Christmas movies - Whedonverse

As I am a major Joss Whedon fan, of course I love it when my favorite actors pop up in movies during the Holidays. Lucky for me, they apparently love it too. Because I found a whole lot of them! I haven't seen all of them, but here they are:

Help for the Holidays (2012) with Summer Glau 
The little boy Will wishes Christmas spirit back into his family. His mother, Sara, is a busy woman with a Christmas shop, but no seasonal spirit and his dad Scott has lost that feeling too. Older sister Ally sees no point in it either. So Santa sends Christine, one of his elfs who wonders if there could be more to life than making toys in the North Pole, to the family as a nanny for the children. She must go to the real world and help them get the Christmas spirit back.

Why watch it? Summer Glau is enchanting as an elf. We are all thinking it right? She is the perfect elf! In a lot of kids movies, the children are basically annoying, but this isn't the case here. Of course love is involved and a little bit of family drama about neglecting the children, but this movie is full of magic and the story is actually a lot of fun. Sidenote: Don't you just love Hallmark? You can watch it in full:

A Golden Christmas (2009) with Nicholas Brendon
Another Hallmark movie is A Golden Christmas. Andrea Roth plays Jessica, a federal lawyer and single mother, who returns to her parents for the Holidays. Once here, she finds out that her parents are selling their beloved family home to new guy Michael (Nicholas Brendon!). She does not agree and will do everthing in her power to stop it from happening. As it turns out, they both know each other from way back when they were children... But they can't seem to remember it.

Why watch it? Well, it's Nicky. Nuff said! Just in case you want some more: Andrea may come off a little fake, but Nicholas is great in this adult single father role. The story is predictable, yes, but it's also sweet. Maybe sweet enough to give you a toothache but that depends on what kind of Christmas movies you like. It's funny, but also simple. Oh, and there's a really cute dog too!

Dear Santa (2011) with Amy Acker
Rich and spoiled 24-year old Crystal (Amy Acker) is being cut off by her parents: She has to find a job or a man. So faith lends a helping hand. A letter to Santa comes across her path and she reads it. In this letter Olivia asks Santa to send her father (David Hadyn-Jones) a new wife for Christmas. Crystal sees this as a sign and starts to look him up. Once in his life, it turns out that father Derek had the same idea... with ex- but now once again -girlfriend Jilian (Gina Golden).

Why watch it? Amy Acker is a bit to convincing in her role as spoiled rich kid/woman, but it's part of the role and luckily that doesn't last very long. It only takes about a couple of minutes to get into the movie and it's very enjoyable. Sure, it's a romantic comedy, so it's very predictable, but this movie is filled with nice characters and the story isn't half bad either. Amy Acker is sweet and David Hadyn-Jones is one of those people every girls falls for because he has an amazing heart. This movie also pays attention to homeless people, which gives it an extra layer. It reminds the audience that not everybody is always lucky enough to spend it in a warm house with their family.

Call Me Mrs. Miracle with Jewel Staite
Just like Mrs. Miracle, this movie is a romantic comedy with children, a love story and personal lives. This movie takes place in New York City where Mrs. 'Merkle' starts working as a saleswoman in a departmant store that is owned by the family Finley. Jake Finley and his father work together: Jake is responsible for the toy department. He conveniently comes across Holly, a beautiful assistant to fashion designer Gloria who dreams of becoming one herself. She's also the legal guardian of her nephew Gabe. He is her first priority and she feels she has no time for anything else. But even though Jake respects her choice, he will not let this wonderful person go without trying.

Why watch it? This movie is not as great as Mrs. Miracle, I have to admit. But Jewel Staite is wonderful, so is Eric Johnson. It feels like the story is a bit rushed at times, but it's got everything that you can find in Mrs. Miracle. It's about love, giving, family and well...toys. Classic toys like trains and board games, instead of all the technical stuff you see everywhere nowadays. My only 'downpoint' about the movie is Holly's boss Gloria. She is overly dramatic (just as her character should be) but it really gets on my nerves and makes it less enjoyable to watch the movie. What this movie adds is attention to children who's parents are in the military and have to spend Christmas with out them. Instead of focusing mostly on family matters and love, this movie also focuses on work related issues. It's a nice addition to the Mrs. Miracle series, and definitely worth a watch.

A Christmas Kiss (2011) with Elisabeth Röhm
Wendy is an aspiring designer, but for now she's assistant to slave worker Priscilla (Elisabeth Röhm). All she wants is to impress her and make her dreams come true. Then she meets Adam in an elevator and when the elevator falls down, they kiss. Later it turns out Adam is Priscilla's boyfriend/fiancee. Adam and Wendy grow closer as the holidays approach, because she has to make sure the engagement goes forward as planned. 

Why watch it? It's funny and cute. It's nice to see Röhm in an 'evil' role, not to mention eye candy Brendan Fehr. Though it's kinda weird to see Fehr so businessy, and good to see him warm up as the movie progresses. Storywise it's amazing that it's set against the Nutcracker, which - of course - is the theater piece for Christmas, as well as the Christmas Carol for a party. Other than that it's one of those inspiring stories for young starters who are trying to make a career and need to stand up to a fierce boss. And the dynamic between the roommates is amazingly funny. Who doesn't love that? Watch it yourself (in parts).

