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GRADE: B-

This film takes place in a time of heroes, where a mighty warrior named Beowulf battles a demon named Grendel, who has cursed a small kingdom for years. After a mighty fight with the demon, he soon incurs the wrath of the beast’s evil and seductive mother. Soon after, because of his pride, Beowulf falls prey to his own demonic curse.

Eventually, the epic clash between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother forges the timeless legend of Beowulf, but his legacy is shrouded in lies. The original story of “Beowulf” is the oldest surviving epic poem in Old English. Even though a lot of the original poem is lost in Hollywood dramatics and in fetching eye candy on screen, the basic story is left intact.

Director Robert Zemeckis used a similar motion-capture technique in his other animated film “The Polar Express” that he uses in “Beowulf.” Even though this type of animation can make human faces look vacant and creepy, it works quite well with the bloody violence and action in this movie. But, I must admit I don’t yet see the point of performance capture as a whole.

After getting over the distracting animated nuances of the film I got into the story and loved the gory violence. I could have done without the gratuitous animated Angelina Jolie butt and boob shots. And how many times is Jolie going to use that phony Transylvanian accent in her movies? I think that her over hyped “anime-porn” scenes are the worst in the film.

I am glad I rented this movie on DVD and didn’t pay full price to see this on the big screen. Although I enjoyed the film’s short running time and intense action scenes, when “Beowulf” is slow, it is really slow. The creepy animation and the feeling you’re watching another “Lord of the Rings” knockoff make this film just a decent rental. It’s almost as if this movie would have been better as a live action film.

GRADE: B+

With “American Gangster” Ridley Scott delivers a solid, riveting, no-frills portrait of a cop and the mobster he’s trying to catch. But in the end this film offers nothing new to the “gangster movie” genre. At the very least “American Gangster” is a great title: clean, slick, commercial and a perfect fit for the product. The only thing that makes this movie stand out is the pitch perfect acting by its two leads.

“American Gangster” is based on the life of drug-kingpin-turned-informant, Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington). Lucas became a heroin kingpin by traveling to Asia’s Golden Triangle to make connections, shipping heroin back to the US in the coffins of soldiers killed in Vietnam. Lucas eventually outplays all of the leading crime syndicates and becomes not only one of the city’s mainline corrupters, but part of its circle of legit civic superstars.

Just as soon as he starts to make upwards of one million dollars a day in drug sales, Lucas is suddenly shadowed by lawman, Richie Roberts, who finally helps bring the kingpin to justice. The two then eventually work together to expose the crooked cops and foreign nationals who made importing heroin so easy.

Russell Crowe plays Richie Roberts, an outcast cop close enough to the streets to feel a shift of control in the drug underworld. Both Lucas and Roberts share a rigorous ethical code that sets them apart from their own colleagues, making them lone figures on opposite sides of the law. Watching both of these characters struggle with there station in life is what gives this film its edge.

“Gangster” may not be Ridley Scott’s “Godfather”, but it’s certainly as close as he’s ever going to get. If anything, watching Oscar winners Crowe and Washington on screen together is a film lovers dream. They both have a searing intensity that lights up the screen. I am not sure why Ruby Dee (who plays Lucas’ mom) received a nomination by the Academy this year, her role was pretty pathetic. In summary, I say check this movie out if you like the familiar sounding plot and want to see some great acting.

GRADE: F

I wish I would have seen this disaster in 2007 so that I could have at least added it to my “worst of the year” list. This absolutely ridiculous “interpretation” of the Beatles song catalog is 100% contrived, pretentious and downright corny. I was so unimpressed by creator/director Julie Taymor’s lack of ingenuity it was down right laughable at times.

What really baffles me about this movie is how it divides critics and fans; either you like this movie or you hate it. Currently on RottenTomatoes.com, it is getting a 53% rating by critics. If it isn’t obvious by now, I hated this turd. My favorite critic of all time, Roger Ebert, put it on his “top ten best of 2007″ (must be the illness….too soon?).

In the beginning of “Across the Universe” we meet Jude (of course) and Lucy (duh!), two lost souls from different countries with one thing in common - butchering Beatles classics. Joking aside, this film doesn’t even know what the word “subtle” means. All of the characters and stories taken from the music lyrics are portrayed too literally.

The scenarios and musical numbers in this film come off as so mediocree that they feel like they are from “Grease 2″ and not from a quality screen musical (like last years splendid “Hairsprayâ€?). This movie goes for the easy obvious interpretation of each Beatles song and pounds the sentimental meaning down your throat.

