December Movies: Tron: Legacy, Narnia:VOTDT, True Grit, and

[Mark Vader]

The Holidays are in full force with the month of December here. With Harry Potter out of the way, the movie studios release the remainder of their tentpole films in the final month of the Holiday Season. Also a flurrie of films vying for Oscar will get platform releases at the end of the year before expanding in January. As always there will be a little bit of something for all audiences this month.

 

28 years ago Walt Disney Pictures released a different type of sci-fi/fantasy in the form of "TRON". While it was not a blockbuster, it did find a niche with certain audiences and became a cult classic. Now with today's technology comes a long awaited follow-up with "TRON: Legacy". When Sam investigates a signal sent from his father's old arcade, he's pulled into the digital world where his dad, Kevin Flynn, has been trapped for 20 years. With father and son reunited, they team up with the warrior Quorra on a life-or-death journey across the cyber universe Kevin created. Starring Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund & Olivia Wilde.

 

In December of 2005 Walt Disney Pictures threw their mouse ears into the re-birth of the fantasy genre, and released the first chronicles of Narnia movie, "The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe". Even though the series of books were popular, there was no guaranteed success at the box office. Not only did "Lion" become a surprise hit, it reached Harry Potter & Lord of the Rings numbers. Two years later the follow-up movie "Prince Caspian" had a rough time at the box office, which led to Disney dropping the franchise, but 20th Century Fox swooped in to save it. Now the series continues with "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader". Lucy and Edmund Pevensie return to Narnia with their cousin Eustace where they meet up with Prince Caspian for a trip across the sea aboard the royal ship The Dawn Treader. Along the way they encounter dragons, dwarves, merfolk, and a band of lost warriors before reaching the edge of the world. Starring Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, Ben Barnes & Will Poulter.

 

The Coen Bros. bring probably their boldest movie ever with the re-make, "True Grit". A young girl recruits a tough U.S. Marshall to track down the man who killed her father. Starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin & Hailee Steinfeld.

 

Star-power is high as Angelina Jolie & Johnny Depp team up for the first time in, "The Tourist". Frank Taylor travels to Venice to recover from a recent break-up, though he soon finds himself engaged by the beautiful and mysterious Elise -- who happens to be an Interpol agent with a dangerous connection to a fugitive criminal. Paul Bettany co-stars.

 

Ben Stiller & Robert Deniro aim for more big laughs in their 3rd go-around, "Little Fockers". The Focker and the Byrnes families brace themselves for the arrival of a baby. Also starring Owen Wilson, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner, Jessica Alba, Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand, Laura Dern & Harvey Keitel.

 

In "How Do You Know", Feeling a bit past her prime at 27, former athlete Lisa Jorgenson finds herself in the middle of a love triangle, as a corporate guy in crisis competes with Lisa's current, baseball-playing beau. Starring Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson & Jack Nicholson.

 

"The Company Men", is a drama centered a year in the lives of three businessmen who look to what's next in their lives after being laid off by their company. Starring Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper, Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Costner, Maria Bello & Craig T. Nelson.

 

Possessing the dreaded and rare NC-17 rating is "Blue Valentine". A look at the idyllic past and troubled present of working-class couple Dean and Cindy. Starring Ryan Gosling & Michelle Williams.

 

In "The Tempest", A power grab finds Prospera, the rightful Duchess of Milan, exiled to a remote island with her young daughter, Miranda. Asserting influence over the island, Prospera develops a new enemy: the slave Caliban, who looks to raise a rebellion against his foe. Starring Helen Mirren, Felicity Jones, Djimon Hounsou, David Strathairn & Alfred Molina.

 

In "The Warrior's Way", A warrior-assassin is forced to hide in a small town in the American Badlands after refusing a mission. Starring Jang Dong-gun, Kate Bosworth and Geoffrey Rush.

 

Following the trend of turning cartoon characters into live action films("Garfield", "Alvin & The Chipmunks") comes "Yogi Bear". A documentary filmmaker travels to Jellystone Park to shoot a project and soon crosses paths with Yogi Bear and his sidekick Boo-Boo. Starring Anna Faris, Dan Aykroyd, Justin Timberlake, Christine Taylor & Tom Cavanagh.

