My Tribute-Five Favorite Less Known Betty White Roles

 So I guess I have to do this one, never really wanted to. I don't need to explain what an icon Betty White was we all know it. She has done a lot of movie and TV, and so as a tribute due to her passing today here are five of my favorites. We all know about stuff like Mary Tyler Moore, Golden Girls, and Hot in Cleveland but there were plenty more. 

Carol Butnett Show/Mama's Family

It's not talked about a lot but she made a lot of appearances on Carol Burnet, and it's spin off Mama's Family. On both she played the stuck-up daughter Ellen who was clearly Mama's favorite and was always fighting with Eunice. I think this character would have been one of her iconic one's, if not fot a certain character she created in 1986. 

A Look at "5 More Sleeps Til Christmas"

It's always awesome to see new Christmas specials every year. It had seemed for a while the only new one's we got were Pixar or Dreamworks properties given forced holiday stories. So it's nice to see new ideas. For example, Toon Disney gave us a brand-new CGI Mickey special with an original story. It started out ok but they wrote themselves into such a corner that the ending was totally forced and kinda ruined it for me. Another special that came along this year was a little treat called...

This apparently began life as a book by Tonight Show host and SNL alum Jimmy Fallon. It's a kids book so of course I never heard of it. How does the animated special hold up?

Six Best Christmas Songs That Came From Movies

It was ten years ago I talked about how sometimes a song from a Christmas movie may be more popular than the movie itself. Today I want to take a different approach, when a song that premiered in a movie does so well it becomes a timeless standard. It's easy for a movie to use a song that's already a classic, for the movie to produce the classic is a little harder! Here are five of my favorite Christmas songs that just happen to have started out on the big screen.

"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

Judy Garland is awesome, and no matter how many cover this (even Frank Sinatra) her's is the best version of the song. From the movie "Meet Me in St Louis" Garland has proven that she has more to remembered for than just "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".

Top 5 Favorite Christmas Elves

Santa Claus can't do it alone. So of course, he had elves to help make the toys and other things around the workshop. Apparently, elves began being associates with Santa in the mid 1800's, and just kind became part of the folklore as the years went on. Apparently, they didn't so much make the toys as keep an eye on kids to see who was naughty and who was nice. Kind of sounds like a certain elf on the shelf we have these days.

It was probably movies and TV that took the legends and make the elves a regular part of the holiday. Though some movies don't portray them great. Polar Express made them annoying jerks. The TV movie Santa Baby made them dumber than rocks. On the other hand, Disney's Prep and Landing shorts were one of the only time Elves were the show and Santa was the side character. Not only were they competent but Santa needed them to operate! Some movies or shows make them such good characters, they almost steal the show! Oh and just to be clear, I am only talking about Christmas elves. Of course elves exist outside the holiday as seen in everything from Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter to some horror movies I could mention. But for today the one rule they have to help Santa at the North Pole. 

#5.Buddy (Elf)

Of course this movie had to be here. Even if I do have issues with it. Though he's at the top since he is really an honorary elf. But man, is this guy positive and exuberant! He has so much love and excitement you can't help but be affected by it. Will Ferrell of course played the character perfectly and made the movie a classic. But I prefer the animated version from NBC a few years with Jim Parsons in the lead role. 

Top 8 Everybody Loves Raymond Christmas Episodes

There aren't many series which have the amount of Christmas episodes Frasier had. Friends sort of did, but I talked about that already. Home Improvement did, but again I already went over those episodes. Family Matters comes close but a few of them I haven't even seen. The only one that compares that I haven't talked out is Everybody Loves Raymond which also had eight. Since I ordered Frasier from best to worst, I think it's time to sort these the same way. And this will be harder!  

"The Christmas Picture"

Ok if you've been around for awhile then you know I had some issues with this episode. And I will not give that rant again, let's just say what Debra does is appalling. While the situation of trying to do a family picture is relatable, it's kind of empty as far as Christmas is concerned. 

