“A Christmas Story” to “The City of the Lost Children”

 

A Christmas Story (1983) – Lifted from Jean Shepherd’s In God We Trust (All Others, Pay Cash), and narrated by the author, this little gem is a non-cloying holiday treat, even for the Scrooges among us who don’t dig Christmas. It’s great for getting the treacle out of your mouth.  (KCL)

Cinderella Man (2005) – Russell Crowe stars as real-life boxer James Braddock who came back from obscurity to face Max Baer in the heavy-weight championships against the backdrop of Depression Era America. Director Ron Howard brings a stark reality to the boxing scenes. (GS)

Cinema Paradiso (1988) – A lovely and touching film about a famous director returning home to the small village of his birth after receiving news of a friend’s death.  While there, he remembers his childhood and a projectionist at the Cinema Paradiso who first introduced him to films.  The ending is a gem and worth waiting for. (SF)

Citizen Kane (1941) – As a story, this doesn’t necessarily tower over its peers, nor is the dialog especially zesty. On the other hand, it introduces one of cinema’s best (and most under-appreciated) directors, as well as a number of first-rate performances in their film debut, and if you aren’t convinced yet, from a sheer technical standpoint, there are too many innovations that are now standard practice to count. Definitely part of international film heritage. (KCL)

The City of the Lost Children (1995) – One of the most visually impressive films of any genre in any era is this nightmarish tale from the director and much of the cast that brought you Alien Resurrection. Krank, a monstrous man who is unable to dream, kidnaps young children to steal their dreams. One man, a strong man and former whale hunter, sets forth to search for Denree, his little brother who was kidnapped by Krank’s men. Helped by young Miette, they arrive at the City of Lost Children where monsters dwell.  (CK)

 

Originally published in Raspberry World – Volume 2, Issue 1 (June/July 2007)