What Else I Saw in December 2023--13 Mini Movie Reviews

First upload of the new year! Hope you enjoy it. :)
Movies mentioned:
Cluny Brown (1946)... watched on DVD
The 7th Dawn (1964)... streamed on Prime
In Enemy Hands (2004)... streamed on Prime
War and Peace (1966-7) [Russian]... watched on DVD (or was it Blu-ray? can't remember)
Task Force (1949)... streamed on TCM app
The Southerner (1945)... watched on DVD (or was it Blu-ray??)
A Midnight Clear (1992)... streamed on KZbin
Operation Cicero (1956)... streamed on KZbin
It Happened One Christmas (1977)... streamed on KZbin
Spirited (2022)... streamed on AppleTV+
Mr. Soft Touch (1949)... streamed on TCM app
While You Were Sleeping (1995)... watched on DVD
Alias Boston Blackie (1942)... streamed on TCM app
Special thanks to everyone who helps support the channel at ko-fi.com/weis...!

[@Welles009]

What I've learned in this series of movie reviews is that Jerome Weiselberry needs to go to bed earlier. 🤣

[@jwash7614]

While You Were Sleeping is one of my favorites. 😊 I would like to recommend the Sci-Fi classic 1997s "Gattaca". It's one of my favorites from the 90s. Thank You for all that you do!. 🖖Live long and prosper!

[@cheapcinemachannel4548]

Haven't seen 'While You Were Sleeping' in forever but yes, I remember it being quite the charmer. I also feel like it owns the use of Natalie Cole's "This Will Be". I'll probably seek out 'It Happened One Christmas' at some point. My December watched list- Thanksgiving (2023)...Movie theater The Gauntlet (1977)...Blu-ray Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)...Movie theater The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)...Blu-ray The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)...Blu-ray Not Another Teen Movie (2001)...DVD Godzilla (1954)...Blu-ray Godzilla Minus One (2023)...Movie theater The Christmas Gift (1986)...DVD Live and Let Die (1973)...Blu-ray Surviving Christmas (2004)...DVD Scrooge/A Christmas Carol (1951)...KZbin The Homecoming: A Christmas Story (1971)...DVD A Christmas Story (1983)...DVD Scrooge (1970)...DVD National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)...Hulu

[@buzzawuzza3743]

Happy New Year, Miss Weiselberry, best to you and yours!

[@8762able]

What I liked about "While You Were Sleeping" was it wasn't the predictable movie I thought it would be. Peter's brother, Jack (Bill Pullman) was a better match for lonely Lucy.

[@jameswallace756]

I see the "While You Were Sleeping" clip and I think of the time of meeting/working with Peter Gallagher and what a cool guy he was - the type of guy that remembers people and their names even if he hasn't seen them for years. Also, worked on a show recently with Bill Pullman - didn't get to meet him - heard he was great!

[@wmbriggz]

I always enjoyed her take on a wonderful Christmas movie. So glad it has reappeared…

[@donkelley7407]

Hi J, thanks for these reviews. Thought I'd give Boston Blackie a try, in hopes of spotting that 'pencil-thin mustache' that Jimmy Buffet sang about. But alas, the actor was clean shaven. (Possibly another Blackie actor had the mustache.) I missed the middle third of the movie (fell asleep) and woke up to see Paul Fix reciting tons of dialog. Kinda lost the thread after that. Regarding Apple TV +, I think I'm enjoying Monarch a bit more than you are. Will be fun to see if we're noticing the same things. I did find a few gold nuggets on the app, such as Shrinking, Lessons in Chemistry, and the Eugene Levy travel show (he really liked Tokyo). Prehistoric Planet is good too, but again, sleep inducing. Weird to see dinos with feathers but the graphics are amazing. Take care. :)

[@LiamMichael-zr1uz]

The only movie in this group that I've seen is "While You Were Sleeping" and I love it. I agree that the entire cast is great. I rarely hear it spoken of anywhere but I enjoy revisiting it from time to time.

[@Politano1955]

Your shirt amazingly changed color halfway through the video. haha If you ever decide to go off the grid and sometimes do a few low budget independent features that most never heard of, I would recommend last years "The Fearway", an interesting Twilight Zone type mild horror movie with no gore or violence. Considering most recent modern theatrical movies have not been very good, (IMO) some of these fly under the radar.

[@robertsolonche5667]

Hi Jerome. I'm not a comment kind of guy, but your reviews have struck my bulls eye, thoughtful and wise even. Mighty Joe is one of my favorites and you've pointed out some great stuff I hadn't noticed in my many viewings. I do have to mention my two recent-ish favorite movies, not intended as review material, just because you may like them. Most of my favorites are seen on TCM. The two are Locke (Tom Hardy's best performance in mt opinion} and Dean Spanley a weeper for dog lovers, with Peter O'Toole as a crusty curmudgeon who.... well you have to see it. It gets to me every time. Well that's it. Love your show.

[@Weiselberry]

Thanks for breaking protocol to say hello! :)

[@robertsolonche5667]

@@Weiselberry I haven't a clue about protocol. I ain't too bright, but I am learning a lot from you. PS. The novel of On a Midnight Clear (Wm. Wharton) a heartbreaker.

[@bigkmoviesandgames]

The only Christmas movies I've watched this year was Lethal Weapon and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. So you're definitely not alone in the light Christmas viewings this holiday season.

