Zathura

Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: Zathura
Where: on cable
Why: I've never seen it

I really enjoyed Zathura. It's basically the movie Jumanji, but in space, but it was still good.

The movie features 2 brothers, a 6 year old and a 10 year old. Of course, the 6 year old wants to play with the 10 year old, but the 10 year way too cool for that. He's in 4th grade and has a girlfriend for crying out loud!

As the 6 year old goes in the basement (of an old house his divorced father just bought) he finds the board game of Zathura (nobody saw that coming huh?). The tin game is obviously from the '50s or something, but everything is automatic. He presses a button to "spin", and a card shoots out of the game. "Watch out for meteors". Since the 6 year old can't really read, he asks his brother for help reading the card. All of a sudden, meteors are crashing thru the roof and falling all over the living room. The boys hide in the fireplace, and after a couple minutes, the living room is totally trashed, but the shower is over.

Well, now the 10 year old has been "forced" into the game. He reads the instructions and realizes that if they finish the game, everything will go back to normal. Thank goodness, b/c the living room is totally trashed and their dad ran out for a moment!

Crazy thing after crazy thing happens as the boys keep playing. By now their house is floating in outer space, aliens are about to board their 'house', and their older sister (the girl from Twilight) is frozen in a cryogenic state.

Thankfully, an astronaut (Dax Sheppard) shows up at their floating house to help with the alien problem. Dax the astronaut also had an alternative motive for being there. I won't ruin the surprise for you, but it didn't make a whole lot of logical sense, but it was still kind-of sweet.

Of course, they manage to get out of the game and the brother learn to work together, but how they get to the end game is pretty cool. Neat space effects! I highly recommend it!

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Star Wars:  The Clone Wars
Where:  @ home on DVD
Why:  It was Jonathan's b-day present

**Warning - I will be spelling every single Star Wars name incorrectly!**  Ever since we went to Disney's Star Wars Weekends and saw Ashley Eckstein (the voice of Asoka), we've been The Clone Wars fans.  Thanks to DirectTV, we recorded all of season 1 of the animated series.  But the movie preceded the animated series, and I've always been curious about where Asoka came from.

Unfortunately, this movie doesn't answer any of those questions.  Asoka just shows up because Obi Wan Kanobi wanted another padawan learner.  Since Anakin turned out awesome, he's ready to teach again.  Asoka shows up and says she's here to learn from Anakin, not Obi Wan.  Well, he has no interest in a padawan learner.  He's a free spirit, he's reckless, he can't teach somebody. Nice switcher-o Obi Wan!

The Clone Wars is in full swing.  Obi Wan, Anakin and Asoka go from one battle to another. When to Jedi's rest or even eat or sleep?

Then Jabba the Hutt calls.  His son is missing!  Even though he's not a friend of the Republic (the good guys), helping out Jabba will be a great ally for later.  The Jedi's find Jabba's son right away, but he's very sick.  They need to get him back to Jabba alive, or he'll kill the Jedi's.  Also, the Empire (the bad guys) are trying to kill the Jedi's as well.  Count Duko (the main bad guy) has Jabba convinced that the Jedi's have already killed his son, and they are coming to kill Jabba as well.  Of course, the opposite is true.  Count Duko is the one who has actually captured his son.

Holy cow - Jabba is ugly, but his little baby son is adorable!  It makes me wonder, where do little Jabba's come from?!?  Think about that for a moment.

In typical Star Wars fashion, many droids are killed.  Red and blue gun fire is everywhere.  The clone troopers also fall dead left and right.  It's not bloody or anything, but those are still people dying.  It's kind-of graphic for little kids.  Although, also in typical Star Wars fashion, the Jedi win, and the bad guys loose.

The movie doesn't really end per say … this part of the battle is over, but there are many, many other battles to be won.  Stay tuned to Comedy Central for the continuation of the story.  Star Wars just keeps going and going and going!

G Force

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  G Force
Where:  AMC Pleasure Island
Why:  Jonathan picked it b/c it was his b-day

Welcome to the world of talking guinea pigs!

Fat Jesus from The Hangover (Zach somebody … you know, the guy with the beard) is in charge of a crazy animal experiment with the FBI.  He's trained guinea pigs, moles, roaches and flys to be full fledged agents.  They can even talk!

