Tag: dan aykroyd

Free Frosty! Free Frosty! “Christmas with the Kranks” (2004)

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directed by Joe Roth
© 2004 Sony Pictures Releasing. All Rights Reserved.

Can you feel it’s Christmas time? I have to say that despite my positive energy this month, following a tea advent calendar, decorating my place with way too many gnomes – I can’t feel this Christmassy spirit. Maybe I’m getting old and Scroogey, or maybe it’s because there’s no snow outside. No idea. So since I’m in such not-sure-what-is-going-on mood, I believe recommending you this comedy will be the best choice for today. Perhaps you’ve seen it or you even watch it every year (like me), because it’s an adorable comfort film for Christmas. And for those who haven’t had a chance to see it, let me introduce you to the story. We get to meet a couple, Luther and Nora Krank (Tim Allen & Jamie Lee Curtis), whose adult daughter Blair (Julie Gonzalo) is not about to be home for the upcoming Christmas. She joins Peace Corps and decides to go to Peru for a year. For the Kranks it’s the first time they won’t be together and both parents are a little bit lost. As Nora is rather feeling blue, Luther tries to look at the bright side of the situation and he comes up with an idea – instead of celebrating Christmas, the couple should spend ten days on a Caribbean cruise. At first, Nora is definitely against because she simply cannot imagine skipping Christmas, but the more they talk, the more they feel like it’s actually an interesting alternative. Unfortunately, they’re not the only ones involved in the decision process… Their whole neighbourhood consider Christmas celebration an incredibly important community tradition and when they find out that the Kranks have other plans, they simply cannot accept it. Everyone shows their disapproval and tries to make the couple change their mind, very often in a hilarious way. When I think of this film, I always remember Christmas dinners at my Grandma’s, because it’s always on TV around this time, so I basically know it by heart, even if I don’t always watch it carefully. It’s one of those films that are great for a family gathering, a lunch with friends, or as a comforting background for cooking. And even though it’s just a silly comedy to make us laugh, I also see a good lesson hidden there. No matter if you celebrate Christmas or not, no matter if you stay at home, go visit your distant family or you’re currently sunbathing in the Maldives – I hope you do it in accordance to your own will and you’re accompanied by someone important to you. It can be your partner, your family member, your friend, beloved pet or even yourself. Spend this time the way you want and then it’ll be truly jolly and bright. And don’t forget good food, because food is happiness in all circumstances! Cheers!

My rating: 6/10
S.

Sometimes I think you ain’t got the sense God game a lemon! “Driving Miss Daisy” (1989)

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directed by Bruce Beresford
© 1989 Warner Bros. All Rights Reserved.

They say you can describe all car drivers with only two titles: “Fast and Furious” or “Driving Miss Daisy.”  I would add something to that. You can describe passengers with the same titles. But in this case being Miss Daisy would mean you’re the most annoying person ever and nobody wants to drive you anywhere because you would keep telling them what to do. If you don’t know this classic production, you may already imagine the main character. Miss Daisy (Jessica Tandy) is an elderly widow living alone in a big house. She has a son (Dan Aykroyd), but he barely visits his mother. Except seeing her housekeeper (Esther Rolle), Miss Daisy is rather a lonely woman. But there’s also another problem: she’s horribly grumpy. Anyway, the film starts with a small accident. The moody lady drives her car into her neighbour’s yard. Her worried son buys a new car but Daisy isn’t allowed to drive anymore. Her son hires Hoke (Morgan Freeman) to be Daisy’s chauffeur. At first, the woman isn’t thrilled about this fact. Not only he’s an African American, but also he doesn’t agree with Daisy all the time, which is unacceptable. In her world everything must be done in a certain way and there should be no exception. However, day after day those two learn more about each other and start to cooperate. If you haven’t seen this film yet, I’m pretty sure you’ve heard the main theme from it. It appears in other productions and a lot of people like to get back to it. I’m one of those people who knew the theme before the story. We can thank Hans Zimmer for this adorable melody. Personally, I’m a big fan of his and I always enjoy the film soundtrack that he makes. Generally, “Driving Miss Daisy” is a calm and sweet story about the importance of friendship. A big mug of tea, a blanket and you can press play.

My rating: 7/10
S.