The Gambler

MPAA Rating: R for language throughout, and for some sexuality/nudity.
Run Time: 111 Minutes
My Rating: 2.5/5
So today I went and saw Paramount Pictures' The Gambler starring Mark Wahlberg (Transformers Age of Extinction), Jessica Lange (FX's American Horror Story), and John Goodman (Monster's University).  The film details the story of Jim Bennett a risk-taker and down-on-his-luck English professor who just doesn't know when to walk away.  After borrowing money from a gangster and a casino owner with his own life as collateral and 1 week to pay his debts, his life continues to spiral out of control.  As the clock winds down it is up to Jim to take the biggest risk of his life or suffer his biggest consequence.
I really didn't know what to expect when I walked into the theater, but for the most part I was entertained throughout the entire film. Seeing Jim Bennett gamble is nerve-wracking in an of itself. Seeing this guy throw away all his money is hard to watch. However probably the greatest part about this film comes from its two supporting actors Jessica Lange and John Goodman.  Jessica Lange plays Jim Bennett's mom struggling with her dysfunctional relationship with her son and his gambling problem.  She brings so much wit and charm to her performance that it is impossible not to like her.  John Goodman, on the other hand, plays a loan shark who loans Jim money to pay off his debts.  I have been a John Goodman fan for years and even in this role he still brings greatness.  He does everything right with his performance and it completely enhances the movie-going experience. I would see this film again just for his performance.
Though the casting was impeccable, even the best actors can't help but fall into the wrong movie. Though I thought that the film was entertaining, the entire time I was in the theater I was thinking to myself why make this movie.  I just wasn't connected to the plot as I had hoped that I would be.  Also I felt like the plot was so generic and plain that it seemed like the writers were stretching to try to get this film over an hour.  Mark Wahlberg's character was making the same choices again and again and it just felt like I was watching the same film over and over again.
Overall, I thought the film was ok.  I was entertained throughout, but the plot just seemed too thin. This definitely is not the worst film I have ever seen.  I would recommend this film if you didn't have anything else to do, but I wouldn't tell you to go out of your way and see it.

Thanks again for reading, if you have any questions, comments, or ideas just let me know!!!

The Imitation Game

MPAA Rating:PG-13 for some sexual references, mature thematic 

material and historical smoking.

Run Time: 114 Minutes

My Rating: 4/5

So tonight my wife and I went and saw The Weinstein Company's The Imitation Game starring Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC's Sherlock) and Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean).  The film details the true life story of Alan Turing, the legendary crypt-analyst, and his brilliant team of masterminds as they work as code-breakers for British Government during World War II.  The film details the struggles that Alan Turing faced during his life as a child, during the war, and after the war.  

So I thought the film was well made and very interesting.  With the assignment that Alan Turing and his team was given being top-secret, the knowledge of this extraordinary feat has not been widely known for too long.   It was interesting how it all came together and how important this one assignment was in World War II and we never even knew about it.  It just shocks me how it all played out.  Probably the greatest thing about the film is the performances by Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. Their performances are breathtaking and Oscar-worthy.  There is so much to enjoy about their performances that even when the dialogue gets a little shaky, they help smooth things over.  It is their performances that make the movie as good as it is.  Without them, the movie would be just like any other film.

Although I thought the film was great, there was one thing that I really didn't like.  So as I said before the film shows Alan Turing's life when he was in school, during the war, and a life event after the war.  For me personally, I felt like the part when he was in school and the life event after the war weren't really necessary to the film.  Especially when all advertising for the film focused on the events during the war, I just felt like the other parts just didn't serve a purpose in telling such a fantastic story.  In my opinion the scenes were used more for propaganda than anything else, but then again that is my opinion.

Overall, I thought that the film was great.  I was entertained the whole movie and completely intrigued by the story.  This definitely is a must-see for history buffs, World War II enthusiasts, or those interested in puzzles and games.  I would definitely recommend this movie for those people to see. 

Thanks again for reading.  If you have any questions, comments or ideas just let me know!!!

Unbroken

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for war violence including intense sequences 

of brutality, and for brief language.