The FBI is tired of wasting money on training animals, so in the morning they are going to shut them down.   So the guinea pig and mole set out on their very first mission. If they are successful, then maybe they can prove that this section of the FBI is worthy, and they can all keep their jobs.  Otherwise, it's back to the pet store.

Well, thanks to a computer genius mole and 3 super charged guinea pigs, they break into Bill Niegy's (the bad guy) house during a huge party, download a file from his computer and escape. Success!

Unfortunately, the file they downloaded from the computer doesn't show the "world domination" that the guinea pigs thought, it just shows how to make a coffee maker.  Not a success.  They are shut down and shipped off to the pet store.

Silly pet owners and realistic (ha!) escape plans later, the 3 guinea pigs (plus 1 stray guinea pig they found at the pet store) are back together, and ready to prove that they didn't screw up their mission.  They know they downloaded the correct file.  Why couldn't the computer genius mole find it to show the head FBI guy?   Could it be because he's a "mole"!?!  Get my drift …

This movie was ok, but I don't need to see it again.  The guinea pigs were cute (and not super CGI looking), but the circumstances were way ridiculous.  The bad guy was trying to make all his home appliances come to life like transformers and take over the world. Riiiiiiight.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Who:  Amber
What:  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Where:  cable
Why: I'm on a HP kick!

In my mini Harry Potter mania, I watched the 4th (I think???) movie, the Prisoner of Azkaban. This book/movie was probably the most suspenseful, both Sirius Black (the deranged killer on the loose) and Professor Lupin (the sucker who took over the Defense Against the Dark Arts job) aren't who they really seem.

Granted, if you read the books, it's not all the suspenseful, but if not, be ready to be surprised!

This movie was very long, and very intertwined.  Be ready for a long 'magical' going back in time sequence!  Oh that super smart Heromie, what will she get into next?

The big wizard news story of the year is escaped prisoner Sirius Black.  He's been there for 12 years, and he wants revenge on … guess who … Harry!  Seriously, Harry can't just can't catch a break.  12 years ago Sirius told Lord Voldemort where Harry's parents were hiding. Sirius is responsible for Harry's parents death!  Or is he …

Be sure to either read this book or see this movie.  One of the major characters is Buckbeak the Hippogrif.  When Universal opens Harry Potter Land next year, I believe Buckbeak will have his own ride.

Did I mention that magical people can willingly turn themselves into animals (awesome!).  So is that dog really a dog?  And how about that rat with only 9 fingers?  Is that a werewolf a person, or a killer werewolf?

Find this movie on ABC Family and check it out!

The Strongest Man in the World

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  The Strongest Man in the World
Where:  @ home on cable
Why:  Classic Disney!

In the age of steroids in sports, this movie is a little less funny than it probably was back in the '70s.   I mean, these kids are eating cereal spiked with some sort of crazy science formula, and they can suddenly clean and jerk over 1000lbs.  But I digress ...

Disney has taken us back to Medford College (which, I believe was the setting for another Kurt Russell Disney classic The Smartest Man in the World).  The dean of Medford is a total bonehead, and he needs to cut costs quickly.  Getting rid of the super cool science professor should do the trick!  He's always spending way too much money to silly science experiments.

Walking into the science classroom, he find a cow.  He is flabbergasted!  (He's pretty much flabbergasted the entire movie).  The Dean causes a ruckus, which causes the cow to go a little nuts, and 2 science experiments get mixed together and spill into some cereal.

Pan to the next day, when Kurt Russell is eating cereal.  His head hurts, he winces, and smoke comes out of his nose.  Pretty weird huh?  He tries to tie his shoe, and he tears the laces right off.  He pulls the doorknob right off the door.  He dunks a basketball and breaks the rim right off!  What the heck is going on?!?

It's the cereal mixed with science experiment!  It made him incredibly strong.  He tells the dean, who immediately goes into nutso mode.  This could make a ton of money for the school. He takes the "spiked" cereal to the head of the cereal manufacturer, eats some, and demonstrates how strong he all of a sudden is.

