Rave Review for Cinema Stanzas Two

Thanks so much to poet/writer Chris Mansel for his lovely review of my new book Cinema Stanzas Two: Poet Laureate of the Movies. Chris has given me permission to post his review, so here it is in full. 

Cinema Stanzas II – review by Chris Mansel

I first wrote about Cinema Stanzas, the first book in this series, and said it was unique. My mind has not been changed. Cinema Stanzas II is also unique in its ability to capture the essence of each film. I haven’t had the privilege of seeing most of these films so it is nice to have a writer you trust to see them for you. Of course, you are going to make up your own mind when seeing them.

The artful reviews about so many genres of film will have you reading this volume so quickly you know that you will refer to it again and again. Cinema Stanzas II is not unlike the quote from Gilda Radner about Gene Wilder, “I felt like my life went from black and white to Technicolor.”

I am reminded of the many books Roger Ebert published of his reviews. Each one was good to have on hand if you were a true movie fan. You’ll find such grace and humor in each film’s poem you’ll forget that Mrs. Tucker doesn’t publish books of poetry regularly. So, check out the poetry, the reviews, and the warmth. Collect this eBook, and send it as a gift, you know your friends will enjoy pretty much what you like. 

To order a copy, click on this link: https://amzn.to/33Ojw8L   

Doris Day: A Place in My Heart

Fans throughout the world are mourning the death of Doris Day who recently passed away at the age of 97. It’s impossible to tell how many people have been touched by her wonderful work as an actress, singer and animal rights activist. And I am lucky to be one of them. In fact, she has a special place in my heart.

This is a true story, even though it seems rather unbelievable. When my husband Larry and I were in high school, our first date was a movie, Romance on the High Seas, starring Doris Day and Jack Carson. After the film, Larry drove to City Park and turned on the car radio. We danced in the silvery moonlight, using the vacant tennis court as our private ballroom. Both of us laughed when we recognized one of the selections being played as “It’s Magic,” a tune from the movie we had just seen – and sung by Doris Day. What a perfect song – and performed so beautifully!   

Now fast forward to 37 years later. After being divorced and estranged from Larry for so many years, I was waiting for him to move in with me again. One evening I turned on the television and could hardly believe my eyes and ears. The TCM channel was showing Romance on the High Seas, and Doris Day was singing “It’s Magic” as Larry walked through the door.

I’ll never forget those two magical nights.

Thank you, Doris Day. May you rest in peace.  

Doris Day’s films always cheer me.

Her work on screen is great to see.

Singing, dancing and comedy.

Drama was in her wheelhouse too.

“Midnight Lace” thrilled me through and through.

In real life, her kindness proved true.

Fans share sadness because she’s gone.

But her movies will still be strong.

And her bright light will still shine on.

Las Vegas Lament

LAS VEGAS LAMENT

So many lives lost needlessly.

When will we learn; why can’t we see?

Tears for loved ones – an endless flow.

Action needed – we ought to know.

Some say don’t talk about it now.

Free speech needed for that, and how!

What Is a Poem?

In honor of April, the Poetry Month, below is my little poem about poetry.

Rhythm and rhyme,

words keeping time

out of their cage

onto the page,

buzzing like bees

in lines like these.

Finding spaces,

scents and places,

longings and fears,

laughter and tears,

a poem must say,

“I live today!”

A Birthday Poem

Thanks to William V. Madison, author of my all-time favorite biography, Madeline Kahn: Being the Music – A Life,  for posting the following birthday poem on my Facebook page last Sunday.  I love a good rhyme, so this was a special treat for me.

I hope your birthday's truly groovy,

Jam-packed with friends and fun and movie.

From cold New York I hope you hear

My wish for you: a Magic Year.

Thanks also to 108 other wonderful Facebook friends for their warm birthday wishes.  They all helped make this year’s birthday truly groovy!

Poetry Award for Cinema Stanzas

I am very excited and surprised that my latest book received recognition in the 2016 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest. My thanks to the judges as well as to Phil Hall for his splendid Foreword, to Denise Cassino for her creative images, and to Ronald Hull for his inviting cover blurb. Below is the press release from Linda F. Radke, president of the Dragonfly Book Awards program.