“Across The Universe” is in one word; blasphemy. No real Beatle’s fan in his/her right mind could actually love this silly piece of fluff. I would have rather sat through a Cirque Du Soleil version of this film than watch Eddie Izzard perform “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite” one more time. The same could be said about U2 frontman Bono’s irritating version of “I Am The Walrus.”

The chaos depicted on screen doesn’t represent anything about the Beatles in my opinion. The only thing I may have mildly enjoyed in this film was the charismatic (if not overblown) performances of Rachel Evan Wood (as Lucy) and Jim Sturgess (as Jude). Most of the actors on screen just come off as college theater majors, overacting in every scene with gusto.

Julie Taymor should stick to her Broadway roots and definitely not do another “artistic” rendering of another big screen musical. Her creative and artistic abilities are well better suited for the stage then in Hollywood. And if time has taught us anything it is that we should leave the Beatles’ music the way it is and quit trying to reinvent the wheel.

GRADE: D

I generally love most of Jodie Foster’s movies, the girl can still open a movie at number one on top of the box office after all these years. I loved “Panic Room” and didn’t hate “Flightplan”, but her last movie with Spike Lee titled “Inside Man” was a massive snore-fest. It really pains me so much to say that this most recent outing by Foster is trashy, silly and too dark for it’s own good. Not even Oscar nominee Terrence Howard can save this mess.

Like a dragged out Lifetime made for TV movie starring either Meredith Baxter-Birney or Nancy McKeon, “The Brave One” comes off like an amateurish snuff film with no real point to it. I am all for female empowerment films, but the unbelievable plot and laughable dialog cannot keep this movie from going into campy territory (and not in a good way)!

As the movie unfolds we watch Jodie’s character suffer one unrealistic dangerous situation after another, and soon we start rooting for the bad guys. The film becomes absurd half way through as Foster becomes a Charles Bronson like vigilante with a grudge against “evil-doers” she just happens to bump into. Watching Foster chew up the scenery gets old after a while and I found myself feeling dirty and irritated towards the movie’s final frames.

This movie is not even mildly entertaining, but it is an absolute mess through and through. From the unbelievable casting of “Lost” actor Naveen Andrews as Foster’s love interest to the unnecessary graphic violence, “The Brave One” loses its way by blending mellow drama with a revenge fantasy. I say skip this movie and watch re-runs of crappy Lifetime or Hallmark movies starring Tori Spelling instead, you may get more laughs!

GRADE: A

“Right At Your Door” is a quiet apocalyptic thriller that packs a massive emotional punch. This scary independent feature’s plot centers on multiple dirty bombs that have been detonated in Los Angeles and how a married couple struggles with surviving the fall out. “Right At Your Door” was written and directed by Hollywood newcomer Chris Gorak.

“Right at Your Door” perfectly portrays the realities of this kind of attack and the isolation, fear, panic, frustration and the media misinformation that could easily follow. This ambitious premise and accomplished storytelling are wonderfully conceived and executed. The tension keeps the momentum of this film at a solid pace and a lot of it is due to the wonderful acting as well.

Why this incredibly crafted and relevant movie was never in wide release eludes me. It has more depth than most of the “dramatic” films I have seen up for Oscar contention this year. The solid storytelling and ingenious weaving of paranoia and real life makes this film a grade A psychological thriller.

During this rainy season with all of the boring sports coverage, political media attention and the with writer’s strike, it feels good to find a smart, adult movie that makes you think. “Right at Your Door” tense grip tightens more and more leading up to a twist ending worthy of any great big budget Hollywood studio film. When a film leaves you asking yourself, “what would I do?”…then you know it is a great film.

GRADE: A

I was unfamiliar with French singing icon Edith Piaf’s work until I watched this magnificent film on DVD recently. What I learned is that Piaf’s horrible childhood and tormented adulthood is the most tragic life of an artist that I have seen depicted on the screen; and that includes “Ray”, “What’s Love Got To Do With It”, “Coal Miners Daughter” and “Walk The Line”.

This French language drama explores the often troubled life of Piaf (also known as “the sparrow”) as her fame took her from Paris, France to America. Piaf was abandoned by her mother and grew up in her grandmother’s brothel and later in life with her father’s circus. While singing on the streets of Paris as a teen she is discovered by a famous club owner and this chance encounter changes her life forever.

