5 favorite non-Christmas movies set at Christmastime
As promised, I’m rounding up my week-long list of Christmas favorites on the day after Christmas – and it’s a perfectly appropriate in this case.
Here’s my list of five favorite films that are set at Christmastime but aren’t really about Christmas. They are movies that incorporate the holiday prominently into the plot, but that aren’t really about the traditional Christmasy themes. (Although I’m sure some of you might argue that point with me in some cases.)
They are all movies that you can get away with watching all year long without people thinking you’ve cracked like a rotten egg. That makes them perfect for post-holiday blahs viewing, that nebulous time when you really don’t feel like watching “A Christmas Carol” or “White Christmas” again, but you’re not quite ready to let go of the holidays.
1. “Lethal Weapon” (1987): I don’t think I’ll ever forget that scene early in the movie when Riggs (Mel Gibson) is trying to work his way up to committing suicide while the Bugs Bunny Christmas special plays on the TV. Chilling. This is one of the best buddy-cop movies ever day.
2. “Die Hard”: “Now I have a machine gun. Ho ho ho.” You gotta love John McClane’s (Bruce Willis) New York cop attitude. Another great buddy-cop flick.
3. “Home Alone” (1990): Sure, Christmas is crucial to the setup, and it does have some Christmas-ish themes about family and forgiveness. But the real joy of this movie is watching little Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) use paint cans and blowtorches to bring a pair of bumbling burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) to their bruised and trembling knees. And it’s not the movie’s fault that Macaulay Culkin became a ubiquitous screw-up with approximately one million siblings.
4. “Bridget Jones’ Diary” (2001): Christmas really just helps mark the time of Bridget’s (Renee Zellweger) hilarious and highly relatable year of self-improvement, in which she documents in her diary her efforts to stop smoking, drink less and find the perfect man. (Hint: Colin Firth is awfully sexy when he’s not in an atrocious reindeer jumper.)
5. “Serendipity”(2001): Another sweet romantic comedy, in which John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale play two people who meet cute while Christmas shopping in New York and are brought together many years later through, well, you know.
-BAM
Friday Featured Tracks
Colourmusic
For today’s Friday Featured Track, I’m going to attempt to list my favorite song from each of my top 10 albums of 2008. In some cases, it will be tough to choose just one; in others, one song is so incredibly sublime that it stands out from the rest.
Here they are, in the order the albums appear on my list of the best:
1. “The Right Place to Fade,” from Lindsey Buckingham’s “Gift of Screws.” This frenetic, amazingly catchy pop ditty is so nice, this is its second appearance on the FFT.
2. “Spring Song,” from Colourmusic’s ”f, monday, orange, february, venus, lunatic, 1 or 13.” I simply cannot resist this effervescent song. “I’m blowing bubbles in the air …”
3. “Warwick Avenue,” from Duffy’s “Rockferry.” It was tough to choose an absolute favorite from this big-voiced Brit’s excellent debut, but I went with this powerful heartbreaker. I can barely watch the video without tearing up.
Metallica
4. “Broken, Beat & Scarred,” from Metallica’s “Death Magnetic.” This is another song making its second appearance on the FFT. Have I mentioned lately how great a guitar genius Kirk Hammett is? No? Then, I’m gonna mention it right now.
5. “Strange Way,” from Shawna Russell’s “Goddess.” Again, there are so many great songs on this Okemah singer-songwriter’s debut album it was hard to pick just one. But this country girl proves she can flat-out rock ’70s style on her cover of Firefall’s 1978 hit.
6. “Chapter I: The River,” from Samantha Crain & the Midnight Shivers’ “The Confiscation”: Talk about hard to choose just one song: Crain’s debut EP actually is a musical novella, so the five storytelling tracks are all part of one overarching narrative. But the most amazing track has got to be the first one, a chilling tale of a preacher drowning those he baptizes, delivered with jaunty harmonicas, bouncy percussion and Crain’s smoky voice.
7. “Life in Technicolor,” from Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida”: The first time I hard this lushly beautiful song, I had a strong feeling this album would be on my top 10 list.
