Archives for : Christmas
This week I review the prequel that is based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, “Wonka” tells the colorful story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. Find out if the film was a tasty treat or spoiled candy.
“Wonka” opens in theaters on December 15, 2023.
Prime Video’s new holiday romcom, “Something from Tiffany’s” follows Rachel (Zoey Deutch) as her life gets turned upside down when an engagement ring that was for someone else leads her to the person she’s meant to be with.
I got a chance to speak with the stars of the film, Deutch, Kendrick Sampson, and Ray Nicholson about the film! Check out my fun chat with the three of them and the film when it premieres on Prime Video December 9.
I got a chance to chat with the wonderful Elizabeth Hurley for her new holiday film, “Christmas in Paradise”. We discussed her favorite childhood Christmas movie, what kind of emotions Christmas stirs up for her, where she would escape to during a difficult time, and so much more! “Christmas in Paradise” opens in select theaters Friday, November 11th and on Digital, on Demand, Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday, November 15th.
Film Synopsis: Kelsey Grammer (“Frasier”), Elizabeth Hurley (Austin Powers franchise), and Billy Ray Cyrus (“Hannah Montana”) star in this charming tropical tale guaranteed to heat up your holidays. Three quirky sisters chase their estranged dad (Grammer) down to his beachside pad in the Caribbean and enjoy a little fun in the sun. But why did he disappear to the islands? Only Joanna (Hurley) knows for sure, and she’s sworn to secrecy! Love, laughter, and songs by Cyrus make this a Christmas to remember.
THE ACCLAIMED HOLIDAY THEATRICAL
“TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE…” BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
Will Run at Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie
November 25 – December 11, 2022
Tickets Go On Sale Friday, August 26 at 10 a.m. at AXS.com
Dallas, TX (August 23, 2022) – The acclaimed family holiday theatrical – “‘Twas the Night Before…” by Cirque du Soleil – is making its Dallas debut at the Texas C. U. Theater fromFriday, November 25 – Sunday, December 11, 2022. The production will run for 25 performances.
Tickets start at $44 and will go on sale Friday, August 26th at 10 a.m. at AXS.com. Group tickets of 10 or more will be available at texasgrouptickets.com, via email at christina@texasgrouptickets.com or by calling (281) 367-9717 beginning August 26 at 10 a.m.
“‘Twas the Night Before…,” Cirque du Soleil’s exhilarating spin on the beloved Christmas tale, is about the wonders of sharing and friendship. The production marks Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever Christmas show and is a flurry of Christmas cheer – rip-roaring fun with hugely lovable characters that will introduce audiences to the magic of Cirque du Soleil.
Performance Schedule:
Friday, Nov. 25 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 26 1 p.m., 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 27 12 noon, 3 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 30 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 1 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 2 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 3 1 p.m., 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 4 12 noon, 3 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 7 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 8 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 9 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 10 1 p.m., 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 11 12 noon, 3 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Fans, Families, and Who-ville Citizens Unite With Their Favorite Holiday Grump to Un-Celebrate 2020.
Select Westfield, Brookfield, Macerich, Turnberry & Oxford Properties Across North America to Feature A Santa Photo Alternative for Those Who Are Feeling a Little Bit “Grinchy” This Year.
“You’re a mean one, 2020.” It’s been a year to say the least and even as the holidays approach, some may be feeling more grouchy than usual. If taking those traditional cheerful holiday photos with the family is exactly what you don’t feel like doing, there’s now an alternative! Kilburn Live, a market leader in the Live Entertainment industry, has announced a new partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, a global leader in educational entertainment, to create “The Grinch’s Grotto,” an imaginative take on holiday photo shoots that will give guests a fun way to show off a bit of their grumpiness during what is still the most wonderful time of the year.
Presented in partnership with retail leaders such as Westfield Group, Brookfield Properties, Macerich, Turnberry and Oxford, “The Grinch’s Grotto” will launch on Black Friday across a limited number of flagship malls throughout North America including ones in Los Angeles, Chicago, DC, Dallas, Houston, San Diego, Miami, Toronto, Northern California and the New York Tri-State area. Guests will enter these free-standing locations for a one-of-a-kind visit with The Grinch in his special cave for a photo-shoot and other special surprises that are both intimate and in true Grinch fashion – socially-distant.
