365 Days, 229 Movies, 338 Posts: 2010 as it was for me.

Of course, living in New Zealand, we will be one of the first countries to see 2011. With just over two hours left of 2010, I felt like getting all nostalgic and going through some of the blogs/years highlights and lowlights, while Christopher Nolan sees me out with Inception (had to end the year with my favourite movie, of course). So let us go month by month, and I'll share with you some things which made this year fantastic. Mostly movie related, of course.

January
It's hard to believe how much this blog has changed since the start of the year. I seemed so naive! At the beginning of the year I managed to watch Avatar, Up in the Air, and probably be the only one to like Orphan. I also believe that is was back in this month when this blog was titles 'I'm Just a Teenager Who Loves Movies'. That title is still true, but I found something cooler. Also, a little bit of trivia for you...I was excited about Inception back in Jan, and yes, I did keep my Inception date.

February
Short month, hardly any reviews. And the reviews were really short, too. I also attempted to go through my 100 favourite movies before stopping five movies in, mainly because I realized in the time it would take me to go through the whole lot I would probably have new favourite movies and my list would get all stuffed. Maybe a project for 2011, going at a faster rate?

March
I believe this was the month I changed the title to 'Alice in Movieland', which is probably the title I am most known more. Yeah, I know I change the title a lot, but I like change. Don't worry, 'Cinematic Paradox' should stick for a while. Anyway, thanks to getting a laptop for no particular reason, I was enabled to post a bit more since I didn't have to share my computer with anyone else. Mind you, that didn't mean the quality of my posting was great. Oh well, we only get better with time...

April
Here was the month where I had a holiday and managed to watch a shitload of movies. Those movies were ones that came out over the summer in 2009, so they were pretty cool. I also got to watch my first 2010 release in this month. Yes, I know I was slack, but no one would let me go and see Valentine's Day in cinemas (thank God) and I was too young to watch Shutter Island. The beauty of DVD: I was way too young to watch The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo in cinemas, but when it came out on DVD, the censor's argument was invalid.

May
Lots of stuff happened in May, but it just didn't happen on here. If I wasn't blogging (i.e. hardly ever), I was rehearsing for the school production, stalking someone on Facebook or going to work for no reason. But I had this little period in that month where I was really, really sick, so I had to stay home for a while. And what do I do when I'm at home apart from watching movies? I surf other blogs. After reading lots from 'The Film Experience', I realized my blog was pretty shit. Ever since then, I have been working to become an average blog (I can't be as good as 'The Film Experience' as a one man band). Hopefully I've succeeded. Anyway, another happening in this wonderful month was the fact that the third Inception trailer was released. Call me emotionally unstable or whatever, but I nearly cried when I first saw that trailer. Seven months later and I still watch it a fair bit for an adrenaline kick. And thanks to that trailer, I started my Christopher Nolan obsession with The Prestige.

June
If I may say so myself, June was really the blossoming season of this blog. Of course, I must associate it with this post about America remaking Let the Right One In. I got a few more followers, but the problem was I couldn't post because of how busy I was in that month. In between the school production and exams, I found myself in the depths of an obsession with Christopher Nolan, which led to me watching some more of his films that month: Memento and Batman Begins (just about two years after seeing The Dark Knight). Along with that, I once again redesigned the blog (the orangey theme I had going on, if you remember). I like designing stuff, so that's why this is never the same for more than three months. I'm like Ramona Flowers with her hair colour. To top off a fabulous month, I did one of my most viewed posts, which was based around the trailers of Inception. This was featured in a Christopher Nolan blogathon that took place in July.

July
School gives me another holiday, I get posting a lot more. Also, I get on the LAMB, which got me a few more followers. However, one the biggest events of that month was the fact that I brought 'A Movie a Day' back. This helped a lot with getting my movie knowledge and numbers up. But, you know me, I was all about Inception in that month. And I got to see it, on that magical, yet rainy day-Thursday 22nd-which was the best day of my life. I cried so much at the end...in fact, I walked out of the cinemas in tears. Three days later, I was back at the cinemas for my second viewing. Thank you, Christopher Nolan. I loved you that month more than I could bear.

August
My most busy month...I posted 50 times. Add in a Cillian Murphy obsession, and this month was pretty full on. Plus, it was my 15th birthday that month, and what do I do on my birthday in 2010? Take six of my friends to go watch Inception. Give me a break, Christopher Nolan on my birthday was perfect! A Movie a Day was in full swing, which made me post quite regularly (mostly reviews). Not much more to say about August.

September
With three months since the last redesign, I not only gave the blog a new look, but I gave it a new name too. Along with the new name, a new blogging style. Slick, sweet, and more well combed, I think I hit the jackpot. Though I still get better at this blogging thing, I'm pretty comfortable where I am. Also, September gave me my best blog post yet: one on Nic Cage's hairstyles throughout the ages. Gotta love Nic Cage.

October
October marked the first birthday on my blog, an achievement I never thought I would have gotten to. I also got really into Halloween this year, too. October was a busy, yet very cool month for the blog!

November
I started off the month with a question: why does everyone hate NZ and give us all the movies later than everyone else? Still no answer. November also had the feature 'Amazing People' for a while too. One of the highlights of the month was going to see The Social Network for the first time when it came out...and good news, I get to catch a late screening again next week! That started a slight obsession with Andrew Garfield and Jesse Eisenberg, which doesn't quite treaten my undying love for Christopher Nolan. The other highlight was the fact I got to go on camp, which didn't have any movies. Weird!

December
This month too, was particularly eventful. Once I got back from camp, I appeared on episode #49 of the LAMBcast (check it out!). Another feature came in: the top 10's I do every Sunday. With awards season starting, I rated the nominations with Leo, Zuck and Steve. Other than that, not much more to report...you can see it all yourself anyway!

So that's it, another year over. I won't promise anything for 2011, coz I'm not so great about keeping promises! But I will post lots, and try to make it to 300 movies for the year. I did great this year, considering I watched 229, which was a whopping 96 more than 2009. As I watch Inception for the tenth time this year, I'm just thinking: what an interesting year this has been. Some great, great films, and some shit, shit films have come out. I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store!

Thank you to anyone who has read my blog this year, you guys complete me! Have a great new year, and keep up being awesome!

