The Christmas holiday season seems to be a time for family, fun and major movie releases. Twenty-three movies are set for release in December and not all of the movies are sticking with the holiday theme. With “Punisher: War Zone,” and “The Wrestler,” to see wide release movie studios are hoping movie fans like the occasional body-slam with their egg-nog. For the little ones there is “Delgo,” and “The Tale of Despereaux,” both of which are animated-features with PG ratings. So here is a selection of movies fans can look forward to this holiday season.
“The Reader”
Set in post-war Germany “The Reader,” tells the story of a man whose life is forever changed after an affair with a much older woman affects his future relationships. Based on Bernhard Schlink’s novel of the same name
Release Date: December 12
Starring: Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, and Bruno Ganz
Rating: PG-13
Trivia: Kate Winslet replaced Nicole Kidman on the film due to pregnancy.
Trailer: None Available.
“Defiance”
In 1941 three Jewish brothers must hide in the forests of Eastern Europe to stay alive. As partisans, they fight the Nazis while saving fellow countrymen. Tuvia leads the group of partisans to freedom and revenge (Tribute).
Release Date: December 12
Starring: Daniel Craig, and Liev Schreiber
Rating: R for violence and language.
Early Previews: “It's a superb film with a nice balance of heavy hitting action and intense drama…(IMDB)”
Trailer: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809981989/video/5982943
“Punisher: War Zone”
For an in depth preview of “Punisher: War Zone” check here: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1061472/take_a_look_at_punisher_war_zone_set.h...
Release Date: December 12
“Delgo”
Delgo a young but naïve teenager must rally his friends to protect their land from the evil Lockni people. Conflict arises as Delgo and his companions fight of ongoing Lockni attacks. With Delgo in prison for a crime he did not commit will the race of Lockni’s takeover?
Release Date: December 12
Starring: Val Kilmer, Freddie Prinze Jr., Jennifer Love Hewit, Chris Kattan, Kelly Ripa, Louis Gossett Jr., Malcolm Mcdowell, and Burt Reynolds
Rating: PG for sequences of fantasy action violence.
Early Previews: “…it was really colorful but not too plastic like some animated movies are (IMDB)”
Trailer: None.
“The Day the Earth Stood Still”
For an in depth preview of “The Day the Earth Stood Still” check here: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1043754/the_day_the_earth_stood_still_to_be.ht...
Release Date: December 12
“The Tale of Despereaux”
In the kingdom of Dor there is magic, laughter, and broken hearts. Then one day the sunlight disappeared along with the Princess. With a foreboding gray mist spreading across the land will Desperaux the brave be able to find the missing Princess?
With Rosco, Despereaux’s friend in tow adventure and swashbuckling are sure to follow.
Release Date: December 19
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Matthew Broderick, Sigourney Weaver, Kevin Kline, William H. Macy, Stanley Tucci
Rating: PG
Trailer: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-tale-of-despereaux/27486/trailer?trailerId=2198801
Trivia: The title character, Despereaux was first offered to Justin Long but eventually went to Matthew Broderick.
“Yes Man”
The story follows the character Wallace as he says yes to any question or proposal no matter how bizarre. Eventually, Wallace gets into great trouble and mischief all the while finding more positively in his life.
Release Date: December 19
Starring: Jim Carrey, Danny Masterson, Terence Stamp, and Molly Sims
Rating: To Be Announced.
Early Previews: “Bracingly engaging--simply because Bichlbaum and Bonanno are so likeable, hilarious, smart and provocative (Rottentomatoes).”
Trailer: http://au.video.yahoo.com/watch/3435637/9580446
“The Wrestler”
A drama that centers around Randy “The Ram” Robinson as he makes his back to the ring after an early retirement. With a rival running the show does Randy have the gas to win one more time?
Release Date: December 19
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marissa Tomei, and Mark Margolis
Rating: Unknown.
Early Previews: “The movie is simply, stellar, an American parable and moving drama found in an unlikely place (Rottentomatoes).”
Trailer: http://www.worstpreviews.com/trailer.php?id=1207&item=0
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
A surreal story about a man who begins to age backwards. Beginning in his eighties Scott Fitzgerald becomes younger as the story winds through World War I Europe, and New Orleans. With the 21st century approaching Scott Fitzgerald’s tale will end with a bang.
Release Date: December 25
Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, and Elias Koteas
Rating: PG-13 for brief war violence, sexual content, language and smoking.
Early Previews: None.
Trailer: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/dor/objects/729417/curious_case_of_benjamin_button/videos...
“Marley and Me”
About a Labrador retriever that steals the show from a loving couple. Will the adoptive parents of this badly-behaved dog be able to handle Marley?
Release Date: December 25
Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Owen Wilson, Alan Arkin, Eric Dane
Rating: PG
Trailer: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/dor/objects/14238641/marley_and_me/videos/marleyandme_tra...
“Powder Blue”
The head of a corporate crime group, a sleazy strip club owner, and a suicidal ex-priest will experience divine intervention and tragedy. With vengeance on the minds of many heads will role before redemption is found.
Release Date: Likely December 25
Starring: Jessica Biel, Patrick Swayze, Forest Whitaker, Ray Liotta, Lisa Kudrow, and Kris Kristofferson
Rating: R
Rumours: Jessica Biel has signed a contract that specifically states how much she will bare for her next movie, Powder Blue. Apparently Jessica Biel’s bare butt and breasts will be making their movie premiere debut. Great for Jessica Biel fans (Rottentomatoes).
“9”
In a parallel world to our own humanity is threatened. In this parallel universe living rag dolls rule but in a post apocalyptic landscape this society will not last. Only through 9, the leader is there a possibility for survival.
Release Date: December 26
Starring: Jennifer Connelly, Elijah Wood, John C. Reilly, and Christopher Plummer
Rating: No one is telling.
Trailer: http://www.shaneacker.com/
Trivia: “9” is the winner of four awards including winner of the Animex award for best animation. “9” was an official selection at the Sundance Film Festival in 2005.
“The Merry Gentlemen”
A victim of spousal abuse leaves her safe life for the big city. A suicidal hit man befriends the young lady while an alcoholic detective rounds out the trio of dysfunction. Romance ensues as the story takes a comedic turn.
Release Date: Late December.
Starring: Michael Keaton, and Kelly Macdonald
Rating: R
Early Previews: “The Merry Gentleman is slow paced, yes, but that's an attribute (IMDB).”
Trivia: A Sundance Film Festival Selection in 2008.
In total there are twenty-three movies that will make there way to the big screen for viewer’s pleasure. With a wide selection from children’s animation to Christmas holiday fare and finally to World War II epics many movie-goers are sure to be excited. Some other movies that will see screening in late December include: “Frost Nixon,” “Doubt,” “Revolutionary Road,” “The Brothers Bloom,” “The Spirit,” “Bedtime Stories,” and “Valkyrie.”
For a complete listing visit Wildaboutmovies.com below:
Sources:
http://www.28dayslateranalysis.com/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0361500/
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tale_of_despereaux/#
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/yes_men/
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10008687-powder_blue/news/1664659/jessica_biel_strips_d...
http://www.shaneacker.com/
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Contributor's Note
For a "Taken," movie preview starring Liam Neeson check here: http://www.28dayslateranalysis.com/search?updated-max=2008-09-29T18%3A39%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=3
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This intel first appeared on: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1088971/movies_coming_to_t...