5 Best North Pole Depictions

 Here we are 2 days away from Christmas and Santa and his team are gearing up for a busy night. I started thinking about the operation of Santa Claus and his home/office space of the North Pole. Throughout the history of film and TV there have been multiple depictions of the North Pole.

I've compiled 5 of what I think are the best intrepertations, of the North Pole.

5. Red One

As a movie Red One has been slandered, I personally thought it was an ambitious but flawed film. Which like many films in recent years focused on world building and setting up a franchise more than telling a story. One thing I think the film got right, alot think they got wrong was the North Pole.

Tying in with the theme of the film and Santa's operation. The North Pole has a very military ish asethic to it. Maybe a little too dark, but far different than what anyone would think its look like. In my opinion that makes this depiction stand out.

4. Arthur Christmas

Another film featuring the military concept yet much lighter is 2011's Arthur Christmas. Here the North Pole is seen and the elves are depicted as hardworking and joyous. They throw a heros welcome in the town square for Santa upon completion of delviering gifts.The real star of the film is the well oiled machine of Santa's operation.

Made possible by the command center manned by the elves, and the military style operation. Santa dresses like a military general and operates spaceship inspired sleigh called "S1". Santa's oldest son Steve also dresses in Christmas cheer military attire, and operates like a unit commander. Technology is heavily embraced in this world of the north pole.

3. Fred Claus

2007's Fred Claus starring Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamantii is an middle of the run just ok, mid 2000's Christmas movie. It's highlight though is how the North Pole and Elves are depicted. 

The set designed is well detailed and the elves workshop rivals any Amazon warehouse. Besides that, it shows the elves having lives when not working. They have hobbies and like to drink and have a good dance break from time to time. 

2. Polar Express

In the 2004 film Polar Express, the North Pole is depicted just as mythical and magical as one would expect. A fully functioning city inhibited by the elves with warehouses making toys, and a town center being an actual "center" for the North Pole.

It was presented as a place you would truly be in awe of seeing it in person.

1. The Santa Clause

Disney's The Santa Clause series of films and TV shows gives the franchise that Disney feeling, "magical". This version of the North Pole is youthful and full of energy just like kids are, the toy workshop looks like any kids room. Bright toys and messy. In the original film Santa even has an elite squad of Elves that are basically their special forces.

Santa's sleigh was equipped with cookie and milk dispensers to help him through the night. As the franchise grew it displayed the town center of the North Pole, and the elves were given purposes and not just background roles.

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5 Netflix Christmas Movies I Recommend

 

I recently watched one of Netflix's latest Christmas offerings. A merry little Ex-Mas starring Alicia Silverstone. It was a decent film, nothing spectacular. However, it got me thinking about other Netflix Christmas movies. 

Here are 5 Netflix Christmas movies I recommend.

5. Let It Snow

This 2019 film which apparently is based on a series of books. The most notable cast member is Shameik Moore (Dope, The Get Down, Spider-Verse films. Its rather formulaic but charming, telling several different interconnected stories during a snowstorm in a small town on Christmas eve.

4. Christmas With You

Released in 2022 this romantic comedy stars Freddie Prinze Jr. and Aimee Garcia. Garcia plays a pop singer who dealing with a great deal of stress, makes a mad dash to a small town in upstate New York. She interacts with a young fan and eventually her father. Regaining inspiration, helping the daughter with her quinceanera, and falling in love.

Its a Christmas movie so its cheesy, but it works as a romantic comedy 

3. Our Little Secret

I would consider this film kind of Lindsay Lohan's comeback. Released last year, the plot centers on Lohan and a long time ex that once proposed to her crossing paths again. Only they are both respectively dating siblings and are at the family's home for the holidays.

Well its a lot of work keeping a secret, while trying to stave off a potentially rekindling flame. 

Its worth a viewing in my opinion.

2. Meet Me Next Christmas

Another 2024 release from the Netflix slate. Starring Christinia Millian, this film has one of those divine intervention deals going on. Millian meets a man in the airport one Christmas eve, they bond over Penatonix while they're flight is delayed. And agree if they are both single next christmas, they should meet and have a date at a Penatonix concert.

