Sondheim at the Movies

You know your a musical theater kid when...

• You listen to the soundtrack on repeat until you have memorized every word (annoying everyone you live with)
• You have the idea of skipping important family time to go see a midnight showing of the new movie musical
• You could not wait 10 days to get the new movie musical soundtrack. You had to pre-order it ahead of time to make sure you could listen the moment it came out
• You know exactly what is going to happen in the movie because you have read every interview and watched every clip you can find

Anyone else doing this? Or am I just crazy...

If you haven't heard, "Into the Woods" will arrive at movie theaters near you on December 25th. One of the most beloved musicals of all time from the best song writer alive, Stephen Sondheim, has been made into a movie. Every high school, college, university, and community theater group has done this show at least once. And everyone knows the words. Finally, it is coming to the silver screen.

And you couldn't ask for a better cast: Meryl Streep as the Witch, James Cordon as the Baker, Emily Blunt as the Baker's Wife, Anna Kendrick as Cinderella, Chris Pine as Cinderella's Prince, Lilla Crawford as Little Red Riding Hood, Johnny Depp(also in "Sweeny Tood", another Sondheim show) as the Wolf, Daniel Huttlestone as Jack, Tracy Ullman as Jack's Mother... I could go on and on, but that's a lot already. You get the picture.

Then we are blessed with a director who has made 2 of the best movie musicals ever ("Chicago" and Kathy Bates' "Annie")--- Rob Marshall. And then Rob goes and asks the masters to come help with the whole project-- James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim himself. This is the perfect combination for a perfectly wrapped Christmas present to everyone who needs to erase Russell Crowe destroying "Stars" from your memory.

No, I haven't seen it yet. But if the soundtrack gets me this excited, I can only imagine sugar plums on Christmas Eve.

To calm by sweaty palms and racing heart until the day after Christmas when I will be dragging someone to go see this movie musical with me, I have decided to take a look at Sondheim's other creations that were also turned into movies. The infectious melodies on Sondheim and sincere story lines will hold you until Christmas.

"Company" (2011)
I went to go see this show when I was at a high school theater festival and had never heard of Sondheim or of this show. I needed to fill a few hours before I went to dinner, and it was the best decision I made. I fell in love with Sondheim's lyrics and catchy tunes without even realizing it. Neil

Patrick Harris stars as Robert, the single guy whose friends are all married, and they continually try to push him into relationships. This version is actually a recorded concert of the show then a full production. But because the show, like many Sondheim pieces, is focused on the music and story, you don't need any fireworks.

P.S. Stephen Colbert is in it!! And sings!! (and so many others you know and love)

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" (1966)
Mel Brooks must have taken notes from this movie musical. It's a story set in ancient Rome where a slave wants to be set free, and his key to freedom is by setting up his master's son with a courtesan next door. Starring Zero Mostel, a comedy legend, known for his roles on stage and screen including "Fiddler on the Roof" and "The Producers".

"A Little Night Music" (1977)
Simply put, this story is about affairs. It features a fair performance by Elizabeth Taylor who really should not sing, but she's Elizabeth Taylor. We let her sing. The song is still pretty.

"Sweeney Todd" (2007)
Before "Into the Woods", Johnny Depp was the demon barber of Fleet Street, a man who longs for revenge and blood. He uses the same tone and vocal expression in this movie that he does on the soundtrack of "Into the Woods." It was so hard for me to pick just one song to show you, but I chose "Epiphany" because it really gets at Todd's madness and darkness.

"Sunday in the Park with George" (1986)
This is such an interesting concept for a musical -- a look behind what it takes to make a masterpiece. "Sunday in the Park" is all about George Seurat's story behind his painting of "Sunday in the Park". Mandy Patinkin stars as George and Bernadette Peters shows up! Truthfully, this is also a cheat. It's a recording of the stage performance. But it's still good.

BONUS: If you can't wait to see the movie, watch the recorded stage version with Bernadette Peters as the Witch. You can watch the whole thing online.

