Reel Reflection: Looking Back at 2020’s Movie Anniversaries

 The year 2020 wasn’t...all...bad.  Wait!  Wait!  Before you stop reading.  Some of the good had to do with the time we had to enjoy and “re-enjoy” our favorite movies, particularly those that celebrated significant anniversaries this year.

Some, such as Jaws (45 years), The Shining and The Empire Strikes Back (both 40 years) have been celebrated this year by Screen Saver.  What follows is a list of just some of the other films that have reached milestones over the past twelve months, in what’s become an annual year-end tradition here at the blog!

As the year closes out and a hopeful new one begins, it’s the perfect opportunity to take the time to re visit and celebrate some, or all.

Inception - Celebrating 10 years

They truly don’t get more “Nolan-esque” than this trippy, original masterpiece from Uber-visionary Director Christopher Nolan.

Leonardo DiCaprio leads a team of “agents,” who are able to infiltrate dreams in order to extract information, including the inception of a thought.

A decade later, this film still amazes, particularly with scenes that defy answers as to how they were accomplished (the “floating sequence” is a perfect example).  Inception is a “Nesting doll” of a film that begs repeated viewing, to ensure you didn't dream just how fantastic it is.

Erin Brockovich - Celebrating 20 years

Julia Roberts deservedly won an Oscar for the title role, in this based-on-a-true-story of a brash legal secretary, who uncovers negligence on the part of a large corporation that resulted in groundwater contamination.

Director Steven Soderbergh is at the helm here, adding a touch of documentary-like realism to the film.  It was one of two amazing films he directed in the same year, two decades ago (the other being Best Picture Oscar winner Traffic) and he actually found himself competing against himself for Best Director for both of these films.

Erin Brockovich continues be that rare social commentary film that relays its message with entertaining humor, heart and humanity.

Toy Story - Celebrating 25 years

For years, the film industry was waiting for “the next Snow White,” that movie that would usher in a new age for animation.

Thanks to John Lasseter, Pixar and a partnership with Disney, that’s exactly what happened thanks to Toy Story, the first computer animated feature film.

Many say that the tale of Woody the Cowboy, Buzz Lightyear and Andy’s other toys led to the sunset of 2D animation, while others say it was the revolution that had been anticipated.

Either way, Toy Story led to two and half decades of envelope pushing artistry from Pixar that we can all be grateful for.

Dances with Wolves - Celebrating 30 years

This epic Western starring and directed by Kevin Costner was and still is a prime candidate for the title of “they just don’t make them like this anymore.”  Even though it won the Oscar for Best Picture, it’s somewhat faded from view in the past three decades, but most definitely deserves to be revisited.

Back to the Future - Celebrating 35 years

Great Scott!  How can it have been over thirty years since director and movie wizard Robert Zemeckis gave us the tale of Marty McFly, Doc Brown and a time-traveling DeLoreon?  Since its debut, the film has remained as beloved and quoted as when it was first released, providing generations with a positive view of the future and familial relationships.

Dog Day Afternoon - Celebrating 45 years

Movies don’t get more “New York” than this one.  Based on a real-life story of a bank robbery that spirals out of control, Al Pacino delivers one of his best performances and Sidney Lumet directs with his usual flare for real-life, that always looks so effortless.  Compelling from beginning to end.

Psycho - Celebrating 60 years

Alfred Hitchcock’s most iconic and memorable film set the standard for a new generation of thrillers and horror films, turning traditions in Hollywood on its ear and causing audiences to lock their doors while showering after seeing it.  Anthony Perkins is brilliant, Janet Leigh is compelling, the movie is a masterpiece that never tires of impressing. 

Pinocchio & Fantasia- both celebrating 80 years 

Many consider Pinocchio the greatest animated film ever made and many consider Fantasia the most daring film ever made.  Only Walt Disney would and could make both in the same year!  Today’s generation of animated blockbusters owe everything to these two films.

And so, as we close out this unbelievable year and look to the possibilities of a new one, we sit through the Holiday Weekend, socially distant again, which  could prove to be a good time to binge these and other memorable movies that reached milestones in 2020.

Wishing everyone a Safe, Happy, Healthy and Better New Year!

