The 12 Movies of Christmas: #11 "Jack Frost"

3.5 Lions out of 5
I recommend this film for ages 8 and up (4 and up if watching with a parent)
I believe both genders will enjoy this film

Michael Keaton plays a blues bandleader who loses his life on an icy road on his way home after a gig at Christmas. The following year, magic brings him back for a second chance as a husband and father. He transforms into a snowman in this modern and hip version of the “Frosty the Snowman” mini-legend.

I first saw pieces of “Jack Frost” on TBS and wrote the movie off as silly and insignificant. Call me a sucker for a father/son story. I finally watched the entire thing one Christmas Eve as I helped St. Nicholas prepare our home for the joys of Christmas morning. I suppose my lingering grief over the loss of my dad made me wish—like Charlie—for a few more days with my dad.



Jack’s widow, Gabby, and Charlie become a little hardened and distant after their tragedy. Director Troy Miller ("The Flight of the Conchords") adds the salt and pepper of real grief to the fantasy story. Amid special effects, physical comedy, and a few lame jokes, the audience feels genuine sorrow.

Pay Attention
Michael Keaton actually holds his own as a blues singer. Enjoy the two big numbers, “Frosty the Snowman” and “Have a Little Faith.” The soundtrack is only available from iTunes. The CD is discontinued. Amazon.com offers a few imports that include the entire song list.

Christmas
The “first holiday” following the death of a loved one is like walking down an icy road with a blindfold on—you have no idea when you’re going to slip and fall. There’s an empty place at the table. There’s a laugh missing from the get-together. There’s one less person in the group picture.

Do you know someone who has lost a close friend or loved one during the last few months? Lend your shoulder, your ear, and your handkerchief to them. (Well, maybe you can give the handkerchief.)

Widescreen Wisdom
“Jack Frost “ reminds us that everyone needs a second chance. Jonah got his after being inside a whale. Balaam got a second chance after a donkey jack-knifed after an angel sighting. Peter got a second chance after a bad night around a campfire. We are given our second chances, too.

Trivia
Bob Carlisle, the former lead singer of the Christian rock band The Allies, became famous for his song about a father and his daughter—“Butterfly Kisses”. As a follow-up, he recorded “A Father’s Love” about a father and his son. The song plays an important role in the movie and scored a minor hit for him. CCM mega group Jars of Clay also placed a track on the soundtrack.

The 12 Movies of Christmas: #12 "The Holiday"

• 3.5 Lions out of 5
• I recommend this film for ages 18 and up (16 and up if watching with a parent)
• I believe men and women will equally like this film

Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet star as two workaholic women who’ve won in their professions but lost at love. They trade houses—and continents—during the Christmas holidays to examine their lives and hope for healing.

When my wife and I cued up the DVD of “The Holiday,” I was about as excited as someone being patted down at airport security. However, Nancy Meyers (“Father of the Bride”, “What Women Want”) wove a story that moved me by the depth of love portrayed on the screen.

Iris (Winslet) learns to say “no” to a man that has used her like a car polish cloth. Her strengths, twisted for Jasper, are released to be an encouraging force in the lives of two very different Hollywood men. Through her belief in them, both find steel in their veins.

Amanda (Diaz) learns to say “yes” to feeling alive. Unfortunately, Meyers uses an extramarital sexual relationship to prove the point. Nevertheless, the emotions are authentic, the tears are hot, and the smiles start in the soul.

“The Holiday” is one of the great modern romantic comedies with plot intricacies instead of formulas.

Pay Attention
Eli Wallach plays Arthur Abbott, an octogenarian screenwriter who opens up his heart to Iris and the Hollywood community. Myers treats his story with perfect brushstrokes of humor, sadness, and hope. Abbott’s chivalry and courage steal the movie. Look for his early appearances before he enters the story.


Christmas
From November 15 – January 2, thousands of Americans deal with difficult relationships. Family members pick up emotional weapons dropped a year ago. Struggles between adult children and parents are renewed. Grief is more acute during the holidays as you look around the table and notice who is not there.

“The Holiday” takes a tiny sliver of this reality and puts it on the screen. We point, laugh, cry, nudge another with an elbow as we see ourselves and our own ghosts of Christmas past and present.

