A&E

Review of classic Christmas movies

By Bella Lee Staff Writer

Christmas is easily one of my favorite holidays.

Being able to spend time with my family, decorating the tree and receiving presents always gives me a warm feeling in my heart.

I have a belief that while Christmas music is okay to play after Halloween, decorating and putting up Christmas trees needs to be saved for after Thanksgiving.

Fortunately, my entire family agrees with me on this.

However, one of the biggest reasons I love Christmas is for movies.

One of my favorite Christmas movies is the 1983 classic “A Christmas Story.”

This lighthearted film set in the 1940s tells the story of a young boy named Ralphie and the highs and lows he and his family experience leading up to Christmas.

Nearly 40 years after its release, this remains a favorite of mine and my mom’s, and it is as popular as ever even in 2021.

Peter Billingsley, who played Ralphie, made an uncredited cameo as Ming Ming the Elf in the 2003 film “Elf.”

Additionally, he played the role of William Ginter Riva in the 2008 film “Iron Man” and the 2019 film “Spider-Man: Far From Home.”

He continues to work in the movie business, though he works more as a producer nowadays.

The house that Ralphie’s family lives in is now a museum in Cleveland.

While sequels of the movie were made in 1988, 1994 and 2012, as well as a musical in 2012, the original remains a favorite to many, with TNT and TBS both hosting 24-hour marathons of the movie every Christmas day.

My other favorite Christmas movie, which I share with my

mom, is the 2003 film “Elf.”

Starring Will Ferrell and featuring big names such as James Caan, Ed Asner and Mary Steenburgen, it centers around Buddy, a human raised among elves up in the North Pole at Santa’s workshop.

Buddy travels to New York City in search of his birth father. Unsurprisingly, a human with an elf mind in a human world yields chaotic yet hilarious results.

Interestingly enough, Jim Carrey was initially slated to play the role of Buddy when the concept of the film was first made 10 years prior.

Although he was eventually replaced with Ferrell, Carrey went on to star in two other Christmas classics: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “A Christmas Carol.”

Alongside a cameo by Peter Billingsley are two cameo appearances: director Jon Favreau as Mr. Narwhal and the doctor that administers the DNA test between Buddy and Walter, his biological father.

Like “A Christmas Story,” “Elf” was ultimately made into a musical as well, running on Broadway for a year and still having national tours take place to this day.

“Elf” is the only movie of its kind, however, as Ferrell turned down a $29 million deal to make a sequel just a few months ago.

As they say, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Whether you are spending it with family or friends, Christmas can be a magical time. And that magical time can be seen in the Christmas movies that have become so popular.

It is the perfect time to curl up in some blankets with some hot chocolate and watch your favorite yuletide classics.

Keep warm and safe this holiday season, Lakers.

Whether you are spending it with family or friends, Christmas can be a magical time. And that magical time can be seen in the Christmas movies that have become so popular.” Bella Lee

Hurst Hot Take: Review of Santa Inc.

Contributed Photo

Promotional photo for HBO Max’s Santa Inc., featuring Santa (Seth Rogen) and Candy Smalls (Sarah Silverman).

By Emma Coppolo A&E Editor

** Warning: Spoilers ahead! **

HBO Max released a new holiday series this week starring big names such as Sarah Silverman and Seth Rogen.

Although it is embarrassing to admit, I can vouch for this show’s excellence as I finished it twice this weekend.

This show is perfect for you if you enjoy irreverent adult cartoons (think “Bojack Horseman,” but with Christmas, claymation and civil liberties issues).

Candy Smalls (Sarah Silverman) is a coal miner’s daughter that has worked her way up to the third-highest ranking position at Santa Inc., the corporation that pulls off Christmas.

She is a female, Jewish elf, which proves to be somewhat of an obstacle as she tries to professionally advance in a systemically sexist and racist work environment.

Her mentor, Brent, is chosen to be Santa’s successor when he retires, meaning that Candy will be promoted.

On the delivery route, though, Brent is approached by Jeff Bezos and offered a position at Amazon, which he accepts on the condition that he does not have to use an Amazon Fire Phone.

Candy feels betrayed by her friend, and Santa is pushed to find a new successor.

Candy realizes that her lifelong dream of becoming the first female Santa is now a possibility.

Her proposal leaves Santa stunned and intrigued.