Secret Santas: Forgotten Christmas Films Celebrating Anniversaries

 

By Michael Lyons

Here we are, it’s Christmas week and with so much “staying and working from home,” you probably feel as if you’ve exhausted your seemingly endless stash of Christmas movies.  Time to start the “rotation” all over again and begin watching some of your favorites for the second, third...or seventh time.

Before you resort to this “double-binging,” consider one or all of these somewhat forgotten Christmas movies that, through the years, have slipped through our collective pop-culture cracks.  Each one of them celebrates an anniversary this year and, while they may not be as celebrated as the 30th anniversary of Home Alone, or the 20th anniversary of Jim Carrey’s Grinch, these movies would still make a perfect compliment to your yearly Christmas “movie merriment.”

Remember the Night (1940) - 80th Anniversary

Fred Mac Murray plays a district attorney who is a prosecuting a shoplifter (Barbara Stanwyck) just days before Christmas.  As her trial won’t begin until after Christmas, she will have to spend Christmas in jail.  The attorney pays her bail, so she can be home for the holiday and yup, a romance begins.

This could almost be considered the “Grandfather of Hallmark Christmas movies,” but legendary screenwriter Preston Sturges, who penned the script, adds the right note of comedy and commentary, as he did with all of his movies, to allow it to rise above the predictable.

This is an under-appreciated old Hollywood gem. 

Beyond Tomorrow (1940) - 80th Anniversary

On Christmas Eve in New York City, three wealthy businessmen (C. Aubrey Smith, Harry Carey and Charles Winniger) conduct an experiment.  Each will toss their wallets out the window to the city street below, to see who (if anyone) returns it.  Two honest individuals (Jean Parker and Richard Carlson) both return the wallets and are befriended by the three businessmen.

The three men also decide to play a part in helping the young couple, even after tragedy strikes them (no spoilers here).

While Christmas only factors into the first half of this film (which is widely available, as it is in the public domain), the entire film’s message of unselfishness resounds throughout.  It’s dated in a number of ways, but Beyond Tomorrow still resonates today.

The Great Rupert (1950) - 70th Anniversary

What says Christmas better than comedian Jimmy Durante and a stop-motion squirrel?  This is truly a Christmas comedy unlike any ever seen.

A trained squirrel (the title character) who once appeared in a vaudeville act is set free and hides out in the attic of Louie Amendola (Durante) and his family, who have all fallen on hard times, during the Christmas holiday.

The smarter-than-average squirrel winds up bestowing good fortune on the family (again no spoilers).

The Great Rupert is a harmless, charming little comedy that features stop-motion animation by legendary effects wizard George Pal that, at the time, were thought so realistic many inquiries were sent to the filmmakers, asking how they trained the squirrel so well!

The Apartment (1960) - 60th Anniversary

Legendary director Billy Wilder’s Best Picture Oscar winner is a well-known classic, but many may not realize that it’s also a Christmas movie.

In the comedy, which has a plot that’s downright controversial by today’s standards, Jack Lemmon plays an office worker with dreams of climbing the coporate ladder, by loaning out his apartment to executives who are engaged in affairs and in need of a discreet place to bring their mistresses to.

Lemmon’s character develops feelings for one of these mistresses (Shirley MacLaine) which leads to complications.

A time-capsule and a more adult perspective of the season, (Santa drinking in a bar and revelry at a New Year’s Eve party) and like any Wilder film, there’s so much at work beneath the laughs.  Commentary on loneliness, alienation and finding perspective in life (during some very heavy, dramatic scenes later in the film) are relatable no matter what season it is.

Scrooge (1970) - 50th Anniversary

From the era of  Mary Poppins (1964) and Oliver! (1968) comes this big-screen movie musical treatment of A Christmas Carol.  Albert Finney is amazing in the title role, as Dickens’ infamous holiday “humbug,” bringing an element of humanity and sadness to the role (and the ability to play young and old Scrooge!)

Director Ronald Neame captures the details of Victorian London and also brings to life the story’s supernatural elements through some canny special effects.

And, the score and songs by Leslie Bricusse are brilliant, particularly the Oscar nominated Thank You Very Much, which is brought to life in the film through a show stopping number that deserves to rank as one of the best movie musical numbers ever.  After one viewing of Scrooge, you will be singing it well into the New Year.