DVD--Tomorrow, When the War Began

or: World War III

One word to sum it up: Scary

I admit, I'll try to avoid Australian movies as much as I possibly can. While I side with their directors, who like producing thought provoking artistic features, what we've seen come out of the country in the past years has been nothing short of depressing. This year, I broke that by firstly watching Animal Kingdom, quite possibly one of the best movies of the year; then, like a lot of other teenagers, watched Tomorrow, When the War Began, the adaption of the first of John Marsden's hit series. I am part of the minority who haven't read the books (new years resolution #7), so don't expect some of that 'book to movie' comparison from me. I just want to say to all those sceptics who said 'it's only cool if you've read the books', I really enjoyed this movie.

Ellie Linton (Caitlin Stasey) and six of her friends decide to go camping in a remote place far away from their homes for a while. When they come back, they discover that their town isn't how they had left it. Their parents are gone, and there is no one to be seen. That is until they find everyone has been captured and sent to the showgrounds, sparking the beginnings of a war. The seven young adults must try to stay away from the enemy that has come upon them, but most of all, try and save their world and restore it to what it used to be, before it is too late.

The one negative thing I have to get out of the way first is the truly shocking acting. The cast is very inexperienced, as most of them have come from Aussie soaps like Neighbours or other Aussie TV programs. I read a review that claimed this movie was 'better when the cast stopped talking'. Well, that's a little harsh, but all the best moments do happen when the film is focussed on the action rather than the characters. If you can get past the acting, then you will be in for a treat. The first fifteen minutes are dedicated to being your average teen drama/comedy, and then from there on it turns into something you wouldn't expect from an Australian movie. Through the years, we have seen many films depicting concentration camps and the like from World War II, which have been quite scary. However, in one of the first scenes of war in this film, we see a concentration camp-like setup at the showgrounds, which is particularly scary because all of this could happen. Hopefully some people don't read to much into it.

This is the directorial debut from Stuart Beattie, who has written such films as Australia, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and The Pirates of Carribean series. This is a large scale project for someone with no directing experience to undertake, but he, like fellow Australian debut director David Michod (Animal Kingdom), manages to handle the film with the right kind of intensity and doesn't let things blow out of proportion. Could this mean the beginning of Australians taking on Hollywood? I hope so. Given the fact that it's not only action packed and dramatic but it is delightfully funny, too, with one liners like 'that's the biggest joint I've ever lit'. The end of this movie was a bit of a cliffhanger, leaving us with the promise of a few more films coming our way. Come 2012 and 2013, you'll be seeing a couple of sequels on your screen. Which is just as well, because Australia has shown us how great they are at making action films...and I want more of them.


THE VERDICT: Awful acting can't stop this movie from being as entertaining or as thought-provoking as it is, and it serves as a good adaption as one of the most popular books of all time.

8/10

Classic--Love Actually

or: Lots of people in love.

One word to sum it up: Loaded.

As Love Actually was a guilty pleasure movie I stuck in the player just before Christmas because everyone kept going on about the importance of this movie at Christmas, I can't really review it without reiterating what many people have said before. Here's my verdict on it: A really sweet and charming story which has a few too many stories but seems to all fall into place in the end. 8/10.
Anyway, because I like lists, I'm going to go through the stories of this movie and say a little bit about each of them. Something different, yes?

David (Hugh Grant) and Natalie (Martine McCutcheon)

Story: The recently elected British Prime Minister David, is young, handsome, and single. Natalie is a new junior member of the household staff at 10 Downing Street and regularly serves his tea and biscuits. Something seems to click between them. David walks in to find the U.S. President (Billy Bob Thornton) attempting to seduce Natalie. David has Natalie moved, but later comes across a Christmas card 'With Love, Your Natalie.' He eventually finds Natalie at her family's home, then drives everyone to the local school for the nativity play, the same one in which his niece and nephew are appearing, and the two watch the show from backstage, their budding relationship exposed when a curtain is raised during the big finale.
Verdict: Firstly, it was a huge problem for me that I just couldn't imagine Hugh Grant as the British Prime Minister. I mean, that man, who I had my first ever crush on at the age of 9, as Prime Minister?! That aside, I thought this story was particularly sweet. David is so awkward about his love for Natalie, but once he sees someone else tampering with her he just can't stand it. That usually happens in real life. The ending to their story is particularly awkward, but especially sweet. If I didn't know any better, I would say that this story is the one holding the rest of the stories together

Daniel (Liam Neeson); Sam (Thomas Sangster) and Joanna (Olivia Olson

Story: Daniel and his stepson Sam fend for themselves, mourning the loss of their wife and mother, where Sam has fallen for American visitor Joanna. Daniel consoles Sam, who is heartbroken over recent news of Joanna's return to the United States, and convinces him to go catch Joanna at the airport.
Verdict: I love Thomas Sangster so much at the moment. It didn't help that he was so cute in this movie. And, to be perfectly honest, I want Liam Neeson to be my dad. I mean, my dad wouldn't suggest watching Titanic or running through an airport after 'the one'. It's nice to see Neeson being all mellow after all the ass-kicking we've seen him do over the years. I like mellow Neeson. I also like cute Sangster (in a non-paedophile way...he is 20 years old now though). I do not like Joanna because a) she can sing really well and b) she got cute Sangster. If I was one of those 'hip kids' who have the Tumblr accounts, I would probably be saying 'FML' or 'MLIA' right now.

Billy Mack (Bill Nighy) and Joe (Gregor Fisher)

Story: With the help of his longtime manager Joe (Gregor Fisher), aging rock and roll legend Billy Mack (Bill Nighy) records a Christmas variation of The Troggs' classic hit 'Love Is All Around'. Nonetheless he promotes the release in the hope it will become the Christmas number one single. The song does go to number one; after briefly celebrating his victory at a party hosted by Sir Elton John, Billy suggests that he and Joe celebrate Christmas by getting drunk and watching porn.
Verdict: Thanks to this movie, I had 'Christmas is All Around' in my head all of Christmas day (and Boxing day, I believe). Which was weird, because I only saw it on the music channel once all day. But, I guess, it is pretty catchy. While Billy Mack doesn't have a 'love story' as such (unless it is with his manager), he certainly is one of the most memorable figures in this movie, probably because he is easily the funniest. And he is the best line of the whole movie: "Hiya kids. Here is an important message from your Uncle Bill. Don't buy drugs. Become a pop star, and they give you them for free!" Need I say more?

Juliet (Keira Knightley), Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Mark (Andrew Lincoln)

Story: Juliet (Keira Knightley) and Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor) are wed in a lovely ceremony orchestrated and videotaped by Mark (Andrew Lincoln), Peter's best friend and best man. The video he recorded reveals that he secretly has feelings for her.
Verdict: I really felt as if this story never amounted to anything and was quite awkward, in all the wrong ways. Just the chemistry between the three of them didn't feel right. Probably one of the biggest space wasters in the film.

