My Personal Hallmark/ABC Family Christmas Movie List

The hubby and I refuse to spend money on cable since we have adapted to the tech world and own a Chrome cast which means we stream pretty much everything.  With that said, I always get jealous this time of year when I hear about the various channels that have 25 days of Christmas movies.  Finally today it hit me though, I have my own way of doing this.  So after looking at what we have purchased on Google Play (I promise this is not a secret ad for Google...but seriously though, it's awesome)- I have come up with a list of must-see Christmas Movies to watch by this Christmas.

1. Love Actually

2. Family Stone

3. A Christmas Carol (the one with Jim Carrey)

4. Miracle of 34th Street (the one with the girl from Matilda)

5. It's a Wonderful Life

6. A Christmas Story

7. The Holiday

8. A Muppet Christmas Carol (personal fave from my childhood)

9. Love the Coopers

10. Just Friends

11. The Santa Clause (1-3)

12. Home Alone (1 and 2)

13. Polar Express

14. The 12 Dates of Christmas (super cheesy but it has Zach from Saved by the Bell)

15. Elf

16. A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas

17. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (once again, the one with Jim Carrey)

18. Serendipity 

19. National Lampoon's ChristmasVacation (a family tradition of ours)

20. The Night Before (Seth Rogan and Joseph Gordon-Levitt)

21. While You Were Sleeping (my husband made me add this one)

Happy Holidays!

Loving: A True Story of Love Verses Prejudice

My husband and I were indecisive when it came to seeing this movie.  We knew it would be moving and we really wanted to see it, but were afraid that with the recent events of social injustice our nation currently faces, we would be discouraged at how regressed we have become.  I know it sounds quite depressing, but I promise to always be honest with my readers.  With that said, I am happy to report that we did see this movie and are so happy we did.

Richard and Mildred grew up in a rural area of Virginia where black and white people were intertwined which wasn't common during this time.  They didn't pay attention to the color of their skin but instead followed their hearts and fell in love.  Richard wanted to marry Mildred and knew it would not be easy in Virginia as Virginia did not allow black and white men and women to get married or live together.  So Richard took Mildred to D.C. where it would be legal.  He still wanted them to live in the area they grew up in so took their marriage license with them back home.  Soon after, the police got involved and arrested the newly married couple.  Their only way out of a prison sentence was to leave their home for 25 years. They wanted to be together, so traveled north and began their new lives.  Over time, as their family grew, Mildred became depressed as this was not what she wanted for her family.  She wanted to raise them in open fields surrounded by green grass as she had grown up.  Richard wanted anything to make his wife happy so arranged for them to return home and hide in the country.  Mildred's interest in the civil rights movement grew as their situation continued to worsen, so she wrote to Bobby Kennedy and was pleasantly surprised when they were assigned a lawyer pro bono to not only allow them their rights to marry and raise their children in Virginia, but to amend the Constitution of the United States for all. Would the justices of the Supreme Court side with them or the close minded side of the south?

Jeff Nichols wrote and directed an excellent film.  IMDB gave it a 7.2/10 and Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 90%.  I would have to agree with Rotten Tomatoes on this one with a 9/10.  The story itself was beyond moving as all this couple wanted to do was love one another without retrain.  It captured the true issues that those who don't believe in integration believe which is frightening.  The state of Virginia thought it illegal that Mildred and Richard raise children because to them the children were "bastards" as they did not have married parents.  I know.  I wanted to throw up.  What I loved was that the movie portrayed what was most important in all of this, standing up for what is important to you and for Richard and Mildred, it was their love for one another.  For more information, I encourage you to look up Loving vs. The State of Virginia.  I have also included a link below that provides more facts to their story.  I really encourage you to see it as I think it will shed some light on something that seems all to recent when it comes to prejudice.

http://people.com/movies/richard-mildred-loving-real-story/

The Edge of Seventeen: A Movie Review

The trailer for this movie starts with a girl who goes to her teacher and tells him she wants to kill herself, then has him read a text she accidentally sent the guy she wants desperately.  After reading said text, her teacher, who has just read many deep and dark deeds this girl texted, tells her she needs to work on her run on sentences.  That part right there is what made me want to see this movie.  This scene alone gives a glimpse into the drama and comedy this film contains and it truly has the perfect amount of both.