As Piaf, Marion Cotillard is mesmerizing. She fully inhabits the singer’s ivory skin, crafting a character that never descends into caricature or camp. She lip syncs to Piaf’s legendary voice, but the performance is seamless. This biopic creates a fascinating picture of an artist whose songs only begin to reflect the singer’s painful life.

Director-writer Olivier Dahan doesn’t take the traditional biopic route with this film. Instead, the film jumps between various moments in the singer’s life, with little concern for linear narrative. Cotillard is just as adept at playing the teenage Piaf as she is the songbird on her deathbed at the EARLY age of 47. This crafty weaving of the story keeps the viewer entranced with its attention to detail and emotion.

This years Academy Awards ceremony may not be as glamorous as in past years, but I am looking forward to seeing who will win the Best Actress award. Julie Christie’s performance in “Away From Her” broke my heart, but Cotillard’s performance as Piaf was a revelation and a complete transformation. I recommend this film to anyone who is a music fan and to those people that get strength from watching people persevere through life’s hardships.

WATCH THE “LA VIE EN ROSE” MOVIE TRAILER BELOW:

GRADE: B-

Danny Boyle films are hit or miss, some of them are stellar pieces of cinema, and others are trite pieces of garbage. Critic’s and movie buffs alike would agree that Boyle’s best movie to date is the harsh and brilliant “Trainspotting”. His first film “Shallow Grave” is a Hitchcock-esque thriller with substance and style that is also a critical darling.

Danny Boyle’s two biggest film flops “A Life Less Ordinary” and “The Beach” tanked at the box office and with fans. Last year Boyle made another small budget film that many critic’s enjoyed called “Millions”. But it is his zombie masterpiece “28 Days Later” that is my favorite out of all his movies.

“Sunshine” doesn’t have the sharp and tense action of “28 Days Later”, but it isn’t slow or plodding like “A Life Less Ordinary”. “Sunshine” is an intimate and claustrophobic look at a crew of scientist sent on a mission to reignite the sun before it collapses within itself, ultimately ending all life on Earth. The synopsis may sound like it is right out of a Jerry Bruckheimer film, but Boyle takes a more subtle approach to the Sci-Fi genre.

Boyle creates some really beautiful images and themes in “Sunshine” but as a whole the movie doesn’t compare to more intellectually minded Sci-Fi movies like “2001″ or “Alien”. As a pulse pounding action film this movie fails, but as an intelligent and provocative Sci-Fi drama it works. Most of the cohesive feeling this movie has is due to the fine acting from Cillian Murphy as the ship’s Physicist.

There is noticeably a tremendous visual style throughout “Sunshine”. The screen is awash with sparkling explosions and each frame saturated with bright colors and dimmed contrasts. Even though the plot and acting isn’t top notch, the stylistic elements and creepy mood Boyle creates in “Sunshine” make this worth the DVD viewing at home. If you are a Sci-fi fan then this is a great little find, otherwise some people may find this movie slow and confusing.

WATCH THE “SUNSHINE” MOVIE TRAILER BELOW:

GRADE: A

I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t see the remake of “3:10 to Yuma” on the big screen this past fall. As far as my favorite films of the year go, this movie would definitely be in my top 20 of the best movies of the year.

Now, I am not a Western movie fan at all, the genre has never really made an impression on me. Actually, I can’t even say that I have enjoyed any Western themed movie as much as I did “3:10 to Yuma”…ever.

The gritty realism and intensity in “3:10 to Yuma” is captivating to watch. The old west depicted in this film is not glamorized or made to look like a Hollywood bang ‘em up action film with cheesy costumes.

The cinematography and set designs are absolutely impeccable. The background shots and sprawling scenery are breathtaking and massive in scope. Director James Mangold ’s attention to the details pays off big time with this harsh thrill ride.

Russell Crowe plays the “villain” Ben Wade with a cold intensity while juggling human emotions and empathy at the same time. His performance is wonderful and it proves that he is the go to actor for lead movie roles that call for machismo and brawn. His evil cold hearted depiction of Wade could garner him another Oscar nomination in my opinion.

Christian Bale has slowly become one of the best “method” actors in Hollywood these days. His quietly unnerving and strong performance as a father, who yearns for his son’s respect, is moving and graceful. All of the actor’s performances in “3:10 to Yuma” deserve kudos, especially Ben Foster’s creepy role as Ben Wade’s homicidal henchman Charlie Prince.

