Under the Sea 3D

Movie Info

Directed by: Howard Hall (Deep Sea, Island of the Sharks)
Written by: N/A
Starring: Narrated by Jim Carey
Genre: IMAX/Educational
MPAA Rating: G
Runtime: 40 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 95% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 75/100
IMDB Rating: N/A
My Response: Really, what IMAX film doesn't not suck? I sure don't know. This one is nothing extra spectacular, so see if you want, but you won't miss any water-cooler talk if you miss it.

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The International

Movie Info

Directed by: Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run)
Written by: Eric Singer (writing debut)
Starring: Clive Owen (Children of Men, Inside Man), Naomi Watts (The Ring, Mulholland Dr.),
Genre: Action/Suspense/Thriller
MPAA Rating: R - for some sequences of violence and language
Runtime: 118 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 55% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 52/100
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
My Response: I saw The International at a screening a few days ago, and it was a lot better than I thought it would be. Clive delivers (as always) a solid action/thriller performance. It's not revolutionary, but it's entertaining. The irony of a movie opening about a bank becoming too powerful during the current bank collapse is an added bonus.

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Two Lovers

Movie Info

Directed by: James Gray (We Own The Night)
Written by: Screenplay: James Gray (We Own The Night) & Ric Menello (feature film debut)
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix (Walk the Line, Signs), Gwyneth Paltrow (Shakespeare in Love, Se7en), Vinessa Shaw (3:10 to Yuma, Eyes Wide Shut)
Genre: Drama/Romance
MPAA Rating: R - for language, some sexuality and brief drug use
Runtime: 110 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 83% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 71/100
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
My Response: If you believe the latest news, and Joaquin Phoenix really gives up acting to become...ahem...a rapper, then this is his last film. I really don't think he will leave movies for good, but it he does, at least he goes out with a good one. The cast is great, and there are rumors that up-and-comer Vinessa Shaw outshines Gwyneth Paltrow in this one. See it.

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Coraline

Movie Info

Directed by: Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas, James and Giant Peach)
Written by: Book: Neil Gaiman (Stardust, MirrorMask), Screenplay: Henry Selick (writing debut)
Starring: Dakota Fanning (Man on Fire, War of the Worlds), Teri Hatcher (Tomorrow Never Dies, Desperate Housewives (TV)), John Hodgmen (Baby Mama)
Genre: Animated/Family
MPAA Rating: PG - for thematic elements, scary images, some language and suggestive humor
Runtime: 101 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 88% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 80/100
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
My Response: Everyone is saying that Coraline is Henry Selick's chance to shine. He's worked on other similar projects, but other people usually get the credit (mainly Tim Burton). Coraline looks to be very entertaining, and Selick definitely has an established, imaginative, and very unique style that many people love. See it.

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Fanboys

Movie Info

Directed by: Kyle Newman (The Hollow)
Written by: Ernest Cline (writing debut), Adam Goldberg (The Muppets' Wizard of Oz), & Dan Pulick (writing debut)
Starring: Dan Fogler (Balls of Fury, Good Luck Chuck), Jay Baruchel (Knocked Up, Million Dollar Baby), Kristen Bell (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Veronica Mars (TV))
Genre: Comedy
MPAA Rating: PG-13 - for pervasive crude and sexual material, language and drug content
Runtime: 90 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 28% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 43/100
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
My Response: Fanboys was originally supposed to be released in 2007, but due to many re-shoots and setbacks (including a very long back and forth with Miramax studio cheif Harvey Weinstein (who wanted to change much of the movie to his liking) that was finally stopped with the help of an online movement called "Stop Darth Weinstein" that reportedly sent Miramax over 300,000 emails) the movie was delayed until now.

If you don't know what a fanboy is, then this is probably not the best movie for you. But George Lucas gave it his official "stamp of approval", so if you are a fanboy, you cannot miss it.