Jamie (Colin Firth) and Aurélia (Lucia Moniz)

Story: Writer Jamie first appears preparing to attend Juliet and Peter's wedding. His girlfriend misses the ceremony to sleep with his brother. Jamie retires to his French cottage where he meets Portuguese housekeeper Aurélia, who speaks only her native tongue Portuguese. There is an instant attraction between the two. When Jamie returns to England he realises he is in love with Aurelia. He learns her native language and goes back to propose to her. When he does propose to her, she says yes, and it is revealed that she has been learning English to communicate with Jamie.
Verdict: This story is so shamelessly romantic it is actually quite sweet. I love how the pair of them couldn't speak each others language, but seemed to understand what the other person was saying. Mind you, that was the best part of their relationship: how they communicated in such an odd way. While I wouldn't think that a proposal would have come so soon for the couple, I thought it was sweet how they both learnt each others language...to a pretty hilarious extent.

Harry (Alan Rickman), Karen (Emma Thompson) and Mia (Heike Makatsch)

Story: Harry is the managing director of a design agency; Mia is his new secretary. For Christmas he buys her an expensive necklace from jewellery salesman Rufus (Rowan Atkinson), who elaborately wraps while Harry becomes increasingly nervous with the fear of detection. Meanwhile, Harry's wife Karen is busy dealing with their children, Daisy and Bernard, who are appearing in the school Nativity, to her brother David, who just became Prime Minister, and her friend Daniel, who has just lost his wife. Karen discovers the necklace in Harry's coat pocket and assumes it is a gift for her; Karen later confronts Harry over the necklace, who admits to foolishness.
Verdict: Basically, this story pissed me off a little. Firstly, because Karen was so nice and was probably the link that held everyone together. Who would cheat on her? That's where we come to my second point...I hate Harry for doing what he did. But then again, did he and Mia actually have an affair? Or was Mia just playing with him? Third point of pissing off-ness: what actually happened here? All we know is that Karen found a necklace, which she assumed was for her, but was actually for a young secretary at her husbands business. What about the end? It didn't seem like Harry and Karen were still in love. Which takes me back to my first point: who couldn't love her?

Sarah (Laura Linney), Karl (Rodrigo Santoro) and Michael (Michael Fitzgerald)


Yes...I realize that is Harry and not Karl...but it was impossible to find a photo of him!

Story: Sarah first appears at Juliet and Peter's wedding, sitting next to her friend Jamie. We learn she works at Harry's graphic design company, where she has been in love for years with its creative director, Karl. A tryst between Karl and herself is interrupted by Sarah's mentally ill brother, Michael, and this effectively ends their relationship. On Christmas Eve, she visits her brother at the institution where he lives, wrapping a scarf around him as he hugs her. Verdict: I liked the start of this story, and the fact that Sarah had a mentally ill brother who needed her more than anyone. What I didn't like was the fact that Karl just left her because of that fact. Talk about not understanding!

Colin (Kris Marshall) and various others.

Story: After several blunders attempting to woo various English women, including Mia and Nancy (the caterer at Juliet and Peter's wedding), Colin Frissell informs his friend Tony (Abdul Salis) he plans to go to the US and find love there. He meets Stacey (Ivana Milicevic), Jeannie (January Jones), and Carol-Anne (Elisha Cuthbert), three stunningly attractive women who fall for his Basildon accent and invite him to stay at their home. Colin accepts.
Verdict: British douchebag goes to America to pick up chicks because they will 'like his accent'. Maybe the English women were onto something...he was a douche. Well, at least he got those two girls at the end of the movie.

John (Martin Freeman) and Judy (Joanna Page)

Story: John and Judy, meet as stand-ins for the sex scenes in a movie. John tells Judy that "it is nice to have someone [he] can just chat to." The two carefully and cautiously pursue a relationship, and see the play at the local school together with John's brother.

Verdict: This is probably the most random story out of the lot of them. I don't know how often that happens: meeting your future partner as a stand in for sex scenes in a movie. But anyway, it's kinda quirky, and it's definitely something Hollywood should expand on in a future movie. And, of course, when you see them together in the epilogue, you can't help but let out an 'awwwwwwww'.

Love Actually is perhaps one of the most brilliant romantic comedies. Even if it does have a few too many stories. But that's cool, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to do this wee blog post.

DVD--Greenberg

or: The unlikable lead.

One word to sum it up: Indie.

Ben Stiller. How do you explain Ben Stiller? He’s like every other 'funny guy' out there...he's funny once, but fails to strike gold again. However, when people came out with their reviews for Greenberg, they kept saying over and over that this was the best work he had done 'in an age'. That may be true, if we were speaking in acting terms, but people keep forgetting the remarkable work he did in Tropic Thunder. Which just shows that the critics will go for indie more than mainstream blockbuster, even if the latter was a bit better.

We like Florence (Greta Gerwig): she's considerate, sweet, pretty, and terrific with kids and dogs. She's 26, personal assistant to an L.A. family who's off on vacation. Her boss's brother (Ben Stiller) comes in from New York City, fresh out of an asylum, to stay at the house. He's Roger, a carpenter, 40, gone from L.A. for 15 years. He arrives, doesn't drive, and needs Florence's help, especially with the family dog. He's also connecting with ex-mates--two men and one woman with whom he has a history. He over-analyzes, has a short fuse, and doesn't laugh at himself easily. As he navigates past and present, he's his own saboteur. And what of Florence, is Roger one more responsibility for her or something else?

One of the worst things about Greenberg is the titular character himself. One of the best things about Greenberg is the titular character himself. So what happened when I had to come to the decision of whether I liked the movie or not? Well, let's just say, it certainly wasn't as great as the critics made it out to be, but it's a typical lowkey effort from Noah Baumbach which deserves some recognition. After all, he made a largely character based movie with no plot kinda work. Yeah, it gets a little tedious sometimes, and most of the time we just want to shoot Greenberg, but if you give it a little thought, Baumbach has a clear dedication to his characters and they really are quite clever.

