The Holiday 2006 by AverageMansReviews

The Holiday 2006 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful effects/religion/drugs/domestic violence/burning/bodily functions and reference to terrorism

Luckily we have these three men: briefly; these two women do a house swap for Christmas; Iris Simpkins [Kate Winslet:] she is a writer/a society columnist for The Daily Telegraph in London, meanwhile we have Amanda Woods [Cameron Diaz:] she owns and runs her own movie trailers production company in LA; but individually they are also going through a rough time personally, so they agreed to a holiday in each other's location.

Generally speaking: the storyline/script, character developments and framework and pacing; either as it relates to the actual plot we don't actually get a satisfying conclusion as in what happened next? I mean without giving too much away the logistics of these two relationships and go with a hint of they will just make it work, is not good enough and on top of that individually but situated as the lead partnership of this film; they either are not pleasant or a doormat [a Bridget Jones knocked off that kind of feeble attempt,] but we have more than framework and pacing of this 136 minutes film is hardly the most quickest and dynamic of films; but like I said at the beginning "Luckily we have these three men or they may as well be called the three wise men, because without them this film would have really essentially sucked big-time.

Art and comedy: we have Iris in this DVD rental store with Jack Black as Miles Dumont: he is a Hollywood film music composer; so they are discussing films, where Miles starts re-creating composing to these familiar titles and eventually he gets to The Graduate 1967 starring Dustin Hoffman as Benjamin Braddock and Hoffman just so happens the inside this DVD rental and he says "I can't go anywhere" still looking at a DVD.

Character developments and performances; as I have already referenced in this content; the character developments are very formulaic character types for this project, I mean it takes such a long time to warm to our leading women in Amanda/Diaz and/or iris/Winslet: they either not pleasant, jarring or/and too rigid on their character versions, but luckily enough we do have male support in names I have already mentioned or going to mention in this content such as Jude Law as Graham  Simpkins: he is a book editor, he is Iris' brother and he does like a few drinks, but the male inclusion really does make this film once it gets up and going much more easy-going on every single level, I may as well just go out and say what I am trying to say; it balances out the main two characters, so by and large the performances and the chemistry of the characters/performers I am alluding to in this content; is once it gets up and going including the montages there is really positive and good chemistry from everyone here.

This film receives: 6/10, this film is good; as I may have already made reference to in one way or another, but this film in hindsight as a terrible beginning, but thank the film gods for Eli Wallach as Arthur Abbott: he is an elderly film scriptwriter and his storyline narrative which in turn makes the rest of this film much more palatable and if you're wondering this is going to be my last festive film I am going to publish live for a while for obvious reasons obviously. I saw this film at the cinema with the person that I watch some of this content with, it was a pleasantly good experience, we have an ongoing sequence when the ending credits begin to roll. This film also has some awards accredited to its name; such as 2 Winners which also include but not limited to; Teen Choice Awards 2007 Teen Choice Award Choice Movie: Chick Flick, 12 Nominees from the same award ceremony/event Choice Movie: Hissy Fit Cameron Diaz. But however they are not all positive accolades Alliance of Women Film Journalists 2006 EDA Special Mention Award Movie You Wanted to Love, But Just Couldn't and The Stinkers Bad Movie Awards 2006 Stinker Award Worst Christmas Film

 

The Muppet Christmas Carol 1992 by AverageMansReviews

The Muppet Christmas Carol 1992 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful effects/transformation/burning

These two ghosts of the Marley Brothers: basically; Jacob & Robert Marley [Muppets: Statler & Waldorf: puppeteer and voice by: Jerry Nelson & Dave Goelz: these puppeteer and voices are of other characters/Muppets as well:] come to tell their ex-business partner that if he doesn't change his ways, he will end up just like them and three ghosts will come and visit him; the past, the present and the future. But will  Ebenezer Scrooge [Younger stages of life: Edward Sanders, Theo Sanders, Kristopher Milnes, Russell Martin and Ray Coulthard/Older: Michael Caine:] he is the only surviving member of Scrooge & Marley which is in a nutshell a money lender for mortgages and such.

Generally speaking: the script, comedy, framework, pacing and art; we have on-screen narration from Muppet: The Great Gonzo as Charles Dickens/puppeteer and voiced by Goelz: Dickens is the author of the book this script is based on A Christmas Carol 1843, so yes he can predict things just before they happen and he has his good friend Muppet: Rizzo the Rat as himself/puppeteer and voiced by Steve Whitmire: he is always hungry or/and eating; he asks questions of Dickens and throughout the majority of this film in one way or another they either break the fourth wall either as it relates to us the viewers or falling off the shelf or to another character to correct the line just spoken and yes they have their own kind of shtick be it for an example Rizzo climbing to the top of this gate to then jumping off hoping that Dickens will catch him falling, sadly he didn't, then Rizzo squeezing through the gate to go and retrieve some food on the other side, with Dickens pointing out that in a nutshell Rizzo could have done this originally so it makes Rizzo climbing up and falling down absolutely pointless when he could have just squeezed through a gate to begin with.

