Tag: Christmas

A Creature Was Stirring Arrives on Home Video This Week to Scare Up Love

When considering a tiny part of A Creature Was Stirring takes inspiration from Judy Collin’s holiday poem, I’m guessing there are more elements in play that neither friend and foe realise.

A Creature Was Stirring Blu-ray
Available to stream or purchase on Amazon USA

Well GO USA
Spoiler Alert

Although the creature feature A Creature Was Stirring had limited theatrical screenings last month, I had my plate full on what to enjoy over the holiday season. This eerie variation of a trapped in a cabin in the woods’ scenario would eventually get viewed, and I’m hoping the coming home video release will offer a behind-the-scenes featurette to explain the finer points.

This tale about a mighty morphing porcupine has the vibe of a Stuart Gordon film. And when the focus is not about two teens claiming to be Jehovah’s witnesses entering into a situation they are totally unprepared for, what’s presented is more familial.

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Tis the Holiday Season for R&R, and ….

Since Optimus Prime says it’s time to recharge, how can we could say no to him?

Happy Holidays from Otakunoculture

We will return after the New Year, all ready to roll out with some lists on what to look forward to in 2024! Also, during our break we will take a look at some late content, and perhaps also review a few items that’s arrived under our Christmas tree!

That 90s Christmas Special! A Top Five List of Cartoons To Tickle Your Funny Bone

From films to television, we offer a list of our favourite animated 90s Christmas Specials and films!

A Pinky and the Brain Christmas - 90s Christmas SpecialBefore the 21st century, not many animated yuletide themed works were made. Even in the theatrical front, there was lots of live-action material, but when all I craved were cartoons, there just wasn’t many to find at all. Sure there was Frosty Returns, and the obligatory Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie, but they weren’t memorable.  All I recall is that there were more televised 90s Christmas Specials than cinema scale. When I look back with the knowledge I have know, maybe the studios were waiting to hear back from what a new generation of kids said they liked.

Also, there’s the chance that all those fond cartoons from the 60s to 80s were getting sunsetted. As interest waned, and just what got played while the television station would have to change to keep with the time.

What I offer is a look at those ‘toons that were personal to me. And although The Nightmare Before Christmas (Amazon Link) is alone, perhaps there’s an obscure international flick to give Jack company! This work deserves to be a special entry.

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Tis the Season for Candy Cane Lane. Too Saccharine for My Tastes

Alls not well for some people living on Candy Cane Lane when they take the Christmas spirit to the next level and chaos erupts!

Candy Cane Lane Movie PosterSpoiler Alert

In order to get my holiday mojo going, I caved and finally watched the Christmas comedy Candy Cane Lane. This movie starring Eddie Murphy has a few moments to like, but it’s ultimately the supporting cast that gives this film character.

Also, I noticed this superstar’s reserved movies about family togetherness have a common plot. When someone has difficulty with him as the father-figure, he’ll have to do his best to the clan together. Here, he has to deal with a devil in disguise. The wicked elf of the north pole has an agenda, and I like to know why Pepper (Jillian Bell) is the way she is. When she offers Chris Carver (Murphy) a chance at creating holiday magic, he’s all for it, but it’ll come at a cost! Little does he know that the bargain he makes will even further distance himself from his kids. Continue reading “Tis the Season for Candy Cane Lane. Too Saccharine for My Tastes”

The Brave and the Bold in Merry Little Batman, Saving Xmas on Amazon Prime!

…and no, there’s no product placement involved in this wonderful animated special about one little Merry Little Batman under the Christmas tree.

Merry Little Batman PosterNow Playing on Amazon Prime
Spoiler Alert

Fans expecting an animated superhero film much like past direct to video efforts will be in for a surprise in Merry Little Batman. This presentation feels very British, and much of that comes from the production and character designs. Also, when the best moments are from the British voice over talent pool instead of the American ones, all I could do was laugh out loud.

Ultimately, I feel this action adventure comedy puts a few ideas from Home Alone, Spitting Image and A Christmas Story into a blender, and what’s splattered out is just nutters! 

And as the title implies, this holiday themed special is about a kid who wants to become the next Caped Crusader. When news of this movie was announced, I thought it might be about a young Bruce Wayne learning how to become a hero during Christmas vacation, but I was wrong. Instead, it’s about his son Damian (Yonas Kibreab) and his relationship with his father (Luke Wilson). 

Continue reading “The Brave and the Bold in Merry Little Batman, Saving Xmas on Amazon Prime!”

Back at Cinemas for its Anniversary, Fans Can Experience Tokyo Godfathers in 4K!

As part of AX’s ongoing Cinema Nights schedule, Tokyo Godfathers makes its return to cinema, and we got some terrific news about this release.

Tokyo Godfathers AX Cinema Nights Promo PosterTokyo Godfathers is returning to cinemas across North America from December 11 to13, and it’s sure to please. This holiday classic from master director Satoshi Kon (Paprika, Perfect Blue) celebrates its 20th anniversary with a 4K restoration under the supervision of the original art director and producers.

It’s part of Anime Expo Cinema Nights, a year-round movie event series celebrating the best new and classic anime films, and it is managed by Iconic Events Releasing, a company that specialises in bringing critically acclaimed films to the big screen.

Tickets, participating theatres, and more information are available at:

https://www.ax-cinemanights.com/

Plot Summary:

On Christmas Eve, three homeless companions stumble upon a baby girl in a garbage heap. They name her Kiyoko, and vow to care for her as they track down her family.

Haunted by memories of their own broken pasts and pursued by a cast of shadowy characters from Tokyo’s nightlife, Hana, Gin and Miyuki overcome their differences and learn to trust one another as a new, makeshift family. With the New Year fast approaching, the mystery behind baby Kiyoko deepens, and these unlikely heroes discover the surprising–and sometimes miraculous–connections that have brought them all together.

Tokyo Godfathers 20th Anniversary (English Dub)