Bad Santa (2003) & Bad Santa 2 (2016)

Bad Santa (2003)

C – 91m (Theatrical Cut) / 88m (Director’s Cut) / 99m (Unrated Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Badder Santa
Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox, Brett Kelly, Lauren Graham, Bernie Mac, John Ritter, Octavia Spencer (as Octavia L. Spencer), Cloris Leachman and Sarah Silverman.

A conman and his assistant pose as Santa and Elf in order to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. Trouble ensues when the conman befriends a kid with issues. Amusing and definitely crude humored black comedy is an annual favorite for this reviewer. Great performances and perfect pacing for the three cuts of the film: Theatrical Cut – 91m, Unrated Cut – 99m, & Director’s Cut – 88m. The Director’s cut is the darkest cut of the film. This reviewer favors the Unrated Cut. Nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actor – Musical Or Comedy – Motion Picture – Billy Bob Thornton. Followed by Bad Santa 2 (2016).

Trivia: Larry David was considered for the role of Willie. Bill Murray was signed as Willie but dropped out the make Sophia Coppola’s Lost In Translation (2003). Billy Bob Thornton has said numerous times that he was legitimately intoxicated during the making of the film. This was John Ritter’s final film and it is dedicated to his memory. Tony Cox adlibbed the, “You probably shouldn’t be digging in your ass,” line. It cracked the director up both on the set and in the middle of the night. Jack Nicholson read the script and wanted to do the film but had to turn it down because he was already committed to the Nancy Meyers film, Something’s Gotta Give (2003). The Unrated Cut of the film holds the record for Most Curses In A Christmas Film: 170 uses of the “F” word, 74 uses of the “S” word, 31 uses of the “A” word, 10 uses of the “B” word, and 1 use of the other “B” word in various forms. And finally: In a deleted scene Sarah Silverman played a Santa trainer.

Rated: [R] – Pervasive Language, Strong Sexual Content & Some Violence
[UNRATED] – More of the same
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Bad Santa 2 (2016)

C – 92m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Kathy Bates, Tony Cox, Christina Hendricks, Brett Kelly, Ryan Hansen, Mike Starr and Octavia Spencer.

The conman and his assistant are at it again in Chicago at Christmas time, this time with the conman’s mother. This is certainly a step down from the first film but still enjoyable. It takes a bit to get going story wise but once it gets there, it stays active to a satisfactory level. Fine performances as before.

Trivia: A slimmer Brett Kelly gained more than 40 pounds by eating smoked meat sandwiches in Montreal, Canada – where the film was shot. This being the sequel, was released almost exactly 13 years to the day of the original film’s release, November 26, 2003 and November 23, 2016 respectively. And finally: Willie shares some of the same biographical information as Billy Bob Thornton, who plays him: 1.) Born August 4th & 2.) Born in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Rated: [R] – Crude Sexual Content And Language Throughout & Some Graphic Nudity
[UNRATED] – More of the same
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

It’s A Wonderful Life (1946/1947), The Bishop’s Wife (1947) & The Preacher’s Wife (1996)

It’s A Wonderful Life (1946/1947)

B&W / Colorized – 130m
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
A.K.A.: Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life, The Greatest Gift
Dir.: Frank Capra. Screenplay by: Frances Goodrich & Albert Hackett.
Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers, Frank Faylen, Ward Bond, H.B. Warner, Frank Albertson, Todd Karns, Samuel S. Hinds, Virginia Patton, Sheldon Leonard, Ray Walker, Charles Lane, Edward Keane and Carl “Alfalga” Switzer.

A suicidal George Bailey has a visit with an Angel to be and realizes how wonderful his life really is. Amazing film is as powerful now as it was when it was released. This was James Stewart’s return to film after serving in WWII, and what an entrance back into the business! Not a flaw to be found story or acting wise. As a historical note, this was the film that had FBI file created on James Stewart, Frank Capra and everyone else in it, due to J. Edgar Hoover’s belief that it promoted Communism. An annual favorite!

Rated: [PG] – Thematic Elements, Smoking & Some Violence.

Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

The Bishop’s Wife (1947)

B&W – 109m
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
Starring: Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David Niven, Monty Woolley, James Gleason, Gladys Cooper, Elsa Lanchester and Sara Haden.

A Bishop, whose marriage is fractured as he tries to get the funds to build a cathedral, gets a helping hand from a sage stranger. Dated to be sure but a splendid film non–the–less. Everything here is perfect. Woolley is great as an aged professor who wants nothing more than happiness for his old friends the Bishop and his wife and to be able to write a book using his knowledge. Another annual MUST!

