The Valley Wire - November 2011

Hollywood Has an Early Christmas By Mary Beth Gentle

There are many wonderful happenings in the month of November. The colors of fall swirl around us. A cold crispness fills the air. And Thanksgiving feasts abound. And then there is the other thing that November brings with it; the pressure that the Holiday’s are hovering just around the corner. It cannot be escaped. Every department store, grocery store and even the airwaves are filled with silver bells and sale signs. But, with all the Holiday pressure comes a few early treats, Hollywood style! The first of the Holiday movie surprises appear on November 23rd with the release of The Muppets, Hugo and Arthur Christmas.

Walt Disney Studios brings the old Muppet gang to the big screen in a heartfelt and very entertaining way in The Muppets. When a young Muppet named Walter from Smalltown USA comes to Los Angeles to visit the Muppet Studios with his brother Gary (Jason Segel), he soon discovers an evil plot by a rich oilman to tear down the Muppet Studios and drill for oil. Walter and his brother Gary go to Kermit with a plan to save the Studios. It’s a chance for the whole Muppet Show gang to reunite and put on one more big Muppet extravaganza. Just as with the original Muppet Show there will be many cameos and a lot of fun for the whole family! The next Holiday movie treat comes from Martin Scorsese with his first 3D venture, Hugo. Based on the children’s book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Scorsese brings to life this tale of a young boy who lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station. The young orphan’s life changes when he becomes involved with an eccentric young girl, a bitter old toy maker and a mystery that turns his life upside down. I can’t wait for the mysteries of Hugo to come to life on the big screen. The final Holiday movie surprise comes to us in the form of an instant Animated classic, Arthur’s Christmas. It is the holiday classic that ventures to answer the age-old question – just how does Santa deliver all those toys in one night? Santa’s youngest son and unlikely hero, Arthur helps answer that question as he embarks on his own Christmas mission that must be completed before Christmas morning arrives. Without a doubt - this one is going on my holiday movie list. As you prepare to settle in for a Thanksgiving Day of football, parades and turkey remember that Hollywood has also delivered a few holiday surprises to your local Cineplex to start the season out right!