“3:10 to Yuma” is utterly entertaining from start to finish. The last 20 minutes of this movie will have you on the edge of your seat. Within the last few frames you will find yourself dwelling on the enormity of how awful it must have been to live during this time period in the early U.S. under these conditions.

The enthralling story, exquisite acting and enormity of the details used by Director James Mangold in “3:10″ make this one of the best remakes and Western’s of all time. If you love the genre, then “3:10 to Yuma” will soon become one of your all time favorites, for sure!

WATCH THE “3:10 TO YUMA” MOVIE TRAILER HERE:

GRADE: B+

“Eagle vs. Shark” is a quirky little New Zealand comedy full of wit and charm. “Eagle vs. Shark” won’t impress some grumpy movie fans, but it is bound to find a cult following. Some folks may compare this little gem to another small awkward comedy called “Napoleon Dynamite”. Those comparisons would be fair when it comes to the style of film this is, but as far as substance and plot goes, this film won me over more than “Dynamite” did.

If you are a fan of HBO’s hilarious comedy t.v. show “Flight of the Conchords” than you may recognize Jemaine Clement who plays “Jerrod” in this oddball charmer. His nerdy poser is even more pathetic than anyone in “Dynamite”. The chemistry between him and Loren Horsley (”shark”) is believable and sweet. Watching these to awkward nerds come together is not like your average movie love story. Both actor’s play their roles with a quiet subtlety that charms the socks off of you.

The supporting New Zealander cast is uproarious and just as silly as the main character’s in this movie. There are some hidden moments of comedic genius in this film. I related to both of the main outcasts in this film, their human flaws are all too real. Along with the genuine laughs, this film provides tender and true to life moments that made me smile more than once.

If you enjoy quiet little movies with a pinch of dark humor and silliness, then “Eagle vs. Shark” will tickle your funny bone. Watching two clumsy people come together has never been so oddly satisfying. This small comedy is just right for those folks that are not looking for their laughs in all of the obvious places, this one will make you think and smile at the same time.

WATCH THE “EAGLE VS. SHARK” MOVIE TRAILER HERE:

GRADE: A

The one regretful thing about putting out your “best and worst” list of the year is that you aren’t able to watch every film and some movies slip through the cracks. I watched “Away From Her” this past weekend and it clearly is one of the best films of 2007. It also contains the best performance from any actress all year by the gorgeous Julie Christie.

This soft and tender film focuses on the devastating results of early set on Alsheizemers disease as it affects a married couple who have been married for over 40 years. This heartbreaking disease does not discriminate or wait for anyone. As “Away From Her” depicts, the results of this disease are emotionally crippling. Director/Screenwriter Sarah Polley’s script is mature, insightful and uplifting.

Julie Christie’s subtle performance is quietly un-nerving. You can see the intensity in her eloquent and understated acting. Co-star’s Gordon Pinsent and Olympia Dukakis give emotionally crushing performances as a distraught husband and wife who slowly have to say goodbye to the love’s of their lives. Watching these two actors together is a marvel. They express their loss with a painfully quiet intensity that is real. But do not worry, the depressing subject matter in this sad film becomes a harrowing tale of bravery and empathy.

This material is not easy to digest. This is a deeply sad film with some great insights. There are some poignant moments in this film that made me reflect on my own life. I found myself thinking about my own mortality and feeling glad for the blessings that I do have. This is the true mark of an emotionally charged and brilliant film. Watching “Away From Her” was a profound experience that left me feeling much richer in my life than I was before seeing it.

WATCH THE “AWAY FROM HER” MOVIE TRAILER HERE:

GRADE: A

“Futurama” is an Emmy Award-winning animated sitcom created by Matt Groening, who also created “The Simpsons”. “Futurama” aired from March 28, 1999 to August 10, 2003 on FOX before being canceled by FOX. The series has now been revived as four straight-to-DVD films that will be split into a sixteen-episode fifth season. Comedy Central has entered into an agreement with 20th Century Fox Television to syndicate the existing episodes and air the films as new episodes in an episodic format.

In January 2003, Cartoon Network began airing “Futurama” episodes as the centerpiece to the expansion of their Adult Swim cartoon block. In October 2005, Comedy Central picked up the exclusive cable syndication rights to air “Futurama’s” 72-episode run at the start of 2008, following the expiration of Cartoon Network’s contract. It was cited as the largest and most expensive acquisition in the network’s history.

