On this Christmas we cease our daily jobs and have a party to remember the birth of Christ, who came to earth to save mankind from their sins. Pretty significant event huh?
Merry Christmas!
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas!
Three things characterize the festivals and feast days of ancient Isreal. 1.) The ceasing of daily labor. 2.) Remembrance of a significant event. 3.) A party, involving eating, drinking, family, and (anecdotally anyway) games and fun! These festivals included a weekly festival (the Sabbath) and many other festivals throughout the year, including several that ran for a week or more!
On this Christmas we cease our daily jobs and have a party to remember the birth of Christ, who came to earth to save mankind from their sins. Pretty significant event huh?
On this Christmas we cease our daily jobs and have a party to remember the birth of Christ, who came to earth to save mankind from their sins. Pretty significant event huh?
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
So I Saw A Christmas Carol - 1984...
So... I finally saw the 1984 version of A Christmas Carol starring George C. Scott.
I enjoyed it. I was impressed by Scott, a different portrayal than Patrick Stewart or Michael Caine. I think I still like the Patrick Stewart portrayal the best, but I did like Scott. He is gruff, mean, unlikeable. He plays it more inward, Stewart and Caine more outward (showing the difference between American and British acting technique). It was interesting to see how the same character can be played differently by very good actors, and each seems perfect for the part. They also found good actors who looked like Scott to play the younger versions of Scrooge (and even the father looked like him a bit.) One problem... Scott is trying to do a British accent, but it doesn't really stick. But I forgive him, I didn't notice much:)
The effects were definitely not as seamless as the Muppet version or the Stewart version, mostly because they were physical effects, lighting effects, or superimposed images (Marley in the door knocker, walking up stairs, the ghosts moving in time etc.) I don't fault the film for this, it was made in 1984:) I noticed, by the way, that Jacob Marley never blinks... freaky. They were quite good physical effects, except for one shot of the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come moving across the screen... it looked like a man in a cloak on a dolly.
I thought the Ghost of Christmas Present was a bit to gruff, not joyful enough. It was similar to the whole film, it was very concerned with making sure you got the point. Scrooge says things to himself that should have been left in images ("those are my things") and the music was a bit overpowering. Subtlety is a wonderful thing. Yes, the Stewart version dumbs down some language, but it keeps that subtlety in the theme and message.
The Ghosts... Past was... fine. In the book it is described as a child who looks old. This was a woman... looked like a woman not a child. Whatever. Present... I thought was gruff, a bit less cheery than I like. Future... wooden and physical (you can tell they were going for an effect that would be easy now) but other than that, which is a result, again, of when it was made... I found the "voice" to be rather annoying. I like the silent, dark cloaked figure that looks like death idea.
I did like the Crachitt familiy portrayal all the way around. And Fred and his wife. "Tight as a drum".
But those are minor squabbles. It was a good film, well done, nicely filmed, well acted.
I still like the Stewart version best. I'll have to see that one again to make sure. But this was a worthy version, and definitely in the top 2.
I enjoyed it. I was impressed by Scott, a different portrayal than Patrick Stewart or Michael Caine. I think I still like the Patrick Stewart portrayal the best, but I did like Scott. He is gruff, mean, unlikeable. He plays it more inward, Stewart and Caine more outward (showing the difference between American and British acting technique). It was interesting to see how the same character can be played differently by very good actors, and each seems perfect for the part. They also found good actors who looked like Scott to play the younger versions of Scrooge (and even the father looked like him a bit.) One problem... Scott is trying to do a British accent, but it doesn't really stick. But I forgive him, I didn't notice much:)
The effects were definitely not as seamless as the Muppet version or the Stewart version, mostly because they were physical effects, lighting effects, or superimposed images (Marley in the door knocker, walking up stairs, the ghosts moving in time etc.) I don't fault the film for this, it was made in 1984:) I noticed, by the way, that Jacob Marley never blinks... freaky. They were quite good physical effects, except for one shot of the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come moving across the screen... it looked like a man in a cloak on a dolly.