Christmas is Ruined (short 8 minutes) with Tom Lenk
It's a funny take on a missing Santa Claus where an elf is being interrogated because the workshop has been burned down. It takes place in the interogation room of a police department where tension is running high.
Note: It's a Funny or Die video, watch it yourself:  http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/08bb57123f/christmas-is-ruined

Why watch it? It's ridiculously funny! Tom is an amazing elf and his responses to the interogation is very creative. The ending is both scary as brilliant. It's just an awesome take on a Christmas story.

P.S. I Love You with James Marsters
A young widow discovers that her late husband has left her ten messages to help her ease the pain and start a new life. Every now and then she gets a letter telling her to do something or remeniscing. It also takes her to Ireland, where her husband was from, leading her to visit her in-laws. But how it's possible for her to receive these letters, remains a mystery.

Why watch it? Technically this isn't a Christmas movie. But the song 'Fairytale in New York' is played during Gerry's funeral, which is a Christmas song. And Hilary Swank singing along with 'The Man That Got Away' by Judy Garland also reminds me of Christmas, because watching old classics/musicals feels like a Christmas holidays thing to do. Other than that P.S. I Love You is just a wonderful story, right to the tearjerking moments, with amazing actors. You should have at least seen it once in your life.

A Christmas Wish (2011) with Kristy Swanson
Martha Evans' husband left her, not long before Christmas. He took all of their cash, left her homeless and with two daughters and a stepson. She leaves the town, hoping to find work along the way. After a long while on the road, she ends up in a small town and finds a job at a rural diner (formarly known for its home-made root beer). But with bills piling up, a broken down car and the danger of being kicked out of the motel she's staying in, Christmas isn't looking to cheery. 

Why watch it? First of all, I know that for a lot of fans Kristy Swanson isn't really Whedony. But she did play the first Buffy, so that's why she made the list. The movie is lovely and full of drama about someone who lost everything right before Christmas: The time to spend with your family. But they make the best of it, with a little help from their newly found friends. Even though the story might seem a bit rushed (people she's only just met going all out for her) it's the perfect Christmas spirit for those who need it. It also has a great guest appearance from Edward Herrman.
Still have to watch a couple of them though, like:

Anne Karenina (2012) with Olivia Williams
It's a story by Leo Tolstoy about the aristocrat Anna Karenina, who enters into a life-changing afair with the charming Count Vronsky. Set in the late 19th century Russia high society. 

Why do I want to watch it? Because I have read the most amazing reviews. I love literature and Keira Knightley is amazing in these movies (just think Pride and Prejudice). Of course I will love the fact that Olivia Williams plays in it, but I am mostly looking forward to seeing how director Joe Wright made the sets and a real theatrical stage thing happen. I'm so curious, I cannot wait! I don't really know if it's a Christmas movie, but it's in Russia and the trailer has shown me a lot of snow, so I'm thinking it's good for the Holidays. 

Ordinary People (1980) with Adam Baldwin
The accidental death of the older son of an affluent family deeply strains the relationship among the bitter mother, the good natured father, and the guilt-ridden younger son.

Why do I wanna watch it? Honestly, I would just like to see more of this young cute face of Adam Baldwin. When I watch the trailer it all seems very heavy and dramatic, not at all a Christmas movie. So I still have my doubts.

A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas (2011) with Neil Patrick Harris 
Six years after their Guantanamo Bay adventure, stoner buds Harold and Kumar cause a holiday fracas by inadvertently burning down Harold's father-in-law's prize Christmas tree.

Why do I wanna watch it? I've never seen any Harold & Kumar movie, but the trailer seems hilarious! A little bit too much shouting for my taste, but funny none the less. Full of Christmas scenery and amazing actors. It's got Neil Patrick Harris AS Neil Patrick Harris and he sings 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas'. You gotta love that!

Holiday Wishes (2006) with Amber Benson 
Britney, a rich and spoiled child, and Rachel, an orphan,  switch bodies after a visit to their High School party... With a little help from a stranger. Each girl wakes up as the other. While Rachel teaches Britney's unloving family the true meaning of Christmas (with some intervention of professional party planner Danni), Britney learns that giving is better than getting.

Why do I wanna watch it? Well, it sounds like Freaky Friday at Christmas, which makes it very predictable. But I love, love, love Amber Benson - who plays Danni - and I think she might the person to make this movie work.

Michelle Trachtenberg
Michelle is in a couple of movies that you can enjoy during the Holidays. I've seen two of them, but I decided to put them all together. Here they are:

- Christmas in My Hometown
- Richie Rich's Christmas Wish
- Black Christmas
- Ice Princess (Not really a Christmas movie, but still a little bit appropriate: )

I know I planned to do this list last year, but I simply didn't have the time. It's all done now though! That's all the ones I came up with/could find, so take your pick to make it a Whedony Christmas guys. Oh, and feel free to let me know what you think ;-). 

(on the right from top to bottom: Call Me Mrs Miracle, 

A Golden Christmas and Dear Santa)

Christmas movies - Children

Yes, I'm back! With a whole lot of Christmas movies to spend the holidays with. Sure, it's only just december, but it's never too early to start watching Christmas movies when it's getting colder and colder outside and you simply wanna snuggle up and drink hot cocoa. Last year I talked about Romance, Classics and Drama, but now I'd like to start with children's movies. They have the most wonderful stories, filled with magic and beautiful sets. So here we go: 

Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983)If you don't know the story, let me give it to you short: Seven years after the death of Ebenezer Scrooge's business partner Jacob Marley, on Christmas Eve, Scrooge has no compassion, kindness or charity and hates Christmas. He doesn't do gifts or parties, except for giving his underpaid clerk Bob Cratchit Christmas Day off with pay. That night when Scrooge goes home, he's visited and warned by the ghost of Marley that three spirits will visit him that night: To stop him from having the same afterlife as Marley the spirits will confront him with the choices he made in life in the hope of turning his life around. There are a lot of movie adaptations of this story, including this one with Mickey and his friends. In this version of course it's none other than Scrooge McDuck who plays Scrooge and Mickey as Bob Cratchit.

Why watch it? It's the Charles Dickens story! But now with all the characters we grew up loving: Mickey Mouse and his friends. It's the first version of the classic I ever watched and I'll always remember it. It's a very short movie, but ever so lovely. Once again all the characters are integrated perfectly and it's one of my faves. You gotta love them all singing 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas'. Seriously: You have to see it at least once in your life! It's now available on Daily Motion ;-).

Home Alone 1  & 2: Lost in New York (1990 & 1992)
The youngest of a family, Kevin, get's in trouble the night before the family leaves for the Christmas holidays. He's sent to the attic to sleep by himself and when everybody oversleeps, he's forgotten. At first it's the best time ever for Kevin, but then he finds out that two burglers are planning to rob his house and he'll need to come up with a plan to stop them.

One year later, Kevin isn't forgotten but he looses his family at the airport and gets on the wrong plane. Only to end up... in New York! With his dads credit card in his bag he checks in to the Plaza and has the best time on his own. Who needs family anyway? But what do you know?? Two bandits escaped out of jail, and they are none other than Harry and Marv: The burglers Kevin helped put a way a year before. When they spot Kevin, all by his lonesome, it's time for payback!

Why watch them? Well, for one it's written by John Hughes. Need I say more? I'll say a little more: It's got the most perfect songs and soundtrack, insane characters and perfect jokes. Macauley Culkin is perfect as Kevin and super cute as well, while Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern are epic as the villains. They takes celebrating Christmas to a whole new level, filled with the dream that some children might have of what to do when they were actually on their own. It's got snow, family, love, Christmas decorations, Christmas trees, Santa's, choirs, you name it. Even after all these years it remains a joy to watch! And that goes for both movies.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Here Dickens is again! Like I said, there are many adaptations/version of this story. This is the Muppet version of Charles Dickens' story, where Kermit is Bob Cratchit and Michael Caine plays Scrooge. "Bah, humbug!"

Why watch it? A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a classic. So you can't not watch a version at Christmas. There are way too many of them of course, but this one is awesome. Hello: MUPPETS!!! It's wonderful to see all the know characters and how they integrated them into the story, along with the songs. It's truly amazing and a joy to watch.

Look Who's Talking Now (1993)
The second one in a row of three movies (Look Who's Talking and Look Who's Talking Too are the other ones) this movie centers on a family Ubriacco: James and Mollie with children Mikey and Julie. Mollie is a top accountant at her firm, but because her salary is so high, she's suddenly laid off. In the meantime James is hardly at home because of his job: as private air pilot for Samantha d'Bonne, who has a crush on him. The movie also adds two dogs: While in the previous movies the baby's were voiced in a voice over, in this movie it's the two dogs (since the children are old enough to speak).

Why watch it? It balances the adult and child story very well: there's the dogs for the children, while having to be unemployed and ending up as an elf is something more for grown ups. While child actors can be annoying from time to time, Look Who's Talking Now has the wonderful David Gallagher who's always a joy to watch. In the main leads you've got John Travolta and Kristie Alley who's chemistry is amazing. So in short: it's a lovely movie, with cute dogs, sweet kids, nice jokes and a good storyline.

Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
When the Cole´s Santa Clause gets drunk before taking part in the Thanksgiving parade, Dorey Walker (Elizabeth Perkins) - Cole's director of special events - fires him and needs to find a replacement immediatly. She spots an old man (Richard Attenborough) and begs him to take over. This man, Kris Kringle, does so well that he's hired as Cole's main Santa for the holiday period. All the children in New York begin to believe that he's the real deal, except Dorey's six year old daughter Susan (Mara Wilson). Then one night he's arrested for supposedly assaulting a man on the street and the case is taken into court.
Based on the original movie from 1947 with the same title.

Why watch it? Once again there's a story about children not believing and it's set in a very relatable environment. It's a long road to Christmas and to believing, but this movie has it all. A wonderful and touching story, sweet children, a jolly Santa, romance, drama and humor. It also plays well into the consumerism that surrounds the holidays these days. And of course the discourse about adults believing and why they would do so.

Anastasia (1997)
When the revolution in Russia ensued (1916), many members of the royal family didn't survive. Grandmother Marie and granddaughter Anastasia were able to escape, but soon lost each other outside of the walls of the palace. Ten years later, in 1926, Russia is under communist rule and the grandmother, now in Paris, is still looking for her granddaughter. Whoever brings them together again, will get ten million rubles. Two russian men, Dimitri and Vladimir, will do anything to collect that award and soon meet Anya. An orphan who lost her memory (and is in fact the real Anastasia). The only thing she has of her past is the necklace with the words 'Together in Paris'. In a deserted palace she finds Dimitri and Vladimir, who are struck with her resemblance and decide to take her with them to Paris. But all isn't as simple as it is. Because Rasputin. the one who cursed Anastasia's family and caused the revolution, still wishes to kill her and destroy the Romanov line.

Why watch it? I love this movie so much, ever since childhood. And I watch it every year. Though it technically isn't a Christmas movie it starts in Russia and there's a lot of snow. Anastasia has some beautiful songs,there's a lovely romance, a rich history, great characters and a sweet story with adorable animals like Pooka and Bartok.

(Credits song, I seriously love it!)

The Grinch aka How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Dr. Suess stories always do well around Christmas and holidays. Jim Carrey took on the role of the Grinch in Whoville, the city where everyone celebrates Christmas with much happines and joy except for Grinch. He despises Christmas and the Whos and they don't care for him either. Cindy Lou, an 8 year old girl, meets him one day and wants to find out the true meaning of Christmas as well as Grinch's story.

Why watch it? I guess for everyone who read the books, it's a classic. For me it's just a funny story with an hilarious Jim Carrey as The Grinch as an evil, but also misunderstood creature. He's got the cutest dog, it's a lovely children's story with lovely songs ('Where are you Christmas?') and it's full of Christmas spirit.

The Santa Clause (1, 2,3) (1994, 2002, 2006)
Tim Allen is Scott C alvin/Santa Claus... or better yet: Will become Santa Claus. A divorced man who lives for his work (as an advertising executive for a toy company) and has a soon but is mostly neglecting his fatherly duties. When he accidentaly causes Santa to fall of his roof and to his death on Christmas Eve, he needs to take over for the sake of the world. He will then go on a journey and some major phyical changes to become Santa Clause, to learn more about himself, his son and family values.

2: The Mrs. Clause: Eight years have gone by since Scott Calvin first took up the Santa Claus suit. Now he couldn't be happier and he's at the top of his game, until Bernard and Curtis - the head elf and the Keeper of the Handbook of Christmas - break the news about another clause: The Mrs Clause. Which states that only a married man can become Santa. Now it's up to Santa Clause/Scott Calvin to find a bride. But there's a more personal issue as well: Scott's 16 year old son, Charlie, is on the naughty list.

3: The Escape Clause: While Santa Claus is having his entire family over to the North Pole - without them finding out he's Santa Claus and making them believe he's a toy maker in Canada - Jack Frost is reaking havoc. The Escape Clause gets invoked, going back to the moment where Scott Calvin became Santa so Frost can take his place. Back to his old toy advertising self again, Scott has to find a way to make everything right again.

Why watch it? It's nice to watch a trilogy sometimes, even if the first one is still the best out of  three. They are funny, always deal with the cutest children en show a magical wonderland of Santa's workshop. The elves are wonderful and Tim Allen makes one convincing Santa. All of the questions (how does Santa enter when there's no fireplace? etc.) are creatively answered and that's just one of the many joys of watching. Of course there's more beneath the story about Calvin rediscovering what it means to be a good dad for his son, who's overjoyed.

The Polar Express (2004)
In the late 1950's - on Christmas Eve -  a young boy questions his belief in Santa Clause. He hears a sound outside and while investigating, finds that it's a steam-powered passenger train named 'The Polar Express' which is headed to the North Pole. With some hesitation he jumps on at the last minute. There he meets other children and many different people on his way, with whom he has many adventures while on the train.

Why watch it? The Polar Express is the first all-digital capture film and it looks amazing!! Then there's Tom Hanks who plays six distinct roles, which is a joy to watch. But what you really like about a Christmas movie is the story and this movie is the perfect example. It's a touching story about a boy who doesn't believe, just like so many children at that age set again all of those who do. You've got the winter wonderland, filled with snow and a whole lot of magic (so to speak).

Take a look at this link to view some of them:
 http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/christmas/articles/64/title/watch-101-classic-christmas-videos-online

This Christmas

This Christmas

It won't be like any other
It'll be different...
Everything's different
Everything will feel different

It'll be one person less

One person more
And one person less
It'll be strange...
Mixed emotions
But at least we're together... Yet apart

This Christmas
There's one day more
It won't be so bad

It doesn't have to be.
It's the same lights,

the same songs
the same decorations...

This Christmas
We'll be fine
It'll be fun
It'll be good...
It will just have to be
That's the spirit of Christmas...

Right?

Everybody needs light in their life :)

This week (until Saturday the 16th) the city Eindhoven is the city of light. Artists, students and children all worked on the greatest works of art with light. Glow is a five kilometer walk (give or take) and there's lots of sideshows in different buildings that you pass by (or choose to go in). Lastly there's a different part of the city, Strijp S, where there's lots of stuff as well.

It was a very rainy day. First me and my dad had dinner and then we took off to the festival of lights - rain coats and all. We didn't start at the beginning - you're walking in a circle anyway, so there's no real need for that - but started at the first point we came to. There were three sort of flying fish, soaring on the wind. It was beautiful and great to start with.

Next we came to a tree, where the lights changed on the beat of the music. It was very beautiful. Just take a look ;-).
 

 

Of course we had a map on us, but there were so many people that we didn't even need it. We could just follow the crowd. It was the opening of the festival, so it was really busy. There were also a lot of queues to see the side shows, so we skipped most of them. Usually these are quite good, but it was just so cold and rainy that both me and my dad didn't fancy waiting around for hours. Another thing was that there was already a lot to see and I was very tired (I already worked the morning shift - which meant getting up at 4 o clock in the morning), because it was turning out to be a very long day.

This is one of the things I really enjoyed. I love how they can just fit everything exactly like the house. The house changed colours and I must admit that it kinda reminded me of the flower power times, but I still liked it. They were beautiful and the colours were very bright and sharp. It was pretty awesome. Below you can see another house where they did the same. These houses also reminded me a little of the Efteling (one of the themeparks that mainly focuses on fairytales), because of their bright and lively colours. The one below especially makes me think of Hansel and Gretl :P.

One of the highlights is always the Catherine Church. It's such an amazing show, defying laws of physics and messing with your brain: It's awesome. So my dad and I got there and it was very quiet, so we could get a great spot to check it out. Images were being projected onto it, but no sound appeared. And... nothing happened on the left side of the church! So we waited and waited for something more spectacular to happen, but it didn't... Only a guy showed up, saying that it wasn't functioning correctly and we should come back in 1,5-2 hours. That's how much time it would take for it to get fixed. So my dad and I moved along.

As I said, we didn't start at the beginning, but we arrived at the starting point about half way there. And let me tell you, that was quite an impressive show. It was a water and lights show. Above a pond there was this thing that blew the water upwards and onto that a 3D DRAGON was projected!!! Man that was awesome! You had to find the right place to stand though, because if you stood by the sides of the pond, it would simply be like looking at a projecter screen: You'd see colours but no real picture or the 3D dragon. It was kinda epic.

My dad and I were both really curious about what was happening in the PSV stadium (from the soccer team that celebrated it's 100 years this year). It took a while to get in and even than we weren't sure what was gonna happen. We still had a lot to see, so we ended up walking right through it instead. Stupid choice as it turns out, because above you can see the spectacular light show they created.

Across from it, there was one side show that we both really wanted to see. Because they wanted to recreate the northern light (if that's how you say it). It was nice, they used steam and everything, but it wasn't that mesmerizing as I'd hoped. We saw a lot of little things as well, like the flowers in the water and the stuff that kids made. Finally, around 22.30h we were back where we started from. We had walked for over 2,5 hours and I was incredibly tired, soar feet and I still had to get back to Utrecht.

Just like previous years I enjoyed going, even with the bad weather. Yes it was cold and we probably didn't take as much time as we usually do or saw as much as previous years, but nonetheless it was another great year of Glow.

HalloWhedon 5 - More Epic Shit

Last weekend was the best weekend of the year: HalloWhedon - 5th edition already! The weekend devoted to works of Joss Whedon, where fans gather and actors come to meet them. This year was a little bit different than others though: It wasn't in London as all the previous editions had been, but it was in Birmingham (Hilton Hotel). Initially it wasn't even supposed to be for just Whedon, but also other shows. Luckily we got our wish and it stayed Whedon and the line up was amazing!!! We even had one of the most amazing writers with us: Jane Espenson :D. Unfortunately Amy Acker had to cancel, because of work (Person of Interest), but we still had seven guests so it was promising to be a busy and awesome weekend.

(Time for EPICNESS)

Rocky start

On Friday morning Christa and I planned to meet up at Schiphol at eight for our flight. But as I got there, I got a text that her dad lost his ID... We all went through some pretty crappy shit to see what our possibilities were and they weren't all to good. Eventually it was decided that I would get on the plane and Christa and her dad had to rebook so they could go home and search for his ID. It was an awful way to start a weekend that was supposed to be amazing. So we hugged, wished each other luck and we would see each other in Birmingham at the hotel. My flight was alright - even though the left propellor not working in the beginning made me a bit anxious - and when I got to Birmingham I ran into some other Dutchies including my roommate Yvonne. We found our way to the hotel and checked into our rooms.

One of the most important things of a weekend like this is good food. So we took a walk around the hotel and in the hotel to see what our options were. It was nada. There was nothing around so we would either have to order pizza or go to the airport again (which was not too far away). We did manage to get some fresh air though: it was a beautiful park and had a lovely pond. As we started to make our way back again we ran into the twins from Belgium and we made our way back to the hotel. When the twins were busy checking in some very familiar faces caught my eye, because everyone started arriving!!!!! Lots of hugs were given and received and I even got a little teary eyed seeing Nicola, Sarah, Joey, Elspeth, Rhys and his lovely fiancé Joanne, Stephen and Carrie again for the first time in a year. It truly was the best!!! And I was overjoyed when I saw Christa and her dad standing in the lobby!! They made it and all in time for the opening ceremony. We hang out some and decided to eat at the airport with a group of friends. It was a delicous meal and I was so happy I couldn't get the smile of my face.

(Getting a bite to eat with the scoobs and newbies)

At 19.30h the Opening Ceremony was about to begin and all guests were called on stage!!! This moment always reminds me of a rock concert with all of us screaming, shouting, yelling and clapping... So much clapping, because they all deserve it. K Todd Freeman (Buffy, TMNT), Jeff Rickets (Buffy, Angel, Firefly), Sarah Hagan (Buffy, Freaks and Geeks), Tom Lenk (Buffy, Angel, Cabin in the Woods, Much Ado About Nothing), Brad Bell (Husbands), Jane Espenson (writer, Buffy, Angel, Once Upon a Time and soooo much more) and Alexis Denisof (Buffy, Angel, Dollhouse, Much Ado About Nothing, How I Met Your Mother) all said a few words and thanked us for making it possible. The usual things were explained about what you could find where and how everythig worked and then it was time for the wine reception for the Gold Card Holders (which was me :D ).

Our friends group has become so big over the past few years that we immediately took up an entire table. We started chatting and were soon joined by - I believe the first person was Alexis Denisof. *sigh* He's so handsome... *sigh again*. All the guests get some time to chat to the people at various tables and we chatted a lot. They probably say this to every table, but I still liked hearing it that pretty much every guest told us that they enjoyed our table the most :D. I asked Alexis when we could see him dance and Tom if he'd ever been in Amsterdam. Jeff tried to pinpoint where we came from by our names and Jane told us she had a friend from the Netherlands and could still remember the numbers 'elf en twaalf' (eleven and twelve) because they rhymed. Unfortunately Tom wasn't feeling well, so he wouldn't shake hands or hug, but that didn't really matter. It was just awesome to have him there! K Todd and Sarah were also so nice and a real treat to be around. Everybody had so much to talk about and time simply went to fast. The one guest that I totally fell in love with though, is Brad Bell. He was so shy in the beginning because he thought nobody knew him!!! He and Jane made the most amazing sitcom/webseries Husbands and it was so nice to get to talk to him.

As I said, the time went by way to quickly and the reception ended... By then the party had already started, so we all went to our rooms and changed for the Hawaian party. Even Brad, Jane, Sarah and Jeff showed up (I hope I didn't miss anybody). They didn't know it was a themed party, so I gave Brad one of my 'Lei's' and we chatted a bit. It was an amazing first day/night, but it was very eventful so I went to bed pretty early. With lots of hugs from all the friends I had to miss for a year and even a surprise hug from the great Clairificus :). 

(The ReWatchers - our facebookgroup with whom we rewatch Joss' shows and movies)

Quite the busy schedule
Because we had so many guests this year - which was awesome - we had a very busy schedule of getting our autographs and photographs taken. It pretty much meant running from one side of the hotel to the other and passing friends along the way. I must admit that I was a bit bummed about this because I hardly got to see or talk to my friends. Even at the talks - which took place in the afternoon - our group was very much split up. The talks were great, I even got to ask some questions myself: Alexis had so many wonderful things to say and he's just the nicest guy! Alyson is one lucky lady!! And Sarah and Jeff together, that was something alright! We also had a screening of the episode Band Candy (Buffy) with commentary by Jane Espenson and K Todd Freeman. Afterwards they also got on stage and we got to ask them some questions. It was so wonderful and we had a lot of laughs with all of it. The final talk of the day was with K Todd and Tom after which the Auction followed. There's always so many great things that people pay soooooo muuuuuuch money for! It's uncanny. I wish I had that kind of money :P. But I always go, because I wanna know what kind of wonderful stuff they have every year.

(Our wonderful group of friends during the Halloween party)

After the auction we had some time to kill - or eat... We had actually planned a pizza party with the ReWatchers (our facebook group with who we watch all the works of Whedon), but it got kinda late so we ended up eating crackers and elves bread (from Lord of the Rings) which Christa made. Then we finished dressing up and went to the HalloWeen party. When we arrived people were already dancing. And con-goers truly have the most amazing costumes!!!! Seriously, some of them really frightened me and others were so damn cute.
The thing that really bugged me though, was that as soon as Alexis came in the room people flew to him like moths to a flame... They started asking for pictures and honestly: That's simply not done! That's what the photographs are for and guests should be left alone to enjoy the party for themselves. That's my oppinion anyway. Alexis turned them down for pictures and went on his way to ride the mechanical spider (you know what I mean!), but once again: Moths. So he simply watched. My friends and I got kind of annoyed by it so we chose the dancefloor, which was relatively empty by this point. We were having a lot of fun and even Alexis walked around a bit on the dancefloor. We were just having a good time, when suddenly someone from Showmasters (or was it Massive Events?) came up to us and asked if we would like to take a picture of us enjoying the party WITH ALEXIS!!! KARMA BABY!!! We didn't have to bother him for a picture or to ask and try to make him dance with us, it simply came to us. This was such a great moment for us, because the picture turned out great! Of course we didn't know what it was for, so I went to find the lady/girl who took it and asked her if we could get it too. As it turned out: it was for their twitter. So everyone could see us partying with Alexis. GAAAAAAAAAH.
After having bothered Alexis three times now to ask if he would dance for us (he tweeted that he would if HalloWhedon was sold out), Alexis came through! His dance! OMG... there are no words. It's awesome and amazing and definitly qualifies as an EPIC MOMENT.
I think that every one of the guests actually showed up for the party, which was kinda epic as well. Brad had the coolest costume and Sarah even wore vamp teeth! It was all very awesome. We partied till we couldn't party no more - well, some of us anyway - and then we went to bed, glad to have that one hour extra when the clocks get reset.

LESSON LEARNED: Going to bed before the party ends, is never a good thing at HalloWhedon. This was proven by my friends when they finally got Brad Bell to play Pop-Up Pirate IN JOEY'S ROOM after the party had ended. And I missed it!!! Stupid, stupid me!!! (just fyi: the Pop-Up Pirate thing, was also a twitter thing between us scoobs).

(Our party pic with Alexis!!!! *swoon* EEEEEP)

The Perfect Day
The Sunday we met up again for breakfast after which we had to get the remaining autographs and photographs. I bought a photograph extra with Brad Bell, because I still had mine from the Saturday and I completely fell in love with this guy over the weekend. He's just too cute! This was soon done and then we had some time to kill. We had a chance to talk to our friends and hang a bit, go to the dealers room and buy some extra stuff if we liked (I already bought my ticket for HalloWhedon 6 ;-) ).
On Saturday Brad and Jane also gave writing workshops. But there were so many write ins, that it was pretty tough to get in. Instead of just one writing workshop (which they had done on Saturday), they organized one extra on Sunday. One at noon and one around four o clock. I immediatly signed up for both and then I had to wait until half an hour before the workshop to check if I got in. In the mean time we went to the guest talks and had a blast. Everyone always comes up with the funniest questions and the guests tell us the most amusing stories.

 
(Me and Jane acting out Coulson's death :'( )

 
One of my favorite things on the Sunday is also the Game Show. Four guests - devided in two teams - will test their Whedoknowledge and every year one person from the audience is chosen for each team. Usually I sit a little bit more in the back or I simply raise my hand to late, but this year I was really enthousiastic. LOL. AND I GOT PICKED!!! I was on Tom's and Jane's team "We are as Gods" against our worthy opponents Jeff, Sarah and David (from the audience) "ESP's". Though my mind totally blacked out and I couldn't remember some of the easier questions (the Shanshu prophecy for example), we did pretty awesome! I guess I was a little bit nervous and star struck, haha. My favorite round was definitely playing out some scènes - I even tried my best to get the characters right. When I think back I still get a huge smile on my face! And WE WON!!! I totally didn't expect it, because I felt we had some wrong answers, but we did. And I think we can be pretty proud as well, because we set a new record!!! 51 points :D  (usually the winning team has about 39 points). I even got a little gift bag, which was filled with amazing stuff.

(Tom being Anya and me being Andrew from Storytellers)

I almost forgot to mention that I got a hug from both Jane and Tom while on stage and Sarah congratulated me on the win. It was some pretty epic shit. For me anyway. I totally felt like a rockstar. Especially when the quiz master asked my name and said 'Amy' instead of 'Immy'... the whole crowd - and by that I mean ALL THE WONDERFUL AND AMAZING FRIENDS I MADE OVER THE YEARS - shouted my name "it's Immy with an 'I'" !!!! OMG!!! I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH, I EVEN GOT A LITTLE TEARY EYED AT THAT MOMENT. It means so much to me and it was a once in a lifetime moment... Once again: I LOVE YOU ALL, YOU ARE THE BEST!!! <3

(We are as Gods vs. The ESP's)

Because I was so high on what just happened I totally forgot to check if I got in the final workshop and I DID!! My day literally couldn't get any better. So I raced to get my bag and ran to the room for the workshop and spend an hour picking Jane's and Brads brain about writing. It was so interesting, fun, inspirational and informative. I'm really glad I got to have that chance.

After the workshop there was only one thing left: the final talk with all of the guests (once Jeff did his laps around the room so he could join the rest on stage) and I love it when they are all just spitballing of of each other (or however you say it). It's so much fun to see them exchanging thoughts and experiences and being able to compare their worst job experiences and stuff. It was the best time. Immediatly after - while they were still on stage - the closing ceremony followed. Me and a couple of friends decided to have our 'last meal' together in the lobby and we had a perfect chilled out dinner.
Even though HalloWhedon 5 was officially at an end, they arranged a showing of Once More With Feeling - which, yes, made everybody burst into song - and the pilot of Jeff's new movie, where he plays a Dutch officer!!!! The sad part was that during the sunday the group started to get smaller and smaller because people were already leaving. Some of us partied on till the end of the night and even then we didn't want to face reality so we hang out in the bar some more... But it had to end sometime, so we eventually went to bed and promised each other we would see each other at breakfast or at least say goodbye before we left.

(The final talk, with Tom, Sarah, Brad, Jane, Jeff and Alexis)

Going back home
On monday we decided to have breakfast at nine, because there was supposed to be a fire drill at 8.30h. This would function as a wake up call for most. By that time, my roommate left and I went to breakfast. Everybody felt the goodbyes weighing heavy on them and was a bit groggy, but we had a delicious breakfast. But then the fire alarm went of again!! So we were all escorted outside. This turned out to be a good thing for us because we got to say goodbye to the Captain and his fiancé, although it was messed up for them. After about 15 minutes I think we were allowed to finish our breakfast and we said our goodbyes and went upstairs to pack our stuff.
I already did most of my packing and decided to check out and wait in the lobby. Once there, a couple of Whedonites were talking to Jeff who was still hanging around. I ran into Joey and we chatted for a bit. When Jeff passed us to go upstairs, he stopped when he saw me, gave me a hug and congratulated me on the win from the Game Show. We chatted a bit and it was just awesome to have a little time like that. The lobby started to fill up with our group again and we said our goodbyes - again. It was kinda sad, but luckily we can all stay in touch and most of us promised we would be there again next year. Back in LONDON, BABY!