Nancy Meyers’ story and direction emit hope from the screen. If we will be so wise as to capture it.

Widescreen Wisdom
Iris and Amanda have defining vacations because they interact with real people living where they visit. Too often, our vacations are as plastic as the cards used to pay for them. Make a point of talking with another family in the lobby of your hotel, having dinner in the home of that long lost family friend, or engaging those in line with you. The people you meet and the stories they share will generate richer memories and more fun on your travels.

Quotable

Arthur Abbott:

Iris, in the movies we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason you are behaving like the best friend.

Iris:

You're so right. You're supposed to be the leading lady of your own life, for god's sake! Arthur, I've been going to a therapist for three years, and she's never explained things to me that well. That was brilliant. Brutal, but brilliant.

Trivia
“The Holiday” features both Rufus Sewell and Shannyn Sossamon who appeared together in “A Knight’s Tale”.

Perhaps I've seen too many movies.

My favorite movies are "hero stories." Most of the movies presented in this montage make my heart beat faster and my tear ducts swell.



He could have finished the piece with the speeches, but the closing seconds make this montage more than a smile generator.

T.L. Hines: The Unseen. You'll Never Look at Acoustic Ceiling Tiles the Same Way Again

Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2008

• 3 of 5 Lions
• I recommend it for ages 14 and up
• I believe men will enjoy the book more than women 4:1

T. L. Hines writes the most creative tweets on Twitter. (http://www.twitter.com/tlhines) My favorites include:

• Holding out for a Red Ryder BB gun. Have an extra eye to spare.
• Wishing Halle Berry would reconcile with her estranged sisters Huckel and Razz.
• Joe the Plumber has inspired a lot of cracks these last several days. Which is kind of fitting, when you think about it.
• Is age 72, in Chinese Gymnast Years.
• Dinner tonight: liver, fava beans, and a nice Chianti.

After more than four-dozen chuckles and groans reading his tweets, I took a chance reading his latest novel, The Unseen from Thomas Nelson Publishers. A potential tag line could be: Little Brother is Watching You … and Taking Notes.

Hines creates a fascinating hidden universe. He tells the story of Lucas, a young man with a remarkable talent: being able to get into any space to watch others. Lucas witnesses something that sucks him through his peephole into the action. His life depends on what he sees and remembers.

John Watson, associate professor of journalism at American University in Washington, commented on our culture’s love of horror films, "We like being frightened without being in actual peril." Others have called America a “Voyeur Culture” because we spend more time watching others live “reality” lives on TV than we do building relationships with our families or neighbors. Hines brings the voyeur culture into your home and office with The Unseen. You’ll never think about acoustic ceiling tiles the same way again. You’ll walk around your house looking at the nooks and crannies wondering, “Could anyone fit in there?”

Fans of Dean Koontz will enjoy Hines’ story.

The first two acts of The Unseen are riveting reading. The characters are genuine. The places and situations are painted with the careful brushstrokes of an artful storyteller.

By this point in my reading experience, I cared about Lucas and Leila. I had to know what happened to them. But the rest of the book felt a lot like “Hancock” or “The Long Kiss Goodnight.” Both movies took twists that made the audiences laugh, but not at the comic relief. They laughed at the implausibility of the rest of the story.

It’s hard to keep up with the body count—and who’s doing the shooting—in the second half of The Unseen. Most of the killings, including the offing of two police officers, seem convenient. They shoot and kill with little concern for the consequences or the morality of their actions. Everything is expedient. Perhaps that’s how it really is in our intelligence community.

In Hines’ acknowledgments, he notes that he battled and beat cancer during the creation of this, his third novel. I’m grateful that he beat cancer because I look forward to reading more from this talented author.

Ding! Dong! The Munchkins Sang!

Franklin-based Dance Studio will join National Traveling Company for “The Wizard of Oz”

Broadway visited Franklin, Tennessee Saturday when the traveling production of “The Wizard of Oz” conducted auditions. NETworks, a Theatrical Production Company, will bring “Oz” to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) January 13–18, 2009. In each city, producers search for local talent to fill the roles of The Munchkins, the beloved citizens of Munchkin Country who help Dorothy find The Yellow Brick Road.

