What to See This Holiday Season

In 2009, we have a lot of new articles coming. One is a new article of headlining movies for the month. We teamed up with Fandango by spreading the word of a few new movies. I decided to give it a test, and while this doesn’t include all of the movies released this December, it includes the ones that matter during the holiday season. I’d like to call his edition: “What to See This Holiday Season.”


FROST/NIXON: I’ve seen “Frost/Nixon,” and I could tell you that this is the frontrunner for Best Picture this year at the Oscars. This year has been a shitty year for film, but when films were great, they stuck out. This was one of the few of the great ones that you just want to watch over and over. Frank Langella and Martin Sheen give the performances of their career, and the highly underrated Kevin Bacon does a great job with his role also. “Frost/Nixon” is out now, and expands into more theaters in the coming weeks.


WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THIS: I just explained above, but to sum it up again: it’s one of the year’s best.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T SEE THIS: If you hated the play, you’ll probably hate this too.

WHERE IS IT PLAYING AT IN YOUR AREA: Purchase tickets and look for showtimes at Fandango.com.


THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON: I haven’t seen this one, but from what I hear, this is another one of the frontrunners at the Oscars this year. David Fincher (who deserves an Oscar nomination for almost all of the films he has directed, minus “Alien 3” and “Panic Room”) directs Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett in an adaptation in the classic F. Scott Fitzgerald story of a man who ages backwards. There is a lot here to look forward to. “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” comes out Christmas Day.


WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THIS: If you like David Fincher, Cate Blanchett, Brad Pitt, or any combination of the three, then you should enjoy this.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T SEE THIS: At a lengthy two hours and forty-five minutes, you might get a little bit skirmish while the movie is going on.

WHERE IS IT PLAYING AT IN YOUR AREA: Purchase tickets and look for showtimes at Fandango.com.


THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL: Despite terrible reviews and a less-than-stellar opening at the box-office, “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” based on 1950’s classic sci-fi film, is still sure to crowd the holiday box-office. Being the only film to play in IMAX until “The Dark Knight” re-releases, the new Keanu Reeves film is one of the ways to go if you want mindless fun and cheesiness during your holiday. “The Day the Earth Stood Still” is out in regular theaters and IMAX theaters now.


WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THIS: Looking for a cheesy movie? This is for you.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T SEE THIS: If you love the original so much and you don’t want to see a remake? There’s your answer.

WHERE IS IT PLAYING AT IN YOUR AREA: Purchase tickets and look for showtimes at Fandango.com.


BEDTIME STORIES: There are a few films that are being released during the holiday season that are just right for the family, and “Bedtime Stories” is one of them. The newest Adam Sandler flick is sure to draw in big bucks during the season, but the question stands as how much? I personally have gotten tired of Adam Sandler’s family films (especially those released during the holidays, “Spanglish” anyone?), but I know a lot of people still really like them. “Bedtime Stories” comes out on Christmas Day.


WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THIS: If you like Adam Sandler, or if you want a movie that you can take your kids to see that doesn’t have to deal with aliens or corrupt politicians, this one’s just right.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T SEE THIS: Because the next movie is playing right next door, and is even better for your children.

WHERE IS IT PLAYING AT IN YOUR AREA: Purchase tickets and look for showtimes at Fandango.com.


THE TALE OF DESPERAUX: If you were one of the many turned off by the trailer back in June, thinking that it is a “Ratatouille” rip-off, I have a few words for you – it’s the exact opposite. “The Tale of Desperaux,” despite a few negative reviews here and there from a few publications, is a rich and enchanting story, with excellent animation that is sure to keep the adults interested. The kids will be too enthralled with the characters to notice that the film is animated. “The Tale of Desperaux” comes out today.


WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THIS: Great animation and an excellent paced story galore.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T SEE THIS: Because you are still convinced it is a “Ratatouille” rip-off, and you would much rather see Adam Sandler and a cloud of gumballs.

WHERE IS IT PLAYING AT IN YOUR AREA: Purchase tickets and look for showtimes at Fandango.com.


