We Now Return To Your Regularly Scheaduled Blogging

Sorry about the empty days folks. Been busy with Christmas, famil and Gift Cards! Be back tomorrow with more films news and the double whammy reviews of Avatar and Sherlock Holmes!! Be back soon.

SYS

On The Twelfth Day of Christmas...

My true lover gave to me

12 Wi-Fi Macs

11 Haughty Holmes

10 KAynes Stealing

9 iPods Playing

8 Munks A Singing

7 Frogs A Kissing

6 Films a bombing

5 Golden cars

4 Lego Sets

3 Adam Lamberts Dancing

2 Avatar Tickets

And A Playstation 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YEEES!!!

MErry Christmas y'all!

SYS

DVD Review: Deck The Halls

Critics can be stupid. I mean, they hate all kinds of films that are actually a ton of fun (i.e. Lnd of the Lost). This film is a prime example of that. A stupid film that's a lot of fun.

Steve Finch (Mathew Broderick) is the Christmas guy around town, but Buddy Hall (Danny DeVito) has moved in and decides to be seen from space. How? By hanging up more ligths than anyone, thus ruining Steve's Christmas guy crown. Wow!

Danny is always fun to watch and here is no exception. He has a nice touch around him that makes him likeable yet an enemy. Mathew Borderick is great as Steve, brings a sensibility to the character. There's also a ton of good gags abounding in this film that really are fun to watch. The film as a whole ain't a classic, but it is a blast anyway.

Rating: 7.8 out of 10 or B+

SYS

DVD Reivew: Muppets Letters To Santa

In the past two Muppet TV specials, the Muppets have acted wildly inappropriate and just haven't had the same magic. Have they hit that hillarity this time? Almost. Almost my friends, but...DANG!! They come so close here it's amazing.

Gonzo and pals go off to the post office to dleiver their letters to Santa. However, a mishap there leaves their letters unsent. So, Kermit, Fozzie, Pepe, Rizza and Gonzo head off to the North Pole to give the letters to Santa before it's too late.

The Muppets act much better here. However, they aren't too tame that they don't give a single laugh. They still give off many a-chuckles including a funny bit with Sam the Eagle and letters and Fozzie's jokes (including the return of Wakka Wakka). It's a little too long, but there is still much fun to be had in the Muppets as this movie shows.

Rating: 7.9 out of 10 or B+

SYS

TV Review: Prep and Landing

Disney Animation is really coming back. In December 2009, they shall mainly be remebered for the smash hit The Princess and the Frog. But they will also have a mention for the clever Prep and Landing, the next great Christmas classic waiting in the wings.

In this special, Wayne (Dave Foley) is an elf who has done his job as a Prep and Landing elf too long. Sure he helps Santa bring toys by making sure houses are safe, but it's time for change. However, his partner gets a rpomotion that he wanted. Worse yet, he has a new peppy partner named Landy. Together, they encounter a new home that has a problem. A big problem...

Wayne is a fun character rist and foremost. He may be a jerk, but as Santa says at the end: 'Everyone slips on the naughty list very once and a while." Plus, the show is funny. The reindeer launch is a paeticular highlight since it plays like a rocket launch. The two main reinderr are also funny, espicially their reply on how they'll make it through a snowstorm: "By laughing all the way!"



The Prep and Landing missions are also creative. The Ginerbread controls really are fun to watch and all the elves working to get Santa to each house really makes your heart flutter.

Prep and Landing is wonderful and joins many other classics during Christmas. I have said it before, but it bears repeating: Disney is back and better than ever!

Rating: 9.1 out of 10 or A

SYS

DVD Review: Shrek The Halls

Shrek and I have a mixed relationship. The first Shrek was brilliant. So was the second. But the third...ugh. What went wrong? That threequel was one of the worst films of 2007. So when a Christmas special was announced, I groaned. And now it's been on the air for 3 years and I have watched and enjoyed all of those times. So what went right?

