Krampus, The Tale and The Movie

I grew up with German stories and folk tales. Most of them were scary, and as I have determined in my later years, were designed to encourage children to behave. There was Peter, to whom terrible things happened because he wouldn't get his hair or fingernails clipped. Of course Jonathan didn't eat his food and finally died. The little girl who played with matches burned herself. Those were just a few. It was all nasty, horrible stuff.

Thankfully, what I never heard about was Krampus. My son first brought this character to my attention. "Tell me about Krampus," he said.

"What, who?"

"Krampus", he repeated.

The puzzled look on my face probably said it all. I had never heard of Krampus. He seemed disappointed. On the other hand, he was twenty five years old at the time, and I was unconvinced that he'd be damaged for life.

Research has told me that Krampus is a hairy, horned beastly figure that punishes children at Christmas. It is said to have originated in Alpine countries. There's often a parade, which includes celebrants dressed as the beast. At one time, the Krampus figure was found on greeting cards and other paraphernalia. Apparently, it has become less frightening and has appeared more friendly in recent years, being more humorous than fearsome in order to promote tourist approval.

So when it was announced that this Christmas, there would be a movie entitled "Krampus",  I made a date...with my son. The film would be in theatres on December 3rd. We went today.

The movie began with a family awaiting the arrival of an unruly bunch of boisterous relatives. I was immediately reminded of the Griswolds and Cousin Eddie's family in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. There was even a dog. The difference was that this crew was neither endearing, nor funny. The family is having a meal and are bickering and being rude and insulting to each other the entire time. The son, Max, gets disillusioned about Christmas, rips up his letter to Santa, and it's then when a terrible storm, power failures, and odd happenings ensue.

There are some good actors in this movie. I particularly enjoyed the oma character who spoke German but for some inexplicable reason suddenly became fluent in English. She tells the story of her childhood encounter with Krampus at which point the movie changes temporarily to an animated "Nightmare Before Christmas" type of thing. Come to think of it, if someone were to put together several Christmas movies, add some lines from Air Force One, and some other assorted phrases, and cliches, that would describe the dialogue in Krampus.

The anti-Santa is somewhat frightening but then the whole story turns hokey when the writers invoke every child's greatest fears to help with the scare factor. I'm fairly certain that Krampus has nothing to do with clowns, Chucky dolls, evil gingerbread cookies, armies of nasty snowmen and the like, but then I might be mistaken. After all, what do I know about Krampus?

Of course, the American solution to every problem becomes evident before long. There's a Hummer belonging to the redneck type relatives. Inside are weapons (not of mass destruction, but none the less an assortment of guns). These prove to be pea shooters against the evil that is....er....giant tunnels with heads, dolls, clowns, and other nasty toys. Soon...all hell breaks loose, both literally and figuratively.

The ending is a bit unusual. Yes, there's a dream sequence. I don't feel I'm giving away the plot by telling this secret. In fact, the plot is pretty much non existent except for an hour and a half of a frightened family fighting against the latest in terrorism which has arrived in their midst.

So what was the best part of the movie? The best part was seeing it with my son. We shared a lovely lunch, chatted, shopped a bit, and saw the film.

I thought I'd surprise my son with some Krampus playing cards, a novelty item in his Christmas stocking this year.

 It appears that I am a bit late. He's already cornered the market on the Krampus merchandise. When I dropped him off he showed me his Christmas ornament and a book containing a collection of old postcards and of course, the real story of Krampus.

A Day at the Movies

This week, hubby and I went to a movie. It's a rare occurrence. He doesn't really like going to movies. He selected and we were off for a matinee at our local theatre.

We were both somewhat dismayed that movies now seem to have a captive audience and thereby take advantage of the opportunity to foist commercials on the unwary. Since when did this become the norm? Long gone are the days of newsreels, cartoons, and singing, dancing snacks prior to the feature. And yet, wait...I am in fact in error There was performing popcorn. There were dancing drinks, there was candy with legs, all in faded colour with a hollow sounding soundtrack "Let's all go to the movies and get ourselves a treat." Was this meant to appeal to the "older" movie goers? Ah yes, nostalgia and entertainment for those without pirated movies or netflix.

After viewing some previews which made me realize that I had just seen the entire plot of all upcoming movies, it was time. At last, what we'd been waiting for. We were about to see a one hour twenty-five minute movie spinoff of a British t.v. series. Hopefully, it would be as good as the television episodes.

We were not disappointed. The main feature began. The music was wonderful. The pastoral scenes riveting. Before long, I was fully immersed in the story. I was very impressed with hubby's film selection.

Several times, I was on the edge of my seat...not only because theatre seats are less than comfortable, but because of the intriguing plot. The movie contained romance, suspense, comedy, social commentary, brilliant cinematography, fantastic music...I could go on and on. The theme was simple, nothing new, reminiscent of Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The acting was believable, the plot fast moving.

