Beyond It’s a Wonderful Life
While
I can appreciate the Christmas classics, I try to look for something to watch
that appeals to my enjoyment of the paranormal as well as a story not drowned
in syrup. Some television shows and movies have blended the paranormal into a
more feel good vibe without overdoing it. I’ll give props to A Christmas Story,
but listed below are some of my favorite movies and television holiday-themed
episodes:
I
do like A Christmas Carol because I
liked the ghosts, and it truly is a classic tale. The George C. Scott version
is still one of the best, but my other favorite is Scrooged. Now here’s a Christmas movie I can get behind. Just
seeing Bill Murray let loose with the biting sarcasm he does so well is worth
the watch. Another great take is The
Muppets Christmas Carol with Michael Cain as Scrooge.
Gremlins: they’re sooo
cute.
Tim
Burton directed some wonderful ethereal, winter/Christmas movies. The Nightmare Before Christmas combines
my favorite, Halloween, with Christmas. Leave it to Tim Burton to merge the two
delightfully. And I have to include Edward
Scissorhands. I don’t love all Tim Burton movies, but this was so artfully
made. So sad and beautiful. Burton and Depp’s best collaboration in my opinion,
and Vincent Price in his last, perfect role as the Inventor.
On
to great television episodes.
The
X-Files “How the Ghosts Stole Christmas”. Scully and Mulder investigate a house
haunted by Ed Asner and Lily Tomlin. Asner and Tomlin gave great performances as
ill-fated lovers which the writers used to parallel the growing bond between our
favorite FBI agents. Some of the best X-Files episodes were the ones that
showed Scully and Mulder interacting in odd-ball situations.
Buffy
the Vampire Slayer “Amends”. I cried when I saw this episode. Angel is haunted
by the people he killed (this is after he went Angelus on everyone) and Buffy
convinces him to stay alive and fight the good fight.
The
Simpson’s first episode, “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire”. Tackles both the
despondency I sometimes feel around this holiday, but ultimately providing a
heart-felt ending without the syrup.
And
so I don’t appear totally heartless, I do love the quiet homage of Charlie
Brown’s Christmas, and the Grinch, because if anyone can do a Christmas story
without obliging us to feel fuzzy inside, it’s Dr. Seuss.
So
grab some Egg Nog and prepare to laugh, cry, and maybe get a little spooked. Have
a great holiday!
The Necromancer’s Betrayal
The Necromancer Series
Book 2
Mimi Sebastian
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Publisher: ImaJinn/Belle Books
ISBN: 978-1611945119
ASIN:
Number of pages: 226
Cover Artist: Debra Dixon
Book Description:
Her powers have been hobbled. Her enemies are growing stronger.
Old loves challenge her. And her worst betrayer may be herself.
Necromancer Ruby Montagne is battling for her life in the realm of demons. Unfairly branded for the death of a fellow necromancer, she’s got to prove her innocence without the full use of her magic. And the real culprit is still on the loose.
While someone is stalking her friends among the witches, Ruby searches for answers inside the dark intrigues of both the demon and necromancer worlds. Ruby must confront this new, sinister threat while reconciling her feelings for her former lover, a demon warrior. Only it’s difficult . . . because a sexy vampire is making it clear that he’d like to be a lot more than just friends.
The competition for Ruby’s trust heats up as the enemy pushes her toward a dark side that could threaten the entire realm. Yet what can Ruby do when she’s not even sure what she is? With the fabric separating the realms at stake, she must decide whom to trust. But will the ultimate betrayal be her own?
Available at Amazon
About the Author:
Mimi Sebastian raised herself on books and the strange and unusual, and an unhealthy dose of comics and movies. When a career as a punk guitarist failed to materialize, she completed her degree in urban planning, spent two years in the Ivory Coast with the Peace Corps, and another three years in Brazil. By day, she debates the merits of transport oriented development, by night she writes about necromancers and pirates. She’s convinced she could live off coffee, ice cream, and comic books, but is sure only one of those is good for her health.
She's a member of Romance Writers of America and the Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA. A transplant from the beaches of Florida, Mimi now wanders the desert in Phoenix, AZ, and attempts to balance writing with a day career, fantastic family, and household diva: her Amazon parrot.
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