Sorry to those looking for current movie releases, I haven't posted for several weeks. New releases have slowed down as the movie distributors look to hold back their films for the big Boxing Day crunch.
The big ones that have come out are Puss in Boots (normal and 3D versions) and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. Both of these have good word of mouth coming through. My friend E said that Puss in Boots was the best film she'd seen this year. With one caveat: she doesn't go out to the movies much, most of the movies she watches are old classics from the 40s, 50s and 60s thanks to her husband's taste in movies. So it's the best of a small list, but that is still high praise. Mission Impossible is probably going to do what is expected: have good action, Tom Cruise and a few laughs (mainly from my main funnyman Simon Pegg). Both of these will also probably be long holiday juggernauts.
New Years Eve is available for those who want a light fluffy ensemble movie which will probably be exactly the same as the widely panned Valentine's Day a few years ago. If your brain has gone on holiday already, this might be a good option. Takings will no doubt get a boost on 31 December.
Dolphin Tale is a family film showing in normal and 3D versions and is based on the true story of a dolphin who has its injured fin replaced with a prosthetic. Early reviews are positive for those looking for something for the tweens. Morgan Freeman should add some gravitas for the parents.
Melancholia has also opened this week at Dendy Portside only so far. This is the new Lars von Trier starring Kirsten Dunst. It's very good, weird and not for everyone but is definitely a genuine alternative to summer blockbusters and kid flicks. My review is coming very soon - stay tuned.
Moonlight Cinema has also started for summer at various locations around Queensland (and probably other states). This week the New Farm park version has the first preview of the new Alvin & The Chipmunks movie for the kiddies tonight, tomorrow is Crazy, Stupid Love, Wednesday they have Drive and Thursday is the animated Arthur Christmas for the kids again. Chec out http://www.moonlight.com.au/ for full program and details. Rent a beanbag and kick back with a catering pack.
So that is what's out now but what about what is coming for your holidays? This week there is unlikely to be any new releases, maybe just "Contraband" which is a new action flick starring Mark Wahlberg and Giovanni Ribisi. The arthouse fans will also be excited for "The Skin I Live In" which is the new movie from Spanish direct Pedro Almodavar and starring Antonio Banderas as a surgeon creating an experimental material to replace human skin. Only trouble is he's practising on a beautiful young woman he keeps prisoner in his home. Psycho thriller games expected.
Boxing Day is going to be the big one this year with so many choices on offer I don't know how they will fit it all in, especially the non multiplex houses. The most anticipated film will definitely be The Adventures of Tintin which will have a whole generation of people my age heading to the cinema to see if Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg can recreate the magic of the novels. This will be one movie to see in 3D even if you don't normally like 3D - it is the absolute cutting edge of motion capture and 3D technology.
Families have some hard choices to make. Steven Spielberg has a big day with the release of his WW1 epic Warhorse, about a young man joining the army primarily to be reunited with his heroic horse. Happy Feet 2 will likely pull in a big family crowd to see more of those singin', dancin' penguins. There is also We Bought A Zoo, starring Matt Damon as a father who has lost his wife and decides to buy a zoo. The zoo comes complete with Scarlett Johansson playing dowdy (as if) as the head vet who may just heal his broken heart. If this sounds corny, just remember it is directed by Cameron Crowe who gave us Almost Famous so it should be sweet but solid.
Adults and arthouse fans will have the choice of Albert Nobbs (Glenn Close's pet project) about a woman in the 19th Century who disguises herself as a male butler to make a living. Not a comedy in the vein of Adam Sandler's recent cross-dressing turn, this is more of a dramatic tale of gender relations. Or they could choose The Iron Lady, in which Meryl Streep plays the former UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher. Meryl is very likely to be nominated for an Oscar for this based on past form.
Finally for the comedy fans there is Tower Heist. Big ensemble comedy led by Ben Stiller as the manager who leads a group of disgruntled employees to steal back their money from crooked former boss Alan Alda. A little bit funny, a little bit of action. From the trailer, I'd say the best bit of this will be the return to form by Eddie Murphy as an ex-con running his mouth. No fat suits or PG comedy.
If I see any of these over the next few weeks I will try to put up reviews as soon as possible. Feel free to leave your own reviews by commenting below, or just tell me which movie you're most excited to see.
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