So as you can see on top of this Christmas story we have this double act of Dickens and Rizzo keeping us entertained, which consequently makes the framework and pacing of this 86 minutes film very smooth and entertaining as we are for the majority of this film not only forward but also back and forth between this double act and the actual storyline and what is happening as well with it at that time, but we aren't done yet on top of this we also have the back and forth between the storyline and a musical number as well; which my favourite has to be the musical number entitled Marley and Marley full disclosure Statler & Waldorf are both my favourite Muppets: for the younger generations; these two Muppets are two old men that usually set up in a balcony heavily mocking the show or something.

As they indicate to Scrooge these chains/shackles are the ones that they forged in life essentially they are stuck with them for eternity and he will too if he doesn't change his ways.

Obviously now broadly of the artistic visions of this film title, as you would have come to expect from this franchise; the characters as in the Muppets as all of them including the background and musical characters and just not the main Muppets every Muppet has been given the same level of priority as it relates to their presentation and/or identification as it relates to them talking or singing or anything; my point here is; at this point this franchise doesn't do anything sloppy including but not limited to the scene and so on; they just want to create a world where Muppets and that humans can live side-by-side.

Character developments, voice performances and performances; to continue my sentiment of Muppets and humans living side-by-side; the viewers can get an excellent sense of what I'm talking about; as every character be you Muppets and/or humans their personalities are defined to them even though it may be a Muppet portraying it Dickens character; so that I could use this line of essentially Gonzo's interpretation of Dickens is excellent, so much so Dickens himself would be proud, so as always the chemistry throughout this last is free-flowing regardless of voice performer or performer and obviously having Caine as Scrooge is wonderful and top-class; as it gets its title some real gravitas.

This film receives: 10/10, this film is top-notch entertainment; it is a classic for eternity, if you haven't seen it yet you should be it at least once in a lifetime, I went to go and see this film at the cinema with the person I watch some of this content with, so I could create this content; at the beginning of this film somewhere there is a message saying in loving memory to Jim Henson which sadly died in 1990; 1936-1990. This film also has some awards accredited to its name 2 Winners which includes but not limited to Fantafestival 1993 Best Direction Brian Henson [yes he is the son of Jim Henson.] 1 Nominee Grammy Awards 1993 Grammy Best Musical Album for Children Robert Kraft (producer) Paul Williams (producer) Chris Caswell (producer)

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York 1992 by AverageMansReviews

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York 1992 by AverageMansReviews

Previous instalment: Home Alone 1990 Link https://averagemansreviews2017.blogspot.com/2025/12/home-alone-1990-by-averagemansreviews.html

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful effects/shooting/burning/vehicle crashing/disfigurement/animal cruelty/torture/references to capital punishment

Not again and no I'm not talking about the President of the United States in America: basically; the McCallister family at heading to Miami Florida for Christmas; Peter and Kate McCallister [John Heard and Catherine O'Hara:] they are the father and mother of Kevin McCallister, where Kate especially the last time this happened move heaven and earth to get back to her younger son. But sadly again something goes wrong as Kevin [Macauley Culkin:] a 10-year-old now follows a similarly dressed individual to his father on to the wrong flight heading to New York, where she will bump into some familiar faces the duo that were known now as the Wet Bandits, but now know now is the Sticky Bandits: Harry and Marv [Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern:] these two have just recently escaped from prison and planning on a robbing Duncan's Toy Chest.

Generally speaking: the framework and pacing of this 120 minutes film is good, it just doesn't have completely the same kick as the previous instalment/original instalment, yes we still Kevin breaking the fourth wall and all of his tricks and more, but as you will see it still gets highly rated from me.

Art, action and comedy; the scenery and/or the landscapes are beautifully shown as we get to see what it is like to live in the Plaza Hotel or/and what it is like in New York at Christmas time and not forgetting this lady with her many pigeons in Central Park. Marv slips on this slippery substance which sends him hurdling into this shelf of paint which then consequently the entire thing lands on him, we also have some extensions on some sequences from the previous film and I will just point out one; the blowtorch skit/sketch scene or sequence is back for Harry including this time around him standing upside down headfirst in a toilet with a more hotter outcome.

Character developments and performances; the character developments of the returning characters/performers has been nicely progressed to represent a little bit of time has passed such as two years, I know everyone develops differently, but my point is broadly speaking; it is still viable that now and again these characters are going to show elements of their original settings. The new additions such as for an example Tim Curry as Mr. Hector: he is the concierge of the Plaza Hotel and is somewhat sneaky or/and Brenda Fricker as Pigeon Lady: a quiet yet intimidating lady that looks after the pigeons that Kevin befriends and a cameo from President of the United States of America when this content was released; President Donald J. Trump as Donald J. Trump. So their performances are an excellent reflection on either little time has passed but still maintain the flow chemistry and the new additions they just slot in perfectly to the surrounding chemistry and fluency.

