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The Muppet Christmas Carol, a review by Danae Cassandra

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Year of Release:  1992
Starring:  Michael Caine, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, The Great Gonzo, Rizzo the Rat
Directed By:  Brian Henson
Genre:  Comedy, Drama

Overview:My Thoughts:
I love A Christmas Carol, and I remembered enjoying the Muppets years ago, so I thought I'd pick this up this year, making this the sixth version of Dickens story in my collection.  I'm very glad I did too.  While this doesn't top my favorite version of the story (that would be the 1951 film with Alastair Sim), I think this might be my second favorite.  I loved Michael Caine's performance as Scrooge.  He did a wonderful job in the character and her really brought a lot of believably to Scrooge's transformation and redemption.  Kermit makes a great Bob Cratchet and the rest of the Muppets add a lot of charm to the film.  Given VirtualScot's posts about it over at Invelos we chose to watch the fullscreen version (which includes the song "When Love is Gone") and I'm very glad we did.  I really feel the song adds a lot to the film and Scrooge's character and it was a shame to cut it.  Great film, recommended for anyone looking for a good Christmas film for the whole family.

Bechdel Test:  Fail

Overall:  4/5


(From Danae's Yuletide Marathon on December 18th, 2012)

Banlieue 13, a review by Tom

Title: Banlieue 13
Year: 2004
Director: Pierre Morel
Rating: 15
Length: 85 Min.
Video: Widescreen 2.35
Audio: French: Dolby Digital 5.1, English: Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English

Stars:
Cyril Raffaelli
David Belle
Tony D'Amario
Larbi Naceri
Dany Verissimo

Plot:
DISTRICT 13

In the year 2010 a wall is built around a Paris suburb that contains the city's most criminal elements. Kingpin Taha rules all that is inside, but makes the mistake of kidnapping the sister of a local imprisoned hero, Leito. With nothing to lose, Leito teams up with an undercover cop to take Taha down.

Written and produced by Luc Besson and featuring stunts from the team behind The Transporter, District 13 has to be seen to be believed. No wires, no special effects, no limits. Just an explosive mix of jaw-dropping free running and spectacular action.

Extras:
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Outtakes
Scene Access
Trailers

I have seen the sequel to this movie first at this year's FantasyFilmFest. I really enjoyed it, so I have bought the double-feature package on Blu-ray. As expected, this movie is very similar to the sequel. Although I have the feeling, that the sequel had more martial arts action in it. Also it was more light-hearted and fun. But I will see if I remember that correctly, when I will rewatch the sequel.

Rating:

(From Tom's Random Reviews on November 14th, 2009)

NCIS Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

9. TWISTED SISTER
McGee takes matters into his own hands after his teenage sister appears at his door bloodied and confused.

My Thoughts:
This one is a very good episode. One of my favorites. I liked getting to meet McGee's sister... and loved that she let the cat out of the bag about McGee's book.

My Rating:

10. SMOKED
Working in tandem with the FBI, the NCIS team makes a shocking discovery wehn they identify the remains of a serial killer.

My Thoughts:
This is another one I enjoyed quite a bit. Though not quite as much as the previous one. I did like how they put a little twist into the ending of this one.

My Rating:

11. DRIVEN
A highly classified robotic device is sabotaged and kills a Navy lieutenant who was working on an important project for the Department of Defense.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this one as well. Even though it is somewhat standard... it has some good moments.

My Rating:

12. SUSPICION
A high-level Marine intelligence officer is murdered in a small-town motel room. The NCIS team rushes to the scene of the crime only to discover the local authorities have disrupted the crime scene and performed an autopsy days earlier.

My Thoughts:
This one is alright... but it really didn't impress me too much. I did like the small town forensic scientist though. I would have liked to seen her come back for some more episodes. Unfortunately the rest of the episode was pretty standard... and somewhat slow.

My Rating:

(From NCIS Marathon on December 24th, 2009)