Five Middle Tennessee groups sang and danced “Ding Dong! The Wicked Witch is Dead!” on a performance stage at Cool Springs Galleria Mall. Hermitage was represented by Artistry in Motion’s N2Motion Dance Team. Smart Steps traveled from Hendersonville for the audition. Three groups are based in Franklin: Circle Kids, DC Dance Factory, and Ann Carroll School of Dance. Each group had to meet several requirements in order to audition. The group chosen in each city must be able to fit into the costumes that travel with the troupe.

The boys and girls each sang the song twice and then learned a dance combination. Next, each group performed the song with the new dance steps two times for the judges. After more than three hours of work, the Song and Dance Team from Ann Carroll School of Dance secured the roles. The newly dubbed Munchkins screamed and celebrated.

Annie Taylor sat nervously with 11 other performers and two alternates from Ann Carroll. While the judges deliberated, all she could think was, “Oh my gosh!”

“We worked on the song for about three weeks,” said Lauren Whitlock. “We had to practice it over and over again until we had it memorized. I’m so excited!”

The Munchkins spend about 30 minutes on stage during each performance according to Kim Riger, NETWorks’ coordinator of local auditions. She has conducted auditions recently in Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Schnetady, NY. “I have the best job on the planet.” Riger was very impressed with the talent in Middle Tennessee. “I wish we could have a different group perform every night!”

These were the largest open community auditions a traveling company have held in Middle Tennessee according to Lori Ward, Vice President of Communications and Community Relations for TPAC. “This is a great opportunity for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, neighbors, and fellow students to see these young people in a Broadway production,” Ward said.


The Song and Dance Team only has five weeks to learn the rest of the music and choreography. “Our biggest challenge will be keeping them healthy from now until the performance,” said Robin Collins, mother of Emma and Gracie, two of the new Munchkins.

Ann Carroll School of Dance started in 1970. More than 300 students from age 3–21 take weekly classes in ballet, lyrical, tap, jazz, and other forms of dance.

##

Official Production website is http://www.wizardofozontour.com

Ann Carroll School of Dance website: http://www.anncarrollschoolofdance.com

Amateur Video is available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcRI_7mMNWc

Tennessee Performing Arts Center: http://tpac.org/

Tickets are available at the TPAC box office, at Ticketmaster locations, and at http://www.ticketmaster.com.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas! A Survey

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper.
My mom always had a few gifts left to wrap when we drove out of town for our Christmas in Alabama. So, we would ride down I-20 with paper and tape dominating the back seat. It's a great memory and I think of her with every gift I wrap.

2. Real tree or Artificial?
I've heard all the arguments. I don't care if the tree does cost more over a lifetime, irritate my allergies, and pose a fire hazard. If it ain't real, it ain't Christmas.

3. When do you put up the tree?
In a perfect world, we would do it on first Saturday of December every year. We don't always hit it. The tree is home and in the stand, but not decorated yet.

5. Do you like eggnog?
Yes!

I fell in love with the flavor thanks to the Egg Nog Shake at Arby's. Last year, Arby's didn't have it on the menu, but Jack in the Box did. Note: My Great Aunt Sue made tremendous warm custard. It was more fun and more delicious to drink than egg nog. I miss her.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
One year, my dad gave me a cassette recorder and two cassettes (similar to the one in the picture). He recorded a message on one of the cassettes. As cool as the gift was, my favorite part of that gift was time with my dad. We went into my Aunt Cathy's room and played her Elvis records. My dad and I took turns holding the cassette recorder up to the speaker to capture the music. One of us would make the floor squeak and we'd start laughing. I wish I had one of those recordings. We were so goofy that night.

Note: I think I'm going to start something this year: a journal of Christmas gifts. Sometimes, we can't remember what we received after the calendar turns. That's a shame.

7. Hardest person to buy for?
My wife. My creativity wars with her list every year. I want every gift to be memorable and special.

