p>When Christmas Eve arrives, Lucy is heartbroken when Grandma calls and says she won't be coming for Christmas. Lucy believes that her grandmother didn't come because she didn't want to see her. Lucy wonders if Grandma doesn't love her and worries that she isn't "lovable." </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjS8lCw3JqBlSGUqz8VmeWuFRLs9mWuSFluaAIjz_4do6vu5-5Vw7sqZ1S9YHDDkYGP9A2ObBj7VfXE1p3LTYF6bG6oVToZWbugAHgs27h_-cvtDGAGZJ_RxBvH9EfAQtXGiWJKAJCFD5v_kOn4JLS000dXOR1y5w2oTEthBOfyRe-_vyhlQkFoEXHS=s780" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="780" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjS8lCw3JqBlSGUqz8VmeWuFRLs9mWuSFluaAIjz_4do6vu5-5Vw7sqZ1S9YHDDkYGP9A2ObBj7VfXE1p3LTYF6bG6oVToZWbugAHgs27h_-cvtDGAGZJ_RxBvH9EfAQtXGiWJKAJCFD5v_kOn4JLS000dXOR1y5w2oTEthBOfyRe-_vyhlQkFoEXHS=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><p>The next morning, Lucy decides that in order to prove she's lovable, she will organize a huge New Year's Eve party. The event will be called "Lucy's Gala: A New Year's Eve Celebration of Elegant Perfection!"</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ3VWs11sLo8hp698HadTWk7qUsr4MMoLsHxx9qnbclOSuQE9Zt-IkCjRukOhDsbF-4-P_R-80iUc7wXi2JP2F3boCH_NlV27Ctd130hik426UIQO5bCbX64PgDthz4hGOHFgZhb4K-3Y95IBTdYWJ7_5yFX47zUeqB0oMGitBYBYVrmTfCRBqjbrC=s1907" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1907" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ3VWs11sLo8hp698HadTWk7qUsr4MMoLsHxx9qnbclOSuQE9Zt-IkCjRukOhDsbF-4-P_R-80iUc7wXi2JP2F3boCH_NlV27Ctd130hik426UIQO5bCbX64PgDthz4hGOHFgZhb4K-3Y95IBTdYWJ7_5yFX47zUeqB0oMGitBYBYVrmTfCRBqjbrC=w400-h200" width="400" /></a></div><p>Lucy "volunteers" Linus into helping her plan the party. She says "everyone" will attend the party, because she IS lovable. Snoopy and his siblings are booked to be the house band. She even rents an old ballroom for the party and writes new lyrics for "Auld Lang Syne" that celebrate her!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDx7DwTU4ZZsPt5JelGuPwHptX1NEYx1bLLiz0KkDBVXSbMQs20hb0gXW0MFK190FY-Wygh0OTWbrntIsLCXdASG91qvyNJ8P7UKcdRCdi_MS1KqX55jMFnIHsnzr3RYRqLrKj2XHKZAiONUEH-1pnVBCWLEjzHriKIgFqOzCOVb91_-ZdXQvz6bwD=s657" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="657" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDx7DwTU4ZZsPt5JelGuPwHptX1NEYx1bLLiz0KkDBVXSbMQs20hb0gXW0MFK190FY-Wygh0OTWbrntIsLCXdASG91qvyNJ8P7UKcdRCdi_MS1KqX55jMFnIHsnzr3RYRqLrKj2XHKZAiONUEH-1pnVBCWLEjzHriKIgFqOzCOVb91_-ZdXQvz6bwD=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><p>Since Charlie Brown is still working on his resolutions, Lucy assigns him to be in charge of decorating the ballroom. She asks Peppermint Patty and Marcie to build an ice sculpture of her face! Everyone is excited about attending the New Year's gala, but Lucy's desire to throw a "perfect" party gets in the way of having a good time and her demands start to get on everybody's nerves.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip7_j7nPP4ctzkfwgxzMvaxLvrWocl-BVODRDlzlf_9mY2PczVF6ramldTs8L34LrEjKDAUZqN5_umKXfMpBMzlIdFsSotsRzjq217ADIBwAz2uT8hwKevagYifU3X9nlkt1D6R0gWHWChoTFtfDJWjvSPRyzNEjOJYrade1D_C_y0krc-PcMi18X0=s1024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip7_j7nPP4ctzkfwgxzMvaxLvrWocl-BVODRDlzlf_9mY2PczVF6ramldTs8L34LrEjKDAUZqN5_umKXfMpBMzlIdFsSotsRzjq217ADIBwAz2uT8hwKevagYifU3X9nlkt1D6R0gWHWChoTFtfDJWjvSPRyzNEjOJYrade1D_C_y0krc-PcMi18X0=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><p>Will the party be a smashing success? Will it prove that Lucy is lovable? Can Charlie Brown complete his resolutions? Will Spike be able to take a new family photo? </p><p><b>J.A. Morris says:</b></p><p>I'll cut to the chase and say that <i>Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne</i> is a very good special. For starters, we don't have many movies, specials or episodes that are built around New Year's Eve, so it's nice to add another to that short list. This special begins in mid-December and shows Lucy decorating for Christmas, so I think it can also be considered a Christmas special. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB8H12kqidQnA8Dw-ZgmeCfmjN9CaHndEIXgu8JuFdEs6gQCEsbAAJelE-qTpdole8BneWl2Lt1853muNit8WNt_WRGao0ZBoSJCv-bidFLByaiI79MZvEi1ll8LKC94eKRaSA28UbsPnhE2loMjdoQX_PLcPy3YNDuBr2RHI67yzWhOVDOJrhCOcF=s1895" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1895" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB8H12kqidQnA8Dw-ZgmeCfmjN9CaHndEIXgu8JuFdEs6gQCEsbAAJelE-qTpdole8BneWl2Lt1853muNit8WNt_WRGao0ZBoSJCv-bidFLByaiI79MZvEi1ll8LKC94eKRaSA28UbsPnhE2loMjdoQX_PLcPy3YNDuBr2RHI67yzWhOVDOJrhCOcF=w400-h201" width="400" /></a></div><p>What jumped out at me was that the creative team behind <i>For Auld Lang Syne</i> really "gets" the <i>Peanuts</i> characters. They're all very similar to the kids we've seen in dozens of specials over the past five decades. The voice actors are also all good fits for their characters. Isabella Leo, who portrays Lucy, does a great job as the special's lead. Longtime fans of <i>Peanuts</i> specials will be glad to know this special includes a scene where Charlie Brown visits Lucy's psychiatry booth and we also get to see Lucy leaning on Schroeder's piano.</p><p><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1586299/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cr12" target="_blank">Jeff Morrow's</a> music won't make you forget Vince Guaraldi's immortal tunes, but it's fun and appropriate for a Charlie Brown special. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3JKbu7aEOL7Q8PyiFPvBNFWKeotnF23F6yFFn555gzT7wZl7S7xFQvlwaFcvdSMyqCXsHzUWQ9U1QEUUgRksv2iwoD5l9vf-d6wqoXAvlWI-VtMkHx19Y3T-xUtPLXgW5L2an37XR0WZLAusRCUj-ZrZlHR6CsIDY6puL0fktP62gyiQmCEBUB7Em=s1909" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1909" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3JKbu7aEOL7Q8PyiFPvBNFWKeotnF23F6yFFn555gzT7wZl7S7xFQvlwaFcvdSMyqCXsHzUWQ9U1QEUUgRksv2iwoD5l9vf-d6wqoXAvlWI-VtMkHx19Y3T-xUtPLXgW5L2an37XR0WZLAusRCUj-ZrZlHR6CsIDY6puL0fktP62gyiQmCEBUB7Em=w400-h200" width="400" /></a></div><p>Lucy is the focus here and it's nice to see her doing something other than calling Charlie Brown a "blockhead." <i>For Auld Lang Syne</i> shows that she's a complicated character who gets upset when she believes she's not lovable. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7B4D3c1TpKgYLm74osaU8VlX7JJV1QdcutZYpXmqiudV3KKTRVvQn3qQ_2ml86-Zt3XoVkUbigawfD5fKXwQMa-h90Y0Swu9J-D3-UEGgjShw3TrI3cauE4Z24--C7d8YX1TiP0tmrn1PVhLoUYGJiJ120oqP602o10fMRdSGjbvxpv0F5_j6WIbD=s1877" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1877" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7B4D3c1TpKgYLm74osaU8VlX7JJV1QdcutZYpXmqiudV3KKTRVvQn3qQ_2ml86-Zt3XoVkUbigawfD5fKXwQMa-h90Y0Swu9J-D3-UEGgjShw3TrI3cauE4Z24--C7d8YX1TiP0tmrn1PVhLoUYGJiJ120oqP602o10fMRdSGjbvxpv0F5_j6WIbD=w400-h204" width="400" /></a></div><p>Since this is a new special, I don't want to go into too much more detail about its plot, but I'll add that it features a nice mix of sentiment and humor. <br /><br /><i>Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne </i>is a lot of fun and is highly recommended. Is it as good as <i>A Charlie Brown Christmas</i>? No, but few things are. This special is a worthy addition to the holiday specials canon and I expect to watch in during future holiday seasons.</p><p><b>J.A. Morris' rating:</b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAWdG5LI46ROH2P3qrYXrQk9CbSS6Ae88LPKts3raLu-4_B6ByEWDdMumDxzbnsMB4SwXkiEL0SrkqaQ5NxMSMxPj_QZJDFQkWqB86yCKxIZZ1-lp3tnG9Gi7ugjhBAqgeil0_nVmaxc9IEmYh1rL6nn5juzJuhknGZ8WkC1bTCgcudmmLOnkDMK0K=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="1024" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAWdG5LI46ROH2P3qrYXrQk9CbSS6Ae88LPKts3raLu-4_B6ByEWDdMumDxzbnsMB4SwXkiEL0SrkqaQ5NxMSMxPj_QZJDFQkWqB86yCKxIZZ1-lp3tnG9Gi7ugjhBAqgeil0_nVmaxc9IEmYh1rL6nn5juzJuhknGZ8WkC1bTCgcudmmLOnkDMK0K=w200-h79" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>4 candy canes!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg85AnzkCmTbguGrWQDzLgVqFF-6ISor7DJ23cZRcAZFs0EsqSLKsUo8tgorcEQMJkXW0BRk6nlJORtddckTBG0gaVi2XJQOQoMw7nL7u8tiuejOIzr8O-NdcW05qkGWdHD1EeV7eTbjP80tcJzkH85yxbFT1d2MzpMCJiNP4bG0VIohKwiTPuYsSz7=s2552" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="2552" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg85AnzkCmTbguGrWQDzLgVqFF-6ISor7DJ23cZRcAZFs0EsqSLKsUo8tgorcEQMJkXW0BRk6nlJORtddckTBG0gaVi2XJQOQoMw7nL7u8tiuejOIzr8O-NdcW05qkGWdHD1EeV7eTbjP80tcJzkH85yxbFT1d2MzpMCJiNP4bG0VIohKwiTPuYsSz7=w400-h223" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>RigbyMel says:</b></p><p><i>Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne</i> is a sweet addition to the <i>Peanuts</i> holiday special family. </p><p>The story which features the normally confident Lucy feeling vulnerable because of her grandmother's decision not to visit for the holidays, which provides an interesting twist and gives depth to our dear fussbudget. Lucy is still Lucy, but it's endearing to see a slightly different side of her. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJO_q6BNzOY6mB47ZVbFgIpcdCuoOXKSeoB9wf0MHrQpcjiUu1m4CUc4dC4Wlx69iIhRIqYULTO9BOUFUOFSYREW8o1DzO2f0SQGXEmGgExrgTJ-zq7Yuujvh79BKz6iitLMJAUMazxCl0spbBMWYY_SuN16eTFnlDvewIqnhycqBJy4aNAv9_T3Sg=s1908" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1908" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJO_q6BNzOY6mB47ZVbFgIpcdCuoOXKSeoB9wf0MHrQpcjiUu1m4CUc4dC4Wlx69iIhRIqYULTO9BOUFUOFSYREW8o1DzO2f0SQGXEmGgExrgTJ-zq7Yuujvh79BKz6iitLMJAUMazxCl0spbBMWYY_SuN16eTFnlDvewIqnhycqBJy4aNAv9_T3Sg=w400-h200" width="400" /></a></div><p>In re. Lucy being Lucy, I really like that she was able to rent a party venue for her New Year's Eve gala by using nickels collected from Charlie Brown via her psychiatry booth. Her attempt to force Linus to wear an Elton John inspired stage getup is also pretty amusing (although perhaps not as amusing for Linus). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_GSmQrPDOaIdudRKnHCeJe1jjW926QrMYa6uLhqEcGChM5W1EdG2jjCd6N9qNgF-7IW1eRz-DdQDzdt8d7Qqwzt5rJnmb9nD0foPcSQ25Q2V9ifWfCIc-vW-W5HacOzLhE5T7rrIUZKhXqKkhZGwnKRgcdg96jpxZ9T_JW2p1EvwN48RPHIpTGBbc=s801" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="801" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_GSmQrPDOaIdudRKnHCeJe1jjW926QrMYa6uLhqEcGChM5W1EdG2jjCd6N9qNgF-7IW1eRz-DdQDzdt8d7Qqwzt5rJnmb9nD0foPcSQ25Q2V9ifWfCIc-vW-W5HacOzLhE5T7rrIUZKhXqKkhZGwnKRgcdg96jpxZ9T_JW2p1EvwN48RPHIpTGBbc=w400-h198" width="400" /></a></div><p>The subplot involving Spike wanting to take a family photo with Snoopy and the other siblings was also quite cute and touching. It's nice to see the Snoopy siblings again and I feel that lots of people can relate to Spike's frustration about taking a good group photo. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsuhNDhxf2S8Y0aqqdUE7WlYSqvyP_wJSPiBlTYXX7TxBcykFCHmPQK6_PjwyHHw4thsXgBI78cxWD2UAnx88nQZsy4hWCJXSdnkTX2RZymRQZ82R8U2KgKMwtlq2OLgr_zIfR1mx-3JaabnnSzMEzYxZpys2dJPVcj_14MaG4E7s5zTzL-suQfogH=s1909" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1909" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsuhNDhxf2S8Y0aqqdUE7WlYSqvyP_wJSPiBlTYXX7TxBcykFCHmPQK6_PjwyHHw4thsXgBI78cxWD2UAnx88nQZsy4hWCJXSdnkTX2RZymRQZ82R8U2KgKMwtlq2OLgr_zIfR1mx-3JaabnnSzMEzYxZpys2dJPVcj_14MaG4E7s5zTzL-suQfogH=w400-h201" width="400" /></a></div><p>As J.A. Morris says above, I feel the writers of this special really do have a good handle on what makes a <i>Peanuts</i> holiday special tick. They have a good feel for all of the characters and their interactions. There are sweet moments that are interspersed with melancholy and also some very funny bits and it is a winning combination that I suspect would make Charles Schulz very happy. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_JD8QTe8FNClagjRNpDHj3EkSgLUyd4WbJ0crzE8kTJwqMxoj7wV6D8gsSH6KxEurF9g13oOYLLc4QBlUkDQtdICj65r0WgP_CQTy_c2UgX33j7GP_3wntXmH-ruP2G2v_zC4fcbPTvlhofAaVME4ltR3ErIkOjIe9mEihq31J7Zb0Tk4fMTxKN4b=s2731" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="2731" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_JD8QTe8FNClagjRNpDHj3EkSgLUyd4WbJ0crzE8kTJwqMxoj7wV6D8gsSH6KxEurF9g13oOYLLc4QBlUkDQtdICj65r0WgP_CQTy_c2UgX33j7GP_3wntXmH-ruP2G2v_zC4fcbPTvlhofAaVME4ltR3ErIkOjIe9mEihq31J7Zb0Tk4fMTxKN4b=w400-h198" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><i>For Auld Lang Syne </i>takes a gentle and touching look at what can happen when our holiday expectations don't match up with reality and a fun way to spend time with these beloved characters. </p><p><b>RigbyMel's rating: </b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFfSG9B9CZ0o2fPJOKFuV9WCqNCpcv18400WwfxjZ_TmSCF9GAIqt4BdjKz0_3qklAhscH609hc7XUyeLIUy6OJTzgOts9FE-0UAcSyzG_SWJgF7Xb_0cMKLSPxqtvVAzie6PAsbqOXQv9reiPfu8SdG1349HKINO_PwTF29sJ2DHKWhAIaNhFzH3G=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="1024" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFfSG9B9CZ0o2fPJOKFuV9WCqNCpcv18400WwfxjZ_TmSCF9GAIqt4BdjKz0_3qklAhscH609hc7XUyeLIUy6OJTzgOts9FE-0UAcSyzG_SWJgF7Xb_0cMKLSPxqtvVAzie6PAsbqOXQv9reiPfu8SdG1349HKINO_PwTF29sJ2DHKWhAIaNhFzH3G=w200-h79" width="200" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>4 candy canes! </p>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-74944644846158422052021-12-29T12:06:00.002-05:002021-12-29T12:08:19.203-05:00The X-Files: "How The Ghosts Stole Christmas"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOxe-igyrbcxxmmsgZMQxYemJ36gpoPZmF0n5w7Zhu-dICx5VDacc-aTqDXABvlX4fXTD-aAkOSJTX3E12pR_HMvbwisQF4Ct4T3Hv29N7l45YvKn6VJg84i3btCBUUB3nPQNaDVFHpV8i5yq09PG3wGhGXVwrq2NBrTZSmqvP1HicSSNTK5RMqBYI=s1300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1109" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOxe-igyrbcxxmmsgZMQxYemJ36gpoPZmF0n5w7Zhu-dICx5VDacc-aTqDXABvlX4fXTD-aAkOSJTX3E12pR_HMvbwisQF4Ct4T3Hv29N7l45YvKn6VJg84i3btCBUUB3nPQNaDVFHpV8i5yq09PG3wGhGXVwrq2NBrTZSmqvP1HicSSNTK5RMqBYI=w341-h400" width="341" /></a></div><br /><p>Premiered December 13, 1998.</p><p>It's Christmas Eve, somewhere in Maryland. FBI Agent Fox Mulder (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000141/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t1" target="_blank">David Duchovny</a>) has called his partner Agent Dana Scully (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000096/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2" target="_blank">Gillian Anderson</a>) to a stakeout of an abandoned mansion. Scully is a bit annoyed, since she has lots of Christmas presents to wrap. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFjyjuxjpBffURDq0A8xQwPsbNBkVTiOlZNZKHnKDKk64J6XcCL6WWyUOKFQaPsM5NoVYYkAZhxfC0giYyab2MbNihbZKb0nV7PHhlHGD0-xAjxZIsmxMYEI_YFikA5B1KBqlP92Q9rbl7n9yCBSdaa9_3WVD_VFiAycwoCIRsDY9UZrmNsPdpcFGN=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFjyjuxjpBffURDq0A8xQwPsbNBkVTiOlZNZKHnKDKk64J6XcCL6WWyUOKFQaPsM5NoVYYkAZhxfC0giYyab2MbNihbZKb0nV7PHhlHGD0-xAjxZIsmxMYEI_YFikA5B1KBqlP92Q9rbl7n9yCBSdaa9_3WVD_VFiAycwoCIRsDY9UZrmNsPdpcFGN=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Mulder tells her that on December 24, 1917, two star-crossed lovers named Maurice and Lyda killed each other in a suicide pact. Their ghosts haunt the mansion every Christmas Eve. In fact, every couple that has lived in the house since then has all died tragically on Christmas Eve. Scully doesn't believe in ghosts and dismisses Mulder's story. <br /><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0aLBD6xPZc_LzK-qDV_x_bk_poUrLtSejtiPTGL28Wr3Nja_Uh0hALRme0JEQDJhZMRqY9w7Q-TznNOAM3pm_SiYp1pzZR69gvSyOkld-IhiPVr1eZ0rUJrSn1CqVDhMYY_LLau4KG8k0-k0p_0GPW1oh5j-njebdhGnTp8hlD55n_l1rXs6V1q3_=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0aLBD6xPZc_LzK-qDV_x_bk_poUrLtSejtiPTGL28Wr3Nja_Uh0hALRme0JEQDJhZMRqY9w7Q-TznNOAM3pm_SiYp1pzZR69gvSyOkld-IhiPVr1eZ0rUJrSn1CqVDhMYY_LLau4KG8k0-k0p_0GPW1oh5j-njebdhGnTp8hlD55n_l1rXs6V1q3_=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br />Once they enter the house, Scully notices a clock that is keeping perfect time. They investigate further and notice a fireplace where the fire has just been extinguished. The agents notice a creaking under the floor boards, so Mulder lifts up the boards and discovers two dead bodies. Scully and Mulder realize that the bodies bear a strong resemblance...to themselves! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8GUe4gYHCqPuR7rh5MuLvIJ_N-jckKV9I1eUL8wJoP5W2L6PTDtBaKk8vlWU9IQ7-z9w7SOzB29Rs4SzCii51Xn_tWOF_22dBoSQHLahBt9VId-ioi-ws1eHFxiIN3LaqhsqtptiIVyFWqhnFfXCVmhKImzhc512_4IPXhIQk-2ev2nQfOka6CzL9=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8GUe4gYHCqPuR7rh5MuLvIJ_N-jckKV9I1eUL8wJoP5W2L6PTDtBaKk8vlWU9IQ7-z9w7SOzB29Rs4SzCii51Xn_tWOF_22dBoSQHLahBt9VId-ioi-ws1eHFxiIN3LaqhsqtptiIVyFWqhnFfXCVmhKImzhc512_4IPXhIQk-2ev2nQfOka6CzL9=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>When Scully runs out of the library, a door slams behind her. Mulder opens it and discovers the doorway has been bricked over, trapping him.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNnly2WkkDRxpbeYUCUU82pkZCK7x6-OJph7cOUIQKv4Rs-t2fcuZsaZ4GsmbJR0HNDgJkoGW2NL1LrgiMztnt1aKpSIqRmGEpr3VvoaQxni6qT7fJQBAvSvoOgn-843_gk6sK4lZ4ICe2dYMI6aDg-UWXbQER3lovG1-IbDFbBmBOPVGfAz0DNUdB=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNnly2WkkDRxpbeYUCUU82pkZCK7x6-OJph7cOUIQKv4Rs-t2fcuZsaZ4GsmbJR0HNDgJkoGW2NL1LrgiMztnt1aKpSIqRmGEpr3VvoaQxni6qT7fJQBAvSvoOgn-843_gk6sK4lZ4ICe2dYMI6aDg-UWXbQER3lovG1-IbDFbBmBOPVGfAz0DNUdB=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Suddenly, a man (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000799/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t4" target="_blank">Ed Asner</a>) appears and asks Mulder what he's doing there. He analyzes Mulder, telling him that his quest to learn the truth will drive him insane and that he tolerates Scully's skepticism because he's desperately lonely. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb-GpbpwuRayPlsj606XFfZfKPM36NkWsLWt1f7p7ROd6rBr8wBhkSBtT8sDGV3MHfl8wsieblsxZtzp4v8KWjhbW1jVpuLqVsDkoJwsTmiQXLxL3nKRxXlOJBGKDTfdDfI2zLNY85Zqravp_88-33uybn9nH2XHmfL0nAPB8nz3q8ggfLCLt5wyur=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb-GpbpwuRayPlsj606XFfZfKPM36NkWsLWt1f7p7ROd6rBr8wBhkSBtT8sDGV3MHfl8wsieblsxZtzp4v8KWjhbW1jVpuLqVsDkoJwsTmiQXLxL3nKRxXlOJBGKDTfdDfI2zLNY85Zqravp_88-33uybn9nH2XHmfL0nAPB8nz3q8ggfLCLt5wyur=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><p>Elsewhere in the house, Scully encounters a woman (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005499/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t3" target="_blank">Lily Tomlin</a>). She says that Scully's life must be "awful," since she spends so much time with Mulder chasing after things she doesn't believe in. The woman states that the only pleasure Scully gets out of life is proving Mulder wrong. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4sOzVkwHDsoQviE47XMb7l18Rg0A8zGr8RhSm7FBHTFO-ICFZi5Q7o_kexhwC2NsTUiDQNeREZthX0iJKqroKI45fC5taIHV_yVym03CyXwJYtMGXJaBICeJ7zTvh6Ifi4DiY7cDntc2cEw4dhtOsAKZ9XMW9zhtoK5O4G18lg2cqNwRAijktOSl0=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4sOzVkwHDsoQviE47XMb7l18Rg0A8zGr8RhSm7FBHTFO-ICFZi5Q7o_kexhwC2NsTUiDQNeREZthX0iJKqroKI45fC5taIHV_yVym03CyXwJYtMGXJaBICeJ7zTvh6Ifi4DiY7cDntc2cEw4dhtOsAKZ9XMW9zhtoK5O4G18lg2cqNwRAijktOSl0=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Scully and Mulder soon learn that the people in the house are the ghosts of Lyda and Maurice. Will Mulder and Scully make it out of the mansion alive? </p><p><b>RigbyMel says:</b></p><p>I remember seeing this creepy and festive episode of <i>The X-Files </i>back when it originally aired. It made quite an impression on me then and holds up well 20+ years later. There are also some aspects of the episode that have an unexpected and interesting resonance in light of references to the 1917/18 flu pandemic and our current ongoing coronavirus situation. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJQIbUTxElOnuPFnWN8fIkJh4D-bIblujkvY7j_2fbvHFLiff6g80VWVmBd8d1M3UsGgRZa9z3R-Fx4kX-J3pxP9H0kQwiW4UxP0jw7WNdNNT26Ylo-oTLMqc_td0Fjq1Laj99Pb8a1C92cjfat-t4NhutcsE_lF_ygVTF36ux_DvojQKo-xP7OtjT=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJQIbUTxElOnuPFnWN8fIkJh4D-bIblujkvY7j_2fbvHFLiff6g80VWVmBd8d1M3UsGgRZa9z3R-Fx4kX-J3pxP9H0kQwiW4UxP0jw7WNdNNT26Ylo-oTLMqc_td0Fjq1Laj99Pb8a1C92cjfat-t4NhutcsE_lF_ygVTF36ux_DvojQKo-xP7OtjT=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><p>"How the Ghosts Stole Christmas" is a Christmas cracker of a ghost story as well as a meditation on loneliness during the holiday season or otherwise. It's also essentially a 4 person play with the not-necessarily benevolent spirits played by the delightful Ed Asner and Lily Tomlin wrecking pop-psych havoc upon Mulder and Scully's own loneliness and their fears about their worst impulses. The quality of the acting makes or breaks an episode like this and all 4 actors are definitely up to the task. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtrn6OUufYS4JylxCFab1Kl0ClOePxUKyXbQmBvpjSECg4lUVmMHxImpOefjvLrIgWwSDAxOEhuu1R9l8At8D_KsGqOaNzIHjIbGPlqj4R069SOqyUbOGZzuJyzKCEMx7F6mX9zDLktL9zcWn9nBD3iSu3qIeEqWBCpOtgsFtZbn1qg4_E5_M9VaX0=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtrn6OUufYS4JylxCFab1Kl0ClOePxUKyXbQmBvpjSECg4lUVmMHxImpOefjvLrIgWwSDAxOEhuu1R9l8At8D_KsGqOaNzIHjIbGPlqj4R069SOqyUbOGZzuJyzKCEMx7F6mX9zDLktL9zcWn9nBD3iSu3qIeEqWBCpOtgsFtZbn1qg4_E5_M9VaX0=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>The Christmas season is literally the darkest time of the year and so we often celebrate with lights and warmth and feasting to counteract the darkness. However, that darkness also manifests in the sense of loneliness and melancholy that many experience during the season. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMKTpVgJ3dw2d0ZiaQZu6hJSCfMsrh2IxiTA38IZ1YGpg3witX3gKQv2kXn_MVCOITmLEwmiq14QII_przeyCLCjWmrmxeQTlMa_JNG7GsNbLYbXljBgH2p-L_w8pGUEaFplpG-JuhZZx1f4UqXcOrE71rQ_Z9OAhed4MmO8scUGMNjO69cKhd3Y_X=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMKTpVgJ3dw2d0ZiaQZu6hJSCfMsrh2IxiTA38IZ1YGpg3witX3gKQv2kXn_MVCOITmLEwmiq14QII_przeyCLCjWmrmxeQTlMa_JNG7GsNbLYbXljBgH2p-L_w8pGUEaFplpG-JuhZZx1f4UqXcOrE71rQ_Z9OAhed4MmO8scUGMNjO69cKhd3Y_X=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><p>Moreover, there is a wonderful tradition of ghostly tales and stories associated with the holiday season with which "How the Ghosts Stole Christmas" slots in nicely. There are even some direct references to the granddaddy of all ghostly Christmas tales, <i>A Christmas Carol</i> -- we see a clip of the <a href="https://holidayfilmreviews.blogspot.com/2013/12/scrooge-1951.html" target="_blank">Alistair Sim</a> version of the tale on Mulder's TV late in the episode. Also, corpses under the floorboards really takes the whole tombstone with your name on it thing on it to another level in terms of Christmas Yet To Come!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJFEnH3EInoG9O7VAFSI4kRmfpBgKPoG95vaLuN6VenOsbsTSNRRLQQiwnRLq1mOCKm2KtXSH73U0bDrAiu8j6RfhZiiUVBC3Ax4DIRmT8ytaUn0l6pnIZCrc6sYNE1te24GMb6Z_PLwJ2p_Pi7zunKFknnArtA1zYNJQWUWRlC5UOBDkda7YG3fzy=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJFEnH3EInoG9O7VAFSI4kRmfpBgKPoG95vaLuN6VenOsbsTSNRRLQQiwnRLq1mOCKm2KtXSH73U0bDrAiu8j6RfhZiiUVBC3Ax4DIRmT8ytaUn0l6pnIZCrc6sYNE1te24GMb6Z_PLwJ2p_Pi7zunKFknnArtA1zYNJQWUWRlC5UOBDkda7YG3fzy=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although Maurice and Lyda's analysis of our heroes has some truth to it, the ghosts miss the fact that ultimately Mulder and Scully's friendship/partnership is more important to them than their flaws as individuals. When Mulder and Scully are able to actually communicate (in pools of blood) they are able to overcome the ghosts' head games and make their escape from the haunted mansion. Their ghostly encounter leaves them with a new and deeper appreciation of their friendship and for the spirit of the holiday season. They even exchange gifts with each other -- aww! <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2VbfPZnNvDlVp6Zh-QfSLjk6KtkYhNk4uypaZy2SVGAlvuq0mqkIZ_ngnNkS3ASCwAY1zOtEcGJBxS7Jri1X_8Nm1xXm3RfUOLZvCE29nNoFjZUxoE6E-1iyUhM-bj5EUDx1Ey9RE8zsQU1WCZsda52SV0-Mk5o-SsIfaqy_W7DVvUkKwY6xeeJ0G=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2VbfPZnNvDlVp6Zh-QfSLjk6KtkYhNk4uypaZy2SVGAlvuq0mqkIZ_ngnNkS3ASCwAY1zOtEcGJBxS7Jri1X_8Nm1xXm3RfUOLZvCE29nNoFjZUxoE6E-1iyUhM-bj5EUDx1Ey9RE8zsQU1WCZsda52SV0-Mk5o-SsIfaqy_W7DVvUkKwY6xeeJ0G=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I also guarantee that you will never hear Bing Crosby's version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" in quite the same way after watching this episode. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidMPZ_KT6GHJmue0rvE-frNydyaE0Fi32ZIH0DNLsaDriQJHjcuwGSvYmAqzxQckJ0__R_gLtw7nzkaRMsN5CjTbcu6u2b5DzJC-BfokSDNdx70BkzujIP5NCtDCnx09QXIpBNS0TQBYYLI3J8EJvrKwDCAz516MusbxMlXo3-IsRXVabrHI6TpkVp=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidMPZ_KT6GHJmue0rvE-frNydyaE0Fi32ZIH0DNLsaDriQJHjcuwGSvYmAqzxQckJ0__R_gLtw7nzkaRMsN5CjTbcu6u2b5DzJC-BfokSDNdx70BkzujIP5NCtDCnx09QXIpBNS0TQBYYLI3J8EJvrKwDCAz516MusbxMlXo3-IsRXVabrHI6TpkVp=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>This <i>X-Files</i> episode is heartily recommended -- but not for the faint of heart. </p><p><b>RigbyMel's rating:</b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8qjM78IBaQnHzaskTQKTle-pMguK_wmfEaDQbYbknRbhKpoMYooLdqFOZ7-MS10LP6isZlzqQBgn7b40Z4kpmCdaZTvq_wik4w4uoMpckckQw_AZ2l7hveJi9b-AXLR7IPILx_NhogWNI1gPPQPDvmlJIrIxYQk6jOqQZRqbplTLzbWCR9vwT5atD=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="1024" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8qjM78IBaQnHzaskTQKTle-pMguK_wmfEaDQbYbknRbhKpoMYooLdqFOZ7-MS10LP6isZlzqQBgn7b40Z4kpmCdaZTvq_wik4w4uoMpckckQw_AZ2l7hveJi9b-AXLR7IPILx_NhogWNI1gPPQPDvmlJIrIxYQk6jOqQZRqbplTLzbWCR9vwT5atD=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>4 candy canes! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo_dS3B9sVZbKoMjIfV0tklGrJD7r5ovBe1czCms2cVNKP7PybIstCtg1bjC_x-bfBbKVYiuw7qtfhaM-XtsNYAUIu1RqU9V6ETrTV35OeUEXKsLYuCEvjm4h3Ef9MGMtV0H4K6T6t198m5sQjUFwk_KOToaALmfAH10Gz5MAQSdBJcfc9cFZljFlF=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo_dS3B9sVZbKoMjIfV0tklGrJD7r5ovBe1czCms2cVNKP7PybIstCtg1bjC_x-bfBbKVYiuw7qtfhaM-XtsNYAUIu1RqU9V6ETrTV35OeUEXKsLYuCEvjm4h3Ef9MGMtV0H4K6T6t198m5sQjUFwk_KOToaALmfAH10Gz5MAQSdBJcfc9cFZljFlF=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b>J.A. Morris says:</b></p><p>I'm mostly in agreement with my co-blogger here. <i>The X-Files </i>was a show I usually watched when it aired and I remember enjoying this episode when it premiered. </p><p>I'll echo what RigbyMel said about the light and darkness that are both present during the holiday season. "How The Ghosts Stole Christmas" begins in an extremely dark place, with a story of two lovers who took their lives on Christmas Eve. However, at the end of this episode, Mulder and Scully realize that there is more goodness than darkness in the world and that having each other (even if they drive each other crazy at times) is better than having no one. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkgZWNRG9fD09jz2FEx2BnRz-hjXQo6xsbTHLVouwxBDlJ_x0RprZa-z050GXkIgLXvMpLkppnYPJFzFNp1J4Z9ihHVM8g1Krc6a0CuEgYUdnEBPQ_gl1YNkvrWvvghH9axZCqM-SS0B6mr9vf23tUyV1w624HJoaxNHecUEWCv3tvyMJdWoL6UvkJ=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkgZWNRG9fD09jz2FEx2BnRz-hjXQo6xsbTHLVouwxBDlJ_x0RprZa-z050GXkIgLXvMpLkppnYPJFzFNp1J4Z9ihHVM8g1Krc6a0CuEgYUdnEBPQ_gl1YNkvrWvvghH9axZCqM-SS0B6mr9vf23tUyV1w624HJoaxNHecUEWCv3tvyMJdWoL6UvkJ=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I'm a big fan of both Ed Asner and Lily Tomlin and they're great in "How The Ghosts Stole Christmas." Both actors bring the perfect amount of humor and horror to their characters and they play well off Duchovny and Anderson. <br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPbdpIludN6rKANmDqAQe82SbTkA1XG03Hqpj4clzdZvJNmKULyKjImESrhdZshmcZ7dfZvO0zggLdGHbdGZtW-Q8yHWLOyxT2eiQ5uxa_YsNwjsX5XVZ7aaMeidkdMSsFqDIIDZD2kRrJy4rZeSls53LX1LhY7_0bfc8zVxKy6KeUFS2mksV-YmVu=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPbdpIludN6rKANmDqAQe82SbTkA1XG03Hqpj4clzdZvJNmKULyKjImESrhdZshmcZ7dfZvO0zggLdGHbdGZtW-Q8yHWLOyxT2eiQ5uxa_YsNwjsX5XVZ7aaMeidkdMSsFqDIIDZD2kRrJy4rZeSls53LX1LhY7_0bfc8zVxKy6KeUFS2mksV-YmVu=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br />One thing I noticed while re-watching this episode:there are few traditional Christmas symbols to be found here. No Christmas trees, no Santas, no wreathes, no Nativities. We get a quick glance at Mulder and Scully's Christmas gifts at the end, but that's it. Yet this is most definitely a Christmas episode in every other sense. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBuUYUXD103HhLV3mzyRapZ0Fvk-Z_5Aj-JFw-Z8VwSb4Kep4aBA7UO8NiZf4Kwr-pJSsRV4ea8Ygqk6a34sgm8trv8b7mI5MJ6HCGsqggR_cJiwPTm87O9LqsIcXvlHiu3x4J-p1hpEnnhSi3apah9kz0UmfvPXLBhL01ce1lgtU6D1hS_ZjZpsqP=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBuUYUXD103HhLV3mzyRapZ0Fvk-Z_5Aj-JFw-Z8VwSb4Kep4aBA7UO8NiZf4Kwr-pJSsRV4ea8Ygqk6a34sgm8trv8b7mI5MJ6HCGsqggR_cJiwPTm87O9LqsIcXvlHiu3x4J-p1hpEnnhSi3apah9kz0UmfvPXLBhL01ce1lgtU6D1hS_ZjZpsqP=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">During its run, <i>The X-Files</i> generally had two types of episodes:(1)"The Monster Of The Week" Episodes and (2) Episodes that built on the big conspiracy that lurked in the background of the series. I always preferred the "Monster" episodes and this holiday episode certainly falls into that category.</div><p>"How The Ghosts Stole Christmas" is recommended to all fans of Christmas entertainment who like a little bit of darkness and horror to go with their eggnog and hot chocolate. It's especially recommended for fans of Lily Tomlin and Ed Asner. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU0CnhybP2CMEGe2CD27A4On0Moht2f1Ki54aBr_GDAwCsYhzSKfQgDsKCqaFycCVeCTsdkemlNhs-g465X0D7J8ZH7lpvqa8T53TOlLQ2bCQR0h9cVI2x-DUhtBYnhecuIoSZngIsIiWxeqT4zBDLN7Yd4s1jLAbuD5w0cTs2dViLCI5nyDrnhewn=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU0CnhybP2CMEGe2CD27A4On0Moht2f1Ki54aBr_GDAwCsYhzSKfQgDsKCqaFycCVeCTsdkemlNhs-g465X0D7J8ZH7lpvqa8T53TOlLQ2bCQR0h9cVI2x-DUhtBYnhecuIoSZngIsIiWxeqT4zBDLN7Yd4s1jLAbuD5w0cTs2dViLCI5nyDrnhewn=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b>J.A. Morris' rating:</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZHbzhRDmcYNAaUI0waQ-lkspiAMK_q_ti9mnK5NibsyhWW_bWNvg0VAjDqZmVaKUfTJZ5mpfn5dIU1d7LVNlX4oYOQD_-mK2QF2EShmmW6ULi48K9viVHcuRKhcSJQIvNlvncB53ODTnDHaJesnmXFAaI-xqhmBVnHlX_UBsx2Pfve9ukGPVQW80l=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="1024" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZHbzhRDmcYNAaUI0waQ-lkspiAMK_q_ti9mnK5NibsyhWW_bWNvg0VAjDqZmVaKUfTJZ5mpfn5dIU1d7LVNlX4oYOQD_-mK2QF2EShmmW6ULi48K9viVHcuRKhcSJQIvNlvncB53ODTnDHaJesnmXFAaI-xqhmBVnHlX_UBsx2Pfve9ukGPVQW80l=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /><br />4 candy canes!</p>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-33548027606737075452021-12-05T17:47:00.007-05:002021-12-07T10:50:09.954-05:00Rugrats: "Chanukah"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZ1y5nm-ngU/YZa7pKj3vqI/AAAAAAAArh0/SB4YWbdVc90jyCPmuUEUn0SzVP2tmJ4wQCNcBGAsYHQ/s475/A%2BRugrats%2BChanukah.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="260" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZ1y5nm-ngU/YZa7pKj3vqI/AAAAAAAArh0/SB4YWbdVc90jyCPmuUEUn0SzVP2tmJ4wQCNcBGAsYHQ/w219-h400/A%2BRugrats%2BChanukah.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><br /><p>Premiered December 6, 1996.</p><p>Chanukah has arrived and Tommy Pickles (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0197354/?ref_=tt_cl_t_1" target="_blank">Elizabeth Daily</a>), his cousin Angelica (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0153719/?ref_=tt_cl_t_4" target="_blank">Cheryl Chase</a>) and their friends are a bit confused about what's happening. Tommy's family lights candles and he gets a present every night for several days and he wonders if every night is his birthday. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7lfVvR7rf8/Ya0veeHKsiI/AAAAAAABRVc/RUuuWUlSpfMj_2myf0xV19-53pw0HyZqwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1244/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-5%25E2%2580%259934%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1244" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7lfVvR7rf8/Ya0veeHKsiI/AAAAAAABRVc/RUuuWUlSpfMj_2myf0xV19-53pw0HyZqwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h308/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-5%25E2%2580%259934%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Their grandfather Boris Kropotkin (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0068407/?ref_=tt_cl_t_5" target="_blank">Michael Bell</a>) is appearing in the local synagogue's play, which is titled "The Meaning Of Chanukah." Boris is playing Judah Maccabee, the hero of the Chanukah story. King Antiochus, the villain of Chanukah, will be played by Boris's longtime rival Shlomo (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0277882/?ref_=tt_cl_t_9" target="_blank">Fyvush Finkel)</a>. Boris and Shlomo have known each other since their childhood in Russia and Boris feels Shlomo lords his successful business over him. <br />of the miracle of the oil associated with</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1243" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jnSHGnk_Tw/Ya0wYCtqkEI/AAAAAAABRVk/gAaHd84zW-U_0tqkEGKo-h207x623RbaACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h308/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-3%25E2%2580%259938%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tommy and Angelica's grandparents eat latkes, which symbolize Chanukah's miracle of the oil.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jnSHGnk_Tw/Ya0wYCtqkEI/AAAAAAABRVk/gAaHd84zW-U_0tqkEGKo-h207x623RbaACNcBGAsYHQ/s1243/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-3%25E2%2580%259938%25E2%2580%259D.png"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"></span></a></div><p>When Tommy and friends see Shlomo's photo next to the phrase "Meaning Of Chanukah," they become confused and believe Shlomo is "the meanie of Chanukah!" This makes them worry for Boris' safety.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mv1vUxUw3qU/Ya0wxrJ-V-I/AAAAAAABRVs/bHLnXunO-xAIhXAnVtsRFmOlvT1HkLhSACNcBGAsYHQ/s1244/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-7%25E2%2580%259953%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1244" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mv1vUxUw3qU/Ya0wxrJ-V-I/AAAAAAABRVs/bHLnXunO-xAIhXAnVtsRFmOlvT1HkLhSACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h306/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-7%25E2%2580%259953%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Angelica doesn't want to attend the play, because it will cause her to miss <i>A Very Cynthia Christmas</i>, her favorite holiday special, which airs at the same time as the pageant. Her Aunt Didi (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0153589/?ref_=tt_cl_t_6" target="_blank">Melanie Chartoff</a>) insists she attend the play, but Angelica conspires to find a way to watch the Cynthia special. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1txK5kUCAy0/Ya0ymIfRoKI/AAAAAAABRV0/5LsXWtqC3tQuOiTx6OyDyryt2mk5hrJlgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1280/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-5%25E2%2580%259959%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1txK5kUCAy0/Ya0ymIfRoKI/AAAAAAABRV0/5LsXWtqC3tQuOiTx6OyDyryt2mk5hrJlgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-5%25E2%2580%259959%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Didi's husband Stu (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0727051/?ref_=tt_cl_t_7" target="_blank">Jack Riley</a>) is not Jewish, but he wants to show respect for the Kropotkin family's Chanukah traditions. With this in mind, he builds a giant light-up Menorah and plans to show it off at the Chanukah play. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-darOLMUQiyg/Ya019aewDUI/AAAAAAABRV8/TBlTozZDWhkxb9GrtVd758mC32HXyog6wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1244/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-6%25E2%2580%259930%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1244" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-darOLMUQiyg/Ya019aewDUI/AAAAAAABRV8/TBlTozZDWhkxb9GrtVd758mC32HXyog6wCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h308/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-6%25E2%2580%259930%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>When the family arrives at the synagogue, Boris and Shlomo immediately start arguing. The play gets more complicated when another cast member named Lowell Armstein (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0705118/?ref_=tt_cl_t_12" target="_blank">Alan Rachins</a>) arrives. <br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yo_r4OTYLLw/Ya02oOr8bCI/AAAAAAABRWI/sjF1akIIBVks9wdK0_D91R-oCUnhqwEwwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1245/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-10%25E2%2580%259949%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1245" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yo_r4OTYLLw/Ya02oOr8bCI/AAAAAAABRWI/sjF1akIIBVks9wdK0_D91R-oCUnhqwEwwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h308/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-10%25E2%2580%259949%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Lowell thought he'd be playing King Antiochus, but the Rabbi (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0500038/?ref_=tt_cl_t_11" target="_blank">Ron Liebman</a>) tells Lowell he will be playing "the Village Kvetch." This frustrates Lowell, since he planned to perform a monologue and brought along music to accompany him. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WPDWnpoYQA/Ya03GsmW9AI/AAAAAAABRWU/G0PvYvJZFacVasAOrm7St5jLeEoUfdU-ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1249/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-10%25E2%2580%259920%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1249" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WPDWnpoYQA/Ya03GsmW9AI/AAAAAAABRWU/G0PvYvJZFacVasAOrm7St5jLeEoUfdU-ACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h306/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-10%25E2%2580%259920%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Angelica sneaks away to search for a TV, so she can the Christmas special. She's thwarted when an adult finds her and deposits her in the synagogue's nursery with Tommy and the other kids. <br /><br />Will the Rugrats learn the Meaning Of Chanukah? Will the feud between Shlomo and Boris ruin the Chanukah play? </p><p><b>J.A. Morris says:</b></p><p>Let me state up front that I've been aware of <i>Rugrats</i> since their inception, but I haven't watched many episodes from beginning to end. But I've always liked what I've seen of the show. "Chanukah" is fun holiday episode that provides a nice introduction to Chanukah and the traditions related to the occasion. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fv_RLyqd30Q/Ya055um2oYI/AAAAAAABRWc/2ECcKf_XJ8sTQV-UMYwae4oshAweAMXVwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1239/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-10%25E2%2580%259903%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1239" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fv_RLyqd30Q/Ya055um2oYI/AAAAAAABRWc/2ECcKf_XJ8sTQV-UMYwae4oshAweAMXVwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h308/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-10%25E2%2580%259903%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>I appreciated the resolution to Boris and Shlomo's conflict. Boris was jealous of Shlomo's successful business. We learn that Shlomo was jealous of Boris' family, because he and his wife never had the time to be "blessed with children." Since his wife is now deceased, Shlomo wonders if there's a point to traditions if your loved ones are no longer around. I won't spoil the ending, but since this is an episode of a Nickelodeon series, it won't be shocking to learn that "a Chanukah miracle" occurs. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfu9JRzYMA4/Ya06udUwo-I/AAAAAAABRWk/88VpPfTfevkvn-3-SJsLO8JqC-EjLFBrQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1244/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-12%25E2%2580%259929%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1244" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfu9JRzYMA4/Ya06udUwo-I/AAAAAAABRWk/88VpPfTfevkvn-3-SJsLO8JqC-EjLFBrQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h308/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-12%25E2%2580%259929%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Angelica would rather stay home and watch a Christmas special instead of going to the Chanukah play. On a (possibly) related note, when Stu is driving to the synagogue (with the giant Menorah on top of his car!) he winds up getting stuck in a Christmas parade! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDu2SJjTbLg/Ya07eHyKLsI/AAAAAAABRWs/ssMHCmaUVD4lOCiTDMpRBUAeifiErLTHwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1246/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-10%25E2%2580%259943%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1246" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDu2SJjTbLg/Ya07eHyKLsI/AAAAAAABRWs/ssMHCmaUVD4lOCiTDMpRBUAeifiErLTHwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h308/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-10%25E2%2580%259943%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>I believe these are references to the fact that during the holiday season, many people forget that other traditions exist and that not everyone celebrates Christmas. I would hope "Chanukah" taught younger viewers of <i>Rugrats</i> to understand this and to respect other peoples' beliefs. </p><p>On a lighter note, Lowell Armstein adds some humor to the episode.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJR-kgiGUtY/Ya08trGgjUI/AAAAAAABRW0/q6Pj-buOvNkttKsLilUX4N5JGCArP177QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1244/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-21%25E2%2580%259917%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1244" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJR-kgiGUtY/Ya08trGgjUI/AAAAAAABRW0/q6Pj-buOvNkttKsLilUX4N5JGCArP177QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h306/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-21%25E2%2580%259917%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>I'm glad this episode exists, if for no other reason than because the world could use for more episodes/specials/movies that focus on occasions that aren't Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. This episode also makes me want to watch more episodes of <i>Rugrats</i>, and not just their many holiday episodes!</p><p>"Chanukah" is funny, touching and educational. It's a great introduction to Chanukah and it gets my highest rating.</p><p><b>J.A. Morris' rating:<br /><br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0YGWE427aY/Ya09aXUHRMI/AAAAAAABRW8/he-0GoHwcFoGEOFCb33Drm5dI9zXlDYFwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1024/4%2Bdreidels.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="1024" height="154" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0YGWE427aY/Ya09aXUHRMI/AAAAAAABRW8/he-0GoHwcFoGEOFCb33Drm5dI9zXlDYFwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/4%2Bdreidels.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>4 dreidels!