A Christmas Carol - reviewed by Small Town Laura

I never would have imagined that I’d be asked to write a movie review. I have a hard time staying awake during movies. Not many people can say they fell asleep during “Twister” at the theatre. Well, I can. And I don’t know how I did it because that movie was freakin’ loud.
Last weekend I took my eight-year-old daughter to see Disney’s “A Christmas Carol”. I was a little nervous about seeing this movie for a few reasons: Robert Zemeckis, Jim Carrey, and my daughter’s fear of ghosts.
Robert Zemeckis, the director of this version of “A Christmas Carol”, was also the director of some of my favourite movies – Castaway, Forest Gump, and Back to the Future. He was also the director of “The Polar Express” – a movie that rubbed me the wrong way. I think it was the creepy animation that put me off and I was afraid that it would be more of the same thing in “A Christmas Carol”. Thankfully, I was very pleasantly surprised – the animation in this movie was beautiful from the over-sized pores on Scrooge’s nose to the gorgeous aerial views of Victorian London.
I was also I little worried that Jim Carrey might be too “over the top” for the role of Scrooge. Again…I was pleasantly surprised. He not only played a fantastic Ebenezer, but also nicely played the voices of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Some other cast members include Colin Firth as Scrooge’s cheerful nephew, Fred, as well as Gary Oldman as Bob Cratchit, Marley, and Tiny Tim.
As much as I loved this movie, I would not recommend it for young children. The first scene depicted Scrooge plucking away the coins covering the eyes of a very realistic and very dead Marley. Even my eight-year-old daughter covered her eyes through every scene containing the Ghost of Christmas Future. There was a young family sitting behind us with a three-year-old and they left after the first fifteen minutes. If you’ve read and loved this Dickens tale, you won’t be disappointed with this movie. It’s considered as most faithful to the original text. It’s also a great way to get into the Christmas spirit…even if we’re in the third week of November and it’s still 10 degrees outside. Check it out…you won’t be disappointed

The Men Who Stare At Goats

I went to see this movie the other night. There were four people in the theater which didn't bode well. Now it was a Monday and the weather had been good all day so I was trying not to pass early judgement. Plus - let's face it - the title is too long. I find that most of your average movie-goers only like three words in the title, maybe four if the words are short. So if this movie had been called 'The Men Who Stare'...well, you just never know.

Normally I can tell if I begrudge the price of my movie ticket or I don't. This time...this time I'm just not sure. This might be one of those movies I have to watch again to decide if I like it. After all, plenty of film afficianados believe that the second time you see a movie is really the first time. Because you're able to look at the whole thing as a piece of work rather than disjointed scenes or sub-plot. So maybe that will help me decide.

There were so many good things about this movie. Two of the best things - Ewan MacGregor and George Clooney. Ewan (Or Obi-Wan as most of us know him) plays Bob Wilton a disgruntled journalist in Iraq searching for a story that will help him make his mark. Enter the adorably scruffy George Clooney as Lyn Cassady, a member of the New Earth division of the army. Or as he tells Bob - the jedis.

He's a psychic soldier on a mission. A warrior monk who thinks he can make the clouds move with his mind and is working on his third level of invisibility. I'm not telling you more than that because...well, I don't know how much more I truly understand than that.

Clooney and MacGregor are the best part of the movie. Jeff Bridges has a fairly integral part of Bill Django, the creator of the 'jedis', but I found him too campy. It was one of those roles where you could feel him thinking 'Oscar, Oscar, Oscar' the whole way through. Yuck. Clooney and MacGregor had a weird, off-beat, quirky chemistry that was fun to watch. When they are alone on their journey...best part of the movie.

It's really the last half hour or so that lost me. Director Grant Heslov (who co-wrote 'Good Night and Good Luck, a brilliant Clooney vehicle) was really going for the big Hollywood ending. And I just didn't buy it.

But who knows...maybe if I watch it again, I'll buy it this time. Go see this one. Let me know what you think.

Couples Retreat

Neither Vince Vaughan nor Jon Favreau knows a thing about women. That’s the general gist of the movie I just saw last night, Couples Retreat (directed by Peter Billingsley – Ralphie from ‘A Christmas Story’ – written by Vince Vaughan and Jon Favreau).

Now I should say I went to see this movie prepared to like it despite the dismal reviews. I'm a rom-com fan from way back. Some of my favourite movies have been generally villified by critics. Everyone is panning this flick, but I figured it was just sheer snobbery. Movie critics never like comedies and they NEVER like Vince Vaughan. But I don’t mind him. He’s generally affable in a strange, manic sort of way. Most women like him, I think, because he gives off this sort of uncatchable air that makes him a challenge.

But that same sort of bachelor-for-life thing had me wondering if I’d buy him as a happily married man. I bought Jon Favreau as an ex-football player who cheats on his wife. I bought Jason Bateman – probably my favourite character in the movie – as a husband who is trying to work out his marriage.