        CHANDLER, AZ (November, 2016) – The judges of the 2016 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which recognizes excellence in all genres of literature have spoken, and Cinema Stanzas: Rhyming About Movies by Betty Jo Tucker with Foreword by Phil Hall and images by Denise Cassino, won Second Place in the Poetry category. 

"Winning any place in the Royal Dragonfly Contest is a huge honor because in order to maintain the integrity of the Dragonfly Book Awards, a minimum score is required before a First or Second Place or Honorable Mention will be awarded to the entrant – even if it is the sole entry in a category,” explains Linda F. Radke, president of the Dragonfly Book Awards program. “Competition is steep, too, because there is no publication date limit as long as the book is still in print.”

              Cinema Stanzas: Rhyming About Movies is a collection of the author’s poems incorporated into her  reviews of 70 motion pictures representing various genres. This unique Kindle E-book retails for $3.99 and can be purchased at Amazon.com.

              For a complete list of winners including all first and second place and honorable mention recipients, visit www.DragonflyBookAwards.com and click on “Winners.”

              The next Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway. Final deadline for submissions is October 1, 2017. The final deadline for the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Contest, which recognizes outstanding literature in children’s books, is May 1, 2017. For complete rules and submission forms for either contest, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com and click on the contest of choice.

              To learn more about the Dragonfly Book Awards, visit www.DragonflyBookAwards.com, email info@storymonsters.com or call 480-940-8182.

###

Cinelife

C I N E L I F E

by

Betty Jo Tucker

Curtains open. The film begins.

Hero or villain – which one wins?

They fight within us every day

in how we act or what we say.

Our lives are like a big movie

that’s scripted by ourselves, you see.

Our laughs, our loves are what we choose.

But some mistakes we’d like to lose.

Forgive them all. It’s part of life.

They can be judged as human strife.

Ending credits begin to scroll.

Watch carefully for signs of soul.

Curtains close. The end is here.

Time for critics to boo or cheer.

This cinelife is now all through.

Another film will start anew!

Cinema Stanzas Released on Kindle Today

I am very excited to announce that my new book Cinema Stanzas: Rhyming About Movies has been released on Amazon Kindle today. Thanks so much to Denise Cassino of BestsellerServices.com for publishing this unique Ebook. And to Phil Hall for writing a wonderful Foreword, to Ronald Hull for permission to add his supportive quote to the cover image, and to those many readers who have been enthusiastic about my film poems. 

Cinema Stanzas: Rhyming About Movies showcases the film poems I have incorporated into my reviews of various movies ranging from big blockbusters like Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Martian and The Revenant to small independent films such as The Lives of Hamilton Fish, In the Dark and With Child. Genres represented in Cinema Stanzas include: drama, comedy, horror, mystery, musicals, thrillers, romance, sci-fi and action. 

Some rhymes in this book are a bit harsh, but no poets were harmed physically during its creation! Cinema Stanzas: Rhyming About Movies is meant to be a fun resource for fans of both movies and poetry.    

For more information about Cinema Stanzas, please click on this Kindle link http://tinyurl.com/z7tmat2  

   

My Top Ten Favorite Films of 2015

While watching a film, I usually look for cinematic artistry, a compelling story and inspiring performances. But my favorite movies of the year are simply the entertaining ones I want to watch over and over again! Below are my top ten favorites of 2015 (not in any particular order, except for the first on the list).    

BROOKLYN. A film of quiet beauty, Brooklyn reminds me of those classic movie gems from the past, the ones emphasizing character development and good storytelling. This one imparts a sense of place and loving hearts while telling a compelling story about the immigration experience of one young woman who came to Brooklyn from Ireland in the 1950s. Saoirse Ronan delivers a spellbinding performance in the lead role by making us feel we’re experiencing everything right along with the engaging character she plays here.  

MINIONS. I’ve been under a Minions spell ever since watching Despicable Me. This prequel did not disappoint me. Backing up all the funny antics by these adorable little creatures is one of the best soundtracks ever – and the musical numbers are as cute as can be! Some critics believe the soundtrack is even better than the movie, but I disagree. The movie and soundtrack go together like macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes and gravy. And what a satisfying dish it is!

