Reel Reflection: Looking Back at 2019 Movie Anniversaries

By Michael Lyons

We now look back at the year that was and compile our Year End (and now, Decade End!) Movie list.  As we do this, let us not forget those films that celebrated some major milestones in 2019:

The Green Mile (1999) - Celebrating 20 Years


Stephen King’s massive novel was made into a massive movie from director Frank Darabont (“The Shawshank Redemption”).  The story of a death row prisoner with mystical, healing powers runs so deep with emotion and messages that it’s no wonder this film is still discussed two decades later.  To hear more about “The Green Mile,” check out the Dark Tower Radio Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dark-tower-radio/id1173774601

The Little Mermaid (1989) – Celebrating 30 Years


It’s been three decades since the animation renaissance that transformed the Disney Studio kicked off with this film.  There has been so much that has happened in animation and at Disney since Ariel traded her voice for legs, but “The Little  Mermaid” still carries with it a special magic that has never been duplicated.

The Muppet Movie (1979) – Celebrating 40 Years



Films don’t get more magical than The Muppets first appearance on the big screen and forty years later, the Rainbow Connection is still there.  Kermit and the gang set out to realize their dreams in Hollywood and no matter how many times you’ve seen it, you always go along with a smile on your face.  Plus, Steve Martin’s cameo as a waiter still ranks as one of film’s funniest scenes.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) – Celebrating 50 Years



Five decades has done nothing to dull the unmatchable chemistry between Paul Newman and Robert Redford in this extremely unique Western penned by famed screen writer William Goldman.  Sharp and contemporary in its attitude, it set the tone for many genre changing films that followed.

Gone with the Wind (1939) – Celebrating 80 Years



Film historians consider 1939 one of the greatest years for cinema, with so many, now masterpieces, released during those 12 months and this film, no doubt, is one of the reasons why.  The big screen adaptation of Margaret Mitchell’s novel created the epic film and became a watershed moment for American film.  In addition to its so many now iconic characters, scenes and dialogue, “Gone with the Wind” is that rarity among film, as it is still in the conversation among aficionados who are now several generations removed from its initial release 80 years go.

The Wizard of Oz (1939) – Celebrating 80 Years



One of the other reasons that 1939 is so notable as a year in film.  What more can be said about one of movie’s most popular stories, other than there truly is “No place like home.”





As we head into New Year’s Eve, any and/or all of these films would make for the perfect marathon, as you count down to midnight.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!





Sources:
Wikipedia

Merry Anniversary,: Celebrating Four Classic Christmas Specials from The Rankin Bass Studio

By Michael Lyons

A Studio that has given us iconic characters with stories that run mythologically deep and return every Christmas.  Nope, it’s not LucasFilm...it’s Rankin/Bass, who have provided us with Christmas memories for over fifty years, producing some of the most famous and enduring TV specials ever.

This Holiday Season, four of Rankin/Bass’ most celebrated specials reach milestones and with just a few days left until Christmas, it’s the perfect time to look back and celebrate them!

‘”Twas the Night Before Christmas” (originally broadcast December 8, 1974) – Celebrating 45 Years

Taking loose, very loose, inspiration from the famous Clement C. Moore Christmas poem, this 2-D special focuses on the fictional town of Junctionville, New York.  Santa actually returns his gifts to the town, when he receives an insulting, anonymous letter from the town stating that he doesn’t exist.  Several of the town folk (including a small, mouse family) band together to build a clock that will chime a welcoming song for Santa.

A different, and more original take, on the classic tale, the special features some very warm and comforting animation (particularly that of the mice family), as well as some nice vocal performances from Joel Grey and comedian George Goebel.  There’s also a great “earworm” of a song entitled “Even a Miracle Needs a Hand,” that you will be singing long after the special ends.

One of the Studio’s “forgotten” Christmas specials “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” has a charm all its own and deserves to be re-discovered.

“The Year Without a Santa Claus” (originally broadcast December 10, 1974) – Celebrating 45 Years

“The Empire Strikes back” of Rankin/Bass’ Santa Claus saga!  This is a follow-up to “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” and features Mickey Rooney returning as the voice of Santa.  In this special, told through the Studio’s trademark “AniMagic” stop motion, Santa develops a cold and, feeling that the majority of the world no longer believes in him, he decides to take Christmas off this particular year.  When both he and his elves venture to the “real world,” Santa eventually sees the difference he has made and how there are still enough children who believe in the spirit of the Season.

Most famous for the special that introduced us to the Snow Miser and the Heat Miser (and their catchy theme songs), these characters have become Rankin/Bass favorites, remembered fondly by the original generation who grew up with the special and now immortalized on various pieces of merchandise including T-Shirts and Christmas ornaments.

