Julia Roberts and her brother, Eric Roberts,
in the early days, 1980s
Eric and Julia in happier times, 1980s
Eric, Julia, (their sister Lisa) with Jon Voight
at the premiere of "Runaway Train", 1985
December 27, 2011
Candid of the Week
The cast of "A Nightmare on Elm Street" (including a very young Johnny
Depp and a headphone-wearing 'Freddie Kruger') hang out on set, 1980's
December 26, 2011
22 Best Dance Scenes
Film: BLUES BROTHERS
Director: John Landis
Actors: Jim Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, James Brown, Carrie Fisher,
Aretha Franklin, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Steve Cropper
Year: 1980
The last scene on the list boosts James Brown, Jim Belushi, and Dan Aykroyd in a hilarious parody of gospel music. It's a party for your senses!
December 25, 2011
25 Best Christmas Films
25) MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
Director: George Seaton
Actors: Maureen O'Hara, Natalie Wood, Edmund Gwenn,
John Payne, Gene Lockhart, Porter Hall, Thelma Ritter
Year: 1947
In this 1947 heart-felt film, Kris Kringle takes a job as the Santa at Macy's. Before long, he is a hit with everyone... except the event director Doris Walker (O'Hara), who doesn't believe in fairy-tales. This is a great family film, which will win you over with it's compassion and endearment, not to mention the cutest performance by a 9-year-old Natalie Wood.
25 Best Christmas Films
24) THE POLAR EXPRESS
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Actors: Tom Hanks, Nona Gaye, Michael Jeter,
Daryl Sabara, Josh Hutcherson, Leslie Zemeckis
Year: 2004
If you were ever a child, you may remember a wonderful Christmas story called 'The Polar Express' about a young boy who boards a train to the North Pole. If not, you might remember the awesome 2004 CGI film of the same name, which starred a computer-generated Tom Hanks. The story is a classic and the look of this film (one of the first) is amazing and will keep you mesmerized.
25 Best Christmas Films
23) THE PREACHER'S WIFE
Director: Penny Marshall
Actors: Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston,
Courtney B. Vance, Justin Pierre Edmund, Gregory Hines,
Jenifer Lewis, Loretta Devine, Lionel Richie
Year: 1996
The remake of the 1947 film, "The Bishop's Wife", will definitely make you smile. An angel (Washington) comes down to earth to help a preacher (Vance) with his dwindling congregation and troubled marriage to the choir director (Houston). If the superb cast doesn't make you wanna see it (especially a gorgeous Denzel), try it for the stellar soundtrack (courtesy of the divine Ms. Houston) that features the beautiful song, 'Who Would Imagine a King'.
25 Best Christmas Films
22) IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Director: Frank Capra
Actors: James Stewart, Donna Reed,
Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers, Thomas Mitchell
Year: 1946
This film, which has inspired tons of sitcom Christmas episodes, stars James Stewart as a compassionate man who contemplates suicide (after a business debacle) on Christmas eve. While standing on the town bridge preparing to jump, an angel stops him and helps him see what life would be if he had never been born. It's inspiring and thought-provoking and will give you that warm, Christmas feeling (and maybe even a tear or two). The most memorable part of the movie: George runs home wishing everyone and everything he sees a 'Merry Christmas'.
"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings."
25 Best Christmas Films
21) MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Actors: Judy Garland, Margaret O'Brien, Mary Astor,
Lucille Bremer, Leon Ames, Tom Drake
Year: 1944
In another classic movie, Judy Garland shines with charisma and beauty. She stars as the eldest daughter in a family that finds out they must move from their childhood home in St. Louis to New York. Garland's famously amazing rendition of 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' is one of the sweetest (and best) parts of this lovely film. Also, you'll fall in love with adorable 7-year-old Margaret O'Brien (who was one of the best child actors of the 40s).
25 Best Christmas Films
20) HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
Director: Ron Howard
Actors: Jim Carrey, Molly Shannon, Taylor Momsen,
Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Bill Irwin, Clint Howard
Year: 2000
Although he's quite frightening, Jim Carrey masterfully perfects the character of 'The Grinch'. It was hard to imagine how this film would turn out (going from a classic book to a classic cartoon to live action), but director Ron Howard pulled it off. And how he turned a Dr. Seuss book into a full-length movie is beyond me. It's a classic story and it's very enjoyable, so try and catch it this holiday season.
25 Best Christmas Films
19) A NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Director: Henry Selick
Actors: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara,
Paul Reubens, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix
Year: 1993
It's very dark (as most Tim Burton films are), but it definitely is a Christmas film. Jack, King of Halloweentown, decides he wants to be the new Santa, so he devises a plan to have the real one kidnapped. It's a bit hypnotic, but the story is cool and the effects are even cooler.
25 Best Christmas Films
18) A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
Director: Bill Melendez
Actors: Peter Robbins, Kathy Steinberg,
Chris Doran, Tracy Stratford
Year: 1965
It comes on every year without fail... and never gets old. Snotty Lucy, pathetic Charlie Brown, and lazy Snoopy join the rest of the Peanuts gang in a Christmas tribute. When Charlie Brown complains that the holidays have gotten too materialistic, Lucy suggests that he direct the school Christmas pageant. With the gangs help, Charlie Brown re-discovers the spirit of Christmas. This goes without saying, but... Snoopy always steals the show!
25 Best Christmas Films
17) GREMLINS
Director: Joe Dante
Actors: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates,
Corey Feldman, Hoyt Axton, Keye Luke
Year: 1984
Sure, it's not what you would normally think of as a Christmas movie, but I assure you this flick takes place during the holidays. When a gang of disgusting, slimy, reptile-like demons come to the quaint town of Kingston Falls, all hell breaks loose. One of the best parts: the gross little pranksters sing Christmas carols before attacking. "Home Alone" director Chris Columbus wrote the screenplay and Steven Spielberg produced.
25 Best Christmas Films
16) BATMAN RETURNS
Director: Tim Burton
Actors: Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, Danny DeVito,
Christopher Walken, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle
Year: 1992
With the second installment of the Tim Burton version of the franchise, Michael Keaton's Batman takes on Michelle Pfeiffer and Danny DeVito's Catwoman and Penguin. It's dark and weird (like all Burton flicks), but it takes place during the happiest time of the year, Christmas. Although this was a sequel, it still retained the fresh storyline and good (over) acting that we so much enjoyed in the 1989 version. Good job, Burton!
25 Best Christmas Films
15) CHRISTMAS VACATION
Director: Jeremiah S. Chechik
Actors: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis,
Johnny Galecki, Randy Quaid, Diane Ladd, John Randolph,
Doris Roberts, E.G. Marshall, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Year: 1989
The ultimate Christmas debacle film is National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation". America's favorite family, the Griswold's, get into a heap of trouble, courtesy of dear old dad, Clark Griswold, during the holiday season (involving covering the house with 25,000 lights, getting a squirrel out of the tree, and cousin Eddie).
25 Best Christmas Films
14) THE SANTA CLAUSE
Director: John Pasquin
Actors: Tim Allen, Wendy Crewson, Judge Reinhold,
Eric Lloyd, David Krumholtz, Peter Boyle
Year: 1994
Tim Allen took time off his successful show "Home Improvement" to make this enjoyable holiday film. Playing on the name Santa Claus, a business executive inadvertently agrees to a contract for the job of Santa. It didn't seem like a Christmas movie could be original anymore, but Disney did it with this funny, witty, family film.
25 Best Christmas Films
13) MIXED NUTS
Director: Nora Ephron
Actors: Steve Martin, Madeline Kahn, Anthony LaPaglia,
Juliette Lewis, Robert Klein, Adam Sandler, Liev Schreiber,
Rob Reiner, Rita Wilson, Parker Posey, Jon Stewart, Joely Fisher
Year: 1994
In one of director Nora Ephron's first films, a group of people have a wacky Christmas experience. The picture above should be enough to give you an idea of how crazy this cast is. This is an unknown film (I'm not sure why), but it is funny and Steve Martin and Madeline Kahn shine.
