2008 Woodie Awards
Flicks worth seeing over winter break
By: Amy Swanson
Issue date: 12/8/05 Section: LifeStyle
In between several helpings of home-made pot roast, part-time jobs, rambunctious holiday festivities, playing with new toys and gadgets and New Year's Eve celebrations, students might need an entertaining distraction from the chaos, which is bound to unfold. Consider this a course guide in holiday flicks for winter break.
Comedy capers
There are a few wacky titles to choose from this season ranging from fun-for-the-entire-family to movies just for 20-somethings with a funny-bone for ridiculous pranks and gross-out laughs. First off is the, debatable, much-anticipated sequel to "Cheaper by the Dozen." "Cheaper by the Dozen 2" (PG) starring comedy-legend Steve Martin, teen-queen Hilary Duff and Superman wannabe Tom Wells, opens Dec. 21. If anything, take a little brother or sister for some sibling bonding.
Next up is "Fun with Dick and Jane" (PG-13) starring Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni, also opening Dec. 21. With so many original scripts parading on the big screen these days, "Yours, Mine and Ours" "Pride & Prejudice" and anything with Adam Sandler, insert sarcasm here, this flick is a surprising remake from the 1970s. Despite its reinvention, this film, about a mediocre husband-and-wife team who become robbers to keep up their mildly ritzy lifestyle after the bread-winning husband loses his job, has the potential to be a Jim Carrey favorite.
Opening Dec. 23, "Jackass" personality Johnny Knoxville stars in "The Ringer" (PG-13). Knoxville pushes the line in this flick with South Park-esque sensitivity, or lack thereof, as he attempts to rig the Special Olympics by posing as a contestant in order to pay off a debt. What will he think of next?
In January, former Oscar nominee and Cover Girl Queen Latifah stars in, yet another comedy remake, "Last Holiday" (PG-13) opening Jan. 13. Queen Latifah plays a modest and predictable woman before being diagnosed with a terminal illness. She immediately embarks on a life-changing, splendor-filled European vacation with laughs and love in tow. If you see this one, be sure to buy a tub of popcorn and bring a hanky.
Now come the R-rated laughs. "Grandma's Boy" opens Jan. 6 and stars Adam Sandler minion Allen Covert (the Michael Jackson obsessed buddy in "The Wedding Singer"). In a 'this is what will happen to you if you don't go to college' movie, Covert plays a video-game tester forced to move in with his grandma and her two elderly roommates after his idiot roommate blows their rent money on hookers.
Ultimate adventure
The biggest, no pun intended, movie of the holiday season opens Dec. 14. Legendary middle-earth director Peter Jackson leads "King Kong" (PG-13) to the United States this winter starring brooding Adrian Brody, Aussie beauty Naomi Watts, funny man Jack Black and well, you know, the big furry ape. It could be the best blockbuster of the year.
Another epic, "The New World," opens Christmas day and is rated PG-13. Colin Farrell stars as explorer John Smith, but let's face it, nobody played him better than Mel Gibson in Disney's "Pocahontas." Veteran director Terrence Malick directs this historical throwback, which is his first flick in seven years. Given Malick's famous, drawn-out intervals between films, it should be a well-articulated and researched piece. If anything, go see this one for the hot bodies and baby-faced stars, including "Batman Begins" hunk Christian Bale.
Haunted holiday
Horror fans won't be disappointed this jolly holiday season either. While many are sipping hot cocoa and nibbling on gingerbread men as they watch "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" or one of the several existing versions of "A Christmas Carol," those who appreciate murder and mayhem have a few chances to be scared out of their wits.
"An American Haunting," not yet rated, opening Jan. 1, is a perfect way to start 2006. Screen legends Sissy Spacek and Donald Sutherland star in this based-on-true-events thriller set in the early 1800s. The film unfolds the mystery surrounding the death of a man living in a house possessed by an evil spirit. It is said to be the only recognized case of a death caused by an unknown spirit in the history of the United States.
On Jan. 6, "Hostel" (R) opens and is sure to scare every kid with dreams of traveling abroad. Three young, horny friends travel to Slovakia after they learn of a hostel that doubles as a brothel. Unfortunately, the owners have other plans in store. Directed by gore-lover Eli Roth ("Cabin Fever") and presented by Quentin Tarantino, this film is sure to deliver sex, blood and guts.
Drama queens
Drama fans, don't fret, the best is yet to come. The much-anticipated Steven Spielberg directed film "Munich" (R) opens Dec. 23. Based upon the tragic events that unfolded following the 1972 Munich Olympics, "Hulk" and "Troy" hunk Eric Bana plays an Israeli government agent investigating the murders of Israeli athletes as he tracks down the terrorist assassins. This already-controversial film is sure to be an intense exploration of the events.
This weekend...
For those heading to theaters this coming weekend, be sure to check out "Memoirs of a Geisha" (PG-13) starring "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" bombshell Ziyi Zhang and "Brokeback Mountain" (R), both opening Dec. 9. Although a little early for the holiday season, these films are sure to be two of the best this winter. "Memoirs of a Geisha" is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Arthur Golden and is set during World War II. "Brokeback Mountain" has gained critical acclaim and recognition for its exploration of the relationship between two hunky cowboys tormented by their secret romance.
