DECEMBER 31ST, 2021
Edit By JOHN LILIES
We hope everyone has a great remainder of 2021 and welcomes 2022 in with a bang.
12 Festive Animated Movies for the 12 Days of Christmas 2021
DECEMBER 24TH, 2021
BY LANA CARBON & JOHN LILIES
[John] Every year, we finish our 31 Movies for the 31 Days of Hallowe’en and we realize our 12 Movies for the 12 Days of Christmas arrives really soon. I get excited, then I panic because I realize time is fleeting, madness takes its toll (oh, oops... different story), and I bring myself back to the excitement of Christmas.
If you've been with us for a while, you know that Christmas is not a religious holiday for us but it is entirely about the Santa magics. We watch Christmas movies all year alongside horror/thrillers, and it's even better when both fall within one movie. Hmm... maybe it's time to watch Black Christmas again - original, of course.
Wow, I'm off track.
So... not a religious holiday, Christmas movies all year, Santa magics... yes – even Lana loves watching cheesy romantic movies if they are about Christmas, because the perfect life resolutions and "smoochy woochy" moments all seem more enjoyable when Santa magics are involved. Actually, to be honest, I think Lana likes the cheesy romance a lot more than I do. I just like the magics.
[Lana] Please… it is all about Santa, the Christmas spirit, and the fantastic moments that make it snow at the end of every movie (even when in the middle of the Sahara). There isn’t a romantic, or sappy, bone in this body.
[John] Mhmm. Whatever you say, sir.
The Santa magics are even more present in animated movies and so this year, we decided to go that route for all of our 12. Thus, our theme this year is animated.
Holy cannoli, it took me a long time to get there. I really shouldn't be writing when I'm exhausted.
[Lana] If that were the case, you would never write at all considering how bust the rest of your life is.
[John] Sleep deprivation it is, then. Inspiration, here I come…
So, if you're still with us here, grab some hot chocolate, add the marshmallows or the booze or both (I usually make my hot chocolate with cinnamon and cayenne, while Lana prefers his with peppermint extract or a candy cane), and check out our movie list. If you've watched any of them (or all) please let us know your thoughts. If you decide to check out any after making it through this blundering article, please let us know what you liked and didn't like. As always, you can comment here, email us, or grab us on social... you know the drill - the book of faces, the instant gram, the blue bird (Lana, are we anywhere else in the world?).
[Lana] We do have the interest of pins and the ever so rarely used video Tube of You.
[John] Right… so we are in a few places out there… find us and let us know your thoughts!
Okay friendlies, here we go... our 2021 edition of 12 Movies for the 12 Days of Christmas (that don't really coincide with the actual 12 days)...
1. The Little Troll Prince (1987)
IMDB plot summary: "A little troll finds himself on a wonderful voyage from the Troll Kingdom, until he arrives at a human house, where he discovers Christmas and God."
[John] As the opening credits rolled and we saw the names Vincent Price, Jonathan Winters, Don Knotts, and Cloris Leachman, we were really excited. We quickly learned this is, essentially, an animated Sunday School Christmas lesson in troll format. Not exactly the Christmas magic we thought we'd signed up for.
[Lana] So, taking the story literally, if you take Jesus into your heart, you get disowned by your family and excommunicated from your homeland. To top it off you then have to live in the cold attic with the vermin of the house and tend to the fire, and babysit the pets without any pay. Not exactly the lesson I would try to teach but to each their own, I suppose.
[John] This was an odd one.
2. Abominable Christmas (2012)
IMDB plot summary: "Despite repeated warnings about humans from their father, the Abominable Snowman, two Abominable Snowkids find themselves in a sleepy Colorado mountain town after being chased out of their hideaway by a scientist determined to capture them."
[John] This was my first time watching this one and it is a sweet movie that completely held my attention. With Emilio Estevez, Jane Lynch, Matthew Lillard, and Ray Liotta, expectations on this one were happily met. Lana had watched this one before and I'm glad he introduced me to it.
[Lana] Good thing curiosity only kills cats and not abominable snowmen. Seriously though, I love the emphasis on family.
3. Alien Xmas (2020)
IMDB plot summary: "When extraterrestrials attempt to steal Earth's gravity, only the gift-giving spirit of Christmas -- and a small Alien named X -- can save the world."
[John] We watched this once before and I loved it just as much this time.
[Lana] Is it as good as the original How the Grinch Stole Christmas? No, not really, but it gives off the same type of message and it's pretty darn entertaining.
4. A Garfield Christmas Special (1987)
IMDB plot summary: "Garfield, Jon, and Odie go to Jon's grandmother's house for Christmas, where Garfield finds a present for Grandma."
[John] This is one of my favourites and I couldn't imagine doing an animated theme without Garfield. I'm sure we've included this one in past years but I think it's worth the repeat. Kind of like second servings of lasagna.