Basically, the story revolved around the daily routine in the life of the characters. As I said, based on a t.v. series.  It delves into the hard work and yet the boredom associated with each passing day. The characters decide they need a change of pace, a break, a day off as it were. They get more than they bargained for when catastrophes develop. They must then restore order and repair the chaos which they've created. All along the way, there are obstacles and surprises.

Finally, the end of the movie helps all the characters realize, that there's no place like home.

Again, I must say, this film had a lot to offer and I can't believe I'm saying this, I'd see it again.  I think I missed a lot of innuendos and some of the underlying humour. I was so caught up in the story. Not only that, it was family friendly and was presented in a universal language. Very clever.
                                       

Go see Shaun the Sheep. Watch Shaun, the flock and the dog rescue a lost amnesiac farmer from the horrors of the big city. Hopefully, you too will be glad you did.

Hollywood Comes to Town

They're making a movie in our town. It's going to be called "Pixels" and it stars Adam Sandler and Michelle Monaghan. I read about its making quite some time ago.There appears to have been a delay in the June filming schedule. Instead, the props and scenes have been gradually appearing one by one over the past few days and word is that there'll be action beginning at 7 a.m. tomorrow.

The movie has an unusual premise involving aliens, video games and the 80's. The genre is labelled as comedy sci-fi. I first noticed downtown preparations with the appearance of flags, strange flags, alien flags in the poles outside of local storefronts.

Some buildings have been assigned decorative posters while others are listed for sale. Note the Hollywood telephone number beginning with the usual 555 digits.

As I walked by some of the shops today, I was envious of the 1980's prices.

The Bargain Shop, which went out of business during the winter has been transformed into a video game arcade, the Electric Dreams Factory. Our local Park theatre, also out of business, has been renamed and advertises Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

                                                                                               

Yes, all the action begins tomorrow morning...and you can be certain that yours truly will be there, front and centre to watch!

     

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Sites for more info about the movie -

http://cobourginternet.ca/cobourg-news/news-2014/206-another-movie-to-be-filmed-in-cobourg

 and also

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2120120/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Les Misérables & As the Gut Churns

Director Tom Hooper has done it again. Surely he is poised to take over James Cameron's title of  "king of the world". Never, in my career as a movie goer have I experienced over two hours of such intensity. My neck ached, my body quivered and my stomach heaved by the end of the movie "Les Misérables.

The story, by Victor Hugo of Hunchback of Notre-Dame fame, takes place in France during the early 1800's. Life was difficult during that time. It was just after the French Revolution and people were either very wealthy or destitute. There was not much middle ground. The protaganist, Jean Valjean, was a petty thief who was released after almost twenty years of hard labour.

The opening scene is magnificent and all consuming. It sets the stage for the rest of the movie. Hundreds of prisoners, some waist deep in water are pulling on ropes, hauling in a massive ship and singing "Look Down , Look Down". It gave me goosebumps.

After Valjean is released, his life takes a new direction when he has an encounter with a benevolent priest. Valjean changes his name, eventually opens a factory and becomes mayor. Circumstances cause him to make a promise to a young woman, Fantine that he would always look after her daughter Cosette. He is hounded throughout the film by his relentless enemy Inspector Javert.

There is some comic relief provided by the innkeeper and his wife. There are scenes of violence during the student riot. There are scenes which are shocking, scenes that are disturbing, and scenes which will make you cry. The experience is an emotional roller coaster.

This movie combines big name actors with some new, talented, unknown faces. Nevertheless, there is no one, outstanding individual in this film. I think this is a prime example of teamwork, of an ensemble cast that deserves as much recognition as can be given. The vocals are adequate. The singing is of secondary importance. Hooper's idea of having the performers sing "live" as they acted the scenes helps to give the production authenticity. The cinematography is excellent. In the close up shots, the pain, anguish and raw emotion of the characters is obvious. In my opinion, the producer, Tom Hooper is a genius and is academy award bound.

I have never been fortunate enough to see the stage version of the musical "Les Misérables". I'm fairly confident that now, I'll never need to. 

Fifty Shades of Incredible Marketing

I began writing this blog some time ago and debated whether or not to finish it. Even though I decided that this particular book deserves no further recognition, I will share my opinion.

I got tired of hearing comments and innuendos about the book "Fifty Shades of Grey". Even the ladies of "The View" kept mentioning it on their t.v. show. Finally, I picked it up to see what the hype was all about. This action has now become one of the regrets of my life.

I'm not a literary snob. I like to relax with the occasional easy read fiction just like the next person. If  is a well told story, contains a good a mystery, a romance or is written with some humour, I can enjoy it. When the book "Fifty Shades Of Grey" received notoriety, I glanced at it and ignored it. A number of people mentioned the book and said it was a "must" read. They assured me that it was simply an erotic romance. I saw it disappearing from store shelves everywhere. I heard there was a movie in the works. What harm could there be? After all, I have enjoyed most books recommended to me.