GRAN TORINO: Clint Eastwood’s second directorial effort this year is actually a film that is being hailed by critics as one of his best films of his career. “Gran Torino” stars Eastwood as a racist Korean War Veteran. I also saw this one last week and while I don’t think it is one of the best, there are a lot of great moments in the film that kept me laughing and interested throughout the picture. But don’t take my word for it – our reviewer Ben Kenber gave it four out of four. “Gran Torino” expands this week into more theaters, leading up to its nationwide release on January 9.

WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THIS: Clint Eastwood’s best role since “Unforgiven.”

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T SEE THIS: If you are easily offended, or of Mexican or Asian race, you will probably take offense to the film.

WHERE IS IT PLAYING AT IN YOUR AREA: Purchase tickets and look for showtimes at Fandango.com.


REVOLUTIONARY ROAD: Sam Mendes directs the return of Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio together for the first time since “Titanic.” “Revolutionary Road” is another film that is being looked at a lot during this time of year for award consideration, and it has every right to be. Sam Mendes returns to the suburban life for the first time since “American Beauty,” which won Best Picture back in 2000 at the Academy Awards. (Well deservedly, too.) “Revolutionary Road” comes out on December 26 in limited release, possibly expanding as the weeks go on.


WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THIS: Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet star together in their first film in eleven years. Doesn’t that convince you enough?

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T SEE THIS: Because, like me, you hated “Titanic.”

WHERE IS IT PLAYING AT IN YOUR AREA: Purchase tickets and look for showtimes at Fandango.com.


SEVEN POUNDS: Will Smith and director Gabriele Muccino team up again for the first time since “The Pursuit of Happyness” in “Seven Pounds.” A lot of negative press came from this movie, and an Award Consideration screener was uploaded on the internet Tuesday night. I watched twenty minutes of the film and I turned it off. It was boring and I just didn’t care for it. Maybe I’ll check it out on DVD when it comes out. “Seven Pounds” comes out today.


WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THIS: You must see everything that Will Smith is in. And it makes sense – he’s the Fresh Prince.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T SEE THIS: If you are one of the people who didn’t think the trailer looked any bit spectacular, you won’t change your mind.

WHERE IS IT PLAYING AT IN YOUR AREA: Purchase tickets and look for showtimes at Fandango.com.


DOUBT: Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman star in another adaptation of a hit play called “Doubt.” The film is one of the major contenders for Oscars this year. At first, I wasn’t so impressed by the first trailer, but I’m starting to get more interested the more I hear about it. It is said to have one of the best casts of the year, so I’m looking forward to that as well. “Doubt” is in limited release now, expanding nationwide on Christmas Day.


WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THIS: Because you are into big-time artsy flicks like I am.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T SEE THIS: Because you’re not.

WHERE IS IT PLAYING AT IN YOUR AREA: Purchase tickets and look for showtimes at Fandango.com.


YES MAN: Remember the last time Jim Carrey was hilarious? Me neither, but people still have high hopes over his newest comedy, “Yes Man.” The concept isn’t exactly original, but it is the goofy Jim Carrey that we have loved. It looks a lot like “Liar, Liar,” just with a lot more yes and no. I’m sure there are a few chuckles here and there, but can we hope for gut-wrenching laughs? “Yes Man” comes out today.


WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THIS: Jim Carrey needs a comeback. This might be it.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T SEE THIS: Because you don’t like Jim Carrey. Or Zooey Deschanel for that matter.

WHERE IS IT PLAYING AT IN YOUR AREA: Purchase tickets and look for showtimes at Fandango.


THE WRESTLER: This is the movie that I’ve been looking forward to for quite a long time. Darren Aronofsky, who is without a doubt one of the best young directors working today, directs Mickey Rourke in his comeback role as a wrestler who has gone through a few too many problems in his life. The movie has received a lot of great acclaim at the Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals this year. And Bruce Springsteen’s song, titled “The Wrestler,” is one of the best songs of the year. “The Wrestler” came out Wednesday in New York and Los Angeles, and is expanding within the next few weeks.


WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THIS: Mickey Rourke needs his comeback role.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T SEE THIS: I pondered over this section for five minutes. I couldn’t come up with a reason.

WHERE IS IT PLAYING AT IN YOUR AREA: Purchase tickets and look for showtimes at Fandango.



So… what are you seeing this holiday season?