CHRISTMAS MOVIE REVIEW: The Snowman

 

The Snowman is a short film based on Raymond Briggs' picture book. It was first broadcast four years after the book was published and has been an annual staple of the British Christmas T.V. schedule ever since. As with "Father Christmas", this is the first time I've watched it.

It starts out on a winter morning when it has been snowing. James, a little boy, runs out and builds a snowman. At midnight, the snowman comes to life and James shows him around the house. Then, the snowman takes James on a magical journey where they fly over to the snowmen party where the boy also meets Father Christmas (the same one as from the other animation).

During the whole 26 minutes, not one word is spoken. The story is told by the visuals, orchestral music and the iconic song "We're Walking In The Air". The music is beautiful and the way it helps the tale along reminds me of "Peter and the Wolf". The animation look just like the books illustrations have come to life. I really like the hand-drawn quality of it. You can see all the lines and shadings move, making it look very lively and full of character.

  

"The Snowman" has a very different mood than "Father Christmas". While the latter is cheerful and cosy, I felt a kind of melancholy all throughout "The Snowman". I wasn't really quite sure what to think about it. I wasn't sure if I even liked the story. James seems like a sweet and lonely boy. When the snow comes in the morning he's playing by himself and has no friends there to have snowball fights with. Because of that the ending seems even more poignant and the whole story feels very bitter-sweet. Now James found such a wonderful friend, they only had so little time to spend together. I think maybe that's the reason why this story is so special to so many people. It shows that you really have to live in those magical moments and cherish the people you care about, whether as a child or adult, when they happen because they'll be gone before you know it. In the morning James still has the scarf he got from Santa, reminding him of his special adventures with his friend, just like anyone will have memories or even items left over from their childhood, their friendships to remind them of their importance and reality.

For myself, I'm still not certain whether I'd want to watch it every Christmas because it so much struck a chord with me, as I think it will do with anyone really. That is also the exact reason why this is such a good story, it tells a lot and makes you feel so much in such little time. Definitely one I think everyone should watch at some point, but maybe not make it the only feature during your celebrations.

CHRISTMAS MOVIE REVIEW: Father Christmas

This beautifully animated short based on 1970's picture books written and illustrated by Raymond Briggs is a British Christmas classic. This is the first time I've seen it, but probably everyone over the age of 25 in the U.K. is familiar with it. Actually, this Christmas Eve it will be 20 years since it first aired.

"Father Christmas" shows us what Santa Claus does on his time off all the rest of the year. This year he decides to go on holiday. We follow him to France, Scotland and Las Vegas, until he has to go back to prepare for Christmas Eve.

 

What I loved about this story is that Father Christmas (voiced by British comedian and director Mel Smith) seems so human and real. He likes food, booze and girls. In Las Vegas he even gambles a little. While just stating it like that, it might sound a bit crude but it's quite the opposite. Santa is a sweet, cheerful old man who knows how to enjoy life. All his misadventures have cute and funny outcomes that both kids and adults will chuckle at. The hand-drawn animation is full of warmth and personality, everything look so cosy and Christmassy, it makes me want to put on a cheesy reindeer sweater and cuddle up on the sofa with a hot cup of cocoa.

 In the U.S. a sanitized version was released where all the smoking, drinking, show-girls and even Santa's bum was edited out. I can just imagine how much this will have ruined the movie. It erases all that Father Christmas is and enjoys and you're left with nothing. Well, I guess you're left with a typical American goody-two-shoes Hallmark postcard version, but who would prefer that? I doubt any kids will.

"Father Christmas" is a silly story full of heart that for the 28 minutes it runs, kind of makes you believe in Santa Claus again. So, if you're planning on watching it this December, make sure to get the original version and you'll be in for a treat. I loved it!

Next up: Another Raymond Briggs classic: "the Snowman". 

STYLE TIPS: How to update last year's party dress

With the party season just around the corner it's time to get your outfit sorted! A new dress is always welcome, but isn't it a shame to waste that perfect LBD (or other colour) from last year? Ofcourse nobody wants to be wearing the same clothes in two years worth of Christmas photographs, but there's a cheaper, more creative alternative to splashing your money on new threads. And not only that, you can add your own touch and create something nobody else will have and totally fits your style!

If you take a look at the current trends, you'll see a lot of lace, sheer fabrics, embellishments and stars. All these things you could easily incorporate into your own look. Wanting to add some sexy, sheer touches to your strappy dress? You could wear a pretty blouse underneath or over it, changing it from showing off your skin to a flirty hint at what's underneath.

Black Chiffon dress at Miss Selfridge £39

The same goes for adding lace. Another way to add some lace is to sew a collar onto your dress. This will make it feel very feminine and vintage. If you're not a dab hand with a needle and thread you could wear some lace gloves, pin on a lacy flower brooch.

Pearl Lowe for Peacocks  £35

Embellishments will take a bit more time to add, but the results can be stunning. Adding pearls, sequins or rhinestones will really glam up a plain outfit. If you're not handy enough, or not patient enough, to sew on your embellishments you could glue them on with a glue-gun or use a tool for adding on your rhinestones. Be careful that you use glue that is compatible with your fabric and also strong enough so that your hard work won't come of with the first washing! This is a really fun way to decorate your dress because you can add all kinds of designs and use all kinds of items. They don't need to be the classic pearls or shimmers, you could add buttons, beads, studs, anything you'd like. You could add pearls in a bow shape along the neckline for a cute, vintage look, place rhinestones all over for a stunning sparkling effect or studs for a harder edge. This really is a good way to put your own personal stamp on your clothing.

Rise Boutique jewelled neck dress at Tesco £55

And then finally, maybe the biggest current trend, stars! They're fun, festive and can be anything from flirty to edgy. Easy ways to add stars to your existing wardrobe is to find some transfers to iron on, or make a mold out of cardboard or plastic so you can paint them on yourself. You can't really do either of these well on sheer fabrics. It's best to try this out on items made out of cotton or jersey. Of course you could always just add some jewellery or accessories with stars!

Black Star Pussy Bow dress at Matalan £24

The easiest and still inexpensive way to update your wardrobe is to add new accessories. A statement necklace, some fingerless gloves, a cool hat, all these things will jazz up last years outfit without much effort but with maximum effect. Have fun and be creative!