 

Finally in "Gulliver's Travels", Shipwrecked travel writer Lemuel Gulliver finds himself transported to an island in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle, where he's a giant among the natives, the Lilliputians. Initially taken prisoner, Gulliver becomes a favorite of the court and schemes for a way in which the Lilliputians can outwith their rivals, the Blefuscudians. Starring Jack Black, Emily Blunt & Jason Segel.

 

Calendar with Trailers.

 

12/3

"The Warrior's Way": http://www.iamrogue.com/thewarriorsway

 

12/10

"The Tourist": http://www.thetourist-movie.com/

 

"The Tempest": http://tempest-themovie.com/

 

"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader": http://www.narnia.com/

 

"The Company Men": http://www.weinsteinco.com/#/film/the_company_men

 

12/17

"TRON: Legacy": http://disney.go.com/tron/

 

"Yogi Bear": http://yogibear.warnerbros.com/#/splash

 

"How Do You Know": http://www.howdoyouknow-movie.com/

 

12/22

"Little Fockers": http://www.littlefockers.net/

 

"True Grit": http://www.truegritmovie.com/

 

"Gulliver's Travels": http://www.gulliverstravelsthemovie.com/

 

12/31

"Blue Valentine": http://www.bluevalentinemovie.com/

 

That's all for now, Independent Films will be posted later. Enjoy!

[ajzepp]

Awesome work, as always Mark!

 

One small clarification, though...True Grit is not so much a remake as it is a re-interpretation. That's partly why I'm so excited about the film. It was arguably the most intense and well-done trailer I've ever seen, and the early reviews have only served to increase my level of anticipation for this project.

 

Here's the first review I came across from one of the sources I trust most - AICN

 

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/47626

[erynthered]

Thanks again, Mark!!

[shrader]

I'm feeling the sudden urge to break out the old Intellivision and play Tron Deadly Discs.

[cantankerous]

I can't wait to see TRON in 3D! Going to be awesome!

[Mark Vader]

Awesome work, as always Mark!

 

One small clarification, though...True Grit is not so much a remake as it is a re-interpretation. That's partly why I'm so excited about the film. It was arguably the most intense and well-done trailer I've ever seen, and the early reviews have only served to increase my level of anticipation for this project.

 

Here's the first review I came across from one of the sources I trust most - AICN

 

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/47626

Yes aj, I was aware that this is viewed as a re-interpretation than an actual remake. From what I have heard this movie keeps in line with the book. I did'nt even know "True Grit" was a book. I stayed with remake because many people are going to view it as such, but thank you for clarifying that.

 

BTW, how's your search for something new to watch on DVD going?

[ajzepp]

Yes aj, I was aware that this is viewed as a re-interpretation than an actual remake. From what I have heard this movie keeps in line with the book. I did'nt even know "True Grit" was a book. I stayed with remake because many people are going to view it as such, but thank you for clarifying that.

 

BTW, how's your search for something new to watch on DVD going?

 

The only reason I made that distinction was because I was REALLY glad to hear that it wasn't just another cookie cutter remake, you know? I guess I could have assumed that since it was the Coens that it wouldn't be that anyway, but when I heard it was a re-interpretation I got pretty psyched. My favorite Coen film is No Country for Old Men, and I think this has the potential to leap frog it for me.

 

As for the DVD thing, I've been watching a lot of past episodes of "Intervention", lol. That show is pretty intense! I ended up stalling out on Mad Men, so still looking for the next episodic scripted show to follow

[Just Jack]

I did'nt even know "True Grit" was a book.

Really? We had to read it in high school, then got to see the John Wayne version in English class. I can't remember what grade it was though.

[outsidethebox]

Thanks mark, great job. Looking forward to seeing true grit and for some strange reason Tron. I never saw the first one, but this new one looks interesting.

[cantankerous]

Thanks mark, great job. Looking forward to seeing true grit and for some strange reason Tron. I never saw the first one, but this new one looks interesting.

 

Rent it and watch it! It's a good flick.

[Mark Vader]

BUMP

 

Here are this month's Independent Films, and there are plenty. Look for some of these to be remembered come Oscar time.

 

Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Melissa Leo star in "The Fighter". A look at the early years of boxer "Irish" Micky Ward and his brother, Dick Eklund, who helped train to become a pro fighter. Best Picture, Actor, Supporting Actor & Actress, and Director nods should follow.

 

Natalie Portman stars in the Darren Aronofsky drama/thriller "Black Swan". While vying for the coveted lead roles in a production of Swan Lake, a veteran ballerina enters into a twisted friendship with a promising new dancer that threatens to consume her. Also starring Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel & Winona Ryder.

