Whoopi-Goldberg Movie Reviews

From the beginning of motion picture history, gay men and women have played an important part in movie history. This wonderful film documents the roles of gay and lesbian characters in film, taking the viewer from the early days, when gay men were obvious characters in films. Gay men were always portrayed as the man wearing to much makeup, walking with a definite mincing gait, or playing the sissy.

Then, came the Hayes Commission, designed to keep the movie industry up to some form of moral code. This didn't stop the appearance of gay and lesbian characters; it only hid them, such as the character of Mrs. Danvers in 1940s "Rebecca" by Alfred Hitchcock. It's never stated that she is a lesbian, but her obsession with the former mistress of the house, keeping her bedroom as it used to be, even her overall bearing -- all these let the moviegoer know who/what she is without disturbing the Hayes Commission policies.

It's only recently that movies have portrayed openly gay and lesbian characters without fear of a gigantic backlash and in a positive light. "Jeffrey," "Kissing Jessica Stein," "The Boys in the Band" are just a few examples of this openness.

When I first saw this film in the theater, I never knew how large the GLBT presence was in front of the camera. it made me go back and watch many films again, with a new understanding of the characters. With a wonderful narration by Lily Tomlin, this movie is a must-see for any chronicler of GLBT history, any cinophile or any movie buff.

I'd once been to a film seminar where the participants watched HItchcock's ROPE together and discussed the queer sub-text of it. I didn't know, until then, that ROPE can be a 'queer' movie, although I had seen it at least 3 times because I'm a big Hitchcock fan and had it among my movie collection. A professor at the seminar had a big hearty laugh when the two characters and James Stewart were discussing how they 'choked the chicken' back when they were younger. I didn't know what 'to choke a chicken' meant, so I didn't see how the scene could cause such a raucous laugh among some participants at the seminar. Now I know, and I could deepen my understanding of 'homosexuality in American cinema' by seeing this well-made documentary dealing with that subject.

I'm straight, and and although I don't think I'm homophobic, I must admit that I used to be prejudiced against homosexuality and homosexuals. A movie helped me to change my view on homosexuality and gay people forever, and it was Ang Lee's The Wedding Banquet. In The Celluloid Closet, you can see tens of movie clips including the one from it. Just looking at those clips--some are from rather obscure titles, some are from my personal favorites--is a delight. I'd strongly recommend this wonderful film to anyone who wants to have an hour and a half of 'educational' entertainment.

Looking at the roles given to gay and lesbian characters in American cinema over the past several decades, "The Celluloid Closet" manages to simultaneously be hilariously funny, educational, and occasionally quite thought-provoking and even tragic. We see gay and lesbian stereotypes being reinforced over and over again, scenes cut from famous films because they hinted at homosexuality, etc.

Although the initial reaction is to sort of laugh at how backwards and ludicrous the intense homophobia of Hollywood once was, there are also reactions from people growing up during those years who talk about the effect of seeing gays and lesbians in films, or the impact of NEVER seeing gays and lesbians in films. Also, as the film progresses, it helps one to see that, although things have gotten SO MUCH BETTER in many ways, they're still so far from being where they ought to be.

This is a great documentary to watch with friends who might question what the big deal is with GLBT issues... why it's even an issue at all. It really helps one to see the importance of how popular media deals with (or chooses to ignore) minority groups and the very real impact of those decisions on people belonging to that minority group. And the fact that it's so darn entertaining makes it a fun, light movie to watch - a real pleasure!