This is a really fun, well-crafted hour that feels like a movie, with its adventurous plot that brings the characters outside of their usual North Pole setting.  It also has a wonderful theme about having the faith to believe in things that you can’t easily see.  There’s a reason many consider this a must watch during the Season.

“Frosty the Snowman” (originally broadcast December 7, 1969) – Celebrating 50 Years.

One of the most beloved of all of the Rankin/Bass specials and with reason, as “Frosty” is pure TV comfort food, with some of the nicest animation and character design to come out of the Studio.

Like many Rankin/Bass specials, it’s based on a popular song, but thanks to the Studio’s gifted writer Romeo Mueller, the song is fleshed-out into a fully realized story that includes a villain, conflict and a little mythology.  The unmistakable voice of the legendary comedian and singer Jimmy Durante narrates the 2-D animated tale of young Karen who creates and befriends Frosty (voiced by comedian Jackie Vernon) after a magic top hat by a nasty magician named Hinkle (Billy DeWolfe) brings Frosty to life.  What follows is a venture to the North Pole to make sure that the rising temperatures don’t melt Frosty and a conclusion that still packs an emotional impact, even if you think you’ve outgrown the special.

No matter how many times you see it, year after year and whether you grew up with it on the CBS network or now through DVD and Blu-Ray, “Frosty the Snowman’s” annual airing on TV is like a welcome return home at Christmas for an old friend.

“Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” (Originally broadcast December 6, 1964) – Celebrating 55 years

The “Snow White” of the Rankin/Bass Studio.  Just as the “fairest of them all” kicked off a genre of animated features for Disney, “Rudolph” is the one that launched Rankin/Bass as the Christmas special Studio.

With stop motion animation that creates a world that reminds one of Christmas ornaments and decorations come to life, this adaptation of the already popular Christmas song about the red nosed reindeer, who is at first ridiculed and then the hero who saves Christmas, has not only become embraced by generation after generation, it’s become iconic in so many ways.

From Hermey the Elf who really wants to be a dentist, to Sam the Snowman (voiced by Burl Ives) who was copied for the hit 2003 film “Elf” and from the Bumble snow monster to the Island of Misfit Toys and the version of Santa audiences have come to despise, so much of this special has seeped into our Christmas pop culture DNA.

“Rudolph” also has tremendous heart (“There’s Always Tomorrow for Dreams to Come True”) and an epic, adventurous feel (thanks again to Mueller) that it feels more like a fable that’s been around forever and less like a TV special that’s only slightly over five decades old.

It’s also become one of those rare TV sightings that let’s audiences know: when it’s on…it’s Christmas time.

These and so many other Rankin/Bass Christmas specials endure like the season itself.  Like Christmas, they bring joy, laughter and warmth back into the world exactly when we need it.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Sources:

“The Enchanted World of Rankin Bass: A Portfolio” by Rick Goldschmidt

IMDb

Wikipedia

Adding Character to the Holidays: The 40th Anniversary of “John Denver and The Muppets: A Christmas Together”

By Michael Lyons

The television special, “John Denver and The Muppets: A Christmas Together” is like a lost Christmas tree ornament found at the bottom of a box.  

You vaguely remember it, but coming across it brings back a torrent of memories that’s like a portal sending you back in time.

“John Denver and The Muppets: A Christmas Together,” which aired on ABC on December 5, 1979, for some reason has never been released on any home video format-VHS, DVD, Blu-Ray or even streaming.

The special, which aired at the height of both the Muppets and John Denver’s fame, is remembered now only by the generation that grew up with it.

Truly one of the best Christmas TV specials ever made, filled with beautifully crafted music, great humor and tremendous heart, “John Denver and The Muppets” celebrates its 40th Anniversary this holiday season, the perfect time to look back and appreciate again a moment in TV Holiday history that’s been seemingly lost to the ages.

The show actually started life as a record album of the same name, which was released just two months prior to the special airing and was filled with memorable music that ranged from new songs to hymns and reliable favorites.

The album itself feels like one is listening to a TV special, so it’s no wonder that it inspired one.  And while the TV variation changed some aspects of the album, it kept the comforting, cozy tone of the album that deftly combines the warmth of John Denver and the outrageousness of The Muppets.

This is evident in the opening segment that features them all singing “The 12 Days of Christmas,” with each taking a different “day,” in turn.  Best of all, not only do we get Kermit, Fozzie and Miss Piggy (“five golden rings!,”), but other, supporting players like Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker and Lee Zealand join in.

It’s just one of many well orchestrated musical numbers that range from the comical, like Miss Piggy and company belting out “Christmas is Coming” to Kermit and Denver. duetting on the pretty “A Christmas Wish” to Denver’s beautiful ballad, “A Baby Just Like You,” that’s a touching Christmas song dedicated to his son.

In between, there’s room for comedy as The Muppets meet to write the script for the special and a skit in which Denver plays a toy soldier and Miss Piggy plays a doll named FiFi.