Naturally, the cereal manufacturer is thrilled.  And, naturally, she challenges a rival cereal manufacturer to a weigh lifting match.  She can't loose with her 'spiked' cereal!!  (how silly is this movie)

Of course, things don't go as planned.   The Medford kids are all really scrawny, the rival college guys are professional bodybuilders.  Medford is getting crushed in the competition, because the cereal mysteriously doesn't work anymore.

Can Kurt Russell save the day?!?

The Parent Trap

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  The Parent Trap
Where:  Fort Wilderness campfire movie
Why:  I've never seen this movie!

I highly recommend this movie to everybody.  This is the version from the early 90s staring a new actress … maybe you've heard of her … Lindsay Lohan.

Say with you will about current Lindsay, but little 11 year old Lindsay Lohan is adorable and a wonderful kid actress.

Halley is a tomboy from California.  Annie is a proper girl from London.  Both are *ironically* sent to the same summer camp.  When they first lay eyes on each other, they are stunned.  Besides Annie's long hair, they are identical.  As 11 year old girls go, being identical is not cool, so they dislike each other.  Silly camp pranks ensue, and Halley and Annie are sent to the "Isolation Bunk".  Stuck all alone, they eventually being buds and talk about their lives.  Halley has a father but no mother.  Annie has a mother but no father. Their birthday is the same … dum, dum, dum … they are related!!

Since neither one has met the other parent, they decide to switch places.  Halley learns a fake British accent and Annie cuts her hair, and the switch is on!

Neither parent knows what's up, the Halley's cook and Annie's grandpa seem to think something is off.

A problem arises when the father is remarrying a 26 year old bimbo!  The girls must stop it and get their parents back together.  They all meet up in California and the parents are totally shocked, but pleased to see the family is all together again.  A ruckus at a hotel pool and a camping trip gone awry, and everything is happily ever after (in true Disney style).

This movie is very sweet, and little Lohan is adorable. The mother is played by Natasha Richardson, who recently passed away.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Harry Potter 6
Where:  AMC Pleasure Island
Why:  I just re-read the book

I just love everything and anything Harry Potter. I'm kind-of embarrassed about it, but I just can't help it. JK Rowling is some sort of genius.

Movie 5 ended with the death of Sirius Black, Harry's godfather and only real 'family'. Remember in movie 4 Harry's classmate Cedric Digory died? There seems to be a "movie ending with death" theme going on here … and movie 6 continues with that. Although I won't tell you who dies, but I guaranteed you'll be surprised (that is, unless you read the book).

This movie is less action and more character development. The Hogworts kids are all around 16-ish, so love is in there air. It's actually quite adorable. Hermoine is really into Ron, but he's such a doofis, so he has no clue. He just wants to date anybody to be cool, and Lavender Brown (a semi-ditzy girl) steps in. Lavender and "Won-Won" are snogging all over Hogworts. In the meantime, Hermoine is crying and obviously upset (Ron has no clue). Harry has a thing for Ron's little sister (Ginny), but it conflicted. #1, Ginny has a boyfriend. #2, it's Ron's little sister -- will that cross the line?

Did I mention that Ron's older siblings have a magic shop, and their hottest selling item is a Love Potion? Let's hope the girls at Hogworts don't get their hands on that! (duh - of course they will).

Besides all the lovely, dovey stuff, the main part of the story is Harry and Professor Dumbledore trying to learn everything they can about Lord Voldemort. They figure anything they learn about him will help. We see flashbacks to little Voldemort's life pre-Hogwards and life at Hogworts. Voldemort has discovered a very dark magic trick. You can actually split your soul into pieces and put your soul into a random object. This way, if your body dies, you don’t actually die! In typical Voldemort fashion, he's split is soul into 7 pieces. Dumbledore has found one of them, and takes Harry on a crazy journey to find it and destroy it.

I won't ruin anything else about the movie. The ending is a total shocker (if you've been living under a rock and didn't read the book … or had somebody who read the book ruin it for you) … so go see the movie!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix

Who:  Amber
What:  Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (HP5)
Where:  borrowed it from my friend Dawnita
Why:  I'm getting ready for the next Harry Potter movie

Hi, I'm 33 years old and I love the Harry Potter movies and books.

This movie was great, as they all are, but extremely long. It seems like it would never end!