I saw "Chuck Jones: Extremes and in-betweens" when it premiered on PBS's Great Performances, and I am truly grateful that it is now available on DVD. This is a stellar piece of documentary film-making and should be viewed by every Chuck Jones fan. In fact I would wager that every true Chuck Jones fan would like to have MADE this film, what a fun project it must have been. The DVD has some wonderful extras includng an enlightening featurette on Jones's "Tricks of the trade." Yet as much as I love this DVD as a whole, I do have one very large complaint. In the special features section, the DVD offers some "Bonus Cartoons" They are: Duck Dodgers in the twenty-forth amd a half century" and "Feed the Kitty" While these are classic Jones cartoons the fact remains that virtually everyone has already seen them. I am also nearly positive that Duck Dodgers has found it's way into at least one of the looney tunes compilations available on video. This is probably true of "Feed the Kitty" as well although I didn't recognise the title. A DVD such as this seeks to showcase Jones as the visionary he was, this endeavor demands that Jones's lesser known works be liberated from obscerity. To which cartoons am I referring? One in particular would be the little known sequel to "One Froggy Evening "Another Froggy evening. For those who are not familiar with "One Froggy evening" it is the 1955 classic featuring Michigan J. Frog. "Another Froggy Evening" debuted as part of "Fest of the Best" a theatrically released retrospective of the best Looney Tunes. This was sponsored by the now non-existant Warner Brothers Studio Stores, I believe it only ran a week. What better place to resurrect this lost cartoon than on a DVD honoring the life's work of it's creator?

In 1937, with the huge success that Walt Disney studios was having with the Mouse, Warner Brothers decited to get into the animation business too, with Leon Schensinger creating the animation department of Warner Brothers and hireing a team of animators to do the cartoons. Among them Tex Avery, Fritz Freling, Robert McKimson, and Chuck Jones. By 1941, Warner Brothers had surpassed Disney in the amount of animated short cartoons that they were making and getting to theaters to be shown alongside the main Warners features. Chuck Jones was the most prolific of the Warners animators and had a long career doing cartoons from his days at Warner Brothers from the 40's to the early 60's. Then going to MGM and working on specials like Grinch, and then finally back to Warner Brothers in 1988 where they gave him a life long contract to continue to do Looney Tunes cartoons for the remainder of his life. The vast amount of work that he did for Warner Brothers. Doing Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck cartoons and for the many other Looney Tunes charecters, is still unsurpassed in the history of American animation and has been of lasting importance for both Warner Brothers (who continue to do new Looney Tunes animation to this day) and for everyone who are fans of these characters and can never get enough of them.

This documentary is basically a 90 minute condensation of the work of Chuck Jones. Comprised of neat interviews, clips for cartoons, and photographs, this is a surprise for many.

The quality of the video is excellent... it's non-anamorphic 1.85:1, but it was made that way. Upconverting the image wouldn't result in more resolution. You see 100% of the resolution for the video parts. All cartoons are presented at 1.33:1, windowboxed within the 1.85:1 frame.

The extras include a 15-minute "tutorial" which is a facinating look at the process of animation. It seems to be an outtake from the documentary. There are pencil tests for How The Grinch Stole Christmas and Mississippi Hare, as well. That's not all! Two complete Jones cartoons are provided: Feed The Kitty and Duck Dodgers in the 24 1/2 Century. Both are in perfect condition, with gorgeous Technicolor color.

This is a must-own for any animation fan...

Herbert Ross' "Boys on the Side" is a road trip film with a different perspective. In the cinematic world, the road trip film typically revolves around a gang of friends who hit the road hoping to find their true calling along the way. There are highs and lows during this voyage of discovery, but ultimately matters end on a generally positive note. Not so with this film. "Boys on the Side" is a road trip film with such a depressing low at its conclusion that any joy found along the way is seriously muted.

Jane Deluca (Whoopi Goldberg) decides to head west after she loses her job in New York. She hooks up with Robin (Mary-Louise Parker) who is heading the same way and wants to share the driving with someone else. The pair picks up a third traveler in Pittsburgh when Jane's friend Holly Pulchik (Drew Barrymore) joins the westward trek in order to escape her abusive boyfriend Nick (Billy Wirth). Along the way there are a series of revelations with one in particular leading to a painful loss.