Nadine has lived a life in which nothing and I mean nothing goes her way.  Her personality was never the shining star that her brother's was and making friends was pretty much impossible.  Luckily she found Krista, who appreciated Nadine in all her quirkiness and the two became BFFs instantly.  Life didn't stop being difficult for Nadine though.  Her father died during her teen years unexpectedly, and the older she got, the more aware of herself she became, and really hated what she saw.  You could definitely say her teenage years were not her best.  So take that and add to it the fact that her best friend and only friend falls for her brother and you have a monumental disaster.  It is up to her unconventional history teacher to help her find her way.

IMDB gave this film an 8/10 and Rotten Tomatoes gave it an astounding 94%.  As far as rated R drama/comedy films go, I am going to go ahead and give it a 10/10.  I think anyone who can relate to the anxieties of growing up, dysfunctional families, and just trying to survive in our own skin will appreciate this movie.  Even if those elements don't apply to you, but you can appreciate the anxieties others go through and be able to do so with a sense of humor, this movie will appeal to you.  It was witty, relatable, endearing, and raw.  The length was perfect and Woody Harrelson plays an awesome teacher/mentor for our dear Nadine.  This was a movie with a lot of heart that I highly recommend.

Fantastic Beats and Where to Find Them: A Movie Review

Harry Potter fans rejoice!  We have another movie out involving the amazing world of wizardry!  I was curious how closely tied to the Harry Potter world this movie would be and am happy to report that besides a few connections, it was its own entity filled with all the magic and awe from our Harry Potter days, but with its own story.

Newt Scamander is in trouble when he travels to the U.S. and accidentally switches his suitcase with a "no-maj" (person without magical abilities). You see, the suitcase he gives the no-maj has powerful creatures that could cause a mess of disturbances if discovered as Newt is trying to advocate for them in the world of wizardry, let alone people without magic find out about them.  The problems get worse as a dark and powerful creature is expected to unleash its wrath if it can't be found first.  The problem is, there are good and bad forces at play in trying to find it.  The question is, who will get to it first and will anyone survive?

Our film takes place 70 years before Harry Potter entered Hogwarts so it is interesting to see another story, mostly unrelated.  There are a few mentions of famous wizards we meet in the Harry Potter stories, but that's as far as it goes.  IMDB gave it a 7.9/10 and Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 77%.  I would give it a solid 7/10 only because I felt the beginning dragged a bit.  Once I got my refill on popcorn and pop, then came back into the theater I was hooked the rest of the film.  The abilities of the wizards in this were compelling since we weren't watching them learn about their powers such as Harry Potter and his pals.  I also appreciated that I was extremely confidence I knew what was going to happen, then the film turned a different direction.  It was magical, dark, and the characters were each unique in their own ways.  It was also neat to see how the countries differed in their interactions with wizards.  A definite must see, but leave your young children at home. Some of the dark scenes deal with death so if you wouldn't have taken your young ones to see the last few Harry Potter movies, then I would not take them to this.

The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo: Amy Schumer's Autobiography

Do you ever feel like you read the same books?  Back when I got into reading in my early twenties, I had only read Nicholas Sparks' books.  No offense to our friend Nick, but once you've read one, you've read like 5 of them.  Shortly after that I began reading other authors and even developed a list of favorites.  Then the Twilight books came which broadened my horizons to fantasy novels.  I still stuck to my usual fiction but challenged myself to find other others I enjoyed such as Liane Moriarty, Judy Blume, Jodi Picoult, Emily Giffin and others.  Sometimes I would venture off and read historical fiction, which I have a secret love for, but otherwise I knew what I liked and would only read in my comfort zone.  So when I saw this title on the bookshelf and knew it was an autobiography about one of my favorite comedians, I had to give it a go and expand my horizons once more.

If you have seen Amy's stand-up, her movie, or television show- you know what kind of woman we are dealing with here.  Amy's book is a true refection of who we see, but also what we may not see.  Behind the bold statements, swearing, and jokes about her sex-life is a girl who actually enjoys being on her own and has lived quite the life.  She goes into detail of her family, childhood, and how her self discovery has evolved over the years.  While doing all of that, she adds in her humor and twists which makes it enjoyable to read.  It isn't all jokes though.  Some of the chapters entail abuse, a complicated relationship with her parents, and how much work she had put into getting to where she is in the world of the rich and famous.  For example, I had no idea how many connections her movie Trainwreck had to her life.  I also never knew how tumultuous the comedy world can be.  I know the title sounds silly and the cover can speak for itself, but I loved how empowered she made me feel as a woman after reading this and think many of us have gone through what she has so it was nice to relate and see how one woman overcame obstacles thrown at her.