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Official Website

Taken

Movie Info

Directed by: Pierre Morel (Banlieue 13)
Written by: Screenplay: Luc Besson (The 5th Element, Leon) & Robert Mark Kamen (The Transporter, Banditas)
Starring: Liam Neeson (Batman Begins, Gangs of New York), Maggie Grace (Lost (TV), The Fog), Famke Janssen (X-men trilogy, The Wackness)
Genre: Action/Suspense
MPAA Rating: PG-13 - for intense sequences of violence, disturbing thematic material, sexual content, some drug references and languag
Runtime: 94 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 58% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 49/100
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
My Response: After watching the trailer for this one, everyone should know two things: (1) don't f*ck with Liam Neeson or any fictional daughters he may have, and (2) see this movie so you know why you should not take any chances. Taken looks to be the best movie released since all the Oscar-contenders a while ago, so don't miss it.

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Official Website

The Reader

Movie Info

Directed by: Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Hours)
Written by: Bernhard Schlink (book "Der Vorleser"), David Hare (screenplay, The Hours)
Starring: Kate Winslet (Revolutionary Road, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), Ralph Fiennes (Schindler's List, Quiz Show)
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R - for some scenes of sexuality and nudity
Runtime: 123 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 60% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 58/100
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
My Response: This film was actually released to a few theaters about a month ago to start getting buzz around it before it's wide release on Friday (a trend that is getting too popular in my opinion). But, it's obviously worked, as The Reader is up for four Golden Globes and just about every review mentions the word "Oscar". With the director, writer, and both stars already being nominated for the gold statue in the past, this one definitely has the pedigree to go the distance. See it.

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Official Website

Frost/Nixon

Movie Info

Directed by: Ron Howard (Cinderella Man, A Beautiful Mind)
Written by: Peter Morgan (The Last King of Scotland, The Queen)
Starring: Frank Langella (Good Night, And Good Luck, Superman Returns), Michael Sheen (The Queen, Timeline), Sam Rockwell (Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Choke)
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R - for some language
Runtime: 122 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 89% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 80/100
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
My Response: This movie was released in New York and Los Angeles a few weeks ago, but it is being released wide on 12/25. This film is for those who love watching a mental chess match between two great and opposing forces. It is based on a true story, and is gaining all kinds of hype for the performances and eloquence of the story telling. See it.

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Official Website

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Movie Info

Directed by: David Fincher (Fight Club, Se7en)
Written by: Eric Roth (Forest Gump, The Insider) & Robin Swicord (Memoirs of a Geisha, Little Women)
Starring: Brad Pitt (Fight Club, True Romance), Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth, The Aviator), Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton, Burn After Reading)
Genre: Drama/Fantasy/Romance
MPAA Rating: PG-13 - for brief war violence, sexual content, language and smoking
Runtime: 193 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 73% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 69/100
IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
My Response: This film has been highly anticipated since the project first began filming, and it doesn't seem to disappoint. Director David Fincher and star Brad Pitt have made two previous films together (Fight Club & Se7en), both of which were tremendous. Benjamin Button looks to stay on par with those two previous triumphs, and it has generated quite a bit of Oscar buzz for Pitt. See it.

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Official Website

Revolutionary Road

Movie Info

Directed by: Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition)
Written by: Richard Yates (novel), Justin Haythe (screenplay)
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio (The Departed, Romeo + Juliet), Kate Winslet (Finding Neverland, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind)
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R - for language and some sexual content/nudity
Runtime: 119 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 69% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 70/100
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
My Response: While I will not discuss the movie that made DiCaprio and Winslet famous, I will talk about about how great this film looks. There really are no weaknesses to be found here. Director Sam Mendes has already won an Oscar (for American Beauty), Leo and Kate have been nominated several times each, and all are looking for more awards this season. The buzz around this film has been nothing but positive. DiCaprio and Winslet are both in roles that really let them expand their acting skills, and I can't wait to see them on screen.

