![]() by Laura Weaver When I was a child, I wasn't really into the Christmas films or specials. I enjoyed the Rudolph and Frosty specials, as well as Home Alone, but I never really got excited for them. The most excitement that went on was for The Nutcracker airing and I usually ended up falling asleep right in the middle of it. It wasn't until after my father died that they really started to appeal to me. Last year, I watched the original version of Miracle on 34th Street, with Natalie Wood in, and it has since become one of my favourite Christmas films of all time. ![]() by Paul Costello Here's something useful to anyone who shows up at the occasional pub quiz: the first movie to be released on DVD was... Twister, starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. Although released in 1996, this was the film that was selected as the first to be presented on the new digital format thanks to its use of visual effects and sound design (both of which were Oscar-nominated), which were deemed to be the right showcase for this new step forward in home entertainment technology when it launched in 1998. That's right, folks. DVD is 15 years old this year. ![]() By Graham Osborne It’s finally official. The announcement for who shall be playing Ant-Man in the film of the same title, is Paul Rudd. Probably best known for his part in Anchorman, and appearing in other comedies such as Role Models and I Love You, Man. Apparently the first choice for Marvel (though Joseph Gordon-Levitt was rumoured to also be a first choice, at least until he got the Sandman gig), let’s have a look at Ant-Man and how he’ll fit into the Marvel Film Universe. ![]() by Paul Costello There’s a tradition where I come from. Every year, many brave the bitter winter chill and the odd burst of snow to seek refuge in the warm glow of their local cinema. It’s always packed, every seat taken, filled with people who have gathered together to experience something. Huddled in a room of mostly strangers, all those present are there for the communal catharsis that comes with this event. And with this, there is the unspoken, but well understood agreement amongst participants that the emotional effect of what they will feel within these walls shall be met with full acceptance and no judgement. There is an amnesty on castigation here. Tears are allowed, even expected, in this room. In a time that some call overly cynical, too knowing and ironic for people to be able to feel things sincerely, here and now is evidence against that. These people are here to feel. They’re all here to see It’s a Wonderful Life. |
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Keep up to speed with the latest news from the world of cinema Must See Movies - A list of independent films we are looking forward too! Movie Monologues - Paul Costello counts down the best speeches in cinematic history every Thursday. Movies In Motion - Jo Johnstone explores the world of stop-motion animation from adverts to features every last Friday of the month. Experiment 626 - Our writers exchanged DVDs and here are the results We'll Fix it in Post - Graham Osborne gives us the run down on how certain movies could be improved. The Horror Vault - The dark side of cinema You May Have Missed - Movies that passed you by. From The Trenches - Matthew Howe delights with stories from the front line! Hidden Heroes - Celebrating those incredible people often in the shadows of cinema Terribrill - So bad they are actually good! Straight On Till Morning - Leah looks at the impact of childhood films Monthly Musical Moment - Taking a look at the best soundtracks and music moments Film FriendsCategories
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