Well a year later Penatonix is having a Christmas show. Do the two keep their plans or other factors come into play?

Tune in and check it out.

1. Love Hard

Released in 2021 this is one of the better Netflix Christmas movies. I actually think it will be considered a Christmas classic in due time. Starring Nina Debrev and Jimmy O. Yang. Nina plays Natalie Bauer a dating columnist who's on dating apps for work and personal reasons. When she thinks shes found the "guy" through the app, she surprises him and visits his hometown for the holidays.

Only..she was catfished. Lies, negotiations, and true love comes into play in this funny film.

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Jingle All The Way Is Really About Dad's Making Things Happen

 

I introduced my five year old daughter to Jingle All The Way over Thanksgiving weekend. While I initially got some "Daddy can we watch something else?" Questions. She ended up liking the movie, and we have watched it everyday sometimes twice a day since. 

Now, in my opinion Jingle All The Way is a top 5 Christmas movie. I think it deserves a lot more credit than it gets and is a Christmas classic. As a kid I loved the movie because of the whole Turbo Man character and the thrill of finding that toy. Watching it back as an adult, I realized what the movie truly is about.

It's really about dad's and Fatherhood, and the lengths not just dads but parents in general will go; to see a smile on their kids faces. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Howard Langston appears to be a mid level successful businessman. Which has afforded his family a comfortable life, but interferes with him always being there for his son.

A common issue Dads of all income levels have struggled with, doing what you have to in order to provide. Versus always being there for your kids. It is a heavy balancing act if your working multiple jobs, or have a demanding job that allows a certain lifestyle.

Besides being what appears to be a workaholic, Howards out of touch on whats popular with the kids. He thinks it'll be a piece of cake to cover his tracks and obtain the most wanted Christmas toy ever. Once he finds out that is not the case and having already disappointed his son the day before. Howard becomes a mad man on the hunt for a Turbo Man.

Right alongside him as a friend and foe is Postal Worker Myron played by Sinbad. Who is in the same boat as Howard, often running into one another on their quest. Their day leads to a showdown at a Holiday parade.

So you have two dad's from two different backgrounds and careers. Trying their very damn best not to disappoint their kids Christmas morning. Even when they come off overbearing and entitled, stealing from others and other nefarious methods. They just want to see joy and excitement on Christmas.

Which is all any father wants really. Raise good kids and see their faces light up in excitement at something Dad made happen. Throughout the film, Howard and Myron are trying to make something happen. Which is another dadism, figuring things out when plan A doesnt work. Making things happen, trying your damn best and hoping it all works out in your favor.

One last message hidden in the film, its ok and normal to have fictional characters and athletes as your "hero". But dads should be a child's first and main hero.

This film is a masterpiece in Fatherhood, if you love it as a Christmas movie. You'll love it even more when the message resonates with you.

You can tune into Disney +, Hulu, tubi, and of course cable TV to check this classic.

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Four Brothers: A Thanksgiving Classic

 

It's Thanksgiving week, the holiday nestled  between Halloween and Christmas, that is kind of acknowledged and then quickly moved on from. Just like in real life Thanksgiving action movies are few and far between. However, even though competition is minimal, there is one movie that deserves the crown as the best action Thanksgiving movie ever.

I'm talking about 2005's Four Brothers. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Andre 3000, Tyrese, and Garrett Hedlund. With Tajiri P. Henson, Sofia Vegara, Terrance Howard, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Josh Charles rounding out the supporting cast. The four stars play Brothers hell bent on investigating and avenging the murder of their adopted mom.

Set around the holidays, the film touches on three pillars that Thanksgiving stands on. Family, although they are not blood related they were raised together under the same roof by the same woman and ARE family. They bicker, argue, and play fight with one another as brothers do. Thankfulness, the four are all grateful for one another during the trying time.

Grief, those first holidays after losing someone close to you are tough. The Thanksgiving scene highlights how much each of them miss their mother and the warmth, comfort, and steadiness she bought to their lives.

The movie has an important message about brotherhood and family. It wouldnt be as beloved as it is, if not for the action scenes as well. For the record Chiwetel Ejiofor's Victor Sweet is still a effective but highly underrated villain. 

He was ruthless, condescending, but had personality. I wish he was included more in the film. The there's the shootout at the family's house, that is heartwrenching and a damn good action scene.

The almost seven minute scene is thrilling, really has you concerned about the Brothers safety. And it shows how much they really care about one another. It really sets the tone for the rest of the movie and drives home that emotional stake for the brothers.

Some consider the film a cult classic, but I consider it a modern classic. And now that I've got the wheels spinning in your head, it's a Thanksgiving classic. So get some dessert of your choice on Turkey day (skip that pumpkin pie). Turn on the movie and enjoy the lessons the movie provides.

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10 "Old" Movies I'd Love To See In Theaters

 As movie theaters have tried to recover from the effects of the covid pandemic, the 2023 Hollywood strikes, and shifting viewer habits. Someone came up with the bright idea to start rereleasing older films in theaters for limited runs. Especially during anniversary years.

I've kind of been on a roll with that this year. Seeing the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3 times in theaters this year. The Last Dragon, The Lost Boys. and Back To The Future. There were several more films played in theaters, I didnt get to see primarily because of schedule conflicts.  Each time though I experienced a high from the movies I saw that lasted a couple days. So I started thinking about what movies would Iove to see returned to theaters.

Let's dive into ten movies I'm absolutely seeing in theaters, should they get rereleased.

10 Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm

Batman is my favorite comic book hero, and when it comes to films even the horrible ones like Batman & Robin I enjoy. I wouldn't mind seeing this animated film which is an continuation of the Batman Animated Series on the big screen. Released in 1993 it's not only a great animated Batman film, but one of the best animated films ever. Bad decision making by Warner Bros led to it being unsuccessful at the box office, but it found it's footing on home video. Featuring Bruce Wayne struggling with his past in the form of an ex and an mysterious new criminal tied to his past. 

I'll gladly sit in the theater for an hour plus and rewatch it on the big screen.

9 Stargate 

This 1994 film stars Kurt Russell and James Spader. It follows a team of scientists and military members, who use a device that uses a wormhole and transports them to other universes. They end up in alien realm that reminds them of ancient Egypt and learn about the alien races influence on Earth through time.

The effects belive it or not were considered cutting edge for its time. And the film only scratched the surface of the world it developed. I would love to see this film in theaters.

8 Demolition Man

My favorite Sylvester Stallone action movie, and one of my favorite 90's action films. Facing off against Wesley Snipes in probably his third most iconic role; behind Blade and Nino Brown. Following a cop and criminal frozen in the 1990's, and thawed in the 2030's. Their both out of place not just in time, but the pacifist nature of the world they're now in.

Since I love this movie so much, I know I would get a instant high just sitting in a theater chair to watch it.

7 Final Destination

Before I met my wife I was not too interested in horror films. I had a handful I watched and that was it. One of those films was 2000's Final Destination, with a story based around cheating death and a bunch of deaths that look like freak accidents on the surface. However there is more to the deaths in the movie.

It's one of the first horror movies I actually was a little jittery watching. Its spawned an entire franchise so it was a big deal, and seeing it in the theaters on the big screen. With some popcorn by my side and I think all would be right in the world.

6 Meteor Man

Bruce Leroy was the first Black superhero I remember seeing on screen. 1993's Meteor Man was the 2nd and man did it resonate with me. Written, directed by, and starring Robert Townsend. It follows a D.C. school teacher who suddenly lands superpowers and faces off against a dangerous crime organization.

The movie featured a who's who of Black entertainers at the time. Had classic villains in The Golden Lords, and truly was laid out like a comic book.

The movie deserves way more respect and a theater run would help it get there.

5 Independence Day

Next year will mark 30 years of the film that changed Will Smith's career trajectory. If you don't know the story of this film, an alien attack on earth leads to various survivors coming together. And using their different skillsets to save earth and take down the aliens.

I remember when the film was released in 1996, I was 10 years old and it was a big deal. The special effects were top notch. Created by the same team who created Stargate it also had heart. Right now in these divisie times we in, could remind alot of folks about being united when the human race is under threat.