Ben Stiller does do his best acting work in a while, looking quite tired and weathered, making Greenberg a more believable slacker. However--and this isn't the first time you have probably heard this--it is Greta Gerwig who steals the show. We've seen plenty of actresses play the nice girl who is successful and loved, but Gerwig's take on the character makes it seem like a completely original idea. Part of that comes from Baumbach's accurate depiction of the nice successful girl who isn't perfect. Then Gerwig takes the reins and ensures that this character comes to life in the sweetest way possible, and is so down to earth and charasmatic that she's impossible not to like. If only other actresses could take a leaf out of Gerwig's book, as she is the actress of the future. Greenberg's lead characters shine, and they aren't without their backup from Rhys Ifans and Jennifer Jason Leigh (who also wrote the story). However, the material is a little awkward (especially the sexual encounters between Greenberg and Florence) and a little boring, and doesn't manage to stick in your mind long after you watch it.

THE VERDICT: Ben Stiller gives a great performance, and Greta Gerwig steals the show, but Noah Baumbach's film is a bit slow, due to the fact that it is largely character based and has no real plot to speak of.

6/10

Top 10 actors and actresses who got their breakthrough in 2010

Looking back on 2010, we have seen lots of new faces shine through and out perform some of their older peers. Also, I have managed to get myself some new favourite actors during the year. Even though they have been in plenty of movies up until now, there has always been one which makes them a household name. And that's what they deserve.

10. Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara probably became more famous this year due to her casting as Lisbeth Salander in David Fincher's 2012 edition of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. While Kristen Stewart, Carey Mulligan and other more well known actresses were in the running, Mara, whose previous claim to fame was the horrible remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street, managed to beat them all to a coveted role which is sure to make her an international star. It wasn't just that, though. Mara appeared in three scenes of The Social Network, and managed to make sure those scenes counted. With a lack of girls in that movie, she sure knew how to rattleout Aaron Sorkin's words better than the rest, and deserves props for making the opening scene what it was.

9. Mia Wasikowska

While many people hated Tim Burton's version of Alice in Wonderland, there was no denying that the girl playing Alice, Australian actress Mia Wasikowska, was sweet and angelic, and one to watch in the future. Alice wasn't her mainstream debut, as she had previously starred in films like Defiance, but being one of the highest grossing films of the year, it sure made her known. Add in a star turn in comedy The Kid's Are All Right, and Wasikowska is the next big thing. Next year she is only furthering her talents by starring in another adaption of Charlotte Bronte's classic book Jane Eyre. Two adaptions of classic books...I smell success here, yes?

8. Aaron Johnson

Many may ponder my next choice, because he is more known as a teenage heart-throb, but hear me out. Aaron Johnson was once the boy of every British girls dreams, thanks to his role as 'Sex-God' Robbie in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. In 2010, however, he started the year with a role in Sam Taylor-Wood's John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy, playing the singer in his early years. While watching this film, I forgot about the teen idol he used to be, and started focussing on the actor he is becoming. Also early in the year, he took the lead role in Kick-Ass, and managed to play the awkward nerd surprisingly well considering he is the complete opposite of that character. So do us all a favour and give Johnson some more roles, as he is more than just the cute British guy we all used to perceive him as.

7. Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence deserves a place on here because she is going all the way to an Oscar nomination for her turn in Winter's Bone, despite being just 20 years old. Leading up until her breakthrough in Winter's Bone, she starred in several direct-to-DVD releases like The Poker House, and also has a recurring role in The Bill Engvall Show. But her sole release for 2010 has been getting rave reviews from critics mainly because of her performance, which should give Natalie Portman a run for her money come Oscar time. And it doesn't look like Lawrence is going to be a one-movie wonder...she's got The Beaver and X-Men: First Class for 2011!

6. Gemma Arterton

I couldn't help but put Gemma Arterton on this list because she has been popping up everywhere lately. Even though she starred in 2008's Quantum of Solace, which got her some attention, it has really been this year which has made her a star. Not only did she star in two big blockbusters this year-Clash of the Titans and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time-but she alo found time to do three other projects. First, a sequel to her debut film, St. Trinians 2 & the Legend of Fritton's Gold. Second, an independent British thriller, The Disappearance of Alice Creed, which is probably the best she has starred in this year. And finally, a Stephen Frears British comedy, Tamara Drewe, based on the graphic novel by Posy Simmonds. One would say it has been a big year for Arterton, and we can expect much more from her in the future!

5. Tom Hardy

Anyone who has watched Inception could say that Tom Hardy was the stand out in the cast. Why? Because of his carefully timed and sarcastic sense of humour that would steal scenes off his fellow performers. Plus, he got the best lines. "You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling" is quickly associated with this masterpiece, and that's all thanks to Hardy's quick improvisation. Throw in a DVD release of Hardy's starring role in Bronson for the year, and it's fair to say that he has made his mark in showbiz. Not to mention the fact that he has been given a role in Christopher Nolan's next masterpiece, The Dark Knight Rises. Who will he play? Anything will be good.



4. Jacki Weaver

In a list full of the young, it's only fair that we put at least one older actor in here. Having a breakthrough a little further on than most is a little hard, but Jacki Weaver got her turn in the spotlight this year with her stunning performance in Australian crime drama Animal Kingdom. Easily outshining the rest of the films great ensemble cast, Weaver played Smurf with a great amount of both good and bad; she cared about her children, but she wasn't willing to let go of this criminal thing they had set up. She has been receiving accolade upon accolade for her performance, and here's hoping she can make it all the way to the Oscars. Because, goodness knows, it's time an Australian got an award for playing an Australian.

3. Emma Stone

As I have said plenty of times before, Emma Stone has always been the best part of bad movies, and hasn't seemed to get enough credit for it. But finally, someone had the sense to cast her in the lead role of a great teen comedy, Easy A, and look what happened? A star was born, and now everyone loves her. Because it's hard not to fall for her charm and witty humour. And what could be better than a whole movie with her in the lead role? I don't know. All I know is that there should be more movies like Easy A, because she is a better actress to get obsessed with than Kristen Stewart.

2. Jesse Eisenberg

Yeah yeah, Jesse has been in Zombieland which was pretty big. But everyone thinks he is Michael Cera in that movie! The Social Network should prove all those non-believers wrong. Delivering what could have been the performance of the year, Eisenberg seemed to shrug off the awkward persona he gained from movies like Adventureland and became more narcissistic and scary as Mark Zuckerberg. Now tell me that wasn't the star making performance of the year? It's hard to believe that was the same person. Could he win an Oscar? If he can beat Colin Firth. Which is, in fact, very likely indeed.



1. Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield deserves the top of my list because he just is Andrew Garfield. I'm in love with him. Of course, that comes from his star making performance as Eduardo Saverin in The Social Network, for which he has been nominated for a Golden Globe and has won an 'Actor of the Year' award for a breakthrough performance from the Hollywood Film Festival. Leading up to this star role he had already won a BAFTA for his performance in TV film Boy A; had starred in such Hollywood films as The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and Lions for Lambs; and gained mass critical attention for his work in The Red Riding Trilogy. Everything he does has had the critics raving him, including his other 2010 release, Never Let Me Go. And it seems it will only get better as he nabbed the leading role in the Spiderman reboot. Is he taking the world by storm? Yes. Do I mind? Not one bit.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (post #400!)

Today, Christmas Day, happens to coincide with my 400th post on this blog. Geez, it wasn't that long ago I was at 300!

Anyhoo, it's nearly the end of Christmas here, and I'm about to settle in to watch my annual Christmas movie...Meet Me in St. Louis. It's the second Judy Garland movie I've watched today, as I caught the screening of The Wizard of Oz screening earlier today. I've had a pretty good day, I got enough presents, which should allow me to fill up my DVD collection some more (me is happy). I've also eaten a lot...but hey, it's Christmas, it only happens once a year.

The point of this post isn't to go on about my day, but it's to wish whoever is reading this a very merry Christmas. I hope Santa has been good to you, though I hope most of all that you have a wonderful day with the people you really care about. Because, after all, that is what Christmas is about! After a long hard year, it's what you deserve! Thanks for reading my blog throughout year...this may sound cheesy but that is such a great present you guys are giving me. Again, have a great day!

And here is some Billy Mack, simply because this song was only on once today compared to the fifty (I am not exaggerating) times they played Destiny's Child's '8 Days of Christmas'. I also really love this song, almost as much as I love Love Actually.

DVD--Piranha

or: B-grade horror that is B-grade.

One word to sum it up: Silly

While I sum Piranha up to be 'silly'-and it certainly delivers on that promise-I really, really enjoyed this movie. I should be bowing my head in shame, but with a 74% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, I think that is okay. Look at it this way: this movie was never going to be great...in fact, it was a load of shit. Then again, that load of shit was turned into something so entertaining, and with some good actors (Elizabeth Shue, Christopher Lloyd, Ving Rhames...), it managed to pull off the B-grade horror it promised with style. And instead of being laughable, it was just really funny.

Every year, in sleepy Lake Victoria, Arizona, the population explodes to 50,000 for Spring Break – a riot of drunken fun in the sun for college students. This year, things turn sour. The lake sits on a crater formed by an ancient volcanic eruption, and when earth tremors causes the lake floor to crack open, scores of prehistoric piranhas set forth from the deep. Millions of these razor-toothed flesh eaters, with a primeval impulse to kill, wreck havoc upon the party-goers. A local sheriff (Elisabeth Shue) gets herself a group of helpers and risks everything to destroy the aquatic carnivores.

I imagine that this film would have been so fun to watch in 3D. It's cheap, and harks back to the days when 3D were more of a gimmick than an everyday thing. Given that gimmick, the death scenes are outrageously filmed, giving a more exciting and entertaining effect. To add to the outrageousness of this movie is the amount of nudity just thrown in, obviously selling the film to a younger male market. While this is undeniably the stuff that appears in the dreams of a teenage boy, if you can go in this movie without a critical head, then it is damn entertaining and pretty great. I wouldn't say it's the greatest horror film ever, but I'd go as far as saying that it was a really well made one, and tops to Alexandre Aja for pulling it off.


THE VERDICT: That was a shorter review due tot the fact that I wasn't being critical of this movie, because that's not what it needs. It just needs to be treated as a cheap B-grade horror and it will impress.

7/10

DVD--The Expendables

or: Jurassic Park 4: The Fossils Come Back

One word to sum it up: Testosterone-fuelled

I admit, The Expendables wasn't really a movie which I had wanted to see. I mean, gosh, have you seen the cast? It's like Sylvester Stallone has manged to drag up every old man from the deathly hallows of straight-to-DVD-land and put them in this movie. What was he trying to achieve? Maybe a film which would be popular among those crazy kids from the 80's who like old fashioned violence with guys who are a little too old to be even holding a gun? Or maybe a film which would revive some of these old guys failing careers? No, I believe it was more of a film that was advertised as a gnarly actioner with a pretty good cast, so everyone would go and see it. Easy money, when you think about it, because I think Sly forgot to buy a story to go with all the explosions and gunfights.

Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) leads the 'Expendables', a band of highly skilled mercenaries including knife enthusiast Lee Christmas (Jason Statham), martial arts expert Yin Yang (Jet Li), heavy weapons specialist Hale Caesar (Terry Crews), demolitionist Toll Road (Randy Couture) and loose-cannon sniper Gunner Jensen (Dolph Lundgren). When the group is commissioned by the mysterious Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) to assassinate the merciless dictator of a small South American island, Barney and Lee head to the remote locale to scout out their opposition. Once there, they meet with local rebel Sandra (Giselle Itie) and discover the true nature of the conflict engulfing the city. When they escape the island and Sandra stays behind, Ross must choose to either walk away and save his own life - or attempt a suicidal rescue mission that might just save his soul.

Fun fact: Bruce Willis' name appears on the poster advertising The Expendables, but he isn't listed as being credited on the films IMDb page, or in the end credits, for that matter. So does that mean a cameo appearance is eligible for 'lead role status' based on the actors popularity? That is just one of the many questions arisen by The Expendables. Another thing I found on the films IMDb page is how many people have message boarded their love for this film. Now, I have nothing against that, or their opinions, but calling this the 'best action film of all time' is a bit of a stab in the dark. There are a lot of action sequences within this film which are nothing but brainless entertainment. But the way they are handled is less than impressive, and in all honesty, quite tiresome. Once the film gets to it's finale, it feels a little 'meh', even though it's undeniably action-packed.

My mother, who was looking forward to this film way more than I was, wasn't overly impressed by this movie either. I think this is down to a particular group of people. 15-50 year old guys, who watch films purely for brainless fun, will probably really dig this movie. Girls might if they enjoy this type of thing. However, on a critical level, this movie doesn't really give me anything new to rave about. Being a fifteen year old girl certainly didn't help it's case either. I guess, if you like action films, and want to see a less graphic version of Rambo, then The Expendables is definitely for you.


THE VERDICT: Old fashioned action sequences and mullets can't save The Expendables from it's brainless story, but enjoyable thrills almost can.

4/10

Best and worst movies of 2010...so far

Okay, so I won't be able to do one of those fancy lists that has every awardsy movie in there. Why? Two reasons: 1) Most of them don't come out here until next year. 2) I don't often go to the cinemas because they are so far away and there are probably age restrictions on them meaning I can't watch them until they come out on DVD. It will be so much easier next year when I have my restricted drivers license so I can drive myself everywhere and when I am 16 so I'll be able to legally watch most of these movies.