(Survivers photo, of all the Whedonites that stayed till the bitter end of the party)

Our flight went great and it was only at Schiphol that hardly any trains went... It took a lot of waiting, a lot of time, and a lot of rain and wind, but eventually I arrived home. Still high on all the memories and experiences of HalloWhedon and all the hugs that we shared. It's always so amazing how much all the guests can surprise you. They are truly the nicest, sweetest and most amazing people to meet and they are such a joy to be around!
Next year will be even better, because it will actually be ON HALLOWEEN!!! And I cannot wait for it to happen... So: Let the count down begin ;-). 

(Every year our group of friends grows :D )

p.s. I probably forgot to mention a lot of stuff as well, but I think most of it is in here. If you wanna read my blog from last year, take a look here. I also wanna mention how much I missed Danni and Thomas, my dear friends who I met at my very first con. You better be there again next year!

My list

I've got a thing with numbers. So for my 88th blog, I thought I would do something 'special'. Sure,.... Some of you might find this blog very boring... Especially if you don't really watch tv shows. But, as I think I've shown, I do. A lot! It's something I always talk about with my friends about who watches what, what everyone should be watching and why the shows are as good as they are. I'm from the television era, which means I grew up with television. I remember watching childeren's programs when I was very young, I remember having family nights on Saturday watching Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman before being sent of to bed. And my love for shows grew immensly every since I started watching the BEST SHOW EVER, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, at the age of... well, ten or eleven or so. This was the first show I was absolutely faithful to and watched every night, recorded it if I wasn't at home and bought all the boxsets of. In between I watched other shows sporadically, like Dawson's Creek (I know....*sigh*), The Nanny and of course Friends. I eventually even studied Film and Television at the uni, and started watching more shows in different ways. The conversations about shows changed and a lot of the time, I get asked what I watch, why and why it's so good. Friends come to me for recommandations (and sometimes I give them without being asked :P ) So I figured, blogging about my list of shows, might come in handy. And that's what this blog is. No long story about the shows I love, but simply a list. A list of the shows I'm currently watching and loving, a list of the shows I still want to watch and a list of the shows I've watched throughout that have already ended (sometimes before it's prime). Buckle up, cos here we go!

Currently watching

Rizzoli & Isles 
The Flash
Glee
Revenge
Castle 
Bones
2 Broke Girls
The Big Bang Theory
Lost Girl (though I believe it's the final season)
Once Upon a Time
New Girl
Grey's Anatomy
Arrow
Haven
House of Lies
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.  
Agent Carter
Game of Thrones
Defiance
Sherlock
Orphan Black
Orange is the New Black
House of Cards
Penny Dreadful 
True Detective (just started watching it)

On my to-watch-list

Elementary (seen couple of eps)
The Following (dito)
Grimm (dito)
Girls (dito)
The Originals (seen one ep)
Once Upon A Time in Wonderland
Homeland
Smash
True Blood
Being Human (seen one ep)
Lost (seen couple of eps)
Flash Forward
Battlestar Galactica
Dr. Who (seen couple of eps)
Torchwood (seen couple of eps)
Smallville (seen a couple of eps)
The Lying Game
Alpha's (seen a couple of eps)
Switched at Birth (?)
The Walking Dead (one ep)
Black Box (?)
Dracula (seen one ep)
Ally McBeal (4x16)
Breaking Bad
Downton Abbey
Star Crossed
iZombi
(and probably a couple more)

Started watching, but paused... (cos I already watch way too many shows and some of them really lost their way, but others I simply can't keep up with)


Merlin (?)
Supernatural (?)
McLeod's Daughters (8x07)
7th Heaven (grew up watching it and now I'm just curious about what happened with the characters)
Heroes (3x01)
Under the Dome (seen the first season, but stopped)
Pretty Little Liars (stopped at 4x16 - it just got to ridiculous) 
Awkward (stopped at 3x12 - also too ridiculous)The Vampire Diaries (stopped watching after season 5)

Shows I watched that have already ended/been cancelled
Buffy the Vampire Slayer - BEST SHOW EVER
Angel
Charmed
Firefly
Veronica Mars (also seen the movie)
Play it Again, Dick
Kitchen Confidential
Dollhouse
Roswell
Joan of Arcadia 
The L Word
My So-Called Life
Gilmore Girls
Dawson's Creek
Point Pleasant
Tru Calling
Mercy
The Playboy Club (just three eps)
The Sarah Conner Chronicles
Life Unexpected
No Ordinary Family
The Cape
Hellcats
Friends
Alias
One Tree Hill
Gossip Girl
Being Erica
Leverage
Ringer
Secret Circle
The Pretender
The Client List
How I Met Your Mother  
Warehouse 13
The Crazy Ones
Parenthood 
Twin Peaks 
The Newsroom
Witches of East End  
Freaks and Geeks
Dark Angel
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (though I'm not entirely sure I've seen all the eps)

Truth be told... Some are probably missing in all categories. What can I say... There's just too many to keep track of. And that's why I basically don't watch them all the time, but just when I have the time.
If you think some shows are missing or should be added to my list, please let me know! I'm always looking for great shows to watch, especially during the holidays when shows are on hiatus ;-).