This movie starts where the 4th movie ended. Cedric has been killed by Voldemort, who is 100% back. Unfortunately, only Harry has seen Voldemort, so nobody really believes that he's back for good. Everybody is pretty much in denial. Harry is annoyed and ticked off at everybody who fails to believe him.

Thankfully, the Order of the Phoenix believes Harry. The Order of the Phoenix is a group of all the 'good guys' who plan to fight Voldemort. Ron's Parents, Sirius Black, Lupin, Tonks, etc. They are all living and planning things together at Sirius's boyhood home. Harry, Ron, Hermione are all staying there for the summer as well. As usual, the adults don't really tell Harry much of anything, which also really annoys him.

Since Harry knows Voldemort is back, and most of his friends believe him, they decide to take action. They need to learn how to defend themselves, and fast. Harry creates the "D.A." (Dumbledore's Army), and they sneak around after classes, practicing spells and jinxes.

The big finale is a huge showdown at the Ministry of Magic. There is a random prophecy that Voldemort needs (for some reason …). Since the prophecy is about Harry, he is the only one who can retrieve it. I can't remember why Harry thinks it's a good idea to retrieve the prophecy, but he does. In a "we're friends till the very end!" moment, Ron, Hermione and 3 other friends go with Harry to help him. Voldemort shows up, along with his powerful Death Eaters, and the showdown begins! Spells, jinxes, broken prophecies and the death of a major character later … (should I tell you the ending … I think not!)

Up

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  UP
Where:  AMC Pleasure Island
Why:  It's Pixar!

I had been seeing previews and photos for UP for about 8 months now.  Since it was Pixar, I knew it would be good, but I wasn't so sure about the story and if it would be as good as all the other Pixar movies.

And, as a friend mentioned to me today, if I told you the plot and the funny scenes of the movie, it would just seem ridiculous and lame.  But the movie is WONDERFUL.

Maybe because I'm such a sap for seeing movies with cute old couples who have been happily married for ever ... or maybe because my life is kind-of like Carl and Elle Fredrickson.  They are happy to be around each other, and they happily just live their lives.  They aren't really extravagant or noteworthy.  They just build a home for themselves and enjoy being married.

If you don't really want to see UP, or if you're embarrassed that you want to see UP, but your friends won't see it with you, I highly encourage you to at least watch the first 15 minutes.  After that, you're ok to leave.

Also, the classic Pixar short film before the the movie is adorable.  I think it might be my favorite yet!

Go see this movie immediately!!!  Adults will love the romance, kids will love the adventure.  It's a win/win!

Oliver & Company

Who: Bill and Melanie
What: Oliver & Company
Where: DVR recording from The Disney Channel
Why: Bill had never seen it.

The classic Charles Dickens novel “Oliver Twist” has been adapted to film numerous times, both as a drama and even as a musical-- 1968’s Oliver!, which itself was adapted from a musical play in England and on Broadway. In 1988, Walt Disney Pictures gave the story a contemporary animated “twist” set in the gritty streets of New York City and featuring all-star vocal talent.

Oliver (Joey Lawrence) is an abandoned kitten who is befriended by a group of street-smart dogs led by Dodger (Billy Joel). The pack‘s owner, bumbling but good-hearted Fagin (Dom DeLuise), owes a huge debt to a powerful loan shark named Sykes (Robert Loggia) and in danger of losing his life if Fagin can‘t come up with the needed funds. Meanwhile, Oliver is soon befriended by a sweet young girl named Jenny much to the chagrin of her spoiled prize-winning poodle Georgette (Bette Midler). The kitten unexpectedly departs his new friends, but they haven’t forgotten about Oliver and manage to get him back in the pack. But Fagin plans to hold Oliver for ransom once realizing the wealthy nature of Jenny’s family. This being a Disney movie, of course there has to be a happy ending for all involved… but maybe not.