This film receives: 9/10, this film with excellent, it is a high-quality sequel, but not as strong as its predecessor, but this sequel is well worth a watch especially if you have never seen it before. This film also has some awards accredited to its name such as 3 Winners that include but not limited to BMI Film & TV Awards 1993 BMI Film Music Award John Williams and likewise 3 Nominees that include but not limited to American Comedy Awards, USA 1993  American Comedy Award Funniest Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Joe Pesci

 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas 2000 by AverageMansReviews

How the Grinch Stole Christmas 2000 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful/shooting/burning/biting/bodily functions/vehicle crash/medical/references to raise and suicide

Welcome to Whoville: briefly; on the outskirts of the town high up looking down Mount Crumpit in a cave through a telescope is the Grinch [Younger child: Josh Ryan Evans/Older: Jim Carrey:] he is annoyed with the people of Whoville, basically being happy at Christmas so he comes up with the idea to steal Christmas from them alongside his dog Max, but there is one in Whoville; Cindy Lou Who [Taylor Momsen:] she is very young and consequently she believes that if you show the Grinch kindness may be you may change his ways, but maybe she will change her mind after he decides to deal with from her town.

Generally speaking: the framework and pacing is smoothly energetic as it has a story to tell and with Anthony Hopkins being the narrator/storyteller we are in very comfortable hands to experience this journey; this film goes on for roughly 105 minutes.

Art, action and comedy; be it visually or musically, the second thing after Hopkins' voice that reassure you that this film is going at minimum going to be good is; the plentiful artistic outlay of every single location, time jump, the physical representation of the Grinch; which is perfectly envisioned and consequently executed, but also for an example the transport network from the Grinch's home to Whoville or vice versa; it is something that the Mario Bros would really appreciate. The Grinch saves Cindy and then shows he is skills with wrapping paper, obviously I will discuss this more later on but for now as you can probably tell this is Carrey right in his element of enthusiastic, eccentric and slightly insane comedic best; as for one example he dresses up his dog Max as Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and the Grinch/Carrey turns into the Director, dressed as one to really fit in, gives Max the instructions and starts filming, with Max pushing with his paw off this red nose and paraphrasing but absolutely with the same sentiment; the Grinch/Carrey gives Max high praise indeed for essentially raging against the machine/the system and going against what he was instructed to.

Character developments, performances, and voice performers; the character developments are all good, broadly speaking likewise the performances are all good, but let's be completely honest here; this is Carrey at his very best, because he is the maestro this entire film; he is naturally enthusiastic, which because he is being natural, it makes other characteristics look and feel for an example when the Grinch/Carrey is having a discussion/argument with the echoes of his cave [yes he is arguing with himself, with the added characteristics of him giving the echoes the ability to add something he didn't originally say, so it buys into him being a little bit unstable via loneliness.] Carrey should have got given an Oscar nomination for this performance for giving this version of the Grinch authenticity, Because without him this film without a shadow of doubt just wouldn't have worked, you know when you need someone to believe in your project and make it work that is precisely what Carrey gives this project, it without question would not have the modern day legendary status of being a modern day Christmas film classic without Carrey and speaking of authenticity, it swiftly brings me on to Hopkins as narrator/storyteller; he too brings a level of authenticity to this project by verbalising as if he was addressing families of all ages, in a soft and warm tone and because he is British, he can do  narrator/storyteller/monologue with great ease, comfort, majestic level, basically bread-and-butter to someone of Hopkins' level.

This film receives: 10/10, this film is top-notch entertainment; as I am already alluded to in one way or another this project has some positive points to it; it just so happens that there is positive points have a colossal impact on to this project in its entirety such as the artistic and/or highly creative and not forgetting the massive, gigantic performance and presents of Carey, even though I saw this film in the cinema on its 25th anniversary with the person I watch of this content with, I think in fact I am pretty sure even though this project is 25 years old, this is one of the rare projects that will be showing somewhere or in someone's house every year at Christmas time until the actual end of time itself. I am going to dedicate this content to Josh Ryan Evans, which sadly he is no longer with us, but as I have just indicated you will get to see him every Christmas, so RIP Josh Ryan Evans 1982-2002.

This film also has some awards accredited to its name such as 18 Winners; Positive; which include but not limited to Academy Awards, USA 2001 Oscar Best Makeup Rick Baker Gail Rowell-Ryan, Blockbuster Entertainment Awards 2001 Blockbuster Entertainment Award Favorite Actor - Comedy Jim Carrey and ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards 2001 ASCAP Award Top Box Office Films James Horner. 37 Nominees: Positive: which include but not limited to go to the Academy Awards for 2001 Best Makeup Rick Baker Gail Rowell-Ryan, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration Michael Corenblith (art director) Merideth Boswell (set decorator) and Young Artist Awards 2001 Young Artist Award Best Performance in a Feature Film - Young Actress Age Ten or Under Taylor Momsen.

Negative: Nominees which also include but not limited to Razzie Awards 2001  Razzie Award Worst Remake or Sequel, Worst Screenplay Jeffrey Price Peter S. Seaman and The Stinkers Bad Movie Awards 2000 Stinker Award Worst Supporting Actress Taylor Momsen

 

Home Alone 1990 by AverageMansReviews

Home Alone 1990 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful effects environmental/cutting/impaling/shooting/burning/animal cruelty/disfigurement/references to bodily functions and suicide

The McCallister family are heading to Paris minus one: basically; this family are preparing to do a mass family holiday to Paris France for Christmas. But they accidentally leave somebody behind; Kevin McCallister [Macaulay Culkin:] an 8-year-old, that can be harmful, but will end up protecting the house from the Wet Bandits: another character/Harry [Joe Pesci:] the brains of this duo and Marv [Daniel Stern:] he is minus robbing is more interested in building a reputation/Legacy of The Wet Bandits.