Top Nine Frasier Christmas Episodes

Frasier was one of the best sitcoms ever made, and like any good show they did a far amount of holiday episodes. I decided to rank them based on how much I like them, omitting the two Thanksgiving shows because I've discussed them elsewhere. I am including the New Year's Episode.

High Holidays

This episode makes the top of the list by default since it's really not a Christmas episode. Aside from the Decor, this could have been an episode set anytime during the final season. It's not a bad episode, but it is a bad Christmas episode. 

We Wish You a Merry Trek-Mas

 I have been putting this one off for a few years now, for a few reasons. One is that it has been done, a lot. Another being that there really aren't that many examples to pick from. However with all the talking I have done about this franchise it would only be right to do this subject. So...

Star Trek has often dropped mention of holidays, especially in the early days. One episode had a clear Thanksgiving call out and another was a full-blown Halloween episode. Christmas has also had a few nods here and there. 

Here now are five examples of Christmas in Star Trek.

My Next 12 Favorite Christmas Commercials Ever

 So I was watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade when this ad came on:

It got me thinking, they don't make Christmas commercials anymore like they used to. There was a real charm and quality to those old ads. So, since it's been ten years since I discussed favorite Christmas commercials, it's only right to do another 12.

I did a whole article discussing Coca Cola's Christmas commercials. So it's about time Pepsi got some love. And is one of their better holiday ads. 

Five Cereals That Changed Mascots

Usually once a cereal mascot gets popular, they stick around. Oh sure the designed may change or be refined, but it's the same character. Some cereals have trouble finding that perfect gimmick however. And even when they do the character inexplicably disappeared after a while. Usually the mascot vanishes because the product did (Poor Fruity Yummy Mummy) but not always. The creators just decided they had enough of one mascot and it was time for something new! This makes sense when the product is brand new and searching for an identity. Frosted Flakes had a kangaroo before they realized Tony was better. Cocoa Puffs had an uncle for Sonny who vanish (but did make a comeback) and even Lucky Charms dropped Lucky for a lame wizard. It didn't take.

Here are five cereals which had more trouble with mascots, switching them out for no really good reason, 

Cookie Crisp

Ok I am going to date myself here and freely admit it. I remember seeing the old commercials with the wizard Jarvis. He was a wizard in the 70's. Jarvis later introduced cookie crook and the officer chasing him whose name eludes me. There were several commercials of these two before cookie crook got a dog sidekick. The dog always giving away the crime by crying coookiee crisp. These three did a bunch of ads before the cop and robber vanished and it just became about the crazy dog. But he outlived his usefulness eventually and today we have the silver fox in a jacket guy, if he has a name, I don't feel like looking it up. And yes I at Cookie Crisp and loved them, it's chocolate chip cookies for breakfast what's not to love???

Five Forgotten Commercial Mascots

 Over the years I talked about my favorite commercial mascots and others that are creepy. But what about the forgotten mascots? It's funny to be as old as I am, and see some mascots have disappaewred that were common when I was a kid. And there are some that faded away so long ago that even I can't remember them! Here are five examples of characters who were a big deal once but now no one remembers them. And let's overlook cereals for now, that's another article!

Geoffrey (Toys R Us)

This could count as a cheat since the image of Geoffrey has returned in an cartoon form. But actually, the character has taken many forms. He was a live giraffe awhile back, and before that a more anthropomorphic giraffe who appeared in commercials. There were also animated versions. What happened to him?

My Tribute-The Many Works of Alan Oppenheimer

I have been wanting to talk about him for a long time. One of my favorite voice actors who did the voice for some iconic characters. The amazing thing is that unlike a lot of voice actors, he is also a great character actor and has made many appearances on TV shows all the way back to the Andy Griffith Show. Here is a sample:

Movies:

Did I just say TV? Oh yeah he has done his share of voice work for movies too and the classic has to be Falkor in Never-ending Story. He does a great job making Falkor kind and gentle. He also did the voices for the Rock Biter and the narrator. Other movies he did include "The Hindenburg", "Westworld", "Freaky Friday", and "9".

Top 5 Worst Peanuts Characters

Peanuts has been around for ages now with no end in sight. After 71 years, these characters aren't going anywhere! I love the characters from Charlie Brown to Linus to, of course, Snoopy. But of course they can't all be great and some were so bland they literally faded away over the years. Some didn't but weren't liked much regardless. Here are my five picks for worst Peanuts characters. 

#5.Peppermint Petty & Marcie

I know lots of people would expect to see her as #1, but while Patty has her flaws she has her nice moments. For example her frustration at Marcie in the Easter special still makes me laugh. She will admit when she is wrong and I like how she isn't perfect in school. But she can also be such a bitch, from her lusting over Chuck in the New Year's special to what she does in the Thanksgiving special. As for Marcie, I really don't know what to say. She's clearly there to be Patty's conscience. I wish her character developed more.

Reconsidering "The Great Muppet Caper"

When it comes to the Muppet theatrical movies they are hit or miss for me.

The Muppet Movie-A little slow, relies way to much on cameos but the good moments make it worth it. Also, a good origin movie, to this day we still have never gotten another "how the Muppets met" story (Muppet Babies doesn't count).

Muppets Take Manhattan-I loved this movie as a kid it has charm and some sad moments too. The ending is pointless but ok.

Muppets in Space-Awful

Muppet Christmas Carol & Treasure Island-I have no major issues they are both fine

The Muppets-Yeah, I had issues when it came out but overall not bad.

Muppets Most Wanted-Winner of the "trying way to hard" award

But wait, I missed one! Which? Well....

Of course!! The one movie I can't seem to remember!

Yeah for sone reason the second movie is the one black hole for these movies for me. If I saw it, I don't remember it. Of course, I know what it's about and have seen scenes from it over the years, but it raises the question-- Why did it either leave no impact when I saw it or not interest ne enough to check it out? I can't believe I didn't see a Muppet movie at 7 years old! Since this is the 40th anniversary of the movie I decided to finally watch it and see if I could find out what the issue is.

Top 10 Doug Walker's Biggest Failures

Ok let me make this clear, I am a Doug Walker aka Nostalgia Critic fan. I know a lot of people hate on him and that's fine. I get it. But while he is not perfect and made mistakes I am still a fan of his. For reasons I explained elsewhere he is a personal hero for me and so far at least I have heard nothing to make me change that opinion, That doesn't mean I ignore what has been said about his troubled productions, I just don't hold it against him (that asshat in charge of CA is the real creep imho, but I digress). We all make mistakes. If you disagree with me, no problem.

Anyway I got to thinking about his flops, which after 10+ years he's had his share of, and wondered what it was that made them a failure. So since I have done articles talking about his stuff that I love, let's discuss the stuff that isn't so good. From not so bad to really, really bad. And a few of these may be more personally bad than others which are almost unanimously regarded as flops. If you like any of these, just opinion. And again I am only judging these buy the finished product not the behind the scenes troubles.

Five Things I Liked in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"

This year is the 50th anniversary for Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. This is one of those movies everyone like, and has truly become an icon. It's just the right mix of drama, humor, and even some dark moments to make a really delightful film. Based of course on the Roald Dahl, this movie is always a must watch for me.

This movie was released in 1971 and was not instant hit. But has certainly become a classic since. Now normally when I do these I nitpick the good movies and praise the bad, but since we are celebrating a big anniversary let's give some love to this movie with five reasons why I love watching it over and over.

The Music & Sets

Ok I hate that song Charlie's mother sings as much as anyone. It slows down the whole movie so a character that will soon vanish from the movie can explain something we've already figured out. Yay. Putting that side, the music is well done. Of course the big song when they enter the candy room, and the Oompa Loompa songs which are done well. And the Candy Man song at the start. The style of the songs doesn't match the movie, at all, but they work. The sets were also well done even the home where the family lived. The chocolate room is still amazing fifty years later! And no I won't go into every scene because they are all good and we will be here all day.