Disney animation was on the verge of a second “golden age” of highly successful features when Oliver & Company came out in 1988. In addition to Billy Joel and Bette Midler, musical contributions are provided by Huey Lewis, Barry Manilow, Ruth Pointer (from The Pointer Sisters) and lyricist Howard Ashman. Other characters in the film are voiced by Cheech Marin, Richard Mulligan, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Roscoe Lee Browne and the versatile Frank Welker. And for the first time, CGI effects were put to extensive use in supplementing the hand-drawn animation. Yet while an entertaining movie, Oliver & Company is lacking as an overall engaging story. Certainly Oliver the kitten is cute enough, but none of the other characters are especially lovable. The music is well-done, but ultimately forgettable. Still, its worth recommending as fine family entertainment and possible musical nostalgia for children of the 80’s. For fans of Disney’s animated classics, look for cameos from dogs seen in Lady and the Tramp and the original One Hundred and One Dalmatians.

MONSTERS VS ALIENS

Who: Kerri, Mitchel, & Emily
What: Monsters Vs Aliens
Where: Showplace 14
Why: Spring break, and the kids have been stuck inside with crappy weather!


After being struck by a meteor on her wedding day, Susan changes to "the attack of the 50 ft woman mode" She's taken to a secret government facility which houses some other monsters.

When the government discovers aliens have landed, their only defense is 'the monsters'

Chaos ensues, people learn lessons. A fun time for all.

The animation is well done, we didn't get to see it in 3-D because we live in Podunk Illinois and they don't do that 'fun' stuff I can see where some of the shots would have been great in 3D though.

There were LOTS of famous voices, Reece Witherspoon, Kiefer Sutherland, Rainn Wilson, Hough Laurie, Will Arnet, Paul Rudd, Seth, Rogan, to name a few. I hardly recognized Keifer - he did a great job, and Rainn Wilson was hilarious as the alien. Seth Rogan as B.O.B was great fun too.

I took Mitchel, my 13 year old autistic son, he's STILL laughing over it. The kids in the audience loved it, and there was enough humor to keep the adults engrossed in it.

Freaky Friday

Who:  Amber
What:  Freaky Friday
Where:  @ home off cable
Why:  It's a cute movie

Say what you want about Lindsay Lohan, but she was one super cute (and really good) child actor.

And, as usual, I forgot the character's names already.  So it's Lindsay and Jamie (as in Jamie Lee Curtis!).

Lindsay is a typical 17 year old.  She is really smart, but into rock music (not your stereotypical stupid teenager).  She thinks her mom is ruining her life.  Jamie Lee is a widower about to be remarried.  She is a psychologist, and a very calm, collected woman.  Her 17 year old is a little too wild for her tastes.

At their wedding rehearsal dinner (at a Chinese restaurant) they have a huge mother daughter blow out.  Their waitress offers them a fortune cookie to calm down.  Little to they know, the fortune cookie is magical!

When they wake up the next day, they have switched bodies.  They realize this, but they can't tell anybody - people will think they're nuts.  "Suuuuuure mom - you've switched bodies with your daughter.  Riiiiight!"  Lindsay has a huge test at school this day, and Jamie is getting married the next day!  Gross - Lindsay can't pretend to be her mom and get married, b/c you know what happens on your wedding night.

I'm sure you've all heard this story before.  They both struggle thru the day, learn valuable lessons, and live happily ever after.  But how Jamie Lee Curtis takes on Lindsay Lohan's characteristics, and vice versa is really cute!  Even though I'm sure you can predict the ending, I still recommend this movie.  I'm sure you can find it on Disney channel.

The Muppet Movie

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  The Muppet Movie
Where:  @ home - Jonathan owns it
Why:  I felt like watching it

Even though this movie was made in the 70s, it seems so timeless.  I mean, besides the 70s fashions.

This story chronicles how all the Muppets became friends and became movie stars!  Kermit meets a Hollywood agent in his swamp and decides to go to Hollywood to audition for a part.  On the road he meets Fozzie Bear (after Fozzie bombs at a comedy club).  Luckily Fozzie has a car, so off they go!

They run in the the Electric Mayhem band (Zoot is my favorite!), Gonzo & Camilla (a chicken), Miss Piggy and Rolf.  They also run into Doc Hopper, who is opening a chain of french fried frog leg restaurants, and he wants Kermit to be the spokesman.  Of course, Kermit is not interested, but Doc Hopper is obsessed!

Throw in a TON of 70s stars (honestly, I didn't recognize most of them - except Steve Martin and Richard Pryer) and a ton of classic songs ("Someday I'll find it, the rainbow connection ...") and you have a classic movie!

Hotel for Dogs

Who: Grandma Terry & Mitchel
What:  Hotels for Dogs
Where: Beloit Theaters
Why: Cause I'm the crazy puppy lady!

Ok, I just cant let a dog movie go by without seeing it and I'm usually never disappointed....And once again, I wasn't.   This story is about two kids, brother and sister, that are foster kids.   The  foster parents are Lisa Kudrow and Kevin Dillon, total losers!!!!   They have visions of being rock stars, and basically they are just skanky.   Of course they are mean to the kids.  They kids have taken in a stray dog, which is totally darling and  I want him, but they have to hide him from the foster parents.   The little boy is sort of an engineering genious and makes all these cute inventions up.  They have a run in with local dog catchers and all hell breaks loose!  Without giving the plot totally away, lets just end with saying things all work out....big surprise!   Lots of touching moments, absolute darling dogs, loved the long haired dachsunds and the Neopolitan Mastiff.  I give this two paws up!!!

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspien

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  The Chronicles of Narnia:  Prince Caspien
Where:  at home - Jonathan got the DVD for Christmas
Why:  I've never seen it

Let me just start out with, I'm not a huge fan of Narnia or Narnia-type movies.  In fact, Jonathan saw this in the theater by himself, while I went to go see Zohan (by myself).

This movie wasn't half bad, it's just not my cup of tea.

With in the first 5 minutes, the kids are whisked back to Narnia, which I was happy about.  Why waste time in England?!?  Turns out Prince Caspien is in trouble (people who want to be king are trying to get rid of him and steal the throne), and he blows a magical horn to bring the kids to Narnia.

Once they are there, they realize that Narnia has gone to pot, and try to figure out what happened.  Turns out the land of humans (where Prince Caspien lives) have made the Narnian extinct ... or so they thought!

The 4 kids, and Prince Caspien (totally shocked to see 'real live' Narnians!) wage a war to regain their independence.  They are tired of hiding in the woods, pretending not to be alive.

One big war after another, everybody lives happily ever after.

If you were a fan of the first movie, then I recommend you check this one out.  If you haven't seen the first one yet, then this movie might not make any sense.

Bedtime Stories

Who:  Amber, Jonathan, MIL & FIL
What:  Bedtime Stories
Where:  Sullivan 6 - the only movie theater near Jonathan's home town (it's only about 30 miles away)
Why:  It looked cute (plus, there wasn't much choice)

This movie was really cute!  The previews kind-of give away the basic premise.  Adam Sandler (Skeeter) is babysitting his niece and nephew for 5 days.  His dad used to tell him awesome bedtime stories, so he decides to keep the tradition alive.

He tells them one story, and the next day it comes to life!  I'm sure we've all seen the 'raining gumballs' scene.  I figured all the stories would come to life unrealistically (like - it was actually raining gumballs), but it was actually 100% realistic, which I really appreciated.  I like a good old fashioned relatively realistic movie.  It actually wasn't raining gumballs, but a gumball truck has crashed (on an overhang bridge), so gum was falling out of the truck onto Adam Sandler below (although he thought it was some kind of magic).

When he realizes his stories are coming to life, he tries to tell stories that will help out him with his dead end job, and help out his niece and nephew.  Unfortunately, the kids just want a funny story, so they always end up with Skeeter not getting 100 million dollars, but he gets stuck in the rain instead.

In true Adam Sandler form, you'll see a cameo from Nick Swardsen, Rob Schneider, the QB from Water Boy, and more of his buddies.

I highly recommend this movie!  It works for adults and kids alike.

A Miser Brother's Christmas

Who:  Amber
What:  A Miser Brother's Christmas
Where:  @ home on ABC Family
Why:  I was curious

This new holiday special was ... just ok.  Everybody remembers the Heat Miser and Snow Miser from the '70s classic.  "I'm Mr. Snow Miser ... I'm Mr. 10 below ..."  I think it was "Santa Claus is Coming to Town?"

I was really excited b/c the original Misers were super cool.  I think they were super cool because they were so random, and only in the original Christmas special for about 10 minutes.  An entire hour devoted to them ... not so much.  And this was nominated for an Annie award!  Yowsers!