"Boys on the Side" is a film with the dramatic twists and turns of a soap opera. However, it fares much better in comparison because of the higher quality of acting and the more mature approach to the material. The whimsical interaction between the three women is a joy to watch as Goldberg, Parker, and Barrymore light up the screen from start to finish. Parker's performance is especially powerful and will most likely be the one aspect of the film that will continue to linger in your thoughts after it concludes. "Boys on the Side" is about the strong bond of friendship and how this strong bond helps friends to deal with the sad realization that life is difficult and unfair. It is not the easiest film to sit through but it is a rewarding experience for those that manage to do so.

Mary-Louise Parker is phenomenal as the pill-popping neurotic realtor that puts in a classified ad for a traveling comanion on her trek to the west coast. The one who answers her ad is a dred-lock-wearing black lesbian (played masterfully by Whoopi Goldberg)... and both are a little startled by each other and how contrasting their lives are. Parker is slightly horrified that her traveling companion is gay and Goldberg is very horrified that she's going to be trapped in a car for over a week with this psycho, anal woman.

Goldberg's character makes a quick diversion to visit a friend (Drew Barrymore) and a crazy turn of events puts Barrymore in the van with Goldberg and Parker.

The three of them all have skeletons in their closets and all sorts of emotional baggage that they have not dealt with, much less shared with anyone else. This dynamic mix of diverse personalities is first a cauldron of irritation, frustration and prejudices, but together the women face some crazy circumstances that bring them together.

It turns out they all have much more in common than they realized. There are very touching scenes where only the most stone-hearted individual will not feel a crack in their throat... and there are scenes that will make you laugh so hard, you might just lose bladder control.

Themes include family, loyalty, race, bigotry, domestic violence, unrequited love, romance, loss, terminal illness and death. This may seem like a lot of themes for just one movie, but the film is so real, you feel like you're one of the girls in the van, hanging out with them. They become your friends and you quickly bond with them. The film was directed by Herbert Ross who is known for directing "Steel Magnolias." This film is just as powerful, if not more so.

My less than perfect rating is due to the lack of extras on the DVD. How about interviews with the director and the cast? Trailers? Music video of the Indigo Girls (they had cameos in this film)? It is very unfortunate that no effort was made to make this a DVD worthwhile getting in lieu of VHS.

In spite of the DVD's shortcomings, the film itself is fantastic and I recommend it highly. Domestic violence, mature themes and language make this not suitable for kids.

Two women are going to CA. Jane (Goldberg), has this friend, Holly (Barrymore). Well, they stop to say hi, and end up with one more in the car!! I won't tell you why, so you can find out for yourself!! But they bond, like most do. They go through a lot. For example, one is gay, one has AIDS, and the other has a baby (only god knows who the father is!) Well, it's sad and funny, and all around a good movie! Barrymore soars, Goldberg is awsome as usual, and Parker is great! oh, the soundtrack is awsome!!

Herbert Ross' "Boys on the Side" is a road trip film with a different perspective. In the cinematic world, the road trip film typically revolves around a gang of friends who hit the road hoping to find their true calling along the way. There are highs and lows during this voyage of discovery, but ultimately matters end on a generally positive note. Not so with this film. "Boys on the Side" is a road trip film with such a depressing low at its conclusion that any joy found along the way is seriously muted.

Jane Deluca (Whoopi Goldberg) decides to head west after she loses her job in New York. She hooks up with Robin (Mary-Louise Parker) who is heading the same way and wants to share the driving with someone else. The pair picks up a third traveler in Pittsburgh when Jane's friend Holly Pulchik (Drew Barrymore) joins the westward trek in order to escape her abusive boyfriend Nick (Billy Wirth). Along the way there are a series of revelations with one in particular leading to a painful loss.

"Boys on the Side" is a film with the dramatic twists and turns of a soap opera. However, it fares much better in comparison because of the higher quality of acting and the more mature approach to the material. The whimsical interaction between the three women is a joy to watch as Goldberg, Parker, and Barrymore light up the screen from start to finish. Parker's performance is especially powerful and will most likely be the one aspect of the film that will continue to linger in your thoughts after it concludes. "Boys on the Side" is about the strong bond of friendship and how this strong bond helps friends to deal with the sad realization that life is difficult and unfair. It is not the easiest film to sit through but it is a rewarding experience for those that manage to do so.