One Magic Christmas (1985) - 35th Anniversary

Several years ago, while I was discussing this film on the podcast, Real Fans 4 Real Movies, the host, Andy said that this film was for anyone who feels that the darker scenes in It’s A Wonderful Life are too upbeat.

A perfect description for this Christmas movie that’s so unlike anything you’ve ever seen that describing the plot is almost like one giant spoiler!

Taking a little influence from director Frank Capra’s Christmas classic, this film tells the tale of an angel (Harry Dean Stanton) who teaches a mother (Mary Steenburgen) the true meaning of Christmas.  What follows is unemployment, bank robberies and a fatal car accident...and that’s just the film’s first act!

One Magic Christmas will make you think and allow you to appreciate what you have...but just know that the word Magic is only in the title.

Krampus (2015) - 5th Anniversary

This modern day take on a creature from German folklore - a giant, horned beast who is the opposite of Santa, coming to those who have been bad and taking from them, instead of giving -  is a Christmas horror film and cautionary tale.

Director Michael Dougherty (who also helmed the excellent Halloween tale, 2007’s Trick r Treat) leads an ensemble cast including Adam Scott, Toni Collette and David Koechner as a family, who are completely wrapped up in the glitzy commercialism of Christmas.

A blizzard traps them all in their home...and then Krampus comes, through some scary, creepy and tongue-in-check sequences that come to an ambiguous conclusion, right out of The Twilight Zone.

Krampus received a great deal of attention when it was released, but has become somewhat forgotten since.  It’s worth revisiting, as an antidote to standard Holiday cheer and a cunning statement on how we can easily let the superficial consume our lives.

As we head into this Christmas that, like everything else in 2020, has been dubbed “unique and different,” any or all of these seldom, or never, seen movies would fit perfectly!

Wishing you all a Very Safe and a Very Merry Christmas!...

...aaand, as an early Christmas Gift, “Screen Saver” is now on Facebook and Twitter!

Find the “Screen Saver” Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/Screensaverblog/

Follow “Screen Saver” on Twitter: @Screensaverblog  

 

For Goodness Sake: The 50th Anniversary of “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town”

By Michael Lyons

 

Some classic TV Christmas specials seemingly fly by when watching them, after repeated viewings, year-after-year, the familiarity and quotable lines are fleeting.  One turns the special on and without time to even settle down, the special’s ending credits seem to roll.

 

Some other specials unfurl like a movie, even though their length is much shorter.  These specials contain so much in such a short amount of time, they have the feeling of watching something much more epic.

 

Rankin/Bass’ Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town is just such a special.  Fifty years ago this Holiday Season, long before live-action films like Disney’s The Santa Clause (1994) or the recent Netflix hits, The Christmas Chronicles series, Rankin/Bass used the familiar Christmas Carol (a trope that the Studio would excel at) as the basis for a super hero-like “origin story” of Santa Claus.

 

In the special, a mythology that attempts to answers many questions about St. Nick, unfurls.  We are told the tale, as narrated by mailman Special Delivery (S.D.) Kluger, of a young baby, with no identification other than a name tag that reads “Claus” who is left at the doorstep of the evil head of Sombertown, Burgermeister Meisterburger, who orders the baby sent to an orphanage.  On the way there, the baby is lost and winds up at the cottage of an elf-like family named Kringle.

 

The Kringles are toymakers and they name the baby Kris, raising him as their own.  As Kris grows up, and learns, through a series of entanglements and adventures, that thanks to the Burgermeister, toys are banned in Sombertown, so Kris begins sneaking in overnight to deliver the toys.  And thus begins his life as Santa Claus.

 

The story takes place over the course of time, with different obstacles, characters and adversaries thrown in along the way.  Additionally, there are very creative plot points that answer questions about Santa: his red suit is given to him by his adopted mother, Tanta Kringle; his “Ho! Ho! Ho!’ laugh comes from imitating seals; and gifts in stockings come after leaving them in children’s laundered socks that are left by the fireplace to dry.

 

The story, based on the 1934 song by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie, was penned by Rankin/Bass stalwart writer Romeo Mueller, who became the studio’s master at expanding familiar Christmas Carols into full-fledged stories (he is also responsible for the Studio’s classics Rudolph and Frosty).  With Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, Mueller does a wonderful job of creating fantasy that has been accepted by generations of children as the actual history of Santa.