Jason Boland & the Stragglers
8. “Comal County Blue,” from Jason Boland & the Stragglers’ “Comal County Blue”: I actually probably like the Red Dirt band’s cover of the late Bob Childers’ “Outlaw Band” a bit better, but the title track really speaks to me. I can really relate to the restlessness in Boland’s voice as he sings about getting out of his small-town rut.
9. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” from Brad Paisley’s “Play”: Paisley has a tradition of including a hymn on all his albums, and his instrumental version of this old favorite is wonderful.
10. “This Land Is Your Land,” from “Ribbon of Highway Endless Skyway: The Woody Guthrie Tribute Tour”: The late Bob Childers, Eliza Gilkyson, Jimmy LaFave and other folk/Americana luminaries unite to do a soaring live version of Guthrie’s most famous song. I doesn’t get much better than that, folks.
-BAM
BAM’s top 10 albums of 2008
Lindsey Buckingham (Associated Press photo)
Fans of Oklahoma’s diverse music scene could find plenty to celebrate in 2008, with stand-out debuts in the alt-pop, country and folk genres.
It also was the year when many big-name talents successfully reinvented themselves, whether it was Metallica returning to its thrash roots or Coldplay revealing unexpected depth.
From top-sellers to indie releases, here’s the list of the CDs that kept my ears happiest this year:
1. Lindsey Buckingham “Gift of Screws” (Reprise) – Whether blazing through an irresistible electric pop ditty or brooding through an introspective acoustic track, the Fleetwood Mac guitarist’s virtuosic skills have only grown. “Gift of Screws” doesn’t reach the stratospheric heights of the band’s “Rumours” or “Tusk” albums – really, what could? – but Buckingham conjures a dizzying array of sonic spells on his latest solo effort. Plus, his September concert at Tulsa’s Brady Theater was one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen.
2. Colourmusic “f, monday, orange, february, venus, lunatic, 1 or 13″ (Great Society) – Surely only the most terminal musical grumps could possibly resist the unbridled joy of the Stillwater alt-pop band’s first CD, which lives up to its boldly eccentric title. Just try not to groove along with the distorted rock of “Put in a Little Gas”; don’t bob your head to the sparkly “Motherfather.” I dare you.
3. Duffy “Rockferry” (Mercury) – Big-voiced female neo-soul singers became a major U.K. export in the wake of Amy Winehouse’s musical success. But Welsh songstress Duffy emerged as the true heiress to Dusty Springfield; more than just a set of powerhouse pipes, she infuses her songs with palpable longing and vulnerability.
4. Metallica “Death Magnetic” (Warner Bros.) – While not on par with the thrash sophistication of “… And Justice for All,” the heavy metal giants made an aggressive and triumphant return to form with their first album in five years.
5. Shawna Russell “Goddess” (Way Out West) – The Okemah singer-songwriter’s effortlessly blends contemporary pop-country, 1970s-style rock and Southern-fried grooves. Among a glut of much-ballyhooed country debuts, her first album proved the most divine.
6. Samantha Crain & the Midnight Shivers “The Confiscation: A Musical Novella” (Ramseur) – Another impressive debut, the Shawnee singer-songwriter, 21, shows a singularly haunting voice and canny storytelling skills on her literary EP.
7. Coldplay “Viva La Vida” (Capitol) – The British band’s melodic rock came off as too shallow and affected to hold my interest until I heard senior singer Fred Knittle crooning “Fix You” in the documentary “Young@Heart.” My closer listen coincided with a great time to rethink Coldplay: On “Viva La Vida,” producer Brian Eno helps the band augment its usual lush songs with added depth and passion.
8. Jason Boland & the Stragglers “Comal County Blue” (Thirty Tigers) – The Harrah-raised Red Dirt singer-songwriter holds nothing back, from his painful struggles with addiction to fiery political outrage, on this strikingly intimate album.
