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Archives for : holidays

Movie Review: “Wonka”

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.

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SOMETHING FROM TIFFANY’S Interview w/ Zoey Deutch, Kendrick Sampson, & Ray Nicholson

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.

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Movie Review: “Holidate” is the Holiday Cheer we Need this Year

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.

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Movie Review: “Come Play”

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.

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Single During the Holidays? Here are the Top 5 Films to get you through the Season

It’s cuddle season!  And that means everywhere you look couples are constantly holding each other.  Whether it’s at a family gathering or Christmas shopping at the mall; they are everywhere.

The holidays can be rough on anyone for many reasons.  But, being single during a time that is better spent with a significant other can be a bummer.  Luckily, my go to medicine (Movies) will always put situations like these into a much better perspective.

These 5 films will help singles get through the holiday season; each for completely different reasons.

5. Shopgirl

So, I can hurt now, or hurt later

For the Moving On:  Shopgirl shows how heart breaking a strictly sexual relationship can be when one person starts to want more.  No, it isn’t like Friends with Benefits.  This film is dark, deep, and emotional; and has some comic relief thanks to Jason Schwartzman.  After situations like these, one can feel hopeless to find someone that they “think” they can feel that strongly for again.  Shopgirl will show you just how possible it is to move on.  And how whatever you thought you felt for the wrong one, is nothing in comparison to the feelings you will feel for the right one.

4. Loser

You think you could turn it down just a skosh?

For the Nice Guys: This film gives hope for both, the good guys and girls.  Paul Tannek (Jason Biggs) is one of the sweetest and most genuine characters I have ever seen in a film.  Selfless, non-confrontational, and the perfect example of how the nice ones may not get a “happy ending” as quick as others.  But eventually someone will see the good in you, and appreciate it when you least expect it.

3. Swimfan

Don’t tell her you love her!

For the Psycho: Hopefully none of us have acted quite as insane a Madison Bell (Erika Christensen) did over someone that wasn’t interested in her.   I know this is an odd choice, but if you are the type that is desperate to like anyone (like the first person that’s nice to you).  Then maybe this film will make you rethink that non-existent relationship you are about to form in your head.  Or maybe one of your last relationships was with that “stage 5 clinger” that texts you and ends up having a texting convo with themselves…Either way, Swimfan will make you feel relieved to not be dealing with any form of a psychotic relationship.  (For a little gender reversal of this story-line, I also recommend FEAR.  And for the original try Fatal Attraction)

2. 500 Days of Summer

The feeling I never felt with you

For the Realist: Anyone who dated someone that used the “I’m just not looking for a relationship right now” line must know by now that it was complete bullsh**.  You know; you have probably used that line too.  “I’m not looking for a relationship” means I’m not looking for a relationship with YOU.  This film just proves the theory that when you meet the right person, you both just know.  If something is holding you guys back from committing as a couple, you are probably not meant to be.  500 Days of Summer portrays a realistic story about dating and breaking up.  After watching this film, you might be less controlling of your feelings, or stop expecting certain qualities in a partner.  When it happens, it just happens naturally.

1. About Time

All the time traveling in the world can’t make someone love you

For the Regrets:  At first sight, this film seems like it is going to be a mushy love story that will want to make you gag.  But it is not!  It is SO much more than that.  This movie is about appreciating the love in our lives; from our family, our friends, even our random acquaintances.  Now don’t get me wrong, there is an incredibly charming relationship in the film.  But this relationship didn’t come about until after multiple tries by a man who can travel back in time (still a great movie, I swear).  The important lesson learned is not to wish for second chances, but to treat each moment like it’s your last.  Take the chance by letting someone know how you feel before it’s too late.  And if they aren’t interested, at least you tried and you won’t have any regrets!