8. Easiest person to buy for?
My son Michael. He's got such extensive lists, but he always leaves off something obvious that he's been wanting all year. The list is great because it reminds me of what he really wants.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes. Several. My favorite is my wife's Precious Moments Nativity. I think several of the pieces are retired now. We let time pass us by and never bought the matching wise men. The angel holds a flashlight. I love this set because it reminds me of all the Christmas pageants I acted in as a child. We added "The Little Drummer Boy" to the tableau. I'm probably going to get negative comments about that, BUT to me, he reminds me that we have a role to play. We must visit the stable as well.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
I hope we actually mail some this year. I would love to mail 50. We'll see if it happens.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that it might incriminate me. I need to be more thankful for all the gifts I'm given.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
I'll answer this in three categories.

Black and White: "It's a Wonderful Life"
I discovered this movie before its revival. I was home from college for the weekend in the spring of 1988. My parents were out of town so I had the washer, dryer, and TV to myself. I was bored. I dug around under the TV through the videos. I found a VHS of the movie still in shrink wrap. At this time I HATED black and white movies. One of my best friends dragged me to "Casablanca" earlier in the school year, so I decided to give this movie a try. I had never heard of it, but knew the name Jimmy Stewart. Two hours later I was crying like George Bailey on the bridge and felt like a man who had struck gold. I'm grateful the rest of the world has embraced this great film.

Color: "Die Hard"
Look at the big picture of this movie for a second. A man fighting to save his marriage ends up rescuing his wife--and many others--from mortal danger while foiling an economy-shaking safe heist.

Christmas Movie I Most Want to See: "Joyeux Noel"
In WWI, soldiers from both sides of the line stopped fighting on Christmas Eve and shared music, stories, and Christmas cheer.

13. When do you start shopping?
Too late

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Yes, especially white elephant gifts. I think the re-gifting makes them even more meaningful.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Pancakes on Christmas morning. Sure, we have them several times a year, but while I'm flipping flapjacks, the kids are bouncing off the walls enjoying their gifts. It's a blast.

16. Lights on the tree?
White lights are my favorite. I think they make a great background to the multi-colored ornaments hanging on the tree.

17. Favorite Christmas song?
Hymn: "O Come All Ye Faithful"
Classic: "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" by Bruce Springsteen
"Original": "Celebrate Me Home" by Kenny Loggins
Amy Grant: "Heirloom" (Yes, she's a category all to herself)
Song You've Probably Never Heard: "All for Love's Sake"

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
In a perfect world, we'd stay home the entire season. We do stay home on Christmas Eve and Day.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?
Don't forget Chet!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
The angel we place on our tree was a wedding present. If you gave it to us, please tell us. Kaye and I have both forgotten the giver.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
PJs on Christmas Eve.
The kids discover what Santa left for them on Christmas morning.
We open family gifts around 11 a.m.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
Salem Radio's sad rotation of Christmas music. Add more songs, please!

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
We have an animated Hallmark keepsake ornament that celebrates our first Christmas together. It is a little house. The light inside the ornament projects a small silhouette of a couple sitting by the fire. The light goes out as if the couple clicked off the lamp. It's very sweet.

24. Favorite Christmas dinner?
Honey Baked Ham, not the imposters.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
I would like to have a signed real estate contract on my parents' home by Christmas. Other than that, I'd like to have money to buy presents for my kids. May my invoices be paid!

God Went Postal Today

My good friend Gregg Stutts tried an experiment this year. He decided he would believe God for 30 days. I've interacted with him about his journey and he has greatly encouraged me in mine. Gregg said the experiment forced him to:

to clarify and honestly express what I believe. This wasn't a time to sugar coat and put on a happy face. It was a time to get real with ourselves and each other about what we really believe about God. Is He big enough to handle our problems? Is He trustworthy? Is He good? What about when things don't go as I'd hoped or prayed? Then what?

I'll admit, there are days when I have trouble believing God for 30 minutes.

• I remind myself that God is "seldom early but never late."
• I believe that God answers prayers in four ways: yes, no, wait, and "I've got something better."
• I try not to be like the Israelites. God protects them from plagues, passes over them, and sets them free. They get a few miles outside of camp and start believing that Moses led them out of Egypt so they could die in the desert (Exodus 14).