 

Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart & Dianne Wiest star in "Rabbit Hole". Life for Becca and Howie Corbett spins off its axis after their son dies in a car accident.

 

Kevin Spacey is "Casino Jack". Super lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his business partner Michael Scanlon build an empire by dealing and scheming with some of the world's most powerful people, until a plot with a mob-connected associate brings scandal, headlines, and a prison sentence. Also starring Barry Pepper, Jon Lovitz & Kelly Preston.

 

"Country Strong" is a drama centered on a rising country-music songwriter who sparks with a fallen star. Together, they mount his ascent and her comeback, which leads to romantic complications involving her husband/manager and a beauty queen-turned-singer. Starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Garrett Hedlund, Tim McGraw & Leighton Meester.

 

Jim Carrey & Ewen McGregor star in "I Love You Philip Morris". On his second go-round behind bars, scam artist Steven Russell commits the ultimate con in order to break out and win back the heart of Phillip Morris, with whom he fell in love during his first prison sentence.

 

In "Somewhere", A hard-living actor holed up in the Chateau Marmont gets a reality check when he's visited by his 11-year-old daughter. Starring Stephen Dorff & Elle Fanning.

 

"Another Year" is a look at four seasons in the lives of a happily married couple, and their relationships with their family and friends -- who are all quite miserable. Starring Jim Broadbent & Ruth Sheen.

 

In "All Good Things", A missing-persons case might spell doom for the heir to a New York real estate dynasty, who fell for a young woman from the wrong side of the tracks. Starring Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst & Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

 

In "Night Catches Us", Philadelphia, 1976: After a mysterious absence, Marcus returns to the neighborhood where he came of age during the Black Power movement. As the past catches up with him, he finds himself accused of orchestrating the murder of a Panther, while his connection to an old friend intensifies. Starring Anthony Mackie & Kerry Washington.

 

In "The Garden of Eden", Based on Ernest Hemingway's posthumous novel and set in the jazz age, a successful young American writer David Bourne (Huston) and his wife Catherine (Suvari) on their extended honeymoon in Europe. Catherine's listlessness inspires her to fold the desirable Marita (Murino) into their relationship, raising the romantic and sexual stakes. Starring Jack Huston, Mena Suvari & Caterina Murino.

 

In "Meskada", Small-town detective Noah Cordin looks to solve a juvenile homicide that occurred during a home burglary in his affluent community. Starring Nick Stahl, Rachel Nichols & Kellen Lutz.

 

A few foreign films will also be playing.

 

From the United Kingdom & France is the animated story, "The Illusionist". Set at the end of the vaudeville era, a stage magician finds his talents less and less in demand. Performing at a village pub off the coast of Scotland, he encounters Alice, an innocent young girl, who will change his life forever.

 

From Finland, Norway, France & Sweden comes "Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale", An archaeological dig in Lapland's Korvatunturi Mountains unearths Santa Claus, but what surfaces is no benevolent St. Nick. Soon, children start disappearing, causing a son, father, and his pack on hunters to take on a dangerous mission to capture Santa.

 

Finally from Spain & Mexico is "Biutiful". Uxbal is a dour man but a devoted husband and father who, thanks to his ability to read the minds of the recently deceased, ekes out a living in Barcelona. Starring Javier Bardem.

 

Calendar with trailers. Note: Dates are for Exclusive and Limited release. These movies may be released in your area at a later date.

 

12/3

"Black Swan": http://www.foxsearchlight.com/blackswan/

 

"All Good Things": http://www.magpictures.com/allgoodthings/

 

"I Love You Phillip Morris": http://www.phillipmorrismovie.net/

 

"Night Catches Us": http://www.nightcatchesus.com/

 

"Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale": http://www.rareexportsmovie.com/en

 

"Meskada": http://meskada.com/#/intro

 

12/10

"The Fighter": http://www.thefightermovie.com/

 

"Garden of Eden": http://www.gardenofedenmovie.com/

 

12/17

"Rabbit Hole": http://www.rabbitholefilm.com/index.html

 

"Casino Jack": http://casinojack-movie.com/

 

12/22

"Country Strong": http://countrystrong-movie.com/

 

12/24

"Somewhere": http://focusfeatures.com/film/somewhere/

 

"The Illusionist": http://www.sonyclassics.com/theillusionist/

 

12/29

"Biutiful": http://www.biutiful-themovie.com/

 

"Another Year": http://www.anotheryear-movie.com/

 

That's all for now. See you when the new year rolls in. Enjoy!