Santa makes it clear that he is interested in the optics of having chosen the company’s first Jewish woman successor after having chosen the first Black successor.

He explains to Candy that he can not technically call himself an ally, but others have done so.

Even while Santa acts as though he’ll consider Candy’s offer, it is constantly reinforced that she will never be taken seriously.

Her rage manifests into the determination to become Santa, no matter what it takes.

I do not want to spoil the series in its entirety for those who choose to watch it, so these are a few of my favorite moments from the show.

One of Candy’s best friends, Goldie, is a reindeer on the B-team to fly Santa’s sleigh.

The B-team, also known as the women’s team, is never given the opportunity to fly on Christmas night.

Goldie steals a box of Christmas Spirit Bars, which are given to the A-team before they take off.

She eats one and starts behaving erratically to say the least.

A strange series of events reveals that the “nutrition bars” are filled with crystal meth to push the reindeer to maximum productivity.

This horrifies Candy, and it inspires her even further to make change at Santa Inc.

Mrs. Claus is probably my favorite character, and the show did exactly what I hoped they would with her story arc.

While she once longed to be a progressive activist, she is now Santa’s doting wife stuck in a boring life of repetition.

In episode four, a group of characters drill through the center of the planet to vacation at their resort in the South Pole.

Mrs. Claus is stuck in dull conversations with her friends, so Candy’s friends save her and decide it’s time for a change of pace.

The three become gal pals, and Mrs. Claus is finally able to let loose.

One of the funniest parts of this episode is the reveal of Mrs. Claus’s first name, which I will not include to leave some mystery.

Throughout the series, she becomes such a fun and wild character, and it’s really something you just have to see to believe.

I will warn you: this show is very political and explicit; keep this in mind if you choose to watch it.

That being said, I think that it expresses a lot of serious workplace problems in a lighthearted way.

The show hits you over the head with its messages, but it also proves its points.

I would not recommend watching this with your family unless you are incredibly comfortable with each other, but it is a perfect quick watch if you need something to distract you from finals week.

The 814: Javamango’s Outpost

By Hannah Brooks Features editor

Erie County is undoubtedly a place where you will never run out of options to get your morning cup of joe.

Whether you want a frothy cappuccino, an iced coffee with the perfect amount of cream (whatever that may mean for you) or a large cup of black coffee, the opportunities are endless.

Just one of many perfect places to stop by is Javamango’s Outpost, located in Waterford.

Though Javamango’s Outpost is about a twenty-minute drive from campus, the drive is most definitely one that you will not regret making.

The atmosphere is one of the friendliest and calmest that I have ever experienced in a coffee shop. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about their different custom concoctions.

Not only will they make your drink to perfection, but you will also get to watch them in the process.

One of my favorite things about Javamango’s Outpost, aside from the delicious food and drinks, is the fact that they get a lot of their supplies from local businesses.

Their bagels come from Lakeside Deli and their eggs come from local farms. They also sell half dozens of quail eggs and fresh chicken eggs in shop, which I also find to be very unique.

Additionally, Javamango’s offers a plethora of dairy options, including regular half-and-half, almond milk, macadamia nut milk, coconut milk and more.

My personal recommendation would absolutely have to be a Saint Brendan sandwich on an everything bagel with hot sauce paired with a large coffee with a shot of hazelnut and a splash of almond milk.

It is a tough choice between the “Saint Brendan” (a sandwich with egg, scallions, bacon and Irish cheddar cheese) and the chicken salad sandwich for me, but the Saint Brendan usually wins.

They also have a sandwich called “The Dora,” a breakfast sandwich with egg, salt and pepper.

Javamango’s Outpost offers baked goods too, such as cookies and muffins, that are absolutely huge and delicious.

If I am feeling in the mood for a sweet coffee drink, however, I would go for an iced mocha.

Their mocha is undoubtedly one of the best that I have tasted with just the perfect amount of chocolate and sweetness.

Some other drinks that are must-tries include the “Lumberjack café au lait” (giving just the perfect fix of maple and cinnamon), the “Ice-and-Fire mocha” (a mocha with a kick provided by cayenne and mint flavors) and the “latte da-de-da”, a latte made with macadamia nut milk and providing notes of caramel and dark chocolate.

I also want to add that even if you are not an avid coffee drinker, Javamango’s Outpost still has plenty of room for you at one of their café tables.

