Weekly Roundup - Opening 12/5

Only three movies open up this week, as the theaters prepare themselves for the big Christmas movie season. Like recent weeks, it's not too hard to pick a movie to recommend, as the options are a solidly performed music biopic (Cadillac Records), a face-exploding male teenage action flick (Punisher: War Zone), and a wish-it-was-more-clever independent film (Nobel Son).

Weekend Suggestion:

Cadillac Records is the pick of the week. It should be a good (but not great) film that can hold you over until the Christmas push begins. And speaking of Christmas, go check out A Christmas Tale if you are in need of some holiday cheer.

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.

Trailer



Official Website

Punisher: War Zone

Movie Info

Directed by: Lexi Alexander (Green Street Hooligans, Fool Proof)
Written by: Nick Santora, Art Marcum, & Matt Holloway (screenplay)
Starring: Ray Stevenson (Rome, King Arthur), Dominic West (300, 28 Days), Julie Benz (Rambo, Saw V)
Genre: Action
MPAA Rating: R - for pervasive strong brutal violence, language and some drug use
Runtime: 107 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 15% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 31/100
IMDB Rating: N/A
My Response: Studios don't usually let critics preview movies they think will get poor reviews, so you'll have to wait for the reviews on this one. And don't expect a lot of continuity from the first Punisher movie (as it looks like they've restarted the franchise), but look for this one to have A LOT more action and face explosions (see R Rated trailer below). Skip it unless you're a male teenager.

Trailer



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.

Trailer



Official Website