9. Brad Paisley, “Play: The Guitar Album” (Arista Nashville/Sony BMG Nashville) – The country star’s mostly instrumental effort deftly explores an impressive range of styles, from gleeful chicken-picking on “Cluster Pluck” to swinging jazz on his Les Paul tribute “Les Is More.”
10. The late Bob Childers, Jimmy LaFave and others, “Ribbon of Highway Endless Skyway: The Woody Guthrie Tribute Tour” (Music Road) – Some of the most respected talents in folk/Americana music pay homage to Okemah’s own Woody Guthrie, one of the country’s greatest musical songwriters, in this captivating live two-disc set.
-BAM
New Year’s events in downtown Oklahoma City
Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips rides his giant translucent ball through the crowd at the Cox Convention Center last New Year’s Eve. The Lips will again perform a New Year’s Eve show Wednesday night at the convention center. (The Oklahoman Archives photo)
Along with Opening Night 2009, several other celebrations in downtown Oklahoma City and Bricktown will mark the start of 2009.
Here’s a list of other activities in downtown Oklahoma City and Bricktown on New Year’s Eve and Day:
- The Third Annual New Year’s Eve Gala: 9 p.m. Wednesday-1 a.m. Thursday at the Skirvin Hotel. The upscale event raises funds for the Arts Council of Oklahoma City. Information and tickets: 270-4848 or www.artscouncilokc.com.
- The Flaming Lips New Year’s Eve Freakout 2008/2009: 9 p.m. Wednesday, Cox Convention Center. Tickets and information: 235-8288 www.ticketmaster.com.
- Downtown in December: Chesapeake Snow Tubing at the Brick from noon to 8 p.m. through Jan. 3 and 2 to 6 p.m. Jan. 4; Devon Ice Rink at the Civic Center from noon to 11 p.m. Wednesday and noon to 10 p.m. through Jan. 4; OG&E Garden Lights illuminated through Thursday. Information: 236-3640 or www.downtownindecember.com.
- Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors: 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Ford Center. Information: www.nba.com/thunder.
- Toby Keith’s New Year’s Eve Party: The Brandon Clark Band plays at 9 p.m. Wednesday at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill. Information: 231-0254 or www.tobykeithsbar.com.
- Wormy Dog’s New Year’s Eve Bash: No Justice plays at 11 p.m. Wednesday at the Wormy Dog Saloon. Information: 601-6276 or www.wormydog.com.
- Wormy Dog’s Fourth Annual Hangover Ball: Featuring Cody Canada, Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Stoney LaRue, Stephanie Briggs, Brandon Jenkins, Mike McClure, Jason Boland and Adam Hood at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Wormy Dog Saloon. Information: 601-6276 or www.wormydog.com.
- For more New Year’s events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
Opening Night 2009 schedule
Jeremy Moore, 12 from Cashion, gets his face painted by Lauren Spencer during Opening Night 2008 in downtown Oklahoma City on Dec. 31, 2007. Opening Night 2009 will be from 7 p.m. to midnight Wednesday at 10 venues in downtown Oklahoma City. (The Oklahoman Archives photo)
Opening Night 2009
When: 7 p.m. to midnight Wednesday.
Where: 10 venues in downtown Oklahoma City.
Admission: Wristbands are $8 in advance, $10 the day of the event. Children 5 and younger admitted free. Wristbands are available in advance at 7-11 Stores, metro area Homeland stores, MidFirst Bank locations, Mathis Brothers Furniture, Penn Square Mall, Leadership Square and the Arts Council of Oklahoma City. They are available at the event at Stage Center, Kerr Park trailer, Leadership Square, north end of the Cox Convention Center and Kerr Auditorium.
Information: 270-4848 or www.artscouncilokc.com.
Schedule
Venue 1 – Cox Convention Center
Lobby
Duo Fisher: Dueling Pianists: 7 p.m., 9 p.m.