[Lana] Any cartoon that leads you to a Christmas tree by laying down pans of lasagna, is A1 in my book. Old love letters do get me in the heartstrings, every time.
5. Little Spirit: Christmas in New York (2008)
IMDB plot summary: "When a friendly cabbie tells two young sisters the story of a boy named Leo, a magical adventure begins."
[John] This is not my preferred animation style but it is a really sweet story. I loved hearing Lana's reactions and watching him be so compassionate towards an animated pup.
[Lana] This is a very touching story about a boy and his dog, cruel pigeons, and helpful tree-hopping spirits. If you find you ever get lost in New York, just ask a fish how to get home.
[John] Yeah, those pigeons. I might have called one of them an arsehole. So, there's that.
6. Bob's Broken Sleigh (2015)
IMDB plot summary: "A young magicless elf named Bob, finds himself on a wild sleigh ride after being ambushed by the evil puffin, Fishface. Stranded in the middle of a magical forest, it's up to him and the friends he makes along the way to bring the sleigh back home in time for Christmas - if the puffins don't get it first!"
[John] I need a Blue in my life. Maybe some glow-stick-tusked narwhal friends, too. Though, in my head, puffins are more the personalities of Bob and Wupsy, and less Fishface.
[Lana] I strongly resonate with Fluffy. I don't walk or push or pull, either. Although, I'm not so good at waiting.
[John] Truth.
[Lana] This is one of our holiday favourites.
[John] Truth.
7. The Magic Snowflake (2013)
IMDB plot summary: "A young boy named Nicholas is about to become the next Santa Claus, but must first avoid a crisis that's threatening the magic of Christmas before he can succeed in his new role."
[John] This was a super sweet movie. We actually started watching a different one, which was 180° from this and it was not sitting well with me, so we switched and I am so glad we did. A really great movie with all the Santa magics.
[Lana] Before even getting into the story, there were cute elves, so I was committed to it. Luckily, the story was also very good. Judging by the number of white hairs growing into my beard, I'm afraid I might be the next Santa.
8. Arthur Christmas (2011)
IMDB plot summary: "Santa's clumsy son, Arthur, sets out on a mission with Grandsanta to give out a present they misplaced, to a young girl in less than two hours."
[John] We've watched this one a few times but for some reason, this viewing brought new magic for me and I like it even more, now.
[Lana] This has truly become one of my favourite Christmas movies, animated or not. The story of Arthur's selfless caring and holiday spirit gives me all the warm tinglies. A wonderful story that I strongly recommend.
9. Olive, the Other Reindeer (1999)
IMDB plot summary: "When Santa cancels his annual flight because of a hurt reindeer, a young Christmas loving dog named Olive is convinced she has what it takes to get Santa's flight off the ground and save Christmas."
[John] Olive gives me hope for those of us who are sensitive, different, and a little (or a lot) quirky. This movie is one of my annual requirements.
[Lana] Originally, I wasn't fussy on this movie but like antlers on a dog, it's grown on me.
[John] He isn't joking about not liking this one at first; for the longest time I pretty much had to beg him to watch it. I'm so glad he's grown the antlers.
[Lana] You say that now. Wait until I accidently poke you right in the nostril with one of them… see how you feel about them then.
[John] I’m happy to build a little shelter outside, for you and your antlers.
10. Robin Robin (2021)
IMDB plot summary: "In this stop-motion short film, a bird raised by mice begins to question where she belongs and sets off on a daring journey of self-discovery."
[John] Another new one for us and I think it was splendidly delightful. I might be a good not-mouse, myself... I have the clumsiness down.
[Lana] This is almost everything you want in an animated Christmas special. It has the holiday feels of being close with family and a great message about being yourself, all presented in a cute and fun way. An A+ in my book!
11. Missing Christmas (2012)
IMDB plot summary: "A young Kiwi boy vows to get Santa Claus' attention and bring Christmas to his tiny, overlooked island."
[John] A first for us and I really enjoyed it. For so many reasons, I know I'll be watching this one again and again.
[Lana] It's nice to see something different and from a country on the other side of the world. I tend to enjoy Kiwi comedy and this Christmas short movie is no exception. If you haven't seen it, definitely try to find it and check it out.
12. Robbie the Reindeer in Close Encounters of the Herd Kind (2007)
IMDB plot summary: "Robbie's wedding day is interrupted by an intergalactic attack."
[John] Okay, so, reindeer and snow make it Christmassy, yes? A good laugh was definitely had. Maybe not quite the Santa magics I was hoping for.
[Lana] You know, reindeer saving the galaxy, a good movie is.
