Some News (That I Actually Care About)
- Disney is protecting itself by investing in YOUR childhood. Or at least that's what's being said in this article: @The Economist
- Box office report: You'll probably need to think long and hard in order to guess what movie came out on top at the box office this weekend. Well, only if you weren't aware that a new Star Wars movie came out somehow. So how much did Star Wars: The Force Awakens earn? A cool $238 million is all. While that's a bit lower than some of the projections that were out there, Disney and J.J. Abrams managed to beat Jurassic World's opening weekend of $208.8 pretty handily. Globally, we're talking $517 million which is actually lower than the $525 JW managed. That's without China though which will have to wait until January before being able to see Kylo Ren and the gang. Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip and Sisters also opened this weekend to the tune of $14.4 million and $13.4 million respectively which honestly isn't that bad going up against that Star Wars juggernaut.
- Star Wars is everywhere, so it only makes sense that the presidency gets involved too. @ComicBook
- Not too sure what the future holds for Studio Ghibli, but they have a new movie that will be coming out in Japan next September. Definitely a little weird seeing two Euros handling directing and writing duties though. @Rebooti
- What's the most mistake-filled movie of the year? That "honour" goes to Furious 7 with a total of 41 goofs. You can see the rest of the list here: @NME
- Katherine Waterson has officially landed. Claiming the female lead in Ridley Scott's upcoming Alien: Covenant, it's left me wondering what's going to happen to Noomi Rapace's Elizabeth Shaw and her story. Oh well. @Collider
- The prestigious American Film Institute has come announced their top 10 movies of the year. As long as you don't live under a rock, you can probably guess a couple of them. @The Hollywood Reporter
Number of movies watched: 9
Average rating: 5.39
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December 13th
The Christmas Gift (1986)
Rating: 6/10What is it: An older Hallmark Christmas film starring singer/songwriter John Denver
What's good: Nostalgic, earnest, heartfelt and boasts a pretty good cast
What's bad: Definitely quite cheesy, but tastefully so
December 14th
All I Want for Christmas (2013): Worst Movie of the Week Award
Rating: 2.5/10What is it: All I can really say about this mess is that it's an ION Christmas film
What's good: It's a great test of one's patience
What's bad: Poor direction and acting, devoid of any humour that works, cookie cutter characters, etc...
December 15th
Christmas Town (2008)
Rating: 3.5/10What is it: Another ION Christmas movie
What's good: Story deserves a half point for originality, is touching very deep down at its core
What's bad: Heavily layered in dramatic and comedic fluff, uninteresting main characters, punchworthy kid
December 16th
Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962)
Rating: 7.5/10What is it: Technically the second ever Christmas special of all time
What's good: Mr. Magoo makes for a great Scrooge, charming songs, classic story as always
What's bad: Not too sure why it changes the order of the ghosts
The Color of Rain (2014)
Rating: 3/10What is it: A Lacey Chabert Hallmark movie that's light on Christmas and heavy on the cheese
What's good: /
What's bad: Every struggle and success is blown way out of proportion, schmaltzy until it hurts
December 17th
Matchmaker Santa (2012)
Rating: 4/10What is it: Yet another Lacey Chabert Hallmark movie featuring small town Christmas spirit
What's good: Shows more restraint in regards to romantic development than most Hallmark movies do
What's bad: Stretches believably a little too thin, Santa character is more akin to a stalker than a jolly old man
The Ref (1994)
Rating: 7/10What is it: A crime/dark comedy Christmas film
What's good: Convincingly acted, Spacey and Davis keep the laughs coming, surprisingly touching
What's bad: Vulgar for the sake of being vulgar at times
December 18th
Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (1970): Best Movie of the Week Award
Rating: 8/10What is it: A classic Rankin/Bass Christmas special
What's good: Charming stop-motion animation, all-star voice cast, great songs
What's bad: Fair to say that the song "Be Prepared to Pay" was written during a more innocent time
December 19th
Mickey's Orphans (1931)
Rating: 7/10What is it: Disney's second oldest Christmas film after Empty Socks
What's good: Impressive old school animation, great use of sound, good gags
What's bad: Could use a bit more of a plot