 

Adding to this is an all-star cast of voices who bring solid performances.  Mickey Rooney is such a warm, kind Santa, that Rankin/Bass brought him back again for The Year Without a Santa Claus four years later.  Keenan Wynn is both imposing and hysterical as the Winter Warlock, who transitions from adversary to friend throughout the special.  Fred Astaire is his usual debonair persona as S.D. Kluger and, as both the Burgermeister and his lackey Grimsby, another Rankin/Bass favorite (and voice acting legend) Paul Frees does such outstanding work that, at one point in the special, he manages to sing a duet…with himself!

 

His song “No More Toymakers to the King” is one of six by another “R/B regular” Maury Laws.  These are catchy and memorable numbers, most notably, “Put One Foot in Front of the Other,” which can be sung verbatim by those who make Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town part of their Holiday viewing rotation.

 

And, this all comes together with the Rankin/Bass stop-motion animation technique, “AniMagic,” creating such detail to the scenes that it adds an extra layer of “otherworldy magic” to the proceedings.

 

Originally broadcast on ABC on December 14, 1970, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town was rerun for a number of years each season.  It disappeared from regular network showings in the ‘80’s, but was made available on home video and has since been a staple as part of the Freeform network’s “25 Days of Christmas.”  However, the current versions and versions through the years have been edited from the original.

 

In any form, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town has endured for fifty years thanks to it’s movie-like feel, but also its message as summed up by S.D. Kluger in the special’s final scene:

“Lots of unhappiness? Maybe so. But doesn't Santa take a little bit of that unhappiness away? Doesn't a smile on Christmas morning scratch out a tear cried on a sadder day? Not much, maybe. But what would happen if we all tried to be like Santa and learned to give as only he can give: of ourselves, our talents, our love and our hearts? Maybe we could all learn Santa's beautiful lesson and maybe there would finally be peace on Earth and good will toward men.”

Wise words from 50 years ago that mean even more this year.

True North: Remembering “Santa Claus: The Movie”

Left to right: Dudley Moore and David Huddleston in “Santa Claus: The Movie”

By Michael Lyons

 “A Thanksgiving Turkey.”  This term was used by several film critics when “Santa Claus: The Movie” debuted on November 27, 1985, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Thirty-five Christmas seasons later, with innumerable holiday movies depicting Santa having followed, it’s easy to see that “Turkey” is a completely unfair assessment of “Santa Claus: The Movie.”  The film does a wonderful job of creating its own mythology, establishing a compelling version of the North Pole, providing us with a scenery-chewing villain and using the superhero-origin-story paradigm to tell its story.

This last aspect is no surprise when one realizes that the film was produced by Alexander and Ilya Salkind, who had brought us the “Superman” films.  In fact, “Santa Claus: The Movie” was somewhat ahead of its time, in that it essentially was a “super hero event film,” the likes of which we are used to seeing today from DC and Marvel.

“Santa Claus: The Movie” opens in the 14th century, telling the tale of a generous woodcarver and his wife, who deliver their handcrafted toys to the local villages.  One night, after visiting a village, the woodcarver and his wife are caught in a blizzard (their fate is left purposely vague) and they are saved by a group of elves.

The elves take them to their hidden workshop, where an ancient and wise elf (a cameo by Burgess Meredith, after James Cagney was unable to be part of the production), renames the toy maker Santa Claus.

What follows is a very creative and, yes magical, interpretation of the Reindeer, the Elves, the North Pole and Santa’s workshop.  Through this, we are given an inventive look at how Santa grows in notoriety and his increasingly positive impact on the world (it’s especially sweet and humorous to see a scene in which Santa learns that a “new poem” entitled “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” has been written about him).

We then find ourselves in the 20th century, where Santa (character actor David Huddleston, so warm and charming in the role) employs one of his Elves, Patch (Dudley Moore, at the height of his popularity) to assist him in his work.  During a trip to New York, Santa also befriends an orphan boy named Joe (Christian Fitzpatrick) and a young girl named Cornelia (Carrie Kei Heim).

If this whole first half of the film is Santa’s “origin story,” this second half is where the villain enters the film...with actor John Lithgow playing the role of greedy toy maker B.Z. giving new meaning to the term “over-the-top.”

Left to right: John Lithgow and Dudley Moore 

B.Z. concocts a plan for a new Christmas (dubbed “Christmas 2,” a jab at both consumerism and movie sequels) and he dupes poor Patch into joining him. So, of course, it’s Santa Claus to the rescue.

