The holidays of 2011 were, as previously reported, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close for our party-going cast, which included a Prime Minister (who finally let down her hair) one serious government official (unofficially celebrating the season), odd fraternal twins, a zookeeper and some colorful Muppets, all hoping the excitement of New Year’s Eve would get them through the cold, winter months. A seaside stay, happily, warms everyone’s hearts!

Hope you’re warm and happy as you enjoy this week’s Trip Back in Movie Time Tour…

Originally Published in the Sun by the Sea…Holiday Edition 2011 edition

Meg the Movie Buff Goes to Hollywood

Before Santa arrives by sandy sleigh, our holiday cast of characters is creatively preparing their festive wish list. With the sounds and sights of the holidays Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, twins Jack and Jill have opposing ideas on how to celebrate the merriest of seasons. J. Edgar, naturally, takes charge, organizing a salute to lazy, sun-drenched days spent along the coast eating sugar cookies and sipping hot chocolate. Experiencing a ladylike sugar high, The Iron Lady happily loosens her steel bun and offers her spacious ocean view condos to strangers and dignitaries alike. Caught up in the Christmas spirit, The Muppets generously present the entire cast with soft and fuzzy beach chairs. As they gaze out at the frosty seascape, the stars among us know there’s no better gift than time spent with those we love (and a priceless ocean view).

Before planning a priceless holiday trip to your local movie theater, please check your local listings for release date changes…

Planning a Tower Heist (opens November 4^th) proves to be more difficult than building sand castles in the sea for a group of inept criminals (including Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy) who plot to steal $20 million from a wealthy resident (Alan Alda) of the apartment complex where they’re employed.

The life of J. Edgar (Leonardo DiCaprio, opens November 9^th) is explored, ranging from his Washington, D.C. childhood through his 50 years of FBI service and ultra-private life that may or may not have included a private island getaway in director Clint Eastwood’s powerful story.

Jack and Jill (played by Adam Sandler, opens November 11^th) become strangely inseparable when difficult Jill visits brother Jack for Thanksgiving and decides to stay for the Hereford Inlet Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (December 2^nd) and beyond.

A family-friendly beachside reunion for The Muppets (opens November 18^th) is planned by Muppet devotee Gary (Jason Segel) and his dedicated girlfriend (Amy Adams) when they learn the Muppet Theater is in danger of being destroyed by an evil oil tycoon (Chris Cooper).

The Descendants (opens November 23^rd) of disrupted lives include a Hawaiian land baron (George Clooney) and his comatose wife (Patricia Hastie), who he learns was having an affair pre-coma. Only sea air and the soon-to-arrive Santa can raise his spirits.

New Year’s Eve (opens December 9^th) arrives a little early when two dozen lonely New Yorkers (including Ashton Kutcher, Sarah Jessica Parker and Robert DeNiro) search for love (and an endless romantic summer) before watching the ball drop in Times Square.

Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher becomes the ultimate beach bum following her notable role as The Iron Lady (Meryl Streep, opens December 16^th) through seven decades of her reign of power.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Rooney Mara, opens December 21^st) finds herself wishing she’d taken time to attend the Wildwood Tattoo Beach Bash instead of using her computer hacking skills to solve an old mystery with a Swedish journalist (Daniel Craig).

A London newspaper columnist and recent widow (Matt Damon) forgoes a Family Holiday Celebration when he finds himself uttering, We Bought a Zoo (opens December 23^rd) he is determined to reopen. Also stars Scarlett Johansson.

Beneath a soothing, starry seascape, the world becomes Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (opens December 25^th) for an intelligent 11-year old (Thomas Horn) searching for the lock that fits a key belonging to his dad (Tom Hanks), who died during the terrorists attacks on 9/11.

With New Year’s Eve quickly approaching, the cast decides to make the last night of 2011 a memorable movie celebration. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo shares colorful stories as enormous as what is happening on the big screen. Meanwhile, the animal lovers two rows behind her are telling anyone who’ll listen We Bought a Zoo. The Descendants of Wildwood movie lovers, however, are wishing everyone would be quiet so they could enjoy each festive film.

Constructing a mighty Tower Heist consisting of all things Wildwood, our cast happily settles in for a season of beauty and bounty, wishing everyone a joyous holiday season and a Happy 2012!🤶🎅