A LITTLE CHAOS. This special period movie treat boasts many lovely scenes and an outstanding performance by Kate Winslet as a landscape artist who faces almost insurmountable obstacles after being selected  to create a special garden for King Louis XIV, played by the always watchable Alan Rickman (who also directs).     

CINDERELLA. Kenneth Branagh directed this wonderful version of the popular fairy tale. Great special effects enhance the film’s quality, and a magnificent royal ball scene took my breath away!     

WHITE GOD. One of the best revenge movies ever made, this Swedish offering tells the story of what terrible things can happen when anyone interferes with the relationship between a girl and her dog.   

THE DANISH GIRL. Projecting so much love and pain, Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander take us on a worthwhile journey toward better understanding of transgender transformation in this classy gender-bender filled with impressive performances and splendid production values.

SPY. Watch out, 007! Women take over the spy game in this hilarious spoof of James Bond movies. Very funny things happen in practically every scene, thanks to Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Jason Statham, Jude Law and writer/director Paul Feig.

STRANGE MAGIC. This is one of the most delightful animated musicals I’ve ever seen! Great songs, a fun story (inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream) and fascinating animation fill the screen while reminding us that everyone needs love no matter the size, shape or color of their skin.   

DANNY COLLINS. Al Pacino and Annette Bening create a fun chemistry together in this superb film about a man’s fearless search for redemption. I still smile whenever I think of how well Pacino pulled off playing a famous singer.  

THE MARTIAN. This wonderful survival adventure is definitely a film that matters. It deals with so many universal themes like compassion, the importance of intelligence, scientific/technological know-how, cooperation and hope. Plus the story, cast, and visual effects just couldn’t be better.

HONORABLE MENTION : RICKI AND THE FLASH, STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, THE REVENANT, WELCOME TO ME, WHERE TO INVADE NEXT, IN THE DARK, CONCUSSION, 45 YEARS, EX MACHINA, ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL, CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES, I'LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS

  

Movie Tunes and National Dance Day

I had such fun putting together the Movie Addict Headquarters show this week! On our Tuesday episode, which aired on BlogTalkRadio, we helped listeners get ready for National Dance Day (July 25) by playing clips of performances by Gene Kelly, James Cagney, Lucille Ball, Lily James, Dick Van Dyke, Lucie Arnaz, Julie Andrews and more. Tap, rumba, waltz, musical comedy, burlesque, ballet and other dance styles on film are included in this special episode. The show is available now for your listening pleasure. Just click on the link at the end of this post. 

National Dance Day was created to raise awareness about and encourage Americans to embrace dance as a fun and positive way to maintain good health. Back in 2010, Eleanor Holmes Norton introduced the resolution in Congress, and the last Saturday in July was designated as an “unofficial” national holiday by Nigel Lythgoe, co-creator of “So You Think You Can Dance” and co-president of the Dizzy Feet Foundation. 

This Movie Addict Headquarters episode salutes dancing from such films as Singin’ in the Rain, Mary Poppins, Tap, Cinderella, Addicted to Love, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Dance Girl Dance, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Make Your Move, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Band Wagon and Footloose.

C’mon --- let’s dance!!!
      

LISTENING LINK:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2015/07/21/movie-tunes-for-national-dance-day 

My Minions Poem

As an avid Minions fan, I feel guilty about not being in the audience for their latest movie, which was released last Friday, July 10. Too bad I’ve been housebound all weekend. Bummer! I hope the poem below will show these funny little creatures how much I love them.  

Minions and Me

Minions, Minions, you are stars now.

You own the screen, so take a bow.

No matter what, you make us smile

and lose our cares for quite a while.

Your latest film must be such fun!

You should be proud of what you’ve done.

You need a rest. Take off some time.

But would that be a Minions crime?

Your fans love you. We’d understand

even a spree at Disneyland.

Then come back soon to the big screen

with lots of tricks we haven’t seen!

Minions, Minions, you’re BIG stars now.

You own the screen, so take a bow!

