According
to: Cat
20 – Chi-Raq (12/4)
Tag Lines: This is an Emergency!!!
Production Companies: 40 Acres & A
Mule Filmworks, Amazon Studios
Executive Producers: Jon Kilik, Kevin Willmott
Director: Spike Lee
Writers: Kevin Willmott,
Spike Lee, Aristophanes (play "Lysistrata' by)
Actors: Nick Cannon,
Teyonah Parris, Wesley Snipes, Angela Bassett, Samuel L Jackson, John Cusack,
Jennifer Hudson, D.B. Sweeney, Dave Chapelle
Genre: Drama
Rated: R
Spike Lee (Inside Man, Passing Strange, Oldboy) is no stranger to his
films sparking controversy. The title of
the film is a nickname given to the city of Chicago, IL due to the amount of
violence that is prevalent there in recent times.
The trailer for this movie
wasn’t what I expected. I was envisioning something more gritty and shocking –
and was pleasantly intrigued to find myself wrong.
The movie is a
modern re-imagining of the ancient Greek play, Lysistrata, by Aristophanes (c.446 – c.386 BC) whom is said to be
one of the ‘fathers of comedy.’ That being said, this film appears that it just
might appeal to a wide range of audiences.
19 – The Letters (12/4)
Tag Line: N/A
Production Company: Big Screen Productions V
Executive Producers: Ty Accornero, Grant Cramer,
William Riead, Jonathan Sheinberg, Susan Ursitti
Director: William Riead
Writers: William Riead
Actors: Juliet Stevenson, Rutger Hauer, Max von Sydow
Genre: Drama
Rated: PG
While I
was growing up, Mother Teresa (1910–1997) was a household name. That isn’t so
much the case anymore, since she passed in 1997; but her legacy remains. Her
work in Calcutta, India among the poorest of the poor was inspirational – and also
controversial to some.
She was the winner of the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize, and
the Catholic Church is working through the steps that might lead to one day
canonizing her as a saint.
This movie
promises to be a poignant peek into her life and work, as told through letters
she wrote over 50 years to her long-time friend, Father Celeste van Exem.
18
– Concussion (12/25)
Tag Line: Nothing hits harder than the
truth
Production Companies: The Cantillon Company, LStar Capital, Scott Free
Productions, The Shuman Company, Village Roadshow Pictures
Executive Producers: David Crockett, Michael Schaefer
Director: Peter Landesman
Writer: Peter Landesman, Jeanne Marie Laskas (GQ article
"Game Brain")
Actors: Will Smith, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Stephen Moyer, Alec Baldwin,
Eddie Marsan, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, David Morse
Genre: Drama
Rated: PG-13
When I
watched this trailer, I nearly didn’t recognize Will Smith (Seven Pounds, Winter's Tale, Focus).
Sports
movies aren’t usually “my thing.” This doesn’t appear to be the typical setup
for such. The trailer spins it more like a conspiracy drama.
Repeated
concussion trauma is a real issue facing athletes today. While Smith’s movies
tend to be hit or miss, he seems to really embody this role – at the very least,
the film will bring awareness to these concerns.
17 – The Big Short (12/23)
Tag Line: This is a true story.
Production Companies: Plan B Entertainment, Regency Enterprises
Executive Producer: Louise Rosner
Director: Adam McKay
Writers: Michael Lewis (based on the book by), Adam McKay &
Charles Randolph (screenplay)
Actors: Brad Pitt, Finn Wittrock, Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale,
Marisa Tomei, Karen Gillan, Steve Carell, Max Greenfield, Melissa Leo
Genre: Drama
Rated: R
The
powerhouse cast alone is a good reason to see this movie. With the caliber of
actors working on this film – it should be nothing short of riveting.
While the
financial issues that have happened over the last several years have led to
many tragedies; the topic, itself, is a bit dry. This film looks to elevate the
material so that audiences should find it interesting, even if not exactly
business/finance savvy.