I thought the Ghost of Christmas Present was a bit to gruff, not joyful enough. It was similar to the whole film, it was very concerned with making sure you got the point. Scrooge says things to himself that should have been left in images ("those are my things") and the music was a bit overpowering. Subtlety is a wonderful thing. Yes, the Stewart version dumbs down some language, but it keeps that subtlety in the theme and message.
The Ghosts... Past was... fine. In the book it is described as a child who looks old. This was a woman... looked like a woman not a child. Whatever. Present... I thought was gruff, a bit less cheery than I like. Future... wooden and physical (you can tell they were going for an effect that would be easy now) but other than that, which is a result, again, of when it was made... I found the "voice" to be rather annoying. I like the silent, dark cloaked figure that looks like death idea.
I did like the Crachitt familiy portrayal all the way around. And Fred and his wife. "Tight as a drum".
But those are minor squabbles. It was a good film, well done, nicely filmed, well acted.
I still like the Stewart version best. I'll have to see that one again to make sure. But this was a worthy version, and definitely in the top 2.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Christmas In Seymour!
Christmas in Connecticut cannot guarantee snow, as it does in the movies; but it does provide quaint old towns, decked out in the spirit of Christmas.
Our town, Seymour, has an assortment of antique shops, boutique shops..and on the first Saturday of the month, the shops stay open later, offering cookies, cider and hot chocolate. Nicky and I finally made it down this past Saturday and were greeted by old fashioned carolers and young and old out enjoying the festivities!
If you want antiques, these places are the tops. All of them have reasonable prices and quality merchandise, whether you want an old piece of furniture, place settings, books....
My favorite shops were Zoe and Floyd and Tickled Pink.
Zoe and Floyd is an artsy persons dream. They sell wall-art, artistic jewelery, greeting cards, interesting serving ware, and other neat stuff.
Tickled Pink has similar items, but it is all around a pink theme, very fun and funky.
Seymour is beginning to remind me of Stillwater, MN. They are really trying to turn it into a viable business
destination.
If you live in the area, come on down and check out the shops, the old art deco movie theater, "The Strand," that plays movies for $4, and the old 1950's style ice cream shop. Looking forward to frequenting those locations as well! :)
Our town, Seymour, has an assortment of antique shops, boutique shops..and on the first Saturday of the month, the shops stay open later, offering cookies, cider and hot chocolate. Nicky and I finally made it down this past Saturday and were greeted by old fashioned carolers and young and old out enjoying the festivities!
If you want antiques, these places are the tops. All of them have reasonable prices and quality merchandise, whether you want an old piece of furniture, place settings, books....
My favorite shops were Zoe and Floyd and Tickled Pink.
Zoe and Floyd is an artsy persons dream. They sell wall-art, artistic jewelery, greeting cards, interesting serving ware, and other neat stuff.
Tickled Pink has similar items, but it is all around a pink theme, very fun and funky.
Seymour is beginning to remind me of Stillwater, MN. They are really trying to turn it into a viable business
destination.
If you live in the area, come on down and check out the shops, the old art deco movie theater, "The Strand," that plays movies for $4, and the old 1950's style ice cream shop. Looking forward to frequenting those locations as well! :)
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Christmas Films
These are some of my favorites.
Please feel free to post others in the comments!
Elf - Just fun, funny, good little message. Nora loves it too!
A Christmas Carol - the one starring Patrick Stewart. I know, many say the George C. Scott version is the best, and one of these days I will have to see it, but this one perfectly captured the essence of the book to me. The old Alistair Sims version is also great, and the Muppet version is fun (and reasonably accurate!).
White Christmas - yes, the story is stupid. The dancing and singing are fun! You can tell this wasn't a role written for Danny Kaye (originally Fred Astair actually), but he seems to have fun with it and makes some memorable moments happen. I have fond memories of this film.
Holiday Inn - Again, stupid story. Fred dances, Bing sings... more about the memories I have than the strength of the film.
Christmas in Connecticut - The 1940's version. For the record, this vision of CT is nowhere near what it is like now, and I kind of doubt it ever was that way. A funny screwball comedy.
It's a Wonderful Life - Nora doesn't like this one. It is a classic, and a great film at that. Great message, well done, funny, heartbreaking... I think all those who have had dreams about what they want to do identify with Jimmy Stewart.
While You Were Sleeping - Funny, romantic, crazy... reminds you why Sandra Bullock is a star (her more recent efforts might make you forget.)
Miracle on 34th Street - don't bother with the modern Richard Attenborough version. The original, with Edmund Gwen as the definitive Santa Claus, is funny and heartwarming and ever so much better. Gwen won an Oscar for his portrayal. And make sure you watch it in black and white. Color ruins the cinematography. Santa can be a way we introduce children to the idea of Jesus... just don't lie and tell them he is real:)
Home Alone - honestly, I haven't seen this since the 90's. But I remember it being funny:) Every kid wants to do this stuff to someone!
Die Hard - yes, it takes place on Christmas Eve! A classic action film, and darn good. If you liked the most recent outing, check out the original. Beware, not so great language abounds.
Some I don't like!
The Grinch - HORRID. Not funny, a waste of film and talent.
Christmas With The Kranks - funny at points, but what a horrible message about Christmas being about the parties, decorations and presents.
The Santa Clause Sequels - the original is funny and pretty good. The sequels are a waste of time.
Anyway, again, feel free to post your favorites in the comments! I left out the TV specials from this list, mostly because I don't consider them films.
Please feel free to post others in the comments!
Elf - Just fun, funny, good little message. Nora loves it too!
A Christmas Carol - the one starring Patrick Stewart. I know, many say the George C. Scott version is the best, and one of these days I will have to see it, but this one perfectly captured the essence of the book to me. The old Alistair Sims version is also great, and the Muppet version is fun (and reasonably accurate!).
White Christmas - yes, the story is stupid. The dancing and singing are fun! You can tell this wasn't a role written for Danny Kaye (originally Fred Astair actually), but he seems to have fun with it and makes some memorable moments happen. I have fond memories of this film.
Holiday Inn - Again, stupid story. Fred dances, Bing sings... more about the memories I have than the strength of the film.
Christmas in Connecticut - The 1940's version. For the record, this vision of CT is nowhere near what it is like now, and I kind of doubt it ever was that way. A funny screwball comedy.
It's a Wonderful Life - Nora doesn't like this one. It is a classic, and a great film at that. Great message, well done, funny, heartbreaking... I think all those who have had dreams about what they want to do identify with Jimmy Stewart.
While You Were Sleeping - Funny, romantic, crazy... reminds you why Sandra Bullock is a star (her more recent efforts might make you forget.)
Miracle on 34th Street - don't bother with the modern Richard Attenborough version. The original, with Edmund Gwen as the definitive Santa Claus, is funny and heartwarming and ever so much better. Gwen won an Oscar for his portrayal. And make sure you watch it in black and white. Color ruins the cinematography. Santa can be a way we introduce children to the idea of Jesus... just don't lie and tell them he is real:)
Home Alone - honestly, I haven't seen this since the 90's. But I remember it being funny:) Every kid wants to do this stuff to someone!
Die Hard - yes, it takes place on Christmas Eve! A classic action film, and darn good. If you liked the most recent outing, check out the original. Beware, not so great language abounds.
Some I don't like!
The Grinch - HORRID. Not funny, a waste of film and talent.
Christmas With The Kranks - funny at points, but what a horrible message about Christmas being about the parties, decorations and presents.
The Santa Clause Sequels - the original is funny and pretty good. The sequels are a waste of time.
Anyway, again, feel free to post your favorites in the comments! I left out the TV specials from this list, mostly because I don't consider them films.
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