Tippi Hedren and The Birds

Actress Tippi Hedren talks about her scary experiences while filming The Birds, one of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thrillers, in a candid interview to be revisited on the October 21st Movie Addict HQ show. This talented actress, who won a Golden Globe for her work in The Birds, also reminisces about playing opposite Sean Connery in Hitchcock’s disturbing Marnie as well as about working with the great Charlie Chaplin.

Among Hedren’s non-Hitchcock films are such offerings as Chaplin’s The Countess from Hong Kong plus Citizen Ruth, I Heart Huckabees, Pacific Heights, Jayne Mansfield’s Car, Free Samples, Return to Babylon and Roar, a movie Hedren produced and starred in with her daughter, Melanie Griffith. Her upcoming film credits include roles in The Ghost and the Whale and Lizzie’s World: The Secret of the Magic Truth. Hedren has appeared in numerous TV shows including Cougar, Raising Hope, The 4400, Hart to Hart and Murder, She Wrote.

Several charitable and humanitarian causes have benefited from Hedren’s support. She has served as a volunteer International Relief Coordinator for “Food for Hungry” and traveled worldwide to set up “relief programs following earthquakes, hurricanes, famine and war.” She is an avid supporter of the ROAR Foundation and the Shambala Preserve.

Hedren’s many awards for her acting and humanitarian efforts include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Life Achievement Award from Cinemalia (French Film Festival), the Bahai Faith Humanitarian Award, and a “Woman of Vision” Honor from Women in Film and Video.

“Actress Tippi Hedren and The Birds” airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, October 21, 2014. During the live show, listeners are invited to participate in a Chat. An archived segment will also be available.

HOST: Betty Jo Tucker

PRODUCER: Nikki Starr

LINK TO LISTEN:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2014/10/21/actress-tippi-hedren-and-the-birds

     

    

James Garner, RIP

I feel sad about the recent passing of actor James Garner. He was so watchable on the big or small screen! Although Garner delivered my favorite performance in Murphy's Romance, many other movies come to mind in which he excelled -- The Notebook, Maverick, My Fellow Americans, The Great Escape, The Americanization of Emily, Victor/Victoria -- and the list goes on. His TV work always impressed me, but The Rockford Files belongs in a class by itself. I could watch all of those episodes over and over again. And I have!

It's no wonder Garner became so popular and received acclaim for his excellent understated portrayals. Below are some of the honors he received.

An Oscar nomination for Murphy's Romance.

Three Golden Globe Awards (Most Promising Newcomer in 1958, Decoration Day in 1991, Barbarians at the Gate in 1994)

Two Emmys (Rockford Files, Promise)

Garner appeared in many different types of films. But when asked if he would ever do a nude scene, he replied, "I don't do horror movies."

We will miss this talented, likable actor. My deepest condolences to his fans, friends and family. 

Thank you, James Garner, for the many hours of pleasure you have given us at the movies!

So Many Movies, So Little Time

On Tuesday, September 3rd, noted film critics Mack Bates and A.J. Hakari drop by Movie Addict HQ to preview upcoming Fall movies. Mack and A.J. will help listeners make choices among the over 100 films vying for their box office dollars this Fall. Both critics are candid, informative and great fun to listen to! Award-winning critic Mack Bates writes freelance articles for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and serves as a staff blogger for Milwaukee Magazine’s official film blog. He recently received a local Emmy for his work on the The Robert and Rosie Show, one of the projects he worked on with Kyle Olson for the Milwaukee Summer Entertainment Camp. A.J. Hakari, aka The Mad Movie Man, has contributed movie reviews to a variety of sites including ReelTalk Movie Reviews, Classic Movie Guide, Review Express, Terror Tube and his own popular blog Cineslice. He is also the founder of Passport Cinema, a site devoted to foreign language films, and -- bitten by the acting bug -- just completed a successful run playing multiple roles in Spamalot. “Fall Film Preview” airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, September 3, 2013. LINK: www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2013/09/03/fall-film-preview

Silver Upstages Johnny Depp

I love movies with horses or with trains or with Johnny Depp. Because The Lone Ranger offers all three of these delights, I expected to enjoy this rollicking Western action comedy. However, how much I enjoyed it is a big surprise to me! First of all, the horse Silver captivated me every time he came on camera. And those many exciting train sequences really had me on the edge of my seat (cliché, I know – but true here). Then there’s Johnny Depp – bizarrely decked out as a new version of Tonto – whose facial expressions when watching his sidekick do stupid things are nothing short of priceless. Yes, you read that right. The Lone Ranger, played amusingly by Armie Hammer, gets more help from Tonto than vice versa in this comical take on the legendary duo.

W.C. Fields warned actors not to work with animals or children, and The Lone Ranger proves his point. Silver steals this movie. All he has to do is turn his head, look over his shoulder, gallop on top of a train with the speed of light and we can’t take our eyes off him. Who plays this marvelous creature? An 11-year-old quarter horse named … wait for it … SILVER!!! According to veteran horse trainer Bobby Lovgren , Silver is “a quiet, patient horse with a lot of personality.” Lovgren, who worked with Silver and three other horses helping to play the role, says that director Gore Verbinski  knew how to showcase Silver’s personality. I think Verbinski did this so well that both Depp and Hammer must know they’ve been upstaged by a remarkable white horse.

Verbinski also deserves kudos for the film’s thrilling set pieces involving trains. My favorite? Two rushing locomotives with people running and fighting on top of them. And congratulations to cinematographer Bojan Bazelli for the awesome Western vistas showcased in many scenes plus the lovely opening and closing shots of a Ferris wheel at night. I would be remiss not to mention Hans Zimmer’s stirring background music, for it added considerably to my enjoyment as did the clever screenplay by Justin Haythe and those two Pirates of the Caribbean scribes, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio.

Actors Depp and Hammer project a humorous chemistry with each other as Tonto and Jack Reid/Lone Ranger. Their characters here are a far cry from the ones played by Jay Silverheels and Clayton Moore. But Tonto and Reid are both still out after a bad guy (played with gusto by William Fichtner), and they want justice to prevail in the Old West. I found it great fun retuning to the days of yesteryear -- when out of the past comes a fiery horse, a cloud of dust and a hearty “Hi, Yo, Silver, away!”

(Released by Walt Disney Studios and rated “PG-13” by MPAA.)

Review also posted at www.reeltalkreviews.com.

Exploring Incidental Gold Movies

The Shadow, The Miracle Worker, He Walked by Night. What do these films have in common? They each made it to a list of 75 movies called “Incidental Gold” by Richard Jack Smith, an impressive film critic who lives in South Wales and contributes reviews to the ReelTalk Movie Reviews website. Richard will discuss some of the motion pictures included in his list and why they were selected during his June 25th interview on Movie Addict HQ. Award-winning critic Mack Bates has agreed to co-host this enlightening episode. Mack writes freelance articles for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and serves as a staff blogger for Milwaukee Magazine’s official film blog. Richard and Mack both know their stuff where movies are concerned, so this show should be a real treat for film fans.

“Incidental Gold Films” airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, June 25, 2013. During the live show, listeners are invited to call in and to participate in a Chat. An archived segment will also be available.

CALL-IN NUMBER: 646-478-5668

HOST: Betty Jo Tucker

CO-HOST: Mack Bates

PRODUCER: Nikki Starr

LINK TO LISTEN:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2013/06/25/incidental-gold-films  

Movie Addict HQ Celebrates Six Fun Years!

Movie Addict HQ invites you to a Sixth Anniversary Party featuring clips of famous guests, favorite shows, a book giveaway and other goodies. Actor and author Morgan Lawrence has agreed to co-host, and among the popular guests to be spotlighted during this special celebration are Cloris Leachman, Rita Moreno, Barry Bostwick, Tippi Hedren, George Bettinger, Robert Osborne, Debbie Reynolds, Lucie Arnaz, Tony Babino, Lorna Luft, Mack Bates, Laura Clifford, Nancy Lombardo, Tanna Frederick, Susan Granger, Nell Minow, A.J. Hakari, Misha Zubarev, Diana Saenger, James Colt Harrison, Richard Jack Smith, Steve Mendoza, Joan Benedict Steiger, and Fausta Rodriguez Wertz.

Also, the Top Ten episodes during the last twelve months will be revealed as well as the guest with the most listeners during the past six years.