“If there was ever a year where The Grinch really would take over the holiday season, it’s 2020,” said Kilburn CEO Mark Manuel. “It’s been said even the meanest soul is moved by Christmas and at its core this Dr. Seuss story is about finding your own way to redemption which is what inspired us here. It is great to be once again collaborating with our partners at Dr. Seuss Enterprises on this project. Through these challenging times, we still wanted to find a way to give families some joy this holiday season in a lighthearted and fun way. After all, 2020 has been a tough year, but it can’t take away our ability to smile and laugh which are oftentimes the first steps of continued hope”.
Complete with a burlap sack full of presents, a Grinch stylized holiday tree and a backlit fireplace with hanging stockings just as depicted in the book, this true-to-form experience will place guests inside the classic tale in one of the most authentic ways possible. Guests will also be given the opportunity to pick a sign with their choice of a favorite 2020 slogan to be placed in their photo with the Grinch. Sample slogans include, “You’re a mean one, 2020” “2020: “Stink, Stank, Stunk,” “2020 – How The Grinch Stole, Well, The Whole Year” and some positive ones including “The Grinch still can’t steal Christmas!
“The Grinch’s Grotto” will kick off on November 27th across North America. Tickets for each engagement will go on sale on November 12th. Tickets will be limited and it is recommended guests pre-book their visits online prior to visiting. To see a list of locations and to pre-register for tickets please visit https://www.grinchgrotto.com/.
Netflix has so graciously brought back the romantic comedy genre with a slew of rom-coms to choose from their library. Just in time for the holiday season, they have treated us with another delightful romance with the new film, “Holidate”.
It’s Christmas Day and Sloane (Emma Roberts) is, once again, being hounded by her family to meet someone and settle down before she gets “too old”; and becomes like her aunt Susan (Kristin Chenoweth). Instead of listening to her mom, she is inspired by her aunt’s holidate. Susan brings a different man to each holiday event, allowing her to avoid feeling lonely while having no emotional attachment.
After a horrible Christmas, Sloane runs into, Jackson (Luke Bracey), another lonely single looking to date with out the commitment. They soon pledge to be each others’ platonic plus ones for every holiday in the year ahead. The film is as predictable as it sounds and is self-aware of that, pointing out that in every rom-com the two leads don’t have real obstacles. And in the “Holidate”, it’s pretty clear that there is no real issue besides the default “scared of commitment”.
What “Holidate” does offer is two strong romantic leads with great chemistry and hilarious banter. Emma Roberts shows off her comedic chops and Bracey might actually give Chris Hemsworth a run for his money. We all, at some point in time, have felt lonely during the holidays, and a holidate is a fun concept to see played out. It’s entertaining to see these how these two celebrate each occasion together. Who knew there were so many holidays?!
There are some messages you can take away from the film, like don’t let the of fear of getting hurt stand in the way of a potential love. But, you shouldn’t go into this film expecting anything deep. This is more of a raunchy, well-made Hallmark Christmas special. It’s a lighthearted escape that reminds us of how we use to celebrate the holidays before tragic times.
Rating: 4/5
“Holidate” is available on Netflix October 28, 2020.
This week I review “Come Play”, based on the 2017 short film. The story follows Oliver (Azhy Robertson), a young boy who feels isolated from everyone. He seeks comfort in his cellphone and tablet, and it is there that he mysteriously comes across Larry – a disturbing creature who wants to be his friend.
Watch my full review, followed by previews of “Holidate” and “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” in the video below.
“Come Play” opens in theaters October 30, 2020,
“Holidate” is available on Netflix October 28, 2020.
“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” is available on Amazon Prime October 23, 2020.
With Christmas 2 days away, one of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit is to watch some great Christmas classics. And like most everyone, I have my favorite Christmas movies I must watch every year as part of the holiday tradition. For all you who might be wondering what to rent for Christmas Eve/Day, here are my top 5 suggestions!
5. Elf
For the Santa: If you’re looking for a comedy that includes a great storyline involving Santa and the magic of the Christmas spirit, look no further. Watching Buddy (Will Ferrell) try to adapt in New York with his biological father (James Caan) is entertaining for adults and children. Elf has so many unforgettable scenes, including an awkwardly hilarious scene with Games of Thrones star, Peter Dinklage.