Goodreads ranked this at 3.9/5 and Barnes and Nobel gave it a 3.4/5.  I think both ranks are fair assessments and will meet in the middle with a 3.5.  She is a comedian first over a writer so sometimes it was finicky to follow.  I also felt there were points where she was trying to be honest and not politically correct, but was actually pretty offensive.  With that said, there was much more to enjoy with this book than not.  I think it would be a great read for Amy Schumer fans as well as feminists who want to find out about one woman's journey.  

Trolls: It's All About the Cupcakes and Rainbows

So my husband and I were the creepy couple, childless and at a PG movie.  Judge all you want.  This was partly due to the fact we have seen everything else, but also because I heard so many who liked it which includes many adults.  It helps that one of my favorite actress/singers Anna Kendrick was the voice of the lead character and Justin Timberlake didn't hurt the situation.  So here we were on a Tuesday night, seeing a kids movie and I have to be honest- it was adorable!

The trolls are known for their dancing, singing, hugs and most importantly- happiness!  This happiness is so well known that the dreaded Bergens, whom happen to be the saddest creatures on the planet, need to eat the trolls in order to obtain that happiness. The trolls managed to escape this doom many years ago and have been living a life of bliss since.  One troll, Branch, hasn't forgotten how terrible the Bergens are so tends to keep to himself and prepare for the inevitable return of this sad, troll-eating enemy.  The other trolls, including the happiest troll ever born by the name of Poppy (Kendrick), don't pay too much attention to Branch and continue living their happy-go-lucky lives.  Unfortunately, Branch is right and the Bergens return with vengeance.   It is up to Poppy and Branch to work together and save their fellow Trolls from the Bergens' stomaches before it's too late.

This movie was just about the peppiest kid film I have seen in awhile.  I'd say it's a close comparison to The Lego Movie out a few years back (Everything is Awesome!).  The songs will for sure keep your feet tapping and I have to say it took a lot of self-control to keep from singing along.  The message was perfect for kids and adults which showed the importance of striving for happiness even during the darkest times and how we all have to find our happiness from within.  Yes it sounds cheesy to you cynics, but I dare you not to see this and feel a little bit peppier than before.  I definitely think kids as young as 4 will like it.  The music and characters were very engaging and nothing was scary or inappropriate.  Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 74% and IMDB a 6.7/10.  As far as kids films go, I would give it an 8/10.  It was the perfect message, length, and had some awesome tunes! A fun loving movie for you, your kiddos, or those of you like my husband and I who will see just about anything.

Arrival: A Movie Review

This movie is by far my favorite entailing aliens.  There were so many aspects to it that I loved and promise to do my best to capture it all in one post.  If you haven't watched a trailer of it, I think that should be your first step as that was the first thing that drew me in. Click me for an awesome trailer.
There, I even made it easy for you.  But in all seriousness, this movie was much more than a movie with aliens. So take your other movie experiences out of your head such as Signs, Predator, Independence Day, etc.  This was smart, sophisticated, and meaningful which don't typically occur in sci-fi movies, but my friends you will just have to see it for yourselves to get it.

Louise is a linguist chosen to help the United States military communicate with new friends who have seemed to take over much of the world.  The new guests have arrived in 12 shells that have randomly parked in various parts of Planet Earth.  Louise must work with Ian, a science minded colleage, to not only decipher their purpose for joining Earth, but learn how to communicate in order to find this out.  It is Louise's genius idea to use visuals that introduces them to a language that transcends time.  The information they learn will change everything.  The difficult part of this task isn't what you would think.  The aliens are cooperative in sending their message, it's the military and the human race's fear of attack that Louise and Ian are battling against.  Will their hunch be right in that there is no danger or will they discover their fellow humans are accurate in their assumptions?