What was cool about it was the animation.  I'm assuming it was not clay-mation (like it was in the 70s), but CGI.  But they made the characters look just like the clay-mation.  Their mouth's had those lines around them, and they were a little herky jerky.

The story is a 'tale as old as time'.  Santa hurts his back (it was sabotage!) and the Miser Brothers must stop fighting to take over for him for this year.  Can they stop fighting, make some decent toys and get them delivered in time?  What about the Wind Miser-guy who sabotaged Santa's sleigh.  He's got a serious Santa complex.  Will he ruin Christmas??

Santa Jr.

Who:  Amber
What:  Santa Jr.
Where:  @ home on ABC Family
Why:  Why not!

The Christmas bandit is on the loose, but the cops have him!  Or do they?  He's dressed like Santa, and he's inside a strangers house.  But he appears to be unloading toys from a sack, not putting toys IN the sack?

None the less, the cops bring him and put him in front of a judge.  Susan, a nice public defender (Lauren Holly) puts her address down on the forms, in order to keep "Santa" out of jail.  It works, although "Santa" is now on house arrest, and is stuck at Susan's house.

"Santa" is actually Kris ... Kris Kringle ... Jr.  He's Santa's son.  And he wasn't stealing toys, he was delivering toys.  Since he's not very good at it yet, he was starting Christmas delivery early.

In typical Holiday/Romantic/Comedy, Susan doesn't really like Christmas and Kris, along with the help of 2 police officers teach her a thing or two.  There's a decorating montage, etc, etc.

The real Christmas bandit is caught, and Santa Jr. is free to deliver toys!  Hip, hip, horray!

Did I mention the actor who plays Santa Jr. is really hot?!?

Muppet Christmas Carol

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Muppet Christmas Carol
Where:  on DVD
Why:  We love Muppets!

This Christmas special is a classic!  It's the same old story of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol, but Muppets play all the characters, except Ebenezer Scrooge.  He's played by Michael Kane.  I don't know what it is about Michael Kane, but I really feel bad for him.  He's an angry old Scrooge, but he's so alone, and so lonely (and pretty old).  I always have a big lump in my throat when I see him, sitting in the dark, eating his cheese and crackers all alone.

Anyways - Scrooge's loyal and underpaid assistant is Kermit the frog.  Mrs. Cracket (Kermit's wife) is Miss Piggy.  Tiny Tim is that little frog - Kermit's nephew ... and I forgot his name.  Grrrr!  Oh, Robin, that's it!  Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat (who is hilarious!) are the narrators.

Scrooge is visited first by the ghost of Christmas past - played by a freaky looking CGI 5 year old.  It's not a Muppet either, just an odd little girl.

The ghost of Christmas present is played by a new Muppet - a giant red haired fellow.  Unlike the little girl, this Muppet is adorable!

The ghost of Christmas future is just a 8' tall black hooded guy.  There's also a giant Muppet spider who is quite disturbing.

Throw in a bunch of original songs, and a host of townspeople who are random Muppets, and you've got yourself a classic!

Jack Frost

Who:  Amber
What:  Jack Frost
Where:  @ home off cable
Why:  I'm getting in the Christmas spirit!

Jack Frost (yes, that's his real name)(Michael Keaton) is a musician, and a family man.  The problem is, sometimes his music takes over, and he doesn't show up at his kid's events.  This makes the kid mad, especially when he promises to come his hockey games.

Unfortunately, on Christmas Eve, Jack gets in a car accident and dies.

Fast forward to the following Christmas Eve.  Mrs. Frost (Kelly - what's her name - John Travolta's wife) and the boy are doing ok.  But they miss their father terribly, and it's almost Christmas.

The kid makes a snowman, and he comes to life - as Jack!  Once the kid gets over his shock that his dad has come back to "life", they have some wild adventures together.  They go snowboarding, they practice some hockey moves, and they try to hide that fact that this snowman is 'alive'.

Unfortunately, this year, a heat wave is coming for Christmas.  All the snow will be melted really soon.  So the son and the snowman hop on a truck to take dad up to the mountains, where the snow never melts!  This plan can't fail ... can it?!?

Well, trust me, it's a family Christmas movie, so it has a happy ending.