Mary-Louise Parker is phenomenal as the pill-popping neurotic realtor that puts in a classified ad for a traveling comanion on her trek to the west coast. The one who answers her ad is a dred-lock-wearing black lesbian (played masterfully by Whoopi Goldberg)... and both are a little startled by each other and how contrasting their lives are. Parker is slightly horrified that her traveling companion is gay and Goldberg is very horrified that she's going to be trapped in a car for over a week with this psycho, anal woman.

Goldberg's character makes a quick diversion to visit a friend (Drew Barrymore) and a crazy turn of events puts Barrymore in the van with Goldberg and Parker.

The three of them all have skeletons in their closets and all sorts of emotional baggage that they have not dealt with, much less shared with anyone else. This dynamic mix of diverse personalities is first a cauldron of irritation, frustration and prejudices, but together the women face some crazy circumstances that bring them together.

It turns out they all have much more in common than they realized. There are very touching scenes where only the most stone-hearted individual will not feel a crack in their throat... and there are scenes that will make you laugh so hard, you might just lose bladder control.

Themes include family, loyalty, race, bigotry, domestic violence, unrequited love, romance, loss, terminal illness and death. This may seem like a lot of themes for just one movie, but the film is so real, you feel like you're one of the girls in the van, hanging out with them. They become your friends and you quickly bond with them. The film was directed by Herbert Ross who is known for directing "Steel Magnolias." This film is just as powerful, if not more so.

My less than perfect rating is due to the lack of extras on the DVD. How about interviews with the director and the cast? Trailers? Music video of the Indigo Girls (they had cameos in this film)? It is very unfortunate that no effort was made to make this a DVD worthwhile getting in lieu of VHS.

In spite of the DVD's shortcomings, the film itself is fantastic and I recommend it highly. Domestic violence, mature themes and language make this not suitable for kids.

Two women are going to CA. Jane (Goldberg), has this friend, Holly (Barrymore). Well, they stop to say hi, and end up with one more in the car!! I won't tell you why, so you can find out for yourself!! But they bond, like most do. They go through a lot. For example, one is gay, one has AIDS, and the other has a baby (only god knows who the father is!) Well, it's sad and funny, and all around a good movie! Barrymore soars, Goldberg is awsome as usual, and Parker is great! oh, the soundtrack is awsome!!

Destination Anywhere, which as a matter of fact is also a full-length LP by the artist Jon Bon Jovi. Get's transfered from the concept of the album to the big screen. The idea behind this film, which works like a long music video is the fact that Jon and his wife, are in mourning over their child who was killed in an accident. As a result, both characters lives are full of confusion, despair and heartache. Jon seems like a lost soul in this film, he still hasn't gotten over the death of his child. As a result he enters a world of depression. His wife, played by Demi Moore is equally as frustrated and confused as Jon. The movie shows their pain and how they are still trying to cope with the loss. I was surprised at just how touching this film was, I was a little teary eyed when it was over. I felt for all the characters, all the characters seemed real to me. Not bad I say for a small little film like this. This film shows the world that Jon Bon Jovi is indeed a great actor, and a multi-talented entertainer. Demi Moore almost steals the show, when on screen she sucks you in with her beauty and her emotions. This is a must see for fans of both actors, especially Bon Jovi fans. I find that this film gives new meaning to Jon's solo LP, Destination Anywhere. I now appreciate it more and understand it better thanks to this film. While a little on the depressing side, Destination Anywhere still manages to be engaging and worthwhile on the strengths of it's focused stars. Also stars Kevin Bacon, Annabella Sciorria, Whoopie Goldberg.

Instead of the same old, same old video promotion, Jon Bon Jovi did something different--a movie was written based on the songs on his solo album. It is the perfect melding of his songwriting and acting talent. The stellar cast involved--Whoopi Goldburg, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, Annabella Sciorra--speaks volumes about the quality of the script. This drama centered on the real life murder of child (inspiration for the song August 7, 4:15) will touch your heart. You do not have to own the album to appreciate the film.