The premise of the movie – three couples go along for the ride to a couples retreat to provide moral support for their friends who are contemplating divorce (Jason Bateman, Kristin Bell) – is simple enough. They all think they’re going to have a blast and find they have to participate in ‘Couples Skill Building’ programs. Everything falls apart, couples start fighting, blah, blah, blah.
So here are my main problems with the film (other than the fact that it isn’t funny and makes no sense, of course). First of all, the couples are all supposed to be approximately the same age. Been married for years, worn down by life etc. With the notable exception of Kristin Davis – who looks awesome, by the way – the wives are all at least ten years younger than their husbands. They are all in considerably better shape – like King of Queens, Doug and Carrie better shape – and look perfect all the time.

But worst of all, they don’t talk like women. They talk like women written by two old bachelors who’ve never been in a long relationship think they might talk. They say ‘baby’ a lot. Malin Ackerman, the young model who plays Vince Vaughan’s wife, has to be one of the worst actresses I’ve ever seen.

And Vince – playing a loving husband and dad – well, I just don’t buy it. At all. I haven’t been this mad at Vince since Fred Claus. C’mon, Vince...you can do better.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs

So we just went to see this movie last night. I must admit - I had pretty high hopes. The trailer was hilarious, and...well. It's all about raining food and stuff. Which is awesome. And a concept kids have dreamt up for hundreds of years.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (Directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller) tells the story of Flint Lockwood (voiced by Bill Hader of SNL fame). Flint is an inventor with big dreams. So far he's managed to invent spray-on shoes, mutated rat-birds and so on. But - well, he sort of sucks at inventing. Until he invents the FLDSMFDR, which converts water into food. Which, for his little town in the middle of the Atlantic stuck eating sardines all day (I won't ruin it for you), is pretty darn good news.

Based on the beloved children's book written by Judi Barrett and Ron Barrett, this movie kept us all laughing. We went with a 6 year old, 9 year old and 10 year old and they all loved it. The animation is engaging, the characters are fun and the food...oh the food. I was starving when I left and that was after I just downed about 1000 peanut M&M's. There is one scene in particular where it snows ice cream and the kids are all making snow angels face down...gorgeous. This was one of those unique kid's movies that I actually really liked. It helped that it brought back some old talents like James Caan and Mr. T as voice-overs.

Take your kids to see this one. The message is solid - though about as subtle as a tonne of bricks - the dialogue is quick and the scenery is edible.

Best Movies To Watch For Fall

News Flash - there's nothing playing at the movies. Nothing I really want to see at any rate. District 9 looks good and there are a tonne of choices at the TIFF, but sadly, I couldn't make it. George Clooney is there too - did you know? I could have stalked him a little. A lifelong dream of mine.

So instead of checking out new movies - which I will eventually do, I swear - I've made a little list of movies you need to watch every fall. Fall is the best time to watch movies, if you ask me. The air is brisk, your tan is fading. The kids are back at school so you might even get a chance to sneak a movie in while they're gone - not that I ever do that. No, I'm usually working hard on this very website. Really.

Best Pick For Girls on a Sunny Day...You've Got Mail (1998). Directed by Nora Ephron. So here's why it's good. Tom Hanks. My favourite leading man in the fall...he's just so solid, so dependable. Like a good Irish Fisherman knit sweater. Meg Ryan is pretty but not threateningly so. Her apartment is cute and well decorated...New York looks homey and welcoming. I could watch this movie on mute and enjoy it. Although the dialogue isn't too shabby either. I know - it's an obvious choice. But when you're making a roast beef on Sunday and you feel like watching a little something while you peel potatoes and stir gravy - this is it. I swear.

Best Pick For Girls on Rainy Days When They Feel Like Crap - Pride And Prejudice (2005) Directed by Joe Wright. Just because...well, you never know. He might be out there. Really. Mr. Darcy could be out there. And HE wouldn't forget to call after you've left him 17 messages. I don't care what anyone says - I liked this version. I particlary liked Claudia Blakey, who played Charlotte Lucas. Adorable.

Best Pick For Guys - Braveheart (1995) Directed by Mel Gibson, starring Mel Gibson. It always looks like Fall in Scotland, for one thing. It's a long movie. Too long for attention spans in summer, what with all the midriff baring going on outdoors. Plus..it's just cool. Lots of blood. Male bonding and freedom and kilts. I asked a fair few fellas and this was their vote.

Another notable mention for guys - Good Will Hunting (2997) Directed by Gus Van Sant. The guys all seem to really like this movie. I think it's because they all secretly want to be Matt Damon or, if worse comes to worse, Ben Affleck.

Best Picks For Kids - Monster House (2006) Directed by Gil Kenan. I'm never sure why this movie didn't get more attention. It's spooky and funny and weird and wonderful. A house that comes alive...two pre-pubescent boys left with a lazy miserable babysitter voiced by Maggie Gyllenhal. Loved it. My boys loved it. We watch it every year...along with It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and - oddly - Hocus Pocus (1993). I don't know if this last one is a nostalgia pick or not. I'm sure there are millions of better movies out there. But where else are you going to see Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker playing witch sisters, hmm?

