Going to the movies is a holiday tradition for friends, family and anyone seeking a break from shopping.
This most wonderful time of year offers a bevy of biopics, comedies, dramas, sequels and action-packed releases at the theater—some more festive than others.
Ready, set, popcorn (eat it, don’t string it)!
Now Playing
Inside Llewyn Davis (R)
The Coen Brothers’ latest project centers around a folk singer and his cat. Oscar Isaac (“Drive”), Carey Mulligan (“The Great Gatsby”), Garrett Hedlund (“TRON: Legacy”), Justin Timberlake (love him), and the always-excellent John Goodman star in this Cannes-selected film inspired by real-life musician Dave Van Ronk—with a toe-tappin’ soundtrack to boot!
American Hustle (R)
Batman, er, Christian Bale, and Katniss Everdeen, er, Jennifer Lawrence, are up to no good in this fictional telling of a ‘70s FBI sting operation. A curly-haired Bradley Cooper, the lovely Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner (“The Bourne Legacy”) and funny man Louis C.K. also take part in this film about Jersey-licious con men.
Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (PG-13)
The mere sight of Ron Burgundy’s ‘70s-style mustache is worth a chuckle in this sequel to the cult classic that debuted nearly 10 years ago. The original players (Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David Koechner and Christine Applegate) are joined by some big-time talent—Tina Fey, Greg Kinnear, Sacha Baron Cohen, Kristen Dunst, Kristin Wiig, Liam Neeson, Harrison Ford, Vince Vaughn and James Marsden—in this laugh-out-loud comedy set in “classy” San Diego and bustling NYC.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (PG-13)
The much-anticipated second installment of Peter Jackson’s J.R.R. Tolkien-based trilogy takes us through the Elfin woods and over the river (in Niagara Falls-style barrels) with Bilbo Baggins and friends as they seek to reclaim a mountain defended by a fire-breathing dragon.
Family Fun
Frozen (PG)
If you’ve not yet seen this seasonal release from the world of Disney and are looking to entertain all ages (even your grumpy grandpa), then this film’s for you. See it in 3-D—it’s worth every penny.
Walking with Dinosaurs (PG)
“Jurassic Park” this is not. From BBC to the big screen comes this live action/animated underdog story that transports audiences to pre-historic times—lawyer-eating T-Rexes not included.
Saving Mr. Banks (PG-13)
Mary Poppins herself (Julie Andrews) has praised Tom Hanks’ portrayal of icon Walt Disney in this true tale about how the world’s best nanny rose from the pages of the novel by P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson) to the silver screen. Ireland’s own Colin Farrell and the ever-versatile Paul Giamatti also star.
Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas (PG-13)
The gut-busting grandma (Tyler Perry’s mouthy alter ego in a skirt) is back in this country-style Christmas story. Look for cameos by stand-up comic Larry the Cable Guy and “One Tree Hill” bad boy Chad Michael Murray.
Out Christmas Day
The Wolf of Wall Street (R)
The dancing GIF of Leonardo DiCaprio that’s circulating the Internet is reason enough to see Martin Scorsese’s latest work about—you guessed it—corruption in the financial sector. Real-life playboy Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) inspired this Oscar contender about the land of excess in which Jonah Hill’s and Matthew McConaughey’s characters also reside.
47 Ronin (PG-13)
Keanu Reeves channels Tom Cruise a la “The Last Samurai” (or at least his hair does) in this epic fantasy-action flick, the actor’s first major leading role in a decade, about a band of Japanese swordsmen seeking vengeance against an evil overlord.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (PG)
Ben Stiller directed, produced and stars in one man’s transformation from introverted dreamer to world-traveling adventurer, taken from the book by James Thurber. “SNL” veteran Kristen Wiig (“Bridesmaids”) is the unwitting object of his affection.
Grudge Match (PG-13)
Sly Stallone and Robert De Niro are once-famous boxers who return to the ring one last time (ready the paramedics). Comedian Kevin Hart and the legendary Alan Arkin offer supporting roles.