Generally speaking: the framework and pacing of this 103 minutes film is good, as it is one of those films which knows what it is doing from beginning to end and sticks to the plan/script.

Comedy and action; they are individually or together both good-natured air is Kevin/Culkin breaks the fourth wall now and again; when I will take one example; when he is frightened he screams in close proximity to the camera shot [if you were a child of the 80's or/and the 90's you will remember this sequence very well obviously providing you have seen this film.]

Moving on to sketch/skit scene or/and sequences including action; we have Kevin deciding to terrify the delivery guy from Little Nero's Pizza: with using this sequence of events from the film/which is not a actual film, it is entitled Angels With Filthy Souls [a black-and-white film which as far as I can tell or whomever has ever seen Home Alone would agree it is a Mafia or in style of a Mafia film, but I digress; Kevin uses this scene to basically fulfil this transaction with the added bonus of this gun going off in this film, which this delivery guy runs for it and quickly escapes in his delivery vehicle.

Much later on; Kevin completely booby-traps the McCallister residents to deal with The Wet Bandits individually or together; Marv/Stern walks up these steps that has been covered in tar with a very painful outcome, unfortunately Harry/Pesci at some point will get his head set on fire by a blowtorch and as every parent from the beginning of the invention of small toys will agree to they are very painful if you where to sling and full on them; in this case they are little toys called Micro Machines as Harry/Pesci and Marv/Stern will find out also.

Character developments and performances; I know this is going to sound weird considering our lead character is 8 years old, but however we have the formula of coming-of-age as Kevin has to fend for himself which I hasten to add I wouldn't recommend this course of action in reality and the rest of the cast of characters; they are very naturally grounded and well rounded; which is obviously down to the casting of this cast as regardless of the size of role everyone put in an authentic performance based on their character types; so for an example Harry/Pesci and Marv/Stern; the viewers can identify with these characters based on their personalised he types and maybe not career choice as two people individually or together as someone that they may have in their lives or at minimum social struggles; someone that is a thinker or schemer or/and someone that is looking for notoriety for something.

This film receives: 10/10, this film is top-notch entertainment; this film is and forever will be a Christmas classic, I mean if you haven't seen it already; you should most definitely see it once in your lifetime that is for sure. I had recently had the pleasure of watching this film at the cinema with the person that I watch some of this content with.

This film also has some awards to its name such as 7 Winners that includes but not limited to American Comedy Awards, USA 1991 American Comedy Award Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture (Leading Role) Macaulay Culkin BMI Film & TV Awards BMI Film Music Award John Williams and Casting Society of America, USA 1991 Artios Award Best Casting for Feature Film, Comedy Jane Jenkins Janet Hirshenson. 12 Nominees which includes but not limited to Academy Awards, USA 1991 Oscar 1991 Nominee Oscar Best Music, Original Song John Williams (music) Leslie Bricusse (lyrics) For the song "Somewhere in My Memory" and at the same award ceremony/event Best Music, Original Score John Williams, Family Film Awards 2024 Family Film Award Best Iconic Family Film

 

 

 

Tinsel Town 2025 by AverageMansReviews

Tinsel Town 2025 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful effects/rainbow community/drugs/burning/references to sexism and racism and there will be centred adult language reference in this content.

This Christmas film is hard work: briefly; we meet Bradley Mack/another character [Kiefer Sutherland:] he is a performer that quickly finds rock bottom and in a nutshell he has no other choice but to be a character in this Cinderella Theatre production in the UK.

Generally speaking: how can I put this nicely... the script frankly messes the bed of the majority of this film, it takes ages to feel like that this film is going to get up and going; be it the framework or pacing or both and when you think this project which goes on for roughly 97 minutes is either settling down to get going or actually beginning to look like a or feel like a Christmas movie, something comes along in this project to completely derail any positive elements on any level whatsoever and then it just repeat the cycle again and again until you get to the final section where yet again it mostly feels like a Christmas movie, but it just has another time to drop one more clanger just before the final section.

Art, comedy and action; everything surrounding any form of the theatre production be it rehearsals or showtime; this is the biggest positive to this project, including the extra bits and pieces at the end of the movie by absolute miles; likewise be it artistically or/and comedically it looks excellent and good-natured even when our lead role doesn't take it as such in one occasion, but then again our lead role has a physiological altercation with

Kieran [Danny Dyer:] he is a divorced dad that once was married to

Jill [Rebel Wilson:] she is the choreographer working on this pantomime: but we have Bradley vs. Kieran which is good.

Character developments and performances; yet again I made reference to the script, because some of these character developments consequently dialogue exchanges are god-awful, I can't stress how much these movements completely derail the film, why did we have this really awkward moment with Bradley and Jill when without giving too much away Bradley defines their relationship, when a character developments and chemistry, suggest quite clearly something else might be on the cards, so this in itself is just careless and frankly stupid character building, but when this film is good these character developments and subsequently performances can be a solidly good version of what you would expect from a Christmas film to be.

This film receives: 4/10, this film is mixed; as I have already indicated in one way or another this project has had problems, I mean on reflection I decided to reduce the mark, because there is a better reflection of this project and how the negatives affected it, this film also has a blooper a reel in the ending credits.

 

Christmas Karma 2025 by AverageMansReviews

Christmas Karma 2025 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful effects/immigration/racism/racism assault/transformation/burning/medical/references to cancer, social divide and everything to do with religion, ritual and all different cultures

One night can make a difference: briefly; this is an adaption of Charles Dickens 1843 novel A Christmas Carol; Mr. Eshaan Sood [Younger: Skanda Arun/Older: Unknown: meaning I couldn't find their name, I did think it was the eldest one, but then again they don't look alike, so I quickly dismissed that idea/Oldest: Kunal Nayyar:] he is a tight-fisted businessman that told by the ghost of his old business partner Jacob Marley [Hugh Bonneville:] which is condemned to spend the rest of eternity in the chains he made in life. The first ghost: the Ghost of Christmas Past [Eva Longoria:] she is a ghost that comes from the realm Día de los Muertos: it translates as Day of the Dead: which basically means the vale between our realm and the dead is weaker so that you can see your loved ones again on this day, it is predominantly a Mexican/Latin culture [apologies if I have missed out a nationality/ethnicity.]

Generally speaking: the framework is of the highly reliable storyline, musical numbers rotation and the pacing of this 118 minutes film is good, it just nicely progresses throughout this movie.

Comedy, the art and character developments; on our journey we meet this Cabbie [Danny Dyer:] he is a taxi driver for those that don't know what a cabbie is and for those people that know who Dyer is as you can imagine this role suits him down to the ground as he comes from London anyway, but let's just say at one point or another we get to hear this alternative version of 12 Days of Christmas and he is best associated with the British TV institution known as Eastenders and he is not the only one in this title.

The musical numbers/soundtrack: is truly a smorgasbord of sounds such as rap/urban with Manz a Scrooge: sung/rap by Mr. Sood's workforce: Doc Brown, Lady Leshurr & Shaznay Lewis. Next we have Christmas Bhangra Karma Featuring Jind Mahi sung by many characters at this gathering: Jassi Sidhu & Malkit Singh: Punjabi music with as you would expect an on-screen performance that has a level of joyful rhythm and for my final example we have Boy Inside the Man sung by Bob Crachit [plays: acoustic guitar] & Mary Cratchit: Leo Suter & Pixie Lott: as he explains to his children and begin with his wife that eventually comes around, that basically whatever without giving too much of the film way, that whatever has happened to Mr. Sood eventually he had to bury the boy within him and what is left is what we see.

Now apart from being three excellent musical numbers/soundtracks, there is another reason I chose these three tracks for examples and that is because they give a really in-depth idea of who Mr. Sood is and how he became this way, yes I am fully aware the storyline tells us throughout his journey anyway, but to give Mr. Sood more of a three-dimensional in-depth character and consequently person was a refreshing essentially take on Ebenezer Scrooge.

Character developments and performances; now and again with our three spirits that take our Mr. Sood through his journey; things in one way or another do get hard-hitting, but instead of being virtual signalling they actually discuss these topics in a civilised manner, just for the record the other two characters/performers from the UK TV program Eastenders are Nitin Ganatra as Parduman Singh: he is a corner shop owner and Shobu Kapoor as Mrs. Joshi: she is a cleaner for Mr. Sood. So this should be no surprise, but broadly speaking the character developments ranged from good to in-depth and likewise the performances of the cast ranged from good to should really get at minimum positive nominations for their performance as it relates to Nayyar: he really took this role and turned into something really special that for many years to come this project should be seen at first as a modern-day classic and when it gets much older a future Christmas classic for many decades to come, but the entire cast is vibrant with excellent chemistry.

This film receives: 10/10, this film is top-notch entertainment; after everything is said and done, it really does deserve this mark as you can clearly see/read it brings a lot to the table, with yes some thought provoking images and dialogue exchanges, but and yes some of you may not like this; but like it or not this is a part of British/Punjabi culture or Punjabi/British culture [I am putting both ways to illustrate regardless of how you want put it they are still a member of our society then, now and forever will be] and there is an extra credit sequence of events

 

 

 

The Polar Express 2004 by AverageMansReviews

The Polar Express 2004 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful effects

All board: briefly; this Train Conductor of The Polar Express picks up these children that have some issues such as not believing in Father Christmas/Santa Claus and this is some of the children's adventure [voice by/caption motion of other characters: Tom Hanks]

Generally speaking: the framework and pacing of this 100 minute film is not the quickest, even when there are some quick scenes/sequences

Art and action; let's be positive for a minute; the scenery, movement of the train and the musical numbers; the best musical number is entitled Hot Chocolate sung by one of Tom Hanks's characters but still Tom Hanks voice: I would say with ease this is a massive musical number for this title has it has so much energy and enthusiasm and lots of things going on at the same time, these are contributing positives; they show excellent imagination and really captivating art, but unfortunately we have to talk about the caption motion/computer animation as it relates to the children; how can I put this nicely and I do stress nicely, man it is so ugly that this is one of those occasions where you just want to slap the parents around the face for their off-spring being so ugly and yes I do take in to consideration that this project is celebrating its 20th anniversary which on a quick side note I went to go and see this film at the cinema on this anniversary. But for an example I have seen older animated titles such as Toy Story 1995 and even though you can of what I can remember it looking a little bit worn, it still holds a standard of animation which is excellent.

But the children's all round movement is clunky and whatever you do don't look directly into their faces; because broadly speaking from a technical perspective it is like their faces/dialogue/singing can't keep up. Because it is a consistent elephant in the room which is incredibly irritating, infuriating and very quickly tedious; it really does distract you/off-putting, and where you are in this project at/or around that time when it happens.

For the action; we have a small number of occasions where they have decided to take things from the perspective of using the camera shot is meant to represent us the viewers; which simply means in this case it could mean we follow this ticket or/and we are set up to experience this rollercoaster like experience or away from this much later on these Christmas Elf's parachute down to their target.

Character developments, voice performances and motion caption; these are all good, if you are a Hanks fan in one way or another here is all over this project.

This film receives: 5/10, this film is mixed; to start off with don't get me wrong I am happy I have seen this film as it was my first time. But now I have seen it; it is one of those films that has a one-time appeal factor about it and not forgetting the faces thing. 5 Winners that includes but not limited to Bambi Awards 2004 Bambi Film - International Tom Hanks and 26 Nominees that include but not limited to Academy Awards, USA 2005 Oscar Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song Glen Ballard Alan Silvestri For the song "Believe".

 

Love Actually 2003 by AverageMansReviews

Love Actually 2003 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/inappropriate behaviour/vehicle crash/medical/references to the rainbow community, terrorism and drugs

5 weeks before Christmas: briefly; we the viewers follow this characters at different points in their individual relationships such as for an example; David [Hugh Grant:] he is a newly elected Tory Prime Minister that has an attraction to this Downing Street staff member by the name of Natalie/other name [Martine McCutcheon:] she is single and her last relationship wasn't great.

Generally speaking: the script, framework and pacing; all three are designed to fluently move from one situation to another and back again, so it makes easy work of this film time of roughly 135 minutes.

Comedy; well it is a very British comedy be it based around the world of politics, making adult sexual scenes or drawing out a sequence so that there is a real potential of getting caught or other little bits and pieces.

Character developments and performances; the character developments are well rounded/well grounded versions of who they are as these people are yes connected by family ties in some situations, but regardless of family ties or not they may be at a different stage of their relationship with another character. Now to bring this film to life and no am not saying this is a bad thing, but then again it is the elephant in the room that I need to discuss that; that the entire cast of this film is the reason why; this film is broadly speaking positively regarded as highly as it is and not forgetting as a Christmas film as well. So yes this cast is full of established names in one way or another such as Alan Rickman as Harry & Emma Thompson as Karen: a husband-and-wife that has been married comfortably over a double figure amount of years with children; Harry's eyes begin to wonder or just for one more Liam Neeson as Daniel & Thomas Sangster as Sam: a grieving stepfather and stepson that come together to put this plan into action and consequently get closer as a father and son.

This film receives: 7/10, this film is good; I mean like myself if you haven't seen it yet, you should experience it at least once in a lifetime and I saw this film at the cinema with the person I watch some of this content with and now and again around the ending credits there are extra bits and pieces. This film also has some awards accredited to its name such as 11 Winners that includes but not limited to Evening Standard British Film Awards 2004 Evening Standard British Film Award Best Actress Emma Thompson and from the same award ceremony/event Peter Sellers Award for Comedy Bill Nighy as Billy Mack: he is a legendary rocker which is also an ageing rocker; he wants a Christmas number one so he releases "Love Is All Around" to hopefully get to number one. 29 Nominees which include but not limited to BAFTA Awards 2004 Alexander Korda Award for Best British Film Duncan Kenworthy Tim Bevan Eric Fellner Richard Curtis and Critics Choice Awards 2004 Critics Choice Award Best Acting Ensemble

 

Groundhog Day 1993 by AverageMansReviews

Groundhog Day 1993 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful effects/sexual harassment/suicide/animal cruelty/burning/hit and run/vehicle crashing/environment/breaking/choking/medical/reference to cancer.

2nd February: briefly; this news channel WPBH-TV9 is  in Punxsutawney to cover the annual Groundhog Day, with its weatherman/TV presenter Phil Connors [Bill Murray:] a negative individual that doesn't want to do this anymore and is not a joy to be around and he indicates possibly leaving, his producer; Rita Hanson [Andie McDowell:] a upbeat and pleasant individual that is new to this TV channel and this annual event and then we have Larry [Chris Elliott:] he is the cameraman/driver, he sounds and looks like a nice guy, but he does give off the impression of not being lucky with the ladies and at some point we meet a Neurologist [Harold Ramis:] he is in one way or another one of the writers and the director of this project; but back to this film something strange is going on with Phil Collins where he is repeating and repeating the same day again and again

2nd February: briefly; this news channel WPBH-TV9 is  in Punxsutawney to cover the annual Groundhog Day, with its weatherman/TV presenter Phil Connors [Bill Murray:] a negative individual that doesn't want to do this anymore and is not a joy to be around and he indicates possibly leaving, his producer; Rita Hanson [Andie McDowell:] a upbeat and pleasant individual that is new to this TV channel and this annual event and then we have Larry [Chris Elliott:] he is the cameraman/driver, he sounds and looks like a nice guy, but he does give off the impression of not being lucky with the ladies and at some point we meet a Neurologist [Harold Ramis:] he is in one way or another one of the writers and the director of this project; but back to this film something strange is going on with Phil Collins where he is repeating and repeating the same day again and again

