TheArchive: Reviewing the Rare, Retro, and Restored

The day after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of Christmas and Holiday movie marathons . Holiday films are an integral part of Christmas; they help set the tone for the holidays, foster community, and provide humor, warmth, and comfort during these cold winter months. Over the years, we have seen quite a transformation in holiday films, from the first-holiday film, a silent British film titled Santa Claus (1898) , directed by George Albert Smith, to the action-packed Violent Night (2022) that reimagines Santa Claus as a gritty, action-hero protector, holiday films are ever-evolving. Over the years, Christmas movies have seen significant changes , so let’s take a moment to explore how the genre has evolved. The wholesome, timeless classics like the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol , known as Scrooge , and 1994’s Miracle on 34th Street , reinforced belief in the spirit of Christmas, Santa, and magic, the importance of kindness and community. These films have become cherished traditi...

Coney Island artwork handmade by Multicom's Nicole Bajorek In the summer of 1917, audiences were treated to a delightful escape to a lively amusement park through the silent film Coney Island . This Cinematic gem was one of the earliest collaborations between Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle and Buster Keaton . Keaton, who was still in the early stages of his career, played a supporting role in the film. Coney Island captured the essence of summer with its whimsical humor and daring stunts. So, hold onto your hats and secure your popcorn as we dive into the world of this classic film and uncover its timeless relevance and how it beautifully captures the spirit of summer . While on vacation at Coney Island, Fatty attempts to evade his wife in order to enjoy the amusement park's many attractions. The wife runs into an old friend, who agrees to help her look for her husband. However, when an attractive young woman catches his eye, the old friend ends up wooing her away from her d...

This post was published on (4/14/22) and updated on (4/3/23) . If ever a holiday needed its own cinematic equivalent to "It's a Wonderful Life," then Passover is the likeliest recipient.  Look no further because  When Do We Eat?  is that film. And it is not this writer's opinion but that of critics far and wide.  So this Wednesday, ask yourself, what makes this movie different from all other movies? Well, it's a Passover movie to start.  When Do We Eat? is definitely a memorable one that even draws comparisons to a little Greek farce that roiled our funny bone - or in this case, shank bone, some years ago. But don't get us started on the Greeks. With the tagline, “My big fat Jewish Seder” the viewer has a sense of what’s on the table. And it’s hard to dispute Jmerica.com whose review of the movie exalts it as, “History’s most hilarious Passover comedy.” That is only if Shalom Sesame: It's Passover, Grover! Is not as funny as it potentially sounds.  That b...