Anyway, I haven't seen such films as Black Swan, The King's Speech, The Fighter, 127 Hours, The Kid's are All Right...the list goes on. But what I have seen you will find on here. I'll give you the best of each genre, some overrated films, some underrated films and some really bad films. Beware...I haven't seen a lot.

BEST DRAMA

Yeah, I'm a huge fan of The Social Network. I don't mind if it sweeps up every award at the Oscars. I was so interested in the story of Facebook before I had even heard of this movie, so seeing it all come to life was just amazing for me. The way Aaron Sorkin wrote it--as what could have possibly been a highly intelligent thriller--made the movie what it was. Hearing Jesse Eisenberg drone out his words in complete monotone was music to my ears. On that topic, Eisenberg has really grown into a proper actor with this role. Who would have thought that awkward lanky nerd would be an Oscar nominee (well I'm guessing he will be)? And where did Andrew Garfield come from? Thank God he's arrived on the scene. Justin Timberlake quashes all those thoughts on how a musician can't act. Complete with superb direction from David Fincher and an amazing score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, The Social Network is the movie event of the year.

BEST ACTION

Does this need an introduction? Ever since I first laid eyes on Inception back on July 22nd, I fell head over heels for it. And since getting it on DVD and watching it eight times, I think it's fair for me to say that Inception was my favourite film of the year. I still love it, even though most critics have forgotten about it. Truth is, Inception will probably live on a lot longer than the likes of The Social Network because it is so creative and original, and that ending sticks in your mind long after you have watched it. Christopher Nolan has topped his efforts on The Dark Knight (even though that remains as my favourite film of all time), and now we just have to wait and see if he can top those two with The Dark Knight Rises in 2012. Should be all in a days work for the guy.

BEST COMEDY

While Kick-Ass is probably recognized as an action film, I thought it was simply the funniest thing I had seen all year. I am totally obsessed with this movie. It's so gloriously violent, crazily colourful and all out entertaining that I couldn't help but fall in love with it. That probably all comes down to a nerdy Aaron Johnson, a fellow nerdy Christopher Mintz-Plasse, a sweet but outrageous Nicolas Cage, a wickedly evil Mark Strong, and, well, a fantastically talented Chloe Moretz. With all the foul-mouthery and raunchiness of a general R-rated comedy, plus all the violence one could hope for, Kick-Ass was 2010's major win.

BEST HORROR

I don't generally watch a lot of horrors, though mostly every one I have watched this year has been crap (see further down the list). However, one--which is probably more along the lines of sci-fi--which stood out for me was Splice. Despite the fact that it was so stuffed up, I really enjoyed it, and thought it was a stunning piece of modern cinema with great performances from Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley. Edgar Wright, the director of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, put this on his list of underrated movies of 2010, and said this: "This film was awarded a Cinemascore of F on the basis of two audience losing sex scenes that caused audible ‘What the fuck’ cries when I saw it in the cinema. I applauded them. This is a great twisted little piece of science fiction that deserved to be lauded for its smarts and guts." I couldn't agree more. While it does cause a few jaw dropping moments, Splice is still damn good.

BEST THRILLER

By now every one has probably forgotten about Martin Scorsese's delayed thriller Shutter Island, but it still deserves it's place on here. While it wasn't as good as I expected it to be, it was definitely edge-of-your-seat stuff, with a thrilling conclusion that was nothing but utter mindfuck. Featuring another superb and underrated performance from Leonardo DiCaprio, along with fine showings from man-of-the-moment Mark Ruffalo, Michelle Williams and Ben Kingsley, Shutter Island was a powerhouse of fun and pulpy horror blended in with a twisty thriller, and I applaud Scorsese for his achievements.

BEST ANIMATED

I don't think I have ever cried so much in a movie as I did at the end of Toy Story 3. It was a bittersweet farewell to those lovely toys I grew up with, and a pleasant reminder that Pixar will always make the best animated films. No other animated movie could come close to the greatness of this one, because no other animated movie could possibly capture the poignant moments or heart warming scenes that this one parades so well. Are we ready to say goodbye to Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the gang? Hmmmm...I don't know.

WORST FILM

Yay! A remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street! Because we soooooooooo needed one of them! Jeez, this movie was a mess. From it's unbelievable gore to it's generally laughable script and everything in between, it was awful. I feel sorry for Jackie Earle Haley, who may have put his all in, but he ain't no Freddy Kruger. And poor Rooney Mara. On her way to becoming a well respected actress in The Social Network and on to being Lisbeth Salander: version 2.0, she had to star in this crap. I don't hate it, it just could have been a hell of a lot better.
OTHER BAD FILMS FROM 2010:
The Last Song, Open House, Prince of Persia: the Sands of Time, The Bounty Hunter, Tooth Fairy, Legion, Killers, Eclipse, The Karate Kid, Clash of the Titans, Sex and the City 2, Dear John, Green Zone.

MOST OVERRATED FILM

I feel liked I should have loved I Am Love, considering European films which focus more on style are somewhat of a specialty for me. But I just couldn't. I found it generally boring (I hate using the word 'boring' to describe a film, but it really was). Yes, the aesthetic appeal of it was amazing, but it certainly wasn't as stunning or as triumphant as many made it out to be. I think this was because the film was lacking in story and felt genuinely unstructured, leading up to a ludicrous ending which only just won my attention. Tilda Swinton was undeniably gorgeous in this movie, and spoke Italian like she had been speaking it all her life, but even her dedication couldn't save this movie from the melodramatic soap it really was.

MOST UNDERRATED FILM

Last week I gave Cemetery Junction another look, and I fell in love with it. It's actually gut-bustingly funny, but moreso the movie is entirely true. The characters all represent that part of becoming an adult, which makes it so great. Add in appearances from Ricky Gervais (co-writer and director), Matthew Goode and a fierce Ralph Fiennes, and this movie has got it made. Cemetery Junction made me so happy, but also so sad that not many people have seen this British delight. Either way, it's bloody good and deserves some more audience.

BEST OVERALL FILM

This beast of nature deserves my highest honour as best film of 2010. Well done, Inception, you may not win Best Picture at the Oscars, but that doesn't stop you from being the actual best picture of the year. Now, Nolan, I expect to see you at the top of this list again in 2012!