“Benders” big score is the first hour and half long “feature” which brings back all of our favorite characters from the series; Fry, Leela, Dr. Zoidberg, Amy, Professor Farnsworth, Hermes and Bender. The crew is back in business delivering packages through “Planet Express” with hilarious results. The animation is still crisp and fresh and the writing has never been so sharp and witty.

Bender and Fry have always been the most beloved characters of “Futurama” and this direct to DVD movie highlights all the crazy things we love about them. In “Bender’s Big Score” Planet Express has become the victim of a hostile takeover by a company of lurid spammers and the new bosses want to send Bender back in time to steal the world’s most valuable treasures. Watching the crew back in action is a welcomed sight and the humor in this film is just as good as any big screen animated feature that is released today.

“Bender’s Big Score” has a great way of weaving many past episode plot lines through out the story, giving a nudge to die hard fans. If you haven’t had a chance to get into this irreverent cartoon then now is your chance. The return of “Futurama” has been long over due. I am thankful that the Comedy Central and FOX gave new life to this original show. Just like “Family Guy” this show will be around for a lot longer thanks to committed fans and grown up kids like me, check it out!

GRADE: D

Well, it was bound to happen folks! The “Pirates” franchise came and went, and in the aftermath we still only got one great movie out of the three that Disney released. The first “Pirates” movie was a random fluke that no one could see coming. Watching Johnny Depp flesh out a new character with such imagination and precise acting was a treat for family audiences. When both sequels were released they failed to capture the same magic as the first film creatively but they both managed to break box office records and rake in hundreds of millions of dollars.

The storyline of “Pirates 3″ is all over the place. We have to wait at least 30 minutes into the film before we get to even see Jack Sparrow. At almost three hours the drawn out plot gets lost under the weight of the movies own ego. There is a scene with Jack in limbo that is like “Pirates” on acid and it has no real significance to the plot at all, it just fills time. Even Kiera Knightly and Orlando Bloom look as if they are just on screen to pick up a hefty pay check. You can tell none of the actors have their hearts in the project anymore, they just got through the motions.

The second “Pirates” movie was too long, to convoluted and just a loud bloated mess. The only redeeming quality from that film was the state of the art special effects that were used on Davey Jones and his crew. The third film doesn’t even offer up any new images or eye popping visuals, it just regurgitates the same schlocky pirate dialog and dark set pieces that were used in the last two pictures. Not even the costumes could hold up to the first film, as we watch “Pirates 3″ we can’t help but feel that some aspects from all three films have been recycled.

When the first film was released people had their doubts that a ride at a theme park could sustain a film’s plot. Of course were wrong when it was released, but all of our worries came true in the last two installments. “Pirates 2 & 3″ just do not compare to the genius and the fresh feeling that the original movie had. It is a shame that this trilogy wasn’t fleshed out correctly. If the characters and plot were in better screen writer’s hands then maybe we could have had a truly special trilogy for the history books. As it stands the first film is the only one worth watching.

GRADE: B

All action movie fans know that the first “Die Hard” movie is the best action film ever made, hands down. Bruce Willis defined the genre with his performance as the surly macho New York cop John McClane. The “Die Hard” franchise is noted for including humor as a complement to the action and dramatic elements of the story.

I am glad to say that many years later the formula still works. The action in “Die Hard 4″ keeps you immersed into the absurd storyline as you wait patiently to hear Willis say the line we all have come to love so much, “Yippee ki yay, motherfucker”! I am here to say that it was well worth the wait.

The story for “Live Free or Die hard” follows a criminal plot targeting the nation’s computer infrastructure which threatens the technological foundations of the U.S. economy. The villain in “Die Hard 4″ is played by the super sexy Timothy Olyphant (”Go” and “Hitman”).

The far fetched “fire sale” story line centers on Olyphant’s character crippling the U.S.’s media outlets, banking institutions, public utilities and emergency resources to create chaos. It is up to to super cop John McClane to save the day in some of the best filmed action sequences since “The Bourne Ultimatum”.

While saving the day McClane must ensure the safety of a computer hacker played by Justin Long (”Jeepers Creepers” and “Dodgeball”) who is the only person able to stop the country from completely spinning out of control. Long and Willis have some great comedic banter and Willis’s tough as nails portrayal of McClane has never been so hilarious. Director Len Wisemen films the action and funny dialog with fine tuned precision.