 2nd February: briefly; this news channel WPBH-TV9 is  in Punxsutawney to cover the annual Groundhog Day, with its weatherman/TV presenter Phil Connors [Bill Murray:] a negative individual that doesn't want to do this anymore and is not a joy to be around and he indicates possibly leaving, his producer; Rita Hanson [Andie McDowell:] a upbeat and pleasant individual that is new to this TV channel and this annual event and then we have Larry [Chris Elliott:] he is the cameraman/driver, he sounds and looks like a nice guy, but he does give off the impression of not being lucky with the ladies and at some point we meet a Neurologist [Harold Ramis:] he is in one way or another one of the writers and the director of this project; but back to this film something strange is going on with Phil Collins where he is repeating and repeating the same day again and again

Generally speaking: the framework and pacing of this 101 minutes film is excellent; based on yes to begin with we have the repetitive aspect which is obvious based on what this film is about, but then it says that is enough and doesn't always restart the day again from scratch, so when it does it still have that audience onside factor instead of potentially the audience becoming tired and/or turning against the film; so variety here is key and also where it picks things up from is nice and smooth.

Comedy and art; there is a good variety between destroying than an alarm clock to a dark nature involving a groundhog and everything in between, so there is always something going on and including the repetitive yet the potential different way of dealing with things and we have Connors/Murray playing the piano which is all good

Character developments and performances; these character developments are on a top level good versions of what they are meant to be which in this case is of a community in this location, but underneath we have the character developments based on Connors' decisions meaning whatever decision he makes basically and broadly speaking there have possibly change someone else's decision on that day/for that day if they interacted with him; so the character developments on bigger picture perspective are excellent and well thought out. I have to say that, I have to put this down as a class performance with excellent chemistry with though with the willingness to repeat themselves time after time after time; this is a very lively and committed cast of character and performers. Obviously Murray and MacDowell; lead this cast with very free-flowing and articulate chemistry; I as we have Connors/Murray going through this situation repeatedly with him trying to explain that in his own unique enthusiastic manner, Hanson/MacDowell to be the logical listening one that provides to be the anchor whilst Connors/Murray is going off the deep end; in 1994 these performers should have been out for more Awards than what this title has gone; this is a very strong dynamic that has been designed here that feels spot on and incredibly natural.

This film receives: 9/10, this film is excellent; this is one of those films that you need to see it in this once in a lifetime and after everything is said and done I have decided to award in total two extra marks; this film also has some awards to its name such as 7 Winners that includes BAFTA Awards BAFTA Film Award Best Screenplay - Original Danny Rubin Harold Ramis Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA 1994 Saturn Award  Best Actress Andie MacDowell. 17 Nominees that includes American Comedy Awards, USA 1994 American Comedy Award Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture (Leading Role) Bill Murray from the same award ceremony/event Funniest Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Chris Elliott

 

Red One 2024 by AverageMansReviews

Red One 2024 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful effects/transformation/shooting/melting/burning/regenerating/animal cruelty/robotics/breaking/vehicle crashing/medical

Red One has been taken and Bryan Miller/Liam Neeson is not available: basically; it is Christmas Eve and Santa Claus/other names [J. K. Simmons:] is busy getting ready for his journey that he makes once a year, but someone takes him; Callum Drift [Dwayne Johnson:] he is the head of Saint Nicholas security detail and he works for E. L. F. [Enforcement Logistics and Fortification,] as the Head of Security for the North Pole, but he has handed in his notice; it is decided by Zoe Harlow  [Lucy Lu:] she works for M. O. R. A. [Mythological Oversight and Restoration Authority] that the should bring in someone that had something to do with this situation  Jack O'Malley/other name [Younger Jack: Wyatt Hunt/Order:Chris Evans:] he is a computer hacker and he works for anyone that pays him, but more importantly he is a level 4 naughty-lister.

Generally speaking: the script, framework and pacing of this 123 minutes film is well for reopening section it is everything you come to expect with a Christmas/Holiday film which it just doesn't need, which in turn makes the framework and pacing predictable and tiresome, but when it decides to actually stand out and get some identity; then it is good.

Comedy, action and art; we have a couple of references to wonder woman and on the whole when this film does warm up it is good-natured comedy, speaking of superheroes; they took the basic concept of Ant-Man/Giant-Man and minus the ants and giant concepts [if or when you watch this project this will make much more better sense.] For those that have impressionable children/teenagers I should give you a healthy bit of advice I really don't know how wise it was to include this game Krampusschlap [better known as Slap Fighting Championships: yes this is the real sport and yes it really does knock people out as the basic description is; you have one shot each to put your opponent down; you basically go around the side of your opponent's face/ear area and tried to hit that as hard as you can; you have been warned.] The action and art in the very latest stages of this massive action sequences is beautifully dark and well thought out.

Character developments, performances and voice performances; the characters developments are reliably good versions of what they are meant to be for this time of year [Christmas period/Holiday period,] the performances and voice performances; I am not going to sugarcoated here; it is all down to the complete casting of this project to make this film remotely stand out as if to make this complete world believable and in a nice way seen completely normal with excellent and fluent chemistry mostly throughout [as I have already indicated when it wants to stand out.]