My Desert Island Christmas Movies

Christmas is my favorite time of year. Yes, there are presents and loads of family time and delicious ham and sugar cookies and twinkling lights. But I really love Christmas because it is the only holiday that has its own songs and movies. Halloween has plenty of movies, but not many theme songs. While my family is decorating our tree, we are also listening to Christmas music. My iPod is full with only Christmas songs. And I don't watch anything but Christmas movies from Dec. 1 through Dec. 24. (We usually get movies on Christmas Day so that's what we watch after we open presents)

Below is my personal list of favorite Christmas movies. These are movies you could loop on ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas and I would not be even slightly annoyed. If I was stuck on a desert island at Christmas with only these movies, a TV and DVD player, I would choose these movies. (Of course, there are 12 for the 12 Days of Christmas)

1. "The Santa Clause" (1994)

This movie is our Christmas Eve tradition and has been for many, many years. I know everyone probably says this but, my dad really does look and act like Tim Allen in this movie. And when I was little, I would dream about my dad becoming Santa Clause because to me no man was more loving, caring, and generous then my dad. Every time I watch this movie, I am so thankful for such an awesome dad and still secretly wish he could push Santa off a roof.

2. "White Christmas" (1954)

No one makes movies like this anymore. All you need to make a movie is a velvety voice (Bing Crosby) and some really fun dance numbers that last for as long as they want to. This movie is a clear example of the music and movie magic of Christmas. The story is all about letting go for love, and what could be a better theme for Christmas? You know you can't help but sing along to all of these songs (and continue to wonder how Vera-Ellen's, who plays Judy, waist was so skinny)

3. "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992)

The Muppets show up a few times on my list because you really can't beat em. Christmas and the Muppets are the two things that make you feel like a kid no matter what age you are. As the Muppets do best, they take a classic tale and tell it in their own family-friendly way that still has me laughing and singing along all of these years later. P.S.- This movie needs to be re-released on DVD in its entirety. I have lamented for years that this song below was not in the DVD release, and the reason for this makes no sense. Supposedly, the story is that the theatrical release of this movie DID include the song, but when the movie was aired on TV, it was cut for time. Somebody decided it was a good idea to grab the TV version for the DVD instead of the entire theatrical version. Muppets, please fix this.

4. "Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas" (1997)

Of course there can to be some Disney on here. "Beauty and the Beast" is still to this day one of my all-time favorite movies with my all-time favorite Disney princess. When this movie came out was right around the time I was learning about how amazing BATB was so naturally I bought the dress-up costume to go with this new movie and watched the movie over and over and over again. I still love it, even though I usually have to watch this one by myself every Christmas. Added bonus- Bernadette Peters is in it!

5. "The Polar Express" (2004)

Before Tom Hanks was cast as The Polar Express, there was a book about a little boy who had stopped believing in Santa Claus and the magical train that took him to the North Pole. Before the movie, my family would read this every year and ring the little bell that came with the book just to double check that we could still hear it. When the rumors began that a movie was going to be made about this special book, no one in my family could see how that worked. The book was no more than 20 pages and mostly consisted of pictures of a train riding through snowy scenery. But this movie was able to capture every bit of heart the book had, and then some. This movie got me through the doubting Santa years where I wasn't really sure if I was still allowed to believe anymore. Though that train may never come to my front door, I know that the bell will always ring for me, as it does for those who truly believe.

6. "Jack Frost" (1998)

Another Dad Christmas movie (someone needs to get on making a Mom Christmas movie). This one also holds very special memories for me. I remember the Christmas of 2008 I could barely watch this movie without drowning in a puddle of tears. That was the year my dad was in the hospital with cancer. For the first time, I watched Charlie fight to keep his snowman dad alive just another day longer, and I wished all I had to do was leave the door and windows open on a cold winter day to keep my dad. Now that he is well again, the movie does make me ugly cry. My dad has always made Christmas special every year. He helped my siblings and I build snowmen, he went sledding with us, he fills the Advent House with little presents for everyone every year, he eats all the burnt Christmas cookies that no one else will touch. It wouldn't be Christmas without those memories, and it wouldn't be Christmas without my dad.

