
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, December 24, 1993                   TAG: 9312280250
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Mike Mayo
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

WHEN YOU'RE HOME ALONE AT CHRISTMAS

This weekend, it seems that all social and business activities revolve around family gatherings. But not everyone is able to share in the traditional goings-on - excited kids unwrapping presents, the big dinner with an extended family, sugarplums roasting on an open fire and all that. A lot of men, women and children are going to be by themselves on Christmas, or they may find themselves sharing the days with folks whose company they don't appreciate, and that can be much worse.

So, for those whose Christmas may be less than merry, here are some suggestions for video company - movies that can make a rough day a little smoother. These aren't traditional Christmas films; those would likely make a bad situation worse. Instead, they're good stories, not necessarily happy ones, with strong plots and characters. I'm talking about the kind of movie you can lose yourself in for a couple of hours at least (the longer the better), and forget those circumstances beyond your control.

First, if for no other reason than to see the late Myrna Loy in one of her finest roles, there's ``The Best Years of Our Lives'' (HBO). William Wyler's story of GIs returning from World War II won just about every award possible in 1946, and it's still a delight, well worth a third or fourth look. If you've managed to miss the movie, put it on the top of your list.

``Once Upon a Time in the West'' (Paramount) may seem an odd choice for a Christmas video guide, but it fulfills all of my requirements perfectly. It's long (165 min). Unlike most of Sergio Leone's Westerns, the plot actually makes sense, and Ennio Morricone's score is one of his moodiest. But the most intriguing aspect of the movie is the inspired casting of Henry Fonda as a villain.

When people think of David Lean's films, they tend to dismiss ``Ryan's Daughter'' (MGM/UA), and perhaps it's not the complete triumph that some of his others have been. But it's still a complex, well-told romantic melodrama set in Ireland, 1916. Again, the casting goes against type with Robert Mitchum as a teacher. Though it's been a while since I've seen this one, in memory, Sarah Miles and Christopher Jones were good as the starcrossed lovers, and they got ample support from John Mills as the village fool.

For a real four-hankie romance, try ``Mr. Skeffington'' (MGM/UA). Both Bette Davis and Claude Rains were at their incomparable best in this story of a vain beauty who doesn't appreciate the good man she has.

For a really long wallow in a colorful, violent family saga take a look at ``The Godfather 1902-1959: The Complete Epic'' (Paramount). Francis Ford Coppola re-edited the first two films, placing the events in chronological order and restoring some previously unseen footage. The result is more than six hours of love, death and vengeance with several generations of Corleones.

``Day of the Jackal'' (Paramount) is an absorbing and often overlooked adaptation of Frederick Forsythe's thriller from director Fred Zinneman. Even though you know that an assassin, played by Edward Fox, didn't kill Charles de Gaulle, the tricky scheme is a joy to follow.

If you're in the mood for something with more humor, how about Jack Lemon and Tony Curtis in ``The Great Race'' (Warner)? No, their teamwork here isn't as successful as it was in ``Some Like It Hot'' (MGM/UA), which is not a bad choice either. But for every joke that misfires in this long comic melange, there's another that works.

``Soapdish'' (Paramount) is a comedy set in the world of soap operas. Though it was not a commercial success in 1991, it's got a first-rate cast including Kevin Kline, Sally Field, Elizabeth Shue, Robert Downey Jr., Whoopi Goldberg, Cathy Moriarty and Kathy Najimy. A genuine sleeper that's really funny.

Though it's usually considered a musical, not a comedy, ``Singin' in the Rain'' (MGM/UA) is a terrifically funny movie. From ``Moses Supposes His Toeses Are Roses'' to ``Make 'Em Laugh,'' it's full of humor - inventive, energetic stuff that never gets stale.

Individual tastes being what they are, chances are that nothing on that list did anything for you. But if you've got some lonely time to fill this weekend, wander over to your favorite video store and take a look through the shelves at the back. With a little searching and a little luck, you'll find something.

\ Next week: The best and the worst of home video 1993!

New release this week:

Surf Ninjas: *

Stars Ernie Reyes Jr. and Sr., Rob Schneider, Tone Loc. Directed by Neal Israel. Columbia/Tristar. 87 min. Rated PG for violence, some strong language.

This lame little kiddie flick is a transparent rip-off aimed at the ``Teen-age Mutant Ninja Turtle'' crowd, but those viewers are a bit too sophisticated for this material. Part comedy and part generic martial arts formula, the film has no real laughs and the fight scenes are pedestrian.

by CNB