The story (Shrek wanting a perfect Christmas for his family) is easily relatable and fun to watch. Of course, the secondary characters come through brilliantly, with Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) getting one of the best scenes and the Gingerbread Man telling a Santa horror story really bringing down the house.

Shrek may need some extra fuel to get past 4 installments, but it's hard to deny the whimsy of this film and the kindness it gives. It's no Rudolph or Prep and Landing, but it's still a great Christmas treat.

Rating: 8.3 out of 10 or B+

SYS

DVD Review: The Year Without A Santa Clause

The Year Without A Santa Clause is one of the best Chirstmas specials and the very defenition of classic. With great songs and loveable characters, it's not hard to see why this has become the classic it is.

Santa feels weary and feels as if no one cares about Christmas anymore. Mrs. Clause sends off two elves, Jingle & Jangles, to see if X-mas is still alive in peoples hearts. Soon, they have to meet Mother Nature to settle Christmas cheer once and for all!!!

The rela stand-outs here are The Miser Brothers who have one of the greatest Christmas songs in creation (they were so popular that they got their own TV special A Miser Brothers Christmas which was quite average). They have great personalities and have great dance moves to boot. They aren't the only reason this special is brilliant (the young boy who comes into play later on in the special is also great). Still, they are a major part as to why this special succeds as a whole.

Overall this is a sure-fire winner with great animation and a real X-mas spirit that'll stay with you all month long.

Rating: 9.4 out of 10 or A

SYS

Blu-Ray Review: How The Grinch Stole Christmas Deluxe Edition

The Grinch is one of the many staples of the holiday season. Of course, Dr. Seuss couldn't have predicted that it would be so famous. And yet, today it is still one of the most watched Christmas specials in America, getting 10 million viewers last Monday.

In this classic, The Grinch hates all the Who's down in Who-Ville because of all of the commotion and noise that CHristmas brings. So, he sets out to steal it all only to learn that Christmas may be just a little bit more.

The Grinch's popularity can be traced mainly to Chuck Jones, who directs the outing. His animation department certainly evokes the original books drawings nicely and yet gives them Chuck's flavor. It looks nice and feels good as well. Of course, the solitary song in it (Your A Mean One [Mr. Grinch]) is a delightful tune and one that has remained a song that is impossible not to remember and has a nice rhyming pattern to go with it to boot.

The Grinch really does a splendid job and holds much better than you might think. If there is a defenition of a classic, The Grinch is one of them!!

Rating: 9.3 out of 10 or A

SYS

Blu-Ray Review: Elf

Will Ferrel owes everything to Elf. This film really made him stand out to many people and to this day remains something of his peak in hilarity and profitability.

In this gem, Buddy (Will Ferrel) is a human who stowed away on Santa's sleigh as a baby. Now, he's been raised as an elf and learns he's really a human. He then goes to New York to meet his father for the first time.

What sounds stupid actually is one of the best comedies in recent years. Buddy is so innocent and brilliantly played that you just laugh and blush every time he does something wrong. Even a bit out of place action moment at the end is forgiven. YEs, it's that good!

James Caan really shines as Buddy's father and everyone else does fine jobs as well. Elf has been out now 6 years, yet I never stop laughing at it. Good job.

Rating: 8.9 out of 10 or A-

SYS

DVD Review: Santa Buddies

Santa Buddies is the defenition of atrocity. It makes a pile of garbage look like the Mona Lisa. Maybe I'm over-reacting, but this is among the worst things I have seen in a looong time.

This time, the Buddies (the off-spring of air Bud) have to save Christmas! What will happen next? We all now. They save X-mas and they learn a lesson. Oh, and there's potty humour in it as well.

Little kids will find much to love here, but no one else will have fun. In fact, I can see many parents leaving kids alone just with this film a baby-sitter. Yes, it's that bad. But I don't mind stupid movies. I love them actually. But this isn't just stupid. It's not funny, no good action and the pups aren't even cute. I feel like this was made for a buck. It was...but it at least could've been half-good.