Essentially this story is about a college graduate who is so smitten with a wealthy businessman that she immediately signs a contract agreeing to a relationship involving all his aberrant sexual preferences.

This novel is some kind of fantasy penned by a woman who made big money writing offensive, demeaning trash about a sick, manipulative, good looking billionaire who buys whatever he wants. At no time did I like this male character. He was never developed into anything more than a sicko psycho with some dark, mysterious past. I don't care about his past. My biggest problem, aside from the boredom factor, is that this might appeal to youngish women who don't need to be reading this sort of thing and accepting it as normal human behaviour.

I put the book down several times and finally gave up after suffering through just over half. As if the subject matter and attempt at a story line weren't bad enough, the writing is abhorrent. If I ever hear the phrases, "you must eat", "stop biting that lip", "pants hanging from hips" ,"down there" or "wicked smile" again, I'm fairly certain I will be forced to gauge out and stomp on my own cochleae.  It occurred to me to count how many times these phrases were repetitively used, but frankly, I didn't want to waste any more time.

"Fifty Shades of Grey" has obviously appealed to a lot of people. It's been on the best seller list for half a year. It accounts for one in five books currently sold. There are two sequels. If this is the sort of thing people enjoy, it's their prerogative.

On the other hand, I wonder how much of the excitement has been brought about by the brilliant ways the novel has been promoted. It's constantly mentioned, snickered about, joked about and written about. After all, when there are specially designed "covers" advertised to disguise a book so that "nobody knows what you're reading",wouldn't you be curious? In case you find yourself tempted, please resist. Trust me when I say, all you need to see is this youtube video by Ellen Degeneres.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on3JCwnwHbU

What I Think....Book & Movie

As a child, I remember hearing things on the news. I heard the terms riots, Klu Klux Klan, civil rights, beatings and murders. I had no idea what exactly was happening, but I knew instinctively that there was something seriously wrong. I became more aware of the issues, worse in some parts of the south, as a teen. Then came the shocking assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.

In my "almost" adult years, I had a doctor whose secretary had a distinctly southern accent. One day, I asked her about it. She said she and her husband had moved to Canada from the U.S. I inquired whether there was any particular reason and she responded, "My husband is black."  I looked at her quizzically wondering how this could possibly be an adequate explanation. I was still young. Eventually I learned. I realized how serious and unbelievable circumstances were during my generation.

This summer, I read the book, "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. It describes life in Jackson, Mississippi during the 60's through the eyes of black maids who worked for wealthy families. I found it rivetting, insightful and disturbing. It's hard to believe that the story was rejected 60 times before it was finally published, only to become a New York Times best seller. This was different from my normal reading fare. I'm glad I picked it up and I highly recommend it.

The plot centres around several black maids who were asked by one young woman, an aspiring author and member of a group of wealthy, educated white friends, to risk their lives by telling their stories. The request was that they describe their treatment by the families for which they worked. They hesitated at first, fearing retribution. Despite their fears, one by one they came onboard with the idea.

When the movie version was to be released, I was worried. I have rarely seen a well done film version of a book. Then, I read some reviewer comments and saw previews which suggested that the story was a comedy. How could this be? How could they make light of such a serious topic? I finally went to find out for myself. I was surprised to discover that the movie was extremely well done and followed the story closely. Of course, there were liberties taken and there were omissions of details, as is necessary when shortening a lengthy novel to two viewing hours. This did not, however affect the overall content. There were humourous incidents, but the story was presented seriously. The acting was superb. It fully described the snobbishness and the manipulations of the weak by those who considered themselves superior. It showed the attempts by one woman to improve her status and the struggles by a newbie to the community who just wanted to belong. Then of course, it showed the maids, their lives, their work and their child rearing expertise. It demonstrated forms of racism and abuse tolerated by the black community in order to retain their menial jobs. The maids, were in fact more down to earth, loving, understanding and competent than many of their employers.

My only criticism would be that the movie didn't fully present the frightening aspects and the danger of the meetings. The sneaking around and the lengths taken by the author and the maids to maintain secrecy were much more intense in the book than in the movie.

I am rarely interested in attending a movie twice. I would go to see this one again. The first time, I was so engrossed in the acting and the story, that I didn't get to enjoy the efforts by the filmaker to replicate life in the 60's. Part way through the film, I noticed the background details. I saw a box of the all too familiar "Breeze" laundry detergent used by my mom when I was a child. I'm certain that there are more props that I would like to see and reminisce about. It's a strange reason to go to a movie a second time, but nonetheless, I would.

I think the main message of the story is obvious. People are people. The maids wanted was what everyone wants. They wanted to improve their conditions, feel safe and make life better for their own children.