A Magical New York Christmas There is something undeniably special about spending Christmas in New York City. The city that never sleeps transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with festive decorations adorning every street and the air filled with holiday cheer. From the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to the ice-skating rinks and holiday markets, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy during this magical time of the year. One of the most iconic symbols of Christmas in New York is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Towering over the surrounding buildings, the tree is a sight to behold with its thousands of twinkling lights and beautiful ornaments. It has become a tradition for New Yorkers and visitors alike to gather around the tree, take pictures, and enjoy the holiday spirit.
They Call Me Magic is a story of obstacles overcome, but Johnson hurdles them all so easily that no drama develops. He grows up in an honest, blue-collar family in Lansing, Michigan, his mother working in a school cafeteria while his father does long shifts at a car plant. Honing his basketball skills in pickup games against grown men, Earvin Johnson Jr soon has scalpers trading tickets outside his high school matches, is given the nickname “Magic” and proceeds smoothly to college level, where he leads Michigan State to the 1979 NCAA championship. The cloud of his unglamorous upbringing clears.
It s not obvious as to how exactly Johnson ruled his sport since, although it has plenty of cracking archive footage of the media hoopla around the Lakers, the series features hardly any basketball action. Earvin Magic Johnson is one of the greatest basketball players in history, a champion at every level and possessor of a level of athleticism that would have redefined the point guard position had anybody been able to repeat his set of attributes.
It has become a tradition for New Yorkers and visitors alike to gather around the tree, take pictures, and enjoy the holiday spirit. Ice-skating is another cherished holiday activity in New York City. The Central Park ice rink offers a picturesque setting with the park's snowy landscape as a backdrop.
‘They Call Me Magic’ Is a Revealing Look Inside a Basketball Icon’s Head: TV Review
That’s how Magic Johnson describes his 1991 appearance on Arsenio Hall’s talk show in the new documentary “They Call Me Magic.” It was a key moment in Johnson’s public life, coming just after the basketball star’s announcement that he had contracted HIV. And it’s slightly telling that what Johnson recalls is not any particular thing he said but the applause of the audience for whom he was putting on a show.
Johnson, throughout both his athletic and business careers, is as close to an entertainer as an athlete gets. And “They Call Me Magic,” though often glowingly promotional, does an elegant job of depicting the mentality of a figure who needs his public just as much as they need him.
The contours of Johnson’s story will be familiar to anyone currently watching HBO’s “Winning Time,” about the so-called “Showtime” era of the Los Angeles Lakers. The team was invigorated by owner Jerry Buss’ approach to presenting sports as sometimes salacious amusement, and by a new superstar out of Lansing, Michigan. We see how Magic got his nickname as a high-school phenom, and the unusual amount of attention that attended him — his decisions to attend Michigan State, and then to go pro before graduation, were both media events.
This milieu is fascinating and well-drawn by director Rick Famuyiwa; the Showtime era is the strongest portion of “They Call Me Magic.” The straight-ahead nature of Apple’s documentary is more effective in illustrating the pressures on Johnson than is the frenetic “Winning Time.” With that said, Johnson is an imperfect documentary subject, especially by comparison to the voluble and emotive Michael Jordan in the docuseries “The Last Dance.” (Jordan, along with several other basketball stars as well as two U.S. Presidents, appears as a talking head here.) Johnson is squarely undemonstrative, as well as something less than completely open. Especially after the story moves to his HIV diagnosis, it’s apparent there are lines of conversation he won’t pursue.
Which means that this series can sometimes fall into the trap of narrating precisely what its subject wants; moments in the final episode in which we run through a laundry list of Johnson’s post-basketball accomplishments in business endeavors are precisely the sort of thing that would, rightly, have been cut were this a two-hour feature film instead of a four-hour series. And there’s a certain heavy silence around Johnson admitting his initial reaction to his son’s coming out, though we’re told he eventually made his peace with his son being gay. (What changed, and why? These are questions the documentary doesn’t dig into.)
What is easiest to glean from Johnson’s speaking to camera, though, is his endless delight at impressing his audience — not just the joy of winning but the pleasure of being seen winning. And in the main, “They Call Me Magic” is both an engaging look at the impact this charismatic, endlessly newsmaking figure had on his era and an occasional glimpse into the mentality of a performer.
“They Call Me Magic” launches Friday, April 22, on Apple TV Plus.
Things are glossed over. Isiah Thomas and Magic discuss their transition from friendship to rivalry in superficial tones, and if you know some of the really ugly accusations thrown around between them, the white-washing is absurd.
Skating enthusiasts of all ages can glide across the ice, feeling the brisk winter air on their faces, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Other popular ice-skating rinks include the rink at Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park. New York City's holiday markets are a great place to find unique gifts and indulge in delicious treats. The Union Square Holiday Market, Bryant Park Winter Village, and Columbus Circle Holiday Market are just a few examples of the many markets that pop up throughout the city during the holiday season. Visitors can browse through various stalls selling handmade crafts, artwork, clothing, and jewelry. They can also sample a wide array of culinary delights, from traditional holiday treats like gingerbread and hot chocolate to international cuisine from all over the world. A stroll through the city's neighborhoods is an essential part of experiencing Christmas in New York. The streets are adorned with festive lights, wreaths, and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. Fifth Avenue is particularly famous for its extravagant window displays, with stores like Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman showcasing their creativity and holiday spirit through elaborate and enchanting scenes. Visiting the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is another must-do during the holiday season. The Rockettes put on a dazzling performance with their precision dance routines and dazzling costumes. From the high kicks to the glamorous outfits, the show is a true spectacle that captures the essence of the holiday season. Christmas in New York City is a truly enchanting experience. It is a time when the hustle and bustle of the city comes to a halt, and people come together to celebrate the joy and magic of the season. Whether it is ice-skating in Central Park, admiring the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, or browsing through the holiday markets, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The city becomes a playground of lights, sounds, and flavors that will leave visitors with memories to cherish for years to come..
Reviews for "New York's Festive Rooftops: Enjoying Christmas with a View"
1. Susan - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "A Magical New York Christmas". The plot was thin and predictable, and the characters lacked depth. The whole movie felt rushed, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters or their stories. The acting was also subpar, with some scenes feeling forced and unnatural. Overall, I found it to be a forgettable and underwhelming Christmas movie.
2. Michael - 1 star
"A Magical New York Christmas" was a complete waste of time. The story was incredibly cliche and offered nothing new or interesting. The acting was wooden and unconvincing, making it hard to invest in the characters or their journey. Additionally, the dialogue was filled with cheesy lines that made me cringe. I was really hoping for a heartwarming and festive film, but this one missed the mark completely.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "A Magical New York Christmas", but it fell flat for me. The plot felt disjointed and rushed, with no real meaningful development. The romance between the main characters was also lackluster, lacking chemistry and believability. The movie tried too hard to be a feel-good Christmas film, but it just didn't hit the mark. I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for a captivating and well-executed holiday movie.