This movie killed it in ratings!  Rotten Tomatoes was giving it a 100% which is now a 96% and IMDB gave it an 8.5/10.  I have to give it a 10/10.  I don't give these too often and I am sure my low on the totem pole opinion doesn't sway you either way, but it was amazing!  Jeremy Renner and Amy Adams were powerful in capturing the fear, excitement, and passion for their interactions with their alien visitors.  The movie also does a great job of being completely unpredictable.  You have no idea the plot twist until the end and once you do, you realize how brilliant it all is.  This film focused on the raw aspects of human emotion, the importance of nations working together, and the power of what unity can do for the human race.  Good timing right?  I'll let sleeping dogs lie with that one.  Back to my point.  If you are in the mood for a well acted, directed, and most importantly, written movie- go see this and soon!  I promise you won't be disappointed.

Hacksaw Ridge: Just One More

I fell in love with the concept of this movie when I saw the trailer.  It is based on a  true story and has so much heart.  With the recent events of our U.S. elections, I think many need to see this to regain their faith in humanity.  If you need an escape by seeing a feel-good movie, I definitely have the movie for you.

Desmond Doss didn't grow up in the best household.  His dad was a drunk who often times would hit Desmond's mother.  At one point, Desmond could't take it anymore and pulled a gun on his dad.  He never shot it, but the terror in realizing he could have killed a person made him sick with regret. So on that day, he vowed to never touch a gun again.  This does't seem too difficult, except for the fact that he also decided to join the army as a medic.  All Desmond wanted to do was save lives and he felt a duty to serve his country.  He never thought his decision to never touch a gun would get in the way of this path, but he was quite wrong.

Not only did the army not agree to this notion, but they tormented him.  It wasn't uncommon that Desmond would wake up to beatings from his bunkmates.  It got so bad that he was sent to jail on his wedding day.  Luckily his persistence and passion to stand up for what is right remained and eventually others began to appreciate him for that.  The true appreciation came during the war when he and his troop were at Hacksaw Ridge at war with the Japanese.  It was gruesome and many died tragic deaths.  Desmond didn't let this stop him from what he intended to do which was save as many as possible.  So among the gore and death, Desmond began his rescue in treating as many men as possible.  Even when his entire team had gone back to the campsite, Desmond was still trying to find living beings an send them back down to the others.  He kept repeating his prayer over and over which was, "Just one more Lord, please just let me find one more."  Desmond didn't stop until he saved 75 men.  The beautiful bonus of this movie is that it is based on a true story.

IMDB gave it an 8.7/10 and Rotten Tomatoes gave it an 86%.  I would definitely give it a 9/10.  The compassion for life this man had was astounding and Andrew Garfield did an amazing job of portraying Desmond.  I must warn you that the war scenes are pretty horrific, but you are so engulfed the whole time that it doesn't take away from movie.  It was directed by Mel Gipson and I must say- Mel did it right with this one.

Dr. Strange: A Movie Review

I knew I had to see this movie for two reasons: 1. It is a Marvel movie and 2. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch.  I know, now you need to go see it too if you haven't yet.  After seeing the trailer and hearing from friends who saw it the night it came out- it seemed like it was going to be "trippy" with the action scenes which did concern me, but I am happy to report that even with all its trippiness- it was an awesome movie.

Dr. Stephen Strange is a successful and talented doctor who seems as if he can do no wrong.  He is known for complicated procedures and his confidence (some may say cockiness).  He has a lot of reasons to be confident as he has conducted and advised in very advanced surgeries.  He is on top of the world and nothing can bring him down.  Until a devastating crash destroys his future by wreaking havoc on the main tool he needs in his profession- his hands.

Dr. Strange tries every procedure he can and contacts the best of the best doctors but all seems hopeless as his hands continue to have tremors.  Then he stumbles across a place where others in his situation have not only overcome, but came out stronger than when they began.  Stephen has no idea what he is in for, but he will try anything.

Stephen learns quickly that he is going to have to open his mind with his new plan.  This isn't advanced medical procedures. No, this is finding the powers from within.  To a scientists, it all seems crazy which is exactly what Stephen thinks at first.  As time goes on, he learns to open up the world he has always known and discover he has more to him than his science background and arrogance.  Stephen begins to discover another world in which he needs to enter in order to protect the world he has always known.  The question is, will he be able to separate himself from what he thinks he knows and the unknown?