They offer Italian soda, iced tea, hot chocolate and an wide variety of hot tea flavors.

The café, which opened in early 2019, provided an addition to Waterford that was much needed for the area.

Although I wish at times that Javamango’s Outpost could be located closer to campus, the drive into Waterford is well worth it for what you are able to get.

I find myself all too often making the drive out on Saturday mornings for a quiet and relaxed space to study and write while sipping coffee.

I highly recommend that you make the venture out to give Javamango’s a try. I promise you will not regret it.

Javamango’s Outpost also has an Instagram and Facebook account that you can find by just looking up Javamango’s Outpost. Both of these accounts are updated regularly, so it is beneficial to check in every so often to see if they have any specials coming up.

Contributed Photo Javamango’s Outpost storefront located in Waterford, Pennsylvania.

“A Christmas Gala” spreads holiday cheer

By Laren Reesman Staff writer

This past Sunday, Mercyhurst presented “A Christmas Gala” at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

The concert featured Christmas music from the Mercyhurst Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble and Civic Orchestra.

The afternoon’s performance had a “major” turnout and began with choral music.

This included “The Huron Carol,” which conductor Thomas Brooks described as the first known Canadian Christmas carol.

Another stand-out selection was “A Hymn to the Mother of God,” where the music attempted to portray the Holy Spirit as it descended on Mary to make her a virgin mother. The arrangement included two soloists—soprano Hayley Ripple and bass Dennis Whalen.

The other arrangements performed were “Make We Joy,” “Riu, Riu, Chui” with baritone soloist Adam Seymour, “Shephard’s Pipe Carol” and “Where Riches is Everlasting.”

During a short interlude for the Wind Ensemble to set up, soprano Abigail Wise performed a solo arrangement of “O Holy Night” with piano accompaniment by Paul Caram.

All in all, a great ef-“forte” by the Mercyhurst Concert Choir.

The Wind Ensemble also started strong with classic Russian composition “Salvation is Created” followed by “Emmanuel Variants,” “Stille Nacht” (“Silent Night” rejoined by the choir) and “Sleigh Ride” to end this portion with a “crack.”

The instrumental arrangement of “Sleigh Ride” is a personal favorite, and the Wind Ensemble did not disappoint.

With another transition to the Civic Orchestra, contralto Rhyan Komsthoeft sang “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” with her own acoustic guitar accompaniment.

This performance definitely pulled on the heart-“strings.”

Finally, the Civic Orchestra livened the hall starting with “The Christmas Song” followed by “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Christmas at the Movies”— a medley of well-known Christmas film music that im-“presto” everyone—and “White Christmas.”

The orchestral finale, “A Carol Festival,” was interactive for the audience as a sing-along with verses from “Joy to the World,” “Hark the Herald, Angels Sing” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” provided in the brochure.

The concert was “attune” to the holiday season, and I know the audience was “trilled” to be in attendance with a great standing ovation at the end.

Of course, no concert runs smoothly without those working diligently behind the scenes. This production was supported by a staging crew, lights personnel and Hafenmaier College participation led by Dean Christina Riley-Brown.

Their efforts allowed the musicians to perform their hearts out while remaining confident in their crew.

With the hard work everyone put into planning, no one has to “play it by ear.”

All puns aside, it is a gift to have live music again, and there is significant talent in the entertainment programs at this university.

Classical music is under appreciated in modern society, but it is students like these performers who keep the musical arts, especially classical music, alive.

I, personally, was incredibly impressed with the display that they put together.

The Christmas Gala is just one way to encourage appreciation through well-known songs and a festive atmosphere.

Next semester, the music department has many events planned from student soloists to guest artist series.

Returning from break, there will be a Concerto/Aria competition in the Walker Recital Hall on Jan. 30.

If you enjoy jazz, which was not featured at the Christmas Gala, the Jazz Band will perform in both February and April.

Tickets will be available at the box office or online.

All those who attended this concert left satisfied about investing in these musicians’ hard work, and everyone could let go of their “trebles” if only to enjoy a two-hour Christmas concert.

To make sure that you do not miss out on another experience like it, be sure to follow the MIAC Instagram account as they post updates about performances on campus.

Contributed Photo

The Mercyhurst Wind Ensemble played Christmas classics at Sunday’s Christmas Gala.