Run Time: 137 Minutes

My Rating: 5/5

So today we went and saw Universal Pictures' Unbroken starring Jack O'Connell (300: Rise of an Empire), Domhnall Gleeson (About Time), Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy), and Jai Courtney (Divergent).  The film was directed by Angelina Jolie-Pitt in her directorial debut.  The film tells the true story of Louis Zamperini,  a U.S. Olympic athlete who joins the Armed Forces during World War II.  During the war his plane goes down in the ocean and he is lost at sea for weeks.  Eventually being captured by the Japanese Navy, he faces many forms of torture as he waits in hope of the war to end. 

This film was absolutely amazing.  In her first directorial debut, Angelina Jolie-Pitt does a fantastic job.  Her vision of Louis Zamperini is inspiring and breathtaking.  One of her greatest assets in the film is the spectacular performance by Jack O'Connell.  He gives an amazing portrayal of Louis Zamperini.  Angelina Jolie-Pitt probably could have contracted any other actor to portray Louis, but no other actor could have truly captured Louis Zamperini's spirit the same way that Jack O'Connell does.  This may not be the best performance of the year, but it definitely is one that you should miss.  Another great asset to the film was that the real Louis Zamperini actually helped in the production of the film.  He gave a lot of insight to Angelina Jolie-Pitt about his life and with his help it brings a lot more power to the film.  Finally, another asset that the film has is the emotion that it brings to each and every audience member especially that have suffered or know people who have suffered for something that they believe in deeply.  Seeing Louis Zamperini tortured and attacked for sticking up for his country and its values is absolutely heartbreaking.  For me as I was watching the film it truly made me so proud to be an American and so grateful for all those men and women who have fought for this country that I love so dear.  

Although it didn't bother me, I do want to warn all those that go see it that though there isn't any blood, there are a lot of things in the film that may be difficult to watch if you have a weak stomach.  Like I said it didn't bother me, but it may be bothersome for people. 

Also another note, I have not yet read the book that the film is based upon, so I don't really know how it compares.  From what I have heard the book is way better, but that is true is almost every case.  So just be aware that if you have read the book, you may not feel the same about the movie.  

Overall, I loved this film.  It was a great way for me to spend my afternoon.  It was entertaining and very inspiring.  This film is definitely a must-see for those that have time this holiday season.  This may not be the greatest film for everyone in the family to see, but it definitely is one everyone should see at some point in their life.  

Thanks again for reading!! If you have any questions, comments, or ideas just let me know!!  

Annie

MPAA Rating: PG for some mild language and rude humor.
Run Time: 118 Minutes
My Rating: 3/5
So today we went and saw Columbia Pictures' Annie starring Quvenzhané Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild), Jaime Foxx (Django Unchained), Rose Byrne (Neighbors), and Cameron Diaz (The Other Woman).  The film is the third adaption of the Broadway play of the same name.  It tells the story of little orphan Annie, who was left by her parents as a baby with the promise to come back for her someday.  She lives with the horrible Miss Hannigan, but tries to look at the positive things that life brings.  However, everything changes when she is chosen to live temporarily with Will Stacks, a rich mayoral candidate who wants to use Annie to make himself look more humane than he really is.  Eventually the two form a bond that changes not only Annie's world, but the life of Will Stacks as well.
So to be honest, this was not my favorite movie.  If you look at the film as just a movie, it is entertaining and full of laughs, however I looked at the film as an adaption of the play Annie, and doing so I was really disappointed.  The original play and previous adaptions have taken place in 1933 Depression Era, but this new adaption tries to modernize the musical by setting it in 2014 Recession Era.  This was done in order to make the story more relatable to younger audiences.  Also in this film the music is modernized and more upbeat, hopefully to attract a younger audience.  Though most of the songs from the musical are present in the play, they are either shortened or drowned out by the new remixes of the classic songs.  This for me was a big deal, because I remember growing up to the classic songs and seeing them changed so much or in some cases non-existent really bothered me.
Though there were things that bothered me, there were many things that I thought that the film did well.  One thing is casting the wonderful Quvenzhané Wallis.  She does an amazing job as little orphan Annie and has a spectacular voice.  She is definitely the shining star in this film and if it wasn't for her the film would probably be a complete disaster.  Another great casting choice was the amazing Rose Byrne.  She has had quite an impressive year and she takes control of every scene that she is in.  I would have never guessed at the beginning of the year that she would be my new favorite actress, but she definitely takes the crown.  She does an amazing job as Will Stacks' assistant Grace and also proves that she has an amazing voice as well.  Finally probably the greatest change that was added to the movie is the new song written by Sia called "Opportunity."  It is an incredible addition to the film and when Quvenzhané Wallis sings it, I forgot how much the film disappointed me.  It truly adds depth to the film and I wouldn't be opposed to it being added to musical at some point.
Overall, the film was just okay.  For those that grew up watching either the Carol Burnett or Kathy Bates version of Annie, you will probably be just as disappointed as I was.  However for those new to Annie will enjoy the film and be able to get a glimpse of some of its great music.  This is definitely a film for the whole family to watch.