HONOURABLE MENTIONS...OTHER GREAT MOVIES OF THE YEAR

What were your top movies this year? Drop a comment...I'd love some recommendations for when we finally get some more movies!

Cinema--Easy A

or: Hughes for this generation.

One word to sum it up: Smart.

I have been looking forward to seeing Easy A ever since I first heard about it. Not only did it look like a choice teen comedy, which have been surprisingly lacking lately, but this was an ample opportunity to let Emma Stone's star shine. For so long she has been the best thing about really crap movies. Did no one ever think to give her a lead role in a movie until now? Well at least the tables have turned for her...now she can say that she was the best thing of an equally good movie.

High school student Olive Penderghast (Emma Stone) finds herself the victim of her school's 'rumour mill' when she lies to her best friend Rhiannon (Alyson Michalka) about a weekend tryst with a fictional college freshman. Word quickly spreads of Olive's promiscuity and, much to her surprise, she welcomes the attention. When she agrees to help out a bullied friend by pretending to sleep with him, her image rapidly degrades to a more lascivious state and her world begins to spin out of control. As she helps more and more of her classmates and her lies continue to escalate, Olive must find a way to save face before the school's religious fanatic Marianne (Amanda Bynes) gets her expelled and she loses a shot at attaining her own happiness.

I'll start by saying this: Emma Stone is amazing. She is a young actress who can take a character and give it all the charisma, charm and vivaciousness it needs to come to life. Boy, is her special talent recognized in Easy A. She easily makes this movie as great as it is, with her sarcastic sense of humour. A lesser actress may have stumbled with the ultra smart script filled with big words last seen in The Social Network, but Stone makes it all believable and utterly addictive that Easy A is, well, addictive. The rest of it's cast is pretty good, apart from Amanda Bynes, who was supposedly retiring from acting. We haven't seen her for a while, but she hasn't changed in her time away from the film. And it's hard to see her still as a teenager. She is kinda annoying in this film, but I think that is all down to her character. Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci are undoubtedly the stand outs as Olive's rather open parents. They managed to get the most laughs because the audience have all had their parents embarass them at least once in their lives, but these two are just plain embarassing it's funny.

There hasn't been a good teen comedy since Mean Girls, and Easy A realizes that and tries to breathe life into the often under done genre. While the script isn't as smart as Tina Fey's 2004 one, it is generally a lot funnier than those raunchy college comedies that we find on the DVD shelves. The best thing is that this script is true. Everything could happen in real life. The rumour mill is there to be played with, which is what Easy A does. Of course, this movie owes a lot to the 80's comedies, but in all fairness, it's about time this generation saw some John Hughes style comedy. Easy A captures all the humour of growing up, and it can easily be compared to some of those John Hughes classics. The fact that it has so many references to his film is so cool, because now some of those younger folk may want to pick those movies up and give them a watch. So all I'm left to say is: thank you, Easy A, for reminding our generation that a teen comedy can be smart, not be too raunchy, and be all out funny while being heart breakingly true.


THE VERDICT: A great showcase for Emma Stone, and a fantastically written comedy with all the smarts of an 80's comedy. Must see for any teen.

8/10

DVD--Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

or: Bam! Smack! Woohoo!

One word to sum it up: A.W.E.S.O.M.E.

Me, the self-proclaimed comic book movie nerd that I am, was going to love Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, no doubt about it. The saddest thing about this movie, though, was the fact that it was released to some amazing critical acclaim, and everyone inside movie-world was obsessed with it. Unfortunately, hardly anyone from outside movie-world went to go and see it in it's theatrical release, therefore it flopped. Luckily it flopped gracefully, as it's fan base continue to go on about it today on their blogs and other social networking sites. This movie deserves it. Please, people in the teenage to late 20's age group, don't make the mistake of not seeing it. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is the most visually astounding movie we've seen since Avatar.

Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) plays in a garage band, Sex Bob-Omb with his friends. He dates Knives Chau (Ellen Wong), a high-school girl five years his junior, and he hasn't recovered from being dumped by his former girlfriend, now a success with her own band. When Scott falls for Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), he has trouble breaking up with Knives and tries to romance Ramona. As if juggling two women wasn't enough, Ramona comes with baggage: seven ex-lovers, with each of whom Scott must defeat in order to win Ramona.

Like this years earlier comic book movie release, Kick-Ass, Scott Pilgrim comes off as monumentally cool. But what Scott Pilgrim has over Kick-Ass is the way it is made. Instead of making another generic blockbuster, director Edgar Wright (responsible for such films as Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz) has adopted a video game style to aid the story. The whole movie maps out just as if it were a video game (no, not one of those fancy PS3 games that look real...it's more like 90s style), which helps stylize the violence and tone it down a little bit. This concept could have majorly failed, but under strict direction from Wright and carefully placed effects from the rather large visual effects, Scott Pilgrim is a major win. While it's script certainly isn't as stunning as the visuals, Scott Pilgrim is a virtually flawless and amazingly entertaining film.

Finally in a worthy lead role, Michael Cera (NOT the guy from Zomebieland and The Social Network...that is Jesse Eisenberg) hasn't shrugged off his awkward guy exterior he gained from Juno, but he is more bearable in this movie. I couldn't think of a person better suited to the role of Scott Pilgrim, and I'm glad we can see the guy kicking some butt instead of just being...awkward. The film is filled up with a great young ensemble cast, which includes the lovely Mary Elizabeth Winstead from Death Proof, Anna Kendrick from Up in the Air, Alison Pill from Milk, Chris Evans from The Losers and Jason Schwartzman from The Darjeeling Limited. How this film didn't get any recognition at the Golden Globes is beyond me. Not only is this one of the most all-out entertaining movies I have seen this year, but it's also totally deserving of any accolade it can get. I think I have found my latest movie obsession in Scott Pilgrim...or proof that I am getting nerdier by the day. Anyway, Scott Pilgrim is a must see for those who are open minded enough to take it's silly storyline seriously, because those people will be sincerely rewarded.

THE VERDICT: Why did no one go and see this wonderful film in it's theatrical release? Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is so visually stunning and funny that it deserves to be seen for it's great entertainment value.

10/10

DVD--4.3.2.1

or: Pretty little girls in trouble

One word to sum it up: Jumpy

Given that Emma Roberts has been dabbling in typically young movies for years now, I was interested to see how she would be in a movie that's a bit more mature and maybe worthy of her talents. Unfortunately, while 4.3.2.1 may have promised that, it certainly isn't mature or worthy of her talents. No, it's just a reason for it's predominantly female cast to get their clothes off instead of being the gritty crime thriller it could have been.

