White Christmas Proves "Old Chestnuts" Can Still Be Good

I chose Winter Stars as today's fractal "cookie" because I never did a White Christmas (which I will be reviewing here) fractal.  (Dunno why but I didn't.)  So, on with the review!
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White Christmas has a long and complex history.  A lot of people don't know the song came from a 1942 movie called Holiday Inn (starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire).  12 years later the movie titled White Christmas (again starring "Der Bingle"--this time with Danny Kaye) was released and the song was featured prominently.  Flash forward fifty some-odd years the movie was adapted for the stage and turned into a "jukebox musical" but the addition of a bunch of Irving Berlin songs that weren't featured in the movie.
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The story begins in World War Two where buddies Captain Bob Wallace and Pvt. Phil Davis are entertaining the troops with a song and dance routine which gets interrupted by General Henry Waverly.  (This sets up the plot for later.)  Flash forward a dozen years and Wallace and Davis (Davis and Wallace) are a famous duo getting ready to leave for Christmas in Miami.  Before they leave the duo goes off to check out a "Sister Act" (Betty and Judy Haynes) for their new review and, as it can only happen in a musical, sparks fly.  Phil decides that Bob needs to fall in love.  Phil hijacks Bob to an Inn in Vermont where the girls are working for the Holidays.  Oh, and the Inn just happens to be run by now-retired General Waverly (and the Inn is in deep trouble).  Bob hatches a plan to save the Inn by putting on a show.  Misunderstandings and hijinks ensue but everybody ends up happy.
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Once you get past the plot that was old when Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney were making their movies and an incident that seems very out of character for one of the girls, this turns out to be a surprisingly pleasant little diversion.  Yeah, the songs are kind of stuck in there (this is a Jukebox Musical after all) but they are well done.  Just to ramp up the "cheeesetastity" they even have a belter a la Ethel Merman and a "Broadway Baby" who is cute as a button with a big voice.  Who could ask for more?  The cast sings and dances with style and verve.  The orchestra (three touring musicians supplemented by an unknown number of local players) are first rate with nary a missed note.  This chorus seems large and does a fine job supporting the leads.  The sets and costumes are nicely done There's even a "snowfall" over the audience to heighten the Christmas magic.
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Yes, White Christmas is an old chestnut--but it's a well-polished one.  And really--isn't Christmas the time for chestnuts?  There's not an ounce of irony or mean-spiritedness in the show and it just makes you feel good.  I don't know if I could take this show every year but it sure got me in the holiday spirit.  Check it out if you're looking for some seasonal fun that the whole family can enjoy.
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FINAL GRADE: A    

Hugo: Art, Arty, Artsy or Artsy-Fartsy?

I chose Gears as today's fractal cookie for my review of Hugo because the movie has quite a lot of them; a mechanical man plays a big part of the movie, the title character repairs clocks (among other mechanical things) and even lives in one.  Now, on with the review.
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Hugo may be the most beautifully-realized film since Avatar.  Every frame is a work of art.  The sets are gorgeous, the costumes perfect, the lighting and cinematography are somber delights.  Too bad they felt the need to populate this exquisite landscape with characters that move like clockwork to advance the all-too-familiar plot.  Mind you, everyone involved plays their parts with the perfection of a fine Swiss watch.  I found myself appreciating the performance but I could never get past the fact that all the characters were nothing more than cogs in a machine.  (Still, that well may have been part of the movie's message so maybe I shouldn't complain.)
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Asa Butterfield (in the title role) doesn't exhibit a lot of emotional highs or lows in the role but he manages to rise to the challenge.  Sir Ben Kingsley (Georges) is a grumpy old man with a mysterious past.  Sacha Baron Cohen  dials downthe crazy as Station Inspector.  (He has a side story involving a cautious romance with a young lady who runs the cafe in the Paris Train Station.)  Christopher Lee, Jude Law and Ray Windstone have small but well-done roles in the movie.  I didn't recognize any of the rest of the cast but they all played their parts with precision.
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Now for the big bitches: I saw this is 3D (the only way it was showing anywhere close to me) and this is one of the many movies that didn't benefit from 3D technology.  The 3D added nothing but $3.75 a ticket--and I could really have done without that.  Likewise several times I found the script and direction seeming to shout "look at how clever I am!" and that was a bit bothersome.  (I want to discover the cleverness for myself--not have it shoved in my face.)  Every character, every nuance exists for the sole purpose of advancing the story and there isn't a genuine moment in the entire movie.
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I think the saddest thing I can say about Hugo is this: "I'm glad I saw the movie but I can't say I enjoyed it."  Yes, the beauty of each and every shot deserves to be seen on a big screen.  That being said, there's not a lot of action or drama and if I wasn't so fascinated by the shots I'm afraid I'd have been bored to tears.  The movie moves slow and, in spite of the marketing campaign, isn't for families: kids won't enjoy the movie--it just doesn't move fast enough.  I wanted so badly to enjoy this movie--and I just couldn't make myself do it no matter how hard I tried.
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FINAL GRADE: C 