Thanks again for reading.  If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, just let me know!!!

Into the Woods

MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements, fantasy action and peril, and some suggestive material.
Run Time: 124 Minutes
My Rating: 5/5
So last night we decided to continue our Christmas tradition (seeing a movie Christmas night), by watching Walt Disney Pictures' Into the Woods based on the Broadway musical by the great Stephen Sondheim (West Side Story).  The film is led by an amazing cast with Meryl Streep (The Devil Wears Prada), Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect), Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada), Chris Pine (Star Trek), and Johnny Depp (The Lone Ranger).  The film was directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago).  The film follows the story of the Baker and his wife who due to a curse cast upon their household by a witch, are left childless.  When one day the witch gives the baker and his wife a deal that if they can gather the 4 items that she needs for her spell, in return she would remove the curse of baroness from their home.  Along the way they run into Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Cinderella, and Jack (Jack and the Beanstalk).
I thought the movie was great.  I was entertained throughout the entire film.  For one thing the casting was amazing.  There were a lot of amazing actors and actresses in the film and I was totally surprised by their great musical talents.  There are many stars in the film that have already received awards-praise for their performances including Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt, however, I personally believe that the talents of Chris Pine and Anna Kendrick should be recognized more fully than they have been.  They are amazing in the film and their voices are spectacular.  I knew Anna Kendrick has an amazing voice from her work in Pitch Perfect, but I had no idea that Chris Pine had such a great voice.  It was such a pleasant surprise in the film.
Though I thought the movie was great and knew what I was getting into when I went into the film, I heard after the film that many people thought that seems way too long.  That can definitely be the case for those that don't know what to expect, so I will tell you this right now.  About 2/3 of the way through the film, the movie seems to end with everyone living happily ever after, however something happens and the movie continues for another 45 minutes or so.  However, this feels likes you just started watching a whole other movie which makes the film seem longer than it actually is.  So just be prepared for that.
Overall, I thought the film was great.  I personally want to see it again.  I think Disney did a great job once again.  This film definitely isn't for everyone since it is a musical, but if you think that you can get past that, then I definitely recommend that you take time to go see it.

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

MPAA Rating: PG for mild action, some rude humor and brief language.
Run Time: 98 Minutes
My Rating: 4.5/5
So today I went and saw Twentieth Century Fox's Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, the supposed finale to the Night at the Museum franchise.  The film stars Ben Stiller (Meet the Parents), the late Robin Williams (Good Will Hunting), Owen Wilson (The Internship), Rebel Wilson (Pitch Perfect) and Sir Ben Kingsley (Ender's Game).  The film follows the story of Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) the night guard at the Museum of Natural History in New York City who finds out that the magic tablet that turns the museum's exhibits to life every night is running out of magic.  This leads Larry and the gang to the British Museum in London to find out how to keep the magic from fading.  As they embark on their new journey across the globe, they encounter many new exhibits that are experiencing life for the first time.
So going into the film, I really didn't know what to expect.  I had been a huge fan of the past two films, however it has been five years since the last film came out so I didn't really know how this one would be.  Thankfully, I was truly surprised about what I saw on the screen.  It was funny and just a really good family film.  The new cast members do a great job at keeping the same spirit of the first films.  Rebel Wilson brings so many laughs to the film and is comedic gold in the film.  She is a wonderful edition to the series and I wouldn't mind seeing her character take control of the series if they decide to continue the franchise after this one.  Also after mourning the death of the great Robin Williams, it was a real treat to see him on the screen for one of his final performances.  He was one of my favorite actors growing up and he does an amazing job in this film.  Finally as for the cast, this film has probably the best cameo of an actor that I have seen all year long.  The crew did an amazing job at keeping this actor hidden and once you see the cameo, you can't help but laugh.
So I must let you know that if you did not like the previous Night at the Museum movies, than you will not like this film because it is just like them.  I for one am a fan, so that is why my rating is so high, but this franchise is definitely one that is not for everyone.  It is quirky and far fetched, but for me it is entertaining.  Really, for me, the only real downside that I could see was that I thought the film was too much like the first film, but that was about it.  It wasn't as quite original as I would have wanted, but that doesn't mean that I didn't like the film.
Overall, if you liked the other films, this is definitely one that you should put on your list to see.  The kids will love it and it is just a good family-friendly film.  You will laugh and maybe even cry a little bit.  This is definitely a film that I would watch again, so if you have time this holiday season, I recommend you see it too.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