4. Just Friends
For the Anna Faris: This may not seem like the typical holiday film, but I assure it’s one of the best. While visiting his hometown during Christmas, Chris Brander (Ryan Renolds) comes face-to-face with his old high school crush, Jamie (Amy Smart), with whom he was best friends. Since being rejected by Jamie, Chris has become a handsome ladies man and hopes to finally win her over. But not with out some obstacle…Que Anna Faris as the psycho, conceded pop star who’s obsessed with Chris. Be prepared for Faris to provide, quotable lines, WTF moments, and numerous laughs.
3. The Family Stone
For the Tears: The majority of Christmas movies tend to tug at our heart strings, and though films like It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street might be the more traditional holiday tear- jerkers, I prefer to grab the tissues for the all-star cast in The Family Stone. It’s not all sad, there’s plenty of comic relief and romance to make you feel all kinds of emotions while watching. Most importantly we see a true example of a free-spirited family who love each other unconditionally.
2. Scrooged
For the Adaptation: There have been numerous versions of the timeless classic, A Christmas Carol. From the big screen hits, to some even more dreadful TV movies. But no matter what remake I have seen, nothing beats the 1988 adaptation, Scrooged. Bill Murray does a fantastic job as the heartless TV executive who is visited by 3 spirits to help change his ways on Christmas Eve.
1. While You Were Sleeping
For the Family: I call this film the “whole package family Christmas movie.” Original, smart, funny, romantic, and heartwarming. After Lucy (Sandra Bullock), a lonely ticket collector, saves Peter’s (Peter Gallagher) life; he falls into a coma. While at the hospital, Peter’s family accidentally mistakes her as his fiancé. As they welcome her into the family with open arms, she is unable to resist the kindness and love of a family she has always hoped to be a part of. But of course not everyone in the family buys her story, leading to comical encounters and a blossoming romance. It’s the perfect film that showcases what Christmas is really all about- spending time with your family. And remember, you don’t necessarily have to be born into a family to be apart of one.
Honorable Mentions: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Christmas Vacation, The Santa Clause
Though we may not be wishing for a “white” Christmas this year after the Icepocalypse weekend, Dallas Summer Musicals has brought snow to Dallas in a safe and fun way for the entire family to enjoy.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is a holiday classic, and if you have seen the film, the stage adaptation follows the same storyline. The story of two showbiz buddies, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, as they team up in business and romance with a sister act to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general.
The musical showcases a slew of talented performers. Featuring James Clow as “Bob Wallace,” David Elder as “Phil Davis,” Trista Moldovan as “Betty Haynes” and Meredith Patterson as “Judy Haynes.” All four are no strangers to the theater, having done numerous Broadway shows. Each principal character brought a stand out factor to their performances. Davis and Patterson bring constant laughs with their hilarious tumultuous relationship. They also kill it in one of the best tap dancing performances I have ever seen at the top of the second act. But, I will come back to that in a moment. Moldovan gives jaw dropping power ballad solos that will leave you in awe. Clow not only has an amazing singing voice, but he also has an incredible speaking voice that makes you feel as if you have traveled back to 1954. Also appearing in the play is Ruth Williamson as “Martha Watson,” Joseph Costa as “General Waverly,” and the unbelievably too young to be that talented, 9 year-old Shannon Harrington as “Susan Waverly.” This is Harrington’s second year in a row playing Susan for the national Broadway tour. I can only imagine where this kid will be at age 16, but something tells me a Tony Award could be involved.
The production of the play was phenomenal. Director, Norb Joerder deserves enormous praise, as does his entire cast and crew, for the dazzling set design and the quick background changes as each scene passed. I’m still amazed by how many different set designs Anna Louizos produced, and by how well crafted they were. Speaking of quick changes, I wish I had counted how many costume changes there were, but I would have lost track. Costume designer, Carrie Robbins, might just be the scene stealer of the whole show with her numerous eye-widening outfits. Designed with a variety of color and different styles from short shorts to winter evening wear. It was like a 1950’s mini fashion show; you can’t wait to see what they will be wearing next!
The musical moves quickly, and at the beginning of Act II the time will really fly. It starts with my favorite scene out of the show, an impressive tap dance number led by Phil and Judy along with the Chorus. Truly breath-taking choreography.
White Christmas is the perfect show to take your family to during this Christmas break. There’s laughter, there’s love, there’s music, and best of all there’s snow!
WHITE CHRISTMAS THE MUSICAL is performing at Dallas Summer Musicals at the Music Hall at Fair Park thru December 29th.
Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com