Top 10 Christmas Films

We all love to get cozy by the television in our seasonal pajamas and hold our hold cocoa and watch a film filled with Christmas flair, I mean Christmas Spirit. It fills our heart with joy and laughter on our faces. It is an exciting time of year, everything is flavored like fresh-baked cookies, or peppermint. Candles smells like grandmas house, and the fresh mine sent from the Christmas tree. What a wonderful time of year. The best way to round off a year is to snuggle up with your loved ones and dive into some classics.

10) Scrooged – 1988 – Bill Murray stars in this film as a TV Executive who doesn’t care that it is Christmas. But as we all love to watch the transformation throughout the film as Murray’s character travels in time with three spirits that change his heart.

 

 

9) Love Actually – 2003 – Celebrity packed film stuffed with heart warming and heart breaking emotions. During the holiday season 8 couples play out their love lives in London, England. everyone’s favorite chick flick.

 

8) Jingle All the Way– 1996 – Sinbad and Schwarzenegger play in a silly but classic family fun film. A man who works more than he plays is forced to keep his promise on Christmas and find his son the ultimate Turbo Man action figure. A great way to get the entire family laughing together.

 

7) The Polar Express – 2004 – Tom Hanks stars in an animated film packed with music, fun, and Christmas spirit. A doubtful boy goes on a train on Christmas Eve that is headed to the north pole. A classic tale of seeing is believing.

6)The Santa Clause – 1994 – Even though it is a trilogy nothing beats Tim Allen as the original Santa Clause. This film shows how no one, including adults believe in Santa, until one many takes his job and transforms in front of everyone himself in to the good ‘ol Saint Nick.

 

 

5) Nightmare Before Christmas – 1993 – Tim Burton’s classic animated clay figures come to life to tie in 2 of America’s favorite holiday’s. Fun for all ages to enjoy, Jack will always be the King of Halloween but he can also have the Christmas Spirit.

 

4) Home Alone – 1990 – A John Hughes and Christopher Columbus blockbuster classic. Home alone introduced us to the world of Macaulay Culkin, everyone’s favorite 90’s kid where he is stuck at home away from his family for the holiday’s and he has to fight off two robbers.

3) Elf – 2003 – Over a decade old but one of Will Ferrell best. Buddy the Elf is actually a human, and on his way from the North Pole down to NYC to find his real Dad and on the way helps Santa with his sleigh by helping everyone believe again! “IM SINGING…”

 

2) Its A Wonderful Life– 1946 – You don’t truly understand what you have until its gone, that is what this film teaches us. It is important to count your blessings and know that where you are is where you are supposed to be. Oh and don’t forget that every time you hear a bell… an angle gets his wings!

1) A Christmas Story – 1983 – The ever so hilarious tale of a young boy and his odd ball family. Forever will getting your tongue stuck on a pole, and leg lamps be famous. This film showed us the beauty in dysfunctional families and that is why it is everyone’s favorite film. Poor Ralphie.

Falling in Love with Your Own Words

P L Travers

As a writer you have to fall in love with your work everyday. The characters you create must have a special place in your heart. Saving Mr. Banks was a great film that expressed a writers (P. L. Travers) bond with her story. She feared putting Mary Poppins on the big screen because someone else would have altered the character, someone else would be in control of who Mary Poppins, Mr. Banks, and other characters were originally on paper. As a writer I agree with Ms. Travers. It is hard to let go of such wonderful people who you have created. Same reason that Silvester Stallone had to play Rocky. He wrote the script himself and took a major pay cut in order to play the star role. When a writer falls in love with their work, they fight to keep it as they initially intended.

Not only is it important to fall in love with your characters but your plot line and underlining message. I am an advocate for coming-to-age films like Juno. I praise Diablo Cody, writer of Juno and Showtime’s United States of Tara because she writes for the story not for the money. Juno had such a strong connection with audiences and a true connection to Cody’s personal high school experience. You can not get bored with your own ideas. As a writer you have to believe in yourself more than anyone else. The writers that write for the sake of telling a story are the writers that impact generations.

As I am currently writing my own coming-to-age film. I fall in love with ever character, plot line twist, and at times high-five myself for my creative efforts. I get excited about my visual ideas, and convicting dialog. My own brain surprises me. I have to revise my script about 100 times before I bring it to the actors. I am excited to be in the stages of development to see how others interpret my story. But with that being said I will also fight for my message. What I put into my stories are characters that do things I could never do, and in situations others experience day-to-day. I love coming-to-age films because the story behind someones personal growth is foundational to shaping who they are. People relate to that. It is like watching an underdog win every time! Something we always want to see.

For me I am a lot like P. L. Travers. Even if Disney offered to make my film, I’d pull a Stallone. My story has an intended message, and my characters are like my children. I am proud of what is to come of my writing. That is why I have always, and will continue to write, direct, and edit my own films. I do not care to be a big time director, I just want to tell other’s stories. Being completely committed to your own creativity only give flair to your film.

Inspired by a True Story

Inspiration can come in many forms. When you really look at the root cause of inspiration is boils down to a question. Our imagination explodes on the verge of answering that question. It is comical how many movies are made from being inspired by true events. We have a curiosity about how things can really be or why things happen. There is a story behind each event. The events that we are most inquisitive about are the ones that become movies.  These ‘true events’ usually are surrounded by someone who is challenging a questions or in search of an answer.  Here are 5 types of ‘inspired by a true story’ films with the root question that the film challenges.

The WOW factor – Did that really happen? So what you are telling me is he cut his own arm off? Wait a minute, he was the only Navy Seal to survive that ambush? Gangsters are real? When the extraordinary occurs we tend to tune into the news and try to gather the facts. Then we become curious and we wonder what it would be like to live in that life, be in that moment, to be pushed beyond humanistic emotion. Many great films have been flared up by the wow factor of a true story. 127 hours, Lone Survivor, Goodfellas, Erin Brockovich, and The Awakenings. If you want to be wowed in a moment of unbelievable reality. These are the movies to watch.

Moments in Sports – What is the real story behind that championship? What was going on in that athletes life when this happened? Why does Jamaica have a bob sled team? Someone walked onto an NFL team during an open tryout… and started?!? Sports inspire us all, to fight harder, to be passionate, to bound with others and establish union without team mates. Some of the best sports films are based on true stories because as an audience we can relate to the real life moment of that event and gain more of an emotional connection to the players and the inspiration behind that game. If you want to get your team pumped before a great game watch Rudy, Miracle, Invincible, Invictus, The Fighter, or even Moneyball. The morals behind sports are greater than whats just shown on the field.

Against all odds – How did they become successful? So you are telling me he was homeless with a child and is now a millionaire, how? Someone really abandoned their entire life to hitch-hike to Alaska? We love to see the underdog win. We root for the cinderella in ever story. It reminds us that there is always room to be better. IF you need to get inspired to beat the odds, or you need to just humble yourself to the reality of what success really takes in this world watch Erin Brockovich, Into the Wild, Man of Honor, The pursuit of Happyness, or The Social Network.

Truth behind the politics – How did Scotland defend their freedom from England? What really happened during Watergate? How did people fight, survive, and live during the Holocaust? History is in our DNA. We carry the past with us as we create the future. There is a story that goes deeper than the text books we read in school. Sometimes we just need to see the other perspective in the story. Or our curiosity takes over and we want to know the scandel behind the headlines. To get more in-depth on historical events that will tug on your heart and put a tear in your eye, watch Schindler’s List, Braveheart, Argo, All the President’s Men, Inglorious Bastard, Good Night and Good Luck.

Behind the Scene – How did they make that movie?  What happened in space during Apollo 13?  Why did Selena die so young? What si sit about Queen Elizabeth that makes her so famous? We might know the movie, know the star but how much do we really know? We have always been curious in the reality of movie stars to the point that now we have reality stars. When you love someones work you want to know and love their life as well. For a movie that digs deep into a celebrity or famous movie watch Apollo 13, Selena, Elizabeth, Saving Mr. Banks, Ray, or Walk the Line.

 

Top 10 Films to Watch for During Oscar Season

The moment you realize the holidays are around the corner is the moment you realize it is Oscar Season. Most of the movies that are entering theaters between August and December are usually advertising to be in the Oscar running in February. Entering the season are the top 10 films to look out for:

Foxcatcher- Directed by Bennett Miller. In theaters November 14. The film is gaining buzz on the acting standpoint, anytime you see actors go further than their comfort zone in an Oscar buzzing film you will see the possibility for the Academy recognizing their efforts. The film is based on a true story (only to bring more attention to the Academy) about the Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz and his sponsor. Starring Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Anthony Michael Hall, Mark Rufallo.

Boyhood-  Directed by Richard Linklater. This film is most defiantly been on watch for years. Sorry Avatar but Boyhood has been in the making for 12 years, using the same actors and watching them age. The story is about a boy from age 5 to 18 years old. The film is the first of its kind and has more authentication then any film ever made. Already nabbed best Picture, Actress, and Director in Seattle’s Film Festival. ONly more to come from the star-studded cast. Starring Ethan Hawk, Ellar Coltrane, and Patricia Arquette.

The Grand Budapest Hotel– Directed by Wes Anderson. A film about a concierge and lobby boy who become good friends at the legendary hotel. The film is a Anderson Classic with humor and his regular cast. The film has won the Silver Berlin Bear at the Berlin Film festival. Anderson does not fall short with his witty humor or attention to detail. This is a must see for this years Oscars. Starring Ralph Fiennes, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jude Law, Edward Norton, Jason Schwartzman, and the list goes on. 

Gone Girl- Directed by David Fincher. The film is based on Gillian Flynn novel, about a mans who is the center of attention in his wifes disappearance. Fincher has directed many mind-blowing suspense films including Oscar-winning Social Network, and Emmy Winning House of Cards. This film has the attention of audiences for its twist and darkness, and has the Academy looking right at Affleck and Fincher for acting and directing. Dont let us down!  Starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, and Neil Patrick Harris

Interstellar– Directed By Christopher Nolan. Batman in space. Just kidding. This film is about the experience explorers take toward a newly discovered worm hole. So it is Gravity meets Armageddon. An intense action film in space with all the wonderful actors and new film technology you could want. The film is a buzz because of its originality and having Nolan’s name on it doesn’t hurt. Starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain.

Mr. Turner– Directed by Mike Leigh. Timothy Spall will most likely get nominated for best actor already winning Cannes Film Festival 2014 for his role as British Painter Mr. turner. Spall has played some iconic characters in such films as Harry Potter and Sweeny Todd.  Now he has his chance to express range as he reenact the life of. Leigh has been nominated 7 times for an Oscar, so maybe Mr. Turner will turn number 8 into some luck. defiantly a film on your watch list this Oscar season. Starring Timothy Spall, Paul Jesson, and Dorothy Atkinson.

Unbroken- Director Angelina Jolie. The film tells the story of another Olympic star, Louis Zamperini, who in World War II was taken prisoner by the Japanese. And no one can deny that they aren’t slightly interested in seeing Jolie’s directing skills. The Film is currently in post production. the Oscar buzz is not far away with the Coen brothers having written the screen play, you can be sure to find a poetic and symbolic story line.  Starring Jack O’Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, and Jai Courtney.

Big Eyes- Director Tim Burton. Amy Adams plays Margaret Keane the 1950’s painter who was famous for her painting of a eyeless girl. Burton has had many nominations and well as Adams, seven together but no wins yet. Many are excited to see the collaboration come to life. The film has not yet been released. Also starring Krysten Ritter, and Oscar Winner Christoph Waltz.

Into the Woods- Directed by Rob Marshall. A Disney musical brought to life with an Oscar-winning cast such as Johnny Depp, Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, and the forever queen of the Oscars  Meryl Streep. They made a movie from the depths of storytelling, a lot like ABC’s Once Upon A Time series, the film mends different fairytale plots together. The costume design, music, and directing skills will be buzzing in the next few months, Academy can you hear it?

Fault in Our Stars- Directed by Josh Boone. Shailene Woodley is certainly a top candidate for best actress this year, if not for this film it will be for White Bird in the Blizzard. This film is defiantly a fan favorite among a younger audience, as well as a buzzing feed for the Academy. Anytime a plot has a current social dilemma and love together you will see the flair, and the nominations for Oscars flowing in. This film has all the flair to be on the must watch Oscar ballet list.

 

Watch out for these films as they come out for rental or come to a theater near you. These are sure to have great true story line plots, intense twist, and amazing acting as they all will be in the running for February’s Oscars.

Soap in Your Soup: Part 2

One of the beauties of film is its allowance for a range of passions to be expressed. Directors can have a passion for taking something on paper and creating the most enlightening way to expose that story. Actors, on the other hand, have a passion for engulfing themselves into becoming another person and accurately delivering the purpose of that character onscreen. Writers have the privilege of taking a thought and molding it to establish a films foundation and purpose. Then there is that special occasion when an actor, writer, or directed drift into another role in the film world. They fall in love with a story to the point that they can’t trust anyone else to deliver the job justice, they must do it themselves. In Part 1 of Soap in Your Soup we revealed multitasking musicians who have become actors. Part 2 will be discovering the all-time greats, and the upcoming actors that take on the role of director, wearing many hats on one project.

Some of the classic comedies we find are flavored with a particular style. Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Charlie Chaplin, when you hear these names originality comes to mind. Each one of those gentleman have mastered the craft of directing and acting in their own films. Together they have made this task look easy, they have challenged the following generations to go to a higher standard of film making. Of course Allen, Brooks, and Chaplin had particular themes and central ideas in all of their films, but what has newer actor/director combos done?

Kevin Costner – Starring and directing Dances with Wolves won him an Oscar for Best Director, Best Picture and a nomination for Best Actor. Kevin Costner turned down the offer for the squeal because he believed it would ruin the original movie, knowing it could never measure up to all that he put into the original

George Clooney – More then just one occasion has Clooney honored us with his many talents. In 2005 not only writing but also making his directoral start with Good Night and Good Luck, nominated for 6 Acadeny Awards. Clooney played Fred Friendly, a man hiding his marraige from the news studio where he so fought to obtain its objectivism. Clooney knew it was just the begining of his love for being behind the camera. He also starred and directed Leatherheads, and Ides of March.

Jamers Franco – Franco is known to dive into many projects at once, currently in the Broadway musical Of Mice and Men, an artist, author, soap star (yes, ABC’s General Hospital) and film professor at NYU. Known mostly for his acting, James Franco has also dove into the role of wearing three hats in his film As I Lay Dying, he adapted the screen play, directed, and starring in. Franco might be spread thin, but his films do not lack character.

Ben Affleck – Sadly dispointing for not wining Best Director for his 2012 film Argo, Affleck has a major fan base on both the acting, but more directing stand point. Argo was just one of many films where Affleck has been both behind the scene as well as the star. With best friend Matt Damon they together wrote and starred in Good Will Hunting with recently passed Robin WIlliams. Not to mention the ‘to close to home’ film The Town.  Affleck has a nack for directing intense escape films, as well as writing a heart warming stories of a poor geniuses, and acting as a regreting bank robber.

Joseph Gorden-Levitt – Recently unvieled his first writing , directing, and starring in film opposite Scarrlett Johansson and Julianne Moore in Don Jon. Definately a film to be proud of, Don Jon breaks bounderies with creating stapel character with unchangable characteristics and watching them develop into something less culterally acceptable but more gratiying and fufilling. Just look past all the masterbation.

Multi-taskers can often lose sight of important tasks at hand becasue they are spread so thin. But for these entrepreneurs who go all in with directing and starring in their own films, well that is just a over achiever, a dreamer and doer. Look at Sylvester Stallone, one of the best all-time action film writers. His start to fame with Rocky is an inspriation to many writers. After writing the scrpit Stallone refused offers from major film producers because he wouldn’t settle without being the star of the film. That is dedication to your project. A new up and coming director is the heart throb Ryan Gosling, who will soon release River Lost, a film about a boy who finds a secret town under water. Even though Gosling is not starring in the film, it is his first take on writing a directing. Down the road we might find our next Clooney or Affleck. These fellas on and off screen have proven they can provide film with flair, and that it is possible to multi-task without getting soap in your soup.

Lights, Camera, Rain!

What is so wholesome and yet uncontrollable; so scary yet it can still your nerves? Rain. A natural element that can flood our hearts. Rain has been used as a symbolism in various cinematic plots. Rain like the sugar in your coffee, it gives it that sweetened satisfaction that compliments its purpose.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s final scene

When you think of movie moments with rain some truly impressionable scenes come to mind. It is safe to say that Breakfast at Tiffany’s might not have been so stamped in our minds if in the finally scene Holly and Paul were searching for Cat on a sunny day. The film built up so much transformation between the characters that when Holly was finally stripped down to her most vulnerable and forced to believe that someone could love her as who she truly was, it had to rain. It made all the sense in the world to finalize that love story under a moment of cleansing and revealing truth.

Can’t hide from the rain…

In many films love is truly confessed in the rain. The Notebook is a current classic example of rain symbolizing true vulnerability. There wasn’t umbrellas in that scene for a reason. No hiding from the person you really love. Years of built up questions and unclear closure resulted in a moment of desire and deliveries the appearance of reality.

Rain not only represents the moment one confess their love for another, but also popular in moments of change. In literature, Jane Austen used rain to signify a plot twist. A classic example is in Pride and Prejudice when Elizabeth confronts Mr. Darcy about the letter she received in regards to Mr. Darcy changing Mr. Bingley’s mind about Elizabeth’s sister Jane. What made that moment so impactful for an audience was because Elizabeth for once had a change of heart for Mr. Darcy, believing that she might have found her intellectual match. In that moment she had to selflessly shove down her feelings to be the outspoken sister she always was.

Changes or plot twist gain momentum in audience’s emotional connection to characters and happy endings. Such as in the Twilight Saga New Moon when there was suspected a love interest with Bella and Jake. Bella’s few flickering moments of happiness had once again been taken from her and she decided to confront Jake. We know he has a special place in the story, but he isn’t replacing Edward. At the pivotal moment Bella confronts Jake, it rains, after realizing that ‘he isn’t good for her anymore’ a werewolf is introduced into a vampire love triangle.

Be yourself!

Rain has the ability to flood out the masks one uses to hide behind. Other times rain can be used to give a sense of freedom to a character. That natural element of uncontrollable freedom. It is used slightly in Crazy, Stupid, Love when Hannah is sick of being perfect and decides that she need ‘that guy at the bar’. Leaving her comfortable congratulatory party she daringly marches into the bar to unveil herself to Jacob. Which in return the dirty deeds are on hold while Jacob turns the tables and changes his routine. Thank you rain, for allowing Jacob and Hannah to be themselves.

Freedom comes with a cup of coffee and some rain.

Besides the liberation from ones personality, what about freedom from society, cultural boundaries or prison. Talking about movie scenes in the rain we cannot forget about Shawshank Redemption. The moment we understand Andy had a plan to escape and is now free of the world that wronged him for years. In that moment rain was a friend. It cleansed Andy of all that went wrong, it comforted him in a moment of true escape. Rain was the sugar in Andy’s coffee.

Of course there are many impactful cinematic moments where rain influenced our hearts and flattered our taste in plot climaxes. We could go on to dissect the films not mentioned, instead let’s celebrate the moments that use rain to contribute that unforgettable flair in film. While rain plays a part in unmasking characters, falling in love, and introduce plot twists, it also puts the aww in our hearts and embroiders characters into our souls, and that is why rain is such a powerful flair in so many monumental movie moments.

RIP O Captain My Captain

As most stunning news, Monday August 11, 2014 Robin Williams was found dead at his place of residence in CA. Genreations have been truley touched by his work, and more generatiosn to come. Below is a poll. What is your favorite Robin Williams character:

 

Two Worlds One Passion

Entertaining the idea of a day in the life as a A-Lister is a lot like playing the ‘if I won the lottery game’, but with a horrible plot twist that turns a cloud nine vision spiraling into an endless nightmare of doom. Yes I said it. Think about an actor’s journey to the ‘top’. The criticism, no’s, and sacrifices they personally take on to one day gain the ‘break’ everyone is searching for. What motivates someone to expense so much of themselves to get to their dreams? Well for some it’s that negative motivation of one day having the sweet perception of satisfaction in proving those around you wrong. But for most it’s the passion for the innovative craft and flair film offers to the world.

No matter what the media says to boost our interest in a professional’s personal life to gain a dollar, the foundation of film is based on the idea of unique storytelling. Film is an art that takes the humanistic values of life and emotion and places it on screen. Yet someone saw that as an opportunity to create virtually a second dimension of this world to have an impact on Wall Street. Thank you who-ever wrote up the first tabloid, in ruining the humble beauty of what film truly is.

To prove my point actors have gone in silence to express their doubt in Hollywood’s true value toward celebrity.

Gene Hackman, now a successful author, once had a passion to elevate characters on screen to be loved and hated. His name on a movie poster would immediately add value to the screenplay, because he always delivered such a profound interaction with the plot. Now he adds value to telling a story on paper rather than on our TV screens.

Greta Garbo, might not immediately ring a bell, but she once was known to be the actress to change the evolving movie industry and raise the stakes for actresses. Where did she go so suddenly? She became an art collector and spent time with her family until her passing at age 84. She was so disgusted with Hollywood she never picked up her Honorary Oscar that she earned in 1955.

Johnny Depp is currently starring in the upcoming Disney’s Into the Woods, and with more to come from him such as his sequels for Alice in Wonderland and Pirates of the Caribbean. Depp moved out of the United States to get away from the paparazzi and live a normal life. Of course many Hollywood resources despised him for wanting to be human, he continued to entertain us with his ever so corky and inventive characters.

Dave Chappelle was quoted saying “…it quiets the ego [about leaving Hollywood] … I want to be balanced.” Even young heart throbs that fall off the face of the Hollywood Sign, such as Freddie Prinze Jr. called acting “a weird life” in 2003.

It is disappointing to the true fans of film but also to those who pursue it as a career and get condemned by the defeating world of the superstar crazed and the idolizing minions of the world. What the face of Hollywood has become has taken away the art and beauty of what film has the potential to blossom into. If you want to see real film, true story telling at its supreme you have to dig deep. Go where the actors are silenced and what the reels have to say are supplementary to your imagination. I challenge you to watch independent films, short films, and find the people that are on their journey to the big time. Find the names not in the lights, because that is where the true passion of film is infused into their work.

Jennifer Lawrence feared to take on the role of Katniss Everdeen, because she knew that the power Hollywood could have over such a profound story could potential launch her into a spotlight that would blind her of her original reasoning to begin acting. Thankfully her humbling personality and light hearted charm has only resulted into fantastic portrayals of unique characters and Oscars.

Josh Hartnett left Hollywood for independent film making to give light to the great stories that might not get the attention of the Hollywood hounds. He has recently returned to acting in Showtime’s Penny Dreadful. For Hartnett fans you are more likely to find him behind and front of cameras occupying his flair on unique plots and adapting characters at film festivals where his work has more personal meaning then who he might be dating on scene.

Sometimes our dreams are unmatched to the strength of our character. As people we want fulfilling lives. A life in which our journey has meaning, daily purpose, and channels our passions into our careers. Sometimes we have to get to where we want to be to just find out that isn’t where we belonged to begin with. Sadly, Hollywood draping its destiny to create fame and money off of film has filtered our vision of true film making. So my tip for you film lover out there, embrace the movies that are casted in the shadows of blockbusters. That is where the best stories are left. Remember, to find enjoyment in what your passion is you might have to sacrifice the journey to get your name in lights just to be the one to turn them off.

Top 5 2011 Summer Bluckbusters… So Far

Everyone is looking for that one movie this summer that will define their vacation, first date, girls night out, lonely self exploring time, whatever. SO FAR the top five summer blockbusters for 2011 are:

1) The Hangover Part II– Grossing 85.9 million so far. This is the guys night out kind of definition.

2) Kung Fu Panda 2– This is no original Jack Black comedy, this is epic, the next Shrek. Grossing over 47 million, so far.

3) Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides– They are not done yet, and apparently fans are still attached to Jack Sparrow because this film grossed over39 million, so far.

4) Bridesmaids- Grossed over 16 million, being the definistion of a girls night out… or any one getting married…

5) Thor– Grossed over 9 million, not so good for all the hype and Dr Pepper ads, still in the top 5, so far.

Great summer films with the right amount of flair make the money to atay in our box offices. If your film hasn’t arrived yet no worries. Film with Flair will keep you posted on the ones that just might catch your eye.

Looking for Family Fun…

Its easy for adults to find their inner kid. Movies can sometimes offer that escape. Family fun movies are films that provide laughter for all ages, while entertaining the children they bring the adults back to the little things. Laughing over the simple things such as, talking animals is all a family needs.

These types of family fun films have a flair about them that is unique. Its usually packed with geeky jokes and a comedian that has stop their stand up and original adult humor. These films can be compared to Dr. Dolittle, Click, Bedtime Stories, and the newest of all Zookeeper.

Kevin James, known for his sitcom The King of Queens, has broken through film making audiences laugh, but not so much run to the theaters. Hitch was a successful movie, but Kevin James was not Will Smith. Grown-ups was a disappointment for some, but entertaining for redbox. Seems Zookeeper might change that direction for James.

Zookeeper is a family fun movie, where James plays a zookeeper about to leave his job for a girl. The animals at the zoo love him so much they decide to talk to him, literally. Talking animals is one of those qualities in a movie that brings adults back to childhood making the movie enjoyable for all. Not to mention the physical humor provided by James to add some more flair.

Zookeeper is set to be in theaters for all July 2011.