4 Speed

Another one of my absolute favorite 90's movies. Speed perfectly fits the title and is a non-stop ride. Keanu Reeves is a LAPD cop who has to save a city transit bus laced with a bomb. This role made Hollywood look at him as a leading man. Sandra Bullock who played a bus passenger who steps in to save the day, became a star with this role.

There literally is never a dull moment in the film. Well maybe towards the end, but leading up to that your hearts racing. I would love to see this on the big screen with the big surround system, and become immersed in it like I've never seen the movie.

3 New Jack City

Next March will be 35 years of New Jack City, the crime drama classic. It stars Wesley Snipes as Nino Brown a drug lord who has seemingly taken over New York City. And Ice-T as a cop hellbent on taking him and his organization down, even if it means bending the rules.

Directed by Mario Van Pebbles, who also has a role in the film. With a supporting cast of Chris Rock, Judd Nelson, Bill Nunn, and Allen Payne. The movie is Hella quotable, has a soundtrack that is still amazing, a amazing cast most early in their careers.

I'm holding on tight to the belief that it will get released in theaters to celebrate the 35th.

2 The Matrix

I was 13 years old when The Matrix premiered in 1999. I saw it on VHS later that year and I was blown away, like many others with the story. I remember going online and reading clues and easter eggs in the film. Of course the action and fight scenes sparked a whole new wire fu craze leading into the early 2000's. 

Anyone who has seen The Matrix knows how good it is. I'm hoping some movie theater wises up and plays it in theaters for a special screening.

1 Dick Tracy

Released in 1990 and starring Warren Beatty as the titular character. This film is a true comic strip bought to life, the sets and the core colors used. To the cast of characters, the makeup and prosethics just the vibe of the movie. The story is honestly secondary to the asethics and cast put together for the film.

Seeing this movie on the big screen and the all the colors bought to life. Especially if the movie is remastered, would be a sight to see to me. Disney dropped the ball for the 35th, let's hope they are planning to celebrate this movie in the future. 

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10 Songs I Hope Are In The Michael Movie

 

A teaser trailer for the highly anticipated biopic about Michael Jackson, debuted this past week. The film simply titled Michael, is rejuvenating the King of Pop's music and aura, months in advance. As a avid MJ fan, I know I watched the trailer more than 10 times the day it released.

The trailer has a wonderful blend of some of MJ's greatest hits. Which got me thinking about song's we could hear in the film. Which sparked me to create a wishlist. So here are 10 songs, some extreme longshots to actually make it; that I would love to hear in the movie.

10 2-4-6-8

While covering his Jackson 5 years, the movie surely will include the group's biggest hits ABC and I Want You Back. I'm hoping The Love You Save will be in the mix. As well this cut from their second album. It's a hidden gem in my opinion and just as catchy as their hits. Hoping it gets some love in the film.

9 Break Of Dawn

2001's Invincible was MJ's last original album. It had a few radio hits but ultimately was a flop, as the world moved on from the icon. Almost 25 years later, many are heralding this album as ahead of it's time. Which is very well true as Jackson was innovative and ahead of the curve.

This chilled sonic sounding r&b ballad is probably my favorite from Invincible. Because it was the end of his music career, I'm not sure how much energy the film will devote to the album. Hopefully we hear if in the background of a scene or something.

8 Pretty Young Thing

Fun fact I actually did a lip sync dance to this song for my wife, at our wedding reception. I'm pretty reserved but the spirit of MJ helped me through my performance. A track on 1982's Thriller album, it was released as a single back then and should have been a bigger hit.

It's a personal favorite so I hope we get a brief mix, a mention, something.

7 They Don't Care About Us

Another case where MJ was ahead of his time, this song from his 1995 album HiStory is relevant now more than ever. Part protest song, part intended to lead an uprising. People either love this song or hate it. I was 9 years old when the album was released, so I didn't understand the song fully.

Now as an adult, MJ was giving us life lessons about the various systems in society meant to break everyday people. There also was a great deal of controversy surrounding some lyrics in the song. Which deserves to be a plot point in the film.

