In the past month movie-goers have been treated to such cinematic delights as “Argo,” “Skyfall” and “
With Thanksgiving over and Christmas is on the way, there’s a plethora of big screen magic either in theaters now or on its way. Here are ten of the best holiday movies in order of their release date. If you can afford the popcorn, you’re in for a treat because this year there is something for everybody.
ANNA KARENINA: Limited release date: 11/16 Rating: (R)
Director: Joe Wright Cast: Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
“Anna Karenina” is the third collaboration between Keira Knightly and director Joe Wright. It’s a winning combination after “Pride & Prejudice” and “Atonement” were major box office hits. This adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel is an epic period piece that
LIFE OF PI: Release date: 11/21 Rating: (PG)
Director: Ang Lee Cast: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain, Tabu
Another film already in theaters. Director Ang Lee is no stranger to powerful, thought provoking films with credentials such as “Brokeback Mountain” and “Lust, Caution” among others. This story involves a young man and a
HITCHCOCK: Release date: 11/23 Rating: (PG-13)
Director: Sacha Gervasi Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson
The previews for this biopic lead movie lovers to believe the focus of the story is on Alfred Hitchcock’s struggles to get “Psycho” made in the 60s. According to most critics, “Hitchcock” deals more with the relationship between Hitch and his wife, Alma, and her personal life. Anthony Hopkins plays Hitchcock and Helen Mirren is
KILLING THEM SOFTLY: Release date: 11/30 Rating: (R)
Director: Andrew Dominik Cast: Brad Pitt, Richard Jenkins, Ray Liotta
In this dumb crook film, three fearless but less-than-brilliant guys develop an elaborate scheme to rob a mob-protected card game. Though successful, the trio then faces the problem of avoiding the mob as it seeks revenge for destroying the local crime economy.
HYDE PARK ON
Director: Roger Michel Cast: Bill Murray, Laura Linney, Olivia Williams, Samuel West
In June of 1939, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor hosted the King and Queen of England at their home at Hyde Park on
THE HOBBIT: Release date: 12/14 Rating: (Not yet rated)
Director: Peter Jackson Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan, