Chris12955

Hail Caesar! is great fun, following the adventures of a group of characters all involved with the fictional Capitol Pictures first seen in the Coen brothers film Barton Fink(but, more than a decade later.) At a few times this is its greatest weakness though, jumping from story to story to story without returning to the last one for a long time. Not to worry though, as almost all of the stories coalesce together at the end.

The stories are all linked by the central character, Eddie Mannix, a fixer for the studio who deals with potential bad PR and assorted other problems. Over the course of three days he has to deal with various troublesome actors, religious moral watchdog groups, a pair of nosy gossip columnists, an old studio scandal, and the main story the kidnapping of Hail Caesar!'s star. All of this while having his own problem of balancing his stressful job and a family at home.

Hail Caesar! is a great look at the movie industry back in the waning studio days of the 1950's. I would have dropped the sailor movie bit as it slows the film down and serves no purpose, but for the most part the film is a hilarious hoot that those aware of the golden days of Hollywood will enjoy immensely.

Dreamworks has brought us another installment to the awesome Kung Fu Panda series, but this time they have made it in conjunction with the Chinese government who co-funded it. The vibrant visuals, whimsical world, and colorful characters that define this series are once again at play and as strong as ever, but with a script that(while competent) is below the standard of the first two.

Picking up where the last film left off, Po's father(Li) returns to find his long lost son. The clash between adoptive father Mr. Ping and birth father Li is a great idea, but not properly played out given the potential. To complicate our hero's life, Master Oogway's old nemesis Kai has returned to threaten the Jade Temple. Kai is not the best of the Panda villains, but his setup is well thought out, and with the increased focus on Po's search for identity, I can't complain.

So why am I rating this an 8 when the story is the weakest of the three movies? Simple, Kung Fu Panda 3 has beautiful imagery, superb direction, and stunningly choreographed fights(true visual artistry.) All of which rival the previous two films or surpass them. The 3D is expertly worked in, and truly adds to the films enjoyment. If you like the Kung Fu Panda series, then check it out, but don't expect the narrative heights of the last two.

Krampus, that half goat/half man companion of Saint Nicholas finally gets his own movie after being left in the winter(themed movie) cold for too long. For those unaware, in ancient lore(not this film) Krampus is the stick to Santa's carrot. When Krampus comes to town, he rewards the bad children with severe spankings, and the exceptionally naughty children with a trip to his home for dinner(his dinner that is. )

A mix of comedy and horror, Krampus is a wickedly fun twist on the traditional holiday dysfunctional family film. The horror is usually more comedic then horrific and the movie focuses more on the family drama and terror of what might/has come, than constant attacks. This is not to say it does not have chills, simply that when we do get them, the horror is more keenly felt because we have come to know these people, and the atmosphere is never excessively oppressive(it is Christmas after all. )

The film starts with the well to do liberal Engel family preparing to host poor conservative aunt Linda and uncle Howard, along with their four spawn. Drunkard aunt Dorothy tags along uninvited, and things start to look decidedly UNmerry for Christmas this year. When young Max tears up his letter to Santa, he inadvertently summons Krampus and his helpers. He brings with him a snow storm first to isolate them, then absconds with the naughty family one by one. The Engels must learn the true meaning of family and togetherness if they want to survive this year.

With its emphasis of family, compassion, tolerance, understanding, and love, Krampus is decidedly a Christmas film, and may even leave you feeling a little nice after having seen it(along with being creeped out.) Scary, but never TOO dark, and very funny, I can safely say I have found a new Christmas movie to watch at this time every year. If you enjoy dark humor, scares, and are looking for a little Christmas cheer(??) then check it out.