Bonus
[John] Last year, we decided to read A Christmas Carol and as it was also our movie theme, it seemed appropriate. We loved reading a story so much as a special Christmas activity, we decided to try to carve out time for a Christmas story every year. This year, we decided to read the poem The Night Before Christmas and so, as a bonus movie, we watched T'was the Night Before Christmas (1974)
IMDB plot summary: "When a town learns that Santa Claus has struck it off his delivery schedule due to an insulting letter, a way must be found to change his mind."
[John] This is a sweet movie and might become an annual one for us. It has the classic feel that I like with holiday movies.
[Lana] It's been a long time since I've watched this one; there were parts I had forgotten and others that felt as though I'd watched them yesterday. It's definitely a cute little story.
[John] Well, that's it for our 12 movies this year. We had fun and got in some decent Santa magics… now to work on our theme for next year.
We really enjoyed reading the poem The Night Before Christmas and going through the original version, it was interesting to realize how wrong our recollections of it were. Over the years, the phrases in retellings are changed or words are simplified and so, reading the original poem was really nice.
If you aren't familiar with Aretha Franklin's rendition of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, you should look it up and give it a listen. It's one of my favourites. A little something different to enjoy.
Stay tuned for our usual post-Christmas photo issue of decorations... coming to this blog soon (Lana is working on the photos right now, as I type).
Thank you for hanging out with us again this year. We know things are not easy for many people right now and we hope you are able to find some calm and comfort over the holidays. We appreciate you all and we hope you take good care and treat yourselves to something special... maybe even do something nice for somebody as a random act of kindness.
Be well.
[Lana] And may you have an all-around Fantastic Season for All Holidays.
The Passing of a Legend
DECEMBER 13TH, 2021
BY LANA CARBON
As I was creating a post on Twitter for our 12 Movies for the 12 Days of Christmas annual moviethon, I came across the sad and surprising news of the passing of legendary author, Anne Rice. Reading the announcement of her death, I was in complete disbelief. It honestly felt like an old friend had passed; someone I had known quite well, had maybe lost touch with over the years, but the realization of them being gone was still devastating.
Immediately after reading the news, flooding my mind were thoughts of her work. Anne Rice inspired not only my decades-long obsession with vampires and the gothic world from which they come, but her descriptive style also fuelled my love of writing
Photo by Michael Lionstar,
taken from Penguin Random House website
I didn’t follow along with Rice’s Sleeping Beauty erotic fiction but her vampire tales were a different story entirely. I first came across Interview with a Vampire two or three years prior to entering high school; I became infatuated with the charming vampire Lestat and his sway over everyone he encountered. The character was so intricately detailed, that I could picture his every movement and hear his every word echoing in my mind. I longed to visit New Orleans and see the places so vividly recalled by the wonderfully descriptive words, to be a part of that world in a real, physical way. That was the power of Anne Rice’s writing.
The influence of Anne Rice was so strong that by the time the movie Interview with a Vampire was released, the character of Lestat was such an icon that even people who had not read the book, understood that Tom Cruise was not the right fit for the role. It caused a huge uproar and while Cruise did a passable job, in my opinion the casting could have been much, much better. C’est la vie.
(left) Screenshot of Tom Cruise as Lestat uploaded to Wikipedia by TAnthony
(right) Art by LilithMF, taken from DeviantArt website
I followed along with the Vampire Chronicles, book after book, as the clan of the night grew in number and power. I was just as enthralled in this gothic realm as one of Armand’s victims was in the mysterious elder vampire. Louis, Claudia, Marius… they all had a special place in the lore as well as in my heart, as I came to care for each character in different but equally meaningful ways. I loved the books so much that while travelling on a 14-hour bus trip, I read Memnoch the Devil, the story of Lestat’s meeting with the devil himself. I started and finished it long before the trip was over because I simply could not put it down.
Although best known for Lestat and his fellow denizens of the night, vampires were not the only subject of Anne Rice’s writings. While I didn’t become nearly as enamored with the Mayfair witches, I did read all of their tales and enjoyed them immensely, especially the stories where the family of witches and collective of vampires crossed over.
Then, what seemed like a change out of left field (to me, at least), the next stories to come out were based on Jesus. Not being overly religious myself, I had no interest in these books, even if it was Anne Rice. So, with the next few years being dedicated to this new line of stories and with my life becoming more hectic, I missed out on the latest novels in which I would have been interested. I haven’t read any new Anne Rice books since 2003’s Blood Canticle. Having found out about Anne Rice’s tragic passing however, I now feel like I need to catch up on all that I have missed.
As John said when I first told her the sad news, “I don’t know if it’s because of what she wrote about but it just felt like Anne Rice would live forever.” That is how I feel – it’s difficult to imagine my literary world without her. I do know that, with such great talent, her characters will live forever through her passionate words.
You will be missed Mrs. Rice, by family, friends, and fans alike.