While the second half of the film doesn’t work as well as the fantasy-based start of the film, “Santa Claus: The Movie” does a lot to deliver an original, big screen dose of Christmas magic.  Director Jeannot Swarc (most famous for helming “Jaws 2”) deftly handles the film, particularly its more fantastical moments.

Also, whether you grew up with the film or not, it also functions as a nice, quant time capsule of the ‘80’s, complete with lovingly blatant product placements for Coca-Cola and McDonald’s (at the time, the latter offered Happy Meals and Christmas Ornaments from the film, another throwback, that only adds to the comforting feeling of the film).

A McDonald’s Happy Meal featuring “Santa Claus: The Movie.”

Critics went after these marketing placements in the film, along with the fact that they felt Moore was underutilized and the film’s climax was a little underwhelming.

Those may be valid points, making one wonder why anyone would defend “Santa Claus: The Movie.”  The major reason is that one can’t deny all the positives that the film does still provide.  It’s not a heavy example of filmmaking that has taken its place alongside other Christmas classics. However, it is an original vision of St. Nick’s mythology and a movie that comments on commercialism and reinforces what the Holiday is all about.

And, as the movie celebrates its 35th anniversary this season, “Santa Claus: The Movie” continues to garner more devotees with each passing year.  

Not bad for a “Thanksgiving Turkey.”

The Sky’s the Limit: TV and Movie Character Balloons in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Snoopy, as an aviator makes his debut as a balloon

In The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1968

By Michael Lyons

Remember when people gathered shoulder to shoulder along the crowded, chilly streets of New York City to watch The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Ah yes, 2019.

While the Parade is now on an ever growing list of major events that have been impacted, or in this case “re-imagined” by 2020, those of us who have watched the Parade from the cozy comfort of our living rooms, lounging in pajamas, while a turkey on its seemingly eighth hour in the oven cooks somewhere in the background, also have fond memories of each year.

One of these memories, particularly for generations of kids, was the opportunity to see the favorite star of the latest TV show or movie filled with helium and soaring as a giant balloon between the cavernous buildings of Manhattan.

And so, with tremendous gratitude for keeping the tradition of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade going in some form this year, it’s fun to take a glimpse back at some of these memorable TV and movie character balloons.  Each iconic, animated face is a reflection of a time gone by and a memory that lasts forever.

The 2010’s

Of course, the highest grossing animated film of all time required some sort of balloon representation.  Olaf the snowman from Disney’s “Frozen” made his debut in 2017.

A fun, “double balloon,” from 2015, one of the stars of the “Ice Age” films, the obsssed squirrel Scrat and the object of his desire, his acorn.

The 2000’s

Disney/Pixar’s “Toy Story” films really went “To Infinity and Beyond” in popularity and Buzz Lightyear represented the blockbuster franchise as a balloon in 2009.

Another contender for animated franchise blockbuster status in the 2000’s, DreamWorks’  “Shrek” debuted as a balloon in 2007.

One of the most popular animated shows of the new century, “Spongebob Squarepants” soared above the Parade in 2004

The 1990’s

In the ‘90’s, movie studios used any opportunity to promote their latest film and the balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade found themselves as part of this hype.

 1992’s hit family film “Beethoven” bounded across Manhattan as a balloon in 1993.

The star of the surprise Oscar nominated film “Babe,” about a talking pig, found himself as a balloon in the parade in 1998.

Rex the dinosaur, from an oft-forgotten animated film “We’re Back: a Dinosaur’s Story” became a balloon the same weekend that his movie opened in 1993...unfortunately, the poor prehistoric pal hit a light post and was deflated during the parade.

The 1980’s

The lasagna loving, Monday hating icon of the ‘80’s, Garfield’s balloon debuted in 1984.

Although she had been around since 1930, Betty Boop didn’t make her first appearance as a balloon until 1985.

Bugs Bunny, another animated star who had been around for some time, starring in his first cartoon short in 1940, wasn’t in balloon form until Thanksgiving 1989, just in time to celebrate his 50th anniversary the next year.

That “Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man,” swung into balloon form in 1987, but he wasn’t the first super hero balloon in the parade.  That title goes to Superman, who debuted in 1939.