16 – A Very Murray Christmas (12/4)
Tag Line: N/A
Production Company: Netflix
Executive Producers: Roman Coppola, Sofia Coppola,
Mitch Glazer, Tony Hernandez, Casey Patterson, Michael Zakin
Director: Sofia Coppola
Writers: Sofia Coppola, Mitch Glazer, Bill Murray
Actors: Bill Murray, Paul Shaffer, Michael Cera, George Clooney,
Miley Cyrus, David Johansen, Rashida Jones, Jenny Lewis, Amy Poehler, Chris
Rock, Maya Rudolph, Jason Schwartzman, Julie White, Phoenix
Genre: Comedy, Musical
Rated: NR
Bill Murray (Fantastic Mr. Fox, St. Vincent, Aloha) is pretty much a living comedy
legend. He is also no stranger to Christmas movies, having starred in Scrooged (1988).
It doesn’t look like he’ll
be performing quite such a miserly role this time around. This looks like one
of the classic holiday variety shows, full of celebrity guest appearances.
Whether or not this has a cohesive plot, this film should be a rollicking
good time!
15
– The Ridiculous Six (12/11)
Tag Line: N/A
Production Company: Happy Madison Productions
Executive Producers: Tim Herlihy, Heather Parry
Director: Frank Coraci
Writers: Tim Herlihy, Adam Sandler
Actors: Adam Sandler, Steve Buscemi, Terry Crews, Taylor Lautner,
Danny Trejo, Nick Nolte, Will Forte, Harvey Keitel, Luke Wilson, Rob Schneider,
Steve Zahn, David Spade, John Tururro, Norm MacDonald
Genre: Comedy, Western
Rated: NR
I know I can't be alone in
noticing the parallels between this movie and Quentin Tarantino's (Grindhouse: Deathproof, Inglorious Basterds,
Django Unchained) new film.
Beyond the naming theme, and the fact they're
both westerns; this movie takes a vastly different path.
In the true sense of an Adam Sandler (Grown Ups, That's My Boy, The Cobbler)
flick, this promises to live up to its name as absolutely ridiculous. That
being said, it should be full of easy laughs and physical comedy - the perfect
recipe to relieve stress from the holiday rushing around.
14
– Bleeding Heart (12/11)
Tag Line: Tied by blood. Bound by lies.
Production Companies: Super Crispy Entertainment, Fido Features
Executive Producer: Dan Halsted
Director: Diane Bell
Writer: Diane Bell
Actors: Jessica Biel, Zosia Mamet, Exie Booker, Edi Gathegi
Genre: Drama
Rated: NR
Jessica Biel (Next, New Year's Eve, Total Recall) has come a long way since her 7th Heaven (1996–2007) days.
Her
character, May, has tracked down her sister to find that she's in a bad spot.
This movie promises to be about much more than just the bond of the sisters
being tested. It looks to shine a light on domestic violence and abusive
relationships.
The trailer was intense, and I'm already rooting for the
sisters. Sometimes a peek into the darkness helps us appreciate the light of
this holiday season more.
13
– Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (12/18)
Tag Line: Fast & Furry-ous
Production Companies: Fox 2000 Pictures, Regency Enterprises, Bagdasarian
Productions, Sunswept Entertainment, TSG Entertainment
Executive Producer: Caroline MacVicar
Director: Walt Becker
Writers: Randi Mayem Singer, Janice Karman, Ross Bagdasarian
Actors: Kaley Cuoco, Bella Thorne, Anna Faris, Christina
Applegate, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jason Lee, Justin Long, Kimberly
Williams-Paisley, Jesse McCartney
Genre: Animated Adventure, Comedy
Rated: PG
No matter how ridiculous these
movies get, I can't help but watch. My daughter also enjoys them - which makes
me giddy, because Alvin and the Chipmunks
(1983-1990) was a staple of my childhood.
There usually is a good message
buried somewhere under all the shenanigans, which is a bonus. How many times do
you think Jason Lee (Underdog, Columbus
Circle, Tell) will shout 'Alvinnn!!!!' in this one?
12 – Krampus (12/4)
Tag Line: You don't want to be on his list.
Production Companies: Legendary Pictures, Universal Pictures
Executive Producers: Michael Dougherty, Alex Garcia,
Jon Jashni, Thomas Tull
Director: Michael Dougherty
Writers: Todd Casey, Michael Dougherty, Zach Shields
Actors: Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Allison Tolman,
Conchata Ferrell, Emjay Anthony, tevania LaVie Owen, Krista Stadler
Genre: Fantasy, Horror
Rated: PG-13
This movie isn't your usual
Christmas tale.
There have been a few films this year that have come out with a
nightmarish Christmas situation storyline. This one, perhaps, is the best timed
release of such. Its rating is right in the range to give families a
holiday-themed chill without going too far towards 'the naughty list' - but
definitely not for little children.