25 Best Christmas Films
12) WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Actors: Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher,
Peter Boyle, Jack Warden, Glynis Johns, Jason Bernard,
Micole Mercurio, Michael Rispoli, Monica Keena, Ally Walker
Year: 1995
Back before she was the megastar she is today, Sandra Bullock played adorable Lucy. While working as a booth agent on a Chicago metro train, Lucy falls in love (from afar) with attorney Peter (Gallagher). When he is attacked, she rescues him from an on-coming train. He goes into a coma and Lucy is accidentally mistaken for his fiance. Bullock is great in a genre that she has conquered time and time again; romantic comedy.
25 Best Christmas Films
11) LITTLE WOMEN
Director: Mervyn LeRoy
Actors: June Allyson, Elizabeth Taylor, Janet Leigh,
Margaret O'Brien, Peter Lawford, Mary Astor
Year: 1949
A once-prominent family, comprised of four daughters, struggles during Christmas, but still manages to help others and enjoy the holidays. This movie has been made several times (most notably in 1994 with Winona Ryder and Susan Sarandon), but this is the very best version, mainly because of spunky actor June Allyson as 'Jo' and a uniquely hilarious performance by Elizabeth Taylor as 'Amy'.
25 Best Christmas Films
10) EDWARD SCISSORHANDS
Director: Tim Burton
Actors: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Anthony Michael Hall,
Dianne Wiest, Kathy Baker, Vincent Price, Alan Arkin
Year: 1990
Back when Johnny Depp was just 'that hot guy from 21 Jump Street', he met a quirky weirdo by the name of Tim Burton. This meeting led to the two becoming one of the most powerful duos in Hollywood, but it all started with a strange little film called "Edward Scissorhands". Everything about this film is awesome (the set, costumes, screenplay, and the acting). Of course, Depp stands out, but I especially like the sweet, Betty-Crocker-ish performance by Dianne Weist.
25 Best Christmas Films
9) HOME ALONE
Director: John Hughes
Actors: Macaulay Culkin, Catherine O'Hara, Joe Pesci,
Daniel Stern, John Heard, John Candy
Year: 1991
Yes, it did make the list. Let's be honest, it's a fun movie. Cute little Kevin McCallister is accidentally left home alone, when his family flies to France. Everything would be fine, except two idiot burglars are dead set on robbing his house. If you haven't seen this film... well, maybe you should re-evaluate your life.
25 Best Christmas Films
8) TRADING PLACES
Director: John Landis
Actors: Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis,
Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Denholm Elliot
Year: 1983
If the picture of a drunk, dirty Santa doesn't make you want to see this hilarious film, I'm not sure what will. Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd are perfectly cast as a two very different guys who join forces to fight against a pair of corrupt Wall Street brothers.
25 Best Christmas Films
7) BAD SANTA
Director: Terry Zwigoff
Actor: Billy Bob Thornton, Bernie Mac, John Ritter,
Lauren Graham, Tony Cox, Brett Kelly
Year: 2003
Billy Bob Thornton makes the worst Santa... ever!!! He drinks, smokes, curses, and hates his job. Thornton is fantastic and it'll make you see your local mall Santa in an entirely different way.
25 Best Christmas Films
6) THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
Director: Brian Henson
Actors: Michael Caine, Steve Whitmire, Frank Oz, David Rudman,
Dave Goelz, Jerry Nelson, Don Austen, Jessica Fox,
Meredith Braun, Steven MacKintosh, Robin Weaver
Year: 1992
Yes, there are a hundred versions of this classic Charles Dickens' story, but I particularly loved the Muppet's version. Michael Caine takes the role of Scrooge and tries his hardest to sing well. It's funny and enjoyable and takes the old tale to a new place.
25 Best Christmas Films
5) Bridget Jones' Diary
Director: Sharon Maguire
Actors: Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth,
Jim Broadbent, Shirley Henderson, Gemma Jones
Year: 2001
A pleasantly plump (and much more attractive) Renee Zellweger takes on the best role of her career in Bridget Jones. I laugh every single time I see this film (and I've seen it like 30 times). I highly recommend it. One of the best scenes: Bridget runs through the snow in nothing but a pair of gym shoes, a cardigan, and some undies.