This film receives: 7/10, this film is good; when it stops hitting every cliché of what a Christmas/Holiday movie should be and actually steps into its own movie then as I have already said it is good. But away from that; I do stress concern about this project's financial budget and/or ability to make a profit. You see this project has a budget of somewhere in the region of apparently $200 million-$250 million I have seen someone's post that said even higher. But let's work with the figures I can find, I am not sure if this title has the ability to make a grand total of let's be reasonable $400 million or higher. I mean let's start with the date of release UK 06/11/2024 which puts it in direct competition with Paddington in Peru 2024 release date 08/11/2024 UK. Which yes I have been around films long enough to know that Paddington is built for families of the younger age range, but this film is built for families of a next slight age bracket up. But I still wouldn't put this movie up against Paddington in the UK market, because hypothetically there is only going to be one winner here and as Paddington is an iconic figure in my country good luck trying to make a dent in that budget. I should point out to Red One US date of release is 15/11/2024.

Which I have to be honest is why? As in why didn't they release it on 28/11/2024 US Thanksgiving day or 01/12/2024 has it is a Christmas/Holiday movie, you know when people start opening their advent calendars, this would have made much more better sense. But as it is from an unbiased perspective if I had anything to do with the budget and hopeful profit margin putting this politely my hair would be going quicker grey from the potential stress; especially when I have just done a little bit of research of when this content was first dictated this project has just made over $26 million over its opening weekend period.

 

Violent Night 2022 by AverageMansReviews

Violent Night 2022 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful effects/bodily functions/animal waste men on woman violence/shooting/stabbing/cutting/impaling/decapitation/disfigurement/burning/electrocution/beheading/torture/breaking/medical

It is Christmas Eve: we meet Nicomund the Red/Santa Claus [David Harbour:] a grumpy old man with a colourful history that is slowly getting drunk in a pub in Bristol, England whilst he is on the job on Christmas eve delivering presents, he is contemplating this being the final Christmas for him. Meanwhile in Greenwich, Connecticut we need this dysfunctional yet highly wealthy family by the name of the Lightstone, headed by Gertrude [Beverly D'Angelo:] she is the one that keeps this business empire going, she has one son Jason [Alex Hassell:] he is his mother's right-hand man, this position has already cost him his marriage to his wife Linda [Alexis Louder:] a pleasant yet strong woman, they have a seven-year-old daughter together by the name of Gertrude/Trudy [Leah Brady:] a bright child that wants her parents to get back together and still believes in Santa Claus. The senior Gertrude also has in a nutshell one daughter Alva [Edi Patterson:] that has her own family, but has heavy interest in the family's fortunes. Unfortunately the catering staff they have on tonight is a unit of criminals led by Scrooge/Mr. Scrooge/other name [John Leguizamo:] has really done his homework as it relates to this job and hates Christmas after one event in his life. Trudy calls upon Santa Claus to rescue her and her family via this walkie-talkie given to her from her father and mother, so Santa Claus comes to rescue the night.

The framework and pacing of this 112 minutes film is progressively moving, I would say it is a notch up from slow, meaning it is slow but it feels like it is building up to something, so this is one of those occasions where be patient and it will pick up its feet into this good pacing.

Now this is where I am a little bit stuck, because this film is exactly what it says "Violent Night" so from an action, dark comedy and art perspective this film has so much to offer for an example Santa Claus uses this Christmas tree star it gets impaled in this hench-person face he falls down and obviously Santa Claus has to finish this person off in a dark comedy/artistic manner [if or when you come to see this film let's just say you will understand why I have tried to censor the final bit,] but here is some bits I can talk about freely we have in one way or another references to Home Alone, it verbally or/and some booby-traps minimum inspired by this classic film, but likewise in this film it shows excellent creativity and imagination, if in a slightly darker tone as Trudy attempts to take down members of this unit  Gingerbread/other name [Andre Eriksen/André Eriksen:] mostly a levelheaded member of this unit and Candy Cane/other name [Mitra Suri:] she comes across as if there is any unpleasantness to be done besides their leader she will do it. But as it relates to this sequence of events they will have to go through quite a few booby-traps to get to Trudy; just for a miniature example watch out for your first step Gingerbread.

The character development and the performances are generally speaking first of all on both counts good; there is good chemistry from this cast.

This film receives: 7/10, this film is good as I have already referenced this film knows what it is from beginning to end consequently it now is what it can offer its viewers which is a bloody good timeAnd there is one ending credit scene after the first lot of ending credits. This film also a couple of awards accredited to its name 2 Nominees; International Film Music Critics Award (IFMCA) 2023 IFMCA Award Best Original Score for an Action/Adventure Film Dominic Lewis and The CAFTCAD awards 2023 CAFTCAD Best Costume Design in Film Contemporary Laura DeLuca (costume designer) Taryn Smith Cheryl Green Tess Furtado Sandra Medd Amanda Isaak Grant MacDonald Ted Whetter Pieter Jongbloed Ariel Boroff Casey Downes Suman Faulkner Keith Lau Maggie S. Chan Jen Hancock.