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Amy Christmas (170 KP) created a post
Dec 12, 2017
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Office Christmas Party (2016) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
Josh Parker (Jason Bateman) is a man with many things on his mind. He has just finalized a divorce which has cost him his house, tons of money, and his confidence. Known for bunting instead of swinging away, Josh heads to his office to move on with his life as Christmas approaches.
His lead programmer Tracey (Olivia Munn) constantly reminds him of his playing it safe mentality to the point where she fed up with him and his ways.
Thankfully for Josh his boss Clay (T.J. Miller), values him and even though he is a goof who happened to be given the office by his late father who started the company, things are looking up.
That is until Interim CEO Carol (Jennifer Aniston) arrives and makes no effort to hide her disdain for her brother Clay, nor the company not meeting her expectations.
Carol quickly tells Josh and Clay that they will have to downsize if they want to stay open and in a very unpopular move, eliminates bonuses and the office Christmas Party.
Since the movie is called “Office Christmas Party”, you know that Carol’s request will fall on deaf ears as Clay convinces his sister that they are about to close a major client (Courtney B. Vance), and as such will have the deal set before she lands in London later that evening.
With nothing to go on aside from desperation, Clay puts the lovable but highly eccentric office into overdrive to create a party unlike any other so they can land the contract needed to stay in business.
When the party arrives one series of epic misadventures and mishaps after another arises which threatens to sink the company and everyone involved once and for all.
The film follows a fairly linear and somewhat predictable path but the strong cast does a great job and Kate McKinnon as the ultra-weird H.R. lead steals several of the scenes in which she is in. Bateman plays pretty much the same character that he has played in most of his recent work as the everyman that tries to make the best of the bad situation and Miller is pretty much recycling the same character he plays on Silicon Valley. That being said, there are plenty of laughs if you do not mind the very bawdy humor and Directors Josh Gordon and Will Speck keep things moving at a steady pace with laughs throughout the film.
While it is likely not going to be a holiday classic, “Office Christmas Party”, is a very fun and enjoyable diversion.
http://sknr.net/2016/12/09/office-christmas-party/
His lead programmer Tracey (Olivia Munn) constantly reminds him of his playing it safe mentality to the point where she fed up with him and his ways.
Thankfully for Josh his boss Clay (T.J. Miller), values him and even though he is a goof who happened to be given the office by his late father who started the company, things are looking up.
That is until Interim CEO Carol (Jennifer Aniston) arrives and makes no effort to hide her disdain for her brother Clay, nor the company not meeting her expectations.
Carol quickly tells Josh and Clay that they will have to downsize if they want to stay open and in a very unpopular move, eliminates bonuses and the office Christmas Party.
Since the movie is called “Office Christmas Party”, you know that Carol’s request will fall on deaf ears as Clay convinces his sister that they are about to close a major client (Courtney B. Vance), and as such will have the deal set before she lands in London later that evening.
With nothing to go on aside from desperation, Clay puts the lovable but highly eccentric office into overdrive to create a party unlike any other so they can land the contract needed to stay in business.
When the party arrives one series of epic misadventures and mishaps after another arises which threatens to sink the company and everyone involved once and for all.
The film follows a fairly linear and somewhat predictable path but the strong cast does a great job and Kate McKinnon as the ultra-weird H.R. lead steals several of the scenes in which she is in. Bateman plays pretty much the same character that he has played in most of his recent work as the everyman that tries to make the best of the bad situation and Miller is pretty much recycling the same character he plays on Silicon Valley. That being said, there are plenty of laughs if you do not mind the very bawdy humor and Directors Josh Gordon and Will Speck keep things moving at a steady pace with laughs throughout the film.
While it is likely not going to be a holiday classic, “Office Christmas Party”, is a very fun and enjoyable diversion.
http://sknr.net/2016/12/09/office-christmas-party/
Amy Curtis (49 KP) rated A Christmas Prince (2017) in Movies
Dec 23, 2018 (Updated Dec 30, 2018)
Jolly (1 more)
Easy watch
Standard Christmas film
Contains spoilers, click to show
What with Christmas just around the corner, I decided to give this a go. It's a lovely film to watch with the build up to Christmas. At times I felt like there wasn't much going on. I'm not a huge fan of Christmas so that could add to why I didn't score it as highly. The plot itself was very good and unique for a Christmas film. It features a young aspiring journalist, Amber who is about to marry a prince in Aldovia. When she arrives in the country she has to be aware of what she can and cannot do as the Queen to be. Prince Richard is under a lot of stress following his royal duties. It is soon discovered that money was being taken out of the royal account. I just felt that it was a bit obvious who was behind changing the figures and it could have had more of a build up. Overall a good film but don't make the same mistake I did and watch the second one first without realising!
