Mark Vader Posted December 6, 2012 Share Posted December 6, 2012 November opened the floodgates to what has turned out to be a highly profitable Holiday Season. Now December steps in and amazingly will crank up the numbers even higher. Once again diversity is the key this month, as moviegoers will have plenty to choose from, while also catching up on leftovers from last month. There are lots of big name, big budget titles, with big name actors & directors, but there are also going to be a group of films that will get small releases in limited areas before they go wide, in hopes of garnering the coveted Oscar nominations, which will be announced on January 10. However, it's not just the small independent films that will be looking for Oscar gold, as a lot of big name titles feel they have the clout to garner both box office success & critical praise. One movie in particular is a highly anticipated prequel. Peter Jackson returns to Middle Earth and gives the world "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey". After months of legal issues between Warner Bros. & MGM, and then Guillermo Del Toro exiting as director, the most anticipated prequel to a series since "Star Wars: Episode I", finally makes it's way to the big screen. Back in 2001 Peter Jackson, New Line Cinema & Wingnut Films captivated movie audiences with the first "Lord of the Rings" movie. Reigniting a dead genre and showing people that not everything fantasy is geared only to children. Now the very first story of the series has many fans ready to return back to that world. Although many are scratching their heads over this story being broken up into three parts. A curious Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, journeys to the Lonely Mountain with a vigorous group of Dwarves to reclaim a treasure stolen from them by the dragon Smaug. Starring Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott, Graham McTavish, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Stephen Hunter, Dean O'Gorman, Aidan Turner, Peter Hambleton, Jed Brophy, Mark Hallow, Adam Brown, Lee Pace, Ian Holm, Elijah Wood, Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee & Andy Serkis. Will there be more Oscar gold to add to this series' success? Universal Studios is banking it's Oscar bets on their adaptation of the famous and beloved musical "Les Miserables". In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole, agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's daughter, Cosette. The fateful decision changes their lives forever. Starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Samantha Barks, Helena Bonham Carter & Sacha Baron Cohen, and directed by Tom Hooper, fans have been buzzing over this film's arrival ever since they heard Anne Hathaway sing. The cast is top notch and lovers of the musical are ready to see this many times adapted story for film finally get it's musical version on the silver screen. The big question that's been on many peoples minds has been; "Can Russell Crowe sing?". It's been 10 years since a musical won best picture. What a treat it would be for Universal, on their 100th anniversary, to win that Oscar. Quentin Tarantino makes his way back to the big screen with those looking for more alternative fare from the Holiday Season, with his latest tale of revenge, "Django Unchained". With the help of his mentor, a slave-turned-bounty hunter sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner. Starring Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz, Kerry Washington, Jonah Hill, Don Johnson & Samuel L. Jackson. Getting lost in the mix of movies this season is Paramount Pictures under-the-radar Tom Cruise action movie, "Jack Reacher". Based on the best selling novel "One Shot", A homicide investigator digs deeper into a case involving a trained military sniper who shot five random victims. Also starring Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins, Werner Herzog & Robert Duvall. Ewan McGregor & Naomi Watts star in the heart wrenching drama, "The Impossible". An account of a family caught, with tens of thousands of strangers, in the mayhem of one of the worst natural catastrophes of our time. Also starring Tom Holland & Oaklee Pendergast. For those who need their raunchy comedy fix, director Judd Apatow releases his sort-of-sequel to "Knocked Up", "This is 40". A look at the lives of Pete and Debbie a few years after the events of Knocked Up. Starring Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Jason Segal & Melissa McCarthy. Billy Crystal & Bette Midler star in "Parental Guidance". Artie and Diane agree to look after their three grandkids when their type-A helicopter parents need to leave town for work. Problems arise when the kids' 21st-century behaviors collide with Artie and Diane's old-school methods. Also starring Marisa Tomei & Tom Everett Scott. Seth Rogen & Barbra Streisand star in "The Guilt Trip". Andy Brewster is about to embark on the road trip of a lifetime, and who better to accompany him than his overbearing mother Joyce. Also starring Adam Scott & Yvonne Strahovski. Gerard Butler stars in "Playing For Keeps". A former sports star who's fallen on hard times starts coaching his son's soccer team as a way to get his life together. His attempts to become an adult are met with challenges from the attractive soccer moms who pursue him at every turn. Also starring Jessica Beil, Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones & Dennis Quaid. Finally, with their prequel "Monsters University" coming next summer, Disney re-releases their Pixar animated film "Monsters Inc." in 3D. Monsters generate their city's power by scaring children, but they are terribly afraid themselves of being contaminated by children, so when one enters Monstropolis, top scarer Sulley finds his world disrupted. Starring the voices of Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Mary Gibbs & John Ratzenberger. Calendar with trailers. 