7. "A Muppet Family Christmas" (1987)

I told you the Muppets would be back! This home released movie finds the gang traveling the Fozzie's Ma's house for Christmas where they meet other Jim Henson characters (Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock) as well as a special moment with Jim himself. The Muppets come together for a heart-warming tale of friendship and love. P.S.- I have never seen this movie on DVD in the stores, but it is still on YouTube if you are interested.

8. "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" (1970)

I'm not a big fan of claymation films. I know that tons of work goes into making them, and sometimes they can be really beautiful, it is not a style that I love. So that means Rudolph is off the table to begin with. But "Santa Claus" has its up sides that make me want to watch this movie. First of all, it covers every Santa question a kid has and answers them logically and creatively. Reindeer fly by eating magic reindeer feed corn. Santa goes down the chimney because it was the only way he could get the children of Sombertown their toys. Secondly, every 3 minutes there is a toe-tapping song that you will never get out of your head, and you will sing along even if you don't know all the words. "Put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking 'cross the floo-oo-oor." "When you're the first toy makers to the kiiiiiing!" "If you sit on my lap today, a kiss a toy is the price you pay." Thirdly, Fred Astaire! Who doesn't want to watch a claymation of Fred Astaire?

9. "Arthur Christmas" (2011)

I have to admit that I was very wary of this movie when it first came out. Since "Jack Frost" I had yet to find a modern Christmas movie that was original and not too cheesy. There was also a previous film about the Claus family ("Fred Claus"), and it wasn't so great or reverent of the Christmas legends. But this movie takes a look at how Santa and his family are struggling to accept technology into this very traditional process. Also, the film puts the business of being Santa Claus as a family business, one that you inherent, which has never been done before. Of course there is more than one Santa. He can't live forever. Through this plot line, you can bring in another great Christmas movie trope- sibling rivalry.

10. "The Holiday" (2006)

Ok, so it's not 100% a Christmas movie. It's not about Santa or the Christmas spirit. It's about how truly hard relationships are. And how much it really, really hurts when you get burned. So much so that you need to go away for a holiday. And it's about how love bites you on the butt when you least except it, and it can be really hard to open up to it. This movie shows Kate Winslet, one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, in her sweats cry-singing in her kitchen with her cat. The wisdom that is imparted to her by Arthur Abbott is the most brilliant advice ever. It's a movie about how the movies hold all of the keys to our love live-- AWESOME!!

P.S. Iris and I are the same person.- journalists who are truly hopeless romantics who also love movies and music. I should really just move to London.

11. "Rise of the Guardians" (2012)

Ok, again, not really a Christmas movie, but at least it has Santa Claus in it. Even if he is played by Alec Baldwin. The story is about the Guardians of the children- Santa Claus aka North, the Tooth Fairy aka Tooth, the East Bunny aka Bunny, the Sand Man aka Sandy and the newly admitted Jack Frost. The team must fight against the Boogey Man aka Pitch to protect the dreams of children, their memories, their awe of the world, and their hope. It's another original story that is heartfelt and truthful.

 12. "Scrooged" (1988)

I don't love Scrooge/Grinch movies. The whole idea about a Debbie-downer at Christmas is no fun to watch. You just want to skip to the end. But you can't help but love Bill Murray (see the Murray Effect in my previous blog). So this story of redemption with much more humor then you would ever except to see in a Scrooge/Grinch movie makes the last place on my list.

What are your desert island Christmas movies? Share them in the comments!

In Review: "Big Hero 6"

In Review: "Big Hero 6"

Let's take a look at Disney's recent track record (originals, not sequels and animated, not live-action):

-"The Princess and the Frog" (2009)-- The first attempt to start a new Disney princess era was not a big success. The hand-drawn animation, though beautiful, could not compete with the 3D animation.