Five Dumbest Characters from Justice League International

The Justice League of America has actually gone through various versions over the years. When you hear the name you think of the big names of DC Comics, coming together as a group. And yeah, they did that. Except there was a period of ten years when the team was, weird for lack of a better word. First came the Justice League "Detroit" era, which would have been find if the team had a different name. Much like how Batman spun off into Batman and the Outsiders that's what this strange version of the JLA should have been. 

Then came the Keith Giffen/Mark Maguire era, when Justice League International was the name. At least the heroes weren't lame no names but it wasn't the big tier names either. The series didn't start out as funny, just witty banter, but it become humorous after awhile. Sadly, to a point where the book was almost nothing but satire and jokes. 

Thankfully the book would get a relaunch with Dan Jurgens which helped get things on track, before the book was cancelled and Mark Waid returned the Justice League to full form. Before that, we had some real goofy things. So goofy, they were just plain stupid. Here are five characters introduced during that era that I just did not like. These are all examples from the 90's era, and of course just opinion here as always. 

G'Nort

To be fair this character has stuck around and gotten better. I give credit to the creators for taking a character designed to be a joke and making something more of him. But he always bugged me. According to Hal Jordan G'Nort had no business being a GL, but he had an influential uncle who was in the Corps and pushed him through. G'Nort had heart but was a dumb screw up and talked weird, sort of the Jar Jar of the JLA. 

More “WTF??” Scary Scenes from Non-Scary Movies

When Halloween rolls around we like to talk about scary movies that we love. But what often gets overlooked are scary scenes from movies that were never meant to be scary. It can be a comedy or scifi or whatever else, but the movie is perfectly pleasant until one scene gives us 60 seconds of terror. Here are ten that scared me, and in the interest of full disclosure I did do a list similar to this nine years ago. However, that article omitted a lot of examples and had no video clips. And of course these are my choices, if you don't think these scenes were particularly scary than that's no problem. 

Superman III-Robo Woman

So here you have a movie which goes out of its way to say that it is a light comedy. It has goofy opening credit and of course Richard Pyor. Then as the last act finally gets going, tou get this out of nowhere moment where a woman is grabbed by the super computer and turned into a robot right in front of our eyes. I think it's the women's cries which make it scary, especially when she goes from begging for help to being subservient in the span of a millisecond. And those eyes!!

A (Brief) Look at Muppet Haunted Mansion

 

So I just watched the latest Muppet production which premiered on Disney+ a few weeks ago. Since it was a Halloween special, I had to check it out. And since it just premiered, I will keep this short and as spoiler free as I can. So what is the plot? Gonzo and Pepe accept a challenge to stay at a haunted mansion all night on Halloween. Yeah, that's about it. This special isn't really story heavy, things just kind of happen though it does try for character development toward the end. Does that mean it's bad? No but it could have been better, Pretty much every Muppet appears although most are just brief cameo's. The special does try to keep the Muppet spirit alive with homages to the Muppet Show, 4th wall jokes, and some songs. I thought the songs were unnecessary but they aren't bad. And they also did a great job with the Haunted Mansion, not only does it resemble the Disney ride but there are even lines of dialogue taken from the ride itself. You can feel them trying to be a traditional Muppet production but the creators still don't get why we loved the classic stuff. The end kind of meanders to its conclusion. Will Arnett is good and most of the cameo's are very fast and pointless. Except for Taraji Henson who comes into the story way to late and I didn't care about her at all. Another gripe is that the special continues the ongoing quest by the Muppet performers to elevate Pepe to top tier Muppet. For reasons that will forever escape me! And I continue to hate Matt Vogel's awful Kermit The Frog voice. It's just painful to listen to. All gripes aside, there is nothing really wrong with the special and it even manages some legitimately creepy imagery here and there. It's perfectly serviceable as a Muppet Halloween Special, especially compared to other Muppet productions I can name, throwing more than enough imagery and spooky atmosphere to make this a nice way to kill an hour at Halloween time. 

