Riding the Christmas Rails

Happy holidays!!!

How was everyone’s Thanksgiving?  See any good movies over the holiday weekend?  I did.  In fact I saw a few things I really enjoyed.  (As a side note I highly recommend seeing Loving.)

Of the flicks I caught this weekend I got to see

a personal favorite on the big screen again.  The movie is none other then my favorite Christmas movie The Polar Express.  Traditionally I watch this movie, yearly, as I wrap Christmas gifts.  This screening was unique and a blast to watch on the big screen, once again.

Seeing it on the big screen was an incredible experience.  First I was taken back to 2005 when the movie was released.  I first saw it when it was first released ten years ago with my great uncle and movie buddy who has since past on.  I’m his namesake after all.  He wrote many children’s books including The Mighty Santa Fe, which he dedicated to me.  In fact I reread the book in his honor after returning from this screening.  Seeing The Polar Express again theatrically brought a twinkle to my eye remembering him.

Experiencing the movie again on the big screen vs at home wrapping Christmas gifts was a more relaxing experience.  There was no bustle and bustle of cutting paper and filling out Christmas cards.  I felt like I was ten again drinking my icee and eating my oversized popcorn.  

Hearing the audience reactions was also priceless.  There were a few members of the audience were seeing the movie for the first time.  Riding the rails, gliding over the ice, the glow of the northern lights, and seeing Santa brought to life by Tom Hanks filled the air with magic, laughter, and much excitement.  All that made a movie I’ve seen many times over the years seem like new.  

With all that said I look forward to another, more recent tradition.  That is my upcoming potluck dinner and showing of the 1947 classic Miracle on 34th St, my other favorite holiday movie!

Science Fiction 2016 Twin Spin

I am a huge fan of science fiction movies. Alien, Independence Day, Star Wars, Interstellar, District 9, Close Encounters of the Third Kind all remain favorites to this day.  2016 has presented some great entries in the genre.

While I enjoyed the sequels - Star Trek: Beyond, 10 Cloverfield Lane - thus far this year, two films in particular stand out.  Midnight Special and Arrival are both incredible flicks that are must sees for both 2016 and the genre.

I enjoyed both features for a lot of the same reasons.  First up both movies tell strong stories.  I love a strong, well written stories.  Both features also feature strong ensembles with each actress and actor giving top notch performances.  Each film is also pieced together well.

To circle back to the stories that both films feature.  Both movies feature other worldly components, such as unexplained powers or aliens, while focusing on multiple aspects of humanity.  (I’d love to go into more details on that but I’m afraid I’d give away spoilers on both movies.)  I do highly recommend both films. Watch them and let’s discuss.  That’s a face to face I’d love to have.

With that said I look forward to Rogue One, a film I’m looking forward to more then last years The Force Awakens.