Poltergeist
(1982) had me afraid of my closet for YEARS. This movie just might terrify
little ones away from presents, the fireplace, or any number of happy holiday
things that get twisted up in this movie; if the trailer is any indication.
This should be a great selection for the horror lovers that are feeling
festive.
11
– He Never Died (12/18)
Tag Line: Bullets. Blood. Bingo.
Production Company: Alternate Ending Studios
Executive Producers: Robert Benvie, Jonathan Bronfman,
David Miller, Dan Peel
Director: Jason Krawczyk
Writers: Jason Krawczyk
Actors: Henry Rollins, Booboo Stewart, Steven Ogg, Jordan Todosey,
James Cade, Tamara Almeida, Michael Cram
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Horror
Rated: R
Henry Rollins (H for Hunger, Sons of Anarchy, In the House of Flies) is a
legitimate badass.
He was the front man for Black Flag, he's written books and
poetry, has his own record label and publishing company, is a TV film critic,
an actor, and a Radio DJ...and that's just scratching the surface.
His
character, Jack, is antisocial for a reason. The world isn't done with him,
however. This dark comedy promises to be a wild ride, and I can't wait to jump
on board. Woe to those that piss this man off (both in reality and
fictionally).
10 – The Lady in the Van (12/4)
Tag Line: A mostly true story
Production Companies: BBC Films, TriStar Productions
Executive Producer: Ed Wethered
Director: Nicholas Hytner
Writer: Alan Bennett
Actors: Maggie Smith, Alex Jennings, Dominic Cooper, James Corden,
Jim Broadbent, Russell Tocey, Claire Foy
Genre: Drama
Rated: PG-13
Dame Maggie Smith (Gnomeo & Juliet, Quartet, Downtown Abbey)
is a truly phenomenal actress. From a shapeshifting wizardess to a Dowager
Countess, she captures the essence of every role brilliantly. This movie
promises to be quirky, eccentric, and heartwarming.
9 –
Joy (12/25)
Tag Line: N/A
Production Companies: Annapurna Pictures, Davis Entertainment
Executive Producers: Matthew Budman, John Fox, Joy
Mangano, Mary McLaglen, Annie Mumolo, George Parra, Ethan Smith
Director: David O. Russell
Writers: David O. Russell, Annie Mumolo
Actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro,
Elisabeth Röhm, Dascha Polanco, Virginia Madsen, Édgar RamÃrez, Isabella
Rossellini, Drena De Niro
Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama
Rated: PG-13
There's no question that the
combination of Jennifer Lawrence (The
Poker House, The Devil You Know, Serena) and Bradley Cooper (The Words, Hit and Run, Aloha) in a
movie together makes magic happen.
I can only imagine when you figure in Robert
De Niro (Freelancers, The Bag Man, Heist),
as well - it's a movie not to be missed.
I love that the film underscores hard
work leading to success rather than entitlement. Something interesting to note
is that De Niro's daughter, Drena De Niro (The
Lovebirds, ExTerminators, The Intern), is also in the film.
8
– In the Heart of the Sea (12/11)
Tag Line: Based on the incredible true story that inspired Moby-Dick
Production Companies: Cott Productions, Enelmar Productions, A.I.E., Imagine
Entertainment, K. JAM Media, Roth Films,
Spring Creek Productions, Sur-Film, Village Roadshow Pictures, Warner Bros.
Executive Producers: David Bergstein, Bruce Berman,
Sarah Bradshaw, Palak Patel, Ron Howard
Director: Ron Howard
Writers: Charles Leavitt, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Nathaniel
Philbrick (book "In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship
Essex")
Actors: Chris Hemsworth, Ben Whishaw, Cillian Murphy, Tom Holland,
Charlotte Ray, Brendan Gleeson, Frank Dillane, Paul Anderson, Donald Sumpter
Genre: Action/Adventure, Biography
Rated: PG-13
This promises to be one whale of a
tale. (I couldn't help it.)
Ron Howard (Cinderella
Man, The DaVinci Code, The Delimma) is one of my favorite directors of all
time. He certainly knows how to weave an epic story together. Herman Melville's
classic, Moby Dick, is a grand tale
grown from a seed of truth.