Total Equilibrium: 8, 10
Exhibit Hall 1
Ford Chastain: 7
Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea: 8, 10
Junebug Spade: 9, 10:45
Exhibit Hall 2
Lemma: 9, 10, 10:45
Tornado Alley Rollergirls: 7, 8
Exhibit Hall 3 – Children’s Area
Children’s Area hours: 7 to 11
Prof. B Looney: 7
Dance Dimensions: 8, 10
Oklahoma Children’s Acting Guild: 9
Clowns/Magicians/Face Painters: 7 to 11
Venue 2 – Myriad Gardens
Kris Boevers: 7
Albert Gray Eagle: 8
Sunshine Hahn: 9, 10
Venue 3 – Stage Center
Arena Theatre
Everybody & Their Dog: 7:30, 8:30, 9:30
Tolbert Theatre
Edgar Cruz: 7, 8, 9, 10
Venue 4 – Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library
Studio B with Bruce Benson: 7, 9
Vizions: 8, 10
Venue 5 – Leadership Square
Michael Summers Band: 7, 8, 9, 10
Venue 6 – Bank of Oklahoma
Son del Barrio: 7, 8, 9, 10
Venue 7 – Kerr Auditorium
Cori & Chelsey Emmett with No U Turn: 7, 8, 9, 10
Venue 8 – Kerr Park
The Wise Guys: 8, 9, 10, 11
Countdown to the New Year: 11:30
Finale and fireworks: midnight
Venue 9 – First National Center
Ambassador’s Concert Choir: 7
Harrison Academy: 8
Spiritful Voices: 9, 10
Venue 10 – Chase Tower
Book of Rules: 7, 10
Boru’s Ghost: 8, 10:30
Desert Fire: 9
Strolling Street Performers
St. Andrew’s Dung Lac Lion Dance Group
Natanasuta – Lord Shiva’s Dancers
Clear…as Dance Institute & Clarity Performing Dance Group
Dana Helms
Balcum Rancum Puppetry
Ross Plunkett
Brett Horton
Tanner Blair
Katilee Thomason
Derek Paul
Downtown Oklahoma City to ring in New Year with Opening Night
Fireworks erupt as 2007 turns into 2008 at Opening Night 2008. Opening Night 2009 will bring music, performing arts, a countdown the midnight and more fireworks from 7 p.m. to midnight Wednesday at 10 venues in downtown Oklahoma City. (The Oklahoman Archives photo)
From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.
Opening Night offers music, celebrations
From rock bands and roller girls to clowns and choirs, Opening Night 2009 will offer a variety of entertainment for families.
The Art Council of Oklahoma City’s 22nd Opening Night will ring in the New Year from 7 p.m. to midnight in 10 venues around downtown.
The alcohol-free and family-friendly event will feature returning favorites such as guitarist Edgar Cruz, American Indian flutist Albert Gray Eagle and the Tornado Alley Rollergirls.
Among the new performers, Studio B with Bruce Benson will play R&B, and Michael Summers Band will bring the big band, and Cori & Chelsey Emmett with No U Turn will get event going country. Dueling pianists Duo Fisher will face off in the lobby of the Cox Convention Center, said Opening Night Director Lindsey Pever.
Inside the Cox Center’s Exhibit Hall 3, the children’s area will offer an inflatable obstacle course, hands-on craft activities and family-appropriate performances.
The countdown to midnight will begin at 11:30 at Kerr Park, with the ascension of the glittering ball and explosions of fireworks heralding the New Year.
Adults seeking an upscale celebration can attend the Arts Council of Oklahoma City’s third annual New Year’s Eve Gala at the Skirvin Hotel. It will feature music by The Groove Merchants, gourmet food and a champagne toast at midnight.
Although not associated with Opening Night, the Oklahoma City-based Grammy-winning band The Flaming Lips will perform their New Year’s Eve Freakout at 9 p.m. in the Cox Convention Center arena.
“We’re very happy that there are other activities, including the Flaming Lips,” said Arts Council of Oklahoma City Executive Director Peter Dolese. “It’s going to be great for downtown.”
Opening Night 2009
When: 7 p.m. to midnight Wednesday.
Where: 10 venues in downtown Oklahoma City.