Five Comic Stories That Made Me Want to Read More

Ever get a trade paperback or maybe a back issue of a comic that you've never read, and when you finally did read it want to know more? This is something that a good comic will do, make you want to go back and read what you missed (or at vert least learn the backstory for what happened before and after). It's similar to catching a re0run on TV of some show who never watched and liking it so much you want to know more about this show you've discovered. Linkara points to "The Technis Imperative" as his example of this, and I can see why. 

Here are five issues and/or story lines that had a similar effect on me.

Justice League of America #257

I can't find where I talked about this before so if I did, sorry about that. This comic was my introduction to the DC universe proper. Until then I had kinda seen a few comics and of course Superfriends on TV, but this is the issue that got my attention. Is it a good issue? No, not really. It was the end of a story arc and I was totally lost. But the conclusion of the issue had Firestorm teasing the upcoming Legends mini-series. I wanted to know more. Who was this Firestorm? Who were these strange leaguers? Legends..what was that? This issue bought randomly by my mother when I was laid up opened the door for me to a new universe and is a prefect example of the adage "Every comic is someone's first"

TV/Movie Moments That Made me "Fan-Gasm"

When you're a kid it's easy to get excited when a new movie or show or even toy is coming out based on something you love. But as you get older, you outgrow things. Few adults get excited at the latest toys and when a movie or TV show comes out it's hard to get to excited about it without coming off as immature. I'm not saying you can't get excited it's just not the same way as when you're very young. However, once in awhile a scene will pop up which just grabs that inner child within you and you can't help having a "fangasm".  Oh and no i am not talking about that show from a few years ago. Because of course there was a show with that name. I am discussing the moments that almost make you forget your not a kid anymore! 

I have actually been sitting on this one for a while because, well, it's embarrassing. Especially when you are watching with friends who may not share your passion, causing you to wonder the big deal it. oR when you know the product realty isn't worth the accolade, but the scene or even line just hits you the right way. The criteria for this is simple, it has to be a franchise I loved a kid and the reaction had to come from watching something when I was much older. 

Smallville Ending

Yes I know, I know. Smallville wasn't the best show. The final couple years weren't that good. The finale was a disappointment to a lot of fans because we didn't really see Tom Welling in the suit (my theory is it's because he looked stupid in it). I get all that. But when I saw the final scene of him changing with that John Williams score blasting away, sorry but I couldn't help but eat it up.

Star Trek TOS Overview (Turnabout Intruder)

Well my friends, we made it. 79 episodes and we finally got to the final one produced and aired. Is it good? Do I really need to answer that?

Star Trek TOS Overview (All Our Yesterdays)

 Just two more episodes let and today we have one that is often considered one of the highlights of season 3. However, I've never ben able to get into it. Let's see if we figure out why. 

Star Trek TOS Overview (The Savage Curtain)

 Here we have an episode that is infamous for its goofy gimmick. And I can't really blame anyone for snickering at the idea the show opens with. They got away with the Enterprise running into Apollo and even Flint yesterday, but Abraham Lincoln? Groan. 

Star Trek TOS Overview (Requiem for Methuselah)

So after two horid episodes can we get a good one today? Just maybe. This is one that some may like, but I never got into. It's a Kirk romance story but easily the worst. 

Star Trek TOS Overview (The Way to Eden)

 Well folks we made it. My candidate for worst Trek episode of them all. At least "Spock's Brain" and "And the Children Shall Lead" are so bad they're good. Even "Plato's Stepchildren" managed a moment or two. This is stupid on every level. I get that it was the 60's and the episode was reflecting the times, but man did have to be so awful?

Star Trek TOS Overview (The Cloud Minders)

 Well here we are again with an episode I've seen but can hardly remember. So far for the most part these episodes have turned out good. Will this one be as well? Like with "Mark of Gideon" the original script was re-written and would have made a better episode. 