</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKaaOG36haw/Ya0-iiCa91I/AAAAAAABRXM/pwYX9zBuzuEj4FdogrbvnuaHuMzX2tlcgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1240/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-2%25E2%2580%259931%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1240" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKaaOG36haw/Ya0-iiCa91I/AAAAAAABRXM/pwYX9zBuzuEj4FdogrbvnuaHuMzX2tlcgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h308/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-2%25E2%2580%259931%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /><br />RigbyMel says:</b><p></p><p>I've enjoyed watching assorted episodes of <i>Rugrats </i>over the years, but the Chanukah episode was new to me. </p><p>This episode does a good job of telling the story of Chanukah through the eyes of babes. In point of fact, it actually tells the basics of the Chanukah pretty well for adults too. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5Nynq3lzY8/Ya1A74hRngI/AAAAAAABRX8/1WG4hzvHZMg-I6FlKBGkTTbamF3H3YFYwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1242/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-7%25E2%2580%259946%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1242" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5Nynq3lzY8/Ya1A74hRngI/AAAAAAABRX8/1WG4hzvHZMg-I6FlKBGkTTbamF3H3YFYwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h308/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-7%25E2%2580%259946%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I like the way we see the babies imagining themselves in the telling of the story -- including Tommy's great line "A maccababy's gotta do what a maccababy's gotta do" (which plays on the name of Judah Maccabee -- the hero of the original Chanukah story). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQBniehAdBk/Ya096h1G1LI/AAAAAAABRXE/8WoN18DUpf8C6Ovup8dg7IA7ccmUrmWEQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1248/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-19%25E2%2580%259914%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1248" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQBniehAdBk/Ya096h1G1LI/AAAAAAABRXE/8WoN18DUpf8C6Ovup8dg7IA7ccmUrmWEQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h306/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-19%25E2%2580%259914%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I also like the pop up Old Testament stories we see when the babies imagine reading the Torah in secret while Grandma reads the story. <br /><br />One of the appeals of <i>Rugrats </i>for me has always been the wordplay based in childlike (mis)understanding of language. For example, the babies decide that Shlomo is the "meanie of Chanukah" and determine that he should take a nap rather than bully Grandpa Boris. The "meanie of Chanukah" bit is also great in that it plays on the whole "meaning of Christmas" schtick of many a holiday special. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OoJO3c5LDQ8/Ya0_LrSMuFI/AAAAAAABRXU/VCY1pn6kuj4S_qnNqSkokNorqMjlU-SeQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1239/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-18%25E2%2580%259936%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1239" height="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OoJO3c5LDQ8/Ya0_LrSMuFI/AAAAAAABRXU/VCY1pn6kuj4S_qnNqSkokNorqMjlU-SeQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h309/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-18%25E2%2580%259936%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Speaking of holiday specials, bratty Angelica's plan to use the babies' mission to protect Grandpa Boris as a means to watching her Cynthia Christmas program is humorous. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3MTVx_YKXis/Ya0_pvGekHI/AAAAAAABRXc/EE_vczdhKTQdhlv62POAbSgyUVcbyfdWACNcBGAsYHQ/s1248/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-16%25E2%2580%259934%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1248" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3MTVx_YKXis/Ya0_pvGekHI/AAAAAAABRXc/EE_vczdhKTQdhlv62POAbSgyUVcbyfdWACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-16%25E2%2580%259934%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Moreover, in terms of wordplay, Angelica's explanation that Chhhhh-anukah (with extra phlegm) takes place between "Misgiving and Christmas" is delightful and a really good illustration of how this Jewish celebration tends to get lumped in with the other traditions floating around in the ether this time of year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiY4_81diK8/Ya1AUmOwTbI/AAAAAAABRXs/r5Xokv_NVJYeLq3QYQ6cMOzfG171HTUuwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1246/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-18%25E2%2580%259914%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1246" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiY4_81diK8/Ya1AUmOwTbI/AAAAAAABRXs/r5Xokv_NVJYeLq3QYQ6cMOzfG171HTUuwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshotter--AmazoncomWatchRugratsSeason4PrimeVideo-18%25E2%2580%259914%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Rugrats</i> "Chanukah" may well be the very best pop culture explication of Chanukah aimed at children available. It's sweet and gentle telling of the tale has heart and humor and manages to be educational without being didactic. I'd heartily recommend it to anyone -- young or old -- who enjoys holiday programming. </div><p><b>RigbyMel's rating: <br /><br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7n3Qh31oq0/Ya1AgCQn1uI/AAAAAAABRXw/BH_HSOzz7vctaPzcvS65c0EdVXUHMV3SACNcBGAsYHQ/s1024/4%2Bdreidels.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="1024" height="154" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7n3Qh31oq0/Ya1AgCQn1uI/AAAAAAABRXw/BH_HSOzz7vctaPzcvS65c0EdVXUHMV3SACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/4%2Bdreidels.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>4 dreidels!<span> </span></p></div>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-34194642806602629052021-11-18T22:02:00.001-05:002021-11-19T06:06:19.081-05:00The Real Ghostbusters: "The Revenge Of Murray The Mantis" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aFvxDJVJTSo/YZa6WU80ixI/AAAAAAAArhU/SilCy__kDq4eHiv72d7oT3M3niAOctI4ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aFvxDJVJTSo/YZa6WU80ixI/AAAAAAAArhU/SilCy__kDq4eHiv72d7oT3M3niAOctI4ACNcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/poster.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div>Premiered November 2, 1987. </div><br />It's the day before Thanksgiving in New York City. At their headquarters, the Ghostbusters are cleaning their <a href="https://ghostbusters.fandom.com/wiki/Ecto-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ecto-1</a> car so it'll look good when they drive it in in New York's Thanksgiving Day parade. Peter Venkman (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0615718/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lorenzo Music</a>) is looking forward to the parade, since he thinks it'll be a great place for him to meet women. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aFEX581KfmQ/YZa3JO_t6AI/AAAAAAAArfU/GbzJTdCRHcUfYb87d46diWKCv0zD9pn_wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1259/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-2%25E2%2580%259944%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1259" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aFEX581KfmQ/YZa3JO_t6AI/AAAAAAAArfU/GbzJTdCRHcUfYb87d46diWKCv0zD9pn_wCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h304/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-2%25E2%2580%259944%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /><div>Later that evening, a work crew at a warehouse is rushing to finish a balloon in time for the parade. They're being supervised by Anne Lawson (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0384032/?ref_=tt_cl_t_7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amy Hill</a>), one of the organizers of the parade. It's a balloon of Murray The Mantis, star of a cartoon series where he protected a garden from bad guy bugs. Anne is glad the balloon will be ready, but she gets a bit unnerved when she learns the warehouse used to be a morgue. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hn3rMDXIwLo/YZa30UAE0KI/AAAAAAAArfw/rgEz4cn6UHcq2vI352OnWsVAE5ENXF8owCNcBGAsYHQ/s1259/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-4%25E2%2580%259918%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1259" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hn3rMDXIwLo/YZa30UAE0KI/AAAAAAAArfw/rgEz4cn6UHcq2vI352OnWsVAE5ENXF8owCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h304/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-4%25E2%2580%259918%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>At the parade, Egon (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005606/?ref_=tt_cl_t_2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maurice LaMarche</a>) and Ray (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0919798/?ref_=tt_cl_t_5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frank Welker</a>) are excited to see the Murray balloon, since they're big fans of the cartoon. Venkman, on the hand, has never heard of Murray or his show. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeJuGj4Iqpo/YZa4L_KFQrI/AAAAAAAArgA/g-8ahK_y9D4mchGAYKkg3uO81CAA_QUlACNcBGAsYHQ/s1250/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-9%25E2%2580%259903%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1250" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeJuGj4Iqpo/YZa4L_KFQrI/AAAAAAAArgA/g-8ahK_y9D4mchGAYKkg3uO81CAA_QUlACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h297/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-9%25E2%2580%259903%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The parade is going well until suddenly, the Murray balloon turns into an actual giant Praying Mantis!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qySx2sF4dL0/YZa3-t4i38I/AAAAAAAArf4/VdKLsOyeZNgdlM_Kfo7zzo8altYK_tXqwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1261/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-15%25E2%2580%259957%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="1261" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qySx2sF4dL0/YZa3-t4i38I/AAAAAAAArf4/VdKLsOyeZNgdlM_Kfo7zzo8altYK_tXqwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-15%25E2%2580%259957%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>It wrecks the parade and sends spectators fleeing in terror. The Ghostbusters snap into action and attack the big bug. Ann informs them the Murray balloon was made in a building that was once a morgue. Ray figures that the balloon must have picked up "death force energy" from the old morgue, which made it come to life. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LaP-M2I2fFk/YZa4VR-dh0I/AAAAAAAArgI/cpV8SLFujHcB-OiTiiJj19ci2Ljx7ZntgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1242/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-10%25E2%2580%259942%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1242" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LaP-M2I2fFk/YZa4VR-dh0I/AAAAAAAArgI/cpV8SLFujHcB-OiTiiJj19ci2Ljx7ZntgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h304/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-10%25E2%2580%259942%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>After chasing the mantis to Central Park, the Ghostbusters realize they won't be able to defeat Murray by themselves. Winston Zeddemore (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002119/?ref_=tt_cl_t_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arsenio Hall</a>) says if they want to take down Murray, they'll need help from "the Big Guy "- The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man! The Ghostbusters stopped Stay Puft from destroying New York (as seen in the <i>Ghostbusters</i> movie) and he's been held captive in their containment unit ever since. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcdnKBrIEQY/YZa4gVQUA0I/AAAAAAAArgQ/ICOrcK6fdd4POU-D9csF1mGDINrBfOQHgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1264/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-6%25E2%2580%259931%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="1264" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcdnKBrIEQY/YZa4gVQUA0I/AAAAAAAArgQ/ICOrcK6fdd4POU-D9csF1mGDINrBfOQHgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-6%25E2%2580%259931%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>If they release Stay Puft, he might be able to help them beat Murray. However, there's also a possibility that he could destroy the city. Is it worth the risk? </div><div><br />Will Murray The Mantis ruin Thanksgiving?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>J.A. Morris says:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This is a solid Thanksgiving episode of a good 1980s cartoon. In <a href="https://holidayfilmreviews.blogspot.com/2018/11/friendsthe-one-where-underdog-gets-away.html" target="_blank">earlier reviews</a>, we/ve talked about how the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade is just a big as part of Thanksgiving Day as turkey, pumpkin pie and cranberries. "The Revenge Of Murray The Mantis" puts its entire focus on the parade and we don't get the usual Thanksgiving tropes like culinary disasters or annoying relatives. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGNBs0icOV4/YZa5cLvkBkI/AAAAAAAArgs/7UXkhxsOB3QSq_dA4p1dJ4D3RACkWPWygCNcBGAsYHQ/s1255/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-11%25E2%2580%259939%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1255" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGNBs0icOV4/YZa5cLvkBkI/AAAAAAAArgs/7UXkhxsOB3QSq_dA4p1dJ4D3RACkWPWygCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-11%25E2%2580%259939%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The story here is pretty basic Ghostbusters stuff. A parade balloon comes to life, animated by "death energy" and the Ghostbusters jump into action to stop it. The addition of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man makes the episode feel more connected with the original theatrical film, something you can't say about every episode. Slimer, another ghost who appeared in the movie also helps them control Stay Puft. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CSwnNxR3T98/YZa5ii8ECAI/AAAAAAAArgw/IKANhK_L4fQKwngaqzILUpcSwjHv--bDQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1263/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-11%25E2%2580%259937%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1263" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CSwnNxR3T98/YZa5ii8ECAI/AAAAAAAArgw/IKANhK_L4fQKwngaqzILUpcSwjHv--bDQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h297/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-11%25E2%2580%259937%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>When I was a kid, there always seemed to be balloons that featured characters who had fallen into obscurity and my only point of reference for them was the Macy's parade. <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057763/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Linus The Lion Hearted</a> is a good example. I believe Murray is meant to represent cartoon characters who have faded from public memory, since Peter Venkman has never heard of Murray or his old cartoon. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6vpt8-VNjc/YZa5-ZKj2DI/AAAAAAAArhA/MSWA6lIau546Sy-RzmaSlRctOEmpVC3qACNcBGAsYHQ/s1259/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-5%25E2%2580%259910%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="1259" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6vpt8-VNjc/YZa5-ZKj2DI/AAAAAAAArhA/MSWA6lIau546Sy-RzmaSlRctOEmpVC3qACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-5%25E2%2580%259910%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><i>The Real Ghostbusters</i> featured a great voice cast and they all do fine work here, even if they don't sound much like their movie counterparts. Frank Welker does double-duty as Ray Stantz and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slimer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slimer</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRkxrMdGRWE/YZa6FrbK3GI/AAAAAAAArhE/KlpsMWflDisTeo2qw3soGmnurxE64D30gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1251/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-18%25E2%2580%259928%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1251" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRkxrMdGRWE/YZa6FrbK3GI/AAAAAAAArhE/KlpsMWflDisTeo2qw3soGmnurxE64D30gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-18%25E2%2580%259928%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>If I had any problems with "The Revenge Of Murray The Mantis," it's that the series' low budget undermines the story, especially its action scenes. The episode features a fight between Murray and Stay Puft, two giant monstrous characters. However, we don't really ever see both characters in the same shot. The closest we get to seeing Murray and Stay Puft onscreen simultaneously is when Ray watches them through his binoculars. I understand it's a cheap cartoon from more than 30 years ago, but it's still disappointing. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jB3cYw3IYUs/YZa6OJXkuEI/AAAAAAAArhM/VmiDtR97-Fs7dXmDm1DczNM2WU2ZPc0qACNcBGAsYHQ/s1280/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-18%25E2%2580%259915%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jB3cYw3IYUs/YZa6OJXkuEI/AAAAAAAArhM/VmiDtR97-Fs7dXmDm1DczNM2WU2ZPc0qACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-18%25E2%2580%259915%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>"The Revenge Of Murray The Mantis" is an enjoyable tribute to the Macy's parade that features likeable characters, fun action scenes and great voice-acting. It's recommended to all fans of the parade and especially recommended to Ghostbusters fans.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>J.A. Morris' rating:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmeFg6XY4a4/YZcLr4zbx7I/AAAAAAABQ6g/MgNPHyrfiro2logwtTeyrQKXKehI6QiEACLcBGAsYHQ/s291/3%2Bpumpkin%2Bpies.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="291" height="118" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmeFg6XY4a4/YZcLr4zbx7I/AAAAAAABQ6g/MgNPHyrfiro2logwtTeyrQKXKehI6QiEACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h118/3%2Bpumpkin%2Bpies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /><br />3 pumpkin pies.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gzXiZiqunEU/YZa4oUyozXI/AAAAAAAArgY/ufMhaWYXlZcQQQBzMyOKScgn9wYombqNwCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/ghostbusters%2Btitle%2Bcard.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="400" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gzXiZiqunEU/YZa4oUyozXI/AAAAAAAArgY/ufMhaWYXlZcQQQBzMyOKScgn9wYombqNwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/ghostbusters%2Btitle%2Bcard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><b><br />RigbyMel says:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I remember watching a fair bit of <i>The Real Ghostbusters </i>back in the mists of the 1980s, partly because my youngest brother was really into the show, but I have no memory at all of seeing this Thanksgiving themed episode until checking it out in recent years. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9hU51XCizQ/YZa6fF7ViUI/AAAAAAAArhc/DzE5jgmoCowEjh83d9uRjj_u4MhjFfnUACNcBGAsYHQ/s1252/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-20%25E2%2580%259955%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1252" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9hU51XCizQ/YZa6fF7ViUI/AAAAAAAArhc/DzE5jgmoCowEjh83d9uRjj_u4MhjFfnUACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h304/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-20%25E2%2580%259955%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The action essentially boils down to the Thanksgiving day parade being interrupted by a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaiju" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kaiju</a> battle between the possessed Murray The Mantis balloon and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. High concept!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dcAkwU-sAE/YZa6k4K9B7I/AAAAAAAArhg/WuEgsyMSM4wxmhqpiY2AQbBc8zMORZEegCNcBGAsYHQ/s1241/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-19%25E2%2580%259947%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1241" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dcAkwU-sAE/YZa6k4K9B7I/AAAAAAAArhg/WuEgsyMSM4wxmhqpiY2AQbBc8zMORZEegCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h304/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-19%25E2%2580%259947%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I like the balloon/kaiju mayhem idea very much but, as J.A. Morris points out above, I do feel that the low-rent animation makes the overall impact a bit...underwhelming. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMFBiFKZXLY/YZa6toGtpyI/AAAAAAAArhk/ktRCcRbEJn0AdEgFPRGliyIYImCt9GOQwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1257/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-1%25E2%2580%259956%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1257" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMFBiFKZXLY/YZa6toGtpyI/AAAAAAAArhk/ktRCcRbEJn0AdEgFPRGliyIYImCt9GOQwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h304/Screenshotter--WatchTheRealGhostbusters-Volume6PrimeVideo-1%25E2%2580%259956%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Still, "The Revenge of Murray The Mantis" is enjoyable enough to appeal to Thanksgiving day parade and Ghostbusters fans alike, even if it's not a "classic."</div><div><br /></div><div><b>RigbyMel's rating:</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9E-mC5nK4g/YZcMDZx7QlI/AAAAAAABQ6o/8diSDmEkLI8m8qbZZQoNv8c50NVhJYiPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s246/2%2Band%2Ba%2Bhalf%2Bpumpkin%2Bpies.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="246" height="140" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9E-mC5nK4g/YZcMDZx7QlI/AAAAAAABQ6o/8diSDmEkLI8m8qbZZQoNv8c50NVhJYiPwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h140/2%2Band%2Ba%2Bhalf%2Bpumpkin%2Bpies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />2 and a half pumpkin pies.</div></div>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-49678234770050514372021-11-02T20:46:00.001-04:002021-11-02T20:46:05.717-04:00The Book of Life <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0fnxF9vkBtc/Wd5SmTua4iI/AAAAAAAAqeg/MZKXTRqQybIXWQbWgD3f1Yhq4hmpIqy2gCLcBGAs/s1600/book_of_life_ver3_xlg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1012" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0fnxF9vkBtc/Wd5SmTua4iI/AAAAAAAAqeg/MZKXTRqQybIXWQbWgD3f1Yhq4hmpIqy2gCLcBGAs/s400/book_of_life_ver3_xlg.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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Premiered October 17, 2014.<div><br /></div><div>In the small Mexican town of San Angel, three childhood best friends musically inclined Manolo, free spirited Maria and aspiring hero Joaquin have adventures and get into mischief on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Day of the Dead</a>. There are also the stirrings of a love triangle as Joaquin and Manolo compete for Maria's attention. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVE3SEwyPws/YYHTKVz2eOI/AAAAAAABP1w/Q91dxKJXLsIOBx5XPtlr4uA289mL0vQNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2712/Screenshot%2B%25281684%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="2712" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVE3SEwyPws/YYHTKVz2eOI/AAAAAAABP1w/Q91dxKJXLsIOBx5XPtlr4uA289mL0vQNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h171/Screenshot%2B%25281684%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>They are observed by two gods La Muerte (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0215487/?ref_=tt_cl_t_7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kate del Castillo</a>), who rules the Land of the Remembered and Xibalba (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000579/?ref_=tt_cl_t_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ron Perlman</a>), ruler of the Land of the Forgotten. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKLvDiPp9Ss/YYHXutX9gfI/AAAAAAABP2I/hi73iAMKJsQatw9rtccRDuHhXpaEN048QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2711/Screenshot%2B%25281688%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="2711" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKLvDiPp9Ss/YYHXutX9gfI/AAAAAAABP2I/hi73iAMKJsQatw9rtccRDuHhXpaEN048QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h171/Screenshot%2B%25281688%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The two supernatural beings decide to make a wager over which of the two young men will eventually marry Maria. La Muerte backs the kind-hearted Manolo, while Xibalba prefers the bold Joaquin. If Manolo wins Maria's hand, Xibalba agrees to stop interfering in the lives of mortals, but if she marries Joaquin, La Muerte will have to swap realms with Xibalba. Xibalba decides to cheat a bit and secretly provides Joaquin the Medal of Everlasting Life which grants invincibility to its owner. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YeEdsUet_NM/YYHYIRrmn0I/AAAAAAABP2Q/Rcmfh-2dPgA9XPr1uTLFEQBfY7eMJFUNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2729/Screenshot%2B%25281698%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2729" height="169" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YeEdsUet_NM/YYHYIRrmn0I/AAAAAAABP2Q/Rcmfh-2dPgA9XPr1uTLFEQBfY7eMJFUNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h169/Screenshot%2B%25281698%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>After an incident where the children cause mayhem by freeing animals destined for slaughter, Maria's father General Posada (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0016141/?ref_=tt_cl_t_10" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carlos Alazraqui</a>) decides to send her to Spain to be educated. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GT3LYWT0QHo/YYHYa9drbSI/AAAAAAABP2Y/LaOLmHohlJAmiha7p8Tt4qsFi1AiFoQJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2711/Screenshot%2B%25281705%2529a.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="2711" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GT3LYWT0QHo/YYHYa9drbSI/AAAAAAABP2Y/LaOLmHohlJAmiha7p8Tt4qsFi1AiFoQJwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h171/Screenshot%2B%25281705%2529a.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Several years pass and Joaquin (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1475594/?ref_=tt_cl_t_3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Channing Tatum</a>) has grown up to become a military hero (with aid from Xibalba's gift). </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkFYLELKwyE/YYHYt1YHbpI/AAAAAAABP2g/dK8uMePmlzwpgyYRrGfqrWTWxwHKtLG6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2725/1720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="2725" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkFYLELKwyE/YYHYt1YHbpI/AAAAAAABP2g/dK8uMePmlzwpgyYRrGfqrWTWxwHKtLG6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h170/1720.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Meanwhile Manolo (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0526019/?ref_=tt_cl_t_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Diego Luna</a>) has trained to follow in his family tradition and become a bullfighter. He would much rather follow his musical aspirations, but his father Carlos (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001185/?ref_=tt_cl_t_8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hector Elizondo</a>) disapproves. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUqu4qbZF8Q/YYHY_bQlSuI/AAAAAAABP2o/j3KlJ_neXRQD0pWBn6rFCohmiW5tkbZAACLcBGAsYHQ/s2686/Screenshot%2B%25281719%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="2686" height="175" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUqu4qbZF8Q/YYHY_bQlSuI/AAAAAAABP2o/j3KlJ_neXRQD0pWBn6rFCohmiW5tkbZAACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h175/Screenshot%2B%25281719%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Maria (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0757855/?ref_=tt_cl_t_2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zoe Saldana</a>) has returned from Spain a well educated and accomplished young woman. She arrives back in San Angel just in time to see Manolo's first bullfight. Manolo defeats the bull, but refuses to kill it, infuriating his father and impressing Maria. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SEqgMgdsnJo/YYHZHJW9ZoI/AAAAAAABP2s/HLqwSBP1tqYMjPul9oPLd8gGJZReBjeKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2714/Screenshot%2B%25281717%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="2714" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SEqgMgdsnJo/YYHZHJW9ZoI/AAAAAAABP2s/HLqwSBP1tqYMjPul9oPLd8gGJZReBjeKACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h171/Screenshot%2B%25281717%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>However, Maria's father pressures her to marry Joaquin in order to ensure that San Angel is protected from the bandit Chakal (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1862412/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dan Navarro</a>). </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5i7i6AN6wNk/YYG-OuJUO4I/AAAAAAABP00/SfnlLddz2JUIOycX0oFolKUPHvCv3jkXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2713/Screenshot%2B%25281751%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="2713" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5i7i6AN6wNk/YYG-OuJUO4I/AAAAAAABP00/SfnlLddz2JUIOycX0oFolKUPHvCv3jkXgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h171/Screenshot%2B%25281751%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Both Manolo and Joaquin compete for Maria's affections, but it seems that she and Manolo are destined to be together. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koN1nNmX18k/YYHRJJ6zIhI/AAAAAAABP1Q/rqCf4xUvkJsOGsjAwbZ5O8dqc643lePewCLcBGAsYHQ/s2706/Screenshot%2B%25281730%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="2706" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koN1nNmX18k/YYHRJJ6zIhI/AAAAAAABP1Q/rqCf4xUvkJsOGsjAwbZ5O8dqc643lePewCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h171/Screenshot%2B%25281730%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>As the young couple profess their love (on the Day of the Dead), Xibalba - not wanting to lose his bet - sends a two headed snake to bite Maria, apparently killing her! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxzZMNu0ba8/YYHRYg72RUI/AAAAAAABP1U/33IWEAaNpHgP5W7fqjkjksohgF9dy2-1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2711/Screenshot%2B%25281732%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="2711" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxzZMNu0ba8/YYHRYg72RUI/AAAAAAABP1U/33IWEAaNpHgP5W7fqjkjksohgF9dy2-1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h171/Screenshot%2B%25281732%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Manolo is devastated by Maria's apparent death and allows Xibalba's snake to bite him twice, in the belief that he will be reunited with his love in death. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qU6Ct0Eu3ik/YYHRoD4eoLI/AAAAAAABP1c/ujwGbZgmTpwdWZ726nzMk0v4xDbpTrIDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2695/Screenshot%2B%25281734%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1167" data-original-width="2695" height="174" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qU6Ct0Eu3ik/YYHRoD4eoLI/AAAAAAABP1c/ujwGbZgmTpwdWZ726nzMk0v4xDbpTrIDgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h174/Screenshot%2B%25281734%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Manolo finds himself in the Land of the Remembered where he is reunited with his deceased mother and many other relatives but Maria is nowhere to be found! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOJIr8hYX40/YYHXd8PPbrI/AAAAAAABP2A/-VDAtL0dCTMmMP3BxNpLYVQLvEq4TSTOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2711/Screenshot%2B%25281743%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="2711" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOJIr8hYX40/YYHXd8PPbrI/AAAAAAABP2A/-VDAtL0dCTMmMP3BxNpLYVQLvEq4TSTOgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h171/Screenshot%2B%25281743%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>They travel to La Muerte's palace, but encounter Xibalba - who smugly explains that he won the bet with La Muerte and reveals that Maria did NOT die from the snake bite (she was only bitten once, but Manolo was bitten twice). </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzSIEXrsfn4/YYHZpy_juUI/AAAAAAABP28/Z8S4Ne-fcD8WUCKldNch3NOwu2y8-wB2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2715/Screenshot%2B%25281747%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="2715" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzSIEXrsfn4/YYHZpy_juUI/AAAAAAABP28/Z8S4Ne-fcD8WUCKldNch3NOwu2y8-wB2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h170/Screenshot%2B%25281747%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Manolo must journey through multiple realms where he encounters the Candle Maker (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001084/?ref_=tt_cl_t_6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ice Cube</a>) and La Muerte. In order to have a chance at being restored to life, he will have to face Xibalba's trickery as well as his greatest fears. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qNIftBuyig/YYHbWPW5QDI/AAAAAAABP3w/d4NHKeTjwH4C9lQJPECXGwQOOXuEB70RgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2705/Screenshot%2B%25281739%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="2705" height="173" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qNIftBuyig/YYHbWPW5QDI/AAAAAAABP3w/d4NHKeTjwH4C9lQJPECXGwQOOXuEB70RgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h173/Screenshot%2B%25281739%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Back in the mortal world, Maria and Joaquin are about to be married when the ceremony is interrupted by the Bandit Chakal and his thugs. Chakal is seeking the Medal of Everlasting Life for himself and is willing to destroy the whole town to get it. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2ygqGjGLuA/YYHbeRasDgI/AAAAAAABP30/KjVlR-b9c_Akt7Cv__nXjCw9-IZ0o_XQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2726/Screenshot%2B%25281696%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="2726" height="169" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2ygqGjGLuA/YYHbeRasDgI/AAAAAAABP30/KjVlR-b9c_Akt7Cv__nXjCw9-IZ0o_XQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h169/Screenshot%2B%25281696%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Will Manolo succeed in his quest through the afterlife? Will the citizens of San Angel save their town from destruction? Will La Muerte learn of Xibalba's interference with their bet? </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5QHaqxa_ceQ/YYHZb42dGsI/AAAAAAABP24/aqcKFdsoOLsdgEin1Vxu5zBpS0B8sunewCLcBGAsYHQ/s2722/Screenshot%2B%25281681%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="2722" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5QHaqxa_ceQ/YYHZb42dGsI/AAAAAAABP24/aqcKFdsoOLsdgEin1Vxu5zBpS0B8sunewCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h170/Screenshot%2B%25281681%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>RigbyMel says: </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Being a big fan of animation and of movies having to do with holidays, I went to see <i>The Book of Life </i>in first run with my esteemed co-blogger. We enjoyed it then and continue to enjoy it. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6z9-R1zXjI/YYHZ7RBgGOI/AAAAAAABP3I/06Sw3vpZRE48HQXuvbvu4HhDalxnwz0CgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2713/Screenshot%2B%25281741%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="2713" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6z9-R1zXjI/YYHZ7RBgGOI/AAAAAAABP3I/06Sw3vpZRE48HQXuvbvu4HhDalxnwz0CgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h171/Screenshot%2B%25281741%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The movie serves as a lovely way to teach children -- and adults -- about the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvN-SP5GlvA/YYHaPvbOBcI/AAAAAAABP3Q/n8lGKYtFVaIJjt40SHsiRXtdpAltet22wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2705/Screenshot%2B%25281695%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="2705" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvN-SP5GlvA/YYHaPvbOBcI/AAAAAAABP3Q/n8lGKYtFVaIJjt40SHsiRXtdpAltet22wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h171/Screenshot%2B%25281695%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The idea of teaching and learning also manifests in the film's framing device which involves a museum docent (voiced by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000775/?ref_=tt_cl_t_5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christina Applegate</a>) telling the story to some mildly delinquent kids who are on a field trip. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWysB0blpiQ/YYHacUTs2UI/AAAAAAABP3U/8ErymldaGsM9yK50EDQ3VmtywyOqolihACLcBGAsYHQ/s2707/Screenshot%2B%25281675%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="2707" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWysB0blpiQ/YYHacUTs2UI/AAAAAAABP3U/8ErymldaGsM9yK50EDQ3VmtywyOqolihACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h171/Screenshot%2B%25281675%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The movie also happens to be quite visually stunning with a saturated color palate and nods to Mexican folk art and <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zdj78hv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dia de los Muertos imagery</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzYXFK7Rjgc/YYHS0yr7OBI/AAAAAAABP1o/1j8usUZC098Wz12Rin7QKOVWqES049y4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2705/Screenshot%2B%25281735%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="2705" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzYXFK7Rjgc/YYHS0yr7OBI/AAAAAAABP1o/1j8usUZC098Wz12Rin7QKOVWqES049y4gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h171/Screenshot%2B%25281735%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The characters are stylized to look like wooden puppets and a few even bear a resemblance to Picasso's cubist paintings. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGA1ezvzBYw/YYHW10OklsI/AAAAAAABP14/U5temkbUkPUe4bQPN0eaAkKzQgum5eZDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2708/Screenshot%2B%25281709%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="2708" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGA1ezvzBYw/YYHW10OklsI/AAAAAAABP14/U5temkbUkPUe4bQPN0eaAkKzQgum5eZDwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h171/Screenshot%2B%25281709%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I also quite like that the female characters are strong and capable and there to push the action along rather than just needing to be rescued all the time. Maria is fiercely independent, an animal rights activist, and skilled at both word and sword play. La Muerte is a badass anthropomorphic personification of death and her wager is most definitely an inciting incident. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6aBJfcPrUoU/YYHapnN-pXI/AAAAAAABP3c/vgfgWxxkWe01QuR0dm8whlwOe2nhgcJFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2713/Screenshot%2B%25281749%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="2713" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6aBJfcPrUoU/YYHapnN-pXI/AAAAAAABP3c/vgfgWxxkWe01QuR0dm8whlwOe2nhgcJFQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h171/Screenshot%2B%25281749%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>My only real complaint involves the interpolation of pop songs into the early 20th century setting of the main story, which I found a bit irritating. That being said, yay for Diego Luna doing his own singing in the film. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFKXxTd9wCA/YYHa3Q0RWQI/AAAAAAABP3k/1XZ9rzhLDggb5Q33fwoJg5Nk0YnH_aVDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2713/Screenshot%2B%25281674%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="2713" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFKXxTd9wCA/YYHa3Q0RWQI/AAAAAAABP3k/1XZ9rzhLDggb5Q33fwoJg5Nk0YnH_aVDQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h171/Screenshot%2B%25281674%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, <i>The Book of Life </i>tells an engaging story and works well as a gateway to learning more about the Day of the Dead as well as aspects of Mexican culture in general. It's worth watching if you are a fan of holiday films and gorgeous animation. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>RigbyMel's rating: <br /><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8_ePIyL_Gac/YYG4dsZ05BI/AAAAAAABP0s/NqnAUErBSqUxZbZLyu0GxHtPnhLLpqqgACLcBGAsYHQ/s759/3%2Bsugar%2Bskulls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="759" height="144" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8_ePIyL_Gac/YYG4dsZ05BI/AAAAAAABP0s/NqnAUErBSqUxZbZLyu0GxHtPnhLLpqqgACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3%2Bsugar%2Bskulls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>.5</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>3.5 sugar skulls </div>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-84438349837631984452021-10-31T10:58:00.000-04:002021-11-01T10:58:26.683-04:00Muppets Haunted Mansion<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AV59pVfcxD4/YXbMFWeL-II/AAAAAAABPiM/Vso7G2VNHkwcUSyIR-tf2DGkEX15ZNCgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/haunted%2Bmansion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1639" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AV59pVfcxD4/YXbMFWeL-II/AAAAAAABPiM/Vso7G2VNHkwcUSyIR-tf2DGkEX15ZNCgwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h400/haunted%2Bmansion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Premiered October 8, 2021.<p></p><p>One hundred years ago, on All Hallows' Eve, the a magician known as the Great MacGuffin disappeared in a haunted mansion. In the present day, on Halloween night, Gonzo The Great (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0324397/?ref_=tt_cl_t_5" target="_blank">Dave Goelz</a>) and his friend Pepe the King Prawn (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0057321/?ref_=tt_cl_i_6" target="_blank">Bill Barretta</a>) are participating in a fear challenge in the very same mansion, which is believed to be the most haunted mansion in the world. Gonzo is especially excited about this, since MacGuffin is his favorite magician. Pepe is along for the ride because he believes the mansion will be filled with partying celebrities.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8HEMDv2QEQ/YX8HGu1OTTI/AAAAAAABPuk/d9I3azUkkGAZhDVN-qKis1qu4suldcUOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-0%25E2%2580%259939%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8HEMDv2QEQ/YX8HGu1OTTI/AAAAAAABPuk/d9I3azUkkGAZhDVN-qKis1qu4suldcUOgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-0%25E2%2580%259939%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></p><p>At the same time, their friends Kermit the frog (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0900934/?ref_=tt_cl_t_8" target="_blank">Matt Vogel</a>) and Miss Piggy (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1129383/?ref_=tt_cl_t_7" target="_blank">Eric Jacobson</a>) are hosting the Muppets' annual costume party. They're disappointed Gonzo and Pepe won't be attending. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKDfZCyNWe4/YX8MInZhHGI/AAAAAAABPvE/NC8Hu-1PiK0jLr740Uxi5Am7p1b-mWh1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2508/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-1%25E2%2580%259907%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKDfZCyNWe4/YX8MInZhHGI/AAAAAAABPvE/NC8Hu-1PiK0jLr740Uxi5Am7p1b-mWh1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h200/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-1%25E2%2580%259907%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Upon arrival at the mansion, Pepe and Gonzo are greeted by the caretaker (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2023050/?ref_=tt_cl_t_3" target="_blank">Darren Criss</a>) and several ghosts. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdiMLd4xh4Q/YX8HkGZFsjI/AAAAAAABPus/dqjb1nhy1JQ7xc9mvMyGxln517QhEfNoACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-5%25E2%2580%259950%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdiMLd4xh4Q/YX8HkGZFsjI/AAAAAAABPus/dqjb1nhy1JQ7xc9mvMyGxln517QhEfNoACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h200/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-5%25E2%2580%259950%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Inside, they meet their "Ghost Host" (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004715/?ref_=tt_cl_t_1" target="_blank">Will Arnett</a>), who gives them a tour of the mansion and explains the terms of the challenge: Inside the mansion's walls, they must face all their fears bravely. Pepe and Gonzo must stay in the mansion all night but if they fail to do so, they will be trapped inside forever! The host says the house is filled with spirits that will respond to their "sympathetic vibrations." </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owtdOMwuVuw/YX8_LtBbVyI/AAAAAAABPwU/FvAboG5lsS8Zs6gZBKhu0usJrK_GRSs0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-7%25E2%2580%259901%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="2048" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owtdOMwuVuw/YX8_LtBbVyI/AAAAAAABPwU/FvAboG5lsS8Zs6gZBKhu0usJrK_GRSs0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h201/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-7%25E2%2580%259901%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Throughout the evening, they will encounter lots of interesting characters, including:</p><p>Madam Pigota, the spirit of a psychic medium who speaks in rhymes. She gives clues to Gonzo and Pepe that may help them find a way out of the mansion.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-878C2NS61ro/YX8_czZKmTI/AAAAAAABPwc/7nBQL4fuWJMyQW0TClmME3Zn05dCSc2nQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2508/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-15%25E2%2580%259956%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-878C2NS61ro/YX8_czZKmTI/AAAAAAABPwc/7nBQL4fuWJMyQW0TClmME3Zn05dCSc2nQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h200/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-15%25E2%2580%259956%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Gauzey the Hat Box Bear (Eric Jacobson), a comedian who performs at the mansion's vaudeville show.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZAXHpcY_z8/YX8_tkryd5I/AAAAAAABPwk/pb_gLNzRp3Qemr6VikDFJk5Z53chzCSIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-20%25E2%2580%259938%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="2048" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZAXHpcY_z8/YX8_tkryd5I/AAAAAAABPwk/pb_gLNzRp3Qemr6VikDFJk5Z53chzCSIgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h201/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-20%25E2%2580%259938%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Constance Hathaway (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0378245/?ref_=tt_cl_t_2" target="_blank">Taraji P. Henson</a>), who tells Pepe she wants to marry him. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1kOfl7lMhc/YX8__PcGcYI/AAAAAAABPws/yFG-Ly_8JfcLd1X_RMwYRCfd8FgyTm85ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2516/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-31%25E2%2580%259931%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="2516" height="199" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1kOfl7lMhc/YX8__PcGcYI/AAAAAAABPws/yFG-Ly_8JfcLd1X_RMwYRCfd8FgyTm85ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h199/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-31%25E2%2580%259931%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>And <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001764/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" target="_blank">John Stamos</a>! <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XyEqw9-k-j8/YX9AM9Fci5I/AAAAAAABPww/lZCr6UEy1Qg1icbthc1s8IesJ2MLUpmxACLcBGAsYHQ/s2509/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-13%25E2%2580%259947%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="2509" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XyEqw9-k-j8/YX9AM9Fci5I/AAAAAAABPww/lZCr6UEy1Qg1icbthc1s8IesJ2MLUpmxACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h200/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-13%25E2%2580%259947%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Unbeknownst to Pepe, Constance has killed all five of her previous husbands and their ghosts are now stuck in the mansion. She plans to kill Pepe after marrying him. Gonzo figures this out and tries to intervene.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YTpQG04OhPA/YX9Biv1_DwI/AAAAAAABPw8/5fKYKZmc4sQ9QFDhBgZda1BgmP5jZ7dmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-32%25E2%2580%259900%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="2048" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YTpQG04OhPA/YX9Biv1_DwI/AAAAAAABPw8/5fKYKZmc4sQ9QFDhBgZda1BgmP5jZ7dmgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h201/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-32%25E2%2580%259900%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>However, Gonzo has his own problems. The ghost host informs him that if he wants to survive the night, he must go to room 999. Inside that room, Gonzo must face his greatest fear.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jRmLrXAkYbw/YX9B2drXA9I/AAAAAAABPxE/1wwS5VD-A5AeWrrtgoQcAUT5ZMAebF5GQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-23%25E2%2580%259916%25E2%2580%259D%2B%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="2048" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jRmLrXAkYbw/YX9B2drXA9I/AAAAAAABPxE/1wwS5VD-A5AeWrrtgoQcAUT5ZMAebF5GQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h201/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-23%25E2%2580%259916%25E2%2580%259D%2B%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Will Gonzo and Pepe make it through the night? Or will they be trapped in the Haunted Mansion forever?</p><p><b>J.A. Morris says: </b></p><p>Since the Jim Henson's death, the Muppets haven't always been handled well. Muppet movies and TV have been very inconsistent in recent decades. What Henson and his collaborators understood was that Muppets programming needed a combination of child-like sentiment and a little bit of edgy humor. I'm happy to report that <i>Muppets Haunted Mansion </i>reminds me a lot of the humor of <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074028/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Muppet Show</a></i> and the early Muppets films. <br /><br />Gonzo and Pepe get the spotlight here, instead of usual "leads" like Kermit or Miss Piggy. Dave Goelz (of the the original Muppeteers) and Bill Barretta do a nice job carrying the special. All the other Muppet performs are good as well, especially puppeteers who play the Electric Mayhem band. Their performance of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_in_the_Moonlight" target="_blank">"Dancing In The Moonlight"</a> is a nice moment. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G3CIUj79X8U/YX9Clq3zL-I/AAAAAAABPxM/JDi9AOR-yA0mfOxfoZeoTQBvgUHR9C98ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-15%25E2%2580%259949%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="2048" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G3CIUj79X8U/YX9Clq3zL-I/AAAAAAABPxM/JDi9AOR-yA0mfOxfoZeoTQBvgUHR9C98ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h201/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-15%25E2%2580%259949%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The human actors in <i>Muppets Haunted Mansion</i> are also entertaining. Will Arnett brings just enough spookiness and mystery as the mansion's ghost host. Taraji P. Henson is great as the murderous Constance Hathaway. Most of Henson's scenes feature her interacting with Pepe. It takes a lot of talent to believably interact with a king prawn. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tw37k-MLrDw/YX9DmkVVypI/AAAAAAABPxU/cU4V2aO0oTooeSCu_ayprCy8u2pv3P73gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-32%25E2%2580%259913%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="2048" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tw37k-MLrDw/YX9DmkVVypI/AAAAAAABPxU/cU4V2aO0oTooeSCu_ayprCy8u2pv3P73gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h201/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-32%25E2%2580%259913%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Lots of famous actors make cameo appearances as ghosts. I don't have the time or space here to name of all of them, but it's worth noting that the late Ed Asner plays one of the ghosts. It's one of his final roles and it was nice to see him here<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYZR8NJ8fBo/YX8JKwldG2I/AAAAAAABPu0/Dyb0z09lorMoRKmAU5NSpxnD1GcJalP_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-5%25E2%2580%259919%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYZR8NJ8fBo/YX8JKwldG2I/AAAAAAABPu0/Dyb0z09lorMoRKmAU5NSpxnD1GcJalP_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h200/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-5%25E2%2580%259919%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The only problem I had with <i>Muppets Haunted Mansion</i> was the performance of the song <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSaqSVi--Ms" target="_blank">"Grim, Grinning Ghosts," </a>a song that originated at Disney's Haunted Mansion theme park attraction. It's one of the best original songs written for their parks. <br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qk6tZ8gNNMM/YX8JiqOP06I/AAAAAAABPu8/Sf4pD2AzkCMjdGJqZVlcC_fK2nVNzL5NQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2513/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-5%25E2%2580%259957%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="2513" height="199" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qk6tZ8gNNMM/YX8JiqOP06I/AAAAAAABPu8/Sf4pD2AzkCMjdGJqZVlcC_fK2nVNzL5NQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h199/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-5%25E2%2580%259957%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />I didn't have a problem with Darren Criss' performance of the song, I just thought "Grim, Grinning Ghosts" deserved a bigger number than what we get here. The special's major production number is reserved for the original song "Life Hereafter," which I also enjoyed. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTBA6ndwwME/YX9EXo_n9sI/AAAAAAABPxc/ZpdVH1AkvJk7HwJLmFg3Tgk7ekrhs8piQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2513/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-24%25E2%2580%259954%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="2513" height="199" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTBA6ndwwME/YX9EXo_n9sI/AAAAAAABPxc/ZpdVH1AkvJk7HwJLmFg3Tgk7ekrhs8piQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h199/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-24%25E2%2580%259954%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />I enjoyed <i>Muppets Haunted Mansion</i> more than any recent Muppet production and I hope it's the start of a new "golden age" of Muppets film and TV. It's highly recommended to fans of Muppets fans of every age and it's something I figure I'll watch often around Halloween in the future.<br /><br /><b>J.A. Morris' rating:</b><br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uF-wP958hIY/YX9HmxqmOVI/AAAAAAABPxk/WBjYTf2bk8AlDunnKWtYx7zlW_MTyTWOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s542/4%2Bjack-o-lanterns1_edited-1.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="130" data-original-width="542" height="96" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uF-wP958hIY/YX9HmxqmOVI/AAAAAAABPxk/WBjYTf2bk8AlDunnKWtYx7zlW_MTyTWOgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h96/4%2Bjack-o-lanterns1_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a><p></p><p>4 jack o'lanterns!</p><b><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PT22ByXIxYM/YX_3vmEmhhI/AAAAAAAArMQ/wdPptu0BvLMUi2h1lnm70DQiHNuex9xFACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-19%25E2%2580%259954%25E2%2580%259D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="2048" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PT22ByXIxYM/YX_3vmEmhhI/AAAAAAAArMQ/wdPptu0BvLMUi2h1lnm70DQiHNuex9xFACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h201/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-19%25E2%2580%259954%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div>RigbyMel says:</b><div><br /></div><div>Having a nostalgic affection for both the Muppets AND Disney's celebrated Haunted Mansion dark ride, I was quite intrigued when this Muppets special was announced for Disney+. I was also a little bit nervous about it because, as J.A. Morris points out above, post-Henson Muppets output has been on the uneven side. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OjKB-UwDpi8/YX_6bikr-rI/AAAAAAAArMY/GscYu_M1Tacb72fV19bPXJAySXu4A3IgQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-37%25E2%2580%259929%25E2%2580%259D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OjKB-UwDpi8/YX_6bikr-rI/AAAAAAAArMY/GscYu_M1Tacb72fV19bPXJAySXu4A3IgQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h200/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-37%25E2%2580%259929%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>It turns out that this new special contains enough Muppet mayhem and Haunted Mansion spookiness to make my nostalgic heart very happy indeed. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4RkgvsdXFc/YX_6nOYO7hI/AAAAAAAArMc/EathUqF-PE4kZN9o6psQEH9VuQ0D1-owQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-10%25E2%2580%259922%25E2%2580%259D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="2048" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4RkgvsdXFc/YX_6nOYO7hI/AAAAAAAArMc/EathUqF-PE4kZN9o6psQEH9VuQ0D1-owQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h201/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-10%25E2%2580%259922%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Not only was the story fun, but there were all kinds of cool little Easter eggs (Halloween treats?) sprinkled throughout. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qOf3zvuqToA/YX_7jHYhYOI/AAAAAAAArMo/cqhFHM2Nc9gT9xmKEe7L4B81ro50WtegQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-10%25E2%2580%259914%25E2%2580%259D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qOf3zvuqToA/YX_7jHYhYOI/AAAAAAAArMo/cqhFHM2Nc9gT9xmKEe7L4B81ro50WtegQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h200/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-10%25E2%2580%259914%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>For instance, we see <a href="https://muppet.fandom.com/wiki/Mah_Na_Mah_Na" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mah Na Mah Na </a>candelabra in the stretching room near the beginning of Gonzo and Pepe's adventure. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HLdFGX76MHA/YX_8BS5Zt7I/AAAAAAAArMw/n93Fjhi4BOYCStVNiQjaugIYpEu0NjbKQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-20%25E2%2580%259941%25E2%2580%259D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HLdFGX76MHA/YX_8BS5Zt7I/AAAAAAAArMw/n93Fjhi4BOYCStVNiQjaugIYpEu0NjbKQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h200/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-20%25E2%2580%259941%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>When Statler and Waldorf show up, they heckle the proceedings from a "<a href="https://hauntedmansion.fandom.com/wiki/Doom_Buggy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Doom Buggy</a>" - the mode of transit park guests take during the actual Haunted Mansion dark ride</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LiqH_O5eqbw/YX_8-tiU2PI/AAAAAAAArM4/HVRShzLiccILV2USZc-jQdbx8MnCw5t5ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-18%25E2%2580%259940%25E2%2580%259D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LiqH_O5eqbw/YX_8-tiU2PI/AAAAAAAArM4/HVRShzLiccILV2USZc-jQdbx8MnCw5t5ACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h200/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-18%25E2%2580%259940%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>There are also appearances by some pretty old school Muppets like <a href="https://muppet.fandom.com/wiki/Wayne_and_Wanda" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wayne and Wanda</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JRgCtI0ogSY/YX_9X2Hs1GI/AAAAAAAArNA/xBH4C9IhWTgMXKT-2EHNqPlfW2nsT6mFACNcBGAsYHQ/s2513/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-21%25E2%2580%259929%25E2%2580%259D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="2513" height="199" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JRgCtI0ogSY/YX_9X2Hs1GI/AAAAAAAArNA/xBH4C9IhWTgMXKT-2EHNqPlfW2nsT6mFACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h199/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-21%25E2%2580%259929%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Plus the "casting" of the Muppets in various ghostly Haunted Mansion roles was pretty darned inspired -- and we even get non-sequitur screaming goats thrown into the mix for good measure!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2CNlxPJ-lQ/YX__N-G_IYI/AAAAAAAArNQ/007ObfxktpsL7YwySBioZ422BElHGL8zgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2509/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-21%25E2%2580%259914%25E2%2580%259D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="2509" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2CNlxPJ-lQ/YX__N-G_IYI/AAAAAAAArNQ/007ObfxktpsL7YwySBioZ422BElHGL8zgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h200/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-21%25E2%2580%259914%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is quite evident from all the clever meta-humor and an optimal balance of spooky and funny that the writers (Bill Barretta, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0857130/?ref_=ttfc_fc_wr2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kirk R. Thatcher</a>, and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8566357/?ref_=ttfc_fc_wr3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kelly Younger</a>) love the Muppets and the Haunted Mansion and they've done a great job of bringing the spirit of Jim Henson and his creations to the screen in this special. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GR0nXftOkCw/YX__eOeFEVI/AAAAAAAArNY/bgnGDbqtebg_r6y6LRyW82HZaS_qz43cgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2513/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-21%25E2%2580%259934%25E2%2580%259D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="2513" height="199" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GR0nXftOkCw/YX__eOeFEVI/AAAAAAAArNY/bgnGDbqtebg_r6y6LRyW82HZaS_qz43cgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h199/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-21%25E2%2580%259934%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><i>Muppets Haunted Mansion </i>is the Muppets/Halloween/Haunted Mansion (monster?) mash-up we didn't know we needed and is recommended viewing for Muppet fans and Haunted Mansion fans of all ages. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaAipva7zoc/YX__4d1CQnI/AAAAAAAArNg/Ddn3IZg1JVcQ_g2REJg-U2vpFUozOdmjgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-21%25E2%2580%259931%25E2%2580%259D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="2048" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaAipva7zoc/YX__4d1CQnI/AAAAAAAArNg/Ddn3IZg1JVcQ_g2REJg-U2vpFUozOdmjgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h201/Screenshotter--DisneyVideoPlayer-21%25E2%2580%259931%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>RigbyMel's rating: </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uF-wP958hIY/YX9HmxqmOVI/AAAAAAABPxk/WBjYTf2bk8AlDunnKWtYx7zlW_MTyTWOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s542/4%2Bjack-o-lanterns1_edited-1.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="130" data-original-width="542" height="96" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uF-wP958hIY/YX9HmxqmOVI/AAAAAAABPxk/WBjYTf2bk8AlDunnKWtYx7zlW_MTyTWOgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h96/4%2Bjack-o-lanterns1_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div>4 jack o'lanterns! </div>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-53052062381175353412021-10-25T21:57:00.005-04:002021-10-26T09:39:35.908-04:00Halloween Is Grinch Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOSq-_LGwoU/YXQnLJnDjbI/AAAAAAABPeE/e0E44eYEYik7H01goCOGSnzKwHT1D93cQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--WatchHowtheGrinchStoleChristmasTheUltimateEditionPrimeVideo-50%25E2%2580%259907%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1567" data-original-width="2048" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOSq-_LGwoU/YXQnLJnDjbI/AAAAAAABPeE/e0E44eYEYik7H01goCOGSnzKwHT1D93cQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h306/Screenshotter--WatchHowtheGrinchStoleChristmasTheUltimateEditionPrimeVideo-50%25E2%2580%259907%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Premiered October 29, 1977.</div><div><br /></div><div>On an autumn evening in Whoville, Josiah Who (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0808401/?ref_=tt_cl_t_2">Hal Smith</a>) notices that the sour-sweet wind is blowing. Josiah tells his family that they need to get indoors and stay there, because the winds are a sign that Grinch Night is about to begin!<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8dzrXw29Nwo/YXW9f9PTl_I/AAAAAAABPes/cLA4ZP2U2ugJLF4iwt7xFaChwxXzlJDggCLcBGAsYHQ/s1858/g02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1858" height="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8dzrXw29Nwo/YXW9f9PTl_I/AAAAAAABPes/cLA4ZP2U2ugJLF4iwt7xFaChwxXzlJDggCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h309/g02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><div>At his home on Mount Crumpit, the Grinch (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0175788/?ref_=tt_cl_t_1" target="_blank">Hans Conreid</a>) hitches his paraphernalia wagon to his dog Max (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002099/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Henry Gibson</a>) and sets out towards Whoville. Max doesn’t enjoy working for the Grinch and wonders to himself why he still does it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSIRWfuM9Lc/YXW9vhMYYMI/AAAAAAABPe0/lMaEWw0znzkQcisoQFTCetPovsdFnAQ3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1862/g14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1862" height="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSIRWfuM9Lc/YXW9vhMYYMI/AAAAAAABPe0/lMaEWw0znzkQcisoQFTCetPovsdFnAQ3QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h309/g14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Whoville’s Grinch Alarm Warden Sergeant Samuel S. McPherson (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0216739/?ref_=tt_cl_t_5" target="_blank">Jack DeLeon</a>) watches the Grinch’s movements and promises the Whos that he will keep them posted about his activities.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLLw9T8QhBw/YXXAVdd59_I/AAAAAAABPe8/s_T6RE8RktoDoxMQC84j2SN2to1gDC_7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1857/g20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1857" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLLw9T8QhBw/YXXAVdd59_I/AAAAAAABPe8/s_T6RE8RktoDoxMQC84j2SN2to1gDC_7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h310/g20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>On his way to Whoville, the Grinch defoliates trees, runs over flowers and chases after the rare wuzzy woozoo.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGN2OSihCfE/YXYJqhB43gI/AAAAAAABPg4/Bk0VTQlPSzE1KbyFHYXVx-m_xXzTJbMrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1854/g34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1854" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGN2OSihCfE/YXYJqhB43gI/AAAAAAABPg4/Bk0VTQlPSzE1KbyFHYXVx-m_xXzTJbMrwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h310/g34.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />In the middle of Grinch Night, Josiah’s grandson Euchariah (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2464573/?ref_=tt_cl_t_3" target="_blank">Gary Shapiro</a>) says he needs to go outside to use “the euphemism.” Unfortunately, Euchariah is caught by the sour-sweet winds and carried far away to the mountains. He winds up in the exact same spot as the Grinch. <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRuVQLBsYJA/YXXBuXFfgeI/AAAAAAABPfE/jD-wE9M343wSqF0Jwss7deAwW36_kNA3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1850/g38.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1850" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRuVQLBsYJA/YXXBuXFfgeI/AAAAAAABPfE/jD-wE9M343wSqF0Jwss7deAwW36_kNA3ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h310/g38.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The Grinch tells Euchariah he has no time for him and continues towards Whoville. The young Who realizes that he has to be brave, stall for time and prevent the Grinch from reaching the town. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyPWUTw7BhE/YXXDQdrBf3I/AAAAAAABPfY/OSbMn-cK2esZAJN7IjADRBFrdOM2ePgGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1858/g50.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="1858" height="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyPWUTw7BhE/YXXDQdrBf3I/AAAAAAABPfY/OSbMn-cK2esZAJN7IjADRBFrdOM2ePgGACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h309/g50.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Euchariah asks the Grinch to scare him. The Grinch responds by sending an array of monsters and ghosts at Euchariah. Can Euchariah stop the Grinch from Grinching Whoville?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMdApOHnAbU/YXXCy0sxgnI/AAAAAAABPfM/NxCJTsP-rDAgc6uhZNbmOlULO5qVTmxKACLcBGAsYHQ/s1860/g62.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1860" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMdApOHnAbU/YXXCy0sxgnI/AAAAAAABPfM/NxCJTsP-rDAgc6uhZNbmOlULO5qVTmxKACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h310/g62.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>J.A. Morris says:</b></div><div>I saw this special back when it first premiered and I recall being very excited that the Grinch was getting a second holiday special. So I bring some nostalgia to this review. When I was a kid, I remember being confused because at the end of his Christmas special, it would appear that the Grinch had reformed his ways and become a better person. I guess this special doesn’t share any continuity with the first (any more than <i>A Charlie Brown Christmas</i> shares any continuity with <i>It’s The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown</i>). <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAUnfYGR3mY/YXYBbSWQZDI/AAAAAAABPgI/MfXqs0Foxvg6JdBoK6Nzb3WnvFcTpKxgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1854/g10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1854" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAUnfYGR3mY/YXYBbSWQZDI/AAAAAAABPgI/MfXqs0Foxvg6JdBoK6Nzb3WnvFcTpKxgwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h310/g10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We should mention that in spite of the title, the word “Halloween” is never mentioned in the special. Nor is trick or treating or anything traditionally associated with All Hallow’s Eve. I guess in the Who’s universe (Whoniverse?) Grinch Night is their equivalent to Halloween. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfyMphDL438/YXYEmLHEDPI/AAAAAAABPgQ/H8MIAzgdjWYhLG_jh-evepFD7ZEBdYQJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1843/g29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1843" height="311" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfyMphDL438/YXYEmLHEDPI/AAAAAAABPgQ/H8MIAzgdjWYhLG_jh-evepFD7ZEBdYQJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h311/g29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Euchariah is a sympathetic protagonist. Unlike the adult Whos, he stands up to the Grinch. The Grinch we see here seems a little more evil than in his previous appearance, striking out not because he finds Christmas annoying, but simply because he feels like it. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFnYXZFWw_c/YXYFEqkIguI/AAAAAAABPgY/hMgb_QaRIKsah8lCsmeHswLXRd4jVTc5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1862/g22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1862" height="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFnYXZFWw_c/YXYFEqkIguI/AAAAAAABPgY/hMgb_QaRIKsah8lCsmeHswLXRd4jVTc5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h309/g22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The animation is gorgeous, especially the sequence where the Grinch tries to frighten Euchariah, which is the high point of the special. It's filled with creepy ghosts and monsters that show off Dr. Seuss' wonderful imagination. It's a visually stunning sequence.<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmYU0X2hEXo/YXYFhH1BjTI/AAAAAAABPgg/n7bc9WjqzhI7MRFf8UpkoRGEl9wQxFcBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1855/g53.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1855" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmYU0X2hEXo/YXYFhH1BjTI/AAAAAAABPgg/n7bc9WjqzhI7MRFf8UpkoRGEl9wQxFcBwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h310/g53.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />There's also an amusing scene where the Grinch's eyebrows come to life and chase Euchariah!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O139QdXdMwk/YXYKuyDOZ1I/AAAAAAABPhI/gcAtO0EDeeoUaWdFVLa2HQmRkyJsfFRyACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshotter--WatchHowtheGrinchStoleChristmasTheUltimateEditionPrimeVideo-65%25E2%2580%259905%25E2%2580%259D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1598" data-original-width="2048" height="313" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O139QdXdMwk/YXYKuyDOZ1I/AAAAAAABPhI/gcAtO0EDeeoUaWdFVLa2HQmRkyJsfFRyACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h313/Screenshotter--WatchHowtheGrinchStoleChristmasTheUltimateEditionPrimeVideo-65%25E2%2580%259905%25E2%2580%259D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The voice cast is also strong. Hans Conreid takes over the voice of the Grinch from the deceased Boris Karloff and he also narrates the special. Conreid was a famous voice actor, best remembered for voicing Captain Hook and Snidely Whiplash. <a href="https://holidayfilmreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/Hal%20Smith" target="_blank">Hal Smith</a>, who has voiced Santa in multiple holiday specials, is good as Josiah Who. Henry Gibson voices Max the dog and he sings a sweet, sad song which questions why Max continues to do the Grinch’s dirty work for the Grinch. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cEs5FeGPdM/YXYF4l75vJI/AAAAAAABPgo/sCMHGENaiSwrfaH0H_tCAmGFbqFbPtcsACLcBGAsYHQ/s1847/g25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1427" data-original-width="1847" height="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cEs5FeGPdM/YXYF4l75vJI/AAAAAAABPgo/sCMHGENaiSwrfaH0H_tCAmGFbqFbPtcsACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h309/g25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>This is a solid, entertaining special, but it’s not in the same class as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_the_Grinch_Stole_Christmas!_(TV_special)" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">How The Grinch Stole Christmas!</a><i>, </i>which is probably why it never became an annual holiday TV fixture<i>. </i> For starters, the songs and dialogue are very vague about what the Grinch will do to Whoville. Will he cause them actual, physical harm? Steal from their homes like he did at Christmas? Or just give them a very intense Grinch Night scare? </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nwjceQuo1Bk/YXYGO3ummXI/AAAAAAABPgw/iuKAGjuhkWMbxcrQgcmKL6Al8kKRyxk9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1858/g44.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1858" height="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nwjceQuo1Bk/YXYGO3ummXI/AAAAAAABPgw/iuKAGjuhkWMbxcrQgcmKL6Al8kKRyxk9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h309/g44.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><i>Halloween Is Grinch Night</i> features songs composed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0710809/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" target="_blank">Joe Raposo</a>, who wrote dozens of great songs for <i>Sesame Street</i> and <i><a href="Euchariah is a sympathetic protagonist. Unlike the adult Whos, he stands up to the Grinch. The Grinch we see here seems a little more evil than in his previous appearance, striking out not because he finds Christmas annoying, but simply because he can. " target="_blank">The Electric Company</a></i>. The songs are all pretty good, especially Max’s aforementioned song. However, Raposo's tunes are a step down from the songs featured in the Christmas special. They won’t stick with you forever like “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” or “Fahoofores Dahoodores.” </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i40B-_t4AnU/YXYKQr_CO0I/AAAAAAABPhA/fy3RZsbEvg8_Re_SyVA7utT3IGQryY8XACLcBGAsYHQ/s1848/g49.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1848" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i40B-_t4AnU/YXYKQr_CO0I/AAAAAAABPhA/fy3RZsbEvg8_Re_SyVA7utT3IGQryY8XACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h310/g49.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><i>Halloween Is Grinch</i> night is something everyone should watch at least once, but I doubt it’ll be something most will want to watch every October. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><b>J.A. Morris' rating:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUj_etcMkvs/YXYLYrRDmEI/AAAAAAABPhQ/tFsQMG9UyqoPM_uiIt33Nrc4KM2MYTVQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s433/3%2Bjack-o-lanternsA_edited-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="117" data-original-width="433" height="86" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUj_etcMkvs/YXYLYrRDmEI/AAAAAAABPhQ/tFsQMG9UyqoPM_uiIt33Nrc4KM2MYTVQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3%2Bjack-o-lanternsA_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>3 jack o'lanterns.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>RigbyMel says: </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I remember seeing <i>Halloween is Grinch Night</i> on the Disney Channel sometime in the mid-1980s. I thought it was ok then and still feel like it's pretty ok now. </div><div><br /></div><div>I appreciate the trippy-ness of the sequence where the Grinch attempts to frighten our protagonist. (Side note: on the subject of trippy-ness, it seems to me that some of the graphic design in this sequence owes a lot to the 1968 animated film <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063823/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yellow Submarine</a></i> -- just played for creeps as opposed to peace and love.) <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRoPIdWEh34/YXc92t4mfbI/AAAAAAABPis/AO34uz_MSVMFcVkob70T2JgcYXfHVIkCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1860/g73.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1860" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRoPIdWEh34/YXc92t4mfbI/AAAAAAABPis/AO34uz_MSVMFcVkob70T2JgcYXfHVIkCQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h310/g73.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Also the sheer unholy joy the Grinch takes in being his grinch-iest self is quite fun to watch. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvSh6WFda7Q/YXc_Zn6EDbI/AAAAAAABPi0/v0NHNlV441s_eGRWpuSiYlxys6npgu9UQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1859/g30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1859" height="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvSh6WFda7Q/YXc_Zn6EDbI/AAAAAAABPi0/v0NHNlV441s_eGRWpuSiYlxys6npgu9UQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h309/g30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>However, this special doesn't have the magic that makes the 1966 version of <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060345/?ref_=fn_al_tt_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How the Grinch Stole Christmas</a> </i>a classic that people come back to year after year. I think there are a couple of reasons for this. First, this special isn't based on a book like its better known sibling. As a result, although the rhythm and rhyme are fun (how could they not be with Dr. Seuss?), they're just not <i>quite </i>as catchy and memorable as in the original Christmas classic. </div><div><br /></div><div>Secondly, I think the story is not quite as satisfying plot-wise. What <i>exactly </i>is the Grinch going to do when he descends Mount Crumpit? Scare anyone foolish enough to be outside? Prank them? Steal their apple cider? It's not really clear. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7HmsO2zs7fc/YXdAMTOBEFI/AAAAAAABPi8/8_f7wPV__KE_tWuo-f7v20SiYMfDymn1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1864/g52.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1864" height="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7HmsO2zs7fc/YXdAMTOBEFI/AAAAAAABPi8/8_f7wPV__KE_tWuo-f7v20SiYMfDymn1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h309/g52.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Plus, unlike in the 1966 Christmas special, there is no "heart grew three sizes" type transformation in this -- meaning the Grinch remains a rather flat character in <i>Halloween Is Grinch Night</i>. Maybe this has something to do with Halloween being less codified than Christmas as a holiday. Christmas changes of heart are common -- a la Ebenezer Scrooge and the Grinch himself. Perhaps I am reading too much into an animated special aimed at entertaining children? <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyKb9qmzkRE/YXdAfFz4RlI/AAAAAAABPjE/YoUyMDU1uDg-xJ6VmuE2eEffE0srgVm5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1854/g67.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1854" height="311" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyKb9qmzkRE/YXdAfFz4RlI/AAAAAAABPjE/YoUyMDU1uDg-xJ6VmuE2eEffE0srgVm5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h311/g67.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>As J.A. Morris mentions, the special makes no mention of Halloween other than in the title. However, the setting is definitely autumnal and definitely spooky. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipC4jK-rgdQ/YXdAm6HciKI/AAAAAAABPjI/96oV_zWpKxYVA2uNGU1jlIYsKWcMomD9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1862/g81.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1862" height="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipC4jK-rgdQ/YXdAm6HciKI/AAAAAAABPjI/96oV_zWpKxYVA2uNGU1jlIYsKWcMomD9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h309/g81.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>All in all, <i>Halloween is Grinch Night </i>is enjoyable enough, but not a perennial classic special. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>RigbyMel's rating: <br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4pOgQz0Sp0/YXdazmWdtvI/AAAAAAABPjY/s0i5BOHVvcIiO6cD6xqcrOVAMS9BuXyaACLcBGAsYHQ/s279/2%2Bjack-o-lanternsA_edited-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="117" data-original-width="279" height="84" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4pOgQz0Sp0/YXdazmWdtvI/AAAAAAABPjY/s0i5BOHVvcIiO6cD6xqcrOVAMS9BuXyaACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h84/2%2Bjack-o-lanternsA_edited-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />2 jack o'lanterns.</div></div>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-68041841393082097012021-09-22T08:40:00.001-04:002021-10-01T09:53:26.575-04:00Batman:The Long Halloween, Parts One and Two<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dm2pGpwxUNw/YPX2Bbvr1SI/AAAAAAABM64/TJGns9Xzbo80BlYrab-mV7ctbB66TR84ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1446/Long%2BHalloween.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="1021" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dm2pGpwxUNw/YPX2Bbvr1SI/AAAAAAABM64/TJGns9Xzbo80BlYrab-mV7ctbB66TR84ACLcBGAsYHQ/w283-h400/Long%2BHalloween.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><br />Part 1 premiered June 22, 2021.<div>Part 2 premiered July 27, 2021. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div><i>A note from your trusted holiday bloggers:</i></div><div><i>This animated special contains multiple murders, bloody corpses and curse words. It's intended for an adult audience and is NOT recommended for young children.</i><br /><p></p><p>It's Halloween in Gotham City. At Wayne Manor, Bruce Wayne (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0010075/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" target="_blank">Jensen Ackles</a>), aka The Batman, is spending a quiet evening at home. His butler Alfred (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0241885/?ref_=tt_cl_t_9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alastair Duncan</a>) has candy to hand out, but Bruce points out that no children have trick or treated at the mansion for years.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw_4pePmzRk/YUo6RWSCCtI/AAAAAAAAqyk/EzOpoDSq8IU3-53vSQzrfraF_wbAA7nsQCNcBGAsYHQ/s940/alfred.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="940" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw_4pePmzRk/YUo6RWSCCtI/AAAAAAAAqyk/EzOpoDSq8IU3-53vSQzrfraF_wbAA7nsQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/alfred.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Elsewhere, Gotham's police commissioner Jim Gordon (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0121605/?ref_=tt_cl_t_5" target="_blank">Billy Burke</a>) is preparing to take his children Barbara and James trick or treating. Their plans change quickly when Gordon is called into work.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7eQtjX4SV1w/YUooEI31eJI/AAAAAAAAqyQ/R_CEWEURBuIe32gnOrqkY9VC1yk3rkZ3gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/b05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7eQtjX4SV1w/YUooEI31eJI/AAAAAAAAqyQ/R_CEWEURBuIe32gnOrqkY9VC1yk3rkZ3gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/b05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>District Attorney Harvey Dent (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0241049/?ref_=tt_cl_t_2" target="_blank">Josh Duhamel</a>) arrives home to find his wife Gilda (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0622291/?ref_=tt_cl_t_12" target="_blank">Julie Nathanson</a>) sitting alone in the back yard. She wants them to spend Halloween together at home, but unfortunately, his job doesn't allow Dent to take off for Halloween. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QWoEg8s8a4U/YUooPT_FVqI/AAAAAAAAqyU/sI1tYUEslaAXfh-KKCtoR1Cso7n6YZAhgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/b08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QWoEg8s8a4U/YUooPT_FVqI/AAAAAAAAqyU/sI1tYUEslaAXfh-KKCtoR1Cso7n6YZAhgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/b08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>A mob informant named Johnny Vitti has been murdered, shot to death. Dent is furious, because the next day, Vitti was supposed to turn state's evidence against his uncle Carmine Falcone (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0622291/?ref_=tt_cl_t_12" target="_blank">Titus Welliver</a>), better known as "The Roman." </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r4mSciyssJ0/YUdxtoDbqcI/AAAAAAABO4U/wdNN8tpahz0Rj934PtXSUnJnW4PFJ5oowCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/b03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r4mSciyssJ0/YUdxtoDbqcI/AAAAAAABO4U/wdNN8tpahz0Rj934PtXSUnJnW4PFJ5oowCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/b03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Falcone is the head of a major organized crime family. Gordon believes that all hope isn't lost. If he, Batman and Dent work together, they can still take down Falcone. He says Dent will work "in the light" while the Batman works "the other side," and instructs them to "bend the rules, never break them." Batman has a long history with Falcone, since his father Thomas Wayne conducted business with the Roman. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VK8SMGO5z6g/YUo_-iCHFeI/AAAAAAAAqz8/ZYmrO6ZNv9wyh_IKnGu2MV0W6T7z71kzwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/bat%2Bsignal%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VK8SMGO5z6g/YUo_-iCHFeI/AAAAAAAAqz8/ZYmrO6ZNv9wyh_IKnGu2MV0W6T7z71kzwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/bat%2Bsignal%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />During his search for the killer, Batman is aided by his sometimes-villain/sometimes-girlfriend Catwoman (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0729369/" target="_blank">Naya Rivera</a>).<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxLfTfNHl3Q/YUdylLDUGVI/AAAAAAABO4c/ohdNdf8USB4t_KBGQcC2C_pSkNOac9gUACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/b14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxLfTfNHl3Q/YUdylLDUGVI/AAAAAAABO4c/ohdNdf8USB4t_KBGQcC2C_pSkNOac9gUACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/b14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>At Falcone's headquarters, the Roman fumes over his nephew's death and believes Dent is to blame. When it's time to discuss business, Falcone dismisses his bookish son Alberto (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0622291/?ref_=tt_cl_t_12" target="_blank">Jack Quaid</a>), who the Roman describes as is "32, going on 13." <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6snEUlAmyE/YUdzItF0DCI/AAAAAAABO4k/7zELs-_JW6oLziWFntBggPuC_Ad0IjRUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/b11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6snEUlAmyE/YUdzItF0DCI/AAAAAAABO4k/7zELs-_JW6oLziWFntBggPuC_Ad0IjRUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/b11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Later that night, when Dent returns home, he's seriously wounded when his home is firebombed. </p><p>The next month, Mickey Chen (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0622291/?ref_=tt_cl_t_12" target="_blank">Greg Chun</a>) and his gang are gunned down during their Thanksgiving dinner. The Chen gang had been employed by Falcone. <br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3F0mMyezEc/YUdz0R2VNpI/AAAAAAABO40/rRKMbPyHlVAB0pCxUYirB9yHwux5cQwaACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/b24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3F0mMyezEc/YUdz0R2VNpI/AAAAAAABO40/rRKMbPyHlVAB0pCxUYirB9yHwux5cQwaACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/b24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />This makes Batman and Gordon believe they have a serial killer on their hands. They nickname the murderer "Holiday," since the killer only strikes on holidays.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwvxKdwwAPg/YUsfy84bdfI/AAAAAAAAq2Q/C9taumVesocxQBorT_b2TpcBN2Uy0PRpQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/calendar%2Bman%2B2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwvxKdwwAPg/YUsfy84bdfI/AAAAAAAAq2Q/C9taumVesocxQBorT_b2TpcBN2Uy0PRpQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/calendar%2Bman%2B2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gordon and Batman question imprisoned villain Calendar Man (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2810287/?ref_=tt_cl_t_8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">David Dastmalchian</a>) in Arkham Asylum</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The carnage continues on Christmas. This time, Batman's greatest enemy, the Joker (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0622291/?ref_=tt_cl_t_12" target="_blank">Troy Baker</a>) shows up and joins the list of suspects. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGa0stJeKl4/YUd0yEMy4FI/AAAAAAABO48/rTf2TMZy5VgU_KzoXDbPAambRu_oPEgSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/b28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGa0stJeKl4/YUd0yEMy4FI/AAAAAAABO48/rTf2TMZy5VgU_KzoXDbPAambRu_oPEgSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/b28.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Can Batman bring Holiday to justice before they commit another holiday murder?<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kdta3SiASO4/YUd4eD0PV4I/AAAAAAABO5U/IJN1P7_KuBMgsDVxqSVFsq53hPYxEm24ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1916/b35.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1916" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kdta3SiASO4/YUd4eD0PV4I/AAAAAAABO5U/IJN1P7_KuBMgsDVxqSVFsq53hPYxEm24ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h224/b35.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>J.A. Morris says:</b></p><p>It's worth noting that the first part of this movie premiered this past June, while the second part debut in July. We're treating it as one film presented in two parts. </p><p>I'm a big fan of superheroes and Halloween, and I've read the comic book miniseries that was the basis for <i>Batman:The Long Halloween, </i>so I went into this expecting to enjoy it. And I did, especially <i>Part One</i>. It features scenes that take place on Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve. This movie is tailor-made for this blog!</p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7RufvXD73zY/YUd1_DFRD6I/AAAAAAABO5M/1Y-_gznndIQs0_X2t4DkejS4Mfc_UQsbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/b32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7RufvXD73zY/YUd1_DFRD6I/AAAAAAABO5M/1Y-_gznndIQs0_X2t4DkejS4Mfc_UQsbwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/b32.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />In addition to Batman, it features the Joker, the Caped Crusader's greatest nemesis, and Catwoman, who assists Batman in his quest to unmask Holiday. We get plenty of fight scenes that feature Batman taking on various antagonists. There's a great scene involving the Joker attacking Gotham City with a plane. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjKgnW26RlQ/YUo-axw48eI/AAAAAAAAqzQ/LDoHwm_u62UzCGfh_4pFlVy08MoCkQ7NACNcBGAsYHQ/s728/joker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="728" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjKgnW26RlQ/YUo-axw48eI/AAAAAAAAqzQ/LDoHwm_u62UzCGfh_4pFlVy08MoCkQ7NACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/joker.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><p>The mystery behind Holiday's identity is a good mystery that I didn't immediately solve. <br /><br />Fans of "Mafia" movies will appreciate visual and dialogue references to movies like <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068646/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Godfather</a></i> which feature prominently in the Falcone family scenes. The scenes that feature Falcone berating his son Alberto are also well done. I found myself feeling sorry for Alberto.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DNr5gn9-sGQ/YUd1WIqasQI/AAAAAAABO5E/WhK856oj4xcsf5mq8c-VUZlHFqL6YhlCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/b20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DNr5gn9-sGQ/YUd1WIqasQI/AAAAAAABO5E/WhK856oj4xcsf5mq8c-VUZlHFqL6YhlCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/b20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The voice actors all did a good job in <i>Batman:The Long Halloween</i>. Jensen Ackles (best known for his role on <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460681/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Supernatural</a></i>) voices Batman and provides solid work. Naya Rivera plays Catwoman. This was Rivera's final role before her tragic death and the film is dedicated to her. In a small role, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0622291/?ref_=tt_cl_t_12" target="_blank">Fred Tatasciore</a> is great as the zombie Solomon Grundy. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HXLK0gin_qg/YUo9F1NvebI/AAAAAAAAqzA/emZ_p0hRMncd_qjWLldgatuhDhMdgPAcQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/b23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HXLK0gin_qg/YUo9F1NvebI/AAAAAAAAqzA/emZ_p0hRMncd_qjWLldgatuhDhMdgPAcQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/b23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><i>Part One</i> of this two-part film is very good. The second part is much weaker. Holidays in the New Year are barely mentioned in <i>Part Two</i>. Granted, Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day pale in comparison to Halloween and Christmas, but I think the filmmakers could've done something more interesting with those occasions. It makes for a disappointing finish to the story.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WK-L1oXwSo/YUo9c7dtJsI/AAAAAAAAqzI/H1ABKaJrdbUaFjcHN7Xfeci_XI-_FmnrwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/b10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WK-L1oXwSo/YUo9c7dtJsI/AAAAAAAAqzI/H1ABKaJrdbUaFjcHN7Xfeci_XI-_FmnrwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/b10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><i>Batman:The Long Halloween, Parts One and Two</i> is a movie that will be enjoyed by all fans of Batman and Holiday programming. Since it features multiple holidays, it's something that can be enjoyed year-round. However, the lackluster <i>Part Two</i> prevents me from giving it a higher rating.</p><p><b>J.A. Morris' rating:</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajETG5_VGPU/YUshkJIu6JI/AAAAAAAAq2Y/9s-zZY8Yj_EOdeYxcZLhtlCk_bGfoVN1ACNcBGAsYHQ/s200/2%2Band%2Ba%2Bhalf%2Bjack%2Bo%2527lanterns.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="67" data-original-width="200" height="107" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajETG5_VGPU/YUshkJIu6JI/AAAAAAAAq2Y/9s-zZY8Yj_EOdeYxcZLhtlCk_bGfoVN1ACNcBGAsYHQ/w320-h107/2%2Band%2Ba%2Bhalf%2Bjack%2Bo%2527lanterns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>2 and a half jack o'lanterns.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPeFXZNSeSE/YUofY3AMqfI/AAAAAAAAqxw/Arfu5pAXMM4rEeZYkzk2SPxGGXSrJCptACNcBGAsYHQ/s1452/Blhp2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1452" data-original-width="1060" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPeFXZNSeSE/YUofY3AMqfI/AAAAAAAAqxw/Arfu5pAXMM4rEeZYkzk2SPxGGXSrJCptACNcBGAsYHQ/w293-h400/Blhp2.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><p><b>RigbyMel says:</b></p><p><i>Batman: The Long Halloween </i>is a good animated adaptation of the comic miniseries of the same title by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale. The animated version suggests the art style used in the comic without straight up copying it and the story is a lot of fun. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTn0KwfLqLs/YUo--kiaY5I/AAAAAAAAqzY/iu6dPhWgezEw4xnLxVM5_0nGNbMfyBjWQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/b15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTn0KwfLqLs/YUo--kiaY5I/AAAAAAAAqzY/iu6dPhWgezEw4xnLxVM5_0nGNbMfyBjWQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/b15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>By virtue of the extended nature of the year-long string of murders, we get multiple visits to Arkham Asylum and encounters with an assortment of villains from Batman's extensive rogue's gallery. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i70WgGjz8xQ/YUo_KzY0hgI/AAAAAAAAqzc/1H6-lY4KmkoILEPyPe3y5p-kC7DRsFJFACNcBGAsYHQ/s1904/ivy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1904" height="223" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i70WgGjz8xQ/YUo_KzY0hgI/AAAAAAAAqzc/1H6-lY4KmkoILEPyPe3y5p-kC7DRsFJFACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h223/ivy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Poison Ivy (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0755267/?ref_=tt_cl_t_17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Katee Sackhoff</a>) really makes an impression in Part 2 and Troy Baker's channeling of a <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000434/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mark Hamill</a>-esque Joker in Part 1 is fantastic. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGNmNjmyR9s/YUo_TXfZhhI/AAAAAAAAqzk/xjOIGhyFj3QqgzmVbbhUFPc1oqACE8HHgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1922/b27c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1922" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGNmNjmyR9s/YUo_TXfZhhI/AAAAAAAAqzk/xjOIGhyFj3QqgzmVbbhUFPc1oqACE8HHgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/b27c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>As J.A. Morris mentions above, there are fun meta references to other movies. For instance, the scenes where Batman and Commissioner Gordon go to try and glean information from Calendar Man have strong <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102926/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Silence of the Lambs</a> </i>vibes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60OvnE0jkQo/YUo_m4VeogI/AAAAAAAAqzw/0qZ-h9YMRa0_z8B2Ij2IVSlC5rRwrR0NACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/calendar%2Bman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="640" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60OvnE0jkQo/YUo_m4VeogI/AAAAAAAAqzw/0qZ-h9YMRa0_z8B2Ij2IVSlC5rRwrR0NACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h226/calendar%2Bman.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The notion of the serial killer who only operates on holidays is an interesting and creepy conceit and the mystery has enough surprises for Bat-afficionados and neophytes alike. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_wFv6KqNga8/YUpA2EyI_XI/AAAAAAAAq0U/ZfSTzVfiDtUI_re9Y06NqVjW6NIf1av3gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/b21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_wFv6KqNga8/YUpA2EyI_XI/AAAAAAAAq0U/ZfSTzVfiDtUI_re9Y06NqVjW6NIf1av3gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/b21.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving dinner a la gangster</td></tr></tbody></table><p>My only real complaint is that it feels like the filmmakers got bored with the holiday murder concept by the time they got around to Part 2 and give it short shrift in that installment. Still, <i>The Long Halloween </i>makes for entertaining superhero/holiday viewing. </p><p><b>RigbyMel's rating:</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKOBXt6V0Ro/YUshrzf3epI/AAAAAAAAq2c/0Leq0JyrhTErh6KJ9P280BSPg7ZIjyHhgCNcBGAsYHQ/s200/2%2Band%2Ba%2Bhalf%2Bjack%2Bo%2527lanterns.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="67" data-original-width="200" height="107" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKOBXt6V0Ro/YUshrzf3epI/AAAAAAAAq2c/0Leq0JyrhTErh6KJ9P280BSPg7ZIjyHhgCNcBGAsYHQ/w320-h107/2%2Band%2Ba%2Bhalf%2Bjack%2Bo%2527lanterns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>2 and a half jack o'lanterns</p></div></div></div>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-6302823521555906622021-07-27T10:04:00.000-04:002021-07-27T10:04:16.103-04:00Father Christmas (1991)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zVcBJtelxog/YP9PLxNr_gI/AAAAAAABNKA/ccAILAcR35UABrthrEKtJoMnXRL7esxkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/imdb%2Bimage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zVcBJtelxog/YP9PLxNr_gI/AAAAAAABNKA/ccAILAcR35UABrthrEKtJoMnXRL7esxkgCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/imdb%2Bimage.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Premiered December 24, 1991</div><p>Another Christmas Eve mission has just been successfully completed and Father Christmas (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0402669/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" target="_blank">William Dennis Hunt</a>) returns to his simple house where he lives alone with his cat, dog, and two reindeer. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-APLE2CtQukk/YP8ZQGnhgXI/AAAAAAABNG4/OLDNoc28gfciq2rijTyxC_f7pPe0k-pcACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528982%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1543" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-APLE2CtQukk/YP8ZQGnhgXI/AAAAAAABNG4/OLDNoc28gfciq2rijTyxC_f7pPe0k-pcACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528982%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>After consulting some travel guides, Santa decides to visit the south of France. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9PEC5WoZc0/YP8aan1yW9I/AAAAAAABNHE/rbAv_mbqD-QwFe552McNhctkMg63FzhpACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528987%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1559" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9PEC5WoZc0/YP8aan1yW9I/AAAAAAABNHE/rbAv_mbqD-QwFe552McNhctkMg63FzhpACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshot%2B%2528987%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>He converts his sleigh into a camper..<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SboCADokzA0/YP8bO2bTaCI/AAAAAAABNHM/v7zWdi7nwsYG1c_GIxvj1X0JfPNAGQKvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528991%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1559" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SboCADokzA0/YP8bO2bTaCI/AAAAAAABNHM/v7zWdi7nwsYG1c_GIxvj1X0JfPNAGQKvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshot%2B%2528991%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>...and his reindeer fly him to his destination. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vz4Bnkr2QQQ/YP8bsZQCtzI/AAAAAAABNHU/__N07tNLia8Jzmu2_FXRzv74OAXqQZMUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528992%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1546" data-original-width="2048" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vz4Bnkr2QQQ/YP8bsZQCtzI/AAAAAAABNHU/__N07tNLia8Jzmu2_FXRzv74OAXqQZMUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h303/Screenshot%2B%2528992%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>He dines on the local cuisine and buys clothes that will help him "fit in" with the locals. He's having good time until he samples some French cuisine, which does NOT agree with his digestive system. This prompts Father Christmas to leave France.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9mW-r-kSxs/YP8cmdlb7UI/AAAAAAABNHg/ahxYMQxkUMAI-nigazSY_B_JyTvTxjZiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528996%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1552" data-original-width="2048" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9mW-r-kSxs/YP8cmdlb7UI/AAAAAAABNHg/ahxYMQxkUMAI-nigazSY_B_JyTvTxjZiACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h303/Screenshot%2B%2528996%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>His next stop is Scotland, where he dances at a pub, wears a kilt and swims in Scotland's cold waters. His visit ends when a little girl notices that he's Santa Claus.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OVExo7vFZHU/YP8c7-bDUwI/AAAAAAABNHo/E42ju3QbB_068LxrLn4yTlGQMhJT7xiaACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%25281002%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1561" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OVExo7vFZHU/YP8c7-bDUwI/AAAAAAABNHo/E42ju3QbB_068LxrLn4yTlGQMhJT7xiaACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshot%2B%25281002%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Father Christmas decides his next stop will be Las Vegas. He enjoys elaborate stage shows, gambling and relaxing in the hotel pool. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PnOMpuHgpTg/YP8ezj11xwI/AAAAAAABNHw/k9jiarVMk0w2iyHVw40waEQ3VOD0rFfyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%25281005%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1557" data-original-width="2048" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PnOMpuHgpTg/YP8ezj11xwI/AAAAAAABNHw/k9jiarVMk0w2iyHVw40waEQ3VOD0rFfyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h304/Screenshot%2B%25281005%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>However, once again, he's recognized and decides to head home.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V4OWT6T8p9c/YP8e-OyBJrI/AAAAAAABNH0/WBVjhjoNoyAFZ4fBgnfbiTwBf-ztNNEOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%25281008%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1552" data-original-width="2048" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V4OWT6T8p9c/YP8e-OyBJrI/AAAAAAABNH0/WBVjhjoNoyAFZ4fBgnfbiTwBf-ztNNEOQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h303/Screenshot%2B%25281008%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>When he arrives at his house, Father Christmas is greeted by a huge pile of letters! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBeK_HhrmgQ/YP8fo_A5aBI/AAAAAAABNIA/_QlIRRjxVoAyM9hYAT49-opW_ouRUhmdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%25281019%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1567" data-original-width="2048" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBeK_HhrmgQ/YP8fo_A5aBI/AAAAAAABNIA/_QlIRRjxVoAyM9hYAT49-opW_ouRUhmdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h306/Screenshot%2B%25281019%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>He observes that Christmas seems to come sooner every year and gets started with reading letters and preparing for Christmas. Santa has to rush to get everything ready for Christmas Eve. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MN0cge4-dV8/YP8gbDztdlI/AAAAAAABNII/hP6_fw2DcEErsdmzMlEwpSMORAqThFoaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%25281022%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1558" data-original-width="2048" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MN0cge4-dV8/YP8gbDztdlI/AAAAAAABNII/hP6_fw2DcEErsdmzMlEwpSMORAqThFoaQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h304/Screenshot%2B%25281022%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>He sets out on his annual trip around the world.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUiG8vCh544/YP8kRtWKulI/AAAAAAABNIQ/b8hIjlE6gRkOhxy7L6gxLwe_QPqhrfnbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%25281033%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUiG8vCh544/YP8kRtWKulI/AAAAAAABNIQ/b8hIjlE6gRkOhxy7L6gxLwe_QPqhrfnbwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%25281033%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>He delivers everything and has time to visit the annual Snow Man Christmas party at the North Pole. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63CBubk78IY/YP8kghYPbLI/AAAAAAABNIU/U8MOPYUB31w9rQyvhFCCJpLj7ufa3xkKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%25281042%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1561" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63CBubk78IY/YP8kghYPbLI/AAAAAAABNIU/U8MOPYUB31w9rQyvhFCCJpLj7ufa3xkKACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshot%2B%25281042%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>During the party, Father Christmas discovers that he still has two presents in his sleigh that weren't delivered. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvOjroKyXAA/YP8nLYMTKXI/AAAAAAABNIg/lH1Z0T71QAQzGDbQButywhGkNFJkLwk9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%25281048%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1558" data-original-width="2048" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvOjroKyXAA/YP8nLYMTKXI/AAAAAAABNIg/lH1Z0T71QAQzGDbQButywhGkNFJkLwk9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h304/Screenshot%2B%25281048%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Can Santa get them delivered in time before the children wake up on Christmas morning?</p><p><b>J.A. Morris says:</b></p><p><i>Father Christmas</i> is a nice, light special that features a more down-to-earth Santa. There is no Mrs. Claus, no castle at the North Pole, no scenes of elves making toys. There is a passing reference to a gift being sent to Santa by his elves, that's the only concession to the "conventional" portrayals of Kris Kringle. The "plot" consists of Father Christmas visiting various vacation destinations, until circumstances force him to leave. The story isn't very deep, but that's okay, since the beautiful animation and solid voice-acting by William Dennis Hunt are entertaining enough to carry the special. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SpQctG6pR2M/YP8qTNlNjeI/AAAAAAABNIo/xZvWUA2vPGo7cWuUVYyRaw7epmdQtiHCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528989%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1554" data-original-width="2048" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SpQctG6pR2M/YP8qTNlNjeI/AAAAAAABNIo/xZvWUA2vPGo7cWuUVYyRaw7epmdQtiHCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h304/Screenshot%2B%2528989%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>If I'd seen <i>Father Christmas</i> when I was a child, I might have been a bit unnerved at first to see a version of Santa that doesn't live in his "traditional" trappings. And I would've wondered what happened to his other six reindeer. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PPjCeArwgX8/YP8rld1ZcCI/AAAAAAABNIw/4AFV105CS7QWObAZzwapK3gG6OSunaV1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528986%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PPjCeArwgX8/YP8rld1ZcCI/AAAAAAABNIw/4AFV105CS7QWObAZzwapK3gG6OSunaV1QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshot%2B%2528986%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Having said that, it's nice to see Santa kicking back and taking a much-deserved holiday, gambling and drinking (I believe my "younger self" would've been glad to know Santa gets to relax now and then!). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3Msd5h2p1Q/YP8sAyr5yhI/AAAAAAABNI4/hpKbxEzPUFcCwT40tNq8e9RU7wF3SfrdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%25281001%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1561" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3Msd5h2p1Q/YP8sAyr5yhI/AAAAAAABNI4/hpKbxEzPUFcCwT40tNq8e9RU7wF3SfrdwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshot%2B%25281001%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>It treats Father Christmas as a human being who lives a simple life in a modest home with his dog and cat. Speaking of his pets, we're treated to multiple scenes that show Father Christmas adoring them, which is an endearing touch. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KX9Irc01KnY/YP8wC6AUKMI/AAAAAAABNJA/dR5UdQYYaUYDjG6bG5xb3edQBXZAeKUAACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%25281017%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="2048" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KX9Irc01KnY/YP8wC6AUKMI/AAAAAAABNJA/dR5UdQYYaUYDjG6bG5xb3edQBXZAeKUAACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h306/Screenshot%2B%25281017%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>If it's not obvious from our summary, <i>Father Christmas</i> is a sequel (of sorts) to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Snowman"><i>The Snowman </i>(1982)</a>, an earlier classic TV special. The Snowman and the boy from that special are seen during the Snowman party. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tO_xmLY1tb8/YP9RXXZ4PsI/AAAAAAABNKI/kx7vPk0xmrY6dhSkUKWk_HJBmNDiRy9YACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%25281046%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1575" data-original-width="2048" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tO_xmLY1tb8/YP9RXXZ4PsI/AAAAAAABNKI/kx7vPk0xmrY6dhSkUKWk_HJBmNDiRy9YACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h308/Screenshot%2B%25281046%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><i>Father Christmas</i> is an enjoyable special that features gorgeous animation and a unique take on Santa Claus and I recommend it to every fan of holiday programming. However, I wouldn't say it's a classic that I intend to watch every December.</p><p><b>J.A Morris' rating:</b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAY8Evl6uHg/YP9S1chB0QI/AAAAAAABNKo/ov63K7tb0805chnUPMBEJI0BxyT81XlFACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/3%2Bcandy%2Bcanes.1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="1024" height="104" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAY8Evl6uHg/YP9S1chB0QI/AAAAAAABNKo/ov63K7tb0805chnUPMBEJI0BxyT81XlFACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h104/3%2Bcandy%2Bcanes.1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 candy canes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dh8cRFf7j_M/YP9O7O2th3I/AAAAAAABNJ4/bTcAAbZZXYY6DH-VgX3dDhhnmjKY9XNbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s679/dvd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="482" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dh8cRFf7j_M/YP9O7O2th3I/AAAAAAABNJ4/bTcAAbZZXYY6DH-VgX3dDhhnmjKY9XNbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w284-h400/dvd.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><b>RigbyMel says: </b><p></p><p><i>Father Christmas </i>is an enjoyable and VERY British little animated short. It is based on two books - <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_Christmas_(book)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Father Christmas </a></i>(1973) and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/489941.Father_Christmas_Goes_on_Holiday" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Father Christmas Goes on Holiday </a></i>(1975) - by English author & illustrator <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Briggs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raymond Briggs</a>. It also takes place in the same universe as the 1982 film <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084701/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Snowman</a>. </i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlAoyuZVlHE/YP9MiqLRS4I/AAAAAAABNJI/2lUWxw9uH9s5NpQ32krwdqlFn0lsYoXfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528988%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlAoyuZVlHE/YP9MiqLRS4I/AAAAAAABNJI/2lUWxw9uH9s5NpQ32krwdqlFn0lsYoXfQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshot%2B%2528988%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The film's version of Father Christmas is a bit more grumpy than the American incarnation and lives modestly in a little row house somewhere in the UK sans elves or Mrs. Claus. It's rather fun to see this curmudgeonly version of Santa Claus engaging in daily tasks like gardening and taking care of his (adorable) pets. I also quite like the pun inherent in his referring to his reindeer as "m'dears". </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Acn0ozyKf6s/YP9NQvuVrdI/AAAAAAABNJQ/uRes_XRi6FwYp6_iHc6W0tTT8jWPROYrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%25281000%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1555" data-original-width="2048" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Acn0ozyKf6s/YP9NQvuVrdI/AAAAAAABNJQ/uRes_XRi6FwYp6_iHc6W0tTT8jWPROYrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h304/Screenshot%2B%25281000%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>As he prepares for his vacation, Father Christmas comes off as something of a stereotypical British tourist, trying to learn a bit of French while converting his sleigh into a camper van, and griping about the food/weather. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezzZCOaYDRQ/YP9Nl5GogPI/AAAAAAABNJY/c9NT9SNExj4IONiyLYqROdEJZrpJqa01wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%25281027%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1563" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezzZCOaYDRQ/YP9Nl5GogPI/AAAAAAABNJY/c9NT9SNExj4IONiyLYqROdEJZrpJqa01wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshot%2B%25281027%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Interestingly, the version of this short animated film that is most readily available here in the U.S. is a bit different from the original release. In the original version, Father Christmas is voiced by English comedian <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mel_Smith" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mel Smith</a> - possibly best known to American audiences as The Albino in<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093779/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> <i>The Princess Bride</i></a>. You can see/hear Smith performing the song from the film <a href="<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tG0I0l-RPF8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">at this link</a>! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLcVsknw5Jo/YP9N3BYIN-I/AAAAAAABNJg/OiHUdqPivecl_Xr2d03AGOR6KROSul95gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%25281006%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1562" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLcVsknw5Jo/YP9N3BYIN-I/AAAAAAABNJg/OiHUdqPivecl_Xr2d03AGOR6KROSul95gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshot%2B%25281006%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The American edition of the film (which is the most common home video release per Wikipedia) makes a few changes - most notably opting for a more jolly voice over for Father Christmas by William Dennis Hunt and the elimination of over 75 instances of Santa using the British slang term "blooming" and some tweaks for American cultural mores. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9WRZ4VKJfOQ/YP9OQbpJtTI/AAAAAAABNJo/gwzD1gLoB2cX-ncmum0wCbKvxOuW9cv-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%25281055%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1555" data-original-width="2048" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9WRZ4VKJfOQ/YP9OQbpJtTI/AAAAAAABNJo/gwzD1gLoB2cX-ncmum0wCbKvxOuW9cv-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h304/Screenshot%2B%25281055%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>(Personally, I get a bit irked by "translated" versions of UK programming for American audiences, but studios are going to do what they think they need to do to make their films accessible to particular markets, I suppose.) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FclZQ-9PDVw/YP9Oj_32DSI/AAAAAAABNJw/ZlqGLSLfQwUW2KxzeTPdWrPoqgii2gEKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%25281012%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1557" data-original-width="2048" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FclZQ-9PDVw/YP9Oj_32DSI/AAAAAAABNJw/ZlqGLSLfQwUW2KxzeTPdWrPoqgii2gEKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h304/Screenshot%2B%25281012%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Overall, this is a lovely and humo(u?)rous little animated special and worth seeking out even if it is not quite a classic. </p><p><b>RigbyMel's rating: <br /><br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-dz5hTdVDQ/YP9SMacNnAI/AAAAAAABNKQ/xyAWf4x6cmE-tm_t2Whb8i6wWcUDUJFhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/3%2Bcandy%2Bcanes.1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="1024" height="104" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-dz5hTdVDQ/YP9SMacNnAI/AAAAAAABNKQ/xyAWf4x6cmE-tm_t2Whb8i6wWcUDUJFhwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h104/3%2Bcandy%2Bcanes.1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />3 candy canes</p>RigbyMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01570379580272470425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-14902237058956121712021-07-04T15:55:00.005-04:002021-07-04T15:55:51.862-04:00Mickey Mouse Works: "Donald's Failed Fourth"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AhYaFzzJYos/YOIBcpVA8II/AAAAAAABMaA/B2tDEOsTXXgDtDWb5NpdvC2UrCQBOWNoACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/MouseworksLogo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="640" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AhYaFzzJYos/YOIBcpVA8II/AAAAAAABMaA/B2tDEOsTXXgDtDWb5NpdvC2UrCQBOWNoACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h296/MouseworksLogo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Premiered March 1, 1999.</p><p>July 4th has arrived and Donald Duck (<a href="Hexagon clear figure stand" target="_blank">Tony Anselmo</a>) is excited about watching fireworks. His girlfriend Daisy (<a href="Hexagon clear figure stand" target="_blank">Diane Michelle</a>) tasks him with finding a spot for watching the fireworks and setting up their picnic. As Daisy steps away, she tells Donald to make sure he sets up "a perfect view for the night sky."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlwbkTvXAZQ/YOIBpHyK_WI/AAAAAAABMaE/06IlxVq4CC0bimRAGNe2hhN4RPefKA7BQCLcBGAsYHQ/s720/Tumblr_m6nga0YCg31r3jmn6o1_1280.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="720" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlwbkTvXAZQ/YOIBpHyK_WI/AAAAAAABMaE/06IlxVq4CC0bimRAGNe2hhN4RPefKA7BQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Tumblr_m6nga0YCg31r3jmn6o1_1280.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Donald finds what appears to be the ideal spot for the picnic blanket and lays it on the ground. However, the blanket comes to life and attacks Donald! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0BddKVTfkGU/YOICPbhilpI/AAAAAAABMaQ/HuujyijXxK0x4s4ZcRmZG5eeeJzHY6qAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Fourth7.JPG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0BddKVTfkGU/YOICPbhilpI/AAAAAAABMaQ/HuujyijXxK0x4s4ZcRmZG5eeeJzHY6qAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Fourth7.JPG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>He resorts to drastic measures in order to get the blanket to lay flat. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YyX93soM8Po/YOICZgXF8QI/AAAAAAABMaU/G_sOABYfwTs9Ts61MIpIClALdjDGHZkrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Fourth8.JPG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YyX93soM8Po/YOICZgXF8QI/AAAAAAABMaU/G_sOABYfwTs9Ts61MIpIClALdjDGHZkrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Fourth8.JPG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The scenario seems to improve when Daisy returns to drop off some folding chairs, then she steps away. Unfortunately, the chairs also prove to be uncooperative. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_YGD5ZD0ko/YOIClm2lIxI/AAAAAAABMac/xNKSZD83xw4IPPws7lF8K9-1X5qURIysQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Fourth11.JPG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_YGD5ZD0ko/YOIClm2lIxI/AAAAAAABMac/xNKSZD83xw4IPPws7lF8K9-1X5qURIysQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Fourth11.JPG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The same can be said of the picnic basket, which spits out its contents and locks Donald inside it! All of this causes Donald to throw one of his patented temper tantrums!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRirqN_YuFU/YOIIK1Dr1UI/AAAAAAABMbc/MbHNRmOkvtUO6BRwbt2gMNbcSFmucKA6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Fourth16.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRirqN_YuFU/YOIIK1Dr1UI/AAAAAAABMbc/MbHNRmOkvtUO6BRwbt2gMNbcSFmucKA6wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Fourth16.JPG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Can Donald Duck convince his picnic supplies to cooperate? Or will his plans for a romantic 4th of July celebration with Daisy be ruined?<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_vfvNX45-1M/YOIDnAdx97I/AAAAAAABMao/l5BskQskKr8RvNXqtf6txINvcsZq-MDFACLcBGAsYHQ/s720/Tumblr_m6ne3hNluP1r3jmn6o1_1280.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="720" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_vfvNX45-1M/YOIDnAdx97I/AAAAAAABMao/l5BskQskKr8RvNXqtf6txINvcsZq-MDFACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Tumblr_m6ne3hNluP1r3jmn6o1_1280.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>J.A. Morris says: </b></p><p>This is a very short, slight cartoon, but it's a lot of fun. And as we've said here before, there aren't a lot of specials, movies or episodes built around the 4th of July. So we're always glad to discover programming that celebrates holidays other than Christmas, Halloween and Thanksgiving. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thMFn2FdOj0/YOIEntK2hEI/AAAAAAABMa4/2isEcrL2sPUI6ZGslFhAlUXEfJ7N_h5GACLcBGAsYHQ/s720/Tumblr_m6nhzaWgc71r3jmn6o1_1280.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="720" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thMFn2FdOj0/YOIEntK2hEI/AAAAAAABMa4/2isEcrL2sPUI6ZGslFhAlUXEfJ7N_h5GACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Tumblr_m6nhzaWgc71r3jmn6o1_1280.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>"Donald's Failed Fourth" is very much in the tradition of classic Donald Duck theatrical cartoons that were released in the 1930s through the 50s. Donald would frequently get angry in those shorts and launch into squawking fits. That's exactly what happens here when his blanket, chairs and basket seem determined to ruin his Independence Day picnic with Daisy. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKY-wvkxyuc/YOIET8umwWI/AAAAAAABMaw/1zlA5ZoREx8a1kzvXDnJ4uBTs_aWGZ7IACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Fourth15.JPG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKY-wvkxyuc/YOIET8umwWI/AAAAAAABMaw/1zlA5ZoREx8a1kzvXDnJ4uBTs_aWGZ7IACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Fourth15.JPG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>"Donald's Failed Fourth" is a cute cartoon set at 4th of July that will be enjoyed by Disney fans of all ages, but it's brief running time prevents me from giving it a higher rating. </p><p><b>J.A. Morris' rating:</b><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w86KI9CcsBo/YOILJPJ3SXI/AAAAAAABMbw/C-UdNwut-nIC8CUxIhBLuoqNusre1HTUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s514/2%2Bflags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="514" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w86KI9CcsBo/YOILJPJ3SXI/AAAAAAABMbw/C-UdNwut-nIC8CUxIhBLuoqNusre1HTUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2%2Bflags.