Trivia: Originally Cary Grant was set to play the bishop and David Niven was set to play Grant’s part when the film had a different director, William A. Seiter. When the man credited as director of the film, Henry Koster, assumed the position (no Animal House (1978) reference intended) he realized the casting of the men was wrong and switched their roles around, to what they are in the film, as we know it. William A. Seiter was the original director, but producer Samuel Goldwyn didn't like what he had shot and brought in Henry Koster to shoot a completely new film. The preview audience didn't like the new version, so Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett had to rewrite a couple of scenes without screen credit. Samuel Goldwyn's decision to start the film over again was a costly one, as $1 million had already been spent.

The harp playing, in the film, for Cary Grant was done by Mr. Gail Laughton. Laughton's hands are seen in the film during close-ups of Grant's character playing the harp. When Dudley (Grant) is asked if he is receiving a letter, he alludes to his character’s true nature by saying that "if I did get one, the stamp would certainly be worth saving." In Cary Grant's later picture Charade (1963), his character is seeking a large fortune that is later revealed to have been used to purchase three rare stamps for safe keeping.

The radio adaptions of the film (which were popular at the time) are as follows: The Screen Guild Theater broadcast a 30 – minute radio adaptation of the movie on March 1, 1948 with Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven reprising their film roles. Lux Radio Theater broadcast a 60 – minute radio adaptation of the movie on December 19, 1949 with David Niven reprising his film role. Lux Radio Theater then broadcast another 60 – minute radio adaptation of the movie on March 1, 1954 with Cary Grant again reprising his film role. And finally the Lux Radio Theater broadcast a yet another 60 – minute radio adaptation of the movie on May 11, 1953 with Cary Grant reprising his film role for the 3rd and final time.

Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

The Preacher’s Wife (1996)

C. – 123m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Dir.: Penny Marshall
Starring: Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance, Gregory Hines, Jenifer Lewis, Loretta Devine, Lionel Richie and Paul Bates.

A Reverend struggles to keep things afloat both in his marriage and at his church. Another fun fluff film from the Marshall family is actually a remake of The Bishop’s Wife (1947). As remakes go, it is not all that bad. However, it does appear a tad too padded in comparison to the original classic. The cast and director are in fine form though.

Rated: [PG] – Brief Mild Language.
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

The Home Alone Series (1990 - 2012)

Home Alone (1990)

C. – 103m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Dir.: Chris Columbus. Writer: John Hughes
Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, Roberts Blossom, Catherine O’Hara, Gerry Bamman, John Candy, Kieran Culkin, Bill Erwin, Hope Davis, Lionel Barrymore and Quinn Culkin. 

A boy is accidentally left home alone near Christmas when his family goes on a trip. While they are away he must fend off thieves. Goofy as heck but a classic to watch annually at Christmas time! Oscar® nominated for: Best Music, Original Song and Best Music, Original Score, John Williams. Additionally it was nominated for Golden Globes for: Best Picture – Comedy Or Musical and Best Actor In A Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical – Macaulay Culkin.

Trivia: Joe Pesci kept forgetting he was making a family film so Columbus suggested, “Fridge,” in stead of the “F” word. Robert De Niro turned down the role of Harry, which went to his pal Pesci. Danny DeVito was also considered for playing Harry. Daniel Stern slipped in the “S” word while retrieving his boot through the dog door. John Candy improvised all his lines. Macaulay Culkin adlibbed the line, “You guys give up, or are you thirsty for more?”.

Rated: [PG]

Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1992)

C. – 120m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen.
A.K.A.: Home Alone II: Lost In New York City, Home Alone 2: Lost In New York City, Home Alone II, Home Alone 2, Alone Again
Dir.: Chris Columbus. Writer: John Hughes.
Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara, John Heard, Gerry Bamman, Kieran Culkin, Tim Curry, Eddie Bracken, Rob Schneider, Donald J. Trump and Chis Columbus.

When Kevin McCallister hops on the wrong flight, while his family is on another, he finds himself alone in New York City. Who does he meet? The Wet Bandits from the first film, now The Sticky Bandits. An intelligent sequel and semi-remake. Everyone is in top form. Particularly Pesci and Stern! The bricks off the top of the roof scene is gaspingly hilarious. It is reported that The Plaza Hotel has the carpet torn out of the lobby so that Macaulay Culkin could slip on it. Trump liked it so much, he never had the carpet replaced.

Rated: [PG] – Comic Action & Mild Language.

Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Home Alone 3 (1997)

C. – 102m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Home Alone III
Writer: John Hughes
Starring: Scarlett Johansson

A kid left home alone (the title, duh!) fends of thieves who are after a secret chip in his toy car. Contrived but entertaining in title sequel to the first two films. It failed to procure Macaulay Culkin and suffers a bit for it. However, it is worth noting this was one of the early big roles for Scarlett Johansson.