Star Trek TOS Overview (The Lights of Zetar)

 This is another episode that I have a soft spot for even though it may not really be that great. A big reason is the guest actress, or character. For some reason I really like her and she elevates the show to watchable. 

Star Trek TOS Overview (The Mark of Gideon)

This episode is kind of the opposite of yesterday's episode. I really liked it when I first saw it but over the years I've realized just how silly aspects of it really are. The original treatment for this episode is online and wow, what a different episode it would have been had they not re-written it so heavily. 

Star Trek TOS Overview (Whom Gods Destroy)

This is another episode I was always kind of indifferent about. I've really tried to like it, but it's so boring. 

Star Trek TOS Overview (Let That Be Your Last Battlefield)

 Today's episode has a similar thing going that "Plato's Stepchildren" had. It's famous for one big scene, but the whole episode isn't that great. Don't get me wrong, it's a lot better than the previous one. But is it really good enough to get the accolades it often gets?

Star Trek TOS Overview (That Which Survives)

Some episodes really come down to having a great guest actor or actress to give the show a little depth. And we have that here. 

Star Trek TOS Overview (Wink of an Eye)

 Well after the fun we had yesterday it's only fair to get a good episode today. And here we have another I've seen a million times. I think it's one of the better season 3 episodes, even if you have to turn your brain off a little to accept the premise. 

Star Trek TOS Overview (Plato's Stepchildren)

Well, we made it my friends. This is the episode I HATE. I mean, truly truly hate. It nauseated me when I saw it years ago, kind of hate. And I promise I have never watched it since 1991 and I almost didn't do this overview because I knew we would get here eventually. It's a top contender for the worst episode of the series, almost any series. Sigh, so let's finally watch it again and see if it's at all better years later. A little? Maybe? Please???

Star Trek TOS Overview (Day of the Dove)

 This is another really good season 3 episode. Our last time with the Klingons but it's possibly one of the best, you truly feel the way they are portrayed in this episode will lead into what Klingons will become later on. The budget cuts from the season both work and don't work here, but we'll get into that. 

Star Trek TOS Overview (For the World is Hollow)

 Not very long ago I decided to give this a re-watch. And I couldn't make it through, it was just so boring!! But today I will struggle through this episode, the only episode to focus on one of the other characters aside from Kirk or Spock. 

Star Trek TOS Overview (The Tholian Web)

 I think this may be the best episode in season 3. At the very least it's certainly one of my favorites and I've seen it a million times. 

Star Trek TOS Overview (The Empath)

 When I first saw this episode when I was young I had no idea what to make of it. The odd pacing, the sparse sets, the woman who couldn't talk. It was just weird to me and I avoided the episode a long time as a result. As I've gotten older I understand the episode a lot better and really appreciate some of the things in it. I get why people like this one, though for me the episode is still a bore. 

Star Trek TOS Overview (Is There In Truth No Beauty?)

 Ok let's have a good episode now. This is a favorite though it's not perfect. Why do these episodes all drag? This is our second Diana Muldaur episode and I think she makes a more interesting character here. 

Star Trek TOS Overview (Spock's Brain)

 Well yesterday's stupid episode was bad, but it can't compare to today's. Some things transcends bad to be so bad it become infamously bad, even if you've never watched the series or movie it was in. That's what we have today my friends. An episode so lame the writer used a pseudonym on it. 

Star Trek TOS Overview (And the Children Shall Lead)

I said before that the bad in season 3 are either dull as hell or stupid as hell. Well we did dull as hell the other day, so why not have a stupid as hell one? And man oh man, is this one stupid as hell!

Star Trek TOS Overview (The Enterprise Incident)

So let's go back to decent Season 3 with this one, our last time seeing the Romulans in the series. This episode if often cited as an example of good season 3 but even the writer D.C. Fontana admitted there were flaws in the final product. So do I think it's a good episode? Well, it's complicated.