Fly, wave your flag for our veterans

Whenever I have the opportunity to share my Movie Memories presentation "A Salute to the Great War Movies" with an attentive, respectful audience, as I did Sunday evening at the outstanding-in-every-way Highland Springs retirement community in Dallas, I say this:

"Forgive me if I seem a little extra patriotic, but I'm not a veteran of foreign wars, you see.  I'm a veteran of foreign war movies, so I appreciate what those who are serving, did serve and will serve this country have or will give up to let freedom continue to ring in the U.S.A."

Thanks to the Highland Springs folks for being a great audience (as usual).  I'm proud to do my little part to honor those who deserve our thanks and gratitude every day, but especially on Veterans Day.  

I can't think of anyone better than the late Johnny Cash to honor our veterans as well.  Click the button below for "The Patriot Song."  That's how we ended our salute last night; with our veterans standing and getting the applause they deserve.

 

 Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays, let's party

The holidays are approaching faster than a group of out-of-tune, but well-meaning Christmas carolers heading up the sidewalk to your doorbell.

That means it's time to plan your holiday event.  Whether it's a corporate Christmas party, a country club holiday gathering or a retirement community seasonal celebration, the "Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays" Movie Memories presentation arrives bearing gifts of laughter, nostalgia and holiday joy.

In a presentation lasting a little over an hour, Larry combines Christmas classic movie clips with behind-the-scene Hollywood insight and tales of Christmases past sure to entertain your group and inspire and touch hearts along the way. We'll begin by boarding The Polar Express, with stops along the way at everything from White Christmas to The Santa Clause.  Of course our final holiday stop simply must be ... Well, you just have to join us to find out.

Call 972-599-2150 to book your "Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays" Movie Memories presentation today to secure your group's preferred date.

Got some film buffs in your group?

In that case, your group might prefer a behind the scenes look at the holiday classic, It's a Wonderful Life.

You’re probably aware that an angel gets his wings and grumpy old Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore) tries to run everything in Bedford Falls.

But did you know that at least one film historian says Henry Fonda was considered for the role of reluctant small-town banker George Bailey?  Of course that became a signature role for James Stewart.

And just where is Bedford Falls?  Is it a real place?

There are lots of things to learn about film critic Larry Ratliff’s favorite holiday film of all time in the Movie Memories presentation "It's a Wonderful Life -- A Classic Holiday Must-See."

Don't wait to book your Movie Memories presentation for the holidays.  Call 972-599-2150 while choice dates and times are available.

Read this before seeing 'Last Vegas'

I'm not going to give away too much of my Last Vegas movie review here.

Let's just say I was really looking forward to seeing movie star icons Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline share the screen as aging lifelong pals who venture to the bright lights of Las Vegas to see how much party power they have left in the tank.

Even though the cast is impressive, though, ... Well, click here to read my full review.

You might thank me later if you're thinking of investing in Last Vegas.

Since I don't mention real ages of the lead actors in the review, you might be interested to know the ages of the guys who play same-age aging party dudes in the movie:  De Niro, 70; Kline, 66; Douglas, 69; and Freeman, 76.

I know.  I had a little trouble believing it as well.

Check out the new edition of The Senior Voice

The Nov.-Dec. edition of Carol Butler's Senior Voice newspaper is out and it's bursting with articles like a feature on Lee Majors' "bionic" career, Veterans Day events and John Tackett's compelling Kennedy assassination remembrance titled "Echoes of Shots Fired."

And, if you are so inclined, check out my Getting Reel movie column.  Click here for the link to learn what your humble movie critic was doing the day Camelot ended and one of our most popular American presidents, John F. Kennedy, was gunned down in our town.