........................................... Laugh, Cry and Sympathize at The Holiday 12.11.06 p.6
By Daralyn Schoenewald Daily Titan Staff Writer thebuzz@dailytitan.com
“The Holiday,” starring Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Jack Black, originally seems appealing because of its all-star cast. But the movie is instead one of the few films that have managed to go beyond the expectation of being just another formulaic chick flick. Diaz stars as Amanda, a highpowered woman who makes movie trailers for a living. Winslet stars as Iris, a British journalist in love with a coworker. They only have two things in common: bad breakups with their men and the need for vacations. The entire basis of the movie
involves an exchange of lives. Amanda trades her mansion for Iris’ quaint English cottage in an attempt to “vacate her life or whatever it is people do on vacations.” Jude Law plays Graham, Iris’ older brother, who at first comes across as a womanizer. Jack Black, in an unexpectedly more somber role than usual, plays an insecure film-score composer who finds friendship with Iris. Amanda and Graham have an interesting relationship from the moment they first meet. Graham arrives drunk at the cottage, expecting to see Iris and instead meets Amanda. There is a moral to this film , which seems to be that appearances can be deceiving.
One of the film’s only unsettling moments is the fact that it takes place inside of a two-week span of time. Although that is the length of a decent vacation, the bond that develops between the characters during that time seems highly unreal. However, the plot continuously moves along, and the time frame seems a moot point when you’re being enthralled by the characters. “The Holiday” doesn’t seem as if it would be a comedy in its trailers, yet the film’s genuine laugh-out moments were unforgettable. Not just funny, “The Holiday” has many tender moments as well. It’s a film that will, as trite as it sounds, make you laugh, cry and
Photo Courtesy Sony Pictures Kate Winslet and Jack Black star in “The Holiday,” in theaters now.
sympathize with the characters. It’s a definite feel-good movie,
but actually worth the $10 to see it in the theater.
Top 10 Films for the Holiday Season By noraly hernandez
Daily Titan Staff Writer thebuzz@dailytitan.com
Chapped lips, cold hands and feet, dry skin and a runny nose are some of many reasons why winter may not necessarily be your favorite time of the year. Despite all of the inconveniences that this season brings, one of the things you can enjoy is being able to wrap up in a warm blanket while sipping on a cup of hot chocolate and watching some of this season’s best movies. If the weather outside is too frightful to set a foot out of your door, here are a few suggestions for holiday movies that you and your loved ones may enjoy t h i s winter. “A Christmas Story” Most of us first met Ralphie during our elementary years but this movie, regardless of how many times we have seen it, is always fun to watch. For those who have yet to meet Ralphie, “A Christmas Story” tells the story of young Ralphie – a boy growing up in the 1940s – and his wish to receive a Red Ryder BB gun. This movie is a lighthearted Christmas story as seen through the eyes of a child.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” For all the times we have watched our dads wrestling with the lights to set the holiday mood and decorating the rooftop with Christmas lights, watching Clark Griswald struggle with his own lights is a friendly reminder of family fun. Watching the Griswalds endure a catastrophic holiday celebration will make you thankful of your own family gathering. “Miracle on 34th Street” As we grow older, some of us seem to lose some of the faith in many of the things that as children made our Christmas celebrations meaningful. “Miracle on 34th Street” is a warm movie about a six-year-old girl named Susan who has been taught to dismiss all beliefs in fantasy. She doubts the existence of Santa after she meets an old man who works as a department store Santa and who is convinced he is the real Santa Claus. But things change for Susan over the course of the film. “A Nightmare Before Christmas” For those who may be tired of the warmhearted traditional Christmas
movies, “A Nightmare Before Christmas” is a breath of fresh air. The film introduces the world to Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween Town. Skellington, who has become bored with the repetitive annual Halloween celebration, decides to shake things up in Halloween Town with Christmas. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Long lines, packed stores and congested parking lots remind us the holiday season is here. In this film, Charlie Brown sets out to find the real meaning of Christmas, and although the film’s religious content almost prevented it from being aired in 1965, classic moments like Charlie Brown’s scrawny Christmas make “A Charlie Brown Christmas” a holiday must see. “Rudolph, the RedNosed Reindeer” Another holiday classic, “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” is a fun, kindhearted movie with a message. In the film, Sam the snowman relates the story of Rudolph, the reindeer who was rejected by his peers for his red nose. Rudolph along with Hermey the elf,
an aspiring dentist, come across an island populated by misfit toys. Hoping to get Santa Claus to help the outcast toys, Rudolph ends up helping Santa lead the sleigh on a very foggy Christmas Eve. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Based on the book by Dr. Seuss, this story which takes place in a magical town located inside a snowflake. It’s about the Grinch, a miserable creature who aims to steal Christmas from the residents of Whoville. Dressed in a Santa Claus costume accompanied by his dog Max, who sports reindeer antlers, the Grinch robs the Whos of their Christmas decorations and gifts while they sleep only to find that it is not the Christmas decorations that give the Whos their holiday spirit. “It’s a Wonderful Life” This film is the holiday story of George Bailey, a man who is constantly forced to push his dreams aside. Tired of all his never-ending responsibilities and of his frustrated dreams and wishing he had never existed Bailey decides to put an end to his repetitive life.
Soon after, Clarence, his guardian angel, shows him what life in Bedford Falls would have been if Bailey had never existed. “It’s a Wonderful Life,” is a gracious reminder during this holiday season of how great life can be. “A Christmas Carol” This story, with all its versions, is truly a Christmas classic. The story is about the wretched Ebenezer Scrooge and whichever version you decide to w a t c h – perhaps the Scrooge McDuck version – this film is sure to remind you to appreciate all of those who surround you. “The Santa Claus” In this modern classic, Scott Calvin, a divorced father, is planning to spend the holiday season with his reluctant son, but his plans change after he accidentally bumps off Santa Claus. He is forced to fill Santa’s shoes during Christmas Eve. This is a light-hearted movie that gives you an inside look at how Santa works.