Rating: F or 3.2 out of 10

SYS

DVD Review: Jack Frost

Rankin Bass may not be known by name, but their specials are. Rudolph...Santa Clause Is COming To Town.... The Little Drummer Boy...all of these classics and more are created by this great company. Jack Frost is actually a bit of a famous one as well. Though no masterpiece, it's still a fun time.

This special is about the famous Jack Frost, who here is a human spirit who brings chill and snow to the world. He's soon falls in love, though, and becomes a human. Danger is lurking though, and his true love is kidnapped by an evil king. Now he must save her and winter forever.

This is one that does have a nice Christmas overtone to it, though X-mas isn't mentioned. The narrator (a gorundhog) is clever and the special has a nice imagination for bringing the beloved character to life. It also never wears out it's welcome and feels like it needs an hour to tell it's story.

Rankin-Bass may have made a few duds over their career, but this sure isn't one of them. Jack Frost is a delight for all ages and really makes Christmas come to life.

Rating: B+ or 8.3 out of 10

SYS

DVD Review: I Want A Dog For Christmas, Charlie Brown

This may be in the middle road for the 50 Peanuts specials created. It dosen't hit the masterpice status of A Charlie Brown Christmas, but it isn't as abd as Play It Again, Charlie Brown. Overall, it' alright, but defenitly overstays it's welcome.

This time around, Rerun Van Pelt wants a dog more than anything for Christmas. However, Lucy convinces him a dog is nothing but trouble. But when Snoopy's brother, Spike, comes to town, Rerun see's an oppurtunity to good to resist!

I love Rerun, but he dosen't give much flair to this one. Like the special itself, he just isn't that compelling to sustain the entire episode. Perhaps a Charlie Brown sub-plot should have been added. However, there are many good bits, notably Rerun evaluating his siblings.

Again, not the worst Charlie Brown special in the book, but nothing to get all excited about. A decent outing, though a bit too long.

SYS

Blu-Ray Review: Miracle on 34th Street

Christmas brings out the best in people. Grandmothers cook more treats and people are all around more giving. The Christmas spirit isn't lost on movie directors, though. Dispite the film coming out in May 1947, this fiom is as Christmasy as they come and I enjoyed it very much, though I feel it isn't QUITE as amazing as people think.

An old man named Kris Kringle tells people he is the real deal..he is Santa Clause. He also starts to give away competiiton promotion leading to anger from Macy's, the company that he works for. Although people deem him insane, a lawayer decides to prove he's the real McCoy, despite a man named Sawyer saying Kris

This is a fine film, but I think it deserves notice for a major flaw. It really feels like what Kris has done is never dealt with. He hurts Saeyer, yes, but it's only mentioned in passing. They mainly deal with Kris think he's Santa. It feels like they just missed something good.

A few other things come in question (Is he Santa? Is he not?), but overall it's grand. There wonderful acting and it really feels like a nice Christmas tradition. With such a nice ending, I could probably watch it again without hesitation.

There may be a plto hole, but don't let that stop you from seeing Miracle. It's overall a terrific flick.

Rating: B+ or 8.1 out of 10


SYS

P.S. This is our 25th review!! Awesomenes!

DVD Reivew: Classic Holidays Collection

This is how you know the holidays have arrived. When you notice that holiday specials have started to pop up. However, say one holiday special you love isn't on TV or you hate commercials (like I do) Then you need to go check out this DVD. It comes loaded with 4 great classics, one decent show and 2 okay specials. Below, I've included the titles of each and a small description and review:

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer: Rudolph is exiled from the North Pole because of his red nose. He joins Hermey, an elf who wants to be a dentist and Cornelious who's looking for silver and gold. However, tragedy befalls the earth in the form of a snow-storm. Could Rudolph perhaps save the day?

I love this special more and more each year. Laughs come a plenty (Love the oddity of Hermey's job choice. Dentist? Wow.) The animation sparkles as well and you just wish they could produce more clay than just 2 every 3 years. With music that's also fun to listen too, I really feel like this is the epidemy of X-mas specials and one that set the standard for more Christmas shows to come.



