SUPERBAD

Just a little drawing i did of Seth & Evan while watching Superbad. I think they look close enough to their real life counter-parts.

Top Ten Christmas Movies/ Specials

By: Rob Tari

1. A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (1965)

Christmas doesn't start until this airs on TV. Charles Shultz's classic tops my list of the best Christmas movies/ Specials. The voice acting might not be the most inspired (its kids for cryin' out loud) and the animation might be choppy and flat, but the story and meaning still sustain 42 years after its initial release. Vince Guaraldi's fabulous score is also something to be reconized. The jazzy undertone of the show is so upbeat and cool I even play it throughout the year.

Why I like it: Its the only special that actually tells the viewer the true meaning of Christmas. Linus in the midst of all the chaos interrupts and recites a passage from the bible depicting Christ's birth.

2. DR.SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (1966)

Mix the greatest storybook ever written with Chuck Jones, one of the greatest animation master's ever and you get one hell of an end result. The Grinch is probably the best animated and best Christmas story ever told. With the unforgetable song "You're a mean one Mr. Grinch" and the beautiful animation on the grinch's movements and expressions, this is something few people have ever topped.

Why I like it: Well obviously the animation is kick ass, but I like the fact that this is a completely original idea that dosent fall into the average 'chessey' christmas special section, it stands on its own.

3. ELF (2003)

Elf is the best thing to happen to Christmas cinema since Home Alone. The film works because it takes it self seriously. Director Jon Favreau doesn't dumb down to a 'kid' level to tell his story, he tells a truly heart-warming and very funny story about an elf trying to find his real father.

Why I like it: Will Ferrell's performance. Ferrell is a great character actor and he created a totally original character that captured your heart.

4. HOME ALONE (1990)

Ok everyone's seen this movie, I had the privlidge to see this in theatres, i was only 4 at the time, but I still fell in love with the absolute fun of this film. Like Elf, this is a totally original that has surprisingly very little to do with Christmas. The holiday is more of a setting than a plot point, but the concept and execution are still fantastic.

Why I like it: The final 15 mintues of the film is still some of the funniest scenes in movie history to this day.

5. TIM BURTON'S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993)

Ok, yes I know this was placed at #1 on my Halloween list, but I feel like this is more of a Halloween movie for me. I always watch this around Halloween more than I do than at Christmas. I dont know why but I do. Neverless, its still a great Christmas with some of the greatest stop motion animation in film history.

Why I like It: It still has one of the most zaniest plots in movie history, which adds to appeal. Also the meaning rings true today as it did 15 years ago, you shouldn't try to be something you are not, I know of a few people that should take that advice to heart.

6. RUDOLPH: THE RED NOSED REINDEER (1964)

The animation may be primative to today's standards, and the dialouge is the cheese, but you can't resist watching this every year its on. Rudolph is still one of the most colorfull, visually stunning and funnest specials to watch.

Why I like it: I love the look of this film, the sets, the character designs, and especially Burl Ive's Sam the snowman narrator.

7. THE SANTA CLAUSE (1994)

Tim Allen's best role aside of Buzz Lightyear. Much like Elf and Home Alone this film is another example of a great story and one that takes it self seriously. Or should I say did, have you seen Santa Clause 2 & 3? (shudder) But this film is a rare gem and still ranks as one 0f Christmas' highest grossing film's of all-time, and deservingly so.

Why I like it: The cool design of the North Pole still hasnt been topped.

8. TOY STORY (1995)

Okay, I know what your thinking, how can Rob rank his favorite movie of all-time at #8? We'll to be fair this really isn't a Christmas film. Yes there is a little Christmas scene in the final two mintues of the film, but thats not why its on my list. Not only did this film come out during the '95 Chrismtas season, its about Toys! Toys are just as accoiated with Christmas as Santa is.

Why I like it: Do I really have to tell you?

9. GREMLINS (1983)

Yes! It made the list. The most violent family Christmas movie ever made. Like Home Alone this film uses Christmas as a backdrop rather than a story point, but its set during Christmas so it makes the cut. The robotics used for Gizmo and the rest of the Gremlins is are kinda old fashioned now, but I still fall in love with them each time I watch it, so they did something right I guess.

Why I like it: Gremlins take over the town, what;s not to like?

10. DR. SEUSS'S HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (2000)

I'm sure I gonna get some flack for putting this on the list, but I really like this film. I do agree it dosen't match the cartoon version's charm or spark, but this was a great film by itself. Jim Carrey's performance was top notch, he was born to play this role. He should have gotten an Oscar nomination for this picture.

Why I like it: The film took Seuss' drawing s and brought them to live so beatifully, the set design is still something to marvel at.

JUST SOME SKETHES I DID, YOU KNOW KEEPING BUSY