[ajzepp]

Nice work on the Indys, Mark

[Mark Vader]

Nice work on the Indys, Mark

Thanks aj, this is the time of year for these films, as the majority will get the Oscar nominations.

[bbb]

What about the King's Speech? I don't see it listed here and I heard that is getting a lot of Oscar buzz.

[Mark Vader]

What about the King's Speech? I don't see it listed here and I heard that is getting a lot of Oscar buzz.

bbb, I covered that movie in November.

 

Here you go: http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/122765-november-movies-harry-potter-7a-the-next-three-days-due-date-burlesque/

[bbb]

bbb, I covered that movie in November.

 

Here you go: http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/122765-november-movies-harry-potter-7a-the-next-three-days-due-date-burlesque/

 

Thanks - why did I just hear the reviews for as a new release this weekend? IMDB has it as being released on 12/10/10..........I know that a lot of times movies will have an official December release so they are in for the Oscars, and then they aren't really released to most of the country until later..........How does it work with this one?

[Mark Vader]

Thanks - why did I just hear the reviews for as a new release this weekend? IMDB has it as being released on 12/10/10..........I know that a lot of times movies will have an official December release so they are in for the Oscars, and then they aren't really released to most of the country until later..........How does it work with this one?

The King's Speech was officially released on November 26, more likely in an exclusive release in cities like New York & Los Angeles. As is the case for most Independent Oscar hopefuls.

 

The Weinstein Company knew that they had Oscar and other awards nominations coming to them, but also know that this film will not be making 300 million at the box office.

 

My guess is that Weinstein Company wanted to go the extra slow route of release. The expansion of this film has been slight week-by-week, but will open wider next Friday.

 

You look at other movies like "Black Swan" & "The Fighter" whose wider releases were more deliberate. The Fighter opened last week in a mere 12 theatres, then expanded to 2200 on Friday. Black Swan started in 4 theatres on December 3rd, went to 90 last week, and then to over 900 this Friday.

 

Thanks to the Golden Globe nominations these two films benefitted greatly. Just look at their weekend take. The King's Speech will no doubt get similar recognition next week as well.

[bbb]

The King's Speech was officially released on November 26, more likely in an exclusive release in cities like New York & Los Angeles. As is the case for most Independent Oscar hopefuls.

 

The Weinstein Company knew that they had Oscar and other awards nominations coming to them, but also know that this film will not be making 300 million at the box office.

 

My guess is that Weinstein Company wanted to go the extra slow route of release. The expansion of this film has been slight week-by-week, but will open wider next Friday.

 

You look at other movies like "Black Swan" & "The Fighter" whose wider releases were more deliberate. The Fighter opened last week in a mere 12 theatres, then expanded to 2200 on Friday. Black Swan started in 4 theatres on December 3rd, went to 90 last week, and then to over 900 this Friday.

 

Thanks to the Golden Globe nominations these two films benefitted greatly. Just look at their weekend take. The King's Speech will no doubt get similar recognition next week as well.

 

Interesting. I didn't know that all the current movies that I want to see are considered indies. The Fighter crossed all the way over to the cover of SI this week!

[Mark Vader]

Interesting. I didn't know that all the current movies that I want to see are considered indies. The Fighter crossed all the way over to the cover of SI this week!

The Independent film circuit has changes very much over the years. Ever since "The English Patient" won the Oscar for Best Picture for the year of 1996, 4 of the 5 films nominated for that award were all Independent Films.

 

After that, the major studios began to purchase the smaller studios, giving the Independent circuit larger budgets and the ability to attract bigger name actors & directors.

 

I agree, sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between a mainstream & independent picture.

[Mark Vader]

Just saw "Black Swan". Very dramatic, dark & twisted. What more would you expect from Darren Aranofsky. Natalie Portman is very good as is much of the acting with Mila Kunis & Vincent Cassell.

 

It'll get nominated for Best Picture, but I do not think it should win. Portman could very well walk away with the Best Actress Oscar. So check it out.

 

Also to give some of you guys a little extra motivation, there is a big Natalie Portman on Mila Kunis scene that will leave you either or or .