E.T the Extra-Terrestrial was a smash hit which took the world by storm.   A family movie about an alien encounter that painted the alien in the same light we try to paint ourselves as galactic explorers, both in real life missions and in our sci-fi fantasy genres.  Steven Spielberg set his 1982 classic on the contemporary suburban backdrop in a single parent family, giving a sense of realism to the audience and leaving an indelible mark on pop culture. The enduring legacy transcends the boundaries of age, nationality, and time.

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At its core, “E.T.” is a story about connection, belonging, and the universal human experience of longing for understanding and acceptance. The film follows Elliott, a middle child, grappling with the absence of his father and the complexities of childhood, as he discovers and befriends an extraterrestrial stranded on Earth. Their bond transcends language barriers and physical differences, illustrating the innate human capacity for empathy and compassion. The film’s portrayal of Elliott’s family, particularly his relationship with his siblings and mother, offers a nuanced exploration of the complexities of familial bonds and the challenges of navigating adolescence.

But the magic of the movie is its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and imagination, capturing the essence of childhood curiosity and the limitless possibilities of the unknown. Spielberg masterfully crafts a narrative that balances moments of exhilarating adventure with poignant reflections on identity, home, and the intricacies of human emotion. The iconic image of Elliott and E.T. flying across the moon encapsulates the film’s magical realism, blending the fantastical with the deeply human.  The film’s portrayal of alien life and extraterrestrial encounters has shaped contemporary perceptions of outer space, fostering a sense of curiosity and exploration that resonates in scientific endeavors and space exploration initiatives. Moreover, “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” has inspired countless works of art, literature, and film, serving as a touchstone for narratives exploring themes of alienation, friendship, and the quest for belonging.

Watch the Hobbit Cartoon

Take this opportunity to re-experience some of that magic, share “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” with your extended family.  Relive some nostalgia, with bmx bikes and kids playing in the streets unattended. Talk about the familial bond that sees the children pulling together so that E.T. can phone home on Halloween.  Spielberg’s visionary direction, coupled with outstanding performances and a poignant narrative, offer timeless lessons on the human condition.  This universal appeal, cements “E.T.” as a cultural phenomenon that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences across the globe.

xx

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The Phoenix and the Carpet, a beloved children’s novel, published in 1904, was adapted into a six-part BBC TV series in 1976. Set in the late Victorian era, it captured the imaginations of children and adults alike, showcasing a world of innocence and wonder. Looking through the cultural lens of the 1970s, we can see the shifting attitudes toward childhood and nostalgia during that time.

“The Phoenix and the Carpet” TV series, set in London during the late Victorian era, revolves around the lives of five siblings: Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane, and their baby brother, known as the Lamb. The story takes off when the children receive a magical carpet from an eccentric curio dealer. To their astonishment, the carpet possesses the power to fly and grants them thrilling adventures beyond their wildest dreams.

Hidden within the carpet, is an egg. The egg hatches into a magical talking phoenix, who has an ego to match his mythical existence. This wise and fiery creature becomes their trusted companion, providing guidance and comic relief throughout their escapades. Their adventurous play is always limited to 3 daily wishes, split between 4 children of various ages. Together, they encounter ancient civilizations, discover mysterious treasures, and face off against mischievous characters who seek to exploit the carpet’s powers for their own gain.

Watch the Dark Crystal

The series beautifully captures the essence of childhood innocence, depicting the siblings’ curiosity, resourcefulness, and unwavering bond. Viewers are immersed in a world where the imagination can take you anywhere, and the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. Through their encounters and mishaps, the children learn valuable life lessons about responsibility, loyalty, and the importance of family.

“The Phoenix and the Carpet” provides a window into the late Victorian era, showcasing the culture, norms, and values of the time. The period-accurate costumes, set designs, and attention to detail transport viewers to a bygone era, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past. From horse-drawn carriages and gas-lit streets to the elaborate interiors of middle-class Victorian homes, the series captures the essence of a time when childhood was a precious and protected stage of life.
This series is very much a family-oriented feel-good adventure that you can enjoy with your children or grandchildren.

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Time Bandits was directed by Terry Gilliam.  The story follows a young boy named Kevin, played by Craig Warnock.  Kevin finds a time portal and gets caught up in an adventure with a group of dwarfs.  The dwarfs are a comical crew of misfits trying to get wealthy by sneaking about across the time spectrum, wrecking havoc wherever they go. Overlaying their  journey is a feud  between a Supreme Being, played by Ralph Richardson and his nemesis the malevolent Evil Genius, played by David Warner, who both want to get there hands on the Time Bandits.

Along their journey, the Time Bandits encounter historical figures, mythical creatures, and see legendary events.  As Kevin witnesses the dwarfs’ reckless misuse of their abilities for personal gain, he grapples with the moral conflicts that arise. Despite their charming quirks, the dwarfs’ actions often bring chaos and suffering to those they encounter. So Kevin to questions their intentions and his role in the consequences of their choices.

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Time Bandits masterfully presents a world where the dichotomy between good and evil is blurred, highlighting the complexity of moral conflicts. The movie challenges conventional perceptions of right and wrong by showcasing characters who are neither purely good nor irredeemably evil. The lesson here is that nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes and often choices which might be good for us in the short-term, but may also have consequences to others. Consequences which may or may not effect us down the road.

Led by the audacious Randall (David Rappaport), the dwarfs offer a prime example of this moral ambiguity. Their initially endearing childlike demeanor and humor, gives way to a rather narcissistic self-serving nature. Their pursuit of riches and power becomes increasingly apparent, leading to disastrous consequences for those around them.  “Time Bandits” forces viewers to ponder the intricacies of morality and the inherent flaws within seemingly virtuous individuals.  The ambiguity surrounding the motivations and actions of these powerful figures reinforces the notion that moral dilemmas are rarely black and white, but rather exist in shades of gray.

The multi-dimensional characters and imaginative narrative of Time Bandits, challenges viewers to question their preconceived notions of morality, blurring the lines between right and wrong. Like real life, the moral conflicts are complex and multifaceted. As we navigate the intricate web of ethical decisions, the movie serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of considering the consequences of our actions and the potential for redemption, for even the most seemingly irredeemable characters.

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Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders  was a 1979 TV movie starring Jane Seymour.  The groundbreaking production that captured the hearts of millions of viewers, with a behind the scenes look at the trials and tribulations of being a member of the infamous squad.  The movie followed a group young hopefuls vying to be included in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

The movie was a resounding success, drawing in a massive audience and becoming one of the most-watched television events of the year. Critics praised the film for its engaging storyline, strong performances, and exceptional choreography.  Audiences couldn’t get enough of the energy and enthusiasm of the young cheerleaders. The success of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders movie, lead to 16 seasons of reality TV, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: making the team (from 2006 -2021).

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Jane Seymour, who played the role of Laura Cole, was particularly impressed with the film’s reception. In an interview with the press, she spoke about the incredible dedication of the cheerleaders, who spent months training for their performances and had a genuine passion for what they were doing.  Seymour also expressed her admiration for the hardworking production crew who brought the film to life. She remarked on the challenges of filming the high-energy dance sequences, which required precision timing and coordination, but also highlighted the incredible teamwork that made the production such a success.

Jane Seymour in Battlestar Galactica

Despite some initial skepticism about the subject matter, “Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” proved to be a game-changer in the world of sports entertainment. The film helped to popularize cheerleading as a serious athletic pursuit and showcased the skill, athleticism, and artistry of the cheerleaders themselves. But it also showed the women as everyday dedicated working professionals. Everyone who became a cheerleader in the movie, had to hold a regular job on top of their training and game schedule. As much as the women were prized for their beauty, they were seen as more than just a pretty face with jiggly bits.

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Released as a half hour TV Christmas special for children. Another Rankin/Bass production, like Rudolph the Red Nosed reindeer, it is based on the 1950’s children’s song Frosty the Snowman. This cartoon brings to life the song’s lyrics like the magic hat brought Frosty to life. It even gives a back story to the magical hat by providing an antagonist in the form of an unskilled children’s entertainer, who threw away his top hat in a fit of frustration.

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This TV special has bright colors, and a light heart spirit, interlaced with slightly slapstick comedy. Frosty the Snowman, quizzically speaks in full sentences, but can’t count past 5, yet somehow he knows that he must go to the North Pole to stay cold! As a very logical child 6 year old, I remember questioning the juxtaposition of innate knowledge and ignorance, even before I knew the word to describe it. Still the cartoon was one of my favorites for the magical Christmas theme and simple comedy. I even spent the winter I was 10 doing belly wops like Frosty the Snowman, to toboggan down my grade school snow-hill. I gradually ruined my snowsuit in the process, but what a way to go!

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Rankin/Bass went on to produce two of the four sequels to this original cartoon. In 1976, Frosty’s Winter Wonderland was based on the Christmas song Winter Wonderland. It was followed by Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July in 1979. Then in 1992, Bill Melendez Productions made a new world for our hero. The result was Frosty Returns, with Johnathon Winters narrating and John Goodman taking over the voice of Frosty. The last edition of this song inspired, cartoon character came out in 2005, titled the Legend of Frosty the Snowman, but it went direct to video.