I Went A Bit Crazy With The Christmas Bells (Again) This Year

I chose Abstract Christmas Bells as today's fractal "cookie" mainly because it's Christmas-y and musical.  And really--what's better than Christmas Bells right?  Now on with the reviews!
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So last year I promised myself I wouldn't add a lot of new Christmas albums to my collection but the plans have a way of changing.  (So far) I've gotten six new albums (and might get more.  So here's the reviews of everything I got (in the order of purchase).
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WINTER CAROLS by Blackmore's Night
I found Blackmore's Night early last year on YouTube.  I liked their Pop-Rock/Renaissance style and it intrigued me that Richie Blackmore Lead Guitarist for Deep Purple (the group that did Smoke On The Water) would get involved with something like this.  When I found they had made a Christmas album and I could get it from Amazon for less than $10.00 I decided I'd give it a shot!  What I got was pretty much what I expected--a bright blend of poppy, renaissance-infused song that are mostly up-tempo that fall nicely on the ear--especially if you like this sort of thing (which I totally do).  Of particular note I found I enjoyed Ma-O-Tzur, a setting of a Hebrew poem and a mash up of Lord Of The Dance and Simple Gifts (which I don't think I'll ever get tired of).  Still, there are a couple of things that bug me a bit about the album: first lyrics from traditional tunes are twisted to eliminate any reference to "Jesus", "Christ" or "the son of God".  Not sure why they had to do that and it annoys me just a tiny bit.  It also bugs me that they feel the need to randomly hash-up lyrics in ways that aren't beneficial to the song.  Still, those are minor quibbles and I found that I have really enjoyed listening to the album.
FINAL GRADE: A-
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GLEE: the Christmas Album Volume 2
I really enjoyed the first Christmas album from the cast of Glee.  This one--not so much...  Like a lot of Glee songs I found a lot of their arrangements to be frankly derivative (Santa Baby is almost a note-for-note copy of Madonna's version for example) and a lot of the choices are just weird.  (I haven't seen their Holiday episode so I don't know the songs are supposed to fit into a story).  The album has a has several new songs that are just plain BAD and there aren't many pleasant surprises like on the last album.  Sadly, this albums feels like a blatant attempt to cash in and only the most die hard of die hard "Gleeks" is gonna love it.  Don't bother to buy this album.
FINAL GRADE: C- (and that's because I'm being charitable)  
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THE SING OFF: Songs of the Season
I'm a sucker for acapella singing and, (in my humble opinion at least) a good voices-only choir can turn the most egregious crap into something you can listen to (take All I Want For Christmas as done by Delilah for example).  Most of these are pretty darn good but a few songs take some very strange turns.  Coventry Carol as done by Sonos is WAY too upbeat for the text and the wordless version of Carol of the Bells done by the University of Rochester Yellowjackets is nothing nothing short of awful (and I really liked them on the show).  I could have done without the bonus track from Committed but I'm glad I got a little extra music for the money.  This is a nice album and I think most people would like it.
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FINAL GRADE: A-
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CAROLE KING: A Holiday Carole
I've always thought Carole King could do no wrong since she put out Tapestry.  (If you don't have it in your collection--you should!)  The LP isn't the best Christmas Album you'll ever hear but it is still quite enjoyable.  The album starts out with a nice version of My Favorite Things (which, IMHO, is NOT a Christmas song--no matter the mention of "sleigh bells" and "silver-white winters".)  There are several new songs that are OK if not spectacular and, with two exceptions, the rest of the songs are older-ish popular tunes that she does pretty well.  I was glad she included Chanukah Prayer (a nod to her Jewish faith: I found it the highlight of the album).  This is a nice album for the holidays and a must-have for any fan of Miss Carole.
FINAL GRADE: A-
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LIBERA: the Christmas Album
Libera is an English Boys Choir that has made several albums.  Of course it was inevitable that they'd release a Christmas album sooner or later.  The mostly-traditional songs have a delightfully ethereal quality and lush orchestration but you need to be a fan of classical music to really enjoy the album.  I could have done without all the extraneous material that came with the album (a cheap ornament and a lot of material on each song, each on a separate pieces of paper) and would have been happy to pay a bit less for the LP.  Still, there's a certain je ne sais quois to the album that I find oddly attractive.
FINAL GRADE: A 
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MISTLETOE AND WINE: A SEASONAL COLLECTION by Medieval Baebes
Robyn found this album in the Gaelsongs Catalog and thought it sounded good.  (I found it for half the price on Amazon.com so I bought it.)  Eight women (sometimes singing acapella and sometimes accompanied) perform a variety of holiday and winter-themed songs, equally balanced between traditional and new material.  Robyn and I both enjoyed the album but if you aren't a fan of exotica or "classical" (or even pop-classical) music won't like it.  Still, for those looking for something "different" this album is well worth a spin.
FINAL GRADE: A
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CHIP DAVIS PRESENTS A RENAISSANCE HOLIDAY
Frankly, I felt a bit deceived by Amazon.com where I found the album.  This was marketed as a Manheim Steamroller Christmas album.  I thought I somehow managed to miss one so I was quick to order but what I got was a collection of Renaissance music "presented" by Chip Davis (the driving force behind the Steamroller).  That being said the album is a pretty collection of (mainly) Christmas songs from the Renaissance done in the authentic style.  This album is a definite "must have" for fans of Renaissance music but fans of the poppier influences that Manheim Steamroller brings to their songs may not enjoy it.
FINAL GRADE: A
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Will I end up buying more Christmas music?  You never know: if I find something I like at a good price I may just pick it up.  And if I do you'll find a review on this blog.  In the meantime...
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'nuff said!

   

Another Round Of "Muppets" On The Big Screen

I chose Groovy as today's fractal "cookie" because it's round (referencing the title of this post), rainbow-colored (like the Muppets themselves) and because of a line about the "hippy-dippy sensibilities" of the Muppets.  Now--on with the review!
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The Muppets have a long and storied history of a couple of struggling puppeteers (Jim Henson and Frank Oz) who created some lovable puppets they called "Muppets."  The two got their big break doing a little show called Sesame Street.  They parlayed that success into a long-running syndicated program (The Muppet Show) and finally made it to the big screen in The Muppet Movie in 1979.  The combination of sweetness, charm and irreverence was irresistible to audiences which led to several sequels--each less successful than the last.  Eventually the Muppets were bought by the Disney Corporation and relegated to the occasional TV Special and largely forgotten.  This brings us to the present day where an actor by the name of Jason Segal entered the picture with a mission to "bring back" the Muppets.
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It's safe to say Segal has "mad love" for the Muppets.  (Check out Forgetting Sarah Marshall if you don't believe me.)  He approached Disney to revive the franchise and, Disney (being Disney and anxious to squeeze every penny out of all their creative properties) agreed.  What emerged was a movie musical that could have come right out of Hollywood's Golden Age.  The Muppets have gone their separate ways and it is up to Kermit the Frog, encouraged by an innocent (new Muppet Walter) to get the gang back together to "put on a show" to save the day.  Will they succeed and give everyone a "happily-ever-after" ending by movie's end?  Do I REALLY need to tell you?  I don't think so...
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Jason Segal not only pushed for the movie to be made but he also stars and even wrote it!  (Now that's mad love!)  Sadly he created a cast of cardboard characters to go with the cloth Muppets.  Each and every character exists for the sole purpose of moving the plot.  That being said, he and the other leads (Amy Adams and Chris Cooper) do the best they can with what little they have to work with.  I've got to give some special "props" to Cooper for taking on the comedic role of Tex Richman: he even manages to rap and do a bit of dancing.  There's a raft of celebrity cameos (from Alan Arkin to Zack Galifanakis).  My two favorites were Neil Patrick Harris ("I don't know why I'm not hosting this!" and Selina Gomez ("I don't know who you guys are--my Agent told me to show up here.")
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I really wanted to enjoy this movie more than I did: I hoped it would be a worth reboot but what I got was a lot of nostalgia.  (As I was walking out of the theater Garden Party by Rick Nelson was running through my mind.)  There were a lot of smiles but few laughs.  Luckily I wasn't the only one who seemed to feel this way: the theater was crowded but I didn't hear a lot of laughter and there was a run on the exit as soon as the credits started rolling.  The movie is a harmless diversion that anybody can see but it's nothing that needs you to rush to the theater to see.  Maybe wait for the DVD to come out and watch it when you don't have anything better to do.
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FINAL GRADE: C+

"Blue Man Group" Surprises

I chose RibStar 2 as today's "fractal cookie" for the review of Blue Man Group for two reasons: 1) it's blue (no other reason, it's blue), 2) I haven't used this image before.  Now that you know--on with the review!

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I came completely prepared to hate the Blue Man Group when I knew I was going to see the show: I even had a title for the review, The Group Made Me Blue, Man.  I thought the blend of three nearly-identical guys being expressionless and doing stylized movements while drumming would be clever for a few minutes but get old really fast.  I didn't see how they could sustain my interest.  I was dreading the show.  Turns out I wasn't completely wrong.

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There's no point in trying to recount the show's plot: they don't have one.  There are a number of unrelated "scenes" involving movement, music and technical wizardry to keep the show moving.  The best parts of the show involve audience participation (particularly the "Dance Party" that finishes out the show).  Some bits go on way to long (there's a "dinner scene" that lost almost the entire audience and nearly killed the show's momentum).  The show is also very loud (not bad for those used to loud clubs and concerts but not too great for old poops like me). 

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In all honesty I missed a lot of the visual bits in the show (even with the gigantic video screens broadcasting a lot of the action) but I was decidedly in the minority.  All the youngsters in the audience loved the show and a lot of the oldsters were laughing along with them.  There's no point to the show--unless the point is to bring folks together for one big party and in that Blue Man Group succeeded admirably.

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FINAL GRADE: C (for me) A- (almost everybody else)

"Mikado" Doesn't Quite Rule.

The Mikado of Japan (AKA) the"Son of Heaven" would wear a Crown Of Stars" if he could.  That's why I chose Crown Of Stars as the "fractal cookie" for today's review.
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The Mikado presents William S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan as their best: the plot is typical Gilbersonian fluff that is nothing short of completely contrived nonsense--but any true Savoyard will that you what's not why you go see a "G&S" show.  You go for the tuneful songs filled with wonderful word play and endless intention, not to mention the wicked satire.  Of course, more than a century later some of the bite has faded but a good production is still well worth attending.  Performance Riverside almost manages to hit the mark with their offering but, in the immortal words of Maxwell Smart, they "missed it by that much!"
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David M. Laffey has the pretty voice and decent dancing ability to play the role of Nanki-Poo and his acting ability and comic timing are up to the role's minimal demands.  As Yum Yum Jessie Withers is a fine foil in every way as the leading Soprano.  Francisco Rodriguez doesn't quite have the Classical pipes to pull of the part of Pooh-Bah but his acting ability almost makes up for it.  If Michael Heimos were any lighter in his loafers as Ko-Ko he'd literally float off the stage but it works for the role.  His (or whoever's) updating of "I Have A Little List" wasn't as biting as some I've heard but there were some good swipes at pop culture in there.  I found myself enjoying his performance most of all.  Travis Lincoln Cox almost got lost under the massive costume, wig and fake beard he had to wear as the Mikado ("ha Mikado") but he came across as surprisingly youthful: still, he did well enough with what little he was given.
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I have a weird complaint regarding Sarah Kreig as the only real villain Katisha.  Katisha is characterized through the whole show and Ms. Kreig is anything but ugly!  Tall and imposing yes--but hardly ugly by any stretch of the imagination (and quite shapely under that kimono.)  Frankly, the gal is hawt!  (Please don't kill me Robyn...)  Her rich Contralto is up to the requirements of the role and I'd stack her acting ability up against anyone in the cast.  One minor quibble: Katisha traditionally is clad in black and red--the costumer chose yellow and orange (to go with the Mikado's robes.)  I'm no G&S purist but it annoyed me ever so slightly.
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It wouldn't be a production at the Landis without me to find something to complain about--and this show is no exception.  We experienced a new sound problem this time--an echo that made it a bit difficult to hear.  In fact a lot of the chorus numbers were so muddy neither I nor the missus could make out the words.  I don't know if this is because the chorus is up to the music or if it was due to a bad sound mix: still, a Gilbert and Sullivan show needs to be crisply articulated to be fully appreciated and it was a bit of a mess.  The sits were nicely suggestive and the costumes, while a bit simple, worked well enough.  I found the band to be a bit "bright" sounding and a bit heavy on the brass: maybe they weren't quite together on a few songs.  Still, when I balance the positives and negatives of the show I found myself enjoying the effort.  I'm not sure the show is for everybody but we certainly enjoyed it.
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FINAL GRADE: B

Puss In Boots: Not Just Another "Shrek" Clone

I pcked Fandango 5 for two reasons: first it seemed to have real "Cavalier attitude" (like Puss in Boots") and second, in a weird sense, it is the fifth movie connected to the Shrek franchise  Yes, tenuous as usual, but it's all I've got--now on with the review!
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Any franchise, be it books, TV or movies, eventually turns to crap if it goes long enough.  The Shrek series "jumped the shark"  at Number Three (too bad they felt the need to make a fourth one).  That, coupled with uninspiring previews, didn't make me want to see the Puss In Boots.  Boy was I surprised when I actually got in to see the movie.  This may not be the best movie of 2011 but it certainly the best animated feature of the year (and Kung Fu Panda 2 was pretty darn good).
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Puss In Boots is supposed to be set in Spain (according to the missus at least) but to me it looks a lot more like the American Southwest.  The plot could be lifted from any classic Western movie--with a plenty of modern twists to keep it fresh.  Antonio Banderas lends his voice to the title character yet again and gleefully mines every Latino stereotype and cultural cliche (and does it with such aplomb that you can't find it offensive).  Thankfully, Puss is the only character that transitions from the other Shrek movies.  A few "fairy tale" characters--Humpty Alexander Dumpty (Zach Galifiakankis) and Jack and Jill (turned into a Hillbilly Outlaw married couple voiced by Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris) but the rest of the movie is populated by new characters.  The most notable of these is Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayak) who is the perfect foil and romantic interest and foil for Puss. 
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The movie finally gives us the origin story for Puss and tells the story of a heist involving the Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs.  (Sadly, there aren't even any plot points to pick apart.)  (Trust me--it plays way better than it reads.)  The art is nothing short of gorgeous and the animation is perfectly done.  (Robyn and I saw Puss In Boots in 2D but found ourselves wishing we'd shelled out the extra bucks for the 3D version.)  I didn't recognize any of the music but it was beautifully played.  This is the sort of movie that is fun for the entire family: you don't need to be a kid to see and enjoy it.
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FINAL GRADE: A+