The 1970’s

Mickey Mouse had actually made his balloon debut in 1934, but in 1971, a “revamped” version of Mickey was introduced, complete with a spiffy, yellow polo and his trademark red shorts.

At the height of “Muppet Mania” in 1977, Kermit the Frog appeared in balloon form.

The 1960’s

An icon of TV animation in the ‘60’s, the Bullwinkle J. Moose balloon first appeared in 1961 and soon became an icon of the Parade.

Don’t remember Linus the Lionhearted?  Don’t worry, only devotees remember this star of his own Saturday Morning TV show, which premiered in 1964, the same year Linus premiered as a balloon.

The 1950’s

Popeye had been “strong to the ‘finich’ cause he eats his spinach” in cartoons since 1933, but didn’t make his grand balloon entrance until 1957.

Mighty Mouse, the diminutive cartoon super hero star of the Terry Toons Studio flew in to “save the day” as a balloon in 1951.  Here, he’s catching up to cowboy star and one of New York’s Finest.

The First Balloon

The very first balloon inspired by a cartoon character was in 1932 with Felix the Cat, who had been a popular star of the silent screen.

The Most Balloons

There have been a number of TV and movie characters who have made multiple appearances as balloons.  But, who holds the record for the most balloons in The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?  That honor goes to Snoopy!

Charlie Brown’s beloved beagle has had no less than eight balloons in the Parade through the years, making his debut as an aviator in 1968 (pictured at the top of this article).

A year later in 1969, Snoopy was in balloon form as an astronaut and in 1987, he appeared on ice skates.  In 1988, he and Woodstock appeared as two separate balloons (with Snoopy wearing a sweater with the Macy’s logo on it) and eleven years later in 1999, there was Millennium Snoopy, who came to ring in the new century (pictured below)

Snoopy then appeared as his Flying Ace alter ego in 2006, with Woodstock riding on his back in 2013 and once again as an astronaut (with a new look) in last year’s parade (pictured below)

Thank you again, Macy’s, NBC and whoever else may be involved in making sure that The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be part of our holiday during this ever-burning dumpster fire of a year.  As it always does, it provides us with rose-covered flashbacks, the first joyful trumpet blast of the Holiday Season and hope that not all is cancelled.

Talk about something to be thankful for.

Wishing everyone a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Hope and Hollywood: Movies that Provide a Perfect Perspective

By Michael Lyons

As Election Day gave way to Election WEEK, the “2020 Stress-O-Meter” ratcheted up again.  Now, we lurch forward to an unknown future and it’s hard not to wonder, “What’s next?”

What we all hope for is just that...Hope.

And, while we may not be able to see that Hope just yet, we can at least look to our old friend, The Movies, to fill that void.  Throughout the years, a number of films and filmmakers have offered us films that provide this positive perspective of Hope.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001, 2002 & 2003)

Peter Jackson’s epic movie adaptations of JRR Tolkien’s beloved books are more than just some of the greatest fantasy/adventure films ever made, they’re beautiful examples of stories that speak to enduring through the impossible.

As Gandalf the wizard (Ian McKellan) says to a disheartened Frodo (Elijah Wood): “All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to us.”

Cast Away (2000)

Tom Hanks is truly an amazing, one man show in director Robert Zemeckis’ story (which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year) of Chuck Nolan, a man stranded alone on a remote island, who never gives up hope of getting back to civilization again.

In one truly touching scene, late in the film, after his rescue, Nolan recalls a moment on the island, when he was truly in despair, but learned to not give up.  It’s an amazing message of Hope, as the character recalls “I know what I have to do know.  I’ve got to keep breathing.  Because tomorrow the sun will rise.  Who knows was the tide could bring.”

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

There is reason that Frank Darabont’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novella is so incredibly rewatchable.  The story of two inmates (Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins) in a Maine prison over the course of several decades contains such an uplifting perspective that it never fails to buoy ones spirits,  As Andy DuFrane (Robbins) says, “Hope is a good thing.  Maybe the best thing and no good thing ever dies.”

The Back to the Future Trilogy (1985, 1989 and 1990)

Whether it’s 1955, alternate 1985, or the Old West of 1885, the time travel trials and tribulations of Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) offers such a positive perspective of our future and how we can learn from our past.  