Rated: [PG] – Slapstick Violence, Language & Mild Sensuality

Out Of Print on VHS but Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Home Alone 4 (2002)

C. – 89m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen. – Made For TV.
A.K.A.: Home Alone: Taking Back The House, Home Alone IV
Co–Writer: John Hughes (Characters)
Starring: Barbara Babcock and Missi Pyle

After Kevin McCallister’s parents split he is living with his mom and decides to do Christmas with his dad at his father’s girlfriend’s mansion. Meanwhile Marv from the first two films teams with a new criminal and guess which house they are after.  A made for TV sequel that skips the third film. Interesting premise is somewhat muddled and the lack of Daniel Stern as Marv sinks this one to a low rating. Not terrible but the script could have used some punching up. As Stern said it is an “insult and a piece of trash.”

Available on DVD & Digital Copy.

Home Alone: The Holiday Heist (2012)

C. – 87m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen. – Made For TV
A.K.A.: Home Alone V: Alone In The Dark, Home Alone 5: Alone In The Dark, Home Alone: Alone In The Dark, Home Alone V, Home Alone 5
Dir.: Peter Hewitt
Starring: Malcolm McDowell and Edward Asner

A kid who moved from California to Maine with his family is left along with his sister in their house, which he feels is haunted, while thieves target the house. Another in title only sequel made for TV. The fact that someone decided to do this charmless film, despite the passing of the series writer John Hughes, is appalling. A must miss!

Available on DVD & Digital Copy.

A Christmas Carol

Scrooge (1935)

B&W / Colorized – 78m. / 63m. (Edited Public Domain Print) / 61m. (Bastardized Public Domain Print)
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
Novel By: Charles Dickens
Starring: Seymour Hicks, Donald Calthrop

Scrooge is visited by 3 ghosts to bring him into the spirit of the season. A fair shot at the classic tale offers little in the way of a change in demeanor for Scrooge, captured in Hicks’ performance but does have good period detail. Good luck finding the full version of the film on DVD, however one can procure a bastardized public domain copy on Blu–ray.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

A Christmas Carol (1938)

B&W – 69m
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
A.K.A.: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Producer: Joseph L. Mankiewicz Novel By: Charles Dickens
Starring: Reginald Owen, Gene Lockhart, Kathleen Lockhart, Terry Kilburn, Barry MacKay, Lynne Carver, Leo G. Carroll, Ann Rutherford, D’Arcy Corrigan, Ronald Sinclair, Billy Bevan, Harry Cording, Herbert Evans, Douglas Gordon, Lumsden Hare, Forrester Harvey, Boyd Irwin, Colin Kenny and June Lockhart.

Scrooge is reformed for the Christmas holiday by three ghostly visitors. A good version of the often–filmed Dickens tale boasts of fine performances and good period detail. Admittedly Reginald Owen chews the scenery a bit as Scrooge, but it is forgivable. A couple of trivia notes: 1.) Lionel Barrymore was set to play Scrooge but had to back out of the film production due to illness. 2.) This is the only film with Gene Lockhart, his wife Kathleen Lockhart and their daughter, June Lockhart. Incidentally it is June Lockhart’s film debut.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

A Christmas Carol (1951)

B&W / Colorized – 86m. (Full Film) / 74 (Out Of Print Video Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
A.K.A.: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Scrooge
Novel By: Charles Dickens
Starring: Alistair Sim, Jack Warner, Kathleen Harrison, Mervyn Johns, Michael Hordern, George Cole, Rona Anderson, Carol March and Peter Bull.

Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who help him get into the festive mindset for Christmas. Far and away the BEST version of the classic tale. Words cannot do this film justice. The usual notations of high production values and splendid acting can be stated here. I will close by agreeing with film historian and critic Leonard Maltin by saying that this is too good a film to be viewed only once a year.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

A Christmas Carol (2009)

C. – 96m.
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen. 3D / 2D.  – Motion–Capture Animation / Animated
Writer, Pro. – Dir.: Robert Zemeckis. Novel By: Charles Dickens
Starring: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Cary Elwes, Robin Wright and Bob Hoskins

Scrooge has ghostly visitors on Christmas Eve and wakes a new man Christmas Day. Motion–Capture Animation allows the cast to voice various characters in the film. Impressive detail and visuals for animation of this kind. While it is faithful to the book, there are some liberties taken to show off the technology in 3D. Worth watching as these things go though. Suitable from age seven and up in this reviewer’s opinion. Preferably in 3D.

Rated: [PG] – Scary Sequences & Images

Available on 3D Blu–ray, Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy