In November I finally got out, and went to the movies. I saw Thor: The Dark World, and you can read my review of it here if you missed it, and I saw Catching Fire, and am currently working on the review for that one -- coming very soon. I also still want to see Ender's Game, which didn't get the best reviews but I still think I'll enjoy it, and Frozen, which surprised me by actually being (apparently) as good as I was hoping. When I get around to seeing it, I'll let you know for sure. As for December releases, there's a few interesting films, and one that I'll definitely be seeing... on opening night.
Inside Llewyn Davis
Dec 6th, Limited, 20th Wide; R
The Coen brothers' next movie is about a music artist Llewyn and the hardships he and his cat face during one week of his life. Now I know that doesn't sound super interesting, but here's why I am: The Coen brothers, for a start, and there's music involved, so the Coens, and music -- always a good combination. The cast looks very fine, with Oscar Isaac as the lead, and (most interestingly to me) Carey Mulligan who is brilliant, and one of my favorite actresses ever. There's also John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund, and Justin Timberlake. So the Coens plus a amazing-looking cast, with a plot about music. And one more thing: it's vintage -- set in 1961. Yep, that's interesting. Sadly, with it being rated R it's unlikely I'll be seeing it anytime soon.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Dec 13th; PG-13
Oh yes. It's almost time. Peter Jackson's second of three part adaptation of Tolkien's beloved first tale of Middle-Earth. This time, we're guaranteed a look at Smaug (the stupendous) who is set up to be an amazing villain, and being voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, gives me chills every time I hear him. Of course you can't forget our hero, Bilbo, who looks to be as perfect as ever in the hands of the ever-reliable Martin Freeman. Gandalf is also still here, and all thirteen dwarves -- Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Kili, Fili, Balin, Dwalin, and Thorin. (And yes, I named them all so I could brag that I know all their names.) As for newcomers, I'm very excited for Luke Evans' Bard the Bowman -- looking very awesome. Thranduil looks promising under Lee Pace, and even Evangeline Lily's added character Tauriel is intriguing. Of course with An Unexpected Journey being a mixed bag of awesomeness and disappointing laziness, I still have some reservations for this one, but I know for sure that at least some of it will be absolutely incredible.
Saving Mr. Banks
Dec 13th Limited, 20th Wide; PG-13
What looks to be a wonderfully charming, apparently true story of P. L. Travers (Emma Thompson) author of Mary Poppins, who doesn't want to sell her story to be made into a movie. Walt Disney himself (Tom Hanks) is very determined though and courts her persistently for the rights. We know, of course what happens -- we've all seen the result -- but how does it come about? Well, I guess we'll see, won't we? And with Hanks and Thompson at the lead, and the supporting cast including Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti and B. J. Novak, I'm sure it'll at least be a charming ride, and I'd like to see it sometime.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Dec 25th; PG
I don't have very much to say for this Dramady starring Ben Stiller as the title character who vividly daydreams about having an exciting life, and then finally does more about it than just dream. It's already getting reviews and they're pretty mediocre, but the premise and trailer are just so unique it keeps sticking out in my head. So I'll keep an eye on it.
American Hustle
Dec 13th, Limited; R
This one's got a pretty strong R rating, so I doubt I'll see it until 2 or so years from now when I might find it on TV, still it's worth a kind of runner-up mention because it certainly going to be a big hit, and how could it not be with this cast -- Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Adams, and Jeremy Renner! A true dream cast. I'm very disappointed.
So, who else is super excited for The Hobbit? And what else has hit your radar for this month?
THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG!!! :D Saving Mr. Banks looks interesting, I don't think I'd heard of it before.
ReplyDeleteErg. I know what you mean about movies being rated R! I think The Fifth Estate looks really interesting but...it's rated R. Rather annoying!
Yes it's almost here, I'm so excited!! I know it looks like it's gonna be really good, but it's not getting very much attention... yet anyway.
DeleteYeah, it can be very annoying. I know it's not true, but sometimes it seems like the only interesting movies out there are rated R.
Haha! I know the feeling!
DeleteThe Hobbit! And Saving Mr. Banks. I very much want to see both of those. I still want to see Philomena too, but the showtimes just aren't cooperating.
ReplyDeleteExcellent choices! :D Oh, limited releases are so bothersome sometimes aren't they?
DeleteI'm seeing The Hobbit next Saturday! I can't wait! I'd like to see American Hustle as well but it doesn't come out till January in the UK.
ReplyDeleteCan I just ask you about because American movie ratings because they really confuse me. Over in the UK we have U, PG, 12, 15 and 18 certificate ratings. So am I right in thinking that NC-17 must be your equivalent of an 18 and an R rated movie a 15? And a PG-13 movie is like your 12 rating? I'm just curious you see.
Yeah, I think that's right -- for a R, you have to be 17 or accompanied by an adult to see or rent it, and for NC-17, you have to be over 17, even if you're with an adult. They probably don't have the exact same requirements, but they're basically equivalent, I'd say.
Delete