Book Review: The Shepherd, The Angel and Walter the Miracle Christmas Dog

This Christmas novel by former columnist Dave Barry took me less than an hour to read. It's a cute and fun quick read with no major surprises or twists. I chuckled a few times while I read it and even thought it might be a good one to read aloud to older children.

Seemingly semi-autobiographical, the story is set around a small-town Christmas pageant in the 60s. Doug, the main character, is a 13-year-old boy with a bratty brother, a normal sister and huge crush on a 13-year-old girl who is nice to him. Forced to be a shepherd in the church pageant along with his two buddies, Doug is part of some semi-improbable ups-and-downs.

If you generally appreciate Barry's sense of humor, you'll enjoy this.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Book Review: The Stupidest Angel: a Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror

I recently reviewed You Suck: A Love Story, by author Christopher Moore. Enjoying it as I did (see review here), I picked up The Stupidest Angel on my next trip to the library.

I'd have to say, of all the fictional Christmas-themed books I've read, this is my new all-time favorite. The book starts off slowly, almost seeming like it's going to be a chic-lit romance, but picks up quickly once the killing starts. It's not at all scary, unless you are afraid of fruit bats who wear sunglasses.

The story also includes a schizophrenic off her meds, a high sheriff, the titular supernatural character and some dead people. I can't tell you any more without giving away one of the many fun twists and turns in this story.

If you want Christmassy, but not schmaltzy go to the library and check out this fantastic book. I loved it enough that I insisted the Husband read it before I take it back.

5 stars out of 5 for a fun tale of murder and its consequences for the holidays.

Movie Reviews: Santa Baby, the Santa Clause 3: the Escape Clause

It's that time of year again, when studios churn out the "feel good" Santa-themed schlock in the hopes of plucking your heart-strings to get to your cash. Sadly, I've noticed that they almost always have a theme of: Santa can't/won't do his job this year and someone inexperienced or with a "better" idea or whatever is taking over with (theoretically) hilarious results. Not that I'm cynical.

Santa Baby stars Jenny McCarthy as Mary, a workaholic marketing executive who is called back to her small-town home ("Polaris") when her father, Santa (George Wendt), suffers a non-fatal heart attack. Mary is certain that she can improve the whole Christmas process, automating the toy building and letter processing, etc. With her equally cold, workaholic boyfriend back in the big city, Mary rekindles her romance with a high school sweetheart who never left the small town. The elves provide most of the comedy, played as sort of well-meaning idiot-children who bumble through tasks. Cute and predictable, you can watch this with your kids, grandma, whoever. It's not so cutesy or over-sweet that you'll gag, not so boring that you'll turn it off. I don't think I'd buy it, even on sale, but if it's on TV, I might watch.

The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause is the third installment of Tim Allen's Santa Clause movies. To be honest, I thought the first one was cute and the second was obnoxious, so I didn't have high hopes for this one. In this movie, Santa grows overwhelmed with family responsibilities and preparing for Christmas, as Jack Frost (Martin Short) sabotages all his endeavours because Frost desires to be a more important mythical figure. In a "Wonderful Life" way, Santa/Scott sees how miserable everyone would be if he'd never become Santa. With appearances by Aisha Tyler, Spencer and Abigail Breslin, Michael Dorn, Alan Arkin, Ann-Margaret, Kevin Pollack and Peter Boyle, the movie is watchable and enjoyable, if predictable. Better than the last movie, but not an instant holiday classic.

Both movies, 2 stars out of 5. I'd say, rent the Muppets Christmas Carol instead.

Stage Review: Avenue Q

Avenue Q, a sort of grittier, dirtier Sesame Street (in no way related), tells the tale of the residents of a low-income neighborhood. The puppets are operated by actors who are in full view, on stage, singing and dancing with no attempt at being hidden. Knowing that going in, I worried that I would find this distracting. Note, this is not a show for children.

From the opening number, in which the male puppet lead asks what he's supposed to do with his newly-earned BA in English, the show drew me in. The puppet-operating actors sort of blend into their puppets, even the ones who voice several characters at the same time.

The music is catchy, the lyrics had the audience howling in laughter and humor maintained the right blend of anti-PC, bawdiness, and even truth to make the show great. Musical numbers include the funny, and probably more honest than people want to admit "Everybody's A Little Bit Racist", the filthily hilarious "My Girlfriend in Canada", the silly "The Internet is for Porn" and "It Sucks to be Me" and the surprisingly smart "There's a Fine, Fine Line" (which I wish more women would take to heart).

The show includes video screens which are lowered into view for hilarious definitions (educational TV style), the incredibly funny and cute Bad Idea Bears and on-stage, full-nekkid puppet sex. I tried to warn you, not for kids.

The only thing I did find distracting was some of the people switching puppets, which is clever, but almost purposely "look how clever we are".

I give it a 4.5 stars out of 5, in the hopes that they will make it even better and come back.