MPAA Rating:  PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images.
Run Time: 144 Minutes
My Rating: 4.5/5
So yesterday, I went and saw New Line Cinema's The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies starring Ian McKellan (The Lord of the Rings), Martin Freeman (Sherlock), and Richard Armitage (Captain America: The First Avenger).  The movie is the final chapter in The Hobbit Trilogy and the Middle Earth Mythology.  It takes place directly after The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug with Smaug, the dragon, on his way to destroy the city of Lake Town after the Dwarfs have released him from the mountain.  After their city is destroyed the people of Lake Town head to the mountain to claim what they deserve from the Dwarfs in order to rebuild their city.  Along with the people of Lake Town, the Elves and Orcs head to the mountain upon hearing of the Dwarfs new possession of the mountain and its treasure, in order to claim it as their own.  What ensues is one of the greatest battles in cinematic history.
So I actually loved this film.  It was entertaining and action-packed.  This film had so much going for it, it is difficult to decide where to start first.  I guess I will begin with the story.  The story taught many great life lessons that everyone should learn.  Some of these lessons included but are not limited to: the effect that power and greed can have on the soul, the importance of friendship, and the power of setting aside differences for the greater cause.  There are just some of the valuable life lessons that one can learn from this film alone.  Another thing that I thought was great was the cinematography and  the choreography in the film.  Honestly seeing the different armies in their battle formations is spectacular in and of itself.  Watching how on point they all are and our in sync they are is awesome.  Probably the last hour of the film is just a giant battle and it was amazing to watch.  It is probably one of the best battles that has ever been on the big screen.  It is definitely something to see.
So though I really liked this film, there was just one thing that I really did not like.  It really doesn't have to deal with this movie specifically, but The Hobbit Trilogy as a whole.  I will tell you I was really excited when I heard the news that they were adapting The Hobbit for the big screen.  Then I heard the news that it was going to be 2 films and I was still excited about it.  Then I heard that they had decided to stretch the book out into 3 films and I was nervous.  I mean The Hobbit book is about 100-150 fewer than any of the Lord of the Rings books and they only had 1 movie each.  So when the first movie came out I saw how much new things they added to story and I was okay with, but it still bugged me.  Then the second move and this movie came out and I saw all that they added and though I enjoyed them as films, they still bugged me as an avid reader and J.R. Tolkien fan.  In reality the only reason I have been bugged is because I feel like The Hobbit book is one of the greatest books ever written and unfortunately those that only watch the films and the new generations that come that don't read, will never be able to understand how amazing J.R. Tolkien and his writings truly are because they have been changed so much.  So that is my mini-rant, but like I said it doesn't really have to deal with the movie, but just my own opinions.
So if you have enjoyed The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit films, this is definitely a film that you should go see.  Even if you are just into action then you will still find this film to be entertaining.  I really enjoyed the film and I personally believe it to be the best one in the trilogy.

Thanks again for reading, if you have any questions, ideas or comments, just let me know!!!

Exodus: Gods and Kings

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence including battle sequences and intense images.
Run Time: 150 Minutes
My Rating: 3.5/5
So tonight my wife and I decided to go and see Chernin Entertainment's Exodus: Gods and Kings starring Christian Bale (The Dark Knight Trilogy), Joel Edgerton (Zero Dark Thirty), Ben Kingsley (Ender's Game), and Sigourney Weaver (Avatar).  The film was directed by Ridley Scott, the man behind Gladiator and Alien.  The film centers on the Biblical story of Moses as he becomes the prophet of the Israelites and frees them from the captivity of the Egyptians.  It details the deadly plagues and the faith that the Israelites have in their God.
Before I begin, let me start out by saying that Ridley Scott has added a lot of details to the film that are not found in the Book of Exodus.  If you go into the movie thinking that you will receive this great spiritual experience, it probably won't happen.  The film even before it was released was suffering with a lot of controversy with some of the new additions and interpretations of the text and to tell you the truth after seeing it, there is a good reason why these controversies exist.  Now that is not to say that I did not like the film or that the film is terrible, but I just wanted to warn you at the beginning that it may not be all that you expect it to be.
The film in and of itself is actually very well made and very entertaining.  The entire time I was watching the film I thought about Ridley Scott's past film Gladiator.  The action sequences in the film are excellent and the special effects are amazing.  Honestly it is incredible to see how far we have come in our technology.  The story of Moses is like nothing you have seen before and Ridley Scott uses this great new technology to his advantage.
So besides the controversy that surrounded the film, the one thing that I didn't like about the film was that it was a long movie and it seemed like a long movie.  There were so many scenes that could have been taken out that would have made the film move just a little bit quicker, but unfortunately they the scenes slow the film down.
Overall, the film as a whole was really enjoyable.  Like I said before if you think you can handle some of the controversy then I would recommend going and seeing it.  However I do recommend that you go in with the attitude that it is just a movie and not absolute doctrine.  If you are looking for that, read the text.  However if you want a great action movie with great special effects, this is definitely the film for you this holiday season.

Thanks again for reading!! If you have any questions, comments, or ideas just let me know!!!

The Pyramid

MPAA Rating: Rated R for some horror violence and bloody images.
Run Time: 89 Minutes
My Rating: 2.5/5
Hey ya'll sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I have been busy with my finals so I haven't had the time to go and see any movies.  However, now that finals are done I treated myself and went and saw Fox International Productions' The Pyramid starring Ashley Hinshaw (Chronicle), Denis O'Hare (The Proposal), and James Buckley (The Inbetweeners).  The story takes place in Cairo, Egypt where a group of U.S. archaeologists discover and ancient pyramid buried deep beneath the desert.  As they search within the pyramid, they become hopelessly lost in the dark as their curiosity about ancient Egyptian mythology deepens.  While their search for daylight seems tragic, they soon realize that being trapped may be minuscule compared to what is trapped in the pyramid with them.
This film has all the makings of being a great horror film and personally I really liked it.  It has a great premise and excellent scares.  However it just lacks in a few areas that make it not as great as it could be.  First off, lets focus on the good things.  The premise of the film is excellent.  As the explorers dive deeper and deeper into the pyramid, the more ancient Egyptian mythology comes to life.  I have always thought that ancient mythology whether it be Egyptian or Greek or whatever would always make an interesting horror premise.  The Pyramid makes my predictions correct and does a fantastic job at it.  There is so much rich and terrifying mythology out there and The Pyramid only uses just a small portion of it.  However, the portion it does use makes for an interesting and exciting 89 minutes of entertainment.
Though the premise is excellent and is crafted so well, unfortunately the film falls short in a lot of areas.  For one the characters are really lacking.  Though the actors do an excellent job with what they have, unfortunately none of the characters on the screen are actually worth caring about and so seeing them suffer isn't has painful as one might think.  In fact throughout the film I was just hoping that something would happen to all of them because I though that were just so annoying.  There is not a single character that you are rooting for in this film and that is something that can seriously damage the film's story.  Another thing that I didn't like about this film is the found footage angle that it has.  When The Blair Witch Project came out in 1999 with the found footage horror genre and garnered great success, studios have thought that this is audiences want to see.  Though I do appreciate the found footage in some horror films, I feel like their is just too much of it and it doesn't have it's uniqueness like it once did.  Unfortunately though this film did not add anything to the found footage genre that hasn't already been done.  
Overall, I thought the film was good.  Honestly if there was just one character that I was interested in or cared about this film would have received a much higher rating.  Unfortunately it doesn't.  However if you are a horror fan or interested in ancient mythology, I would definitely recommend seeing this film.  However be warned that this film is not for the faint in heart.

Thanks again for reading and if you have any questions, comments, or ideas just let me know!!!