-"Tangled" (2010)-- Rapunzel catapulted Disney princesses back on the market. Complete with a mini sequel to the film, the film surpassed "The Lion King" in the highest grossing opening weekend Disney film- later beaten out by "Wreck-It Ralph" and then "Frozen"

-"Wreck-It Ralph" (2012)-- winner of best Animated Film in the Annie Awards (animation awards), innovative storyline and setting

-"Brave"(2012)-- the first ever Pixar princess was not a huge success with audiences because it struggled to find one message that viewers could take away (though it did win Best Animated Picture)

-"Frozen" (2013)-- the buzz still hasn't stopped with this movie, and rumors are flying left and right for further continuation of the story and its characters- a sequel, musical, ride, a short (which is definitely happening). The film has had a theatrical release of a sing-along version, a meet-and-greet station that has caused serious drama at the Magic Kingdom, and toys/costumes/merchandise that can't stay on the shelves long enough.

You see the pattern? Disney is starting its new Renaissance! With stories and characters who come from original or tried-and-true material, modern morals, and an audience who can't stop eating it all up! "Big Hero 6" is just a continuation of Disney's upward movement.

The Story

Originally from a Marvel comic book series, the movie tells the story of a young genius named Hiro who is steered on the right path by his older brother and his brother's invention, a health care robot named Baymax. After a mysterious accident, (THERE ARE NO SPOILERS. IT IS IN THE TRAILER) Hiro's brother dies and Hiro is left alone with Baymax. As an health care robot would do, Baymax finds a need for his care- to help Hiro deal with the loss of his brother. Hiro discovers a clue into finding what really happened the night his brother died and Baymax is open to help. With some modifications to Baymax, himself and his brother's friends, Big Hero 6, a crime fighting superhero team, is born.

The Stars

The last few Disney movies have boosted ticket sales because of the stars that were hired to voice the characters. Mandy Moore as Rapunzel, Kristen Bell as Anna, and Sarah Silverman as Vanelope, just to name a few. But this movie doesn't use the big names to draw in audiences. (Of course, they don't really have to since Disney has been on a roll lately). Instead what is really interesting and innovative is they use bi-racial actors. Ryan Potter, who plays Hiro, is half Japanese and half American. Daniel Henney, who plays Hiro's brother, is half American and half Korean. The characters, as well as the world created in the movie, are bi-racial and so are the actors. Sure, you might not be able to tell the difference, since it is their voices that you hear and not their faces that you see. Bu, it is really the thought that counts. "The Last Avatar" cast Caucasian actors for Inuit, Chinese, and Japanese characters and made many fans very unhappy.

The Message

Once again, as with "Frozen", there is no love story. Yay!! Just familial love- in this case, between brother and brother. But really, the film gets at a deeper message. Losing someone you love is hard, but doing it without friends and family who love you is even harder. Doing it with revenge and hatred in your heart is near impossible. That's a pretty big concept for a kid's movie! But it gets at a basic idea that everyone tends to forget- you can't live life alone.

Overall

I love, not only the story, the message, the casting, and how the original material was translated for a younger audience, but visually, this film is like a kid in a giant, colorful candy store. The concept of the world is a combination between San Francisco and Tokyo. Both cultures and cities embrace the past and the future. There's a bridge that looks like the Golden Gate Bridge at first, but if you look closer it looks like the symbol for the ancient Japanese religion of Shinto. There are also cherry blossom trees along the streets, elevated fast-moving trains, cable cars, and big, colorful Victorian style homes.

On top of that, Baymax is just well animated. How do you make a big balloon look adorable, humorous, and indestructible at the same time? Minimum animation. One of the best scenes is when Baymax is trying to squeeze past a space in between a table and abed. This could look stupid and clunky, almost like the animators were trying to hit you in the face to make you laugh. But it was realistic and earnest, making it a laugh out loud moment in the film.

The only reason I'm taking off points is that I wish there was a little bit more character development with Hiro's friends and his Aunt. You assume that his parents died, but you are not quite sure why this Aunt seems like she has had 100 cups of coffee. And Hiro's friends add real color to the storyline and action that you are sad you don't get to see more of them. Stay til the end though to find out something very special about Hiro's friend Fred.

3 out of 4 Baymaxes