The end of the special is particularly moving, as specially created (and very detailed) Muppets re-enact  The Nativity story, after which Denver and The Muppets are joined by an audience of children for a touching rendition of “Silent Night.”

It’s a shame that “John Denver and The Muppets: A Christmas Together” has become one of these “heard of, but never seen” shows relegated to fuzzy video clips on You Tube or bootleg DVDs.

It’s worth a watch, no matter where you find it, as the special not only highlights the talent of John Denver and the spirit of The Muppets, it’s also a glimpse back at the innocence of what Christmas specials once were.  And through it all, “John Denver and The Muppets: A Christmas Together” also perfectly captures the magic and the wonder of the season.

Sources: Wikipedia

The Holiday Road Less Taken: Remembering 1994’s Re-Make of “Miracle on 34th St.”

By Michael Lyons

Why some movies weren’t a bigger hit is a mystery.  The 1994 re-make of the Christmas classic, “Miracle on 34th St.” is one of these movies.

It had all the makings of a holiday blockbuster that would live on for seasons to come: a built in audience who adored the beloved original; filmmaker John Hughes, who was coming off a string of Christmas hits like “Christmas Vacation,” “Home Alone” and “Home Alone 2” was at the helm as writer and producer; Mara Wilson, the adorable child actress who stole everyone’s heart the previous year in “Mrs. Doubtfire” was starring and Richard Attenborough, fresh off his role as John Hammond in the massive “Jurassic Park,” was cast as none other than Santa Claus.

And yet, this new “Miracle on 34th St.” sank at the box office and today, it’s nothing more than an “Oh yeah” Christmas movie footnote that surfaces on TV during the off afternoon in December.

This is a shame.  While 1994’s “Miracle on 34th St.” doesn’t come close to its classic original and has to live in that movie’s shadow, this is a film crafted with care that has respect for its predecessor and also attempts its own vision of the story.  In this day and age of reboots and remakes that seem like shot-for-shot copies, this is is most definitely something to be respected.

This Holiday Season marks the 25th anniversary of this version of “Miracle on 34th St,” which is the perfect time to look back and reflect on this unfairly ignored film.

The story of a department store Santa, who claims to be the real Kris Kringle and brings holiday magic back to an otherwise cynical world, first captured audiences’ hearts in 1947, when the original “Miracle on 34th St.” was released, making it required seasonal viewing for decades after.

The remake keeps all that is so special about the story and provides its own, contemporary (albeit ‘90’s) perspective.  We get all that we remember from the original - the hardened single mother whose heart slowly melts; corporate retail greed clashing with the spirit of the Season - but this new “Miracle” brings its own touch: a dose of reality, romance and emotion, that makes the proceedings seem new.

In addition to great performances by Wilson and Attenborough, there’s solid work from Elizabeth Perkins as single career mom, Dorey Walker and Dylan McDermott, as the love struck attorney Brian Bedford, who winds up defending Kris.

Additionally, the supporting players are a “who’s who” of some of Hollywood’s finest character actors, such as J.T. Walsh, Robert Prosky, William Windom, Simon Jones, Allison Janey, Jane Leeves and James Remar.

Hughes also crafts a script that provides for new character development and plot points.  We really see Dorey and Brian’s romance blossom, as well as New York City rally behind Kris.  And the technique that Brian uses at the end to convince the court is a very creative surprise.

Another nice surprise in this “Miracle” is the direction by Les Mayfield.  His only credit prior to this was 1992’s “Encino Man’ (!), which makes the gentle touch and craftsmanship shown in this film, during both its colorful and quiet moments, all the more surprising.  The montage scene of Dorey and Brian’s date played out against New York City at Christmastime is pure Holiday Movie comfort food and the scene between Kris Kringle and a young girl who is deaf, never fails to bring a tear to the eye.

While the film falls short of perfect – it could have done without some of the scenes of Hughes’ trademark slapstick and why Macy’s didn’t sign on to be part of the film is a head scratcher.

Still, this version of “Miracle on 34th St.” illustrates its message of people united in a belief of the true meaning and power of the Christmas Season and does it in a very positive, non-saccharine way.

When it was first released on November 18, 1994, Twentieth Century Fox had so much faith in the film that, in a daring marketing campaign, they offered full refunds to anyone who didn’t enjoy “Miracle on 34th St” (only 1,500 tickets were submitted for a refund).  Even with this, the film debuted at a disappointing 8th place opening weekend and eventually disappeared from the box office (eclipsed in large part by Disney’s surprise hit “The Santa Clause,” which had debuted several weeks earlier).

Why it wasn’t and still isn’t a larger part of the Holiday Movie conversation does indeed remain a mystery, but in celebration of its 25th anniversary this year, it’s the perfect time to revisit this “Miracle on 34 St.” and answer the question posed in the film…

“Do you believe?”

Sources: IMDb