6 Dirty Diana

Based on a clip from the trailer, we're definitely getting a Man In The Mirror performance in the movie. Smooth Criminal absolutely cannot be omitted in the film at all. One of his most rock, rock songs ever Dirty Diana, has a cautionary tale about groupies. That used in the film could provide some insight into his mindframe when it came to relationships.

5 Scream

The only duet with his sister, fellow pop icon Janet Jackson. 1995's Scream goes hard as the kids say today. It's gritty yet futuristic sound will have you in a trance. The music video is just as futuristic and that dance break is still copied to this day. In fact its a social media trend, or was..I can't keep up. 

We have to see that dance break recreated on the big screen 

4 Workin' Day And Night

Surprisingly this song was not released as a single during MJ's OFF The Wall run. Which is a shame  as its just as good as the album's biggest hits. It's just as funky in the sound and makes you want to get up and dance. I'm hoping we may get a montage during that albums creation, with this song driving the montage.

3 Heartbreak Hotel

My favorite song from The Jackson's era when they left Motown til the group's complete separation. If you hear it one time you will instantly fall into the trance of a funky beat. I'm almost positive this song is in the movie. As a quick cut in the trailer shows a reenactment of a concert performance. And a part that was a staple of the group while they performed this song. 

Check out this YouTube clip at the 3:30 mark for reference.

2 Remember The Time

MJ's foray into New Jack Swing for his 1991 Dangerous album must be covered. It was an attempt to reinvent himself and stay relevant in a changing music landscape. The music video is incredible and that Egyptian inspired dance break is top notch. And should be recreated on screen.

I expect to be tapping my feet to a scene in the movie to this song.

1 You Are Not Alone

The lead single from his HiStory album, this ballad is notable for having his then wife Lisa Marie Presley in the video. I wonder who is playing her in the film by the way. It also has messaging with not just relationships, but isolation in general and the role the media plays. 

It's an emotional song that fits any point in the movie covering MJ's trials and tribulations. So its bound to be in the movie, right?

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5 Candies That Belong In The Trash

Spooky Season is drawing to an end, as Halloween is this week. We've all been there during our trick or treat years getting some candy you absolutely do not care for. As an adult I try to buy faithful candy to hand out to the kids. Yet, there is still some Halloween candy available that just absolutely belongs in the trash. 

So I'm here to share five candies that don't deserve to be eaten for Halloween, or anytime of the year.

Dots

I love gummies as a snack and candy. Gummy bears, Gummy worms, gummy rings just about anything Gummy. With the exception of DOTS, I have absolutely no need for them. Dots are a little too hard and chewy, the texture of dots sticks in your teeth well after you've ate them.

Everyone can be done a favor and just avoid them altogether. If you get a box for Halloween toss it in the trash.

Whoopers

Take a chocolate covered piece of candy that resembles a bald head, put something crunchy in the middle. And boom you have Whoppers, invented as candy in 1949. I have absolutely no idea how this piece of candy has survived all of these years. It just isn't a useful piece of candy and I don't know a single soul clamoring for Whoopers.

Yet, every Halloween there's packs of whoppers by themselves, and mixed into variety bags. And people still hand them out every year. When they really shouldn't waste anyone's time and just don't bother buying them.

Gobstopper

As a kid I would eat a Gobstopper, made famous by taking its name from the famous candy maker in Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. I didn't think twice about it as I consumed them. As an adult though, who in the hell really wants to eat candy that could literally break your tooth? 

Those things are so damn hard to chew I rather do without it. Anyone buys that, they can keep it to themselves.

Almond Joy

For the record anything coconut flavored is an absolute NO for me. And when it comes to chocolate candy bars it is definitely bottom of the barrel. I've tried through the years at various times to give it a chance. And nope can't do it at all.

Almond Joy absolutely belongs in the trash.

Candy Corn

For something that only comes out during fall/Halloween season and is synonymous with it. Candy Corn really had no business being invented nor tied to Halloween much as it is. I really have nothing good to say about candy corn, and even with new variety of flavors added. Just can't bring myself to say anything good about it.

Candy Corn not only belongs in the trash, the recipe needs to be burned.

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