Digital Journal — The holidays means time off work and that also means time to check out some new and entertaining films. Digital Journal presents a guide to the movies you’ll want to see in order to finally relax after those intense family dinners.
I Am Legend
Release Date: In Theatres Now
Will Smith is once again playing hero against a horde of Earth invaders (see Independence Day), but this time his trusty companion is a German shepherd named Sam.
As he often does, Smith brings his sharp sense of humour to the scientist character Neville who is combating hordes of feral plague-ridden creatures.
Early reviews suggest there’s plenty of action to keep viewers hooked through this sci-fi thriller. There’s enough CGI monsters to keep the nightmares churning well into 2008…if that’s the kind of fright you like to get out of your movies.
Director Francis Lawrence previously directed the forgettable Constantine and several music videos. Can he super-charge the newly buffed Will Smith into an action star that won’t fade from view in six months? Better yet, can he make a holiday vampire-film more interesting than the paltry fare we’ve been seeing so far?
Juno
Release Date: In Theatres Now
What do you get when you mix Thank You For Smoking and Arrested Development? One of the most lauded films of the year, starring Michael Cera, Ellen Page and Jason Bateman. Directed by Thank You For Smoking‘s Jason Reitman, Juno follows a young woman (Page) faced with an unplanned pregnancy. She makes several bold decisions that challenge her both mentally and physically. Without giving away spoilers, let’s just say this coming-of-age tale takes a few twists you wouldn’t expect.
Juno also features some notable actors known for their cheeky comedy (The Office’s Rainn Wilson) and impressive range (Jennifer Garner). See this film if you want to check out a star-studded cast lighting up the screen along with talented newcomers like Cera and Page.
Youth Without Youth
Release Date: Dec. 21
Francis Ford Coppola directs his first movie in a decade with a period piece about a 78-year-old Romanian linguist Dominic (Tim Roth) who somehow goes back in time to recover his 40-year-old self. As you’d expect from Coppola, there’s a good amount of romance and sexual tension between Dominic and his paramour Veronica (Alexandra Maria Lara). A largely unknown cast rounds out the film, giving Roth plenty opportunity to win some Oscars kudos.
Coppola recently attacked Hollywood for recycling movie ideas in order to rake in more profit. Here’s hoping he’s not just hot air and Youth Without Youth shines for being an original sleeper hit.
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
Release Date: Dec. 21
In the same vein as Ray but without any real singer to base it on, Walk Hard is a biopic of an attention-loving songwriter who becomes a national icon. John C. Reilly stars as Dewey Cox in the actor’s first major starring role after playing second fiddle to other comedians such as Will Ferrell. Although it looks like more drama than comedy, expect snappy writing from co-writer Judd Apatow, known for his TV series (Freak and Geeks) and recent blockbuster films (Knocked Up).
A bonus treat for fans of The Office is seeing Jenna Fischer (of Pam Beesly fame) try her hand at a leading lady role opposite O’Reilly. If there’s any breakout film for Fischer in 2008, this is it.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Release Date: Dec. 21
Tim Burton partners with Johnny Depp for a stylistic interpretation of the Stephen Sondheim musical about a murderous barber and his cohort Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter). There are songs, bloody bodies, black humour and a surprise scene-stealer in Sacha Baron Cohen, better known as Borat to filmgoers.
This film might not be family fare, considering all the gory murders, so check out Sweeney Todd to see if Depp can further spread his magic touch to this musical. If he could sing in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, perhaps he can win over critics with his latest flick.
Charlie Wilson’s War
Release Date: Dec. 21
Charlie Wilson’s War has all the ingredients for a hit film: an all-star cast in Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Julia Roberts; an experienced writer in Aaron Sorkin (West Wing, Studio 60); and a plot based on a true story about a Texas congressman helping Afghan rebels fight the Soviet invasion. Critics already love the treatment, and the film has picked up an impressive five Golden Globe nominations.
The political intrigue behind Charlie Wilson’s War should be a relevant reminder of the back-office dealings occurring today. And with Hanks and Hoffman at the helm, the film boasts captivating talent that could elevate the cast into Oscar winners. The only wrinkle in the film’s plan is release date: it’s up against several blockbuster contenders in a very busy week of new and noteworthy films (see above).
The Bucket List
Release Date: Dec. 25
If you were dying, what would you want to accomplish before the bell tolled for thee? That’s the premise behind The Bucket List, a drama with brushstrokes of comedy. It pairs Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman in a story about two dying men who become friends after they decide to create a list of what they want to do before they “kick the bucket.” Rob Reiner helms the film, which will hopefully be more palatable than his last directorial effort, the abysmal Rumor Has It.
This is the first time Freeman and Nicholson are working together in leading roles, so avid filmgoers will likely anticipate the chemistry between these two silver-screen legends. The plot may be on the saccharine side, but if Freeman and Nicholson can display their acting chops like the days of old, The Bucket List could be a box-office smash.