This film explores what inspired story that evolved
into the hunt for the Great White Whale. I am interested to see what Chris
Hemsworth (The Cabin in the Woods, Red
Dawn, Rush) does with this role.
The trailers look intense. He shed quite a
bit of mass that he'd bulked up with for his superhero roles specifically for
this movie.
7 –
MI-5 (12/4)
Tag Line: Loyalty is treason
Production Companies: Shine Pictures, Kudos Film and Television, Pinewood
Pictures, Creative England, Isle of Man Film, Shotz Fiction Film
Executive Producer: Richard Holmes
Director: Bharat Nalluri
Writers: Jonathan Brackley, Sam Vincent, David Wolstencroft
(television series "Spooks")
Actors: Kit Harington, Peter Firth, Elyes Gabel, Tuppence
Middleton, Geoffrey Streatfield, Elliot Levey, Jennifer Ehle, Tim McInnerny,
Lara Pulver, Michael Wildman, David Harewood
Genre: Action, Thriller
Rated: R
This movie is inspired by a
television show that ran from 2002-2011. What's interesting to note is that
several of the original cast of the show are included in the movie. Among them,
Peter Firth (The Greatest Game Ever
Played, World Without End, MayDay), whom played MI5 Intelligence Chief
Harry Pearce, reprises his role.
I have always enjoyed a good spy
action/thriller, and this movie looks to be exciting.
Fans of Game of Thrones (2011– ) will get to
enjoy Kit Harington (Pompeii, Testament
of Youth, Seventh Son) in the lead role here to help tide over, if only a
little, until the series returns in April.
6 –
The Hateful Eight (12/25)
Tag Line: No one to trust. Everyone to hate.
Production Company: The Weinstein Company
Executive Producers: Georgia Kacandes, Bob Weinstein,
Harvey Weinstein
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Writer: Quentin Tarantino
Actors: Channing Tatum, Zoë Bell, Kurt Russell, Samuel L. Jackson,
Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern,
Demian Bichir, James Parks
Genre: Western
Rated: R
Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill: Vol 2, Sin City, Grindhouse:
Deathproof) may have a few screws loose - but I think that only helps with
his storytelling.
This movie looks to be bloody, and brilliant. I am also
highly curious which role Channing Tatum (The
Lego Movie, Foxcatcher, The Book of Life) is playing. I don't remember
seeing him an any of the trailers.
But seriously, Kurt Russell (Sky High, Poseidon, Furious 7) in
another western? Hell yes, sign me up!
5
– Point Break (12/25)
Tag Line: The only law that matters is gravity
Production Companies: Alcon Entertainment, DMG Entertainment, Ehman Productions,
Studio Babelsberg
Executive Producers: John McMurrick, Dan Mintz
Director: Ericson Core
Writers: Kurt Wimmer, Rick King, W. Peter Iliff
Actors: Teresa Palmer, Luke Bracey, Édgar RamÃrez, Tobias
Santelmann, Ray Winstone, Delroy Lindo, James Le Gros, Bojesse Christopher,
Clemens Schick, Matias Varela
Genre: Action, Crime
Rated: PG-13
When I first heard that this movie
was being remade, I was a bit angry. Why is Hollywood recycling films that have
already paid their dues and earned their place in cinematic history?! It
almost feels a bit like blasphemy to recreate one of the late, great Patrick
Swayze's (Keeping Mum, Christmas in
Wonderland, Jump!) films.
After watching the trailer and a
little research, however; I've found that I'm more curious than anything.
The
fact that the same writing team as the original movie have written this
adaptation mollifies me, somewhat. There are even a couple actors from the
original that are in the new film. Bojesse Christopher (The Bondage, Remember My Story, Endless), whom was the original
Grommet; and James Le Gros (Vantage
Point, Skateland, Big Miracle), the original Roach, will both be involved
in the FBI in the new film. I find that to be an interesting switch up.
The action also looks breathtaking.
I can't help but want to watch it just to see if they do justice to the memory
of the original without being too close to a carbon copy.
4
– American Hero (12/11)
Tag Line: N/A
Production Companies: Vertigo Films, Protagonist Pictures
Executive Producer: N/A
Director: Nick Love
Writers: Nick Love
Actors: Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Raeden Greer, Bill Billions,
Jonathan Billions, Keena Ferguson
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Comedy
Rated: NR
What would you do if you had
telekinetic abilities? Would you take on the injustices of the world like a
superhero, or would you try to stay in the background to avoid becoming a lab
rat?