And of course...the Best Football Movie Pick For My Sons. Rudy (1993) Directed by David Anspaugh. Along with Braveheart, one of the only movies I've ever seen where men almost universally break down in tears. Notre Dame, The Fighting Irish. Sean Astin before he became the Fat Hobbit. A great classic to be watched every year as the season hits up. Preferrably with a bowl of chili.

Sit back. Eat too much. and enjoy.

An Oldie But Goodie...The Princess Bride

We've all seen this movie, I bet. It's from 1987, after all. I think I may have still had a mullett the first time I watched this. I know I was defintely still in love with Corey Hart at this point. So this movie is old news, right?

Maybe. Or maybe this is a timeless, classic fable that needs to be revisited. The Princess Bride was directed by Rob Reiner - whose other great movies include Stand By Me and Sleepless in Seattle (I'm going to be fair here and not point out any of his serious flops) - and written by William Goldman (he also wrote the screenplay for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid).

The premise is beautifully simple - Buttercup (Robin Wright before she added the Penn) loves a farmboy named Wesley (Carey Elwes, Men In Tights). Wesley takes off for the high seas to make his fortune...and his ship is attacked by the Dread Pirate Robert. He is assumed dead.

Buttercup, who I'm guessing is the most beautiful maiden in the land and who has a really awesome wardrobe, is set to marry the Prince (Chris Sarandon). She is kidnapped by ruffians...which brings me to one of the best attributes of this movie - Andre The Giant. Playing a sweet, kind lump of a man whose stuck in his job as a Brute. And even better...he's an aspiring rhyming poet.

OK - we all know the story and I don't want to give too much away just in case you don't. Suffice it to say Buttercup needs some rescuing, and maybe someone is still around to do it (hint hint).

I love the way the story is told - a young boy is stuck at home in his sick bed (Fred Savage) and his Grandfather (Peter Falk) comes over to read him a story. A story he doesn't want to hear from a Grandfather he doesn't really want to see. Their story is quietly tender and sweet.

The dialogue is fresh, even a little smart-alecky. The scenery is perfectly unreal. And every character is a fairy tale unto themselves.

Watch this movie with your kids. Rediscover it. You won't regret it.

One Week

‘One Week’, a movie written and directed by Michael McGowan (Saint Ralph) and starring Joshua Jackson, has been out on video since June 16th, 2009. So you might think it a strange choice for our maiden voyage on Small Town movie reviews.

Well then, you’d be wrong, wouldn’t you?

‘One Week’ tells the story of Ben Tyler (Jackson, who is looking wonderfully scruffy and unkempt almost a decade after his ‘Dawson Creek’ years), a young man confronted with his mortality. When Ben is given a bleak diagnosis by his doctor he flees the constraints of his life – an impending marriage, disappointing job and his loving but suffocating family – for one week. To drive across Canada, from Toronto to Tofino, British Columbia on his motorcycle.

Now, I’m going to admit something to you. Normally, I’m not a major fan of Canadian movies. Sometimes...well, sometimes they try just a touch too hard for me. Too earnest, too full of their own self-importance, I don’t know. Or maybe I’m just a sucker for Hollywood’s slick style.

But this movie was different. First of all – awesome soundtrack. Sam Roberts. Melissa McClelland and even a cool version of ‘O Canada’ by Hugh Oliver. The writing – and I’m a real hard-ass about screenplay writing, though I couldn’t do it myself, of course – was exceptional. Poignant. Funny. Beautiful. Honest. The entire movie is beautifully narrated by Canadian movie royalty Campbell Scott (son of the estimable Colleen Dewhurst and terrifying George C. Scott). Ben’s journey is quiet, full of self-discovery and little pockets of memories reminding him who he was possibly supposed to be before life got away from him. Jackson is full of bruised self-deprecation, my favourite sort of deprecation. Liane Balaban (New Waterford Girl) as Ben’s understanding fiancée is heartbreakingly confused.

The real star of this film, though, is Canada. The scenery....there are no words. Mountains and lakes and rivers and prairies. Rain and snow and ocean. There’s a sort of quiet that settles over your shoulders as you take in your own country in all it’s glory. My sons and I watched this together – keeping in mind that they are 13 and 15, it’s not technically a ‘kid’ movie – and we all felt the same aching pride in our homeland. Watching Ben ‘Roll Up The Rim To Win’ at Tim Hortons was worth the price of the rental alone. Seeing a Tim Hortons cup in a movie was oddly gratifying. There’s even a cameo by one of our greatest national treasures, Gord Downie. It’s quite honestly a love story to Canada.

A phenomenal movie. Another reason why we are all so proud to be Canadian.