[@AntonyRG1]

You like Herbert Lom? Never. 😜 Films that I have watched in the last couple of months: Gone Baby Gone [2007], Gone Girl [2014], Lost in Translation [2003], Shallow Hal [2001], Madeleine [1950], Désirée [1954], The Night We Never Met [1992], Sunset Boulevard [1950], The Upturned Glass [1947], Eight O'Clock Walk [1954], Birdman of Alcatraz [1962], Seance On A Wet Afternoon [1964], Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde [1971], The Night Digger [1971], Videodrome [1983], Manhattan Murder Mystery [1993], Death and the Maiden [1994], The Killer [2023], M3GAN [2022].

[@Ihaveseenamovie]

I love While You Were Sleeping as well. It's so funny, heatwarming. Honestly, i think i prefer that fashion as well, for most part. haha

[@Ihaveseenamovie]

*heartwarming

[@Captain327]

Great reviews...I haven't watched many Christmas movies lately either...unless you count Die Hard and Die Hard 2 🤔 Here are some more that I watched in December though: Mothra 1961 Ironclad 2011 Ghost World 2001 Hard Boiled 1992 Labyrinth 1986 Your Name 2016 Weathering With You 2019 Double Indemnity 1944 Heck 2020 (on youtube) - a short film that was later expanded into the feature-length film Skinamarink 2022.

[@rsacchi100]

I've only seen a couple of these movies, "It Happened One Christmas" was one of them. Thanks for the info about the others. "It Happened One Christmas" came along when "It's A Wonderful Life" was all over TV at Christmas time. With that and a craze to remake movies with a male character, it seemed natural they'd have a woman's version of "It's A Wonderful Life". A decade later a Christmas episode of "Married With Children" spoofed the situation and mentioned a female version of "It's A Wonderful Life" albeit with a different actress and a vicious punch line.

[@johnw706]

Another excellent overview of films . I look forward to watching In Enemy Hands , Task Force , and the 7th Dawn . As regards A Midnight Clear , while it isn't necessarily sunny subject matter , I did like that movie a lot . It was great to hear the under appreciated Sam Phillips sing the titular song at the end of the. movie as well . Thanks for the recommendations ! Oh , and Happy New Year !!

[@Ned_of_the_Hill]

Happy New Year! I only saw a couple movies in December: "Samurai Assassin" (1965) and the Abbott and Costello comedy "Hold That Ghost" (1941).

[@Weiselberry]

Happy New Year! I think I've seen Hold That Ghost, but I'm not 100% sure...

[@kirksworks]

You keep reviewing films I have not seen, ha! And you didn’t much care for many of the films on this list either, but I have seen two. War and Peace I liked more than you, I think, but the ending seemed to be lacking something. Aside from that, there is much to love about this version. I don’t think spectacles have ever been this large. You might have mentioned that Sergey Bondarchuk, who played Pierre, also directed this massive production, over a number of years. The score by Vyascheslav Ovchinnikov (there’s a Russian name for you!) is stunning, really adding drama. The waltz he wrote is beautiful. And Lyudmila Saveleva was wondrous as Natasha. I’d forgotten how good While You Were Sleeping was, so I showed it to my wife and she loved lit. It was back in the days when Sandra Bullock was still sweet and charming. Not so fond of many of her later roles. Coincidentally, I showed my wife Mad About Men the night before, with Glynis Johns playing a mermaid. An entertaining, charming production. So watching While You Were Sleeping had Glynis in her next to last role and she was quite funny in it. Happy New Year to you!

[@ygstuff4898]

Enjoyed the reviews, and we are never disappointed, JW. All the movies were new to me (even Spirited (2022), which I hadn't heard of), so I've stolen a few for future watching.

[@ignyup]

enoir is also known for his early 30s movie "Boudu sauvé des eaux" I think the English title is Boudu saved from drowning

[@PaintDryPictures]

Hey, Jerome. Here’s what I watched in December…and mind you, I watched a lot of movies this month! lol 1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) …. 2K Blu-ray 2. Man On the Moon …. On 2K Blu-ray 3. Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond …. On a screener DVD 4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) …. Both in theaters and 4K Blu-ray 5. Die Hard …. In theaters 6. Scrooge (1970) …. On 2K Blu-ray 7. Green Book …. On 4K Blu-ray 8. Die Hard 2 …. On 2K Blu-ray 9. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny …. On Disney+ 10. The Hateful Eight …. On 2K Blu-ray 11. The Hudsucker Proxy …. On 2K Blu-ray 12. Mickey’s Christmas Carol …. On 2K Blu-ray 13. The Santa Clause …. On 2K Blu-ray 14. Elf …. On 4K Blu-ray 15. Duel (1971) (Original TV version) …. On 4K Blu-ray 16. Wonka …. In theaters 17. Santa Claus: The Movie …. On 4K Blu-ray 18. Doctor Who: The Movie …. On 2K Blu-ray I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's, J. Take care! 😃

[@HealthesoulIHS]

Would you consider making a video on your favorite films by genre? Awesome video as always! Thanks💖

[@davidgianatasio5747]

My wife was reading a book over Christmas… set during the holiday … a romance with some fantasy elements … and the whole town got … SNOWBOUND! It’s still a thing!

[@Weiselberry]

The saga continues! Did she like it?

[@davidgianatasio5747]

@@Weiselberry She said it was just OK. Somebody was a ghost too, I think. Maybe that's a trope in these things?

[@Weiselberry]

@@davidgianatasio5747 Ha, "just okay" is par for the course in my experience. I don't remember encountering any ghosts; that must be the fantasy angle kicking in.

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

Like you I also love, "While You Were Sleeping", this film along "It Could Happen To You" are my two favourite films from the mid '90s, if you haven't seen the latter with Bridget Fonda and Nicolas Cage, I highly recommend it. I loved your roundup of these films, 'Five Fingers' has always been a favourite of mine so, it was great to discover an alternative version to see. Anyway, Happy New Year, all the very best for 2024!

[@Weiselberry]

Ah yes, my mom had a period where It Could Happen to You was a favorite she was watching on repeat, so I've seen it quite a few times. Cool that you mentioned it! Thanks! I hope the new year is off to a good start for you!

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

​@@WeiselberryOh, I'm glad that you're familiar with it as it's a sweet film with an important message, based on a true story too! As for the start of this year, it's been a mixed bag so far, I've picked up some sort of infection which has given me a terrible cough amongst other symptoms, hopefully it shall pass soon, on the good news side, I have to attend an independent film premiere in March in which I had a small part (as I am an actor) along with a friend who had a much larger supporting role and the director who I know too, that's it so far, thank you for asking. Please try to get more rest if possible, it sounds as though you need it from what you said. Take care and much love from the U.K.

[@Weiselberry]

@@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis. Yikes, that sounds awful! I hope you get well soon and that you're in the best of health when the time comes to attend your film's premiere. Congratulations on that!

[@TheGoodTheBadandTheCheezy]

An interesting mix of movies. I only saw 2 A Midnight Clear and While You were Sleeping. I do agree Midnight Clear is a very grim movie.

[@imilliemedina666]

I asked my dog how 2024 will be, and he said rough.

[@spoonermum]

I agree with you on Spirited, there seemed to be too many ideas for one film.

[@Fribee83]

Had the same issue with Spirited. Loved the premise but with how much they tried to cram in had me checking the time every so often. They either needed to not have it be a musical or cut some of the non-musical elements to have a better flow.

[@caomhan84]

I really love While You Were Sleeping. Surprisingly, I had never seen it until 2020 during the start of the pandemic when I decided to go down a complete 1990s hole for several days. And thanks to streaming, I was able to watch nothing but 90s shows and '90s movies. And this movie was an unexpected delight. I just don't think they make romcoms like this anymore... The newer ones don't have this sort of slice of life coziness. And what you said about it being somewhat dated... Yeah, I can see that, but also it doesn't matter to me because it's like a nostalgia blanket. I've seen the movie several times now and it just gives me feelings of being a kid and going to Grandma's house during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sandra Bullocks oversized sweaters, the plaid that you mentioned. The dinners. It's just a nice comfortable movie to watch, and it never gets old. That's the sign of something. That's a classic in my opinion. You can watch it however many times and you will always enjoy it.

[@FrankBrickle]

Maybe next year you can review "Night of the Hunter" for Christmas. I know, not everybody thinks it's a Christmas movie, but it is, besides being one of the great movies, period.

[@Weiselberry]

It is indeed a great (and creepy) movie, though I confess I don't remember it having anything Christmassy in it.

[@maxdewinter9472]

It's towards the end of the film when the kids are taken in by Lillian Gish. The boy grabs an apple off the table and quickly wraps it in paper as a gift to give to the woman. It is a very touching scene. @@Weiselberry

[@Weiselberry]

@@maxdewinter9472 Wow, I don't remember that! Guess it's been too long since I saw the movie.

[@winterburden]

Thank you, you saw so many neat things again!

[@handfuloftrains4781]

Only two films I saw in December have stuck with me: 2004's "Downfall," about the final days of Adolf Hitler. Bruno Ganz is absolutely riveting in the role of Hitler. And 1954's "Hobson's Choice." I'd heard of this one for ages but never got around to watching it. It was very good -- I would have married Maggie in a second -- but I spent most of the film wanting to punch Hobson in the nose, and wanted to punch Willie upside the head for being so slow-witted.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

*HAPPY 2024, JW...👍*

[@alandhopewell]

Happy New Year, Sister Jerome! MISTER SOFT TOUCH is the only one of these films that I 've seen, and I think I would have liked it better had it been a straight noir. I've seen Ford in other noirs, and really enjoyed him in them. QUICKSAND, with Mickey Rooney is one you might enjoy, it's fast moving, a classic "maybe I can fix it" noir, and the Mickster is great in it.

[@davidearls1926]

The Russian War and Peace is more spectacle than intimate story line of a romance movie. I recommend the BBC version stary Anthony Hopkins as Pierre. The battle scenes cannot match Bonderchek' s version. But it is a series rather than a movie. The actor who plays Napoleon is excellent. The advisor of the series was David Chandler who is an expert on Napoleon and the head of the History Department at British Military College at Sandhurst. When the series was over I became depressed because it drew me in that I felt I was a friend of the characters. Please excuse my spelling, I am typing this on my cell phone. Dave

[@anrun]

I think you were too kind to A Midnight Clear. It has some good or okay things in it, but it is also quite silly, even pretentious. Two major scenes are cringe worthy: the one with the girl with the dead boyfriend and the way they get out of their predicament. Having said that, I might still watch it again before While You Were Sleeping. Sorry, I just can't take Sandra Bullock. I haven't seen his War & Peace, but Bondarchuk's Waterloo is quite good. Dare I say it, but Rod Steiger's Napoleon might be the best one on film. The battle scenes are appropriately epic. I agree with you completely on the book; it is a very enjoyable read. Happy New Year!

[@Weiselberry]

One thing I didn't mention is that I found the music distractingly modern and artsy-fartsy. I agree there were certain elements where it felt like the movie was trying too hard, and, yeah, that part... I hated that. Happy New Year!

[@anrun]

@@Weiselberry Yes, I agree on the music. Perhaps a result of the low budget? I assume you meant the part with the girl, right?

[@Weiselberry]

@@anrun Yep.

[@betinaceciliafeld9854]

Happy New Year, dear Jerome! I rewatched While you were sleeping this holiday season too. I love it and it has been a great favourite since the 90s in my family too! This time, I especially focused on the cast and the way everybody acts exactly their age and everybody have their special moment... oh, so great!

[@nadinaventura]

¡Hello, Jerome! The very apologetic beginning of your review got me worried, but you weren't that harsh! Bondarchiuk's War and Peace is one of those pieces that I have been meaning to watch for ages, but the sheer size of the enterprise and its reputation have kept me back (I understand this isn't rational, but it is what it is). I found the 2007 European adaptation to be really good in terms of what you felt lacking here -while it does play around with the plot of the story in some minor and significant ways, it does it in order to emphasize and highlight themes and character and I think it does it to great effect. One episode is mostly focused on Andrei, another on Pierre, another on Natasha, and then the final one wraps them up nicely. I liked the cast, settings, score and costumes a lot; perhaps the acting is not as good for Natasha and Pierre at the very beginning, as the actors try to play the younger versions, but it gets much better as the characters age. As you can see I really do like this adaptation XD (I have nothing positive to say about the BBC ones; the 1971 with Anthony Hopkins because I have never been able to make it past the first episodes, the 2016 one because... well, it is what it is and one of the worst things Andrew Davies ever wrote, with the worst Davies-isms unbridled). I haven't watched much at all in December, as I tried to get into the 1964 BBC's The Great War documentary (as a sort of preparation to finally watch Joyeux Noël) several times before giving up. It's very long, and while it has lots of original footage and significant interviews, the pacing was excruciatingly slow and had much more nitty gritty details of army movements than what I can generally tolerate without spacing out. I have also been dedicating a lot of time to reading General Charles De Gaulle's war memoirs, which have proven to be surprisingly smooth to read through. Part of it is probably that I have tried reading Churchill's war memoirs before and those were really heavy on the chronicle and documentation side, and that made them really labourious to read. De Gaulle tackles the memoir genre with a much better understanding of the genre, I think, as "the things that happened as I remember them, and the impressions I received at the time". He also offers a very interesting perspective of the allied relationships if one is mostly used to British-American perspectives of WWII (and it was surprising to find out that many if not all of the things he points out as sabotage and double-play from both British and American war authorities are either confirmed by Churchill, or he is very tellingly silent about them in his own memoirs). This is all to say, if you are ever interested in that kind of reading, I do recommend! P.S: the writers of the musical numbers for Spirired being the same guys as those of The Greatest Showman and Dear Evan Hansen explains a lot. It's our collective punishment for all the hate La La Land got XD

[@vdelrio999]

Gorgeous thumbnail! Thank you! G'night.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

*JW: **_"...after a little power nap..."_* Welcome to GROWING OLDER, Dear Lady. I myself am approaching *63 years old,* so *I TOTALLY SYMPATHIZE...😉*

[@macrosense]

By some coincidence I also watched an old Boston Blackie film last week

[@Weiselberry]

Whoa, weird. Which one did you see?

[@macrosense]

It was “meet Boston Blackie”. Somewhat surreal, or fast paced.

[@Weiselberry]

@@macrosense Oh, that's the other one that I've seen. I think it's the first in the series.

[@ponyboygarfunkel1675]

Because I am an old curmudgeon, our movie tastes differ. I have a rotten outlook on our human predicament, so grim stories resonate. "Midnight Clear" is based on a fine William Wharton novel. He also wrote "Birdy," which stars Matthew Modine and Nicholas Cage as oddball Philadelphia teens and the affects World War II (Viet Nam in the film version) has on them. I don't think it would be to your liking. I love many movies. Here are a few: ***"Time After Time", starring Mary Steenburgeon and Malcolm McDowell. H.G. Wells chases Jack the Ripper through time to modern day San Francisco. Great fun! Midnight Cowboy Cool Hand Luke Let's Scare Jessica to Death Lucky (Harry Dean Stanton) What's Eating Gilbert Grape La Strada (Fellini) Nights of Cabiria (Fellini) Hair I could go on and on. I believe you would enjoy the thriller, "Time After Time," and perhaps none of the others. ***It is so enjoyable and so overlooked, little twists and turns and a time capsule of our culture in the late seventies. C'est La vie.

[@keithrawlings7633]

Hi Jerome! Love LOVE your videos. Always look forward to them. Speaking of Christmas movies, I was wondering if you ever reviewed ELF? I searched your channel, but couldn't find a review of it. I haven't seen the movie yet, but a LOT of people are so in love with that film, it's become a holiday favourite for some. But, I guess it's too late to review another Christmas movie, so maybe next year?

[@Weiselberry]

Thank you! Haha, it is kind of late and I've probably maxed out on how much Will Ferrell I can handle for a while, but I can tell you that I did see Elf, or at least most of it, many years ago. It's not one of my favorites, but I also know of a lot of people who love it. It's pretty over-the-top, but it's got an endearing innocence and the kind of heartwarming, family-oriented story people tend to want in a Christmas movie. If you're okay with how bombastic and loud the main character is, it's fun.

[@matthewdavies2057]

War and Peace? Could have been worse. Could have been Doctor Zhivago. Ugg.

[@anrun]

Um...Dr. Zhivago is mostly quite good.

[@Kevin_Kennelly]

I think a straight-backed wooden chair would help you get thru some of the sleeper movies. Please say 'Happy New Year' to Mom, from all of us here.

[@profjohn9629]

Thank you for sharing these movie reviews; I agree with most of your reviews except one: "It Happened One Christmas". I am the opposite; I love the original and strongly dislike the remake; I think the remake waters down the protagonist's (hereinafter "Pro") character. I'll give the following example to sum up why I dislike the remake: During the run on the Bank scene when Pro's spouse offers up their honeymoon money, compare how the two Pros respond: - OG: Pro jumps at the opportunity and rushes to help his townsfolk without hesitation and starts handing out the money. - Remake: (Pro demurs to spouse) "Are you sure? That's all we have." Spouse then tells Pro to take care of the people. Throughout the original, the Pro demonstrates time and again his selfless love and sacrifice for his family, friends, and community. In the remake, the Pro doesn't demonstrate this same level of love and sacrifice. While I am obviously a fan of the original (and have been since I first watched it in the mid-70s) these are just my opinions. YMMV 😉

[@Weiselberry]

Well, you've probably seen the original many more times than I have, so I reckon you're much better equipped to do a side-by-side comparison!

[@profjohn9629]

@@Weiselberry Life would be boring if everyone agreed on everything. Cheers.

[@garyhart6421]

Two episodes of SILO ? The one with Rebecca Ferguson ? I (mostly) liked that --- except for the confusing last episode.

[@carmichaelk.5214]

"Charming and relatable" - Jerry inadvertently describing herself.

[@glennsmusic]

I watched the Soviet War and Peace in December. I found it very watchable. Shades of Gone With The Wind. I'd just recently watched an in depth documentary on that period of Russian history so it all made sense. The one thing I found intensely annoying was their penchant for people walking between the camera and the action, particularly in the big ballroom sequence which would have been magnificent otherwise. Instead I found myself skipping past it so infuriating did it become. Noticeable in the battle sequences as well but not so much. Aside from that I really enjoyed it.

[@robertmunoz3113]

If I had to make one recommendation it's The Holdovers starring Paul Giamatti and directed by Alexander Payne. Can't describe myself as a Payne fan. Saw Sideways many years ago (also with Giamatti) and, while I can't recall details, I remember my feelings towards it being lukewarm. The Descendents was another Payne movie I saw with George Clooney and I hated it. *Really* hated it. The Holdovers is much better than either! Giamatti plays a boarding school history teacher stuck with a bunch of kids left behind by their parents over Christmas break (it's a Christmas movie!). It's a surprisingly charming and endearing character based story that ends on an upbeat if bittersweet note. Streaming on Peacock but if you don't have service definitely watch out for it in the future. I also watched a few movies you recommended from various and assorted videos KZbin put in front of me. Dos Monjes, alas, I wasn't sweet on. I Know Where I'm Going!, which made me want to hop on a plane to Scotland. Random Harvest which I adored. It helps that Greer Garson was...how can I put this...*whistles & catcalls* After listening to your Godzilla series I picked up a collection of Kong/King Of The Monsters/Godzilla versus Kong. Rewatched the '14 Godzilla which, unfortunately, was borderline unwatchable. The story was...well, it was what it was but the climax was so dark that I couldn't see what was happening. I don't recall the being the case in the theater but on Blu-ray it's a whole lot of "black crush" and guessing. Kong and KOTM were comparatively better in visuals, comparatively stupider in story (if you can believe it) but pretty fun overall. I could actually see what was happening, which was nice. On the s was hole they were campy and enjoyable. Godzilla versus Kong is still pending. I don't know your feelings on anime but if I could also recommend Tokyo Godfathers and Mai Mai Miracle. Tokyo Godfathers is about three homeless people finding a baby and the kind of screwball adventure they go on trying to find its parents. Also a bit of a Christmas movie, but mostly very *wintery*. Mai Mai Miracle is about an outgoing third grade girl befriending a new girl in her class who is deeply withdrawn and mourning the death of her mother. It's a cute little slice of life type of film based loosely on the biography of a Japanese romance writer. Being a slice of life anime it's mostly good times and good feeling but the ending is surprisingly emotional. Thank you for the reviews. You've given me quite a few worthwhile recommendations that have really hit the mark and I appreciate it. Keep up the good work!

[@xenophonBC]

New year, leaving a bad one behind. What I watched recflected what I read. I look forward to Masters of the Sky. 12o clock high, memphis belle. Near my birthday. New year, new job.

[@tonydeluna8095]

Happy new year Jerome! May this new year bring love peace happiness and prosperity! God bless!

[@Trapper11]

Wait a minute...It's a Wonderful Life isn't one of your favorite Christmas movies??? I may have to ignore that line. 🙂

[@reader1956]

There are a whole slew of Boston Blackie movies, as there were also another group where the character is the Crime Doctor.

[@jmsdeco]

I wanted to ask if you've ever seen the original 1980's mini series V. It's very good.

[@Weiselberry]

Yes, I have! I really enjoyed it. The second installment was decent too, although not as good as the first mini. I talked about one--or both?--wayyyy back in this video, if you'd like to check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3yQmamYotqkjsk

[@jmsdeco]

Thank you for posting the link. Watching your review on V now. 🙂

[@DerHoschi]

Til Schweiger (in Germany he is called "Bertie") isn't a good actor or director! A dude with a fancy voice.

[@wesc6755]

Happy New Year to you and your Godzilla stuffie. He's all grrrr.

[@DanielHOuston-w6c]

I wonder if you have seen any movies by Edward yang? I think you might like them.

[@TheWisestWizards]

As far as Apple TV Plus goes, everyone says For All Mankind is amazing. I decided to wait for it to completely finish before I watch it. The only thing I've seen on Apple is Severance and it's the best tv show I've seen in many years.

[@DerHoschi]

When she looks up and she sees the crouded window...Great!

[@Keyser666]

Have you seen Die Hard? Best Christmas movie ever and there's a tree in there somewhere.

[@williamblakehall5566]

I only dimly recall the Russian War and Peace but I'm glad you got to look at its scenery and appreciate its music, if nothing else. The Borodino battle scene is insane in its sweep and scope, it's like an actual war was started just for the movie. I love Five Fingers, but I'm intrigued by a Ricardo Montalban spin on it. Happy 2024, Rome, and owl be seeing you.

[@Weiselberry]

That was my impression. The scale is incredible, with all those thousands of extras, the horses, the fields stretching off for miles, the camera panning over here and then sweeping overhead. I've never seen anything quite like it.

[@Weiselberry]

Here's a link to Operation Cicero if you want to check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqXGmHWYmMZ1gq8si=HZKSVBpp_cnUog4R

[@illbebad]

J.W. if you haven't seen Meet Boston Blackie (1941) the first in the series, you should check it out. It's the best film in the series (just like The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt (1939) is the best of the Lone Wolf series)

[@Weiselberry]

I know that's the first one I saw, and I'm now pretty sure it's the only one besides Alias Boston Blackie.

[@mikesilva3868]

Great 😊

[@sedumplant]

Cluny Brown- a quirky movie- I happened to like it, and actually read the book on which it is based long ago. Loved her first suitor and his throat clearing mother! I have been a fan of Jennifer Jones- Portrait of Jenny, Since you went away, etc. And, closer to the end, While You were Sleeping is a favorite! Love Bill Pullman in this role. So many funny little throw away scenes that are not essential to the story, but are delightful moments.

[@rosezingleman5007]

I read the book Cluny Brown years ago after seeing it on tv and when I watched it recently I was mystified by why how I liked it ever. Oh well. Chalk it up to my age. I’m glad Jerome saw The Southerner, and I had managed to block out the memory of Beulah Bondi’s unpleasant character. But Zachary Scott not being sleazy is a good thing. Glad you enjoyed his performance Jerome.

[@josephmayo3253]

Happy New Year JW. I agree with you on Jennifer Jones. I'm not sure what it is about her. I just never find her characters compelling or appealing. Even in Song of Bernadette, she came across as lackluster to me. And that's the best performance I've seen from her. She's reasonably pretty, (by movie star standards), but just so bland. Not sure if it's her voice or delivery, but when she speaks, I get bored.

[@niallboyle5211]

You watched Apple TV? That's a sacrifice too far Miss Weiselberry! Thanks for your honest review of this crop of movies. I don't get the sense that you gained much enjoyment from most of them. After all, they included a guerrilla warfare love triangle, meningitis in a U-boat, Russians overacting, contrary grannies and rural misery in the deep south, an unnecessary gender swap re-make of a classic, two smug actors overdoing it and a movie that didn't know which genre it belonged to. Falling asleep during those cinematic experiences qualifies as an act of justifiable self-defense! A very sensible response IMHO. At least Sandra Bullock brought some cheer. Better luck next month!

[@anthonytripp2251]

Will this be the year of Our Man in Havana?

[@Weiselberry]

Ha, maybe!

[@bartolomeuomacduibheamhnad6855]

I’ve seen two and two bits, huh? Two and two bits, looks like I’m paying for a goose in Victorian times. I’ve seen two of these films and some of two others. While You Were Sleeping. Luckily it aired a couple of times leading up to Christmas so I was able to rewatch it. Peter :” A, B, C, D, E, F, G “ lol, I like the moment Peter is attempting to describe what he likes about Lucy, a stranger he’s never communicated with and then Jack cuts in and describes all the things he loves about her and Peter says no, that’s not it lol I like when Joe Jr is at Lucy’s door and says his dad will probably give her 50 bucks off the rent if he’s living there too lol, his character was like a more obnoxious version of the Rick Moranis character Louis from Ghostbusters. The moment Jack and Lucy were holding each other in an attempt to avoid slipping on the ice was very cute and funny, ugh! January! worst part about January is the slippy icy paths. Ok, time to lean back into White You Were Sleeping :D The lean! Jack and Lucy talking about the lean has to be up there as one of the great moments in the history of romantic comedies. I love the cast, the large family sitting together in mass and chatting/gossiping was relatable. That sofa looked comfy but I could imagine Peter being horrified by seeing it amongst his soulless decor, that gift from my family has too much colour and personality , get rid! It’s a really heartwarming film, you can’t help but feel good and smile while watching. It sounds like you needed to catch up on some sleep and dozed off a few times in December, While You Were Sleeping I caught up on Monarch lol, sleeping was probably a better idea. There’s a serious lack of monsters in that monster show although ( Spoilers- Godzilla does make an appearance a couple of times in later episodes. Monarch, a show about a love triangle in the 50s and two kids in modern times coming to terms with their father being a cheater and secretly having two families while working for Monarch which is one of the least interesting things about the Monsterverse, we may show one or two monsters for a couple of minutes too, coming soon to Apple! I saw Godzilla Minus One, Wow! It was really good, I loved the setting, loved Godzilla versus battleships, loved Kamikaze pilot versus Godzilla, it made me emotional a couple of times too. The assumed death of an important character who was very kind and full of love along with seeing Godzilla cause a nuclear blast in Tokyo, the idea of it happening in the aftermath of the war with the huge loss the country had experienced was a very sad idea and I’m sure intentional, it got me. I’m nowhere near as knowledgeable on Godzilla as you and haven’t seen anywhere near as many Godzilla films as you so I can’t say it’s the best ever Godzilla film but it’s definitely my favourite from the ones I’ve seen. I saw a Midnight Clear a couple of times and I think one of the reasons I watched it a second time is because I couldn’t remember anything about seeing it the first time and if I ever see it again it’ll probably be because I can’t remember much about seeing it the second time, it probably says a lot about the film, I think I thought it was alright. The best thing about it is probably the title. I saw maybe a half an hour of Spirited and haven’t got around to finishing it, I didn’t love what I saw of it but would still like to finish watching it. I also saw the last few minutes of Task Force on TV but would like to see it from the start, I didn’t know it was black and white lol. I haven’t seen any of the others but I’d really like to see The Westerner because I’ve been curious about it since you mentioned it in a reply to my comment on your Jane Eyre (1961) review and now you’ve reviewed it so it goes on my watchlist. I’d also like to see Mr. Soft Touch, it looks like an entertaining Christmas film plus Glenn Ford is always good. I’ve always been curious about this Russian version of War and Peace but put off watching it because I was worried it would be a lot of work to get through lol. I should just jump in and give it a go. In Enemy Hands is another I’d like to try, WW2 sub film! Justice for Kretschmann! lol Scott Caan does seem very contemporary for a WW2 film, last thing I saw him in was probably Oceans Eleven, he doesn’t seem to have his father’s talent. I’d like to see both Operation Cicero and Alias Boston Blackie too. It Happened One Christmas is a film I’d heard of but haven’t seen because I’d never come across it, If I’m not able to see The Westerner or one of the others this week I may give It Happened One Christmas a watch on KZbin. I’m sorry that your Christmas viewing wasn’t as enjoyable as you’d hoped, it is a crazy time and difficult to focus on anything other than family and rest. I’ve fallen asleep in front of the TV a few times last month too lol Thank you for sharing your thoughts on another interesting selection of films. :) ~ Thank you Ms Weiselberry ~

[@Weiselberry]

Those are all great moments! It's fun to hear someone else's perspective on an old favorite. Another quote I could have mentioned that comes up a lot (though seldom in its proper context) is, "Is that guy botherin' you? It looks like he's... *leaning*." I'm so glad you enjoyed Godzilla Minus One! Thank goodness you finally got well enough to make it to the theater! I have zero recollection of Scott Caan in Ocean's Eleven, but then again I did see that a verrrrrry long time ago. I only remember the bigger names that were in it. Sorry, Mr. Caan. :/ Heh heh, you're getting your titles mixed up: it's The Southerner, not The Westerner. That's a different movie. :D The Christmas viewing wasn't really much of a disappointment. Even when a movie didn't grab me, it was still nice to sit down for a while and maybe catch a Z or two. :) Thanks!

[@bartolomeuomacduibheamhnad6855]

@@Weiselberry Hahaha I did get the titles mixed up! :0 I’m going to take the opportunity to put the blame on brain fog lol, Strangely it’s actually been extremely foggy here over the last few days, one night you could hardly see your hand in front of your face and couldn’t help think of films like the Fog, I was walking over a cobbled area under street lamps two nights ago causing me to imagine Jack The Ripper hiding around a corner somewhere :0 The Westerner was a good film, still haven’t seen The Southerner yet or The Easterner, not even The Northman lol. If I can find it to rent or buy somewhere I’ll watch The Southerner tonight, if not I’ll buy a physical copy and wait for it to arrive. :) The “ It looks like he’s ….Leaning” is a great moment and a funny quote lol, I like when Jack turns to Joe and says “ Thank you” with a smile. ~ Thank you again Ms Weiselberry ~

[@bartolomeuomacduibheamhnad6855]

@@WeiselberryHi, my comment for your Apple reviews appears to be shadow banned and won’t appear in that comment section so I’ll attempt to add it here. I’ve seen everything on your list except for Killers of the Flower Moon and The Family Plan, my sister wants to watch Killers of the Flower Moon and doesn’t have an Apple subscription and has asked me to wait for her so we could watch it together, she was going to come by on Sunday but cancelled because we had a storm, apparently the storm was supposed to be massive and violent but it’s just been extra windy, I’m sure I’ll have seen Killers of the Flower Moon, The Family Plan and Latitude Zero by the end of the week lol. I watched The Southerner Monday night, I was struggling to find it streaming and was going to buy a copy but it appeared suddenly on TV, i couldn’t believe my eyes! I noticed it was going to air Monday morning so I set it to record. I’ve attempted to add a link to the TV schedule but it won’t post. The Southerner on Talking Pictures TV, Monday Jan 15 at 7:15 am. The programmer for Talking Pictures must watch your videos lol The Weiselberry luck is still intact, the universe wanted me to see the film and I’m glad I did, I enjoyed it quite a bit. Monarch : Lacking of Monsters. I believe the showrunner did an interview recently and said he wasn’t sure the series would get a second season because of the budget, it is strange that there’s no news on a pickup yet especially because Apple tend to give a series time to grow. I wouldn’t blame Apple if they do cancel it because I thought it was pretty mediocre. Both Monarch and For All Mankind would release new episodes on a Friday and I’d watch Monarch first to get it out of the way and then watch For All Mankind because I was confident I’d enjoy it more and it was usually the case, I tend to do that with food too, save what I like most on the plate until last so it’s the flavour I’m left with lol. I originally posted this comment or one like it on Sunday night but I struggled to post it at first because I had a link attached, it eventually posted but I have a feeling it may have been shadow banned, perhaps the link led to it. I had also added more thoughts on Monarch that may have included slight spoilers so that could be a reason too. Silo. I felt the same way about the series as you, I struggled with it a little at first but it became more interesting as it went along and the finale hooked me so I’ll watch the second season if I still have an Apple subscription when it airs. I’m planning to watch Masters of the Air and then wait to see if For All Mankind gets a fifth season, if not I’ll probably cancel. Greyhound. :D Spirited I finally finished this film, well I had to watch it from the beginning again because I forgot nearly everything about it, I thought it was enjoyable enough but wouldn’t call it a great film. It’s funny how you mentioned the look of The Family Plan feeling a bit artificial because I’ve noticed that too, I’ve also noticed it with some Netflix and Disney+ films and shows. I don’t know why I have subscriptions to Netflix or Disney+ because I rarely watch anything on them. Disney seems to be all Marvel and Star Wars and I have very little interest in them, the last thing I watched on the Disney app was a 39 minute short released for Christmas titled The Shepherd, I liked it. it has a spiritual element to it. John Travolta is one of the stars. Finch. I liked Finch a lot and it also made me an emotional at times, it reminded me of Chappie too and Short Circuit to a lesser degree. The Tragedy of MacBeth. I had completely forgot that Apple had acquired this film, I was curious about it when the trailer was released but much like Coda it quickly vanished when Apple entered the picture, it’s become sad to see these films bought by these streamers and get no advertising, they just vanish out of public consciousness when they should be made available to everyone. I did wonder how accessible the film would be to those not very familiar with Shakespeare based on how artsy the trailer looked lol, I think they did a great job and it was very entertaining and looked amazing. Coda Another film I enjoyed a lot, it did have a touch of Mr. Holland’s Opus about it, I haven’t seen that film in years and should give it a rewatch. Still : A Michael J. Fox movie. I loved this film, I never believed a film on such a sad subject could be so full of humour, hope and love. I still think about the moment when Michael J. Fox falls in front of the lady outside his hotel and quips “ You knocked me off my feet” it made me cry, he turned a moment that would be embarrassing for most into a charming and funny moment of self deprecation, it seemed like he was more worried about the lady and putting her at ease instead of worrying about himself, he popped up without a care and off he went. His bravery and joy to be surrounded by those he loves is so uplifting. You can see that’s he’s still the guy his wife fell in love with and know it even more so when she speaks about him. I had hoped Still would be nominated for best documentary at the Oscars but it wasn’t unfortunately, It would have been nice to see him on the Oscars stage while he can still manage it, with some help I’m sure. I’ve recently heard about a new stop motion film in the style of classic Harryhausen title The Primevals (2023) apparently it was a dream project of the filmmaker but he sadly passed away in 2009 but the film was completed with the help of online fundraising. I linked a trailer on KZbin but removed it because my comment wasn’t posting. ~ Thank you Ms Weiselberry ~

[@Weiselberry]

@@bartolomeuomacduibheamhnad6855 Ugh, I know! So on my end, I've twice seen your comment show up in my "held for review" section, twice approved it, twice gone to reply, and twice found it had completely disappeared. What's the deal, KZbin?? I saw your other test comment (LOL) so apparently things are still working, but, yeah, this is weird. I was about to leave a reply on another comment to let you know some funny business was afoot. I figured your original post needed approval because it included a link, but that doesn't usually banish comments to a limbo from which there is no return... Anyway, thanks for trying again, and let's hope KZbin doesn't make a habit of this. Reply to the actual comment coming up...

[@bartolomeuomacduibheamhnad6855]

@@WeiselberryI’m very sorry for any hassle caused, it must’ve been annoying for you to keep being notified and then have it disappear. At first I thought I’ve been blocked permanently by KZbin and I’ll have to find a way to say goodbye or perhaps I had unintentionally said something in a previous comment that may have bothered you, I’m so glad it’s not that one, I’d rather be permanently banned by KZbin lol. My comment isn’t important enough to take up so much of your time, I apologise again.

[@StephenSkinner-y1c]

Thank you Miss Weiselberry for part two of your December movie reviews. Your take on the soviet War and Peace is exactly mine! I also agree that if there was ever a film that required you know the history and context to appreciate what you are watching it has to be War and Peace. While You Were Sleeping is one I haven't seen, but I'm adding it to my list of Weiselberry recommendations! So far, every movie you have recommended that I hadn't seen has proved well worth watching when I was able to get hold of it. A war movie that you may not have seen that I can recommend is Beneath Hill 60. It is based on a true story about the1st Australian Tunnelling Company in World War One.

[@Weiselberry]

I'm so glad you've enjoyed all the movies you've seen that I suggested! Hopefully While You Were Sleeping won't be the first stinker. :) I have seen Beneath Hill 60! It was a very good film with a unique perspective. I did a short review of it in this video, if you'd like to check that out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqeTZIB7rsqtY9U

[@thepaterfamilias5853]

Did Jeromi also doze off during editing ?

[@Weiselberry]

Haha, not this time!

[@alexmac337]

I was getting all confused but then I realised that I'd mixed up While You Were Sleeping with Sleep Tight, which is a very, very different film.😂

[@bagoistvan3182]

0:12 ..💐💐💐😁

[@dickskull5907]

Haven't watched the video yet, but ... AWESOME screencap !!!