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-size: medium;">.5</span></b></p><p>2 and a half American flags.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-onBUNJvEx6s/YOIIdUvMAPI/AAAAAAABMbo/GYlTMlcnvp4I027Czzw6aWWwSd80ribHACLcBGAsYHQ/s720/Tumblr_m6ngc2cVj61r3jmn6o1_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="720" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-onBUNJvEx6s/YOIIdUvMAPI/AAAAAAABMbo/GYlTMlcnvp4I027Czzw6aWWwSd80ribHACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Tumblr_m6ngc2cVj61r3jmn6o1_1280.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>RigbyMel says: </b></p><p>I have always been a Donald Duck fan and generally enjoy animated shorts featuring the irascible duck. "Donald's Failed Fourth" is an enjoyable, if featherweight (pun intended) 4th of July short. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTr5_5iW6lY/YOIHXt8S_xI/AAAAAAABMbE/e-X5Liwi0nQCBEbVbaMREwL-Vh6aBL-JwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Fourth18.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTr5_5iW6lY/YOIHXt8S_xI/AAAAAAABMbE/e-X5Liwi0nQCBEbVbaMREwL-Vh6aBL-JwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Fourth18.JPG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>That being said, I do feel like some of the gags in this short feel repetitive, especially in a very short animated short. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YBwPu7U0gI/YOIHt1G5rJI/AAAAAAABMbQ/vahQk5rZvJwWJl0xz6FegOec3URs5YPogCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Fourth13.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YBwPu7U0gI/YOIHt1G5rJI/AAAAAAABMbQ/vahQk5rZvJwWJl0xz6FegOec3URs5YPogCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Fourth13.JPG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>"Donald's Failed Fourth" is worth taking a look at for fans of Disney in general and Donald Duck in particular, but maybe not a "classic". </p><p><b>RigbyMel's rating:<br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y9yZbiavd0/YOISDHkwzNI/AAAAAAABMcQ/-DzUIrbR--c1O3IwPJ7FQ3aV_mG8BI5bQCLcBGAsYHQ/s514/2%2Bflags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="514" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y9yZbiavd0/YOISDHkwzNI/AAAAAAABMcQ/-DzUIrbR--c1O3IwPJ7FQ3aV_mG8BI5bQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2%2Bflags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />.5</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">2 and a half American flags.<br /></span><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></b></p>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-50971002968478149892021-06-20T12:21:00.000-04:002021-06-20T12:21:34.542-04:00Dennis The Menace: "Father's Day for Mr. Wilson"<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o8K6pgMnU08/YI2FjgnmpaI/AAAAAAABKyY/SdORexpscQIAN8MjJrv6Fn5rNfgIol8wQCLcBGAsYHQ/s518/Dennis%2Bthe%2Bmenace%2Bdvd%2Bseason%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="364" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o8K6pgMnU08/YI2FjgnmpaI/AAAAAAABKyY/SdORexpscQIAN8MjJrv6Fn5rNfgIol8wQCLcBGAsYHQ/w281-h400/Dennis%2Bthe%2Bmenace%2Bdvd%2Bseason%2B2.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br />Premiered June 18, 1961. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's Father's Day and Dennis Mitchell (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0636020/?ref_=tt_cl_t_1" target="_blank">Jay North</a>) has spent the day celebrating with his father Henry (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0026802/?ref_=tt_cl_t_2" target="_blank">Herbert Anderson</a>). Dennis has given his father a hat as a present and served him his favorite meal, "hot dogs and three kinds of ice cream (which also "just happens" to be Dennis' favorite meal!)." <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgAyRIZkGHo/YM6zPGHa0EI/AAAAAAABMJ4/x95IUxuYdUka-AsY0xCXZhFL8Cy1T2hMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528855%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1567" data-original-width="2048" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgAyRIZkGHo/YM6zPGHa0EI/AAAAAAABMJ4/x95IUxuYdUka-AsY0xCXZhFL8Cy1T2hMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h306/Screenshot%2B%2528855%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />That evening, the Mitchells host their neighbors, Mr. George Wilson (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0444012/?ref_=tt_cl_t_4" target="_blank">Joseph Kearns</a>) and his wife Martha (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0276058/?ref_=tt_cl_t_7" target="_blank">Sylvia Field</a>) for dinner. Mr. Wilson is worried about a pending lawsuit involving his dog Fremont. The pooch bit a neighbor known as "Old Man Hatch" and Wilson fears hew will be forced to pay for Hatch's injuries. However, Dennis witnessed the biting and says Fremont was kicked by Hatch, which led to the biting. Mr. Wilson realizes that he'll need Dennis' help to get out of the lawsuit. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TvCFa5nm0lY/YM6zjAtcREI/AAAAAAABMKA/akW7zSfXYskYIoqev6jDuqFvrWFqp5fPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528865%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="2048" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TvCFa5nm0lY/YM6zjAtcREI/AAAAAAABMKA/akW7zSfXYskYIoqev6jDuqFvrWFqp5fPQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h306/Screenshot%2B%2528865%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Mitchells feel bad for Mr. Wilson, who has no children and hasn't experienced the joys of Father's Day. Dennis decides he will make the following day a special Father's Day for Mr. Wilson.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The boy wakes up Wilson the next morning at the crack of dawn and wishes him a Happy Father's Day. He presents Mr. Wilson with same he gave to his father.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcEj6ToMzts/YM60J21rXBI/AAAAAAABMKI/5gnkC3aMr-Y6b74Z8I5C4VCR1a0rPpDywCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528876%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcEj6ToMzts/YM60J21rXBI/AAAAAAABMKI/5gnkC3aMr-Y6b74Z8I5C4VCR1a0rPpDywCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshot%2B%2528876%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Dennis says he will stay with Mr. Wilson every minute of the day. They have breakfast together, Dennis gets Wilson a pipe (filled with tobacco...and grass) and gets him the morning paper, ripping it in the process. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I94qHIBCsg8/YM60v09xF3I/AAAAAAABMKQ/PLi0c0_acowATCUV7tlB1A_kk7u5ciEeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528879%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1563" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I94qHIBCsg8/YM60v09xF3I/AAAAAAABMKQ/PLi0c0_acowATCUV7tlB1A_kk7u5ciEeQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshot%2B%2528879%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Mr. Wilson wants to dismiss Dennis, but his wife reminds him that Dennis is his key to winning the dog-biting lawsuit. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B32rrjPduRc/YM6091-rjsI/AAAAAAABMKU/fYsFKW5gB_kn-PjvHUwTXZrUm2aJUiiegCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528881%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B32rrjPduRc/YM6091-rjsI/AAAAAAABMKU/fYsFKW5gB_kn-PjvHUwTXZrUm2aJUiiegCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshot%2B%2528881%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Will Mr. Wilson survive his first Father's Day? Can Dennis help Mr. Wilson win his lawsuit? </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>J.A. Morris' says:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Dennis The Menace </i>was a series I watched frequently back when it was featured regularly on Nickelodeon's <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_at_Nite" target="_blank">Nick At Nite</a> </i>block, but this was the first time I'd watched the show in years.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zuOFZsQoFEA/YM9pRDj6Q8I/AAAAAAAAoRQ/SEBNVFAKsLo5i97woitbM3Kh1EtfPRBDACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528870%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="2048" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zuOFZsQoFEA/YM9pRDj6Q8I/AAAAAAAAoRQ/SEBNVFAKsLo5i97woitbM3Kh1EtfPRBDACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h306/Screenshot%2B%2528870%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">"Father's Day for Mr. Wilson" is a fairly typical episode of <i>Dennis The Menace</i>. Dennis unintentionally does something that gets under Mr. Wilson's skin and hijinks ensue. Except in this case, Father's Day sets all the action in motion. It's basically fun episode, Dennis' Father's Day gestures are sweet and Jay North makes them feel believable. He genuinely sympathizes with Mr. Wilson and wants him to know how it feels to celebrate Father's Day. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7o-800fzbME/YM9piGA6BXI/AAAAAAAAoRc/cpI952XHeIsRTf-l62bLUcgVnEYRg2VyACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528885%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7o-800fzbME/YM9piGA6BXI/AAAAAAAAoRc/cpI952XHeIsRTf-l62bLUcgVnEYRg2VyACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshot%2B%2528885%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There is a nice scene where Mr. Wilson reads the "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Orphan_Annie" target="_blank">Little Orphan Annie</a>" comic strip to Dennis and provides the barks for Annie's dog Sandy. It's a nice showcase of Joseph Kearns' talents and he seems to be enjoying himself. To modern audiences, this scenes might feel sort of "meta," since it features characters adapted from a comic strip reading a comic strip!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPRTTAJ_l9Q/YM9pwWSCsiI/AAAAAAAAoRg/tKoaTFqNfa0yH-zxufCvnw-rEOsdnGS0ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528878%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1567" data-original-width="2048" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPRTTAJ_l9Q/YM9pwWSCsiI/AAAAAAAAoRg/tKoaTFqNfa0yH-zxufCvnw-rEOsdnGS0ACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h306/Screenshot%2B%2528878%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I won't spoil the ending of "Father's Day For Mr. Wilson" and tell you what happens with Old Man Hatch's dog-biting lawsuit. I will say that the Wilsons' dog Fremont is cute, so dog lovers of all ages will probably appreciate that. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HY_AcnwMDnE/YM62BrlPZ8I/AAAAAAABMKg/EtOhKOgxDBQSIxtf9aKZFQxA5VMVhr3mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528903%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="2048" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HY_AcnwMDnE/YM62BrlPZ8I/AAAAAAABMKg/EtOhKOgxDBQSIxtf9aKZFQxA5VMVhr3mQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h306/Screenshot%2B%2528903%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />I also enjoyed this episode because, let's face it, there aren't many Father's Day episodes. This is probably due to the fact that Father's Day takes place in June, when most TV seasons have ended. This episode actually aired on Father's Day in 1961. So I'm always happy to discover any Father's Day episodes. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNF-23vnSfk/YM9p9xLngYI/AAAAAAAAoRo/Bs16Fk4ygzwy0EkW6LgjkurLTUQ3XqVugCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528882%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1563" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNF-23vnSfk/YM9p9xLngYI/AAAAAAAAoRo/Bs16Fk4ygzwy0EkW6LgjkurLTUQ3XqVugCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshot%2B%2528882%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">While it's mostly harmless fun, like most episodes of 1950s/early-60s sitcoms, the storyline isn't particularly deep.<br /><br />If you've ever been a fan of Dennis Mitchell's adventures in the funny papers or its live action adaptation, you'll enjoy "Father's Day For Mr. Wilson." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>J.A. Morris' rating:</b><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzgJiGDgix4/YM9kUcjQURI/AAAAAAAAoQM/TNeMsNANV0Ig-vdFm4oGfBfkeEqsD7IlwCNcBGAsYHQ/s773/3%2Bties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="773" height="126" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzgJiGDgix4/YM9kUcjQURI/AAAAAAAAoQM/TNeMsNANV0Ig-vdFm4oGfBfkeEqsD7IlwCNcBGAsYHQ/w200-h126/3%2Bties.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">3 Father's Day neckties.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDK49i0lm_U/YM9qbqo1t5I/AAAAAAAAoR0/eg22JFOCE8If232nHatfKla7g7LouDoJQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528887%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1559" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDK49i0lm_U/YM9qbqo1t5I/AAAAAAAAoR0/eg22JFOCE8If232nHatfKla7g7LouDoJQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshot%2B%2528887%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>RigbyMel says:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Like J.A. Morris, I was familiar with the <i>Dennis the Menace </i>tv series because of its inclusion in the <i>Nick at Nite</i> programming block back in the mid-1980s. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDhTbF_VQVE/YM9nYkjlHvI/AAAAAAAAoQg/UPkb5geBT2A_oMZmDNaIs5rL6EK5vPlgwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528868%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDhTbF_VQVE/YM9nYkjlHvI/AAAAAAAAoQg/UPkb5geBT2A_oMZmDNaIs5rL6EK5vPlgwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshot%2B%2528868%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Father's Day for Mr. Wilson" is a cute episode of this rather innocuous sitcom from the late 1950s/early 1960s. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6rI6KSc3lM/YM9ou8Xj2XI/AAAAAAAAoRE/AdTeJdDk9zEsYaT6ZR5g9wptD6qyi3c0QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528859%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="2048" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6rI6KSc3lM/YM9ou8Xj2XI/AAAAAAAAoRE/AdTeJdDk9zEsYaT6ZR5g9wptD6qyi3c0QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h306/Screenshot%2B%2528859%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Both Henry and Mr. Wilson are pretty tolerant (although Mr. Wilson's movtivation is a touch more self-interested) of Dennis's tender ministrations - including a terrible hat (which at least is a bit different than a necktie, so points to Dennis for creativity!), since they realize that his efforts come from a place of love and admiration. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csyfbIl1SWc/YM9nnuJvzKI/AAAAAAAAoQo/iOaE4lrFlxI8ZYnBd0kFW3uzFwiwEnWHQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528877%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1561" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csyfbIl1SWc/YM9nnuJvzKI/AAAAAAAAoQo/iOaE4lrFlxI8ZYnBd0kFW3uzFwiwEnWHQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/Screenshot%2B%2528877%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Viewers today may find that Joseph Kearns, who played Mr. Wilson, sounds a bit familiar. This is likely because he also provided the voice for the Doorknob in the 1951 Disney version of <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043274/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2" target="_blank">Alice in Wonderland</a></i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9xxPt7gILY/YM9m2KOxuKI/AAAAAAAAoQU/7QCC-K_8Lh0OZUTAk7hIyG4XYN42MfzGgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1000/doorknob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1000" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9xxPt7gILY/YM9m2KOxuKI/AAAAAAAAoQU/7QCC-K_8Lh0OZUTAk7hIyG4XYN42MfzGgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h304/doorknob.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This is a sweet episode of a series and an enjoyable (rare) Father's Day TV sitcom episode. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>RigbyMel's rating: </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xpUDMNB2wcY/YM9oAd-7z7I/AAAAAAAAoQ0/Pkw84hrVLd4eaGktT2Et4nR0lZljQdeWgCNcBGAsYHQ/s773/3%2Bties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="773" height="126" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xpUDMNB2wcY/YM9oAd-7z7I/AAAAAAAAoQ0/Pkw84hrVLd4eaGktT2Et4nR0lZljQdeWgCNcBGAsYHQ/w200-h126/3%2Bties.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3 Father's Day neckties. </div><p></p>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-41401084254092532082021-05-25T16:08:00.008-04:002021-05-25T16:27:23.700-04:00The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UqvbIgHp98o/X7RPltQvfuI/AAAAAAAAhrc/BToe3LYOjRQS4YROzarHADFmnZ225XvgQCNcBGAsYHQ/s450/LEGO_Holiday-Special-poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UqvbIgHp98o/X7RPltQvfuI/AAAAAAAAhrc/BToe3LYOjRQS4YROzarHADFmnZ225XvgQCNcBGAsYHQ/w320-h400/LEGO_Holiday-Special-poster.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Premiered November 17, 2020</p><p><i>"In the temple on Kordoku, only on Life Day, but once a year, with a key to the galaxy's past, a Jedi's future becomes clear."</i><br />-from the ancient Jedi texts.</p><p>The First Order has been defeated and it's time for the heroes of the Resistance to celebrate Life Day, a holiday of friendship, family and connection. Rey (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2873549/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t8" target="_blank">Helen Sadler</a>), Finn (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0589077/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t15" target="_blank">Omar Benson Miller</a>), Rose Tico (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4511652/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t11" target="_blank">Kelly Marie Tran</a>) and Poe Dameron (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2482007/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t9" target="_blank">Jake Green</a>) visit the planet Kashyyk for a Life Day party with Chewbacca and his family. They're accopanied by their droids C-3PO (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000355/?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm" target="_blank">Anthony Daniels</a>), BB-8 and D-O (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003214/?ref_=tt_cl_t14" target="_blank">Matthew Wood</a>). Everyone is looking forward to engaging in the traditional Life Day customs, which include playing party games, exchanging gifts and feasting on roasted tip-yip, which Rey has agreed to prepare.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saVybL7oTTs/YK0KD-XrpRI/AAAAAAABLaI/dY7_c0evNJgrYRXycbLH3c50gOYiEJQbACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lego-star-wars-holiday-special-still-05_85abfa9e.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saVybL7oTTs/YK0KD-XrpRI/AAAAAAABLaI/dY7_c0evNJgrYRXycbLH3c50gOYiEJQbACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/lego-star-wars-holiday-special-still-05_85abfa9e.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before the festivities begin, Rey puts Finn through a Jedi training session. Finn is struggling and Rey believes it's due to her failures as a teacher. She consults the ancient Jedi texts and learns that once a year, at the temple on Kordoku, "with a key to the galaxy's past, a Jedi's future becomes clear." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rey believes that this "key" will help her become a better teacher. She departs for Kordoku, without roasting the tip-yip, much to her friends' disappointment. Poe, however, is undaunted and vows to make their holiday celebration "the greatest Life Day party in the history of the galaxy!"</div><p>When Rey arrives at the temple, she finds a crystal and guesses it's the "key to the galaxy's past." The crystal creates a "force gateway" that enables Rey to travel through time and space and it takes her to interactions between great Jedi masters and their apprentices throughout history.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyra8wZ885o/YK0LOjtj_2I/AAAAAAABLaQ/cQe4kS6G4ogZ-0B8GafNQiCUFar0dIJ2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1089/Screenshot%2B%2528164%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="1089" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyra8wZ885o/YK0LOjtj_2I/AAAAAAABLaQ/cQe4kS6G4ogZ-0B8GafNQiCUFar0dIJ2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h193/Screenshot%2B%2528164%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Unfortunately, the crystal also takes Rey to the second Death Star, where she encounters Darth Vader (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3363314/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t3" target="_blank">Ben Prendergast</a>) and his master Emperor Palpatine (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0222175/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t17" target="_blank">Trevor Devall</a>)! When Rey escapes, Vader follows her through the gateway and steals the crystal! Rey chases him and their adventures take them to various points in time all over the galaxy. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ms4pnme5hM/YK0N4fGu4KI/AAAAAAABLaY/FgIS3IKCXhAm-WPTEa1OEGaMoXx3AMK6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lego-star-wars-holiday-special-still-02_2b394302.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ms4pnme5hM/YK0N4fGu4KI/AAAAAAABLaY/FgIS3IKCXhAm-WPTEa1OEGaMoXx3AMK6QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/lego-star-wars-holiday-special-still-02_2b394302.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p>Back on Kashyyk, the Life Day party is NOT going well. Rose and Finn send a "distress signal" to that is answered by their friends Lando Calrissian (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001850/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t4" target="_blank">Billy Dee Williams</a>), Jannah and Mas Canata (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0217221/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t7" target="_blank">Grey Griffin</a>), hoping they can save the party.<br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Cgvywpdv78/YK0ODFYFzYI/AAAAAAABLac/k9e1a9HkVacxs_E4RTLR0wXrtngju9f2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lego-star-wars-holiday-special-still-04_5891730c.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Cgvywpdv78/YK0ODFYFzYI/AAAAAAABLac/k9e1a9HkVacxs_E4RTLR0wXrtngju9f2ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/lego-star-wars-holiday-special-still-04_5891730c.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br />Will Rey survive the experience and become a better teacher? Will the heroes' organize a successful Life Day celebration? Or will Chewbacca and the other wookies go looking for arms to rip off?<p></p><p><b>J.A. Morris says:</b><br />Both of us have been big fans of <i>Star Wars</i> forever, so we were excited to watch this special. It's both a love letter and a parody of the <i>Star Wars</i> movies and it also references classic Christmas specials...and the not-so-classic <i><a href="https://holidayfilmreviews.blogspot.com/2013/11/star-wars-holiday-special.html" target="_blank">Star Wars Holiday Special</a></i>, which introduced the wookie holiday Life Day. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9F6f04ffrJE/YK0O92q9F5I/AAAAAAABLao/vUvCH-IGL9YbUiHBbN28PulmhluuiQO9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1084/Screenshot%2B%2528171%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="1084" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9F6f04ffrJE/YK0O92q9F5I/AAAAAAABLao/vUvCH-IGL9YbUiHBbN28PulmhluuiQO9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/Screenshot%2B%2528171%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>It's full of lightsaber duels, explosions and, yes, holiday sentiment. There's also some physical comedy relating to wookies and tip-yip preparation. Poe, Finn, Rose and Chewie are genuinely upset when Rey chooses to leave the Life Day celebration to seek the force gateway. Poe's enthusiasm for celebrating the holiday is almost palpable. Having Poe wear a Christmas-I mean, a Life Day sweater is also a nice touch!<br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdfjPyoMd2o/YK0PO7eEs_I/AAAAAAABLaw/BdtIa03RbIYyq11kSjOxQptH7TvXsx--ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1087/Screenshot%2B%2528169%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="1087" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdfjPyoMd2o/YK0PO7eEs_I/AAAAAAABLaw/BdtIa03RbIYyq11kSjOxQptH7TvXsx--ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h194/Screenshot%2B%2528169%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />I don't want to spoil the ending, but since this is a holiday special aimed at children, a happy holiday is had by all, Rey gains new insights about being a Jedi Master and everyone learns (dare I say it?) the "true meaning" of Life Day. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAzGEMd_Zh4/YK1PRsjncTI/AAAAAAABLbo/S450halKR2IppDWQOFsakV9yeIEOcATawCLcBGAsYHQ/s1919/Screenshot%2B%2528397%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1919" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAzGEMd_Zh4/YK1PRsjncTI/AAAAAAABLbo/S450halKR2IppDWQOFsakV9yeIEOcATawCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/Screenshot%2B%2528397%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special</i> features a solid voice cast. Helen Sadler carries much of the special as Rey. Jake Green and Omar Benson Miller are good as Poe and Finn. One of the coolest things about the special is that Kelly Marie Tran, Billy Dee Williams and Anthony Daniels reprise their characters from the movies. That makes the special feel even more directly tied to the "real" Star Wars universe. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjdD44SIjsM/YK0daNLyPJI/AAAAAAABLbY/N1NKgnNnT9EgGHRSE734S72T2xj1m-PvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1090/Screenshot%2B%2528163%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="1090" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjdD44SIjsM/YK0daNLyPJI/AAAAAAABLbY/N1NKgnNnT9EgGHRSE734S72T2xj1m-PvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h194/Screenshot%2B%2528163%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Most of the Rankin-Bass holiday specials were narrated by a famous celebrity with a recognizable voice. This special is narrated by Yoda (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0437454/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t16" target="_blank">Tom Kane</a>), who would've been considered a "famous celebrity" in the <i>Star Wars</i> universe.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iF1TeUq_p5M/YK1XSokNqcI/AAAAAAABLcM/8mCfrg298a88JwbBPm7NuZCt_4Kw5CKAACLcBGAsYHQ/s1097/Screenshot%2B%2528165%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="1097" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iF1TeUq_p5M/YK1XSokNqcI/AAAAAAABLcM/8mCfrg298a88JwbBPm7NuZCt_4Kw5CKAACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h193/Screenshot%2B%2528165%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>It's worth noting that this is the first officially released TV or film content that takes place after <i>The Rise Of Skywalker</i>, the final chapter in the Skywalker Saga. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85hFjk62mrE/YK1UCN8AHbI/AAAAAAABLcE/TB8ng9O1N0kC-X-Q8V9sHulZB6Vr2tDrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lego-star-wars-holiday-special-still-03_fed29c4d.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85hFjk62mrE/YK1UCN8AHbI/AAAAAAABLcE/TB8ng9O1N0kC-X-Q8V9sHulZB6Vr2tDrwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/lego-star-wars-holiday-special-still-03_fed29c4d.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />If I have any problem with the special, it's due to my general uneasiness about watching anything Lego-related. I just can't stop wondering why the characters have short, square legs and u-shaped hands. Other than that, I enjoyed it.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Liv6V2VCyOA/YK1T6GvFI_I/AAAAAAABLcA/IHsU0SW1MV0aHf9j5ifEG4ecHo6jQE1GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1094/Screenshot%2B%2528162%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="1094" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Liv6V2VCyOA/YK1T6GvFI_I/AAAAAAABLcA/IHsU0SW1MV0aHf9j5ifEG4ecHo6jQE1GwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h194/Screenshot%2B%2528162%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><i>The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special</i> is action-packed, funny and endearing. It will be enjoyed by <i>Star War</i>s fans of all ages and is recommended. But my feelings about the anatomy of the LEGO versions of the characters prevents me from giving it my highest rating.<br /><br /><b>J.A. Morris' rating:</b><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HcHfmZEUTK4/YK0c31J_maI/AAAAAAABLbQ/_ugPrQv3Tl8a_TPaqo7KpnGvlHA-bxIsACLcBGAsYHQ/s417/3%2Bsabers.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="417" height="216" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HcHfmZEUTK4/YK0c31J_maI/AAAAAAABLbQ/_ugPrQv3Tl8a_TPaqo7KpnGvlHA-bxIsACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h216/3%2Bsabers.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>.5</b></span><br />3 and a half lightsabers. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y40d8Ts-Nbs/YK0Ptk6RKfI/AAAAAAABLa4/BXDlzkKMHuAb7h6Dp4mBVVOCjHV_6nQpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y40d8Ts-Nbs/YK0Ptk6RKfI/AAAAAAABLa4/BXDlzkKMHuAb7h6Dp4mBVVOCjHV_6nQpwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/poster.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>RigbyMel says: </b></p><p><i>The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special </i>is fast paced and funny in the manner of other animated Lego shows. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwmOEuV9KvI/YK1TOPSgELI/AAAAAAABLb4/oPQNQpEpDOczeNNArUFhE3WRxr0Yq9DtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lego-star-wars-holiday-special-still-01_f71daf7b.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwmOEuV9KvI/YK1TOPSgELI/AAAAAAABLb4/oPQNQpEpDOczeNNArUFhE3WRxr0Yq9DtQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/lego-star-wars-holiday-special-still-01_f71daf7b.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p>I quite enjoyed the assorted references to other aspects of the <i>Star Wars </i>saga -- blue milk! binary sunset! nefarious villains! Luke Skywalker! Rey! Poe! Finn! Chewbacca! Droids! Max Rebo! Baby Yoda! Regular Yoda! This Life Day tale has lots of appeal and I definitely appreciated call-backs to holiday specials of yore in the Rankin-Bass vein. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMxrJ0fqrhY/YK0QEz3P-rI/AAAAAAABLbA/9J-luh_-328z53yDfjfpb2Ex7J9_lVVKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1095/Screenshot%2B%2528167%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="1095" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMxrJ0fqrhY/YK0QEz3P-rI/AAAAAAABLbA/9J-luh_-328z53yDfjfpb2Ex7J9_lVVKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h194/Screenshot%2B%2528167%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Plus we get "Jingle Bells" sung in Huttese! </p><p>I also like how the Emperor is played rather like a sleazy, snarky businessman and how Vader comes off as befuddled and a bit lost in his own story, since this is a far cry from how these two come off in the live action movies. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mW2TSCXdiUs/YK0RvgsWH8I/AAAAAAABLbI/BVpirKqUkzc8Py929pzynqG0V9qGpnmdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1092/Screenshot%2B%2528168%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="1092" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mW2TSCXdiUs/YK0RvgsWH8I/AAAAAAABLbI/BVpirKqUkzc8Py929pzynqG0V9qGpnmdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h193/Screenshot%2B%2528168%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>My only real complaint is that the action becomes a little bit *too* madcap and frenetic. Then again, this isn't intended to be a first foray into the <i>Star Wars </i>universe. That being said, it could be hard for those not familiar with all aspects of <i>Star Wars -- </i>up to and including the disastrous 1978 <i>Star Wars Holiday Special --</i> to get a handle on all of the twists and turns. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz0NHvYjimQ/YK1NBtkXqKI/AAAAAAABLbg/uYvLLYOIhhAR95dAowkutWv565RBUGnmACLcBGAsYHQ/s1090/Screenshot%2B%2528174%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="1090" height="191" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz0NHvYjimQ/YK1NBtkXqKI/AAAAAAABLbg/uYvLLYOIhhAR95dAowkutWv565RBUGnmACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h191/Screenshot%2B%2528174%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">While traveling through time, Rey meets not one, but two Han Solos (both voiced by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3629001/?ref_=tt_cl_t1" target="_blank">A.J. LoCascio</a></span>)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>All in all, <i>The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special </i>is an affectionate and fun return to "a long time a go in a galaxy far, far away ..." and will be enjoyed by <i>Star Wars </i>fans young and old. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QeHHcmPpkFo/YK1S-KXjoqI/AAAAAAABLbw/rouyB5cwolsMfkJSshuji3Ix9rjuDsy5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1087/Screenshot%2B%2528172%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="1087" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QeHHcmPpkFo/YK1S-KXjoqI/AAAAAAABLbw/rouyB5cwolsMfkJSshuji3Ix9rjuDsy5gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/Screenshot%2B%2528172%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>RigbyMel's rating: <br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34DiNbRbIg4/YK1YHRhY_TI/AAAAAAABLcU/jfD7kYWv2YQ7grFJ6Hvw1jdBSjrjnbY_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s417/3%2Bsabers.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="417" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34DiNbRbIg4/YK1YHRhY_TI/AAAAAAABLcU/jfD7kYWv2YQ7grFJ6Hvw1jdBSjrjnbY_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3%2Bsabers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />3 lightsabers. </p>RigbyMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01570379580272470425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-62072541290535494602021-05-11T09:19:00.001-04:002021-05-11T09:27:46.552-04:003 Godfathers (1948)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQA57GC8PXE/YJfiuSsapZI/AAAAAAABK8s/gZ3x841wwy4czw2ZTkVFXgjrvrMv7sgEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s394/3%2BGodfathers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="394" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQA57GC8PXE/YJfiuSsapZI/AAAAAAABK8s/gZ3x841wwy4czw2ZTkVFXgjrvrMv7sgEwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/3%2BGodfathers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Our 2021 edition of "Oscar Takes A Holiday" concludes with a review of<i> 3 Godfathers</i>.</div>This film features several Academy Award winners.<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wayne" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John Wayne</a> won the Best Actor Oscar in 1969 for his portrayal of Rooster Cogburn in <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065126/" target="_blank">True Grit</a></i>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EeYeuGP-ZA0/YJpplybhL4I/AAAAAAABLCE/UkAzbv9KukAlXZSBBLdXX3eyQVPvstZmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s598/JohnWayne2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="458" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EeYeuGP-ZA0/YJpplybhL4I/AAAAAAABLCE/UkAzbv9KukAlXZSBBLdXX3eyQVPvstZmQCLcBGAsYHQ/w306-h400/JohnWayne2.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br /><div>This film features <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Darwell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jane Darwell</a> in a small role as Miss Florie. </div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcWBI3EwAak/YJmxxAJ9quI/AAAAAAABLB4/aZqOf8L_xFYELi6MgIqE9yWcRt1M4MrcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528551%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcWBI3EwAak/YJmxxAJ9quI/AAAAAAABLB4/aZqOf8L_xFYELi6MgIqE9yWcRt1M4MrcwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528551%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Darwell was a great character actress and she won an Oscar for playing Ma Joad in <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032551/" target="_blank">The Grapes Of Wrath</a></i>.</div><div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jane Darwell receives her Oscar. At the time Supporting Actresses and Actor only got small plaques (seen in Darwell's left hand), not full Oscar statuettes.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ford" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John Ford</a> directed <i>3 Godfather</i>s and he won a record four Best Director Oscars, for <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0026529/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2" target="_blank">The Informer</a></i>, <i>The Grapes Of Wrath</i>, <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033729/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" target="_blank">How Green Was My Valley</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045061/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" target="_blank">The Quiet Man</a></i>. Additionally, Ford won two Academy Awards for the WWII documentaries <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0035790/" target="_blank">December 7</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034498/" target="_blank">The Battle Of Midway</a></i>. While Ford was famous for directing Western cowboy films, none of his Oscars were for Westerns. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfVK84knIQg/YJLkqdxx7CI/AAAAAAABK3c/uzrMUtrrDN8r47jqodh9YioVqb5uQawAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s636/John_Ford%252C_1946.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="450" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfVK84knIQg/YJLkqdxx7CI/AAAAAAABK3c/uzrMUtrrDN8r47jqodh9YioVqb5uQawAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w283-h400/John_Ford%252C_1946.jpg" width="283" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">John Ford, with one of his Oscars.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Johnson_(actor)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Johnson</a> has a small (unnamed) role as a member of the posse that pursues the "3 godfathers." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxa923i-2iQ/YJLmBMXHD4I/AAAAAAABK3o/59CaHn_M8DUjFAjsO7Xar8xZn575J2UKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528615%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxa923i-2iQ/YJLmBMXHD4I/AAAAAAABK3o/59CaHn_M8DUjFAjsO7Xar8xZn575J2UKQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528615%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Johnson won the Academy Award for Best Supporting actor in 1972 for playing Sam the Lion in<i> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067328/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2" target="_blank">The Last Picture Show</a></i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MnEVARbS3t4/YJLl3vnNGkI/AAAAAAABK3k/VbbM9EFGLdk2G2OKIh8M-slxJEAgNArVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s479/Ben%2BJohnson.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="479" height="394" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MnEVARbS3t4/YJLl3vnNGkI/AAAAAAABK3k/VbbM9EFGLdk2G2OKIh8M-slxJEAgNArVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h394/Ben%2BJohnson.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Now for our review:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A trio of small-time criminals named Bob Hightower (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000078/?ref_=tt_cl_t1" target="_blank">John Wayne</a>), </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: inherit;">Pedro Encarnación Escalante (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000784/?ref_=tt_cl_t2" target="_blank">Pedro Armendariz</a>), who answers to "Pete," and William Kearney (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001013/?ref_=tt_cl_t3" target="_blank">Harry Carey Jr.</a>), AKA "The Abilene Kid," visit the town of Welcome, Arizona, planning to rob the local bank. </span></div></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BI-GODIafLg/YJRIHrnwTKI/AAAAAAABK48/Fq2PHHZm8n8fIZewEpeP8umgPXgclFuBACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528520%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BI-GODIafLg/YJRIHrnwTKI/AAAAAAABK48/Fq2PHHZm8n8fIZewEpeP8umgPXgclFuBACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528520%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: inherit;"><br />The pass by the home of Buck Sweet (</span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000955/?ref_=tt_cl_t4" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Ward Bond</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: inherit;">) and his wife (</span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0550615/?ref_=tt_cl_t5" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Mae Marsh)</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: inherit;">. Mrs. Sweet mentions that they are preparing for a Christmas visit from her niece and her husband. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCO-eyVHZQY/YJRI1Z9BdYI/AAAAAAABK5E/iHlA92ILYFgkNmxKxZ52-w7k3c3uLjftgCLcBGAsYHQ/s818/Screenshot%2B%2528145%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="818" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCO-eyVHZQY/YJRI1Z9BdYI/AAAAAAABK5E/iHlA92ILYFgkNmxKxZ52-w7k3c3uLjftgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h296/Screenshot%2B%2528145%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>The Sweets have a pleasant exchange with the trio, until Buck puts on his vest, which displays his U.S. Marshal badge. This leads to a slight bit of tension, which leads Sweet to believe he may be seeing them soon in a more official capacity. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ouu5NLUOrYk/YJRJKiuTiYI/AAAAAAABK5M/L5LwDfbimxAWvSfRDWIgbZtbnKx6DgwEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528525%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ouu5NLUOrYk/YJRJKiuTiYI/AAAAAAABK5M/L5LwDfbimxAWvSfRDWIgbZtbnKx6DgwEwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528525%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"><br />After hitting the bank, the take off, but the Kid is shot and loses his horse and the loot. Bob and Pete rescue him and take off into the desert, with Marshal Sweet in hot pursuit. Water is scarce in the desert, so Sweet shoots their water pouch, knowing it will limit their escape options.