What can explain better cd lirics that a film about them?no just beautiful faces or fashion stories with simple videoclips,but a real explanation of the meaning of the songs,what they really mean to Jon and what Jon feelings are about this personal record.Do you wanna know him better,check this out!!Good story.Short,but long enought to understand the whole record.

The Long Walk home is a stunning tribute to the individual women and men who contributed to the stugggle for human rights in 1950's America. This film brings to life Dr. King's belief that the true heroes of the civil rights movement were the people who were willing to make sacrifices in order that all could enjoy freedom. Each year, I show this film to my students at Holy Trinity Diocesan High School, Hicksville,NY. Its portrayal of the Montgomery Bus Boycott reminds us that empowered people can, and do, make a difference and that social change never happens by itself.

I watched the long walk home in my morality class. I think that it was excellent. It was very informative and taught me a lot about the Montgomerey bus boycott. From this movie i learned just how mean people really were in the 1950's. I think that it was cruel how blacks were treated just because of their skin color. I think watching the movie gave me a good sense of something that i knew had happened but i didnt know how bad it was until i saw this movie. I think that everyone should watch it once in their life, by watching movies about racial segregation people might see how horrible it was and will make sure to be nicer to people of different races. I would highly recommend watching this movie. I deserves 5 stars not 4.6

I thought this movie was a great movie. It depicted the black struggle in the Montogomery Bus Boycott very well. It was very relasitic in showing the inequality that the black people faced in that time period and how many white people were so racist and unfair to them. It also shows how some white people were very helpful and supported the boycott (Miriam). I believe that this movie is a greta movie to make all ages aware of was really occured during the black rights movement. It teaches you alot about the different views of people and what it is like living as a black person and a white person during this era.

CALL ME CLAUS was directed by Peter Werner (The 70's, That Substitute Wife) and written by Paul Mooney (Good Times, The Richard Prior Show) and Sara Berstein (Trial and Error, One Day In Dallas) and is the story of an over zelous TV Producer of a "Home-Shopping Club-Type network that needs to relearn the value of Christmas again.

This TV Executive is played hysterically by Whoopi Goldberg (Sister Act, The Color Purple, Rat Race) and needs to do the one job you would think everyone on the planet would never turn down - BEING - yes BEING - Santa Clause.

Santa's 200 year term is almost up and its time to find his replacement. Due to a magical Christmas hat - he finds her in Whoopi. The two then go on a hysterical journey of adventure and heart. Santa is masterfully portrayed by Nigel Hawthrorne (Tarzan, Amistad) and the chemistry they have together is sensitive and real.

Some other outstanding performances are those of Santa's pain-in-the-neck sidekick Ralph played by Taylor Negron (Stuart Little, Spy Hard) and Mr. Victor Garbor (Cinderella-TV, Titanic, Annie-TV) as Whoopi's assistant.

The movie is charming and has a heart. It is nothing really special but really more fun! (2-3-02)

I only discovered this movie for the first time recently and I'm so glad I did. Generally I have a fondness for the older Christmas themed movies but stumbling across this one I found a delightful little contemporary story that will become part of my annual Christmas viewing.

Being a big Whoopi Goldberg fan I was prepared to like the combination of her with Christmas anyway but what unfolded was a delightful story that made me laugh and shed a little tear along the way. Goldberg is an extremely talented actress who I feel has been shamefully neglected by Hollywood over the years. As seen in her terrific work in "The Colour Purple", "Ghost", and "Sister Act" she is a performer with a huge range, a natural in comedy and also uniquely gifted to put across a performance of great sensitivity. In "Call Me Claus" Whoopi has a field day in a VERY present day tale of commercialised Christmas, home internet shopping and a lack of belief in anything that doesn't have a $ sign attached to it. She plays Lucy Cullins a cranky, cynical producer of a terribly crass home shopping network that is hosting the annual "Kristmas Korner". While hating everything about Christmas she hires a Santa for the festive season promotion of their christmas products that contain such essential items as sock warmers and Santa poker machines! What she fails to realise is that she has got the real Santa (the late great Nigel Hawthorne in a delightful performance) and he proceeds to not only turn Lucy's life unside with the news that she must be his successor as his 200 year contract for the job of Santa is expiring, but also manages to teach her a bit about forgiveness, caring, and appreciation of others in the process.