I've been praying for a check since I submitted an insurance claim on October 17. I've whined to God and yelled at Him. Mostly, I've not believed that He'll do anything about it.

I prayed this prayer with mustard salt faith—that's when you have less than a mustard seed. This morning, I asked God, "Will you please deliver the check today? Would you please put it in the mailbox today?"

I walked to the mailbox with no anticipation. I grabbed a big stack out of the box and flipped through the envelopes on my way back inside. Bills. College mail for my daughter. Christmas ads. And an envelope I didn't recognize.

I opened the bills and tried not to run my hands over my scalp too much. I've done it so often, I've rubbed the top of my head bald. I threw away some ads. And I set my daughter's mail aside.

Then I opened the strange envelope. It was a letter from the insurance company. There was a different name on the envelope. I bet they're a victim of the economic downturn.

There was no check. The letter explaining the delay and offered a new delivery date.

I threw the envelope on the table and walked three steps. I was on my way to the fridge to get another soft drink. Then it hit me.

God had answered my prayer.

God said, "Wait."

God put the answer in the mailbox like I'd asked.

I stood in the middle of my kitchen, lifted my arms, and looked at the ceiling wishing the ceiling and roof would part so I could see the sky. I thanked God for His answer. I confessed my disbelief and asked for more faith. I marveled afresh at how "God is previous." The letter was typed before Thanksgiving and postmarked Monday. It traveled from Pittsburgh to Nashville. Many people and machines handled the envelope. God was at work answering my prayer before I bowed my head to utter the request.

When I returned to the table, I looked at the envelopes my daughter's mail came in. These weren't college advertisements like the thousands she's received this year. These were official looking.

When my daughter got home, my wife and I watched as Elisa opened the mail. Her first college acceptance arrived along with a HUGE scholarship offer.

God went postal today. Thank You, Lord.

Are You in a Hole?

I heard a great story today. You've probably heard it, too, but it bears repeating--especially at this time of year.

A man was walking along the street, and as he passed a construction zone, he fell in a deep hole. One with walls so steep he could not get out. He yelled for help.

The first passerby was a doctor, who asked if he was injured. After answering that nothing was broken but he hurt all over, he saw a prescription float into the hole and the doctor was gone.

The next passerby was a minister. The minister asked if the man was alright, and when the answer was a reluctant “yes,” a prayer on a slip of paper came floating into the hole.

The third passerby was the man's best friend, and the man in the hole was jubilant. Until his friend jumped into the hole with him. The startled man asked his friend, “Why did you do that? Now we're both in the hole.” The friend answered, “Yes, but I’ve been down here before and I know the way out.”

If you're in a hole, look around for your friends. They can help. I'm grateful for my friends who regularly point to the light in the tunnel. Oddly enough, there are times I don't want to walk to the light. They help me take the next step and sing for joy.

Houston, We Have a Comedy!

I was born in 1969. This was the year of Woodstock. The Vietnam War was raging--and being televised. And Neil Armstrong uttered words that defined a century.

Every child is asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I only had one answer: astronaut. God changed my mind at 15, but I am still fascinated with outer space and the United States Space Program.

That's probably why I got such a kick out of the movie "Space Chimps" from 20th Century Fox. In the movie, the grandson of the famous Ham is drafted into action. He, and three highly-trained astrochimps, fight to rescue a satellite sucked through a black hole. They blunder and pun their way through hundreds of light years and laughs. I personally love all of the quotes from movies like "The Right Stuff" and "Apollo 13".

I recently completed the work on a new family fun Bible study for Fox Faith. I invite you to download the Discussion Guide and launch a mission for your family.

In the study guide, we help families choose a family mission project like:

• Sponsoring a child through Compassion International or World Vision
• Helping a family bring an orphan home by supporting Shaohannah's Hope or ABBA Fund
• Bringing relief to a struggling nation by working with Blood:Water Mission
• Reaching out to the patients at their local children's hospital

Spread the word. Perhaps families will do a lot more than buy or rent a movie this Christmas season.

View the trailer and discover more about "Space Chimps" at FoxFaith.com.