I am hoping that this will be the last of the “Die Hard” films only because each movie up until now has been fun and exciting. I would hate for the franchise to ruin it’s reputation by putting out another film that isn’t up to par.

It is obvious by looking at him that time has taken it’s toll on Willis, but his wry sense of acting and comedic timing were able to make “Live Free or Die Hard” enjoyable. This is a great way to say goodbye to a much beloved action character who had a great run.

GRADE: B-

I am not sure why I am giving this movie a decent rating. On one hand it was completely inoffensive, fun and silly. But on the other hand, I didn’t get a lot of the humor or jokes in “Hot Rod”. Watching this film I noticed one major thing right away, this movie is made up of ideas Andy Sandberg has played with on “Saturday Night Live”. If you are a fan of Sandberg’s and of “SNL” then you can see his familiar unique comedic touch on many of the jokes that play out in this movie.

Sandberg plays Rod Kimble, a child like adult who still lives at home with his mom and stepfather. Rod is intent on becoming a major stunt man but he can’t seem to execute a stunt without nearly killing himself. A lot of the jokes in this movie are site gags and play out in the physical comedy between Sandberg and his co-stars. If you are not big on “Jack Ass” style pratfalls then this movie won’t win you over.

If you can see past the childish physical humor then there are some real comedic moments to be found in “Hot Rod”. After watching this movie I truly believe that Sandberg has the acting chops to carry his own film. Hey, if David Spade and Adam Sandler can keep making films then why not Andy Sandberg? Sandberg’s cute boy-ish good looks and sharp wit light up the screen, even if some of the jokes fall flat.

I suspect that I will need to watch this movie a couple of more times to find more funny hidden references and to get some of the visual jokes I didn’t first time around, and that is just fine with me. Even though this film has no artistic merit it will entertain the young boy that is in most grown men, but women may find this movie a tad bit immature and ridiculous in parts. That said I recommend this movie to stoners, jack asses and college fraternities everywhere.

GRADE: A+

“Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas” was originally a children’s story by Russell Hoban that was published in 1969. The plot is reminiscent of “The Gift of the Magi”, by O. Henry. The moral of that short story is that physical possessions, however valuable they may be, are of little value in the grand scheme of things. What a great theme for the holidays I say!

Jim Henson was the perfect person to bring this timeless holiday tale to life for family viewing in the early 1980’s. His interpretation is not as cheerful and warm as most children’s holiday films. The themes of “Magi” are harsh but Henson deals with the material in the most delicate way that only he and his Muppet’s could do. Throughout the film poverty, death and sacrifice of personal needs are topics raised without being too heavy handed or preachy.

The original “Emmet Otter” special was produced for HBO in 1977. It ran on that station yearly until 1979. In 1980, a heavily edited version began airing on ABC. This new version featured shortening of some songs and scenes, and the addition of a voice-over by Kermit the Frog. New un-edited versions of “Emmet Otter” are finally out on DVD for fans and families to watch and own!

The Jim Henson version of “Magi” tells the story of Emmet Otter and his widowed mother, who each want to buy the other something special for Christmas. They each are aware that the other wants something very particular and, unfortunately, very expensive. Emmet, with the help of his friends, comes up with the idea of putting together a jug band and entering the local talent contest, which has a prize of $50. Little does Emmet know that his mother is entering the contest for the same reasons.

The craftsmanship and attention to detail on the sets, costumes, voice work, costuming/props and music earned this 80’s television classic 4 Emmy Award nominations. I remember watching this special debut on HBO and then watching it’s much weaker and edited version on ABC during the holidays in the early 80’s.

I loved every minute of “Emmet Otter” and memorized all the songs when I was a kid. It still holds a special place in my heart during the holidays. I try to turn as many people onto this film as possible, especially kids old enough to handle the strong themes. If you don’t like this movie then you must be a Scrooge! Bah-Humbug!

Watch the many clips from the Jim Henson Classic “Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas” below:

THE “EMMET OTTER” OPENING SEQUENCE

SONG FROM “EMMET OTTER” - “MESSY MAMA’S BARBECUE”

SONG FROM “EMMET OTTER” - “RIVER MEETS THE SEA”

A SCENE FROM “EMMET OTTER’S JUGBAND CHRISTMAS”

BLOOPERS FROM THE MAKING OF “EMMETT OTTER”!