My Top 10 Movies to Watch This December

Hey, everyone, I hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving Holiday and are ready for the coming month.  I know I am.  I love this time of year.  It is a great time to spend time with family and friends and reflect upon all the good things in life.  Also another reason I love this time of year is for the wonderful movies that are available to watch.  There are so many great movies for this time of year it was hard to narrow it down to just 10.  So I am sorry if your favorite holiday movie isn't on my list.  Trust me there are some that I think are classics that didn't make it onto my list.  However, that being said, here is my recommendations for all of you to watch this Holiday season.

10. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
MPAA Rating: PG for brief language and suggestive content.
So the first on my list is Revolution Studios' Christmas with the Kranks starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis.  It tells the story of Luther and Nora Krank, who decide to skip Christmas and go on a vacation when they find out that their daughter won't be coming home for Christmas that year.  For the Kranks, this means no decorations, lights, presents, trees, parties, or anything.  Along the way they make enemies with all of their neighbors.  Finally as Christmas Eve rolls around and they vacation is a day away, they receive a phone call from their daughter saying that she is coming home.  Now it is up to the Kranks to drop their pride and put together every Christmas tradition they have before their daughter gets home.
This movie is based on the John Grisham novel Skipping Christmas.  This is one of my favorite books to read and I was so excited to see it being adapted to screen.  This film really shows the power of friends and family when it comes to the holidays.  It shows how people can set aside their differences to help one another out, even when they may not deserve it.  This film also shows one can't merely skip a holiday, but the spirit of the holiday will always be with them.

9. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
MPAA Rating: PG for some scary images.
I know this isn't a typical Christmas movie, but I love it.  I This film is brought by Disney from the great mind of Tim Burton.  This film is about Jack, the Pumpkin King, who lives in Halloween Town, a place where some Halloween is every day and the monsters that kids dream about live..  While he is trying to find the meaning of his life and how to make his life more purposeful.  During his journey he finds his way into Christmas Town where he learns all about Christmas and believes that if he brought Christmas to Halloween Town life would be better.
This film is amazing.  The animation is spectacular and it is just enough weird that I like it.  This film is for all ages, but does have some scary moments so if you are watching it with little kids I would be cautious.  This film shows that the Holidays are for everyone.

8. Miracle on 34th Street (1947 & 1994)
MPAA Rating: G
Ok, so this is one of my favorite movies and was also on my last month's list.  Anyway the film follows the story of an old man named Kris Kringle who claims to be the real Santa Clause.  When people start hearing this some become cynical of the old man try to reject all notions of belief.  Suddenly people begin to notice something special about Kris Kringle and after much debate both in courts of law and in conversations, people realize that maybe Kris Kringle could be the real Santa Clause and if not,his advancement of Christmas Spirit certainly makes him a good man.
I think the reason I love this film is because of its focus so much on believing.  We are in a world where many of us are skeptics, it is just nice to see how the power of belief is so important.  Also it shows the power that children have.  If it weren't for the children in this show and the belief that they have then Kris Kringle would not have been able to show his true self.

7. White Christmas (1954)
MPAA Rating: G
So, to be honest, I actually have not seen this film, but this is my wife's favorite Christmas movie so I decided to put it on my list.  She talks so highly of the film, that I am really excited to watch it.  The film follows Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, World War II veterans who become a top song-and-dance act.  Eventually Bob and Phil meet up with a pair of sisters, Betty and Judy, who also have a song-and-dance act.  Bob and Phil follow Betty and Judy to a Vermont lodge to perform a Christmas show and they find that their former commander, General Waverly, as the lodge owner.
Like I said before I haven't actually seen this film before, but I do love the music that is in it.  My wife praises this show, so even though I haven't seen it yet, I definitely would recommend it.  Also the film has become so popular that there has a been a stage adaption of the film which has also received great reviews.

6. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Let me just say, this may not be your typical family Christmas movie, but I absolutely love it.  The film follows Clark and Ellen Griswold as they are preparing for the holiday season.  This year they have decided to have their entire family on both sides come for Christmas this and with so many different personalities patience is tested.  With bickering family members, stressful neighbors, criminal activities, fires and squirrels the only thing that Clark and truly be excited for is his Christmas bonus, which may not be what he expects it to be.
I think the reason I like this film so much is the family aspect of the film.  Getting everything ready for the holidays is stressful enough as it is, but add all your family members where they have their own opinions over everything and it become somewhat impossible.  However this film shows that even throughout all the craziness, families can come together and set aside differences for the holidays.

