12/20/11

What Movies to See Over the Christmas Holiday?

In recent years, it's become almost a cliché that people who don't celebrate Christmas head out to the multiplex on December 25. I'm here to dispel the stereotype: I do celebrate Christmas, and I'm off at the movies with everyone else as soon as I'm done opening presents. And I return a couple more times over the week that follows—it's a long break with a lot of time to fill. The only questions: What to see, and with whom?

I have to say, this year's choices look pretty good. There's a large variety, from big-action flicks to crime thrillers to Oscar bait to two Spielberg movies. Here, my suggestions for what to see and whom to take with you over the holidays.

Take Your Grandparents, or Anyone Who Loves...

12/14/11

Our Scenery Can Sometimes Surprise You

There were two movies in theaters this weekend that I want to talk about: The Sitter and Young Adult. The Sitter is an Adventures-in-Babysitting-style comedy, where the titular babysitter, played by Jonah Hill, starts off in suburban surroundings. He's charged with taking care of three overprivileged, overindulged children. He starts off watching them in their giant, perfectly decorated home, but, when he gets a call from a girl at a party in Brooklyn, he herds them into their parents’ minivan—complete with New York license plate and one of those little stickers that show you how big the family is—and takes them for R-rated adventures in the gritty city.

Posted at 09:27 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

12/07/11

This Year’s Crop of Christmas Albums

In addition to Black Friday-through-Cyber-Monday deals, claymation TV specials, and frequent cookie-swapping get-togethers, 'tis the season for nonstop holiday music. It's a big, booming business, and every artist that can stuff a stocking seems to put out a collection of seasonal songs around now.  Some of these are charming; some are quickie affairs designed to make tweens part with their cash.

Ever since I was skewered for saying less-than-flattering things about a certain American Idol contestant, I’ve learned it’s dangerous to interject my own opinions about holiday music. But I just can’t help...

Posted at 03:51 PM | Permalink | Comments: 1