Ed's Review Dot Com

Warner Bros. Pictures, GK Films, Smoke House,

Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Victor Garber, Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall, Scoot McNairy, Rory Cochrane, Christopher Denham, Kerry Bishé, Kyle Chandler, Chris Messina, Zeljko Ivanek, Titus Welliver, Keith Szarabajka, Bob Gunton, Richard Kind, Taylor Schilling, Adrienne Barbeau

Back in 1979, relations with Iran were really bad. The Ayatollah had taken power, and they were furious that the US was harboring the deposed Shah. They wanted him returned and hung. A crowd of terrorists overran the US Embassy and took everyone hostage. Six people managed to slip away and escaped to the Canadian embassy and remained as hidden guests of the Canadian ambassador. The CIA set out to rescue them before the Iranians found out about them. They concocted a plan to pretend to make a movie while all the while helping these people to escape Iran. Argo was selected by the Academy as Best Picture for 2012.

I remember when these events happened. We were encouraged to send a letter to the Canadian government thanking them for the rescue of our hostages. All of the credit went to the Canadians for their work. This was mentioned in the movie as the CIA who actually hatched this plan, could not take any credit for it. Until now. This movie is really the Ben Affleck show. Is it the best film of 2012? I don’t think so. I really think Lincoln was robbed. But it is an exiting story. Perhaps Affleck is guilty of taking on too much all at once, although he must be really proud of the awards that this film garnered. But it was a teensy bit of a disappointment for me. It seems that the best moments of the movie are all in the clips that we have already seen. Also, since this is a real event, it’s hard to generate a lot of suspense because we already know the outcome. All they can tell us is some of the details in the middle. However, it’s a film that you should watch, just for the historical value. John Goodman and Alan Arkin did a good job, and added to the atmosphere of the film. They have one great scene near the end that is really cool. Victor Garber is the Canadian ambassador, and he always is good in this kind of role. All in all it’s a good story and it’s well worth taking the time to watch it. Just don’t go in with expectations too high, as you might, like me, feel a bit let down.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

Walt Disney Home Entertainment, Keystone Entertainment, Santa Paws Productions

I do think they did better with this prequel than the original Santa Buddies. It’s a really good story, although not very original. It certainly steals a lot from Annie, as I mentioned, and other Christmas films where Santa develops amnesia and his friends have to help him. But the charming Paws, Santa’s Dog makes this one very charming. Kaitlyn Maher is just as charming as an actress as she is as a singer, and she’s simply adorable. Let’s face it, the kids are going to love this film by Disney, and this is one you can certainly sit through with them and enjoy just as much as they do. It’s charming, and cute, and a real Christmas masterpiece. Don’t let the CGI talking dogs bother you. Ignore it and don’t let it distract you, and you’re going to have a great time with “In Search of Santa Paws” I promise.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

Walt Disney Home Entertainment, Keystone Entertainment, Santa Buddies Productions

Craig Anton, Andrew Astor, Charisse Baker, Tom Bosley, Field Cate, Tim Conway, Chris Coppola, Josh Flitter, Nico Ghisi, Ben Giroux, Skyler Gisondo, Zachary Gordon, Ryan Grantham, Ellie Harvie, Richard Kind

Santa’s in trouble.  The North Pole Icicle is melting because Christmas spirit is waning.  Santa needs help because it’s gotten so bad that Santa’s reindeer can’t even get off the ground anymore.  But the buddies will help.  Santa Paws recruits the buddies to pull a doggie sleigh and deliver the presents themselves.  But they also need to improve the Christmas spirit as well or Santa is out of business.

George Wendt appears as Santa, and he’s one of the best, but Christopher Lloyd appears as a greedy mean dog catcher who will only place dogs if someone can cough up the $300.00.   Changing him will be the biggest challenge.  This is a kiddie movie, like the other Bud movies.  Adults may find it a little silly and the cgi is really cheesy, but for kids, it’s going to be magic.  Truly, if you need a couple hours peace and quiet,  put the kids in front of the TV and put this on!   Or better yet, watch it with them.  And if you’re a fan of any of the other films, or are a big dog lover, these dogs are really cute and cuddly.  So it’s a harmless cool kiddie film about how the dogs saved Christmas.  Just kick back and enjoy.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog