One thing I really love to do in the Christmas holidays is watch films in the afternoon. This is something I mean to do all year round, but never quite manage (pesky stuff like work and the school run always get in the way).
We've got a big stack of preview screeners to get through - so far Arthur Christmas very good, TinTin even better.
The Polar Express, which has just been re-released, has stood up to the test of time well (as long as you don't watch it straight after TinTin). Though I bet the people behind the DVD/Blu Ray release are spitting feathers at the TV schedulers who're showing the film on Christmas Eve on ITV1.
I had forgotten that there are a lot of thrills to be had in the train section of this film - it looks like a 3D movie ahead of its time. But it all goes a bit flat when Santa appears - he's very sombre and waxen. He should hang out with the assorted Claus family from Arthur Christmas.
What you won't get on the TV showing are all the DVD extras and, if you have a 3D TV, it's released in that format too. I don't think The Polar Express is quite the Christmas classic it imagines itself to be, but as a film to cuddle up on the sofa to with your family, it's pretty good.
And then when the kids had gone to bed, it was time for a horror movie in the shape of The Iron Lady AKA The Margaret Thatcher Story.
What a crazyparade this is - best approached as a pantomime, with the aid of strong drink. If you're watching it surrounded by a bunch of Daily Mail-ites (and let's face it, who else is going to pay money to see this?), shout "She's behind you" from time to time for your own amusement.
My favourite moment was a long lingering shot of the contents of La Thatch's bathroom cabinet, showing a large packet of Windcheaters. I had not heard of these before, but Google informs that they're a certified cure for fanny farts. TMI, Thatch movie, TMI.
Also could have done without the emphasis on Denis & Margaret's 'passionate' relationship, or indeed Richard E Grant as Michael Heseltine. Eurgh. Pass the eye bleach. If you must see this one, do it either an empty stomach, or blind drunk.
Me too. This Christmas all the stockings were movie themed. DVDS, popcorn, and movie theater candy were the stocking suffers. Polar express is definitely one of the better holiday films that have came out within the past couple of years though. I miss all of the clay things shows for the holidays though. They were my all time favorites, especially the California raisins.
Posted by: gourmet popcorn | December 27, 2011 at 08:49 PM
Oh those sound like great stockings.
Posted by: Joanne Mallon | December 30, 2011 at 06:51 PM