12/7 "Playing For Keeps": http://playingforkeepsmovie.com/ 12/14 "The Hobbitt: An Unexpected Journey": http://www.thehobbit.com/ 12/19 "The Guilt Trip": http://www.guilttripmovie.com/ "Monsters Inc.": http://disney.go.com/monstersinc/?cmp=wdshe_mon_url_dcommonstersinc_Extl 12/21 "This is 40": http://www.thisis40movie.com/ "Jack Reacher": http://www.jackreachermovie.com/ "The Impossible": http://theimpossible-movie.com/ 12/25 "Parental Guidance": http://www.parentalguidancemovie.com/ "Django Unchained": http://unchainedmovie.com/ "Les Miserables": http://www.lesmiserablesfilm.com/ That's all for now. Independent Films will be posted later. Until then.....Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erynthered Posted December 6, 2012 Share Posted December 6, 2012 Thanks Mark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dib Posted December 6, 2012 Share Posted December 6, 2012 I can't wait for The Hobbit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shrader Posted December 6, 2012 Share Posted December 6, 2012 The wife will want to see Les Mis, but otherwise, I don't think I'll wind up at any of these movies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Vader Posted December 9, 2012 Author Share Posted December 9, 2012 Thanks Mark. Your welcome The wife will want to see Les Mis, but otherwise, I don't think I'll wind up at any of these movies. Seriously? "The Hobbit", does not interest you at all? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shrader Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 Seriously? "The Hobbit", does not interest you at all? No. I was never into any of those books. And also, the questions I've read constantly about how they're spreading this whole thing into three movies seem like a big issue to me too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miyagi-Do Karate Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 The wife will want to see Les Mis, but otherwise, I don't think I'll wind up at any of these movies. As a big les mis fan, I am nervous about the movie. It's going to be tough to beat the musical. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Vader Posted December 10, 2012 Author Share Posted December 10, 2012 As a big les mis fan, I am nervous about the movie. It's going to be tough to beat the musical. Early buzz is highly positive. Some have already said it will be a front runner for best picture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooderson Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 No. I was never into any of those books. And also, the questions I've read constantly about how they're spreading this whole thing into three movies seem like a big issue to me too. Agreed. I'll save some judgement until I see it but spreading it out so much does not sound beneficial. Btw, it was one of my favorite books growing up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pine Barrens Mafia Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 I saw an ad for "Django Unchained" the other night. It looks like the first Tarantino movie I'm wanting to see since Pulp fiction. Kill Bill did nothing for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Vader Posted December 11, 2012 Author Share Posted December 11, 2012 I saw an ad for "Django Unchained" the other night. It looks like the first Tarantino movie I'm wanting to see since Pulp fiction. Kill Bill did nothing for me. "Kill Bill" was nothing special. I have yet to see "Inglorious Basterds", and I think "Jackie Brown" is underrated. I do like Tarantino, but I also think he's a bit overrated. As for "Django Unchained", I was far more interested in this movie when Will Smith was set to star in it. Jamie Foxx does nothing for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KD in CA Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 I have yet to see "Inglorious Basterds" Really? IG was a blast; highly enjoyable. Brad Pitt had more hysterical lines than any movie character I can recall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Bills fan Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 We scored some free tickets to see the Hobbit on opening night. Really looking forward to finally seeing it. (The Mrs and I happened to be up in Wellington the day of the world premiere and saw some of the stars, which was pretty cool.) A few of the scenes were filmed around our region (Nelson) which is also pretty cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Vader Posted December 15, 2012 Author Share Posted December 15, 2012 Saw "The Hobbit" last night, and I enjoyed it very much. I have noticed that the reviews for this film have been good not great, and it looks like it is being ignored by all the awards shows. My guess is that most people think that making this story into three movies is ridiculous, and I do somewhat agree with that sentiment. Having said that, I am glad to have this story made, and Peter Jackson once again delivers the goods. The magic of the Lord of the Rings series is brought back, and while "The Hobbit" is a much more simple story, it does bring a big level of excitement and fun. As I expected there are scenes that are directly from the book, scenes that are expanded with greater detail than the book, and scenes that are completely made up. Yet none of these come off as offensive to the original story. The cinematography is done very well, and we once again marvel at the beauty of New Zealand and see why this country is Middle Earth. Martin Freeman does a good job as Bilbo and Richard Armitage is exceptional as Thorin Oakenshield. The story is straightforward as it pretends to be nothing more than a big fantasy/adventure movie. So if you enjoyed the Lord of the Rings trilogy, then you'll enjoy "The Hobbit" just as much. I can not wait for the second movie next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Vader Posted December 21, 2012 Author Share Posted December 21, 2012 Here are this month's Independent Films. Some of these films will be remembered when the Oscar nominations are announced. From director Kathryn Bigelow comes "Zero Dark Thirty". A chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L. Team 6 in May, 2011. Starring Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Mark