It should be a fun – and suspenseful -- party, so be sure to join the Movie Addict HQ gang at BlogTalkRadio on June 4th at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time, 3 p.m. Central Time, 2 p.m. Mountain Time).

Film-related books to be given away in a random drawing at this Anniversary Celebration include:

Lucille Ball FAQ by James Sheridan and Barry Monush

Me and Orson Welles by Robert Kaplow

Confessions of a Movie Addict by Betty Jo Tucker

Susan Sarandon: A True Maverick by Betty Jo Tucker

During the live show, listeners are invited to call in and to participate in a chat. An archived segment will also be available.

CALL-IN NUMBER: 646-478-5668

HOST: Betty Jo Tucker

PRODUCER: Nikki Starr

LINK TO LISTEN:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2013/06/04/six-years-of-movie-fun 

My Top Ten Films of 2012

                                  
The films below are not in order of preference -- except for THE IMPOSSIBLE, which is my pick for the Best Movie of 2012. How does a film earn a spot on my Top Ten list? That’s simple. If I want to see a movie over and over again it’s sure to be included.

THE IMPOSSIBLE. No other film of 2012 touched me as much as this one. Powerful performances, a suspenseful plot, awesome cinematography and other great production values -- came together to make it one of the best and most inspirational viewing experiences of the year for me.

LES MISÉRABLES. Wow! I prefer happy musicals with singing AND dancing, but this ultra-cinematic film version of the beloved live stage production is something impressive to see and hear.

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK. Watching a close relationship develop between Bradley Cooper’s bi-polar character and Jennifer Lawrence’s spunky ballroom dance wannabe turned out to be a special movie delight of 2012.

THE HUNGER GAMES. Yes, Jennifer Lawrence looking splendid in another lead role (she’s had a very good year)! I haven’t read the book(s) this movie is based on, so I’m amazed at how deeply this motion picture drew me into the farfetched events taking place on screen.

BERNIE. Jack Black delivers his best-ever performance here as a joyful funeral parlor employee who gets involved with a much older woman (played by Shirley McClaine), and it’s not a pretty sight -- but an absolutely fascinating one for Black’s fans and for viewers who love unusual movies.

A ROYAL AFFAIR. I found this intriguing trip back to 18th Century Denmark richly rewarding. And why not? It deals with scandal, love, politics -- and how Denmark went from a backward country to one of the most progressive nations as the result of a German-born “enlightened” physician and his relationship with the mentally ill King and his lovely, open-minded Queen. A splendid mix of love and power!

THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT. As an incurable romantic, I’m obligated to include a romantic comedy on my Top Ten list. Jason Segel and Emily Blunt are simply irresistible as the sometimes star-crossed lovers in this amusing story of two sweethearts who wait to marry longer than they should.

THE TALL MAN. This gem of a horror/thriller boasts a foreboding atmosphere, lots of suspense, and intriguing plot twists that kept me guessing about what was happening to children who disappear from a small mining town. Plus, Jessica Biel displays surprising acting chops as a nurse deeply involved in this mystery -- and I do LOVE a good mystery with twists, turns and surprises like this one.

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN. Awesome special effects enhance this highly entertaining and action-packed version of the Snow White fairy tale. Unfortunately, I still have nightmares about the Wicked Queen played by Charlize Theron!

THE CAMPAIGN. This movie definitely hit home during the 2012 presidential campaign. Like so many other people, I was tired of all the speeches, attack ads, promises and hype -- so watching Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis as hilarious battling political candidates tickled my funny bone and made me realize even more how silly so much of our political campaigning can be.

Honorable Mention:

DJANGO UNCHAINED, HEAD GAMES, BRAVE, THE GIANT MECHANICAL MAN, THE HUNTER, QUARTET, TAKE THIS WALTZ, SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS, THE INTOUCHABLES, MOONRISE KINGDOM

Dishonorable Mention:

BACHELORETTE, BEL AMI, MAGIC MIKE, THIS IS 40, KILLING THEM SOFTLY

Favorite Holiday Films

Merely thinking about certain movies can boost my holiday spirit. I’m talking about movies like the original Miracle on 34th Street with Natalie Wood and Edmund Gwenn. Or Meet Me in St. Louis with Judy Garland. Or A Christmas Story with Darren McGavin. Or The Muppet Christmas Carol with Kermit, Miss Piggy and Michael Caine. Those are the old traditional ones. But get I the same feeling when recalling some off-beat flicks like Scrooged, Trapped in Paradise and Stuart Saves His Family as well as a few other holiday movies like The Grinch, Elf, The Polar Express, and Love Actually.