Admission: Wristbands are $8 in advance, $10 the day of the event. Children 5 and younger admitted free. Wristbands are available in advance at 7-11 Stores, metro area Homeland stores, MidFirst Bank locations, Mathis Brothers Furniture, Penn Square Mall, Leadership Square and the Arts Council of Oklahoma City. They are available at the event at Stage Center, Kerr Park trailer, Leadership Square, north end of the Cox Convention Center and Kerr Auditorium.
Information: 270-4848 or www.artscouncilokc.com.
-BAM
Weekend Warmup
The Radio City Rockettes and Santa Claus
Family
- “Radio City Christmas Spectacular”: See the Rockettes kick it out at 7:30 tonight, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday at the Ford Center, 100 W Reno. Information: 235-8288 or www.okfordcenter.com.
- The Oklahoman Holidays on the Canal: Take a free boat ride to celebrate The Oklahoman Holidays on the Canal from 6 to 9:30 p.m. today-Sunday D26-28 on the Bricktown Canal. Information: 236-3640 or www.downtownindecember.com.
- Children’s Hour: Take your family to the children’s hour from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum, 1400 Classen Drive. The movie “Snow Buddies” will show at 3:15. Admission is free Sunday. Information: 235-4458 or www.oklahomaheritage.com.
- American Fidelity Free Museum Sundays: This weekend offers your last chance to take advantage of American Fidelity Free Museum Sundays at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum and Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. You and your family can get free admission to either institution from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. It’s part of Downtown in December. Information: 236-3640 or www.downtownindecember.com.
Rodney Carrington
Live entertainment
- Rodney Carrington: Catch Tulsa comedian Rodney Carrington at 7 tonight and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturdayat Firelake Grand Casino, 777 Grand Casino Blvd, Shawnee. Information: 964-7263 or www.firelakegrand.com.
- Donny Vomit with Rainbows are Free: See sideshow performer Donny Vomit and Norman rockers Rainbows are Free at 9 p.m. Saturday at Opolis, 113 N Crawford, Norman. Information: www.starlightmints.com/opolis.html.
Stoney LaRue
Music
- Stoney LaRue: Hear Stoney LaRue at 8 tonight at Riverwind Casino, 1544 W State Highway 9, Norman. Information: 322-6464 or www.riverwind.com.
- Hosty Solo: See local one-man-band Mike Hosty play his regular 10 p.m. Sunday show at The Deli, 309 White Street. Information: www.thedeli.us.
Festival of Light in Chickasha. (Photo by John Clanton/The Oklahoman Archives from 2006)
Statewide
- Christmas lights displays, STATEWIDE: From Chickasha to Checotah, most communities are keeping their big Christmas lights displays up through the weekend, and some even into next week. For a list of some of the displays, go to www.travelok.com.
- Tulsa Oilers hockey: See the Oilers play Wichita at 7:35 tonight and Mississippi at 7:35 p.m. Saturday. Information: www.tulsaoilers.com.
-BAM
What to do in Oklahoma on Dec. 26
Today’s featured event:
NORMAN – Hear Red Dirt singer/guitarist Stoney LaRue at 8 tonight at Riverwind Casino, 1544 W State Highway 9.
For more information, go to www.riverwind.com.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
Video: “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown”
Consider this my Christmas card to all of you, my loyal and dear readers who have made the first year of BAM’s Blog so rewarding and successful.
It is my favorite bit of the classic animated TV special “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” which I believe should be required viewing on Christmas Day. We have at on DVD at my house so we can do just that. I recommend that you enjoy this little tidbit, courtesy YouTube, and then watch the whole thing.
Merry Christmas to all!
-BAM
5 favorite animated Christmas specials
Merry Christmas! I hope each and every one of you is enjoying a safe and happy holiday.
Throughout this Christmas week, I’m bringing you lists of my favorite Christmas entertainment, including my picks for the best songs, CDs and movies. Today’s list of my five – well, six, really – favorite animated holiday specials is perfect if you’re searching for some Christmas viewing that can bring the whole family together.