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Santa's Sleigh Is on Its Way to Michigan: A Christmas Adventure in Books
Jan 2, 2019
The children of Michigan prepare for Santa's arrival, but he can't make his appearance until they are all in bed and fast asleep!
"The icicles sparkle as snowflakes drift down from Midland to Ann Arbor, and all around."
Although we are not from Michigan, my Grandma lives there. We received this book from her this week and think it's a marvelous idea! Even though we are not familiar with the area, it will be fun for our kids to research the cities as they get older. The illustrations are splendid and the story is very well written. This will be a good encouragement for kids to go to sleep on Christmas Eve. This is a cute and personalized story that will add magic to your Christmas collection.
"The icicles sparkle as snowflakes drift down from Midland to Ann Arbor, and all around."
Although we are not from Michigan, my Grandma lives there. We received this book from her this week and think it's a marvelous idea! Even though we are not familiar with the area, it will be fun for our kids to research the cities as they get older. The illustrations are splendid and the story is very well written. This will be a good encouragement for kids to go to sleep on Christmas Eve. This is a cute and personalized story that will add magic to your Christmas collection.
Kevin Phillipson (9967 KP) rated Gavin and Stacey: Christmas special 2019 in TV
Dec 25, 2019
Gavin and Stacy (3 more)
Smithy
Nessa
Rob bryden
Contains spoilers, click to show
Just finished watching just as good as the last time they were on ten years ago brilliant comedy all the actors are back fitting back perfectly into their roles and a excellent script from both Ruth Jones and James Corden what's not like. And then there's Rob bryden as uncle Byran his almost meltdown over the Christmas turkey magic. Hope they make another soon and not ten years from now due to big cliffhanger
Books Editor (673 KP) shared own list
Dec 7, 2017
From Monty Don’s best-selling guide to gardening principles to peeking into the plots of the rich and famous, there’s much to enjoy:
The Secret Gardeners: Britain's Creatives Reveal Their Private Sanctuaries
Victoria Summerley and Hugo Rittson-Thomas
Book
The Secret Gardeners is a captivating photographic portrait of the private gardening passions of 25...
The Thoughtful Gardener: An Intelligent Approach to Garden Design
Book
'Jinny's genius is to marry a beautiful vision to an extraordinary empathy with the landscape into...
Winter Gardens: Reinventing the Season
Book
Cedric Pollet is the author / photographer of the acclaimed book Bark: An Intimate Look at the...
Head Gardeners
Ambra Edwards and Charlie Hopkinson
Book
What is Britain's greatest contribution to world culture? Ambra Edwards suggests it is the garden....
Beth Chatto's Shade Garden: Shade-Loving Plants for Year-Round Interest
Beth Chatto and Steven Wooster
Book
First published as Beth Chatto's Woodland Garden by Cassell in 2002, this Pimpernel Classic edition...
and 3 other items
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas in Books
Apr 15, 2022
Another amazingly funny look at the life of a doctor, but this time over the festive period.
I don’t think I will ever tire of reading Adam Kay’s work, from the diary entries full of sarcasm to the explanatory footnotes with a touch of humour, he makes his books so easy to read.
This book shows how medical staff don’t get the standard couple of weeks off that most people seem to get where they can binge on cheese and wine and forget which day of the week it is, whilst watching rubbish TV. They still have to work, and sometimes it’s the worst time of year because of people overindulging and not being careful with the most ordinary of tasks.
I don’t know how he manages to keep his sense of humour throughout both books and throughout his career in medicine, but I’m so glad that he does.
The final chapter was the most poignant one for me, where he talks about thanking the medical professionals with small gestures such as a Christmas card or donating to a charity. It shows that even though he is no longer in the profession, it isn’t too far from his heart (probably because his siblings still work in the profession) and he wants to make it better for those that do pull the short straw at Christmas.
Another brilliant read from Adam Kay, I can’t wait to read more from him (hopefully!). My only regret? Not reading this one around Christmas!