What do these films have in common? Most of them deliver stories filled with humor and messages of hope -– all wrapped up in an entertaining cinematic package. Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, and The Polar Express tell us we shouldn’t stop believing in the spirit of Christmas, no matter how old we are. Meet Me in St. Louis, Love Actually and A Christmas Story celebrate the importance of love, family and friends during the holidays, while Stuart Saves His Family emphasizes why someone from a dysfunctional family is also “good enough and smart enough” to deserve a Merry Christmas. Trapped in Paradise highlights the way kindness can change even the most highly motivated robbers (Nicolas Cage, Dana Carvey and Jon Lovitz); The Grinch illustrates the power of a child’s innate goodness to bring about redemption; Scrooged depicts a modern-day Scrooge’s (Bill Murray) change of heart; and The Muppet Christmas Carol gives that classic Dickens tale an amusing Muppet spin – with expert help from Michael Caine as Scrooge.

Wonderful scenes from many of these films pop into my mind during the holiday season: Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) daydreaming about how impressed the teacher will be with his essay describing what he wants for Christmas (A Christmas Story); Stuart Smalley (Al Franken) telling his good friend he’ll be her father when she needs one, and she can be his mother when he needs one (Stuart Saves His Family); Judy Garland warbling “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (Meet Me in St. Louis); Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel singing “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” (Elf ); Jim Carrey, as The Grinch, trying to turn his dog Max into Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer; and most touching of all –- Robin the Frog, as Tiny Tim in The Muppet Christmas Carol, shouting “God bless us, everyone!”

In addition to echoing Tiny Tim’s blessing, here’s wishing movie fans everywhere a Happy Holiday Season.

CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT Wins Coveted Royal Dragonfly Book Award

I feel honored that my movie memoir was selected as one of the winners in the 2012 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest. Below is the official press release regarding this event.

CHANDLER, AZ (November, 2012) – The judges of the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which recognizes excellence in literature, have spoken, and CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT by Betty Jo Tucker, won First Place in the Autobiography, Memoir category.

“Winning any place in the Royal Dragonfly Contest is a huge honor because in order to maintain the integrity of the Dragonfly Book Awards, a minimum score is required before a 1st or 2nd place or Honorable Mention will be awarded to the entrant – even if it is the sole entry in a category,” explains Linda Radke, president of Five Star Publications, the sponsor of the Dragonfly Book Awards. “Competition is steep, too, because there is no publication date limit as long as the book is still in print.”

CONFESSIONS OF A MOVIE ADDICT is a film critic’s amusing life story with everything but the fun movie stuff edited out. While describing her longstanding love affair with the cinema, the author includes humorous movie-related experiences, revealing interactions with movie stars, selected interviews and over 70 reviews of films released in 2000 and 2001 A.D. It retails for $19.95 and can be purchased at Amazon.com, Wheatmark.com, and most local bookstores.

For a complete list of winners including all first and second place and honorable mention recipients, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com and click on “Winners.”

The next Royal Dragonfly Book Awards contest is already underway. Submissions postmarked August 1, 2013 or earlier are eligible for the Early Bird reward: a free e-copy of The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing or Promote Like a Pro: Small Budget, Big Show written by Radke. Final deadline for submissions is October 1, 2013. The Early Bird deadline for the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Contest, which recognizes outstanding children's literature, is March 1, 2013. May 1, 2013 is the final deadline. For complete rules and submission forms for either contest, visit www.FiveStarBookAwards.com and click on the contest of choice.

To learn more about Five Star Publications, celebrating 27 years of doing business in Chandler, Ariz., access www.FiveStarPublications.com, email info@FiveStarPublications.com or call 480-940-8182.