Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (1993)
Mrs. P never had seen The Wrong Trousers, so I was compelled to put in my compilation Blu-ray disc of Wallace and Gromit and play it for her. As she is a huge fan of stop-motion and good stories, it's safe to say she loved it. Do I really need to point out that this is a classic?
Wallace and Gromit in: A Close Shave (1995)
The short that introduced Shaun the Sheep who has traits similar to one of the greatest dogs in cinema history, Gromit Shaun is instantly likeable even if he gives into his inner sheep ness to the maximum.
Also, a classic!
Red One(2024)
For some reason, Red One is met with a lot of hate. I think most of that has to do with the preconceptions about The Rock and the films he made before. But while for the most part he plays the same role, he does tone it down a bit in favour of the feel good message.
And I think this is what a lot of haters and critics are missing. From my point of view, this is a Christmas film through and through that never gets boring. It's filled with action, spectacle and more importantly, heart. Something a lot of recent films have been missing. I actually cared about the characters. It's not like they had big arcs. However, they were surprisingly relatable. A lot is said how events are supposedly rehashed and predictable. Sure, but at this point in time to think you can do something completely new and different is absurd. Also, I like my |Christmas films to emote with me. And that is exactly what Red One does. I even have to commend them for not going the melodrama route where almost every scene would make you cry. Red One keeps that contained and therefore makes those moments effective.
Overall, Red One is a great Christmas film that could become a classic once people stick their heads out of their butts.
That Christmas (2024)
That Christmas comes out of nowhere and slaps you right in the face with some observations about parenthood and how people celebrate Christmas.
Too many people focus on the wrong things until it's too late. Here, some issues get addressed without being too preachy. But make no mistake, there is a message in this film that matters to us all. Don't get bogged down by some of the kids who view Christmas differently. I promise there is a point to that and will make you appreciate them. I liked how a couple of characters were more than what was shown on the surface. Like the teacher who seems to be relentless and strict, while she might have had the biggest heart of them all.
The film is animated superbly. So much so, that I really was forgetting that it was animated. I was just watching a Christmas movie with all the bells and whistles that belong in one. Overall, That Christmas also has a real potential to become a classic. In my book it is already, but only time can tell.
Also check:
This Is Not a Christmas Movie a.k.a. Dit is geen kerstfilm (2024)
After returning to my watch list of Christmas films, I realized that they were mostly horror oriented. They wouldn't really match with the vibe of the previous films, so on a whim, I decided to check out some films on Amazon. The first one that popped up was a Dutch film called, Dit is geen kerstfilm (2024). I took a chance, and I was surprised.
If you know anything about Dutch films, there is a certain attitude in them which has been part of Dutch cinema as long as I can remember. Especially concerning sex and relationships. This film doubles down on current trends like wokism to teach us something. It's being woke to address the positives and the absurdity of it. So in a way it is pointing out what it should be really about. Now, granted, like most, if you are confronted with this, I was annoyed a bit. However, I realized what it was going for. Like with most Dutch comedies, it goes over the top quite quickly yet manages to get the message out effectively. And that is a big plus in my book.
Some events certainly are crude and ridiculous. Unfortunately, that is something you will have to contend with when watching Dutch films. This definitely won't be for all, but if you stick with it, you will have a nice viewing experience. I do have to point out that this film saved the best for last. The ending is incredibly hilarious.
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