Even though Christmas Day will have come and gone by Friday, I’ll have one more list for you this week.
But until then, enjoy a bright and blessed holiday.
1. “A Charlie Brown Christmas”:Charles M. Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, penned the story for this 1965 classic. It follows likable loser Charlie Brown (perfectly voiced by Peter Robbins, uncredited for his work) as he tries to get into the spirit of a holiday he believes has become too crass and commercial. His pal Linus (another pitch-perfect uncredited performance by Christopher Shea) helps set him straight with a simple but powerful quotation of Luke 2:8-14. Linus’ speech remains one of the most heartfelt moments ever conveyed through animation, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I get a bit misty every time.
They just don’t make it like that one any more.
2. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas”: Chuck Jones, the mad genius behind the best of the Looney Tunes shorts, directs this incredible adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ iconic tale about a green grump who tries to steal Christmas from his perpetually cheerful neighbors, the Whos.
Produced by Jones and Dr. Seuss himself, the short features the unlikely choice of horror master Boris Karloff as the deep-voiced narrator and terrific voiceover actor Thurl Ravenscroft as the singer of those deliciously descriptive songs.
In my opinion, most everything in life is improved by the addition of some Dr. Seuss, including Christmas. My family and I can quote this special – undoubtedly the best adaptation ever of Ted Geisel’s fun and clever writing - word for word. You probably can, too.
3. (tie) “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman”: How could anyone choose between the two most famous holiday specials from stop-motion animation wizards Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass?
The great Burl Ives narrates the 1964 tale of the crimson-schnozzed reindeer and his fellow misfits, Hermey the elf and Yukon Cornelius, who help save Christmas from both a fierce blizzard and the fearsome Abominable Snowman.
Jimmy Durante adds warmth and pizazz as the narrator of the 1969 story about a lovable snowman who comes to life with the help of a magic top hat. While he is loved by children, Frosty is pursued by the naughty magician who wants to snatch the hat.
Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a double-feature of these two classics.
4. “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”:This Rankin-Bass adaptation of Clement C. Moore’s famed book isn’t as beloved or well-known as “Rudolph” or “Frosty,” but most Gen-Xers will instantly say “Oh, yeah!” if you start talking about the Christmas special with the mice and the clock.
In this 1974 special, Santa removes a town from his delivery list and returns all the residents’ letters after one of the citizens writes a scathing letter claiming Old St. Nick is a phony. It turns out the author is a too-big-for-his-britches boy mouse who needs a lesson in faith.
“‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” was faithfully shown on network TV throughout most of my childhood before being shifted to cable. I’ve also heard that the cable broadcast has been cut down. But you can view the special in its entirety on the two-DVD set “Christmas Television Favorites,” which also includes “The Grinch,” “The Year Without a Santa Claus” and six other animated holiday shows.
5. “A Pinky & the Brain Christmas Special”: Are you pondering what I’m pondering, readers? No, I’m not worried that if we had no ears that we’d look like weasels or how we can get the monkey to wear the rubber pants. I’m in awe that a program can be as slyly hilarious, downright goofy and unabashedly sentimental all at the same time.
Such is the charm of this Christmas special from the series ”Pinky & the Brain,” the ingenious spin-off of Warner Bros.’ funny 1990s animated series “Animaniacs.” The series follows a pair of lab mice, the Brain (brilliantly voiced by Maurice LaMarche), who spends his time devising intricate plots to take over the world, and Pinky, his sweet-natured but dim-bulb sidekick whose speech is punctuated by nonsensical words such as “Narf” and “Pointe.”
In their 1995 Christmas special, which won an Emmy, the mice travel to the North Pole to implement the Brain’s latest plan for world domination. It involves posing as elves in Santa’s workshop to get Chris Kringle to deliver dolls with hypnotic powers to all the families of the world, which will then be the Brain’s to control. Like any good holiday tale, it carries a theme of love and redemption, but it’s also uproariously funny and extremely quotable.
The Christmas special is included in the DVD set “Pinky & the Brain, Vol. 1.”
-BAM