You can also watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer or An American Christmas Carol

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By now the world is familiar with the Hobbit because of the live action trilogy films. But before the special effects and New Zealand built Hobbiton, all we had was JRR Tolkien’s 1937 novel, and then this delightful cartoon, by Rankin and Bass. Rankin and Bass were known for all their children’s holiday specials throughout the 70s. So unsurprisingly this version of the Hobbit, (like the original novel), is directed at a juvenile audience.

The 1977 cartoon version is 90 minutes long.

Keeping in mind that the Hobbit, in it’s 1977 version, is an hour and a half cartoon. This was made for the attention spans of children (and ADHD sufferers alike). As such, it is nothing like the recent 3 part extended cinematic series. This animated version of the Hobbit keeps the spirit of the novel intact, and it serves it’s purpose to introduce the imagination of JRR Tolkien to a generation of would-be readers. Because if you’re not a reader, picking up the 200 page the Hobbit book is a daunting task. And unless you are an avid reader, the challenging Lord of the Rings, is no place to start until you have a hunger for the world Tolkien recounts. Because the Lord of the Rings, for which the Hobbit is a prequel; is a true trilogy, in which Tolkien even invented languages.

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The animation of the Hobbit was good for its time, but it lacks the vibrancy typical in modern highly technological cartoon offerings. Still, it is also less affronting to the senses. This is a definite must watch if you have kids in grade school. Or maybe for your own curiosity, if you have never seen it before. Rankin and Bass don’t disappoint, and a condensed version of the Hobbit is much easier to absorb in one go that any other current offering. Enjoy!

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Coal Miner’s Daughter is offered here in tribute to Loretta Lynn, who passed this week. This film, like the song and book after which it was titled, is autobiographical. Loretta Lynn was a woman of exceptional talent, who wrote and composed her own songs without any formal education to do so. She came from abject poverty, and married at 15 (maybe 16), with 4 young children by the time she was 20. (Unimaginable to the adherents of victim virtue and white privilege, that such a person could have lived in their own lifetime.) Before her country career, she would work gathering crops with the little-ins at her side. Her husband was the instigator for the crossroad change in her life, he believed in her talent, invested in a guitar for her and then dragged her around to honky-tonks and radio stations to get her heard and discovered.

Best Actress awards

Sissy Spacek won best actress from the Academy and Golden Globe Awards for her portrayal of Loretta Lynn . The star hand picked Sissy Spacek, based on a photograph. Spacek in turn, spent time with the country singer learning her mannerisms. But for the film, Spacek sang all performances. She is also credited as the artist on the Coal Miner’s Daughter soundtrack album that reached number 2 on the country muisic billboards. Tommy Lee Jones played her husband, Oliver ” Doolittle” Lynn. Beverly D’Angelo protrayed Patsy Cline, who helped Loretta negotiate the tides of stardom, until her untimely death just a couple of years after they met.

The Library of Congress archived Coal Miner’s Daughter

Coal Miner’s Daughter has been archived by the library of congress for it’s cultural significance. The first part of the movie shows Loretta Lynn’s struggles with poverty, through childhood and the first years of her marriage. It’s a beautiful testament to the strength of character of her whole family. (Maybe Niche was right about strength). The second part of the movie follows Loretta’s climb to stardom and breakdown when she is stretched too thin. (Hallmarking that having it all, isn’t always what it seems). finally the movie ends with her return to the stage, singing Coal Miner’s Daughter, an testament to her humble roots and commitment to herself to stay grounded. Adieu to the Queen of Country.

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Erik the Viking is a silly viking themed comedy brought to us by Terry Jones of Monty Python. While not quite as side splitting as some of Monty python’s other films, it is nonetheless enjoyable. Erik played by Tim Robbins is a viking who has tired of the pointless pillaging. He falls in love during one of his villages’ raids on another, and accidentally kills the woman, trying to save her from being raped. This traumatic incident causes him to question everything. Freya, (a wise woman hermit), played by Eartha Kitt (aka. Cat Woman) suggests to him a way to change the never-ending cycle of killing by bringing the sun back to his lands.

Gathering up the men of his village, Erik the Viking ventures out into the unknown. The hodge-podge band of warriors includes father and son berserkers, a fearless viking, who lives to die by his sword, a Christian missionary, the blacksmith and their leader Erik, who is haunted by the woman he accidentally killed. Together they must face a rival band of vikings, a “sea-dragon” and falling off the edge of the world on a mission to enter Valhalla alive.

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The theme seems to be that what someone believes can change his destiny and much of the comedy is built around the concept of blind faith. About halfway through the movie, Erik the Viking gets a new girlfriend. Her father, played by Terry Jones (who also directed the film), barges in on them and she gives Erik a cloak of invisibility. It is really only a scarf and yet her father is blind to seeing anyone wearing it. Erik the Viking, falsely believes that the cloak really renders him invisible, so he takes it into battle. Only the preacher on his ship is similarly fooled by the clock and Eric fails to notice that the rest of his crew can still see him. Fearlessly, he bounds into the heavily armed opposing ship, dancing around like a fool. He knocks about the enemy soldiers, who wearing fearsome disguises, have up until now had their foes flee in terror and aren’t sure how to respond to his lunatic antics.

It’s just a funny movie

It’s a silly movie that’s almost as crazy as Dolomite. The violence is glossed over, and the sexual themes are PG rather than racy; it is after-all a comedy.

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Written on the pages is the answer to a neverending story. The song that went with this movie artfully sets the entire theme for a beautiful childhood fantasy. The tale begins with an introverted preteen boy, who, due to the death of his mother, retreats into a fantasy world of his own making. Running from bullies, Bastian, hides in an old book store where he finds the book called, “The Neverending Story.” Intrigued by its promise of escapism, he steals it.

The Neverending Story is set in the fantasyland aptly named Fantasia. The land’s Empress is dying. As her lifeforce fades, so does the vast expanse of Fantasia. Known as the “Real”, every object and life-form is consumed by a dark and formless entity. This destructive force is known only as “The Nothing”. It leaves literally “Nothing” behind in the wake of its invasion. Needing a cure for her illness, a quest is proposed to a young boy warrior, Atreyu. He reluctantly agrees and sets off in search of a mystical oracle that can tell him how to save Fantasia. Like many quests, the hero encounters difficulties that he can’t surmount alone, and when all things looked hopeless, a Luck Dragon named Falkor comes to his rescue.

Falkor has the face of a puppy, and is very relatable to children. His appearance in the Neverending Story, lightens a dark theme. The fact that he is a dragon and can fly, increases the wonderment of Fantasia. But of course he is not the only lovable, fantastic character.

Be part of the Story

As Bastian reads the Neverending Story, he is completely drawn into the story. He realizes that the characters, know he is reading about them. This almost causes him to abandon reading the book. First because it is disturbing. But mostly because his father has been worried about his escapism. But it’s at this moment that a villain, a savage wolf, makes his appearance. He reveals himself as a servant of the “The Nothing”. His mission is to destroy hope, because in the real world people without dreams are easy to control. If “The Nothing” can eliminate mankind’s dreamland, then humanity can be dominated by evil forces. The Neverending Story is sort of like a “Choose your own adventure” book, popular when the movie was made. Only instead of choosing different adventures, the reader decides whether to participate in the story or let it be erased completely from existence.

As a children’s movie, the Neverending Story is obviously going to end on a high note. And as the title suggests, the tale continued in two sequels. However, the appeal to the Neverending Story isn’t the conclusion, it’s the adventure and the absolutely wonderful characters. This is a movie that stands the test of time. No one would know that it was released in 1984. This is a definite must see movie for the young and the young at heart.

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Movin’ On, was a TV show that spurred an era of Truckers and trucking aficionados Starring Claude Akins and Frank Converse (Back when leading actors were actually over 6′ tall), Movin’ On has a backdrop of gypsy truckers working in tandem so that they can haul without too much delay. (Gypsy truckers would drive contract to contract, with no real home base, hence gypsies). But really the show is about all their delays, as it shows how our heroes (not anti-heroes) figure out what to do (usually helping others) in the face of adversity while they crisscross America.

Merle Haggard sang the opening theme song

The actors of Movin’ On actually drive the rigs in the show; they were both licensed to do so. The pair are made up of Sonny Pruitt, a war veteran, blue-collar working man, who’s been trucking for decades, and Will Chandler, a younger college-educated, Vietnam protestor. Will’s previous experience was working for a trucking firm, who didn’t care much for the safety of their drivers or upkeep of their equipment. Hauling with an independent owner-operator like Sonny, is a whole different game.

Do it like Pruitt !

Do it like Pruitt became a popular slogan among truckers of the 1970s. Movin’ On encapsulates the capitalist and patriarchal society. College students/graduates today should watch this show to see the negative they attack overlaid by it’s positives in the context of the era, without the influence of their biased professors. The two men come from very different perspectives, but each has a desire to help those they can. They are hard-working men unafraid of a punch-up, true to their word, gentlemen to the ladies, hardworking and loyal. Not violent, racist, useless goons that the modern narrative would have you believe.

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