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91NbSiarGgc/YJRJhuEArkI/AAAAAAABK5U/EaWbQnqii1E7X0InZOyEoa6b0vOVw4tUACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528531%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91NbSiarGgc/YJRJhuEArkI/AAAAAAABK5U/EaWbQnqii1E7X0InZOyEoa6b0vOVw4tUACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528531%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"><br />Later, when Bob, Pete and the Kid visit a depot to get water, Sweet's posse gets there first and guards the water tank, making it inaccessible to the fugitives. <br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHm9NdZUwfk/YJRKvz7VwEI/AAAAAAABK5c/QP7Ip_GMp3Q9pZ-SH38r35M5HY6SgzdSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528541%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHm9NdZUwfk/YJRKvz7VwEI/AAAAAAABK5c/QP7Ip_GMp3Q9pZ-SH38r35M5HY6SgzdSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528541%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">The trio's search for water and safety leads them to a woman (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0622450/?ref_=tt_cl_t6" target="_blank">Mildred Natwick</a>) who is about to give birth. Unbeknownst to Bob and friends, the woman is Buck Sweet's niece, who was on the way to visit the Sweets for Christmas. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JhaNsi3x_Cw/YJRK_TtR4-I/AAAAAAABK5g/5gUZvvpqAmYRmHHQh8S_zhSjusgORzJaACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528559%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JhaNsi3x_Cw/YJRK_TtR4-I/AAAAAAABK5g/5gUZvvpqAmYRmHHQh8S_zhSjusgORzJaACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528559%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"><br />There is no water in sight because her husband (who has disappeared) dynamited the well, hoping it would get more water into it. (The dynamite has the opposite effect, rendering the well useless.) Pete helps her give birth, while Pete and Kid get her water from cacti. She lives long enough to thank them and name her baby "Robert William Pedro Hightower" to honor all of them. The new mother asks all three men to serve as godfathers to her son<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmDZ1oA-VuM/YJRNWvRAKHI/AAAAAAABK5s/cHKLAJGt-zoP_TOv8qfIQeQJtTEUfd7BgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528564%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmDZ1oA-VuM/YJRNWvRAKHI/AAAAAAABK5s/cHKLAJGt-zoP_TOv8qfIQeQJtTEUfd7BgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528564%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #202122;">The Kid picks up the woman's Bible and finds it opened to a page that talks about bringing newborn children to Jerusalem in order to present them to God. They decide it's a sign from above and take the baby to New Jerusalem. Kid says they're the modern equivalent of the three wise men from the Nativity story and they follow the star that will lead them to New Jerusalem. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #202122;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZ5NHU9NB-4/YJRNwwroYxI/AAAAAAABK50/_fvzc8nt3G8Vc43xG82XBYpwf3YKMCwfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528574%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZ5NHU9NB-4/YJRNwwroYxI/AAAAAAABK50/_fvzc8nt3G8Vc43xG82XBYpwf3YKMCwfwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528574%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #202122;">Meanwhile, Sweet and his posse continue to chase the three godfathers. When they find the abandoned site where the baby was born, they presume the mother and her baby were killed by Bob and his gang. Sweet also discovers that the water well has been blown up, which will result in future deaths and presumes that the fugitives are responsible for this as well. Buck now wants Bob, Pedro and Kid killed for their (presumed) crimes!<br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIs2PpCR7PU/YJROgTGXedI/AAAAAAABK58/NZvkE5wgGkQNIVWZ5C8MQVgMv8aG1B6mgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528616%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIs2PpCR7PU/YJROgTGXedI/AAAAAAABK58/NZvkE5wgGkQNIVWZ5C8MQVgMv8aG1B6mgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528616%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #202122;">Can Bob, Pedro and Kid survive long enough to get the baby to New Jerusalem? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #202122;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #202122;"><b>J.A. Morris says:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #202122;">After hundreds of reviews, this is our first review of a Western movie or TV show. <br /><br /><i>3 Godfathers</i> is a good Western, with larger-than-life characters featured on both sides of the law. John Wayne was already established as a major star and he plays a character similar to lots of his other characters. That's okay, because Wayne was so good playing cowboys. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IKW-Oyphrk/YJlFTmYD8QI/AAAAAAABLA4/2t7r1uzm-3M7XhwjQPiAn8qQzeCOZgXmACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528522%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IKW-Oyphrk/YJlFTmYD8QI/AAAAAAABLA4/2t7r1uzm-3M7XhwjQPiAn8qQzeCOZgXmACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528522%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #202122;">Pedro Armendariz is equally good. Pedro is a somewhat stereotypical "<a href="https://www.dictionary.com/browse/pistolero" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pistolero</a>," but Armendariz delivers performance that imbues his character with humanity and kindness. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #202122;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTGKtU_i0CM/YJlFhb-UWaI/AAAAAAABLA8/jhTofwItqS8l4Zwsmymvny2xZ4oqSSJqACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528558%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTGKtU_i0CM/YJlFhb-UWaI/AAAAAAABLA8/jhTofwItqS8l4Zwsmymvny2xZ4oqSSJqACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528558%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Harry Carey, Jr. is believable as the in-over-his head Abilene Kid.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-411gMrdw-_M/YJlG0k8C4YI/AAAAAAABLBI/B_og49RMcicY4AbwyGbmXcsIavbAj8S1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528568%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-411gMrdw-_M/YJlG0k8C4YI/AAAAAAABLBI/B_og49RMcicY4AbwyGbmXcsIavbAj8S1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528568%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Ward Bond provides a good opponent to the godfathers as Buck Sweet. There are some nice scenes where Buck and Bob play a game of chess trying guess where the other will go next. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjU9_pyNfqw/YJlHLX1RpfI/AAAAAAABLBQ/EsHfxNfzQt0hyVMt9E_nOnYT3kAg6odMACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528533%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjU9_pyNfqw/YJlHLX1RpfI/AAAAAAABLBQ/EsHfxNfzQt0hyVMt9E_nOnYT3kAg6odMACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528533%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #202122;">There's a little bit of back story about Harry Carey, Jr. and his father. During the opening credits, we see this dedication:<br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJxi0cfHjWo/YJk8eYr9nxI/AAAAAAABLAg/mV9aXgSbxHwCxkYycLQpA2bTm6u3Sy_kQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528518%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJxi0cfHjWo/YJk8eYr9nxI/AAAAAAABLAg/mV9aXgSbxHwCxkYycLQpA2bTm6u3Sy_kQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528518%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #202122;">The senior Carey worked with director John Ford on multiple films. One of their collaborations was <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marked_Men_(1919_film)" target="_blank">Marked Men</a></i>, a 1919 silent adaptation of <i>3 Godfathers</i> and Carey Sr. also appeared in a 1916 version of the same story. So Jr.'s presence in the film adds a nice connection to the earlier versions. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZdDcXN3CUc/YJlHw-J_NNI/AAAAAAABLBY/LA1sDEJsKvYoPfOtm0F1P7qBbj2YioRgACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528577%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZdDcXN3CUc/YJlHw-J_NNI/AAAAAAABLBY/LA1sDEJsKvYoPfOtm0F1P7qBbj2YioRgACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528577%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #202122;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #202122;">It's also worth noting that prominent character actor </span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0452128/?ref_=tt_cl_t8">Guy Kibbee</a><span style="color: #202122;"> has a cameo as a judge near the end of the movie.</span></div><span style="color: #202122;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HgTF8rke5G8/YJk8sHfDQ4I/AAAAAAABLAk/ybze1ZEDXMofl9cWc293oLVcFesntCp6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528603%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HgTF8rke5G8/YJk8sHfDQ4I/AAAAAAABLAk/ybze1ZEDXMofl9cWc293oLVcFesntCp6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528603%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />In addition to the actors, the other "star" of <i>3 Godfathers</i> is its filming locations. It was shot on location in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Valley" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">California's Death Valley</a>, which means we're treated to lots of breathtaking shots of mountains and deserts. The dried-up salt lake scene is particularly memorable. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-alQx1YszeAc/YJlEm0A0_DI/AAAAAAABLAw/p0VvOVY6O38Q-g7RlrUDbaeOyyezy87nQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528581%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-alQx1YszeAc/YJlEm0A0_DI/AAAAAAABLAw/p0VvOVY6O38Q-g7RlrUDbaeOyyezy87nQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528581%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202122;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #202122;">If there's anything in <i>3 Godfathers</i> that doesn't quite work, it's the ending. It feels a bit too pat and tacked on. However, it's not enough to ruin the rest of the film. I'm hesitant to say more about the ending because I don't want to spoil it (even if the film was released more than 70 years ago!). <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-reYGYnVxVD4/YJlINa69I3I/AAAAAAABLBg/u855U-bBJg4bRAanykEJ5eZI8Kah7h2tQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528584%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1546" data-original-width="2048" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-reYGYnVxVD4/YJlINa69I3I/AAAAAAABLBg/u855U-bBJg4bRAanykEJ5eZI8Kah7h2tQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h303/Screenshot%2B%2528584%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><i>3 Godfathers</i> is an entertaining Christmas cowboy movie full of action, drama and holiday sentiment, but the ending prevents me from giving it a higher rating.<br /><br /><b>J.A. Morris' rating:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #202122;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGbpQpcXX_U/YJmviEAdO4I/AAAAAAABLBo/2J7O9atrT3Ihc6RJxzTs72evaS1EX3-fACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/3%2Bcandy%2Bcanes.1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="1024" height="104" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGbpQpcXX_U/YJmviEAdO4I/AAAAAAABLBo/2J7O9atrT3Ihc6RJxzTs72evaS1EX3-fACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h104/3%2Bcandy%2Bcanes.1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #202122;">3 candy canes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-liZVc2N2fEY/YJmlS7-pc1I/AAAAAAAAnjw/5Q-JV5i-CK0mJ_UYccVu3UGYzEx9xawVQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3%2BGodfathers%2Bposter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-liZVc2N2fEY/YJmlS7-pc1I/AAAAAAAAnjw/5Q-JV5i-CK0mJ_UYccVu3UGYzEx9xawVQCNcBGAsYHQ/w265-h400/3%2BGodfathers%2Bposter.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>RigbyMel says: </b></div></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Despite my dad being a big John Wayne fan, I had never seen this Western set at Christmastime. <i>3 Godfathers </i>uses its Christmas setting to tell a tale of sacrifice and (possible) redemption for three not-quite as-wise-as-they-think men as they attempt to rescue a baby from certain death. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRsK4UjSthc/YJmnspCvukI/AAAAAAAAnkI/rO65gKMhwGoJChpsKwAWzaVJfbOnXOqLACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528563%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRsK4UjSthc/YJmnspCvukI/AAAAAAAAnkI/rO65gKMhwGoJChpsKwAWzaVJfbOnXOqLACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528563%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I found myself being drawn in to the story because of appealing performances by all the actors involved (especially the three godfathers themselves) and quite enjoyed the chess-like back and forth between Hightower and Marshal Sweet as they try to outwit each other. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-2TTUVW4wQ/YJmodkY7QdI/AAAAAAAAnkY/-q3X_cjv7EcKBNbsZA_OjMs-xcvJXqA3QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528598%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-2TTUVW4wQ/YJmodkY7QdI/AAAAAAAAnkY/-q3X_cjv7EcKBNbsZA_OjMs-xcvJXqA3QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528598%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>There's also something kind of sweet about how the three hardened criminals become so attached to and protective of their infant charge. Their early grappling with the unaccustomed tasks associated with infant care are endearing. This is a trope in a lot of movies (think <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094137/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Three Men and a Baby</a> </i>for a more recent example), but it works well and the man vs. nature intensity of the Western setting adds dramatic tension. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wQixLTBE1o/YJmmiO2ROXI/AAAAAAAAnkA/LDjJl5_zWUE9t48vKZnNI97amkDV81DUgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528567%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wQixLTBE1o/YJmmiO2ROXI/AAAAAAAAnkA/LDjJl5_zWUE9t48vKZnNI97amkDV81DUgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528567%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Baby "Robert William Pedro Hightower" was played (uncredited - in close-up shots) by baby <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1827606/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t30" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amelia Yelda</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>It's also worth noting the many parallels between this western and the original Nativity story, for example, the desert setting parallels the hot, dry climate the original New Testament tale. There are also elements of Mary and Joseph's flight into Egypt to save the infant Jesus that are reflected in the godfathers' flight towards New Jerusalem. And although the poor woman who leaves the baby in our unlikely trio's care is never named in the film, I really, really want her to be called Mary. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pE1hbXQjnF0/YJmoHrQt7OI/AAAAAAAAnkQ/4AHW64sN4Aw1elji_6zYhKnEyxcvbU23QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528572%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pE1hbXQjnF0/YJmoHrQt7OI/AAAAAAAAnkQ/4AHW64sN4Aw1elji_6zYhKnEyxcvbU23QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528572%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><i>3 Godfathers </i>was based on novel by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_B._Kyne" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peter B. Kyne</a> that has been <a href="http://www.christmastvhistory.com/2013/06/hells-heroes-1930.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">adapted</a> and<a href="http://www.christmastvhistory.com/2013/06/three-godfathers-1936.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> filmed</a> <a href="http://www.christmastvhistory.com/2013/06/3-godfathers-1948.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">multiple </a><a href="http://www.christmastvhistory.com/2013/06/tokyo-godfathers-2003.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">times</a> and I highly recommend checking out blog posts about the adaptations over on the fabulous blog <a href="http://www.christmastvhistory.com/search/label/Three%20Godfathers" target="_blank">Christmas TV History! </a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKFyO7zg9P4/YJmol4ytUxI/AAAAAAAAnkc/dJqkVdQtS589-WfgkpTPOi3DX7sYcpeawCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528592%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKFyO7zg9P4/YJmol4ytUxI/AAAAAAAAnkc/dJqkVdQtS589-WfgkpTPOi3DX7sYcpeawCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528592%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A miracle in the desert? </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Mexican actor <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000784/?ref_=nmbio_bio_nm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pedro Armendariz</a> (who plays Pedro aka Pete in this movie) was one of the best-known Latin American movie stars of the 1940s and 50s. He won 2 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_Award" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ariel Awards</a> (the equivalent to the Oscars for Mexican cinema) for Best Actor in 1948 for <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pearl_(film)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">La Perla</a> </i>and in 1953 for <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soledad%27s_Shawl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">El Rebozo de Soledad</a> </i>and certainly gives a moving performance in <i>3 Godfathers. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j26JfyfQu7g/YJmpN_y0OHI/AAAAAAAAnko/TYxqjhby2Dc7am1pWsmxuH5YewmhlJMJgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528571%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j26JfyfQu7g/YJmpN_y0OHI/AAAAAAAAnko/TYxqjhby2Dc7am1pWsmxuH5YewmhlJMJgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528571%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As J.A. Morris mentions above, the ending does come off as just a bit too pat and tonally off compared with the rest of the film (there's a "funny drunk" bit that is especially off-putting to my mind), but <i>3 Godfathers </i>is a generally gripping and well-made classic Western film and is well worth a look should you have the time and inclination. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>RigbyMel's rating: </b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lru36ilOPCQ/YJmw4lhuvRI/AAAAAAABLBw/AvyiMGnmnZAI8Tff247b11qNmubp0M46gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/3%2Bcandy%2Bcanes.1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="1024" height="104" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lru36ilOPCQ/YJmw4lhuvRI/AAAAAAABLBw/AvyiMGnmnZAI8Tff247b11qNmubp0M46gCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h104/3%2Bcandy%2Bcanes.1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">.5</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3 and a half candy canes.</div></div>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-59183232298837750632021-05-01T11:29:00.001-04:002021-05-11T10:21:26.565-04:00Larceny, Inc.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rZZLlO9uuc/YI1WVGGilpI/AAAAAAABKwU/7MnZUdT2n90aNXxqoVEMEIN2G-pqNBdFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1667/larceny%2Blobby%2Bcards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1273" data-original-width="1667" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rZZLlO9uuc/YI1WVGGilpI/AAAAAAABKwU/7MnZUdT2n90aNXxqoVEMEIN2G-pqNBdFwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h305/larceny%2Blobby%2Bcards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Premiered April 24, 1942.</div>
<br />Today we review the Christmas crime comedy <i>Larceny, Inc.</i>, which includes contributions from multiple Academy Award winners.<br /><br />Broderick Crawford won Best Actor for his portrayal of Willie Stark in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041113/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>All The King's</i></a><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041113/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Men</i> </a>(1949). <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c07thtsz_cM/YI1awDWMk7I/AAAAAAABKwc/vA3mo1ixeqEk4-F4VAoGwp1UwigTcgA8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s703/Crawford01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="703" height="353" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c07thtsz_cM/YI1awDWMk7I/AAAAAAABKwc/vA3mo1ixeqEk4-F4VAoGwp1UwigTcgA8ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h353/Crawford01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The Academy honored Jane Wyman with the Best Actress Oscar in 1948 for <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040495/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Johnny Belinda</a></i>. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dCjiHgnG7uk/YI1dt4jBpGI/AAAAAAABKww/O_nJZXPrj_Y_IpZFiO3-SgnDiYCpAsZSACLcBGAsYHQ/s835/wyman03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dCjiHgnG7uk/YI1dt4jBpGI/AAAAAAABKww/O_nJZXPrj_Y_IpZFiO3-SgnDiYCpAsZSACLcBGAsYHQ/w306-h400/wyman03.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br /><div>Anthony Quinn won two Best Supporting Actor Academy Awards for his roles in <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045296/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Viva Zapata!</a></i> (1952) and <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049456/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lust For Life</a></i> (1956). </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GaaSHjqUxIo/YI1dPd80XcI/AAAAAAABKwo/TVCLNZu5N-kglIKNVbpCqUqXqa6P3E5-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1501/Quinn01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GaaSHjqUxIo/YI1dPd80XcI/AAAAAAABKwo/TVCLNZu5N-kglIKNVbpCqUqXqa6P3E5-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h400/Quinn01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i>Larceny, Inc</i>. is based on a play called <i><a href="https://www.playbill.com/production/the-night-before-christmas-morosco-theatre-vault-0000002462" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Night Before Christmas</a></i>, which was written by the husband and wife writing team of <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1970/04/11/archives/mrs-sj-perelman-screen-writer-58.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laura</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._J._Perelman" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">S.J. Perelman</a>. In 1956, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0673279/?ref_=ttfc_fc_wr3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">S.J. Perelman</a> won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048960/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Around The World In 80 Days</a></i>. <div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vO8Vx168R_g/YI1VpCukB6I/AAAAAAABKwM/D53F0XXX7AE8tl64fW6ib1pIIvp135sSACLcBGAsYHQ/s1675/larceny%2Blobby%2Bcards01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="1675" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vO8Vx168R_g/YI1VpCukB6I/AAAAAAABKwM/D53F0XXX7AE8tl64fW6ib1pIIvp135sSACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h304/larceny%2Blobby%2Bcards01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1942 lobby card for <i>Larceny, Inc.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">J. Chalmers "Pressure" Maxwell (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000064/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Edward G. Robinson</a>) has just gotten out of prison and has decided to pursue legitimate ways of making money. His former henchman Jug Martin (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002024/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Broderick Crawford</a>) has also just been released. Another prisoner named Leo Dexter (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000063/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anthony Quinn</a>) asks them to help him rob a bank when he gets out, but Maxwell turns him down.</div></div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9hY3h9qKyY/YIxWWMnf6iI/AAAAAAAAnWM/L1iKEcY9_EkTu_cTqT5EjqhIbAIwnBVCQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528514%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9hY3h9qKyY/YIxWWMnf6iI/AAAAAAAAnWM/L1iKEcY9_EkTu_cTqT5EjqhIbAIwnBVCQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528514%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div>
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Pressure plans to move to Florida and open a dog track with help from his adopted daughter Denny (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0943837/?ref_=tt_cl_t2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jane Wyman</a>), but they're short on funding. When a bank rejects Pressure's request for a loan, he decides to rob the bank...but not in the traditional way.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOGmZh6C1kA/YIxi8Su5Y3I/AAAAAAAAnW8/IIblJWTsbo82ohSbc_Ubwn3Gd2VEBC0RQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528386%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="2048" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOGmZh6C1kA/YIxi8Su5Y3I/AAAAAAAAnW8/IIblJWTsbo82ohSbc_Ubwn3Gd2VEBC0RQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Screenshot%2B%2528386%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The bank is next door to a luggage store. Pressure buys the shop from the owner and plans to break into the bank's vault through the basement wall. Their robbery will take place on Christmas Eve. He and Jug enlist their old friend Weepy Davis (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0112395/?ref_=tt_cl_t6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Edward Brophy</a>) and the three would-be thieves begin the process of breaking through the bank's walls. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9p2RsSpTsK4/YIxkBQgsfvI/AAAAAAAAnXE/Clda38BTu1cIxICSGNGnZlcfsDvW3JQ7gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528487%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9p2RsSpTsK4/YIxkBQgsfvI/AAAAAAAAnXE/Clda38BTu1cIxICSGNGnZlcfsDvW3JQ7gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528487%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Their plans are complicated when smooth-talking luggage salesman Jeff Randolph (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0007217/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jack Carson</a>) gets Pressure to buy more luggage. Pressure encourages Denny to go out with Jeff to keep her from finding out about their bank heist.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xil9TPSbh84/YIxkH-Dw5bI/AAAAAAAAnXI/_1Y0PXHDglEDlYqLiaU95E9h6qWJJSwlgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528392%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="2048" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xil9TPSbh84/YIxkH-Dw5bI/AAAAAAAAnXI/_1Y0PXHDglEDlYqLiaU95E9h6qWJJSwlgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Screenshot%2B%2528392%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div>
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A funny thing happens while the crooks are planning their crime: the luggage shop turns into a VERY profitable venture. The owners of neighboring shops come to respect Pressure and they see him as a leader of their community. This gives Pressure second thoughts about going through with the Christmas Eve heist. When Denny learns of the planned robbery, she encourages Pressure to keep buying new luggage from Jeff, so she can discourage Pressure from pursuing a criminal lifestyle. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSfAR4zzPjY/YIxmJ97EOxI/AAAAAAAAnX4/t_-72B3hKf0hdTaXOkAjkLS19Za_4yr6gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528505%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSfAR4zzPjY/YIxmJ97EOxI/AAAAAAAAnX4/t_-72B3hKf0hdTaXOkAjkLS19Za_4yr6gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528505%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Things get even more complicated when Leo Baxter shows up and learns about Pressure's plans for Christmas Eve. Leo is determined to enlist Pressure's gang in robbing the bank and will force them to do so at gunpoint if necessary. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sD8SO9bdRzk/YIxkXhnHtlI/AAAAAAAAnXU/uyQ3lZ3pUPoN8M5NkBaD202B5IOaTgWhgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528498%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1522" data-original-width="2048" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sD8SO9bdRzk/YIxkXhnHtlI/AAAAAAAAnXU/uyQ3lZ3pUPoN8M5NkBaD202B5IOaTgWhgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h297/Screenshot%2B%2528498%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div>
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Will Pressure, Jug and Weepy go through with their plans to rob the bank? Will Leo Dexter ruin Christmas for everyone?<div><br /></div><div><b>J.A. Morris says:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I've always been a big fan of gangster films and in the 1930s and 40s, Edward G. Robinson was the king of Hollywood's gangsters. <i>Larceny, Inc</i>. gives Robinson the chance to poke fun at this tough guy image and he's great in this movie. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HoQ8eQp-wsc/YI1piOTteeI/AAAAAAABKx4/6pnTXzSJTVo70U2Jg-YyGF9HWuo4D2bJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528605%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2048" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HoQ8eQp-wsc/YI1piOTteeI/AAAAAAABKx4/6pnTXzSJTVo70U2Jg-YyGF9HWuo4D2bJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Screenshot%2B%2528605%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Broderick Crawford and Edward Brophy are equally good as Pressure's hapless henchmen. There's a funny running gag where Jug gets hit by a car so he can threaten to sue drivers and get funds for Pressure's schemes. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBq31nBlMEM/YI1zFAihHKI/AAAAAAABKyE/9wVrH1TI7qEnl3NalHloJun9czP2pXg2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528608%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBq31nBlMEM/YI1zFAihHKI/AAAAAAABKyE/9wVrH1TI7qEnl3NalHloJun9czP2pXg2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528608%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Plus, the movie ends with both Robinson and Crawford wearing a Santa suit, and a Salvation Army band playing "Silent Night" in the luggage shop, which adds lots of Yuletide atmosphere. </div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7K100hVneTU/YI1fj5OvQ1I/AAAAAAABKw4/0fK0IVG_9mUwBfBG9N0V--IP3tOPyftqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528510%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7K100hVneTU/YI1fj5OvQ1I/AAAAAAABKw4/0fK0IVG_9mUwBfBG9N0V--IP3tOPyftqgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528510%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>If there's anything that didn't work, I felt like we got a bit too much of Denny and Jeff's budding romance. However, the characters (and the actors who play them) are likeable, so it doesn't really detract from the film. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qBU---Z6ow/YI1gwuCWW6I/AAAAAAABKxA/sg2lPW-H3JQGcD8CoRioEnPwNlOpCpHNACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528400%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="2048" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qBU---Z6ow/YI1gwuCWW6I/AAAAAAABKxA/sg2lPW-H3JQGcD8CoRioEnPwNlOpCpHNACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Screenshot%2B%2528400%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A few notes about the cast:</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0007217/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jack Carson</a> plays Jeff Randolph. He also appears in <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036613/?ref_=nm_knf_t2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arsenic And Old Lace</a></i>, another holiday (Halloween) film we've reviewed <a href="http://holidayfilmreviews.blogspot.com/2015/10/arsenic-and-old-lace.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73qtmKdsipk/YI1hH5ci7fI/AAAAAAABKxI/fu2eoI8GYzIW9Y_Jb1UR4d8BlKgQykQXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528383%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73qtmKdsipk/YI1hH5ci7fI/AAAAAAABKxI/fu2eoI8GYzIW9Y_Jb1UR4d8BlKgQykQXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528383%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0593372/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grant Mitchell</a> has small role as Mr. Aspinwall. Mitchell also appeared in <i>Arsenic And Old Lace</i> and<br />in two other classic Christmas films, <i><a href="http://holidayfilmreviews.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-man-who-came-to-dinner.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Man Who Came To Dinner</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039502/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It Happened On 5th Avenue</a></i>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y62XaeZTK0s/YI1hdWFw9VI/AAAAAAABKxQ/URK2Xrx-oUsRpmzjIxHCeahCejm-CGfdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528490%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="2048" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y62XaeZTK0s/YI1hdWFw9VI/AAAAAAABKxQ/URK2Xrx-oUsRpmzjIxHCeahCejm-CGfdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h303/Screenshot%2B%2528490%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001276/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jackie Gleason</a>, years before he became one of the biggest stars of television, has a small role as a soda jerk. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXrLEABLcz0/YI1h_fFAhMI/AAAAAAABKxY/SV6N0JCmqtk4J2DJfXZe1v1GgiGB_C40ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528372%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXrLEABLcz0/YI1h_fFAhMI/AAAAAAABKxY/SV6N0JCmqtk4J2DJfXZe1v1GgiGB_C40ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528372%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Last, but not least, near the end of the film, Jug has an altercation with a passerby portrayed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0116897/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arthur Q. Bryan</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UqruSq2LNU/YI1iW9tt1hI/AAAAAAABKxg/D9xBsV8Nx7M4PAeNZ0mpYeNY96n3RfPtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528501%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UqruSq2LNU/YI1iW9tt1hI/AAAAAAABKxg/D9xBsV8Nx7M4PAeNZ0mpYeNY96n3RfPtgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528501%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Arthur Q. Bryan makes a brief cameo.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>That name may be unfamiliar, but Bryan was the voice of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elmer_Fudd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elmer Fudd</a> from 1939 to 1959.<br /><br /><i>Larceny, Inc.</i> features an amazing cast and is fun to watch from beginning to end, filled with lots of laughs, but also tension. This is the first gangster comedy Christmas movie we've reviewed and it gets my highest rating.</div><div><br /><b>J.A. Morris' rating:</b><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VIwm3ubZWE/YI1zbd-mO9I/AAAAAAABKyM/P7ks85l8-C0EhVaBrpHDVMyKcS1lSr_AwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/4%2Bcandy%2Bcanes%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VIwm3ubZWE/YI1zbd-mO9I/AAAAAAABKyM/P7ks85l8-C0EhVaBrpHDVMyKcS1lSr_AwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4%2Bcandy%2Bcanes%2B01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>4 candy canes!</div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTpFM6O8keM/YIxhzdELeKI/AAAAAAAAnW0/F6qMY81xLP4hxZjFepBXT3UovmBcskfVgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528513%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTpFM6O8keM/YIxhzdELeKI/AAAAAAAAnW0/F6qMY81xLP4hxZjFepBXT3UovmBcskfVgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528513%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>RigbyMel says:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div></div></div><div><i>Larceny, Inc. </i>is a lighthearted spoof of gangster movies. It's also an early(ish) entry in what I'd call the "Christmas caper" subgenre of holiday film. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1XbfOy_HcOg/YIxmg-PuOiI/AAAAAAAAnYI/kMDSPJXLuqo2zmfClVidN3F3GucHeJD6QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528478%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1XbfOy_HcOg/YIxmg-PuOiI/AAAAAAAAnYI/kMDSPJXLuqo2zmfClVidN3F3GucHeJD6QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528478%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>As J.A. Morris notes, the cast of this film is absolutely top-notch and the comedy is pulled off with great aplomb and timing by folks like Edward G. Robinson that we don't tend to automatically associate with comedic roles. Seeing Robinson's fast talking con artist character literally scam the suit off a prison warden's back in addition to the crazy schemes he talks his associates into makes me smile every time I watch this movie, I've seen it quite a few times in recent years. So I can attest that it holds up to repeated viewing. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtnW3Xn-6DI/YIxkq_taFcI/AAAAAAAAnXc/Y72sKS9wZrg2qVPIkm0oYExNMuAE75NJwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528509%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtnW3Xn-6DI/YIxkq_taFcI/AAAAAAAAnXc/Y72sKS9wZrg2qVPIkm0oYExNMuAE75NJwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528509%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Santa Pressure with the original luggage store owner (played by character actor <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003193/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Harry Davenport</a>, who is probably best known for playing Dr. Meade in <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003193/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gone With The Wind</a></i>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>And Edward Brophy's character Weepy is a humorous wise guy type who discovers that he has an unexpected talent as a luggage salesman, while also engaging in silliness like trying to hide a drill in a Christmas tree. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMNgOP6ZAcA/YIxc91CJGSI/AAAAAAAAnWk/2lkW4F3eVAQ3NrnDboLVHgT_JDmPCF3VACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528484%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMNgOP6ZAcA/YIxc91CJGSI/AAAAAAAAnWk/2lkW4F3eVAQ3NrnDboLVHgT_JDmPCF3VACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528484%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">No stolen drills here! Nope!! </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Speaking of Edward Brophy, I had a "<a href="https://allthetropes.fandom.com/wiki/Hey,_It%27s_That_Guy!" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hey it's that guy</a>" moment with him when we watched <i>Larceny, Inc. </i>for the first time a couple of years ago. I couldn't quite place where I knew Brophy's voice from, but was convinced that he sounded very familiar. Upon further research, I learned that Brophy appeared in a number of gangster and detective movies, but I realized that I knew him best as the (uncredited) voice of Timothy Mouse in Disney's 1941 animated classic <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033563/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_43" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dumbo</a></i>. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTBnGTHEUSc/YIxe1z-8OAI/AAAAAAAAnWs/zXMSamOWRlwKte6j2hmyhuuOGFBDFIZ8QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1440/Timothy%2BMouse.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTBnGTHEUSc/YIxe1z-8OAI/AAAAAAAAnWs/zXMSamOWRlwKte6j2hmyhuuOGFBDFIZ8QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Timothy%2BMouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Timothy Q. Mouse from <i>Dumbo</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The fact that the luggage shop scam starts to prove legitimately profitable in spite of our loveably incorrigible gang of misfit's best efforts (as well as Denny's efforts to help keep them on the straight and narrow), adds to the fun and feeds into the idea of the holidays transforming people for the better in an unusual way. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o1lnqB_sHt4/YIxljQRvxUI/AAAAAAAAnXk/Zu5VTyUTYGUfYNWHnCYf31PN-gpObUpnACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528395%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o1lnqB_sHt4/YIxljQRvxUI/AAAAAAAAnXk/Zu5VTyUTYGUfYNWHnCYf31PN-gpObUpnACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528395%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>We also get a "good criminal" / "bad criminal" contrast with Robinson & friends' juxtaposition with the more ruthless character played - to perfection - by Anthony Quinn which heightens the drama of the attempted bank caper. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YVCtlfr5DQ/YIxluTGOnCI/AAAAAAAAnXo/QNUo4O_1n4o1xdu_PXbsM48aqZ7RpgLigCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528468%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YVCtlfr5DQ/YIxluTGOnCI/AAAAAAAAnXo/QNUo4O_1n4o1xdu_PXbsM48aqZ7RpgLigCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528468%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><i>Larceny, Inc. </i>is a fun and somewhat unconventional holiday caper comedy and it's definitely worth your time if you're looking for something a bit different for your holiday viewing! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>RigbyMel's rating: </b></div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VIwm3ubZWE/YI1zbd-mO9I/AAAAAAABKyM/P7ks85l8-C0EhVaBrpHDVMyKcS1lSr_AwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/4%2Bcandy%2Bcanes%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VIwm3ubZWE/YI1zbd-mO9I/AAAAAAABKyM/P7ks85l8-C0EhVaBrpHDVMyKcS1lSr_AwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4%2Bcandy%2Bcanes%2B01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>4 candy canes!</div></div></div><br />J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-75628579856510734612021-04-27T13:15:00.000-04:002021-04-27T13:15:00.574-04:00227: "Mary's Christmas"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zFrppzAUy1A/YIbvssVpGBI/AAAAAAABKp0/HMaXnjOm-aEeknJE5GBeg7VT5GuZ8z5rQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528424%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zFrppzAUy1A/YIbvssVpGBI/AAAAAAABKp0/HMaXnjOm-aEeknJE5GBeg7VT5GuZ8z5rQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528424%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Premiered December 14, 1985.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"This is gonna be the best pageant ever, the first Christmas at the new site!"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-Brenda Jenkins</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />This edition of "Oscar Takes A Holiday" focuses on actor/director <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005093/?ref_=tt_cl_t5" target="_blank">Regina King</a>, who played Brenda Jenkins on <i>227</i>. In 2019, King won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7125860/?ref_=nm_knf_t2" target="_blank">If Beale Street Could Talk</a></i>. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_1H1A6NSbFs/YIXdTKkbxcI/AAAAAAABKoM/GJ3KmwIwF0YiPIM8ETFKggzR7pbMioHSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s745/regina-king-oscars.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="745" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_1H1A6NSbFs/YIXdTKkbxcI/AAAAAAABKoM/GJ3KmwIwF0YiPIM8ETFKggzR7pbMioHSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h315/regina-king-oscars.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s Christmas time in Washington, D.C. Mary Jenkins (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004958/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Marla Gibbs</a>), and her neighbors in 227 Lexington Place Rose (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0355271/?ref_=tt_cl_t3" target="_blank">Alaina Reed-Hall</a>) and Pearl (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0552385/?ref_=tt_cl_t7" target="_blank">Helen Martin</a>) have a meeting with their minister Rev. Davis (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0724752/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ron Richardson</a>). </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ogBCauSc1A8/YIYZ5JDLBDI/AAAAAAABKos/l-rs-rWO7BYQPZAHNMP6X1t6zeMWUN6dwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528408%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1546" data-original-width="2048" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ogBCauSc1A8/YIYZ5JDLBDI/AAAAAAABKos/l-rs-rWO7BYQPZAHNMP6X1t6zeMWUN6dwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h303/Screenshot%2B%2528408%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">He informs them that the corporation that owns the land where the church sits will not renew their lease. On a more positive note, that same corporation has given the church a new lot that overlooks the Potomac River. City Hall has given Rev. Davis permission to move the entire church building to the new location. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><span><span id="docs-internal-guid-e805704c-7fff-d141-fb5c-086c1e605f6d"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sandra Clark </span><span style="font-family: times;">(</span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0364068/?ref_=tt_cl_t6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jackée Harry</a>)</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">, the building’s resident busybody and troublemaker, has “volunteered” Mary’s husband Lester (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0930724/?ref_=tt_cl_t3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hal Williams</a>) to supervise the moving of the church, since Lester owns a construction company. Other companies would be unable to move the church before Christmas. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkKcSroZhPM/YIYadPnj1iI/AAAAAAABKo0/nS3zJYS0BdgwlHC__GbLIc9oxg4OV9k2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528413%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1549" data-original-width="2048" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkKcSroZhPM/YIYadPnj1iI/AAAAAAABKo0/nS3zJYS0BdgwlHC__GbLIc9oxg4OV9k2ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h303/Screenshot%2B%2528413%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lester is reluctant to take on such a responsibility, but is pressured to move the church when Rev. Davis and the others literally pray for Lester to move the church!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWPyRtEl-T8/YIYalHF5LgI/AAAAAAABKo4/sck397oAPFkqIxT2s5s0Wp0vPSIOZldkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528477%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWPyRtEl-T8/YIYalHF5LgI/AAAAAAABKo4/sck397oAPFkqIxT2s5s0Wp0vPSIOZldkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528477%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lester believes his crew can get the church moved in time for the congregation to perform their annual Nativity pageant. Mary and Lester's daughter Brenda (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005093/?ref_=tt_cl_t5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Regina King</a>), who is playing a shepherd in the pageant, believes it will be "the best pageant ever." </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ_HXiaQUf0/YIYbS7gHB8I/AAAAAAABKpA/_nmLdDeM4k4FitWaiaNu9BAUWJ-ToB-TQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528418%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ_HXiaQUf0/YIYbS7gHB8I/AAAAAAABKpA/_nmLdDeM4k4FitWaiaNu9BAUWJ-ToB-TQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528418%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Sandra is cast somewhat against type as an angel.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-blfkO2v0Xpc/YIb1Tl-2VQI/AAAAAAABKp8/HR0fy0INMoEppgQoAL8LbHF6GgmF4NlHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528422%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-blfkO2v0Xpc/YIb1Tl-2VQI/AAAAAAABKp8/HR0fy0INMoEppgQoAL8LbHF6GgmF4NlHQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528422%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The pageant will be narrated by Santa Claus, played by Lester. </div><span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2SHck6lGK1I/YIYbtmaK9bI/AAAAAAABKpI/ec6SwL9qrNYgRaSPsIfEqv6Eg0ab9U1YACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528426%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1542" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2SHck6lGK1I/YIYbtmaK9bI/AAAAAAABKpI/ec6SwL9qrNYgRaSPsIfEqv6Eg0ab9U1YACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528426%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">However, disaster strikes when the church suddenly disappears! Rev. Davis tells Lester that the church has been stolen! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INTR4AV88xo/YIhGL4vTQkI/AAAAAAAAnOw/vokzo7Uyk1w_ssAHMUNjYGfKCR9brIFlACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528440%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INTR4AV88xo/YIhGL4vTQkI/AAAAAAAAnOw/vokzo7Uyk1w_ssAHMUNjYGfKCR9brIFlACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528440%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Will the church turn up in one piece? Will the pageant be cancelled? Will Christmas be ruined? </span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>J.A. Morris says:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><i style="font-family: inherit;">227</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> was a fun sitcom that I haven't seen in a while and "Mary's Christmas" was a nice way to get reacquainted with the show and its characters. It's a touching story about a neighborhood congregation working together to create a Christmas miracle. That's consistent with </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">227</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> as a whole, since lots of episodes revolve around friends like Mary, Rose and Pearl helping each other.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLfAw67Ow84/YIdBUNymPiI/AAAAAAABKqc/EJSaraq6SDkjqH6CJDRRquhi_03OiCqcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528405%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1552" data-original-width="2048" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLfAw67Ow84/YIdBUNymPiI/AAAAAAABKqc/EJSaraq6SDkjqH6CJDRRquhi_03OiCqcQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h303/Screenshot%2B%2528405%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lester would have been well within his rights to walk away from moving the church, since he was forced into it by Sandra, yet he agrees to do so anyway. The pageant rehearsal scenes are also enjoyable. I played a shepherd in a Christmas play when I was 12, so "Mary's Christmas" brought back a lot of memories. <br /></span></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ahAlfmQzMk4/YIdBoa14A_I/AAAAAAABKqk/wLwL8iCEAXw_0AXq-pWZEqXAKHhsFGK0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528419%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1552" data-original-width="2048" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ahAlfmQzMk4/YIdBoa14A_I/AAAAAAABKqk/wLwL8iCEAXw_0AXq-pWZEqXAKHhsFGK0ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h303/Screenshot%2B%2528419%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pearl's grandson Calvin (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0049880/?ref_=tt_cl_t8" target="_blank">Curtis Baldwin</a>) plays a "wise" man.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I found it particularly interesting that Santa, played by Lester, narrates the Nativity pageant, which was a nice touch. This is not something I've seen happen in real life, since secular and religious Christmas traditions are usually kept separate. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmbefikfw20/YIc_hOe1UGI/AAAAAAABKqM/cDURezcdPU8Ox3CldG-yMVqdVYm__MQQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528443%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmbefikfw20/YIc_hOe1UGI/AAAAAAABKqM/cDURezcdPU8Ox3CldG-yMVqdVYm__MQQQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528443%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jack</span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0364068/?ref_=tt_cl_t6" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; font-family: times;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">é</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">e Harry, as Sandra, gets the bulk of the funny moments in "Mary's Christmas." Sandra is the cause of consternation in this episode, but Harry was so great in the role (which won her an Emmy) that I never felt too angry at Sandra. <br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5wTbUdi2kQk/YIdAUKrlEfI/AAAAAAABKqU/XZbZRQPHVBwlEYKWiWdfxQnpAYLugTXwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528433%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1542" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5wTbUdi2kQk/YIdAUKrlEfI/AAAAAAABKqU/XZbZRQPHVBwlEYKWiWdfxQnpAYLugTXwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528433%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some notes about the cast:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaina_Reed_Hall" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alaina Reed-Hall</a> played Mary's best friend Rose on </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">227</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Children of the 1970s and 80s will remember Reed from her 12-year run on </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Sesame Street</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> as Gordon's sister </span><a href="https://muppet.fandom.com/wiki/Olivia" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Olivia</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. During that time, Reed appeared in the classic special </span><i style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://holidayfilmreviews.blogspot.com/2019/11/christmas-eve-on-sesame-street.html" target="_blank">Christmas Eve On Sesame Street</a></i><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JyAedBDeYfo/YIhF1cLOOXI/AAAAAAAAnOo/RF8k0wPXNV0S5-MnELG3R7egUcFHkHJmQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528435%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JyAedBDeYfo/YIhF1cLOOXI/AAAAAAAAnOo/RF8k0wPXNV0S5-MnELG3R7egUcFHkHJmQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528435%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rev. Davis is portrayed by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Richardson" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ron Richardson</a>, who played the minister in two other episodes. Richardson was primarily a stage actor vocalist and he won a Tony award for his role as Jim in the Broadway musical </span><i style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_River_(musical)" target="_blank">Big River: The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn</a></i><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJE8X7SD7pU/YIdCaV_qVUI/AAAAAAABKqs/-nSwwjWeYnk88HGwIfj_8kBCjW0g6z-UgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528452%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJE8X7SD7pU/YIdCaV_qVUI/AAAAAAABKqs/-nSwwjWeYnk88HGwIfj_8kBCjW0g6z-UgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528452%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Mary's Christmas" is a great Christmas episode that features a solid ensemble cast and a story that will likely remind viewers of Christmas pageants they've been part of, it gets my highest recommendation. </span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: inherit;">J.A. Morris' rating:</b><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SMbLiWXMOPo/YIgEsN7zRvI/AAAAAAABKrA/KzMJ1CSN08cLGwV0mqQIhW4DBnFqROv4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/4%2Bcandy%2Bcanes%2B01.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SMbLiWXMOPo/YIgEsN7zRvI/AAAAAAABKrA/KzMJ1CSN08cLGwV0mqQIhW4DBnFqROv4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4%2Bcandy%2Bcanes%2B01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">4 candy canes!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOqlqj8xN-Y/YIdd1Gd0sWI/AAAAAAABKq0/nYGv2WF1z6sHZKofpLbZNR_fn0c4O92xACLcBGAsYHQ/s994/227%2Bdvd.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="692" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOqlqj8xN-Y/YIdd1Gd0sWI/AAAAAAABKq0/nYGv2WF1z6sHZKofpLbZNR_fn0c4O92xACLcBGAsYHQ/w279-h400/227%2Bdvd.jpeg" width="279" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><br />RigbyMel says: </b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I remember watching and enjoying </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">227 </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">when it first aired in the mid-to-late 1980s, but have no memory of this particular holiday episode. It was nice to rediscover this series that I hadn't thought about much in twenty-some-odd years in researching for this blog post. </span>It's also enjoyable to revisit old sitcoms and see early work by actors like Regina King who have become better known as their careers progressed - King's work as Brenda on the series is adorable. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wi5hTOjs-nY/YIhCGrvCjzI/AAAAAAAAnNo/LKBFL80K0H8ee6--hTF1rb2RN8GIzdhMgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528462%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1542" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wi5hTOjs-nY/YIhCGrvCjzI/AAAAAAAAnNo/LKBFL80K0H8ee6--hTF1rb2RN8GIzdhMgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528462%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regina King (l), with Curtis Baldwin, and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0329504/?ref_=tt_cl_t6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kia Goodwin</a> (who plays Rose's daughter Tiffany in the series)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">"Mary's Christmas" is a sweet episode from the show's first season. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Although the "missing building" situation presented in this particular episode is perhaps not the most realistic, the interactions between the cast members conveys the i</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">nherent emotion of the scenario well . Many of us can relate to families/communities coming together to solve problems -- particularly during the holiday season. Many of us have also had the experience of being "volun-TOLD" to do something for a community group the way Lester is in this episode. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMvtg3ZzD6E/YIhC5Q7p2nI/AAAAAAAAnN0/O5uyJvNwGNMrZg0QjieL3rHhreaGH0d5QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528445%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMvtg3ZzD6E/YIhC5Q7p2nI/AAAAAAAAnN0/O5uyJvNwGNMrZg0QjieL3rHhreaGH0d5QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528445%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>J.A. Morris mentions Lester's turn as Santa/pageant narrator above, and although it might be a little unusual, I really like the way Santa ties the secular and religious holiday traditions together here. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-uuGZCV_Qk/YIhDVV1ePTI/AAAAAAAAnOA/2qe3H1UpnfU_fzrdrShP4IrpLtD1RoN2ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528430%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1546" data-original-width="2048" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-uuGZCV_Qk/YIhDVV1ePTI/AAAAAAAAnOA/2qe3H1UpnfU_fzrdrShP4IrpLtD1RoN2ACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h303/Screenshot%2B%2528430%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Resident troublemaker Sandra's against-type casting as the pageant's angel is funny and also kind of touching. She gets quite upset when Mary threatens to snatch her wings. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8eKAuWICK44/YIhDdKEEM1I/AAAAAAAAnOE/EPWxg2azL2QyK1XXch7w5409vlr4S8U-wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528431%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1543" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8eKAuWICK44/YIhDdKEEM1I/AAAAAAAAnOE/EPWxg2azL2QyK1XXch7w5409vlr4S8U-wCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528431%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose and Pearl searching for "room at the inn"</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Community Christmas pageants are a staple of holiday programming from </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">A Charlie Brown Christmas </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">onward and this episode of </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">227</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">'s pageant presentation makes me think of </span><a href="https://www.richmondnativitypageant.com/index.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">my hometown's long running outdoor Christmas pageant</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> which also features lovingly made sets and costumes and (often) sweet/amusing moments where things don't quite go according to plan. It also sometimes runs into complications with being outside (cold, weather, COIVD (most recently) and even </span><a href="https://richmond.com/entertainment/86th-annual-richmond-nativity-pageant-cancelled-for-2017-due-to-restoration-of-the-carillon/article_41547d88-50dd-51af-8c5a-f67f6660d693.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">issues having to do with building construction or repair.</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQSZcfIx6RM/YIhEvK9sDFI/AAAAAAAAnOQ/fImv5ebcN34ghdmueLoqKcmD31Or4AJiACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528423%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQSZcfIx6RM/YIhEvK9sDFI/AAAAAAAAnOQ/fImv5ebcN34ghdmueLoqKcmD31Or4AJiACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528423%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I also appreciate that it appears that a real church choir called "The Visionaries" from Heavenly Vision Baptist Church helped to provide music and extra verisimilitude for our fictional sitcom pageant. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ig8dGvHAkYM/YIhE6b_chNI/AAAAAAAAnOU/bsJCtSjjcR4IxiXCBYjCjbQ59g-jCBKpwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528451%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="2048" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ig8dGvHAkYM/YIhE6b_chNI/AAAAAAAAnOU/bsJCtSjjcR4IxiXCBYjCjbQ59g-jCBKpwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Screenshot%2B%2528451%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>"Mary's Christmas" is ultimately an episode about community and the holiday setting helps to bring everyone together to create the open air event. It is likely that we will revisit this charming holiday story during future holiday seasons. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>RigbyMel's rating: </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4-eF511WqU/YIhFQqhgVwI/AAAAAAAAnOg/6ELwf56NTmMo3RL-ZVuBZBNkvxSLdtqSwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/4%2Bcandy%2Bcanes%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="126" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4-eF511WqU/YIhFQqhgVwI/AAAAAAAAnOg/6ELwf56NTmMo3RL-ZVuBZBNkvxSLdtqSwCNcBGAsYHQ/s0/4%2Bcandy%2Bcanes%2B01.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">4 candy canes!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-91959763260759776742021-04-22T09:09:00.010-04:002021-04-22T10:54:55.630-04:00We're No Angels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjgfxsjtNtA/W5mHaaAItJI/AAAAAAAA03o/cQXwR00D7ucfER5E4W5IYq1Dc0mIQLougCLcBGAs/s1600/were_no_angels_ver5_xxlg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="1600" height="311" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjgfxsjtNtA/W5mHaaAItJI/AAAAAAAA03o/cQXwR00D7ucfER5E4W5IYq1Dc0mIQLougCLcBGAs/s400/were_no_angels_ver5_xxlg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">
Premiered July 7, 1955.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Joseph</b>:As soon as it gets dark, we'll help ourselves. </div><div><b>Albert</b>:The old man might object.</div><div><b><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Joseph</span></span></b>:If he gets in our way, it'll be just too bad for him. <span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">We'll climb down off his roof and </span></span></span><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">cut his throat for a Christmas present.</span></span></span></div><div><b><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Albert</span></span></b>:That's the kind of thing that could make you stop believing in Santa Claus.</div>
<br /><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">This year's series of "Oscar Takes A Holiday" reviews begins with <i>We're No Angels</i>, which features multiple Academy Award winners.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Film legend Humphrey Bogart won Best Actor for playing Charlie Allnut in </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_African_Queen_(film)"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">The African Queen</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a></i><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hbpb3MmpMOw/XkG6L97DBGI/AAAAAAAA-bU/ljT9k9pH1_Ek-e5YNMtHwRtSjC_PMWzhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Humphrey%2BBogart%2BOscar01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="926" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hbpb3MmpMOw/XkG6L97DBGI/AAAAAAAA-bU/ljT9k9pH1_Ek-e5YNMtHwRtSjC_PMWzhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Humphrey%2BBogart%2BOscar01.jpg" width="307" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Humphrey Bogart, accompanied by his wife Lauren Bacall, celebrates his Oscar win.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br /><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">It was directed by Michael Curtiz, who won a Best Director Oscar for </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casablanca_(film)" target="_blank"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Casablanca</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">which of course also featured Bogart.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju1zTsnap94/XkG4sCOnv8I/AAAAAAAA-bI/-7M2BTmsAqIGFLK8yzdk8eLgqA18QHN_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Curtiz%2BOscar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="306" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju1zTsnap94/XkG4sCOnv8I/AAAAAAAA-bI/-7M2BTmsAqIGFLK8yzdk8eLgqA18QHN_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Curtiz%2BOscar.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Michael Curtiz poses with the Oscar he won for directing <i>Casablanca</i>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">
Peter Ustinov won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor, the first for </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spartacus_(film)"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Spartacus</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a></i><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"> and another for </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topkapi_(film)" target="_blank"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Topkapi</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a></i><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6j_PrNkpjq8/YGprXRttP2I/AAAAAAABKG8/3Isjy79EeOYBs3THDjhSTWQ7hn6iUgNAACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1960_supporting_jones_ustinov.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1657" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6j_PrNkpjq8/YGprXRttP2I/AAAAAAABKG8/3Isjy79EeOYBs3THDjhSTWQ7hn6iUgNAACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1960_supporting_jones_ustinov.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Peter Ustinov celebrates his <i>Spartacus </i>Oscar with fellow-winner Shirley Jones at the 1961 ceremony.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>On to today's review:<div><br /><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">On Christmas Eve, 1895, a trio of convicts named Joseph (</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000007/?ref_=tt_cl_t1" target="_blank"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Humphrey Bogart</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">)...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vwHw-zj5RPE/YH4oY2FXYzI/AAAAAAABKeE/7GY0uJnOhgol8_zef7Pr68aGLYzUSGvYACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528252%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vwHw-zj5RPE/YH4oY2FXYzI/AAAAAAABKeE/7GY0uJnOhgol8_zef7Pr68aGLYzUSGvYACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528252%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"> Albert (</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001811/?ref_=tt_cl_t3" target="_blank"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Peter Ustinov</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">)...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mtvpj9OycS0/YH4oj9HJLtI/AAAAAAABKeI/L8Z74DZkOcYgG1MDcm52fzI_VVi4aPCcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528253%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mtvpj9OycS0/YH4oj9HJLtI/AAAAAAABKeI/L8Z74DZkOcYgG1MDcm52fzI_VVi4aPCcwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528253%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">and Jules (</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0712731/?ref_=tt_cl_t2" target="_blank"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Aldo Ray</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">), escape from </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Island" target="_blank"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Devil's Island</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"> prison. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3E8wa4eSscs/YH4ousVt6uI/AAAAAAABKeQ/cN4FaMyQ8gsrKtn_-B0YLZJjmzDMK8_hwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528254%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3E8wa4eSscs/YH4ousVt6uI/AAAAAAABKeQ/cN4FaMyQ8gsrKtn_-B0YLZJjmzDMK8_hwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528254%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">They're accompanied by Jules' pet viper snake Adolphe, who spends most of his time in a carry-case. It's easy for them to hide in plain sight on the island, since lots of convicts are out working on parole.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-am5G8ruqUto/YH4o7tr37MI/AAAAAAABKeY/50_GkK9Zr-IALWXtq5d4u-OBec79WJKmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528257%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-am5G8ruqUto/YH4o7tr37MI/AAAAAAABKeY/50_GkK9Zr-IALWXtq5d4u-OBec79WJKmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528257%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">They visit a store owned by Felix Ducotel (</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001991/?ref_=tt_cl_t6" target="_blank"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Leo G. Carroll</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">) and offer to repair his damaged roof. They're true intent is to kill Felix, his wife Amelie (</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000910/?ref_=tt_cl_t4" target="_blank"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Joan Bennett</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">) and their daughter Isabelle (</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0847993/?ref_=tt_cl_t8" target="_blank"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Gloria Talbott</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">) and rob them, then flee Devil's Island on the next boat out.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uW_lFggfuH8/YH4pPJf87VI/AAAAAAABKeg/9MztQM7UTIsFmZg-VD8a7YApzl5cxCXiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528264%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uW_lFggfuH8/YH4pPJf87VI/AAAAAAABKeg/9MztQM7UTIsFmZg-VD8a7YApzl5cxCXiACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528264%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Felix and his store have been going through a rough patch. The store has been losing money and Felix is dreading a Christmas visit from Andre Tochard (</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001651/?ref_=tt_cl_t5" target="_blank"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Basil Rathbone</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">), his cousin and financial benefactor. Andre knows about Felix's problems and plans to remove Felix from the business.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQN4Jt6NHQc/YH4pvgSD41I/AAAAAAABKeo/mu-2njdBCJEDbmyZohdR8wVKWIVTNKg_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528266%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQN4Jt6NHQc/YH4pvgSD41I/AAAAAAABKeo/mu-2njdBCJEDbmyZohdR8wVKWIVTNKg_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528266%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Isabelle is excited about Andre's visit because he's bringing along his son and sole heir Paul (</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0046359/?ref_=tt_cl_t7" target="_blank"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">John Baer</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">). She's in love with Paul but doesn't know if the feeling is mutual.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ij7VLcSDjD0/YH4tunl7IsI/AAAAAAABKew/Hv1EgwyxUpA9pU6vBFJck6lgCf02VLwuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528270%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ij7VLcSDjD0/YH4tunl7IsI/AAAAAAABKew/Hv1EgwyxUpA9pU6vBFJck6lgCf02VLwuwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528270%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">As part of their "murder plot," the convicts decide to help Felix. Joseph, whose criminal specialty was falsifying documents, offers to "adjust" the financial records and save the Ducotel's family business. Joseph also impresses the Ducotels with his "business acumen" when he manages to sell a hairbrush and comb set to a bald man!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vW_E0HtxVc/YH4uIcVVFkI/AAAAAAABKe4/2bhdaVjckZEgyWAug28yNYrlWFEgn9IhACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528272%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vW_E0HtxVc/YH4uIcVVFkI/AAAAAAABKe4/2bhdaVjckZEgyWAug28yNYrlWFEgn9IhACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528272%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">In exchange for their help, Amelie invites the convicts to Christmas Eve dinner. Albert, Jules and Joseph decorate the house... </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVf2Q_rkfBI/YH4uuKLLrWI/AAAAAAABKfA/TgQHzcaDINwhGUas7kHeyKrKjnKf4GofACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528284%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVf2Q_rkfBI/YH4uuKLLrWI/AAAAAAABKfA/TgQHzcaDINwhGUas7kHeyKrKjnKf4GofACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528284%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">...and prepare a turkey for Christmas dinner. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YplLNbI2Ghg/YH4vXBC4o4I/AAAAAAABKfI/FlzWVmut_eU1Qj5dlEafeI_YXoOm8p7DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528287%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YplLNbI2Ghg/YH4vXBC4o4I/AAAAAAABKfI/FlzWVmut_eU1Qj5dlEafeI_YXoOm8p7DQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528287%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">The trio even serenades the Ducotels with a Christmas song. The family invites them to spend the night, not knowing that the convicts have planned to kill them and take their money.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wwKPR644kC8/YH4wP6LnwjI/AAAAAAABKfY/mKbeafFcvkM3BzGFbOoCBP165WJ0LyrYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528310%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wwKPR644kC8/YH4wP6LnwjI/AAAAAAABKfY/mKbeafFcvkM3BzGFbOoCBP165WJ0LyrYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528310%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">The holiday celebrations are interrupted when Felix's cousin Andre arrives and immediately throws his weight around and belittles everyone in the house. Andre demands to see the financial records before Joseph has a chance to "fix" them. </span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhFi4jzKVU8/YH4wjmLOqCI/AAAAAAABKfg/na112AzOJkgxpmzHyW07B_XVoz1AjmX_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528316%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhFi4jzKVU8/YH4wjmLOqCI/AAAAAAABKfg/na112AzOJkgxpmzHyW07B_XVoz1AjmX_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528316%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">The convicts also learn that Paul is not in love with Isabelle and he plans to tell her so. </span></span><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wmu0QiLzsSc/YH4yZygrfNI/AAAAAAABKfo/rdyKi8RfJQQtVbsE3oVuPaM4pnfF6R08ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528338%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wmu0QiLzsSc/YH4yZygrfNI/AAAAAAABKfo/rdyKi8RfJQQtVbsE3oVuPaM4pnfF6R08ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528338%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div></span></span></div></div></div><div><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">The scenario gets even more complicated when Adolphe the snake goes missing! </span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">
Will Joseph, Jules and Albert go through with their plans to rob and murder the Ducotels? Can they prevent Andre from learning the financial conditions of Felix's store? What will happen between Paul and Isabelle? </span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvCxvcVreWM/YIGEmOWbHqI/AAAAAAABKjU/l-tEJ9Bi3SUCxTNf8u9ZgEMOm3un15uWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528247%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvCxvcVreWM/YIGEmOWbHqI/AAAAAAABKjU/l-tEJ9Bi3SUCxTNf8u9ZgEMOm3un15uWQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528247%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><b>J.A. Morris says:</b></div><br /></div><div><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">When I was a kid, I was a huge fan of Humphrey Bogart and made every effort to watch every one of his films. However, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">We're No Angels</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"> was not a movie that was readily available on TV or home video. That's changed in the last decade and this movie is now part of TCM's annual Christmas programming. </span></span><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQAqFcH6ckY/YH40je8nFBI/AAAAAAABKfw/CEN-EeWwbSsPsPWpSJnvKr0h139pocWHACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528329%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQAqFcH6ckY/YH40je8nFBI/AAAAAAABKfw/CEN-EeWwbSsPsPWpSJnvKr0h139pocWHACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528329%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">And that's a good thing, because </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">We're No Angels</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"> is lots of fun! Bogart, Peter Ustinov and Aldo Ray make a great trio and Basil Rathbone is delightfully sleazy as Andre. Jules' pet snake Adolphe also plays an important role in the film, but to say more about Adolphe would spoil jokes and plot points. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGbUE2xQRvM/YH41DyERpgI/AAAAAAABKf4/rcS9kYzmx_IUgITH8xTfY9e7TwM2nueEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528276%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGbUE2xQRvM/YH41DyERpgI/AAAAAAABKf4/rcS9kYzmx_IUgITH8xTfY9e7TwM2nueEwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528276%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Bogart didn't appear in many comedies, and he shows off some nice, subtle comic timing here. It's a shame he didn't squeeze in a few more humorous roles during his career. Leo G. Carroll, Joan Bennett and Gloria Talbott provide solid support as the Ducotels. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oN-ujGOVewc/YIDNxn7RI_I/AAAAAAABKhw/4fOmokfK5dsnv_cmaYjcWahQG3jcYH_kgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528268%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oN-ujGOVewc/YIDNxn7RI_I/AAAAAAABKhw/4fOmokfK5dsnv_cmaYjcWahQG3jcYH_kgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528268%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Some viewers may have a problem with some of the darker jokes. The "angels" don't express much sympathy for a guard they "tried to kill" during their escape from Devil's Island. Albert makes multiple jokes about killing his wife (which is one reason he's in prison), not something you usually hear in Christmas movies! However, 30 minutes into the movie, it's obvious that (SPOILER ALERT), this is a trio of "whimsical" criminals who will commit no violent crimes during the film's running time. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nod4-zWpO50/YIDOAveTcHI/AAAAAAABKh0/kPgRVlqOMTUqm5ZkTD2lIPJk2C0JUBe3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528472%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nod4-zWpO50/YIDOAveTcHI/AAAAAAABKh0/kPgRVlqOMTUqm5ZkTD2lIPJk2C0JUBe3gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528472%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><i><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">We're No Angels </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">is based on a stage play called </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Three_Angels" target="_blank"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">My Three Angels</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a></i><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">, which was adapted from French play titled </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">La Cuisine Des Anges</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"> by Albert Husson. <br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbAQmhgeyHI/YIDSCI6GDcI/AAAAAAABKiA/f1UQj4rGfzMYk2JNUCmI1oRQ7jO534E2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528297%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbAQmhgeyHI/YIDSCI6GDcI/AAAAAAABKiA/f1UQj4rGfzMYk2JNUCmI1oRQ7jO534E2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528297%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><i><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">We're No Angels </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">has a great ensemble cast and is filled with funny moments and is recommended to all fans of holiday films, especially film fans who enjoy a side of dark humor with their eggnog. It's a nice excuse to spend time watching "Bogie" every December. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><b>J.A. Morris's rating: <br /><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPv7rTe9_XE/YIDWILmGSAI/AAAAAAABKiU/iQTHWO5zTzE9KIJYhyvC_JXwWfAKDx8lACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/4%2Bcandy%2Bcanes%2B01.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPv7rTe9_XE/YIDWILmGSAI/AAAAAAABKiU/iQTHWO5zTzE9KIJYhyvC_JXwWfAKDx8lACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4%2Bcandy%2Bcanes%2B01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>4 candy canes!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGAVhLuWT4c/YIDYsQ-MkTI/AAAAAAABKiw/x8bctwxIdUEEKDFkB_r85l7C1m7Gos8zgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528294%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGAVhLuWT4c/YIDYsQ-MkTI/AAAAAAABKiw/x8bctwxIdUEEKDFkB_r85l7C1m7Gos8zgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528294%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>RigbyMel says:</b></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>We're No Angels </i>was unknown to me until a couple of years ago, when we watched it on TCM, which is a shame because it is a delight. This comedy features excellent performances by Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov and Aldo Ray as criminals who turn out to have hearts of gold. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1HvKASd-7U/YIDbIq1vZLI/AAAAAAABKjA/2yPv1ExZ3BoEn0H0LBi-Sia9McZKaralACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528345%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1HvKASd-7U/YIDbIq1vZLI/AAAAAAABKjA/2yPv1ExZ3BoEn0H0LBi-Sia9McZKaralACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528345%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The holiday setting helps to keep the viewer off balance initially. Then Christmas works its transformative power on our criminals who have a change of heart thanks to the warmth and kindness of their erstwhile victims, the Ducotel family. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FEPB2Jx7zUA/YIDaqiPjphI/AAAAAAABKi4/a8gj65wZRAEEkRihZ1YQ-4nOfa6_qO3QQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528313%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FEPB2Jx7zUA/YIDaqiPjphI/AAAAAAABKi4/a8gj65wZRAEEkRihZ1YQ-4nOfa6_qO3QQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528313%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">From thence, our non-angelic trio tries to fix the Ducotel's financial and familial difficulties...by any means necessary. We even get an unexpectedly heroic turn from Adolphe the Viper! </div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RbMnSMMFM54/YIDXSefohuI/AAAAAAABKio/2DDmPcC42-kAZ4XcSgr2N4RTGf6eW-CowCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528336%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RbMnSMMFM54/YIDXSefohuI/AAAAAAABKio/2DDmPcC42-kAZ4XcSgr2N4RTGf6eW-CowCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528336%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I really love the dry wit of the dialogue throughout this script, as well as Basil Rathbone's obvious enjoyment at playing cousin Andre, the REAL villain of the piece. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ILKiRWD7SI/YIDW3BiE3-I/AAAAAAABKig/63ikEjti1osHBapxW6Y2YYrQWAnuRARLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528334%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ILKiRWD7SI/YIDW3BiE3-I/AAAAAAABKig/63ikEjti1osHBapxW6Y2YYrQWAnuRARLwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528334%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Another unexpected treat in this film is that the audience gets to hear Bogart, Ustinov, and Ray SING during the family Christmas party scene. The words concerning angels were written for the movie, but the tune is an old hymn tune called "<a href="https://youtu.be/AMbIF4L4oJA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">St. Athanasius</a>" which has had many different lyrics set to it over time. The singing is far from gorgeous, but is utterly appropriate for the characters and charming in that appropriateness. </div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1VV2rxHD-8/YIDLyBlSQsI/AAAAAAABKho/xcfTtE6e4PkqNSGMm5wbz9Sf1u3sD3-BQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528307%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1VV2rxHD-8/YIDLyBlSQsI/AAAAAAABKho/xcfTtE6e4PkqNSGMm5wbz9Sf1u3sD3-BQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528307%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Moreover, I agree with J.A. Morris that it would have been nice to see Bogie in other comedic roles since he handles this one so well. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Interestingly, Joan Bennett who plays Amelie Ducotel had been caught up in a tabloid scandal a few years prior to this movie -- her husband shot her manager! Although it was not her fault, she was tainted by association and was not getting much work. Humphrey Bogart actually went to bat for her to be cast in this movie as he thought she was treated unfairly -- an example of real-life kindness underpinning a holiday film -- and Bennett's performance is lovely. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3XH8BebmGs/YIDUYuPilyI/AAAAAAABKiI/Xkzst7WaG88QOS2wtpuNWBSd2P1ZYdhowCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528348%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3XH8BebmGs/YIDUYuPilyI/AAAAAAABKiI/Xkzst7WaG88QOS2wtpuNWBSd2P1ZYdhowCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Screenshot%2B%2528348%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>If dry and dark wit is not your thing, <i>We're No Angels </i>is probably not going to resonate with you, but for those that appreciate the humor, this is a non-treacly holiday film that is well worth adding to your seasonal rotation! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>RigbyMel's' rating: </b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpehfYi43IY/YIDV9Mwo9tI/AAAAAAABKiQ/O786ucKFtoIrHQiCzeva3_Dr-vpa-jsLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/4%2Bcandy%2Bcanes%2B01.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpehfYi43IY/YIDV9Mwo9tI/AAAAAAABKiQ/O786ucKFtoIrHQiCzeva3_Dr-vpa-jsLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4%2Bcandy%2Bcanes%2B01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>4 candy canes! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-4661955162601579202021-04-20T12:34:00.004-04:002021-04-20T12:37:38.193-04:00Time for the 2021 edition of "Oscar Takes A Holiday!"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzsDg97IUGI/YH4hbCJ-elI/AAAAAAABKdY/sAFVk5nbyaoXgHokQ_eJbNgfSAXlt9PKACLcBGAsYHQ/s1307/osc-banner_statuette.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="1307" height="164" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzsDg97IUGI/YH4hbCJ-elI/AAAAAAABKdY/sAFVk5nbyaoXgHokQ_eJbNgfSAXlt9PKACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h164/osc-banner_statuette.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello again holiday film fans! As you may know, the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony will be held in Hollywood on Sunday, April 25. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qERI76EE8Ec/YH4jIKEkiDI/AAAAAAABKdk/xmkRpizH1ZkGUGjkLp4lXaYiio7iMiwXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/angels02.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qERI76EE8Ec/YH4jIKEkiDI/AAAAAAABKdk/xmkRpizH1ZkGUGjkLp4lXaYiio7iMiwXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/angels02.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Regular readers will recall that over the last few years, we have celebrated the Oscars by reviewing holiday programming that features contributions from Academy Award winners. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vg_IFk3tRPU/YH4jSP2-7II/AAAAAAABKdo/EGsNbMFF8KU8SXi_AOxSniwd_cRqrba5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/larceny01.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vg_IFk3tRPU/YH4jSP2-7II/AAAAAAABKdo/EGsNbMFF8KU8SXi_AOxSniwd_cRqrba5gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/larceny01.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We will do the same over the next two weeks. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UO4mH1hPU8k/YH4j3sPobrI/AAAAAAABKd4/gdeiFz7Vd1UshYDhavx94NZIrpWeotsiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/22701.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UO4mH1hPU8k/YH4j3sPobrI/AAAAAAABKd4/gdeiFz7Vd1UshYDhavx94NZIrpWeotsiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/22701.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We're off to a bit of a late start this year, but we follow the schedule of Turner Classic Movies' <a href="https://www.tcm.com/31days" target="_blank">"31 Days Of Oscar."</a> So we'll present Oscar-themed reviews for the rest of April. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8XV1aY4s2U/YH4kB1fhAwI/AAAAAAABKd8/LFXDq-pPBugWy18oBYzljQ690-5Pd-ZdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/godfathers01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="2048" height="215" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8XV1aY4s2U/YH4kB1fhAwI/AAAAAAABKd8/LFXDq-pPBugWy18oBYzljQ690-5Pd-ZdwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h215/godfathers01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please check back tomorrow for our first "Oscar Takes A Holiday" review of 2021, see you then!</div><p></p>J.A. Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800901321134394272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-54013460305637438502021-03-31T12:27:00.365-04:002021-05-11T10:21:45.850-04:00Everybody Hates Chris: "Everybody Hates Easter" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-920RXSjupIw/WsFzO4N3pgI/AAAAAAAAxx8/DWeAaVpCg7I7YgHYuFFUPSOYpSu6A4LQgCLcBGAs/s1600/ehe01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-920RXSjupIw/WsFzO4N3pgI/AAAAAAAAxx8/DWeAaVpCg7I7YgHYuFFUPSOYpSu6A4LQgCLcBGAs/s400/ehe01.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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Premiered March 23, 2008<br /><i>"Growing up in Bed-Stuy, one holiday I looked forward to was Easter. You were dressed up, </i><i>girls were dressed up and it was a good day to pretend you were on a date." </i></span><i style="font-family: inherit;">-</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chris Rock's opening narration</span><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's 1986 in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Easter is approaching and Chris (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1927701/?ref_=tt_cl_t6" style="background-color: #fbfbfb; box-sizing: border-box; color: #136cb2;">Tyler James Williams</a>) is bemoaning the fact that Tasha (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1209950/?ref_=tt_cl_t11" style="background-color: #f6f6f5; box-sizing: border-box; color: #136cb2;">Paige Hurd</a>), the girl he likes, is dating someone else.<br />
<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaK7WhPB3k8/YGiaNZu9bjI/AAAAAAABKDk/f8PaZwI9czEQ5UEUjz8Y8F2M1ugB517AgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/ehe06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaK7WhPB3k8/YGiaNZu9bjI/AAAAAAABKDk/f8PaZwI9czEQ5UEUjz8Y8F2M1ugB517AgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/ehe06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>After Tasha has a fight with her boyfriend Robert (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2777066/?ref_=tt_cl_t14" style="background-color: #fbfbfb; box-sizing: border-box; color: #136cb2;">Lee Davis</a>), she has no one to escort her at the church Easter pageant. When she asks Chris if he'll be her escort, he jumps at the chance.<br />
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Meanwhile, Chris's mother Rochelle (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0036651/?ref_=tt_cl_t2" style="background-color: #fbfbfb; box-sizing: border-box; color: #136cb2;">Tichina Arnold</a>) is shopping for a new Easter hat.<br />
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She visits a new hat shop in the area run by a woman named Hattie (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0395428/?ref_=tt_cl_t9" style="background-color: #f6f6f5; box-sizing: border-box; color: #136cb2;">Anna Maria Horsford</a>). Rochelle mentions that she's won her church's annual Easter Hat contest several years in a row and plans to win again this year. Hattie tells Rochelle that won't happen because SHE intends to win the competition herself!<br />
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Chris' plans to escort Tasha are complicated when she tells him the pageant will be held at her grandmother's church in Queens.<br />
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Rochelle says she wants him cheering her on at the hat contest at her church, which means Chris needs to be in two places at once.</span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnB0kzypsqg/YGiY8lscTII/AAAAAAABKDM/SgpyzLjBUZkK5dh6hkHGeoFIb9HrtW62wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/ehe09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnB0kzypsqg/YGiY8lscTII/AAAAAAABKDM/SgpyzLjBUZkK5dh6hkHGeoFIb9HrtW62wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/ehe09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Plus, Chris's siblings Tonya (</span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1944254/?ref_=tt_cl_t4" style="background-color: #fbfbfb; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e7be00; font-family: inherit; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: none;">Imani Hakim</a><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">) and Drew (</span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1343331/?ref_=tt_cl_t3" style="background-color: #f6f6f5; box-sizing: border-box; color: #136cb2; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Tequan Richmond</a><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">) plot to win the church Easter Egg hunt by cheating. And their father Julius (</span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0187719/?ref_=tt_cl_t1" style="background-color: #f6f6f5; box-sizing: border-box; color: #136cb2; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Terry Crews</a><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">) pretends he has to work so he can sneak home and watch baseball. </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGynmOv5KCc/WsF1Q2UlARI/AAAAAAAAxyY/M_ZkZzwRKCc47YuSqVLzyWPQcgkgpYvnACLcBGAs/s1600/ehe20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGynmOv5KCc/WsF1Q2UlARI/AAAAAAAAxyY/M_ZkZzwRKCc47YuSqVLzyWPQcgkgpYvnACLcBGAs/s400/ehe20.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Will Chris be able to pull of his scheme? Will Rochelle be able to defeat Hattie in the bonnet contest? <br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>RigbyMel says: </b><br />
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"Everybody Hates Easter" is an entertaining holiday-themed episode. The <i>Everybody Hates Chris</i> series did a pretty good job in general of applying sitcom tropes to 1980-something Brooklyn and it's always nice to find mainstream shows that feature people of color. </span><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svSNwLEPtxY/YGiYZNHRK3I/AAAAAAABKC8/863prxhPK4g4q8Sur_M_1VbXx7-mBMaMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/ehe25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svSNwLEPtxY/YGiYZNHRK3I/AAAAAAABKC8/863prxhPK4g4q8Sur_M_1VbXx7-mBMaMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/ehe25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">The series featured funny narration by comedian </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001674/?ref_=ttfc_fc_dr20" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;" target="_blank">Chris Rock</a><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">, who also worked as an executive producer and writer for the series, as it was semi-autobiographical. Rock's narration strikes me a somewhat more sarcastic take on adults looking back on their childhoods in the vein of series like </span><i style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094582/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Wonder Years</a> </i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">and helps the series to have its own unique flavor. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2m9omBxImo/YGiVRTi5eoI/AAAAAAABKCo/5a4vj9FmQ4g5TovSegl4EwaW2PXEnPXMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/ehe02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2m9omBxImo/YGiVRTi5eoI/AAAAAAABKCo/5a4vj9FmQ4g5TovSegl4EwaW2PXEnPXMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/ehe02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chris daydreams about terrible things happening to Tasha's boyfriend (note the sneakers sticking out from under the meteor)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />There's also a touch of influence from </span><i style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085334/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" target="_blank">A Christmas Story</a></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> in this Easter episode not only because of nostalgic voice over narration, but because of the protagonists' imaginative vignettes (like Chris's meteor strike fantasy). </span></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HThMWfYI2lk/YGiagZdvYzI/AAAAAAABKDs/OEDiSSPEUycx9IzGX2S9rnaadanQClJUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/ehe14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HThMWfYI2lk/YGiagZdvYzI/AAAAAAABKDs/OEDiSSPEUycx9IzGX2S9rnaadanQClJUwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/ehe14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>"Everybody Hates Easter" has a lot of heart and has fun with Easter traditions like egg hunts, going to church, and showing off your Easter bonnet. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VaMnJnFFejg/YGiazrUnvgI/AAAAAAABKD0/XdS1wiJaHfQdroYOFDXPeCDwe-BhzPbpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/ehe11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VaMnJnFFejg/YGiazrUnvgI/AAAAAAABKD0/XdS1wiJaHfQdroYOFDXPeCDwe-BhzPbpQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/ehe11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>The Easter bonnet originated in Europe when it was customary for people to wear new clothes and hats on Easter. This tradition came over to the Americas with various waves of immigrants. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the late 19th century, seeing and being seen at the New York Easter parade where the became a tradition of its own, as did increasingly elaborate headgear. This in turn, inspired the popular Irving Berlin song <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_Parade_(song)">"Easter Parade"</a> from the 1930s, which reinforces the notion. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7s-xVGUQAA/YGia-o2h4ZI/AAAAAAABKD4/nG14BU7dL14lGsC-o2v7e7MGunX8vJwDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/ehe13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7s-xVGUQAA/YGia-o2h4ZI/AAAAAAABKD4/nG14BU7dL14lGsC-o2v7e7MGunX8vJwDwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/ehe13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>The Easter bonnet tradition was enthusiastically embraced by African Americans and provides a great source of conflict and comedy in this episode. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjlCa_kT3vc/YGibHyPMZVI/AAAAAAABKD8/7SaTSut5ZAM7y9DZjesZXRJ5PQpfS_x1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/ehe12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjlCa_kT3vc/YGibHyPMZVI/AAAAAAABKD8/7SaTSut5ZAM7y9DZjesZXRJ5PQpfS_x1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/ehe12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The "trying to be in two places at once" plot is one of the biggest TV sitcom tropes of all time, but it's well used here. Chris's pursuit of Tasha parallels Julius's pursuit of watching baseball in peace. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJBp7LGe3VA/YGiZS29yBaI/AAAAAAABKDU/AiT9I0qpJYE_g1oUXTb9g_xaOSAw6ouhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/ehe21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJBp7LGe3VA/YGiZS29yBaI/AAAAAAABKDU/AiT9I0qpJYE_g1oUXTb9g_xaOSAw6ouhwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/ehe21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>The younger siblings' pursuit of ALL THE EASTER CANDY by any means necessary is also amusing and has predictable stomachache-y results, but again, the comedy is well deployed. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PBKdqLN3WpE/YGiYpDk_rOI/AAAAAAABKDE/6LvgvuZT_H4ICsHfBn1_eGUCmO3psLQRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/ehe26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PBKdqLN3WpE/YGiYpDk_rOI/AAAAAAABKDE/6LvgvuZT_H4ICsHfBn1_eGUCmO3psLQRQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/ehe26.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>"Everybody Hates Easter" is a delightful and festive spring episode from a fun sitcom and definitely holds up to repeated viewings. It's well worth taking the time to watch (or re-watch) as part of your Easter viewing. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>RigbyMel's rating: </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qwPm4PmqPB8/YGiXZy8D55I/AAAAAAABKC0/zLWabzeigrAtzieKN7ksfTtcFJGYbEtKACLcBGAsYHQ/s954/4%2BEaster%2BEggs.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="204" data-original-width="954" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qwPm4PmqPB8/YGiXZy8D55I/AAAAAAABKC0/zLWabzeigrAtzieKN7ksfTtcFJGYbEtKACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4%2BEaster%2BEggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>4 Easter eggs!</b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIR5lGZD7Fo/YGiZ4ihS8HI/AAAAAAABKDc/oAUKmcAdfSsGZFdhJYyTfn0nj947WvqowCLcBGAsYHQ/s445/s3%2Bdvd%2Bcover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="317" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIR5lGZD7Fo/YGiZ4ihS8HI/AAAAAAABKDc/oAUKmcAdfSsGZFdhJYyTfn0nj947WvqowCLcBGAsYHQ/w285-h400/s3%2Bdvd%2Bcover.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><br /><div><b style="font-family: inherit;">J.A. Morris says:</b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Everybody Hates Easter" is a fun and entertaining episode that touches on most of the religious and secular traditions that surround Easter. It's also always nice to find an Easter episode, since there aren't many. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X7qjpZpl9fE/YGibvvaJLxI/AAAAAAABKEI/w0lNXvQ_jPcL_fWxOrCTsKMFjHJNbfgVACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/ehe10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X7qjpZpl9fE/YGibvvaJLxI/AAAAAAABKEI/w0lNXvQ_jPcL_fWxOrCTsKMFjHJNbfgVACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/ehe10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>I was a regular viewer of </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Everybody Hates Chris</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (until the network started moving it around the schedule) and this is a good Easter episode. As my co-blogger says, it hits all the major Easter tropes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1yZ08t7jjw/YGeF8MUEs2I/AAAAAAABKAM/o_5ROgTx1T0DmosM4ebi5-siqJUAmF49gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/ehe08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1yZ08t7jjw/YGeF8MUEs2I/AAAAAAABKAM/o_5ROgTx1T0DmosM4ebi5-siqJUAmF49gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/ehe08.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chris wasn’t perfect, but he was usually a sympathetic protagonist. Tyler James Williams carries most of the episode and he’s great as Chris. The scenario Chris find himself in, committing to be in two places at once in order to please everyone, is old as comedy itself. However, it's executed well in "Everybody Hates Easter." <br /><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGwlEH0KgC8/YGeEjn6RDlI/AAAAAAABKAA/IX-PCnz3nTQtVJJXkQzdI8ptMonoJ9NNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/ehe22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGwlEH0KgC8/YGeEjn6RDlI/AAAAAAABKAA/IX-PCnz3nTQtVJJXkQzdI8ptMonoJ9NNQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/ehe22.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Tichina Arnold also does a great job in the “Easter Hat” storyline. In fact, the whole cast is excellent and all the regulars gets at least one moment to shine. During the hat contest, the church's choir performs a catchy and hilarious gospel-style song about Easter Hats that adds to the fun of the episode. <br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_N3VacVgkM/YGd_fOEh_aI/AAAAAAABJ_w/Y6T7tgRbRmA7gPFbGxa09vSFAgSA2QR8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/ehe24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_N3VacVgkM/YGd_fOEh_aI/AAAAAAABJ_w/Y6T7tgRbRmA7gPFbGxa09vSFAgSA2QR8gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/ehe24.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some notes about the supporting cast:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Two well-known actors play small roles in “Everybody Hates Easter.” Rochelle’s friend Vanessa is played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0364068/">Jackee’ Harry</a>, who has dozens of film and TV credits and is best known for her roles on <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088470/">227</a> </i>(which Harry an Emmy) and <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108927/">Sister, Sister</a></i>. <br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDOsTMi9XUQ/YGeBWS-0G_I/AAAAAAABJ_4/Uv1b7es7SWIhzAEJNZwK5ptzIYXL31MwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/ehe23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDOsTMi9XUQ/YGeBWS-0G_I/AAAAAAABJ_4/Uv1b7es7SWIhzAEJNZwK5ptzIYXL31MwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/ehe23.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chris’ boss Doc is portrayed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0267279/">Antonio Fargas</a>, who played a very memorable role as Huggy Bear on <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072567/">Starsky & Hutch</a></i> and also appeared in films that include <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064855/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_130">Putney Swope</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071517/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_117">Foxy Brown</a></i>. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Everybody Hates Easter" features great storylines and humorous moments. It's good enough to get my highest rating.<br /><br /><b>J.A. Morris' rating:</b><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qC-Bat4DqeA/YGh6vdVVaVI/AAAAAAABKCI/aT3als_IgBgRWvJK6HNLmwGjpC-8x00pACLcBGAsYHQ/s954/4%2BEaster%2BEggs.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="204" data-original-width="954" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qC-Bat4DqeA/YGh6vdVVaVI/AAAAAAABKCI/aT3als_IgBgRWvJK6HNLmwGjpC-8x00pACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4%2BEaster%2BEggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>4 Easter Eggs!</b></div></div></div></div>RigbyMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01570379580272470425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202830477894864270.post-16843936588777062542021-03-29T11:01:00.000-04:002021-03-31T12:27:21.963-04:00M*A*S*H: "April Fools"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T83pJk4PsKY/YGEnESE2qFI/AAAAAAABJ0k/njDhuAluA6gXSjQm9aQn-zB8ePu-vH1cQCLcBGAsYHQ/s571/15302mash_8_standard_rev.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="403" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T83pJk4PsKY/YGEnESE2qFI/AAAAAAABJ0k/njDhuAluA6gXSjQm9aQn-zB8ePu-vH1cQCLcBGAsYHQ/w283-h400/15302mash_8_standard_rev.jpg" width="283" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Premiered March 24, 1980.</span></div><div><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"The festive spirit of April Fool can scarcely be contained within a mere 24-hour period."</span></i></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">-Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the midst of the Korean War, at the 4077th M*A*S*H unit, army doctors Capt. "Hawkeye" Pierce (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000257/?ref_=tt_cl_t1" target="_blank">Alan Alda</a>), Capt. B.J. Honeycutt (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0268286/?ref_=tt_cl_t2" target="_blank">Mike Farrell</a>), Maj. Charles E. Winchester (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0638248/characters/nm0001773?ref_=tt_cl_t5" target="_blank">David Ogden Stiers</a>) and Col. Sherman Potter (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0638248/characters/nm0604702?ref_=tt_cl_t3" target="_blank">Harry Morgan</a>) are feeling more down and disillusioned than usual about their wartime surroundings. Their mood is brightened when a package from B.J.'s wife arrives containing brownies and a can of pralines. Charles is particularly excited about opening a can of pralines, only to be shocked when he learns...<br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ixHl41rvdE/YF0NihmPB6I/AAAAAAABJp8/sepi0gPkAOUsxrGF47qZ0hE2srvFKZYSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%252867%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1525" data-original-width="2048" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ixHl41rvdE/YF0NihmPB6I/AAAAAAABJp8/sepi0gPkAOUsxrGF47qZ0hE2srvFKZYSwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h297/Screenshot%2B%252867%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />...the can contains rubber novelty snakes! <br /><br />At that exact moment, nurse Maj. Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0842794/?ref_=tt_cl_t4" target="_blank">Loretta Swit</a>) screams in horror when she finds dead minnows in her pocket! Winchester takes credit for the fish and he says it's an April Fool's Day prank, even though April 1 hasn't arrived. <br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a05RtC4TaKk/YGDHtJHsf-I/AAAAAAABJxs/p5OIGn3Om9MiSsl9g0pZkJ0QVZgeTg0nACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528108%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a05RtC4TaKk/YGDHtJHsf-I/AAAAAAABJxs/p5OIGn3Om9MiSsl9g0pZkJ0QVZgeTg0nACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%2528108%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Col. Potter says they can prank each other, but he wants nothing to do with the seasonal festivities. The April Fool's pranks continue the next morning when Hawkeye wakes up to find oatmeal in his boot (courtesy of Maj. Houlihan).<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MwYHKTLCAKo/YGDIOJmDn7I/AAAAAAABJx0/KBT--aA1BtsIcO3-qA0JtZNMNj_RvgDFACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%252876%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MwYHKTLCAKo/YGDIOJmDn7I/AAAAAAABJx0/KBT--aA1BtsIcO3-qA0JtZNMNj_RvgDFACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%252876%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />The humorous atmosphere is broken up when Potter learns his M*A*S*H unit will receive a visit from Col. Daniel Webster Tucker (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0385757/?ref_=tt_cl_t8" target="_blank">Pat Hingle</a>), who Potter calls "lord high executioner of the surgeon general's office!" Col. Tucker will be inspecting their medical facilities and he's a stickler for details who does not suffer (April) fools gladly. Potter orders his company clerk Cpl. Max Klinger (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0268026/?ref_=tt_cl_t6" target="_blank">Jamie Farr</a>) to organize files and order every medical supply he can think of. <br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wo-V-jdJEJw/YGDI1jIko9I/AAAAAAABJx8/LF4NKL6A-0oDLIBAE2EMBGeur0V48dU1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%252879%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wo-V-jdJEJw/YGDI1jIko9I/AAAAAAABJx8/LF4NKL6A-0oDLIBAE2EMBGeur0V48dU1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%252879%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Potter fears that a failed inspection from Tucker will hurt his career and bans April Fool's pranks until Tucker has departed. However, Charles, B.J. and Hawkeye decide to pull one last prank on Margaret.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2xSlEaOh8w/YGDJLa2gDJI/AAAAAAABJyE/dYBQgJWBumEnwdBavDM4dQ0jrqKYJhwpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%252880%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1543" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2xSlEaOh8w/YGDJLa2gDJI/AAAAAAABJyE/dYBQgJWBumEnwdBavDM4dQ0jrqKYJhwpQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%252880%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Klinger has a history of dressing in women's clothes in order to get a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Section_8_(military)" target="_blank">Section 8 discharge</a> from the Army. After getting some advice from Sgt. Luther Rizzo (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0047265/?ref_=tt_cl_t9" target="_blank">G.W. Bailey</a>), Klinger decides his ticket out of the military is to act like the world's greatest soldier in front of Tucker and then go back to his old methods. <br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wT2BU4S9vPE/YGDJkhrtFZI/AAAAAAABJyM/AzF5zc3zkQ0866aQl5gUwgF274G7ob2fACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%252885%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="2048" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wT2BU4S9vPE/YGDJkhrtFZI/AAAAAAABJyM/AzF5zc3zkQ0866aQl5gUwgF274G7ob2fACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Screenshot%2B%252885%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Later on, Margaret's tent is ransacked by the doctors. Col. Tucker arrives to witness Houlihan swinging a pillow at the pranksters. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9AeoAiVWlo/YGDKLvDxyZI/AAAAAAABJyU/w4RUQ7aQw64yFzH_JDgqnQWwTjyyoWb7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%252892%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9AeoAiVWlo/YGDKLvDxyZI/AAAAAAABJyU/w4RUQ7aQw64yFzH_JDgqnQWwTjyyoWb7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%252892%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Potter is furious at them for continuing their April Fool's activity. Tucker is disgusted by everything he sees, with the exception of Klinger...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QceWpOYmG5M/YGDKu--WkDI/AAAAAAABJyc/nKN9e4_Ew4IwCATp3iFGZoCmnYilDv60gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%252893%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1525" data-original-width="2048" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QceWpOYmG5M/YGDKu--WkDI/AAAAAAABJyc/nKN9e4_Ew4IwCATp3iFGZoCmnYilDv60gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h297/Screenshot%2B%252893%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">...who has put on a dress uniform and transformed himself into a model soldier. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />The next morning, Tucker observes the nurses and doctors during surgery and tells them he is not impressed. Hawkeye gets fed up and confronts Tucker directly when he interferes with Pierce's patient. The others back up Hawkeye and ask Tucker to back off. Tucker accuses them of conduct unbecoming officers and gross insubordination and plans to court-martial them. <br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XHXbMeKlEPQ/YGDLYIcPf7I/AAAAAAABJyk/Cog9qZosfhkSXT7TyvhkLjjGBwATiWfBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%252899%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XHXbMeKlEPQ/YGDLYIcPf7I/AAAAAAABJyk/Cog9qZosfhkSXT7TyvhkLjjGBwATiWfBwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%252899%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />When Tucker visits Klinger, he is instead greeted by Cleopatra! Tucker believes Klinger has lost his mind and needs to be discharged and sent home. Potter is NOT amused. <br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-borJwrUyJwc/YGDThZAfgrI/AAAAAAABJy0/LhpdBAgMhxAGz-tiWgsVFC2wF95RV-MbACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528101%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1498" data-original-width="2048" height="293" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-borJwrUyJwc/YGDThZAfgrI/AAAAAAABJy0/LhpdBAgMhxAGz-tiWgsVFC2wF95RV-MbACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h293/Screenshot%2B%2528101%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Facing a court-martial, Hawkeye believes they have nothing left to lose and he decides to cook up the mother of all April Fool's Day pranks for Col Tucker. Charles is ready to "nail the swine." <br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6ZL2fKI2KM/YGDXh0IIqaI/AAAAAAABJzA/WB2CzaXaIEQ--cqiYYWDSLAcNSGbnpC9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528105%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1529" data-original-width="2048" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6ZL2fKI2KM/YGDXh0IIqaI/AAAAAAABJzA/WB2CzaXaIEQ--cqiYYWDSLAcNSGbnpC9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Screenshot%2B%2528105%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Will Hawkeye and friends be court-martialed? Will Klinger get the discharge he's been chasing for years? </span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>J.A. Morris says:<br /></b>First off, let me say that I'm excited to announce that this is our first review of April Fool's Day programming!<br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>M*A*S*H</i> was a big part of my childhood TV viewing (I can recall a few nights when I watched 3 different episodes in syndicated reruns), but I’d forgotten about “April Fools” until I stumbled on a re-run a few years ago. It’s a good episode of <i>M*A*S*H</i> and there aren’t many April Fool’s Day episodes, so it was nice to rediscover it. <br /><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hrk0BMYxubg/YGDnoCrmJNI/AAAAAAABJzw/Xe1kb0OEKRki5_upmXkrpweIA9Eh2-qmACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%252875%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hrk0BMYxubg/YGDnoCrmJNI/AAAAAAABJzw/Xe1kb0OEKRki5_upmXkrpweIA9Eh2-qmACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%252875%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Father Mulcahy (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0160639/">William Christopher)</a> becomes an April Fool's victim when his bathrobe is replaced with a house frock!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>M*A*S*H</i> was a series that started out as a more traditional comedy but it gradually shifted to more serious comic-drama format during its later seasons. “April Fools” shows that <i>M*A*S*H</i> could still pull off the sillier episodes during the show’s 8th season. Alan Alda cackles in a way that’s more reminiscent of Hawkeye’s earlier less-evolved stage. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Harry Morgan has some great scenes in “April Fools.” Col. Potter gets more exasperated with every prank. Potter was always a nice guy, but his worries about his career being jeopardized by the doctors’ pranks are justified. <br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uY8av_lJhEI/YGDhoWVylvI/AAAAAAABJzY/_zuiUwHgE1UShuQfOU8x5ZFqg9xxf30AQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%252895%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uY8av_lJhEI/YGDhoWVylvI/AAAAAAABJzY/_zuiUwHgE1UShuQfOU8x5ZFqg9xxf30AQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%252895%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />It's also fun to see the straight-laced Margaret and stick-in-the-mud Winchester take part in the pranks. </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition to the <i>M*A*S*H</i> series regulars, “April Fools” features guest star Pat Hingle as Col. Tucker. <br /><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEpZxNZTtd4/YGDYY1QKY5I/AAAAAAABJzI/7Cy-BYzcgFsyg_HbrWszHiqHmmgJRWBSACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528100%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1525" data-original-width="2048" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEpZxNZTtd4/YGDYY1QKY5I/AAAAAAABJzI/7Cy-BYzcgFsyg_HbrWszHiqHmmgJRWBSACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h297/Screenshot%2B%2528100%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hingle was a recognizable and prolific character actor who appeared in lots of memorable movies like <i>On The Waterfront</i>, <i>Hang ‘Em High</i>, <i>Splendor In The Grass</i>, <i>Norma Rae</i>, <i>Sudden Impact</i> and he portrayed Commissioner Gordon in four Batman movies. On the holiday films front, Hingle played the Ghost of Christmas Present in <i>Carol For Another Christmas</i>. <br /><br /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">"April Fools" is a fun episode of a classic series and I believe it'll be something I watch around April Fool's Day every year from now on.<br /><br /><b>J.A. Morris' rating:</b><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-plcoEyVY3T8/YGDfrrMalTI/AAAAAAABJzQ/cLB0jy8VvNERNC3O5BSRRhiCoFNfqQSogCLcBGAsYHQ/s1189/3%2Bwhoopee.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="1189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-plcoEyVY3T8/YGDfrrMalTI/AAAAAAABJzQ/cLB0jy8VvNERNC3O5BSRRhiCoFNfqQSogCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3%2Bwhoopee.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><span><b>.5</b></span></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 and a half April Fool's Day whoopee cushions.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMQ-YfKqp94/YGJB0c5oviI/AAAAAAAAmmI/mkN79sKD-Hg5tZLz86OBgygjCS-V2SkUwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528103%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1517" data-original-width="2048" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMQ-YfKqp94/YGJB0c5oviI/AAAAAAAAmmI/mkN79sKD-Hg5tZLz86OBgygjCS-V2SkUwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h296/Screenshot%2B%2528103%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">RigbyMel says: </span></b></div></div><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've definitely watched a few M*A*S*H reruns in my time and was delighted to learn of this prank-filled April Fool's Day episode. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jiyafYEM7s8/YGJDyLG34HI/AAAAAAAAmmQ/p3nlgLL8Gxox6bfo_hGgSLUpomXkvip2wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%252889%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="2048" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jiyafYEM7s8/YGJDyLG34HI/AAAAAAAAmmQ/p3nlgLL8Gxox6bfo_hGgSLUpomXkvip2wCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Screenshot%2B%252889%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the basic tenants of the M*A*S*H series is that the medical team uses pranks and humor as a way to cope with the horrors of war, and this episode uses <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_Fools'_Day" target="_blank">April Fools Day</a> as a means to crank up the stakes a bit in this instance - I found myself genuinely worried that our heroes would be facing court martial and jail for taking on a spit and polish stickler for the rules like Col. Tucker. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUydBbyOEfE/YGJG90RBG-I/AAAAAAAAmmg/FsVS92FCGGA0cREahYnw9cOqnZKE4eVcgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%2528104%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUydBbyOEfE/YGJG90RBG-I/AAAAAAAAmmg/FsVS92FCGGA0cREahYnw9cOqnZKE4eVcgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Screenshot%2B%2528104%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here we see Klinger literally clinging to Col. Tucker in his Cleopatra get-up (said costume is likely inspired by the<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0024991/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_55" target="_blank"> 1934 film <i>Cleopatra</i></a>, which starred Claudette Colbert) </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some of the pranks on offer in this episode are truly impressive. For instance, one wonders how Hawkeye et al succeeded in absconding with Maj. Houlihan's tent undetected. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pt9HykZon7I/YGJFu5_wG9I/AAAAAAAAmmY/8xuNJu4iapkX8Dt6l7bE0nQ5iVJ-yaqMQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1804/Screenshot%2B%2528107%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="1804" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pt9HykZon7I/YGJFu5_wG9I/AAAAAAAAmmY/8xuNJu4iapkX8Dt6l7bE0nQ5iVJ-yaqMQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h297/Screenshot%2B%2528107%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">In point of fact, the folks of the 4077th draw the festivities out over a couple of days which is NOT traditional in terms of April Fool's Day celebrations. But in a war situation, you've got to do what you've got to do to stay sane, I guess. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQI1A9ijH2c/YGJIGlzn74I/AAAAAAAAmmo/ZKZXOmReHW8oQIkTkN33KSj2Jr1xy4TYwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%252891%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1542" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQI1A9ijH2c/YGJIGlzn74I/AAAAAAAAmmo/ZKZXOmReHW8oQIkTkN33KSj2Jr1xy4TYwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h301/Screenshot%2B%252891%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Seeing the gang try to one up each other feels very "on brand" for the show and the April Fools milieu makes for an extra funny episode of a great TV series thanks to the ensemble cast's comedic timing and skill. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKXGhzo_WHQ/YGJIfnka48I/AAAAAAAAmmw/WpLuJLCTO90gcs70mDwQLlMQoFvYkZCvgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot%2B%252868%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1528" data-original-width="2048" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKXGhzo_WHQ/YGJIfnka48I/AAAAAAAAmmw/WpLuJLCTO90gcs70mDwQLlMQoFvYkZCvgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Screenshot%2B%252868%2529.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Like J.A. Morris, I rather suspect this will become regular springtime viewing. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">RigbyMel's rating: </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CnwK-9kt9Mk/YGJJH3fpEaI/AAAAAAAAmm4/s85-tOB2K4YES5FQqJWswjjJo5_ZS8rJQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1588/4%2Bwhoopee.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="1588" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CnwK-9kt9Mk/YGJJH3fpEaI/AAAAAAAAmm4/s85-tOB2K4YES5FQqJWswjjJo5_ZS8rJQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/4%2Bwhoopee.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b><br /></b></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 <span>April Fool's Day whoopee cushions (no fooling!) </span></span></div>RigbyMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01570379580272470425noreply@blogger.com0