Make Em Laugh — The (Very Funny) History of Comedy
Posted on January 25, 2009 at 3:48 pm
There is no better way to strengthen family connections than combining shared laughter and history. So every family should make time to watch the hilarious new PBS series “Make Em Laugh,” the history of comedy on television and in the movies in the United States, from the silent era to Jon Stewart, with current comedians commenting on their inspirations and influences. Episodes on slapstick, satire, pushing the limits, and verbal humor are on the schedule (NOTE: some mature material)
2008 was not a great year for romance on screen, as I have already noted. But there were four very touching movie love stories that deserve special mention:
Wall∙E: Love brought two mechanical creatures to life in this tender romance about a rusty trash compactor with a sentimental soul who falls in love with a sleek little exploratory drone. Together they learn that the real prime directive is devotion and that some rules must be ignored.
HIgh School Musical 3: Senior Year One of the best things about the third in the HSM series is the relationship between Troy and Gabriella. No silly misunderstandings. No pettiness, power-plays, or jealousy. Just sweetness, respect, and support. When Gabriella’s special program prevents her from attending the prom, Troy brings the prom to her — nothing big or showy, just a recognition that they don’t need anything else to make their music.
“Slumdog Millionaire” Two children grow up in a world of unspeakable abuse and poverty but the purity of the love they share keeps their souls intact. At the end of the film, he leans down for their first kiss and instead of her lips, he kisses her scar, showing her that he cannot help be grateful for everything that made her who she is and brought them to this place together.
Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist One of the very few falling-in-love stories of the year, this was this adorable romance starring Kat Dennings and Michael Cera. It beautifully catches the way that falling in love at the same time transforms us and makes us our most authentic selves.
The good news is that there is a good love story opening up in the first month of the new year, an indicator, I hope, of a better year for movie romance in 2009.
Here’s my very favorite scene from the best-loved Christmas classic of all, It’s a Wonderful Life. Watch how George Baily (Jimmy Stewart) tries so hard not to be in love with Mary (Donna Reed) but just can’t help it.
. Watch how George Baily (Jimmy Stewart) tries so hard not to be in love with Mary (Donna Reed) but just can’t help it. 
, written by the actress who played George’s daughter, and 
, with lots of great details and behind-the-scenes stories.