While Jo (Emma Roberts) is chained down in a dead end supermarket job, her friends are all out on their own separate adventures: Cassandra (Tamsin Egerton) is jetting off to New York to meet her Internet boyfriend; Kerrys (Shanika Warren-Markland) is on a one woman crusade fighting for female liberation and Shannon (Ophelia Lovibond) is on a one way trip to meet her maker. But a chance encounter with some diamond thieves sends their separate worlds on a collision course with not only each other, but fate itself.

I did actually enjoy this movie. I thought the story logistics were all well in place, and the way it was executed was brilliantly done. The film starts off with a brief introduction to our four leading characters, and then spins off into telling their seperate stories, one by one. Shannon's story was a good place to start, since it was so depressing, but mixed into that were the beginnings off a crime thriller that never quite lifted off after that. Admittedly, by the time it got to the fourth story, which was Jo's, I felt a little tired out by everything that had happened, and I just wanted them to tie up the loose ends as fast as they could and end the movie. That's the problem with these multi plot films...there is always one story (in this case Shannon's) that is better than all the rest, and the other stories usually leave me feeling a little empty because of that. Cassandra's storyline was a little unbelievable but served as a great warning to those with internet 'boyfriends'; Kerrys didn't really have a storyline and was just running around trying to save the world and take a piece out of everyone else; and Jo's storyline, while somewhat interesting (a dodgy dealer at work...most of us can relate to that), was just a tad predictable and shallow.

Of course, being a British film requiring young ladies to pull this movie off, we had to see some up and comers in the lead roles. Emma Roberts, Tamsin Egerton, Shanika Warren-Markland and Ophelia Lovibond are all actresses who have been around a while but haven't had their big break...and they didn't get it here, either. At times their acting wasn't particularly believable, and it often felt like another episode of Eastenders or something. A little more training and I feel like these actresses will be up to it and ready to take on the world. Noel Clarke, who is also the writer and director, stars in this film mainly in the final story, just trying to take over the whole thing. I personally think he did better in the directing part of his job. Using jumpy editing, whirlwind visuals and interesting reveal shots to aid the story was possibly the highlight of this film. However, it's easy to see he is trying to be Tarantino here, and he miserably fails at that.


THE VERDICT: 4.3.2.1 is a fast paced thrill ride bogged down with some boring character stories and a heavy reliance on sex talk to keep things going.

5/10

Top 10 movies I like to watch at Christmas time

This list may seem a little strange, mainly because most of these movies have absolutely nothing to do with Christmas, but they are all films that have some importance to me...mainly around Christmas time. I'm not a huge fan of actual Christmas movies, and it is always these ones which get me in the spirit.

10. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I'm not really sure why this one screams out 'Christmas' to me. I think it's because I like watching movies about peoples lives (see further on in the list) around Christmas, and I can also stand a bit more romance around this time of the year too. In saying that, Benjamin Button is one of my most beloved movies, and I'd take any opportunity to watch David Fincher's most underrated work. If it were just for the scene where Daisy unexpectedly turns up to see Benjamin a while after she pushes him away in Paris.

9. Singin in the Rain



I think this choice probably has something to do with the fact that I watched it a few days before Christmas two years ago, so I always associate it with Christmas. Musicals are the best type of movies to watch around Christmas, mainly because they'll always give you that fuzzy feeling inside (if you're not too cynical). Singin in the Rain has often been voted as the best musical ever made, and it probably is. It has such a charm and more humour than you can shake a stick at, and it's definitely enjoyable.

8. The Philadelphia Story



There's nothing like Katharine Hepburn around Christmas time, I can tell you that now. And I just happen to think that watching black and white screwball comedies is damn cool on Christmas day too...

7. Gone with the Wind

If Christopher Nolan wasn't around, then Gone with the Wind would be my favourite movie. Trust me, I know everything there is to know about this one movie. And Christmas always feels like the right time to watch it (esepcially since I got the 70th anniversary 5 disc edition last year). It's just so epic, and it always makes me feel on top of the world after I finish watching it. 224 minutes of techicolour greatness there. Oh,  and the beauty of Vivien Leigh...

6. Casablanca

Casablanca has always been near and dear to my heart ever since I bought it on Boxing Day in 2007. It's just so romantic and beautiful that it melts my heart every time I watch it. Hey, it always puts a smile on my face too, even after I've been crying right the way through it. If only those people in Hollywood could make a movie that is half as good as this one without being too cheesy.

5. The Wizard of Oz

Is there a better family film? The Wizard of Oz is a particular favourite over here when it comes to holiday movies. I got the beautiful 3 disc set for Christmas in 2008 and it was on TV last year during Christmas afternoon, so it's hard for me not to associate this with Christmas. It just reminds me of how lucky I am to be at home and with my family, and not to wish for something over the rainbow...because that doesn't always turn out great.

4. The Shawshank Redemption

Yeah, I've been told that this one may be a little depressing for Christmas time, but that must be how we do it in New Zealand. I first caught a glimpse of it back in 2005 (I think?) when it was on Christmas night (I didn't watch the whole thing...I was young and slept a lot). I then first watched the whole thing when it was on TV around the Christmas period last year, and was quite frankly amazed by it. And guess what is on tomorrow night? The Shawshank Redemption. I mean, come on, it gives you a lot of hope, and it is the best movie ever made...so why not?

3. It's a Wonderful Life

This is probably the movie on this list that is based the most around Christmas. And let me tell you, this is quite possibly the best Christmas movie ever. From Jimmy Stewart running down the street yelling 'Merry Christmas!' at everyone to the whole town coming together to help his cause, It's a Wonderful Life just shows us all how lucky we are to be living the lives we were given and to have the people surrounding us. Gosh, does this one bring a tear to my eye or what?!

2. Forrest Gump



Here is another movie that is usually on every Christmas (or 23rd December mostly), so I can't not associate it with that period of time. But it's not on this year! Oh well, I'll just have to get out the DVD for it's annual watch. Everyone in NZ loves Forrest Gump. And what better time of the year is there to watch it than Christmas time?

1. Meet Me in St. Louis

This is my 5th favourite film of all time, mainly because I will, without fail, watch this every Christmas. Not just because it features the beautiful song 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'. It just has that feeling of family and how great it is to be together, in the place that you love most. It's so light, fluffy and infectious that I feel so upbeat after watching it...the true meaning of 'Christmas spirit'. I look forward to taking the DVD out of it's place on my shelf and giving this a watch again. It's basically the meaning of Christmas to me.