What unfolds in "Call Me Claus" is an amusing tale filled with many funny situations. Whoopi's natural comedy timing comes to the fore in particular in the hilarious Santa audition scenes and once she has become the new Santa in white dreadlocks and Santa suit (minus the belt!) trying to get the hang of the correct way to slide down a chinmey. They and other scenes will have you laughing out loud and her crusty character gives a different edge to your usual holiday movie. Whoopi really makes this film however equally as great is Nigel Hawthorne as "Nick" in his last performance prior to his death in 2001. I couldn't think of a better role for Hawthorne to go out on than his portrayal of Santa Claus. He is at times warm and sentimental , funny, and suprisingly up to date in his thinking and indeed the whole performance is a delight. Victor Garber as the TV show producer and Brian Mitchell as the fast talking ideas man also score well in their assorted roles. But without a doubt it is Whoopi's and Hawthorne's show all the way.

It's a refreshing change to have a contemporary Christmas film that really explores alot about what Christmas has become to alot of us, the crass commercialism, lack of belief in the holiday and the true meaning of Christmas. "Call Me Claus" while a light hearted romp does look into all these issues and really makes you think about how we actually do spend the holiday season and what should really be important to us. While no great Yuletide classic this film is highly recommended viewing during the season. It's a part of my Christmas collection now and to see two superb talents like Whoopi Goldberg and Nigel Hawthorne together doing what they do best is definately a holiday treat not to be missed.

I have watched this movie over and over again. That's how good it is. I love holidays films in general, but this one tops my list. It is a great mixture of fantasy and reality. Some holiday films get a bit saccarine and syrupy, but with Whoopi's portrayal of the crusty Lucy Cummings keeps the story more down-to-earth and prevents the film from drifting into the maudlin. There's some touching and sad moments as well, which makes for a well-balanced story, along with great humor. This movie definitely will be an annual holiday tradition in my home.

CALL ME CLAUS was directed by Peter Werner (The 70's, That Substitute Wife) and written by Paul Mooney (Good Times, The Richard Prior Show) and Sara Berstein (Trial and Error, One Day In Dallas) and is the story of an over zelous TV Producer of a "Home-Shopping Club-Type network that needs to relearn the value of Christmas again.

This TV Executive is played hysterically by Whoopi Goldberg (Sister Act, The Color Purple, Rat Race) and needs to do the one job you would think everyone on the planet would never turn down - BEING - yes BEING - Santa Clause.

Santa's 200 year term is almost up and its time to find his replacement. Due to a magical Christmas hat - he finds her in Whoopi. The two then go on a hysterical journey of adventure and heart. Santa is masterfully portrayed by Nigel Hawthrorne (Tarzan, Amistad) and the chemistry they have together is sensitive and real.

Some other outstanding performances are those of Santa's pain-in-the-neck sidekick Ralph played by Taylor Negron (Stuart Little, Spy Hard) and Mr. Victor Garbor (Cinderella-TV, Titanic, Annie-TV) as Whoopi's assistant.

The movie is charming and has a heart. It is nothing really special but really more fun! (2-3-02)

I only discovered this movie for the first time recently and I'm so glad I did. Generally I have a fondness for the older Christmas themed movies but stumbling across this one I found a delightful little contemporary story that will become part of my annual Christmas viewing.