“The future is whatever you make it.  So, make it a good one,” says Doc, at the end of Part III, summing up the trilogy’s central message.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

“Cheer up Charlie,” is the song that’s sung to young Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrom), the poor boy whose only wish is win the Golden Ticket that will allow him to take a tour of the candy factory run by the hysterically eccentric and off-center Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder in an unforgettable role).

What follows during the tour are a series of mishaps that provide significant life lessons to the children and their families in the group,  And, what emerges is that Charlie is so pure of heart that just by being who he is, all of his dreams come true.

“Don’t forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he ever wanted,” Willy Wonka says to Charlie at the end of the film.  “He lived happily ever after.”

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

One of the most beloved films ever made is more than just a Christmas movie, it’s the story of all of our lives.

Just like George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) our lives are beset by setbacks, disappointments and maybe even tragedies.  And, while it may not often times be how we thought life would turn out, it’s good to be reminded, as George is thanks to Clarence the angel, just how fortunate we are.

As George stands in front of his Christmas tree at the end of the film, with the entire town of Bedford Falls before him singing “Old Lang Syne,” he realizes that “No man is a failure, who has friends.”  And we realize it too, year after year. 

Pinocchio (1940)

 Arguably the greatest animated film ever made, Walt Disney’s masterpiece about the little wooden boy and his conscience cricket who go on an adventure that involves a maniacal puppet master, the hedonism of Pleasure Island and the belly of Monstro the Whale, comes with such an upbeat message of hope that the film should almost be mandatory viewing in times like this.

As the lyrics to “When You Wish Upon a Star,” the song that would become the anthem for all things Disney, states:

“Fate is kind

She brings to those who love

The sweet fulfillment of

Their secret longing...”

So, take a breath, take some time, turn to the movies, look ahead...and never lose Hope.

Scaredy Cat: “Garfield’s Halloween Adventure”

By Michael Lyons

Who can’t relate to Garfield?  He hates Mondays.  He’s obsessed with Lasagna.  He loves Halloween.  Okay, maybe he just loves, what he calls “The Candy!  Candy!  Candy!”

In the 1980’s few comic strip characters were as iconic or popular as Garfield and smack dab in the middle of that decade, in 1985, he starred in his own special, “Garfield’s Halloween Adventure,” an entertaining TV special that has been embraced by many through the years, especially the “‘80’s kids” who grew up with it.

Created by cartoonist Jim Davis in 1976 (the strip originally had the title, “Jon,” as it focused on Garfield’s owner), “Garfield” would connect with readers and go on to appear in over 850 million newspapers by 1981.

Garfield’s rotund, orange shape and sleepy eyes were everywhere in the ‘80’s, most notably on the popular, suction-cup plush that were affixed to car windows.  The character has inspired  merchandise that has generated $750 million to $1 billion, annually.

This immense popularity gave way to a series of prime-time animated specials on CBS.  One of these was “Garfield in Disguise,” later renamed “Garfield’s Halloween Adventure.”

The plot is pretty basic (and very “Halloweeny”), Garfield (the sluggish, sarcastic voice of Lorenzo Music, most famous for his role as Carlton the doorman on the sitcom “Rhoda”) and his dim-witted sidekick, Odie the dog venture out for a night of trick or treating on Halloween.  While out, they find themselves at a spooky, deserted house and they encounter...ghost pirates.

The scenes with the ghost pirates features some stylish, effective animation and is surprisingly scary for what seems to be a tame special, but provides a real sense of the season.

“Garfield’s Halloween Adventure” was directed by Phil Roman, who started his career as an animator for the legendary Chuck Jones and also worked as an animator on many of the classic Charlie Brown TV specials.  In fact, while on CBS, “Garfield’s Halloween Adventure” was often paired with the annual airing of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”

Like that classic, Garfield’s special celebrates Halloween, especially for children and is the type of Halloween-night-spooky-kids-adventure that many grown adults wish they had when they were younger.

Originally airing on October 30, 1985 and celebrating its 35th anniversary this season, “Garfield’s Halloween Adventure” combines all we love about Halloween and all we love about Garfield.  It’s no wonder many have such fondness for it, as watching it is like seasonal, comfort food TV from a bygone era.

Plus, there’s all that “Candy!  Candy!  Candy!”

Wishing everyone a very Safe and very Happy Halloween!

Sources:

IMDb

Wikipedia