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Official Website

The Wrestler

Movie Info

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, Pi)
Written by: Robert D. Siegel (screenplay)
Starring: Mickey Rourke (Sin City, Rumble Fish), Marisa Tomei (My Cousin Vinny, What Women Want), Evan Rachel Wood (Across The Universe, Thirteen)
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R - for violence, sexuality/nudity, language and some drug use
Runtime: 109 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 97% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 79/100
IMDB Rating: 8.8/10
My Response: The Wrestler looks to be the best film of 2008. There has been plenty of talk about this film, especially about the triumphant return of Mickey Rourke, who delivers a performance that will be remembered for years to come. This is truly a must-see film, and any fan of great movies will make sure to see it.

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Official Website

Gran Torino

Movie Info

Directed by: Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby, Unforgiven)
Written by: Nick Schenk & Dave Johannson (screenplay)
Starring: Clint Eastwood (Dirty Harry series, The Good, The Bad, The Ugly), Bee Vang (feature film debut)
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R - for language throughout, and some violence
Runtime: 116 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 81% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 79/100
IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
My Response: This is hard film for me to pin down. I love Eastwood, and his work as a director is always phenomenal, but this film just doesn't seem to look all that great to me. But there is still plenty of buzz out there, mainly focusing on Gran Torino's Oscar run (due to Eastwood's pedigree). But I will tell you this: Clint, despite his age, is still the man. I'd be afraid to run into any of his characters on the street, including this one.

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Official Website

Doubt

Movie Info

Directed by: John Patrick Shanley (Joe Vs The Volcano)
Written by: John Patrick Shanley (play & screenplay)
Starring: Meryl Streep (Sophie's Choice, Adaptation), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Capote, Boogie Nights), Amy Adams (Enchanted, Catch Me If You Can)
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: PG-13 - for thematic material
Runtime: 104 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 72% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 67/100
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
My Response: The early buzz on this film was tremendous, as the movie pits two acting heavyweights against each other. The more recent talk about Doubt confirm that Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman more than deliver (as does Amy Adams), but the movie does not seem to translate very well from stage to screen. I still expect Streep and Hoffman to gather plenty of awards for this one, and see it for their performances alone.

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Official Website

Nothing Like The Holidays

Movie Info

Directed by: Alfredo De Villa (Adrift in Manhattan, Yellow)
Written by: Robert Teitel & Rene M. Rigal (story), Alison Swan & Rick Najera (screenplay)
Starring: John Leguizamo (Moulin Rouge!, Ice Age 1 & 2), Freddy Rodriguez (Grindhouse, Lady in the Water), Debra Messing (Will & Grace, The Wedding Date)
Genre: Comedy/Drama
MPAA Rating: PG-13 - for thematic elements including some sexual dialogue, and brief drug references
Runtime: 99 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 50% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 51/100
IMDB Rating: 5.7/10
My Response: This looks to be the best mainstream holiday film this season, as it should be leaps and bounds better than Four Christmas. Don't expect it to be hugely memorable, but definitely check this one out if you are in the holiday spirit, and have a good time.

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Official Website

Nobel Son

Movie Info

Directed by: Randall Miller (Houseguest, The 6th Man)
Written by: Randall Miller & Jody Savin
Starring: Alan Rickman (Harry Potter series, Die Hard), Eliza Dushku (True Lies, Bring It On), Shawn Hatosy (The Faculty, Alpha Dog)
Genre: Comedy/Thriller
MPAA Rating: R - for some violent gruesome images, language and sexuality
Runtime: 102 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 21/100
MetaCritic Score: 29/100
IMDB Rating: 8.5/10
My Response: Nobel Son actually debuted at a film festival in 2007, but it took a year to get picked up for distribution. That usually isn't a good sign, but it has happened to some other good independent films, so don't count it out. This movie looks to be fun and entertaining, so see it if it comes to your town.

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Official Website

Cadillac Records

Movie Info

Directed by: Darnell Martin (Their Eyes Were Watching God, Law & Order)
Written by: Darnell Martin (screenplay)
Starring: Adrien Brody (The Pianist, King Kong), Beyonce Knowles (Dreamgirls, Austin Powers in Goldmember), Jeffrey Wright (Quantum of Solace, W.)
Genre: Drama/Musical Biopic
MPAA Rating: R - for pervasive language and some sexuality
Runtime: 109 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 65% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 63/100
IMDB Rating: N/A
My Response: The early buzz on Cadillac Records is fairly good. It will not be a musical biopic for the ages (like Walk the Line), but it should deliver some solid performance from Jeffrey Wright and Adrien Brody. See it if you like watching and listening to classic tunes from the 50's.

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Official Website

Milk

Movie Info

Directed by: Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Finding Forrester)
Written by: Dustin Lance Black (screenplay)

Starring: Sean Penn (Mystic River, I Am Sam), Josh Brolin (W., No Country for Old Men), Emile Hirsch (Into The Wild, The Girl Next Door)

Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R - for language, some sexual content and brief violence
Runtime: 128 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 93% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 86/100
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
My Response: The only real debate going on about this film is how many Oscar nominations it will generate. That's no surprise with the all star talents here, lead by Sean Penn and Josh Brolin. Van Sant definitely knows his craft, and expect this true story film to spark plenty of conversations around the country, especially considering the recent passing of propostion 8 in California. See it.

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Official Website

A Christmas Tale

Movie Info

Directed by: Arnaud Desplechin (Kings & Queens, Esther Kahn)
Written by: Emmanuel Bourdieu & Arnaud Desplechin (screenplay)
Starring: Catherine Deneuve (Dancer in the Dark, Persepolis), Jean-Paul Roussillon (Kings & Queens, Same Old Song), Mathieu Amalric (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Quantum of Solace)
Genre: Drama/Comedy
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
Runtime: 150 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 93% fresh
MetaCritic Score: 87/100
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
My Response: This is the film to watch if you been waiting your whole life for a great family Christmas movie...in French. I know some will be put off by the foreign languageness of this one, but it has been getting superb reviews and looks to bring both drama and pure joy to the Christmas season film offerings. It is only in limited release, so see it if it comes to a theater near you.

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Official Website

Slumdog Millionaire

Movie Info

Directed by: Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Sunshine)
Written by: Simon Beaufoy (screenplay)
Starring: Dev Patel (debut), Freida Pinto (debut)
Genre: Romance/Drama/Comedy
MPAA Rating: R - for some violence, disturbing images and language
Runtime: 120 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 90% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 85/100
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
My Response: Slumdog Millionaire has been grabbing more and more attention with the more people see it. It has been a huge success at every film festival it has played in, and now it is being released to theaters. Everyone who has seen it has simply loved it, as it is a film that makes the audience want to stand up and cheer. Who doesn't want to have that movie watching expeirence? See it.

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Official Website

Quantum of Solace

Movie Info

Directed by: Marc Forester (Finding Neverland, The Kite Runner)
Written by: Paul Haggis, Neal Purvis & Robert Wade (screenplay)
Starring: Daniel Craig (Casino Royale, Munich), Olga Kurylenko (Hitman, Max Payne), Jeffrey Wright (Casino Royale, W.)
Genre: Action
MPAA Rating: PG-13 - for intense sequences of violence and action, and some sexual content
Runtime: 106 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 69% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 58/100
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
My Response: I'll kill all the anticipation and internet talk right now: Quantum of Solace is going to be my weekend suggestion. I know, I know...you're shocked. And while Daniel Craig's second Bond film doesn't look to be as awesomely cool and entertaining as his first one, it's still a can't miss movie. Look for this one to mix frantic action sequences with tense emotional scenes. Go see it and watch Bond be as awesomely cool as he can be!

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Official Website