Being a big Whoopi Goldberg fan I was prepared to like the combination of her with Christmas anyway but what unfolded was a delightful story that made me laugh and shed a little tear along the way. Goldberg is an extremely talented actress who I feel has been shamefully neglected by Hollywood over the years. As seen in her terrific work in "The Colour Purple", "Ghost", and "Sister Act" she is a performer with a huge range, a natural in comedy and also uniquely gifted to put across a performance of great sensitivity. In "Call Me Claus" Whoopi has a field day in a VERY present day tale of commercialised Christmas, home internet shopping and a lack of belief in anything that doesn't have a $ sign attached to it. She plays Lucy Cullins a cranky, cynical producer of a terribly crass home shopping network that is hosting the annual "Kristmas Korner". While hating everything about Christmas she hires a Santa for the festive season promotion of their christmas products that contain such essential items as sock warmers and Santa poker machines! What she fails to realise is that she has got the real Santa (the late great Nigel Hawthorne in a delightful performance) and he proceeds to not only turn Lucy's life unside with the news that she must be his successor as his 200 year contract for the job of Santa is expiring, but also manages to teach her a bit about forgiveness, caring, and appreciation of others in the process.

What unfolds in "Call Me Claus" is an amusing tale filled with many funny situations. Whoopi's natural comedy timing comes to the fore in particular in the hilarious Santa audition scenes and once she has become the new Santa in white dreadlocks and Santa suit (minus the belt!) trying to get the hang of the correct way to slide down a chinmey. They and other scenes will have you laughing out loud and her crusty character gives a different edge to your usual holiday movie. Whoopi really makes this film however equally as great is Nigel Hawthorne as "Nick" in his last performance prior to his death in 2001. I couldn't think of a better role for Hawthorne to go out on than his portrayal of Santa Claus. He is at times warm and sentimental , funny, and suprisingly up to date in his thinking and indeed the whole performance is a delight. Victor Garber as the TV show producer and Brian Mitchell as the fast talking ideas man also score well in their assorted roles. But without a doubt it is Whoopi's and Hawthorne's show all the way.

It's a refreshing change to have a contemporary Christmas film that really explores alot about what Christmas has become to alot of us, the crass commercialism, lack of belief in the holiday and the true meaning of Christmas. "Call Me Claus" while a light hearted romp does look into all these issues and really makes you think about how we actually do spend the holiday season and what should really be important to us. While no great Yuletide classic this film is highly recommended viewing during the season. It's a part of my Christmas collection now and to see two superb talents like Whoopi Goldberg and Nigel Hawthorne together doing what they do best is definately a holiday treat not to be missed.

I have watched this movie over and over again. That's how good it is. I love holidays films in general, but this one tops my list. It is a great mixture of fantasy and reality. Some holiday films get a bit saccarine and syrupy, but with Whoopi's portrayal of the crusty Lucy Cummings keeps the story more down-to-earth and prevents the film from drifting into the maudlin. There's some touching and sad moments as well, which makes for a well-balanced story, along with great humor. This movie definitely will be an annual holiday tradition in my home.

Be sure to read the short story by Alice Elliott Dark this film is based on. The writing will draw you in, grab you, then leave you knowing you've just experienced a wonderful moment. The visuals are all there and far better than the film.

This is just one of those movies where you walk away not sure what to say. I caught it by accident on cable, and was mesmerized from the second it started. It's a great story about life, and death, and all we hold dear to us.

I found this movie to be inspiring, hauntingly beautiful in thought and performance, writing and directing. A current day story that any of us might experience, and might not deal with as well as depicted here. The title song at the end is breathtaking, and I have been searching for it since seeing the film last year. Thought provoking and important. Well worth watching.

Be sure to read the short story by Alice Elliott Dark this film is based on. The writing will draw you in, grab you, then leave you knowing you've just experienced a wonderful moment. The visuals are all there and far better than the film.

This is just one of those movies where you walk away not sure what to say. I caught it by accident on cable, and was mesmerized from the second it started. It's a great story about life, and death, and all we hold dear to us.

I found this movie to be inspiring, hauntingly beautiful in thought and performance, writing and directing. A current day story that any of us might experience, and might not deal with as well as depicted here. The title song at the end is breathtaking, and I have been searching for it since seeing the film last year. Thought provoking and important. Well worth watching.