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Kid-friendly entertainment picks
By LEE CLARK ZUMPE
Article published on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006 |
The holiday nightmare: It’s late afternoon on Christmas Eve and several names on the list have yet to be checked off.
The neighborhood toy store already locked up for the day, its owner weary and ready to be home spending time with the family. The giant-super-mega-store has promised to keep its doors open until midnight, but every parking space in a 10-mile radius is taken and the radio keeps mentioning reports of rioting in the check-out lanes.
Before it comes to this, think movies, music and books. Give the gift of entertainment this year, be it the latest animated motion picture to be released on DVD, a collection of seasonal standards on CD or a literary adventure suited for younger readers. Following is a sampling of the titles that might make the perfect gift.
Movies
“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” – Not exactly standard holiday fare, but bound to be a bestseller this season, the second movie in the franchise hit store shelves on Dec. 5. Keep the PG-13 rating in mind when considering whether or not to add it to the list.
“Cars” – Sure to find a parking spot beneath the tree this Christmas, this Pixar production follows rookie racecar Lightning McQueen on a cross-country journey to compete in the Piston Cup Championship. With extraordinary animation, an endearing storyline and plenty of “cameos” adults will appreciate, this is a great choice for the whole family.
“Barnyard” – Featuring the voices of Kevin James, Courteney Cox Arquette and Sam Elliot, this flick tells the tale of how a cow named Otis finds the confidence to become the leader of his misfit farm animal friends. In a year overrun with animated feature films, this one stood out thanks to the quirkiness of director Steve Oedekerk – the man responsible for cult classic “Kung Pow – Enter the Fist.”
Favorite pick: “Robin Hood” – Just in time for Christmas, Disney has released a special edition DVD of its classic 1973 tale about Sherwood Forest. Peter Ustinov voiced the thumb-sucking lion Prince John while Brian Bedford played the cunning fox Robin Hood. Who can forget “King of the Road” Roger Miller as the rooster Alan-a-Dale? The new edition offers games, trivia, a deleted scene and an alternate ending.
Books
“When Santa Fell to Earth” – Author Cornelia Funke renovates the Santa mythos in this eccentric tale about Niklas Goodfellow, the last real Santa. Poles apart from traditional Christmas yarns, the protagonist faces a cynical, modernized world and former Santa Gerold Goblynch who has been tainted by the dark side. An engaging read for ages 9 to 12 – possibly too disturbing for younger readers.
“Kringle” – Tony Abbott’s thorough research into the various concepts that gradually evolved into the popular portrayal of Father Christmas gives both depth and a sense of genuineness to this epic fantasy. Set in a time when goblins and elves were more than legends confined to folklore, the book follows Kringle as he seeks to fulfill his destiny. Recommended for ages 9 to 12, but any fantasy-loving adult would enjoy the tale.
“Peter Pan in Scarlet” – The first-ever authorized sequel to J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan,” Geraldine McCaughrean’s adventure takes readers flying back to Neverland. Echoing the lighthearted spirit of the original while adroitly infusing more modern themes, readers will delight at the new exploits of Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys. Developed for ages 9 to 12, the book’s appeal surely extends to adults eager to relive their childhood.
Favorite pick: “A Wrinkle in Time” – It’s been around long enough, but in the age of Harry Potter it seems to have been shuffled to the bottom of the book stack. Winner of the Newberry Medal in 1963, Madeleine L’Engle’s young adult novel blends science fiction and fantasy to tell the tale of 13-year-old Meg Murry and her 5-year-old brother Charles Wallace Murry, a blossoming genius. Complete with transcendental beings, space- and time-folding that prophesies elements of string theory and ultramodern notions on religion, this imaginative book will satisfy any curious, young mind.
Music
“James Taylor at Christmas” – It’s hard to go wrong with James Taylor, particularly at Christmas time. This recent release offers a solid collection of classics including “Winter Wonderland,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
“Wintersong” – Sarah McLachlan’s recent release fits into the “not-your-parent’s-Christmas-album” category. Producer Pierre Marchand tempers nostalgia with ambient sound effects and tribal drums on select songs. Highlights include “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “The First Noel/Mary Mary” and a cover of John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).”
“Twisted Christmas” – Yes, the iconic 1980s hair band has resurfaced to bless the world with heavy metal renditions of holiday classics. While it may raise eyebrows and make a few traditionalists cringe, no one can deny the sheer fun of it. Who wouldn’t want to hear Dee Snider singing “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”?
Favorite pick: “A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Original Sound Track Recording of the CBS Television Special” – This classic boasts a very long name for such an unpresumptuous, down-to-earth recording. At first glance, it may seem little more than a collection of stylized jazz tunes with a distinctive seasonal chic, composed as a harmonious backdrop to a children’s holiday special. Yet, Vince Guaraldi’s masterpiece is much more: It opens a kind of melodic portal through which the memories of childhood pass freely. More than simple nostalgia, this album offers up a musical fountain of youth.
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Article published on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006
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