Holiday Movie Guide

If you’re anything like me, December means one thing.  Big, new movie releases!!! (No? Only me?)  This is the time of year that Hollywood rolls out some big blockbusters, as well as some big time Oscar contenders.  Sounds like there could be something for everyone on your Holiday gift list.

Movie for your little princess:
The Princess & The Frog (Dec 11)

In the grand tradition of The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, & Beauty & The Beast, Disney returns to its roots for a traditional, hand-drawn animated movie, with big musical numbers & plucky characters for comic relief.  Not to mention the fact that it allows Disney to add a new princess to their insanely popular Princess line.  I’m willing to forgive the fact that this movie no doubt stemmed from that unfortunate time when Disney execs felt they could go it in the animated movie biz without Pixar.

Movie for your video game addict:
Avatar (Dec 18)

So much has been mulled over about this movie.  Is it a breakthrough in movie-making? Can James Cameron make us feel for an entirely cgi species (& frankly world)?  Does it just downright suck?  All based on three 5 minute scenes screened earlier this fall.  No doubt it looks like the fantasy world that many gamers enjoy, but those big questions still linger.  If it’s a big fantasy blockbuster you want, then this will definitely fit the bill.

Movie for your avid reader:
The Lovely Bones (Dec 11)

Few books elicit such a response as The Lovely Bones does.  People are affected by it.  So when it was announced that the director of The Lord of the Rings trilogy & King Kong, one Peter Jackson, was going to be at the helm, well let’s just say that the response was less than terrific.  I think that people forget that not only did Jackson adapt superbly one of the greatest literary works of all time, the icing on the cake was that he won an Oscar for it.  I for one am giving him (& his stellar cast) the benefit of the doubt.

Movie for your history buff:
The Young Victoria (Dec 18)

I am so glad this movie finally got a North American release date, as across the pond it was released last March.  Emily Blunt is just fantastic in everything she does, & frankly I’m a great, big sucker for a period drama, so it is certainly at the the top of my list.

Movie for your co-workers:
Up In The Air (Dec 4)

Well, if you have a good boss, then it could give you all a chuckle.  If your boss is on the other end of the spectrum there could be a ton of “nudge-nudge, wink-winks.”  George Clooney looking handsome as ever (honestly, how old am I that I cringed at the “He’s old” comment?) & Jason Reitman following up his directorial success of Juno.  Not a bad combo.

Movie for your musical theatre buff:
Nine (Dec 18)

Cast.  Cast.  Cast.  Cast.  Cast.  Oh, did I mention the cast?  That & Chicago director Rob Marshall taking the reins.  I don’t even need to know the plot to reserve my ticket (BTW, the plot is basically a famous Italian director having a mid-life crisis while trying the juggle the many women in his life).

Movie for your Mom:
It’s Complicated (Dec 25)

Mom (& you for that matter) will definitely enjoy the antics of Meryl Streep, Steve Martin & Alec Baldwin.  My only question is why someone didn’t think of this comedic-genius trio earlier?!?

Movie for your Dad:
Everybody’s Fine (Dec 4)

Dad’s are the often neglected, & underappreciated member of the family.&
nbsp; They usually suffer it willingly, as Robert DeNiro does in Everybody’s Fine.  No doubt the movie will be a bit heartbreaking, but who better to hold your hand & pass you a kleenex to dry your eyes than your Dad?

So have I missed anyone on your list?  Let me know who you’re having trouble finding that perfect movie for & I’ll do my best to find the one that will fit the bill!