Every year for the last three years, we’ve done a special project called “Ed’s Christmas on TV Project” [Click here for the special page]
This year is no exception! We’ll be starting today mixing some holiday films in along with the regular reviews, but there is a list of hundreds of films that have already been reviewed. You’ll see them on the “Ed’s Christmas on TV Project” page, and you can recognize them as the titles will start with two snowflakes “**” in front of the title. These are films that appear on TV, on cable channels like Hallmark, and Lifetime, and all over the place. Many are available on demand and on Watch Instantly. I hope that if you are a Christmas Movie sucker like I am, that this special list helps you find the gems among the clinkers are you enjoy your holiday viewing.
Greta Gerwig, Adam Brody, Analeigh Tipton, Carrie MacLemore, Megalyn Echikunwoke, Ryan Metcalf, Jermaine Crawford, Caitlin Fitzgerald, Zach Woods, Aubrey Plaza, Alia Shawkat,
Violet (Greta Gerwig) and her two accomplices have the idea that they must help all the “less-fortunate” students at Seven Oaks College. They run a Suicide Prevention Centre and off their advice anytime they get the chance. Their newest rescue is transfer student, Lily (Analeigh Tipton). They take Lilly under their wing and try to teach her how to talk and dress properly, and how to select appropriate men to be interested in. They then head out to save the whole school through their dance, music, and perfume.
This is a very unusual film. I made my way through the whole thing, but it was a challenge. This director (Whit Stillman) who is also the writer of the screenplay certainly has his own style. Everything is like a very slow deadpan look at life. It’s slow, and it’s funny, but in a very, very deadpan way. In other words, it’s very strange and unusual humor, with no ha-ha moments. The whole things plods along without anything much going on. For an example of the type of “jokes” you’re going to get, this university doesn’t have a greek system. They have a Roman system, so the fraternities have Roman names. Isn’t that hysterical? I’m not sure how to describe it, but the best thing I can come up with is “pretentious”. It’s very academic, Sundance, film schoolish, and it nearly bored me to death. Nothing happens, these characters would be rejected for animated cartoon work because they are too stupid, and I wonder about the many people who love this film. Are they also pretentious, or do they really know something I don’t know. Skip this one!
Beijing Liangzi Group, Beijing Poly-bona Film Publishing Company, Bona International Film Group,
Jet Li, Xun Zhou, Kun Chen, Lunmei Kwai, Yuchun Li, Mavis Fan, Siu-Wong Fan, Chia Hui Liu
The Ming Dynasty is ending, and a fearsome warlord grabs control of everything he can get his hands on. An inn, the Dragon Gate Inn, has and innkeeper who has gone missing, and the new inn is staffed by thieves and robbers masquerading as regular citizens. As the world prepares for battle, a vicious sandstorm approaches, one that comes to plaque China every 60 years. A giant battle approaches at a city long buried beneath the sand.
This is an excellent film, one with beautiful cinematography, scenery that is awesome to see, and some pretty good acting in this classic style Chinese martial arts film. Filled with the magic and mystery of China’s legendary ages. Jet Li stars in this film, and he’s one of the best. Like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” this film is a beautiful subtitled movie of the same quality. If you enjoy this type of film, this is certainly worth watching. One look at the trailer, and you’ll see how well done this film is. It’s well worth the effort of reading the subtitles to enjoy the beauty and majesty of this special film. Still, all that aside, the battles and fighting is also done in a very professional manner as well. Whether for the majesty of the Chinese scenery, or the action sequences and action, this is a good one on a great number of levels.