Frosty The Snowman: Using a magicians hat, children bring a snowman by the name of Frosty to life. On his trip to the North Pole, Frosty encounters an evil magician and learns about love and Christmas.

Frosty never gets old thanks to his optimism and undying joy. It's probably one of the few non-clay Christmas shows, so it really stands out in vivid memory. Unlike many villains today (like in G-Force or Fast & Furious) the villain's motive is clear and understandable. A true classic.

Cricket On The Hearth: An old toymaker and his daughter are visited by an old cricket who brings them peace and happiness. Based on Charles Dickens tale.

Just barely the weakest of the bunch (the second weakest is below), it's still fair. However, when you watch it right after Rudolph and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, you really get the feeling this is a slipshod job on the creators part. A forgettable outing.

Frosty Returns: Frosty comes back (With the voice of John Goodman)! However, this time he is in Beanboro and meets a new friend by the name of Holly. Together, they must save snow from Summer Wheeze, a new gas created by Mr. Twitchell (Brian Doyle Murray)



Here's the second weakest one. I wish they'd make a real sequel to Frosty (they sort of did though with the infinitly superior classic Frosty's Winter Wonderland). This dosen't have a lot of fun in it and has a very cartoonish Tex Avery quality to it. It doesn't work well and overall hurts the program very much.

Santa Clause Is Coming To Town: Ever wonder how Santa came to be? Wonder no more!! This special covers the who, what and how of Santa in this classic.

Here's another masterpiece, including the famous song Pot One Foot In Front of The Other. It's certainly a wonderful show that makes a lasting impression. A superb special.

The Little Drummer Boy: A shepard from the East follows a star that leads him to the greatest event in makind history: the birth of Jesus.

This is an ok one. It isn't the worst on the set but it is the middle road certainly. There's not much to be happy about in this one and that's something that is needed in Christmas specials. A decent outing.

Mr. Maggo's Christmas Carol: Mr. Magoo portrays Scrooge in a play in this special retelling of Charle Dickens immortal story.

The first ever animated special has arrived and it's one of the best on the disk. Mr. Magoo certainly does a fine job here and this show has a ton of heart to it. By the end, you understand Scrooge's transformation and feel for him. Yet laughs still come in nice doses. This one is a sure-fire keeper.



A nice showing of specials. However, I wish they had traded Cricket and Frosty Returns for The Year Without A Santa Clause and Frosty's Winter Wonderland. Still, this is a nice showing and a nice buy if you have the cash.

Rating: 8.4 out of 10 or B+

SYS

Blu-Ray Review: A Charlie Brown Christmas

There are many great ways to spend 32 minutes this holiday season. One way is to bake cookies. Another is to trim the tree. The best, however, is to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas, by far the best 30 minutes ever on television.

Charlie Brown has to help put together a school play in this one. Lucy tells him a tree is just what the new play needs, so Charlie Brown runs off to get one. However, he gets the scrawniest tree of the whole bunch. Dispite all the kids laughter at Charlie, Linus makes sure Charlie Brown knows the true meaning of Christmas.

This special is one that can never get old. I don't know why, it seems to be a fact of life. You just can't tire of the film. Each year, laughs come steady and the lines come flowing through your mouth as though you've heard them for the first time.

These days, stores tend to not even say Christmas in their store sales, yet here we have Linus himself stating a large expert from the Bible. It dosen't feel too mucky though. In fact, it feels like part of why you love the show. I can think of no other show that would dare to push boundaries like so.



Christmas comes once a year, bu don't just watch Charlie Brown Christmas once. Watch it over and over again. Perfection.

Rating: A+ 10 out of 10

SYS

Preping Up For Prep and Landing

Disney will premiere their very first Christmas special ever Tuesday on ABC! It's called Prep and Landing. It's about the elves that help Santa get ready for the year and make sure the big guy arrives perfectly. The short sounds extremely cute and I am very excited to see what will happen with it. The great Dave Foley stars, so we know laughs are bound to happen.

Plus, when I was at the mall yesterday, I saw at the Disney Store some Prep and Landing dolls modled after some of the elf characters. These look wonderful. Plus, Disney is having a sale on them, so I'd recommend getting them for some X-Mas decorations!



I am very excited for the special. It airs Tuesday at 8:30/7:30 central and after Charlie Brown Christmas. Can't wait for it.

SYS

The Hobbit Has Begun

The Hobbit script has been completed. It seems that, acoording to Peter Jackson, that the Hobbit has it's first films script completed. They are working on the second film as well. The Hobbit will NOT be in 3D, despite Peter Jackson liking the format. Ian McKellen will be in The Hobbit as Gandalf, by the way, so good news all around for the film.

Also, Peter says Steven Spielberg's Tintin films are done filming and just need some animation to be completed and it'll be done. That film comes out on Christmas Day, 2011.

Very exciting sounding projects. Can't wait to see how these movies turn out.

SYS

3D Film Review: A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol is amazing. It is a terrific film, but before we indulge into that, let me give you a brief summary of the animation used here.

The animation in the film is Mo-Cap which is when actors dress in black suits and have their movements recorded on CGI characters. Examples of this are Gollum from Lord of The Rings and Na'avi in the upcoming Avatar.

Robert Zemeckis (the director) has now made 3 films in this format: The Polar Express, Beowulf and now A Christmas Carol, his best since Cast Away.

We all know the tale, so let me get to the point: this film is something to marvel at. There have been god knows how many adaptations of this story, and yet this never feels like it is a retread. On the contrary, this feels like you'll remember this singular tale for Christmas's to come.

Jim Carrey astounds as Scoorge (in all of his ages) and The 3 ghosts that haunt him. He really puts a fine job here and I think it's my favorite performance of him ever. He really seems to be having a lot of fun as these 4 characters. Bob Hoskins is nice as Cratchit and Fezziwig and Colin Firth is delightful as Fred, Scrooge's nephew. Robin Wright Penn is even in here as Scrooge's old girlfriend Blle, though she doesn't get to do much.


I haven't really like Mo-Cap until now. The Polar Express frightened me with it's zombie like humans and Beowulf just seemed out of place with it's actors and characters. Here all of that has been fixed with even the yes looking much better. It feels more genuine than ever before.



Another good thing is that most of this film is straight from the book by Charles Dickens. Scenes that aren't in most adaptations are in here and don't feel tacked on.

I have just noticed now that I have gone on for a while just praising this film to the high heavens, but it really is a grand christmas joy. I say, see this film the holiday season or your Christmas just won't be complete.

Rating: A or 9.4 out of 10

SYS

TV Review: Merry Madagascar

This is one of those times where TV ratings baffle me. Besides one character *possibly* being durink, I cannot imagine why this isn't G. Other than that minor quibble, there isn't much to be said about Merry Madagascar except that it's alright.

You have likely seen the two Madagascar films. This takes place between the two, when they hurt Santa Clause (GASP!!) , give him amnesia, and then have to save Christmas. A bit cliche' of a plot? Oh yes. This whole thing has been done before. But at least it's a little cute.

The whole cast has returned, including Ben Stiller, though not Sacha Baron Choen (Bruno). There is a few very funny things, like a claustrobia line, Santa's gifts to the 4 main animals and the Russian reidneer (They belong to Santa) and their war with the penguins. Some good stuff there. It's way better than the made for money only second Madagascar, so maybe this is a step in the right direction for the franchise which will become a trilogy in 2012.

Rating: B or 7.3 out of 10

SYS

Note: You can see this again on December 11, 2009 or buy it only at Wal-Mart on DVD.

Get Up!!

Up and Merry Madgascar are the numero uno priority for the reviews today!! Expect them soon. Above is Dug the Dog from Up. This site and him have the same name!! SQUIRELL!!


Watch out for reviews. They are a-coming.

SYS