5. The Muppet's Christmas Carol (1992)
MPAA rating: G
So what is a holiday movie list without a version of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol.  My favorite version is the one done by the Muppets.  It tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, played by the magnificent Michael Caine, who is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future in order to teach him the true meaning of Christmas.  As he seeing what his life was and could be, the spirit of Christmas comes into his life and a miraculous transformation ensues.
The thing I love about this story is it shows how important having the Spirit of Christmas is to enjoying life.  It is interesting to me though how easy it is to lose and how hard it seems to get it back.  This film shows how influential people can be in our lives and how we need to share their influence to others.

4. Elf (2003)
MPAA: PG for some mild rude humor and language.
This is another great Christmas classic.  It follows the story of Buddy the Elf, a human who stowed away in Santa's sack when he was a baby and has grown up among the elves.  When he is grown Santa allows Buddy to go the New York City on search of his birth father, a heartless jerk on Santa's naughty list who doesn't even know Buddy was born.  While there Buddy is able to experience New York in his own unique way and when his relationship with his father gets stronger, his father is forced to reevaluate his priorities.
This film is hilarious and is definitely one that you should watch this year.  Every time I watch this show it just keeps getting better and better.  The film shows the power of believing and how important family truly is.  No matter how important work may seem, family should always be the priority and if that isn't part of your thought process, then like Buddy's father it may be time to reevaluate your priorities.  This is such an important less that this film teaches.

3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
MPAA Rating: PG for some crude humor.
A Christmas list wouldn't be complete without Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  This version is the live action version of the 1966 animated short.  It stars Jim Carrey as the infamous green monster, The Grinch who lives on top of Mt. Crumpet overlooking Whoville.  The Who's love Christmas and one Christmas Eve the Grinch decides to stop Christmas from coming.  So on Christmas Eve night he sneaks down the mountain and into each home in Whoville and takes everything in sight.  However much to his dismay, he soon realizes that taking away the Christmas may be harder than what he expected.
This film is great.  The lessons that one can learn in this film are priceless.  Knowing that Christmas doesn't come from a store, but is about coming together and celebrating one of the greatest events in human history is something that every person needs to learn.  One can't simply take away Christmas, but the Spirit of Christmas lies in each and everyone of us who accepts it.

2. It's A Wonderful Life (1947)
MPAA Rating: G
This memorable Christmas movie follows the story George Bailey, James Stewart, a down-on-his-luck businessman who finds himself in trouble with the law after some money is misplaced.  As he contemplates his life up to this point, he thinks about his wife, children, and others he loves and how their lives would have been if he had never lived and contemplates suicide.  The prayers of his loved ones bring an angel, Clarence, to George that shows him what life would be like if he had never been born.  As he sees how miserable his loved ones lives are, George realizes that he has touched many people's hearts and his life has truly been a wonderful one.
This film is classic and is definitely a must-see during the holiday season.  If you ever feel like you don't belong somewhere, just think about how much worse people are without you in their lives.  Each person has the ability to touch someone else's life and it is up to them do so.  If they do so then they truly will have a wonderful life.

1. Mr. Krueger's Christmas
MPAA Rating: G
Ok, so my number movie to watch this December is my favorite Christmas movie Mr. Krueger's Christmas starring James Stewart.  This film follows the story of Willie Krueger (James Stewart), a lonely, aging widower who only has his cat George to keep him company.  On Christmas Eve as he is sitting alone in his apartment, fantasizing about how wonderful Christmas can be, he is befriended by Clarissa, a young girl who is part of a group of carolers.  Through this little girls actions he is reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and how he needs to remember Christ during the Christmas season.
This film is my favorite Christmas movie and is one that I recommend anyone to see.  If you have truly forgotten the true meaning of Christmas, this film will definitely remind you of it.  Christ should be the center of our lives this Christmas season and it shouldn't matter what we give or what we receive, but who we are with and how we can make the world a better place.  Christ has done so much for us and we should remember all that he did.

Well everyone, I hope you enjoyed!! I hope you have a great Holiday Season and may it truly be merry and wonderful!!!