This was an excellent movie that got great ratings. IMDB gave it 8/10 and Rotten Tomatoes gave it 90%.  I would go in between the two with an 85%.  The graphics were insane and the acting was excellent which is no shocker there when you have Benedict Cumberbatch and Rachel McAdams.  It had action, sopecial effects, humor, and a deeper meaning.  I think comic movie goers and those less familiar with Marvel will both enjoy.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children: A Movie Review

If you are not a Tim Burton fan then you should really stop reading after this sentence.  If you don't know who that is then think The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Corpse's Bride, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (The Johny Depp one), etc.  Okay so hopefully now you get my drift.  By this point if you are still reading, I can safely assume you are a fan of Tim Burton and will therefore appreciate this movie for all its quirkiness, or you are bored and need something to read.  Either way.....enjoy.

The only person Jake has ever connected with was his imaginative Grandfather who always told him stories as a young boy of adventure and magical beings.  After his passing, Jake knew there was more to those stories and felt they may possibly have been real.  His parents were concerned for his mental well-being so sent him to a therapist who surprisingly convinced them to allow Jake to travel oversees to the land his grandfather told him about where he could finally see if any of it was true.  Jake soon finds out that not only were the stories true, but these people were still alive and needed him.  Jake only ever viewed himself as ordinary, but soon found out he was as peculiar and special as his new found friends.  He would even have to utilize his abilities to save them from the evil that lurked near.  Would these kids have what it takes to defeat deathly monsters?

When you see the title and even watch a trailer, this appears to be a movie for kids.  The previous teacher in me is here to beg you not to take your young children.  This movie has definite magical elements and would be entertaining for children, but also has sinister characters eating eyeballs, throwing knives, and all kinds of disturbing fun.  I think the absolute youngest should be 5th grade.  Obviously to each there own, but don't say I didn't warn you.   I hope my previous statement doesn't deter anyone from seeing this movie as I thought it was very well done.  You can definitely see Tim Burton's vision and if you appreciate his creativity, you will really enjoy it.

Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 64% and IMDB gave it a 7.1/10.  I think those who like this kind of movie would give it a higher rating so am willing to give it an 8/10.  Again, this is for a specific audience who appreciates the creative and eccentric.

Inferno: A Movie Review

If you are a fan of National Treasure but favor Tom Hanks to Nicholas Cage- do I have the movie for you.   Inferno is directed by Ron Howard who also directed The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons. I have to be honest, the critics are calling this "his fourth domestic flop," but I must say this was a suspenseful movie that the typical movie goer would enjoy.

Robert Langdon finds himself waking up from a head wound and amnesia.  His only hope at finding out what happened is through Dr. Sienna Brooks who is treating him.  The two escape an armed official who is shooting at them and eventually discover how Robert got here and what they need to do.  It appears a man named Bertrand Zobrist (bad ass name) is convinced the world has a massive population problem and all humankind will suffer a mass extinction if they don't do anything about it now.  His plan is to kill 2/3 of the population with a plague he has created and will release with a detonator.  Together, Sienna and Robert are to find a way to stop his plan from occurring and hopefully save humankind.

The first ten-ish minutes of this film are intense which sets the tone for a rather stressful movie, but that subsides as the clues begin to unfold.  I always appreciate how these films, based on a book series, capture many ancient European beliefs and art forms in discovering the world's secrets.  Those who love solving mysteries and finding clues will love this.  For me, it was the suspense along with the huge plot twist 3/4 into it that sucked me in.  Looking back, I now see the small forshadowing that occurred, but was really surprised at the turn it took.  Not to give it away, but let's just say you really can't trust anyone in this movie.  Like anyone.  

Rotten Tomatoes was not friendly, but they never are unless you're an indie film so don't be too dismayed by the 20% rating.  I think IMDB was closer with a 6.5/10.  I would give it 6.5 as well.  I loved the storyline and just think the world of Tom Hanks and upcoming Actress Felicity Jones (She's in the new Star Wars flick!) did an amazing job.  My only issue was the ending.  They took way too long to as they spent a lot of time prolonging the action scenes, but that's what happens in action films so I can look beyond that. Regardless, it was an engaging movie that I am glad I saw in theaters.