There's a serious choice for the main character, underneath all the
shenanigans of this film.
That being said, this movie looks hilarious. Stephen
Dorff (Immortals, Brake, Tomorrow You're
Gone) is a great anti-hero, and Eddie Griffin (Date Movie, Norbit, Highway) is exceptionally funny. I am excited
to see what they accomplish together.
3
– Macbeth (12/4)
Tag Line: All hail Macbeth that shall be king
Production Companies: See-Saw Films, DMC Film
Executive Producer: Olivier Courson, Danny Perkins,
Tessa Ross
Director: Justin Kurzel
Writers: Jacob Koskoff, Michael Lesslie, Todd Louiso, William
Shakespeare
Actors: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Paddy Considine,
Lochlann Harris, Kayla Fallon, Lynn Kennedy, Seylan Baxter, Amber Rissmann,
David Thewlis, David Hayman, Jack Reynor, Brian Nickels, Sean Harris
Genre: Drama
Rated: NR
I am always a fan of Shakespearean
works brought to the big screen. I love seeing the classic stories come to
life. This is no different.
"The Scottish Play" is infamous for the
superstitions surrounding it. It is said that Michael Fassbender (Prometheus, The Counselor, Frank)
followed the tradition of not naming the play by its proper title; at the very
least immediately preceding the Cannes Film Festival, where this movie was the
closing film.
His chemistry with Marion Cotillard (The Dark Knight Rises, Blood Ties, The Little Prince), even in the
trailers, is electrifying. Against the moody and mystical backdrop of Scotland,
this film promises to be gorgeous and epic.
2 –
Christmas Eve (12/4)
Tag Lines: They'll be home for Christmas...if only in their dreams.
Production Company: Unstuck
Executive Producers: Ken Bretschneider, Mitch Davis,
Larry King, Shawn Southwick
Director: Mitch Davis
Writers: Mitch Davis, Tyler McKellar
Actors: Patrick Stewart, Jon Heder, James Roday, Julianna Guill,
Gary Cole, Cheryl Hines, Max Casella
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rated: PG
A power outage on Christmas Eve
strands 6 elevators around New York. The movie is the tale of the people
trapped inside those elevators, running quite the gambit of emotions.
The film
promises to be both hilarious and poignant. I have to admit that I want to see Sir
Patrick Stewart (Ted, A Million Ways to
Die in the West, Green Room) in this movie. His character seems to be a bit
Scroogy in the trailer. I wonder how Dickens-like his Christmas Eve will
become. This movie seems to have a little something for everyone in it.
1
– Star Wars: The Force Awakens (12/18)
Tag Line: Every generation has a story.
Production Companies: Lucasfilm Ltd., Bad Robot, Truenorth Productions
Executive Producers: Tommy Harper, Jason D. McGatlin
Director: J.J. Abrams
Writers: Lawrence Kasdan, J.J. Abrams, Michael Arndt, George Lucas
Actors: Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Peter Mayhew,
Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Warwick Davis, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Billie
Lourd, John Boyega, Andy Serkis, Lupita Nyong'o, Simon Pegg, Oscar Isaac,
Gwendoline Christie, Domhnall Gleeson
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rated: PG-13
It’s Star Wars with the return of
the original cast. Need I say more? Really?
December 18th, 2015 has
a big highlight on it upon many calendars all over the world.
One of my
earliest movie memories was Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983).
I remember that some cereal boxes had masks on the back, at one point. You
could cut it off of the back and be a storm trooper or C-3PO.
While I’m not
excited about what was done with the prequels, I love the idea of the continued
story that picks up some time after Episode VI.
Go watch it. Get your tickets now!
Movies
to Look out For
According
to: Selina
A
Very Murray Christmas - 20
Alvin
and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip - 19
The
Ridiculous Six - 18
The
Lady in the Van - 17
Every
Thing Will Be Fine - 16
Point
Break - 15
The
Letters - 14
Macbeth
- 13
MI-5
- 12
The
Big Short - 11
Chi-Raq
- 10
Krampus
- 9
Joy
- 8
Christmas
Eve - 7
In
the Heart of the Sea - 6
American
Hero - 5
He
Never Died - 4
Concussion
- 3
The
Hateful Eight - 2
Star
Wars: The Force Awakens - 1
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