Strong & Chris Pratt. Bill Murray stars in "Hyde Park On Hudson". In June 1939, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor host the King and Queen of England for a weekend at the Roosevelt home at Hyde Park on Hudson, in upstate New York – the first-ever visit of a reigning English monarch to America. Also starring Laura Linney, Olivia Williams, Samuel West & Olivia Colman. Matt Damon stars in "Promised Land". A salesman for a natural gas company experiences life-changing events after arriving in a small town, where his corporation wants to tap into the available resources. Also starring Frances McDormand, John Krasinski & Hal Holbrook. Dustin Hoffman goes behind the camera to direct "Quartet". At a home for retired opera singers, the annual concert to celebrate Verdi's birthday is disrupted by the arrival of Jean, an eternal diva and the former wife of one of the residents. Starring Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins & Michael Gambon. In "On the Road", Young writer Sal Paradise has his life shaken by the arrival of free-spirited Dean Moriarty and his girl, Marylou. As they travel across the country, they encounter a mix of people who each impact their journey indelibly. Starring Sam Riley, Garrett Hedlund, Kristen Stewart, Amy Adams, Alice Braga, Tom Sturridge, Danny Morgan, Elisabeth Moss, Kirsten Dunst & Viggo Mortensen. In "Lay the Favorite", Beth, a Las Vegas cocktail waitress, falls in with Dink, a sports gambler who swoons for her as she proves to be something of a gambling prodigy, earning the initial ire of Dink's wife, Tulip. Starring Bruce Willis, Rebecca Hall, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Zeta-Jones & Joshua Jackson. "Deadfall", is a thriller that follows two siblings who decide to fend for themselves in the wake of a botched casino heist, and their unlikely reunion during another family's Thanksgiving celebration. Starring Eric Bana, Olivia Wilde, Charlie Hunnam, Kris Kristofferson & Sissy Spacek. In "Not Fade Away", It's 1964, the Rolling Stones appear on television and three best friends from the suburbs of New Jersey decide to form a rock band. Starring Will Brill, John Magaro, Jack Huston, Bella Heathcote, Dominique McElligott, Lisa Lampanelli, & James Gandolfini. In "Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away", A young woman is entranced by an Aerialist. When they fall into the dreamlike world of Cirque du Soleil and are separated, they travel through the different tent worlds trying to find each other. Starring Erica Linz, Igor Zaripov & Lutz Halbhubner. From Austria, France & Germany comes "Amour". Georges and Anne are in their eighties. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, who is also a musician, lives abroad with her family. One day, Anne has an attack. The couple's bond of love is severely tested. Starring Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva & Isabelle Huppert. Finally in the documentary "West of Memphis", An examination of a failure of justice in the case against the West Memphis Three. Calendar with Trailers. Note: These dates are for exclusive or limited release. These movies may appear in your area at a later date. 12/7 "Hyde Park On Hudson": http://focusfeatures.com/hyde_park_on_hudson "Deadfall": http://www.magpictures.com/deadfall/ "Lay the Favorite": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2792793113/ 12/19 "Zero Dark Thirty": http://www.zerodarkthirty-movie.com/ "Amour": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2353964057/ 12/21 "Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away": http://www.worldsaway3d.com/ "On the Road": http://www.ontheroad-themovie.com/?lang=en "Not Fade Away": http://www.notfadeawaymovie.com/ 12/25 "West of Memphis": http://www.sonyclassics.com/westofmemphis/ 12/28 "Promised Land": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1278780441/ "Quartet": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2051843097/ That's all for now. I'll have the January movies up later. Until then........Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrags Posted December 24, 2012 Share Posted December 24, 2012 Really? IG was a blast; highly enjoyable. Brad Pitt had more hysterical lines than any movie character I can recall. between Pitts performance and amazing lines in the movie. My favorite part has got to be Hugo Stiglish. Absolutely hysterical. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WWVaBeach Posted December 24, 2012 Share Posted December 24, 2012 The wife dragged me to see Circe Du Sole and it was a total and complete waste of money. I actually dozed off! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Vader Posted December 25, 2012 Author Share Posted December 25, 2012 The wife dragged me to see Circe Du Sole and it was a total and complete waste of money. I actually dozed off! As popular as Cirque Du Soleil is, I saw this movie as a tough sell, even with James Cameron's name attached to it. Cirque Du Soleil has many breathtaking shows, but as a movie it just would not have the same impact. I think people would rather see a live show instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cantankerous Posted December 25, 2012 Share Posted December 25, 2012 "The Hobbit" was painfully slow. I wish I would've seen Jack Reacher instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Vader Posted December 26, 2012 Author Share Posted December 26, 2012 Saw "Les Miserables" today. The hype and awards buzz is justified. Definitely one of the better movies I have seen this year. The entire cast delivers, Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway & Eddie Redmayne are most impressive. Having the actors sing LIVE, instead of being recorded in a studio, added much more emotion and feel to the movie. Fans of the musical will be impressed. This movie is definitely a front runner for best picture. Sacha Baron Cohen & Helena Bonham Carter were ideal casting choices for the Thenardier's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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