I don’t think I will ever tire of reading Adam Kay’s work, from the diary entries full of sarcasm to the explanatory footnotes with a touch of humour, he makes his books so easy to read.
This book shows how medical staff don’t get the standard couple of weeks off that most people seem to get where they can binge on cheese and wine and forget which day of the week it is, whilst watching rubbish TV. They still have to work, and sometimes it’s the worst time of year because of people overindulging and not being careful with the most ordinary of tasks.
I don’t know how he manages to keep his sense of humour throughout both books and throughout his career in medicine, but I’m so glad that he does.
The final chapter was the most poignant one for me, where he talks about thanking the medical professionals with small gestures such as a Christmas card or donating to a charity. It shows that even though he is no longer in the profession, it isn’t too far from his heart (probably because his siblings still work in the profession) and he wants to make it better for those that do pull the short straw at Christmas.
Another brilliant read from Adam Kay, I can’t wait to read more from him (hopefully!). My only regret? Not reading this one around Christmas!
Lindsay (1706 KP) rated Rambee Boo & Christmas Sock! (The Rambee Boo Series: Book #6) in Books
Sep 8, 2021
There is a new book out for the holiday season. I know children are excited for them to come. This latest book, "Rambee Boo & and the Christmas Sock," has just been released. What a lovely story and heartfelt to get into the Christmas spirit.
I thought this was adorable. The first page has something special. What is Rock reading? Can you spot it? Maybe your child can. This book counts down to Christmas and gets the house ready. Will Rock and the family find Rambee Boo's favorite sock?
I find this book to be great for children to learn a few skills and reading skills. Children can somewhat play hide and seek with trying to find Rambee Boo's favorite sock. Can you see it or your child or children? There is rhyming in this book as well. What adventure will Rambee Boo get into during this holiday season?
The pictures are enjoyable to look at and done well. Children will love following Rock and Rambee Boo as they search and look for the sock. There are holiday traditions shown throughout the book, along with getting the house decorated for Christmas. Will Rambee Boo find his favorite sock, or will he be sad. You do not know, but a Christmas miracle can happen. I hope your children enjoy this book and continue to believe in Christmas magic.
I wonder what Rambee Boo's next adventure will be? I can't wait to find out more and read more to see what's in store for Rambee Boo and his family.
I thought this was adorable. The first page has something special. What is Rock reading? Can you spot it? Maybe your child can. This book counts down to Christmas and gets the house ready. Will Rock and the family find Rambee Boo's favorite sock?
I find this book to be great for children to learn a few skills and reading skills. Children can somewhat play hide and seek with trying to find Rambee Boo's favorite sock. Can you see it or your child or children? There is rhyming in this book as well. What adventure will Rambee Boo get into during this holiday season?
The pictures are enjoyable to look at and done well. Children will love following Rock and Rambee Boo as they search and look for the sock. There are holiday traditions shown throughout the book, along with getting the house decorated for Christmas. Will Rambee Boo find his favorite sock, or will he be sad. You do not know, but a Christmas miracle can happen. I hope your children enjoy this book and continue to believe in Christmas magic.
I wonder what Rambee Boo's next adventure will be? I can't wait to find out more and read more to see what's in store for Rambee Boo and his family.
Michael Packner (32 KP) rated Black Christmas (1974) in Movies
Jun 15, 2019 (Updated Jun 15, 2019)
The ultra dark atmosphere, even with the beautiful Christmas setting. (7 more)
The super gritty and dark tone of the film.
The acting, especially Olivia Hussey is perfect.
A terrifying boogeyman who is not supernatural in any way.
Even being made in 1974, the film still holds up and is just as terrifying today.
John Saxon
The plastic bag.
The touching on hot button issues such as abortion still resonates today, and may be one of the best uses of the issue ever.
There is truly only one word to describe this movie: PERFECT. This is everything a perfect score film should be. Black Christmas is suspenseful, intense, and absolutely provocative. The film is deeply disturbing even by today's standards. Most films don't hold up in that department. What was provocative and disturbing in 1974 is by comparison tame and cheesy in 2018. Not Black Christmas. This film is just as terrifying and just as vile as it was when it came out. Nothing makes your skin crawl quite like this film. If you were to pair this as a double feature with 2008's The Strangers, you just might need to take some heart medication, and just like the latter film, the ending to this film is a nihilistic mindfucking piece of genius. If you haven't seen Black Christmas, what in the he'll are you waiting for? I think this film is a better Bob Clark Christmas film than his ever popular family film, A Christmas Story, but that's just my opinion.
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated A Christmas Carol (2009) in Movies
Aug 9, 2019
The timeless classic A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens has been one of the most beloved and adapted stories in history. There have been numerous movies, plays, radio, and television shows that have told the story for several generations as well as adapted films such as “Scrooged” and “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” which were inspired by the timeless tale of redemption.
The latest version of the film was created by Director Robert Zemeckis (who also wrote the screenplay for the film.) and presents it with stunning 3D effects.
The clever use of animation based on motion capture of the actors brings a new and unique look and style to the film that makes it contemporary yet does not diminish the Victorian England setting of the story.
In case you are one of the few that are not familiar with the tale, the story centers on a miserly curmudgeon, named Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey), who is so tight with a penny that he keeps the coal in his office locked up, forcing his employee Bob Crachit (Gary Oldman), to make do with one tiny piece a day during the cold of winter.
Scrooge has no love for anyone or anything aside from his work, and he spends his life in working and dispensing venom for all those that dare come into his world.
When he is invited to Christmas dinner by his nephew Fred (Colin Firth), Scrooge declines the offer abruptly and berates his nephew about the pointless nature of Christmas and how it serves no purpose. As if he was just getting warmed up, Scrooge then unleashes his fury on a local charity and informs them that if the needy were to die, then perhaps there would be less surplus population in the world.
Alone in his home on Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his old associate Jacob Marley, (Gary Oldman), who passed away seven years earlier. Marley is bound by the long chains he created in his life, and warns Scrooge not to make the mistakes he did and that there is still time for him to find redemption.
Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future who take Scrooge on a journey through his life, and show him the folly of his ways, and offer him a second chance to lead a better life with caring and compassion to all.
The solid cast really shines and many play multiple roles in the film. Carrey gives a strong performance and manages to reign in his over the top energy during the more dramatic parts of the film, and lets it out where appropriate. He subtly infuses comedy into the story without it ever taking the focus from the story.
The 3D effects were a real treat and it truly seemed like it was snowing in the theater and the numerous shots of London were truly amazing. While some may see it as a more modern adaptation, I found the film to be very true to the story, and was not only very entertaining, but a version that even Scrooge himself would enjoy as this is a new holiday classic that sets the bar for future adaptations of the story to aspire to.
The latest version of the film was created by Director Robert Zemeckis (who also wrote the screenplay for the film.) and presents it with stunning 3D effects.
The clever use of animation based on motion capture of the actors brings a new and unique look and style to the film that makes it contemporary yet does not diminish the Victorian England setting of the story.
In case you are one of the few that are not familiar with the tale, the story centers on a miserly curmudgeon, named Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey), who is so tight with a penny that he keeps the coal in his office locked up, forcing his employee Bob Crachit (Gary Oldman), to make do with one tiny piece a day during the cold of winter.
Scrooge has no love for anyone or anything aside from his work, and he spends his life in working and dispensing venom for all those that dare come into his world.
When he is invited to Christmas dinner by his nephew Fred (Colin Firth), Scrooge declines the offer abruptly and berates his nephew about the pointless nature of Christmas and how it serves no purpose. As if he was just getting warmed up, Scrooge then unleashes his fury on a local charity and informs them that if the needy were to die, then perhaps there would be less surplus population in the world.
Alone in his home on Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his old associate Jacob Marley, (Gary Oldman), who passed away seven years earlier. Marley is bound by the long chains he created in his life, and warns Scrooge not to make the mistakes he did and that there is still time for him to find redemption.
Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future who take Scrooge on a journey through his life, and show him the folly of his ways, and offer him a second chance to lead a better life with caring and compassion to all.
The solid cast really shines and many play multiple roles in the film. Carrey gives a strong performance and manages to reign in his over the top energy during the more dramatic parts of the film, and lets it out where appropriate. He subtly infuses comedy into the story without it ever taking the focus from the story.
The 3D effects were a real treat and it truly seemed like it was snowing in the theater and the numerous shots of London were truly amazing. While some may see it as a more modern adaptation, I found the film to be very true to the story, and was not only very entertaining, but a version that even Scrooge himself would enjoy as this is a new holiday classic that sets the bar for future adaptations of the story to aspire to.