There is something for everyone this season. Relax and enjoy some popcorn, candy and soda at the theater and forgive Hollywood for its inability to make a movie not based on a remake.
Comedy capers
There are a few wacky titles to choose from this season ranging from fun-for-the-entire-family to movies just for 20-somethings with a funny-bone for ridiculous pranks and gross-out laughs. First off is the, debatable, much-anticipated sequel to "Cheaper by the Dozen." "Cheaper by the Dozen 2" (PG) starring comedy-legend Steve Martin, teen-queen Hilary Duff and Superman wannabe Tom Wells, opens Dec. 21. If anything, take a little brother or sister for some sibling bonding.
Next up is "Fun with Dick and Jane" (PG-13) starring Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni, also opening Dec. 21. With so many original scripts parading on the big screen these days, "Yours, Mine and Ours" "Pride & Prejudice" and anything with Adam Sandler, insert sarcasm here, this flick is a surprising remake from the 1970s. Despite its reinvention, this film, about a mediocre husband-and-wife team who become robbers to keep up their mildly ritzy lifestyle after the bread-winning husband loses his job, has the potential to be a Jim Carrey favorite.
Opening Dec. 23, "Jackass" personality Johnny Knoxville stars in "The Ringer" (PG-13). Knoxville pushes the line in this flick with South Park-esque sensitivity, or lack thereof, as he attempts to rig the Special Olympics by posing as a contestant in order to pay off a debt. What will he think of next?
In January, former Oscar nominee and Cover Girl Queen Latifah stars in, yet another comedy remake, "Last Holiday" (PG-13) opening Jan. 13. Queen Latifah plays a modest and predictable woman before being diagnosed with a terminal illness. She immediately embarks on a life-changing, splendor-filled European vacation with laughs and love in tow. If you see this one, be sure to buy a tub of popcorn and bring a hanky.
Now come the R-rated laughs. "Grandma's Boy" opens Jan. 6 and stars Adam Sandler minion Allen Covert (the Michael Jackson obsessed buddy in "The Wedding Singer"). In a 'this is what will happen to you if you don't go to college' movie, Covert plays a video-game tester forced to move in with his grandma and her two elderly roommates after his idiot roommate blows their rent money on hookers.
Ultimate adventure
The biggest, no pun intended, movie of the holiday season opens Dec. 14. Legendary middle-earth director Peter Jackson leads "King Kong" (PG-13) to the United States this winter starring brooding Adrian Brody, Aussie beauty Naomi Watts, funny man Jack Black and well, you know, the big furry ape. It could be the best blockbuster of the year.
Another epic, "The New World," opens Christmas day and is rated PG-13. Colin Farrell stars as explorer John Smith, but let's face it, nobody played him better than Mel Gibson in Disney's "Pocahontas." Veteran director Terrence Malick directs this historical throwback, which is his first flick in seven years. Given Malick's famous, drawn-out intervals between films, it should be a well-articulated and researched piece. If anything, go see this one for the hot bodies and baby-faced stars, including "Batman Begins" hunk Christian Bale.
Haunted holiday
Horror fans won't be disappointed this jolly holiday season either. While many are sipping hot cocoa and nibbling on gingerbread men as they watch "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" or one of the several existing versions of "A Christmas Carol," those who appreciate murder and mayhem have a few chances to be scared out of their wits.
"An American Haunting," not yet rated, opening Jan. 1, is a perfect way to start 2006. Screen legends Sissy Spacek and Donald Sutherland star in this based-on-true-events thriller set in the early 1800s. The film unfolds the mystery surrounding the death of a man living in a house possessed by an evil spirit. It is said to be the only recognized case of a death caused by an unknown spirit in the history of the United States.
On Jan. 6, "Hostel" (R) opens and is sure to scare every kid with dreams of traveling abroad. Three young, horny friends travel to Slovakia after they learn of a hostel that doubles as a brothel. Unfortunately, the owners have other plans in store. Directed by gore-lover Eli Roth ("Cabin Fever") and presented by Quentin Tarantino, this film is sure to deliver sex, blood and guts.
Drama queens
Drama fans, don't fret, the best is yet to come. The much-anticipated Steven Spielberg directed film "Munich" (R) opens Dec. 23. Based upon the tragic events that unfolded following the 1972 Munich Olympics, "Hulk" and "Troy" hunk Eric Bana plays an Israeli government agent investigating the murders of Israeli athletes as he tracks down the terrorist assassins. This already-controversial film is sure to be an intense exploration of the events.
This weekend...
For those heading to theaters this coming weekend, be sure to check out "Memoirs of a Geisha" (PG-13) starring "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" bombshell Ziyi Zhang and "Brokeback Mountain" (R), both opening Dec. 9. Although a little early for the holiday season, these films are sure to be two of the best this winter. "Memoirs of a Geisha" is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Arthur Golden and is set during World War II. "Brokeback Mountain" has gained critical acclaim and recognition for its exploration of the relationship between two hunky cowboys tormented by their secret romance.
There is something for everyone this season. Relax and enjoy some popcorn, candy and soda at the theater and forgive Hollywood for its inability to make a movie not based on a remake.