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A Christmas Story Live Keeps Up Holiday Tradition

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Beginning as an experiment with The Sound of Music four years ago, live television musicals have once again become an annual holiday tradition.

For every December since 2013, NBC live televised productions of Peter Pan, The Wiz, and Hairspray. While this year’s production was originally scheduled to be Bye Bye Birdie starring Jennifer Lopez, NBC was forced to push the show back a year to accommodate Ms. Lopez’ schedule. As a result, FOX has given us a live television production of A Christmas Story: The Musical; which is ironically the first of these “holiday” telecasts to feature a Christmas theme.

Based on the 2011 Broadway musical, which in turn was based upon the beloved 1983 film, “A Christmas Story Live!” tells the story of young Ralphie Parker, who longs more than anything to receive a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. Unfortunately, his chances of receiving the gift are slim, as nearly everyone he tells his wish to utters the familiar phrase, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” The production stars newcomer Andy Walken (Ralphie), Matthew Broderick (Narrator/Adult Ralphie), Maya Rudolph (Mother), Chris Diamantopoulos (The Old Man), Tyler Wladis (Randy), Jane Krakowski (Miss Shields), Ana Gasteyer (Mrs. Schwartz), Ken Jeong (Tree Salesman/Restaurant Owner), David Alan Grier (Mall Santa), and Fred Armisen (Mall Elf).

While the adult cast is comprised of mostly well-known actors and they all do their job well (save for Broderick’s occasional line-flubs and Rudolph’s “singing”), the younger members of the cast are the true stars of the show. Andy Walken plays young Ralphie with spunk and charisma, ever desperate to achieve his dream of owning a Red Ryder BB gun, all while dodging notorious bullies Scut Farkus (Sacha Carlson) and Grover Dill (Elie Samouhi). There to aid him are his trusted friends  Schwartz (Sammy Ramirez), Flick (JJ Batteast), Louise (Abigail Dylan Harrison), Richie (Artyon Celestine), and Esther Jane (Hayley Shukiar). The children are all spectacular in voice and movement, seamlessly working through Sam Davis’s brilliant choreography.

The show’s original songs and score are composed by Tony and Oscar-winning composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who made a splash with last year’s hit musical film, La La Land. The two also recently composed the upcoming musical film, The Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman. While some might be hesitant to see such a beloved film converted into a musical, you can rest assured that these songs add even more depth to an already timeless Christmas tale. From the schoolyard ballad, “When You’re A Wimp”, to the tear-jerking finale where we see Adult Ralphie and Young Ralphie meet on the street, the music soars with holiday cheer.

With heartfelt music, cutting-edge cinematography, and several callbacks to the beloved original film, “A Christmas Story Live” is an event not to be missed.

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‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless

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“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.

The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.

The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.

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Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?

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“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.

Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.

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A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus

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A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.

The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.

Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.

Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.

The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.

For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.

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