25 Best Christmas Films
4) SCROOGED
Director: Richard Donner
Actors: Bill Murray, Carol Kane, Karen Allen,
Bobcat Goldthwait, Robert Mitchum, John Glover
Year: 1988
So, this is definitely the best version of 'A Christmas Carol'. Bringing it into the 21st century, Bill Murray (along with Carol Kane as an abusive fairy) is super funny as the modern-day Scrooge. You'll be laughing out-loud.
25 Best Christmas Films
3) LOVE ACTUALLY
Director: Richard Curtis
Actors: Bill Nighy, Laura Linney, Alan Rickman, Rodrigo Santoro,
Keira Knightley, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Andrew Lincoln, Emma Thompson,
Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Martine McCutcheon,
Martin Freeman, Gregor Fisher, Thomas Brodie-Sangster
Year: 2003
Love Actually revolves around an array of people dealing with... well, love around Christmas. It's funny, sad, heart-warming, and heart-wrenching. I especially love the Hugh Grant storyline.
25 Best Christmas Film
2) ELF
Director: Jon Favreau
Actors: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, Amy Sedaris,
Zooey Deschanel, Ed Asner, Bob Newhart, Peter Dinklage
Year: 2003
You can't beat 6'3" Will Ferrell in yellow tights. He stars as Buddy... the elf who travels to NYC to find his father. It's laugh-out-loud funny and you will want to make this a yearly Christmas ritual. My favorite part: Buddy tells a department store Santa that he can't be the real Santa because he smells like beef and cheese.
25 Best Christmas Films
1) A CHRISTMAS STORY
Director: Bob Clark
Actors: Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darrin McGavin,
Ian Petrella, Scott Schwartz, R.D. Robb
Year: 1983
The ULTIMATE Christmas movie stars actor turned director Peter Billingsley as Ralphie, the little boy who desperately wants a Red Rider bb gun. I couldn't decide on just one picture because there are so many memories associated with this awesome flick. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!! HOOOOO HOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!
December 21, 2011
Did You Know...
... Warren Beatty turned down the role of 'Jack Horner' and Leonardo DiCaprio turned down the role of 'Dirk Diggler' in "Boogie Nights". The parts, of course, went to Burt Reynolds (who garnered a Best Supporting Golden Globe and Best Supporting Oscar nomination) and Mark Wahlberg, respectively. I wonder how that would have changed the film.
***Apparently Jack Nicholson, Al Pacino, John Travolta, Matt Dillon, and Joaquin Phoenix were considered for roles.
December 20, 2011
Family Ties
Blake Lively and 80's actor Robyn Lively are sisters
*** They share the same mother. Robyn is from their mother's first marriage to Ronnie Lively and Blake is from the second marriage to Ernie Lively (he changed his surname after marrying her mother).
Blake, Robyn, and their mother Elaine
22 Best Dance Scenes
Film: SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
Director: John Badham
Actors: John Travolta, Karen Lynn Gorney, Barry Miller,
Joseph Cali, Donna Pescow, Paul Pape, Martin Shakar
Year: 1977
*** check out a young Fran Drescher in the sea foam green dress standing behind John
December 19, 2011
Double Take
Daryl Hannah and Lori Singer were both screen queens in the 80's.
Don't they look like twins?
*** Daryl is best known for her roles in "Splash", "Steel Magnolias", "Wall Street", "Blade Runner", and "Kill Bill". Lori was most famous for "Footloose", "Warlock", "The Man with One Red Shoe", and "Short Cuts".
Ginger of the Week
Alexandra Breckenridge (May 15, 1982) seemingly popped on the Hollywood scene this year, with a stand-out role in the hauntingly amazing series, "American Horror Story". She hails from Bridgeport, Connecticut, but her family moved cross-country to Mill Valley, California when she was still very young. She expressed an interest in acting and her mother moved her to Los Angeles when she was fifteen. She soon landed small roles on television shows like, "Freaks and Geeks", "Charmed", and "Dawson's Creek". She got her big break when she was cast opposite Katherine Heigl in the tv movie, "Romy and Michele: In the Beginning" as title character 'Michele'. From there she was cast in recurring roles on "Family Guy", and "True Blood", and now she co-stars in "AHS". Next up: "Cooper and Stone" (with Vanessa Ferlito)
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