Also known as – a little reminder of some things available for the film fan you know nicely listed for those who haven’t given themselves time to get organised yet.
Yes, the daylight is again fading fast and the chocolate is quickly being eaten from the advent calendars so some of you may now be, understandably, in a bit of a panic. Which is why I present this selection of gift ideas for friends and family. And you can also remember things like those cool Star Wars branded headphones and the 101 stand up comedy DVDs released every year at this time.
For Him.
1) The Hangover Part II
Some people (myself included) may not have liked this one as much as the first film but there are many who thought that it was the best thing since sliced bread was rubbed on a kitchen counter and rolled into the shape of genitals. Which makes it an obvious choice.
2) The Rambo Blu-ray set
The discs come in packaging that resembles a grenade. I think that’s all I need to say.
3) Captain America: The First Avenger
It’s probably the only BIG release of the last year that I missed but I’ve heard a lot of praise for this one. Or, if you know your fella better, get him Thor. Surely, he will like one of those superhero movies.
4) Horrible Bosses
Jason Bateman starred in two of the most enjoyable comedies of the year. This was one of them. It also features other guys being very funny (especially Charlie Day). And Jennifer Aniston being hotter than the surface of the sun. Trust me, he’ll thank you.
5) Fast Five
Cars. Vin Diesel. The Rock. More cars. With Paul Walker in his best role, there’s a bit of something for everyone in this film.
For Her.
1) Bridesmaids
The obvious choice is also one of the best that you could both enjoy laughing at while digesting excessive amounts of sweet foods. Some people think this was the best comedy of the year and it’s a pretty safe bet in the pressie stakes.
2) X-Men: First Class
It may not seem like an obvious choice but no lady really minds watching James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender in any film, even something like this that sometimes puts them in ridiculous, tight outfits (ohhhhhhhhhhh, NOW I understand why my fiance bought this).
3) The Millenium Trilogy on Blu-ray
Enjoy the original films, from The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo to whatever the last one was, before the prices go up again when the remake comes out.
4) Glee: The 3D Concert Movie
I’m not saying that ALL females love Glee. But a lot seem to enjoy it despite the fact I’ve only ever seen clips that show people singing in ways that would have seen them on the receiving end of a good beating at my school.
5) Water For Elephants
No, I still haven’t seen it. It’s got Robert Pattinson in it. It looks a bit soppy. I am in no rush to see it in the slightest. Which means that it may well be the best movie gift for a girl that you could think of buying. Be warned, you may have to sit through it. Be doubly warned that, from the reviews I have read, you may end up enjoying it.
For Kids.
1) Cars 2
I don’t care that this is a sequel to what many see as their weakest creation. It’s a Pixar movie. For the kids at Christmas, this is a no-brainer.
2) Rio
Another film that didn’t exactly get rave reviews but it’s a fairly new release, it’s visually fantastic and it will no doubt keep the kids quiet while you’re trying to enjoy that post-dinner snooze of contentment.
3) The Lion King 3D
Okay, you don’t have to pick it up on 3D disc but I certainly recommend picking up yet another polished and packed Disney Blu-ray. It’s a modern classic from the House Of Mouse (even if it IS also just blended together from Hamlet and, I’ll say allegedly in case I need to say allegedly, Kimba The White Lion).
4) Kung Fu Panda 2
If your kids liked the first movie then, trust me, they’ll like the second. More fun and more lush animation in this fun family film (that also comes highly recommended by my daughter).
5) The Smurfs
I admit it, I missed out on many of the family movies this year and this is yet another one I’ve yet to see. But I WILL get to it at some point and I can’t see it failing to entertain the kids as they come crashing down from their sugar rush.
For Everyone.
1) The Jurassic Park super duper Blu-ray set
It comes with a model T-Rex busting out of the park. If Santa doesnt bring this to ME then I’m going to be very upset.
2) Super 8
I was massively disappointed by this one. A lot of other people loved it. It should please most folk.
3) Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes
The one and only truly satisfying blockbuster of the summer, get this movie ASAP and enjoy it as much as I did.
4) Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part Two
Okay, so you may not be able to watch this with any sensitive youngsters but it’s an amazing end to an amazing franchise and is, therefore, an essential purchase.
5) The Inbetweeners Movie
You can’t really argue with that great result at the box office. Okay, watch it for yourselves first and then see if you want the teens to see it but it has moments of hilarity and proves to be a fitting final (though I’m sure there’s now a sequel being planned after it struck gold in cinemas) adventure for the lads.
I hope one or two of these find their way in to your Christmas pile of goodies and that they bring a little entertainment amidst the turkey scraps, neverending repeats of sitcom specials, overuse of the mighty Slade and general greatness of this enjoyable holiday season.
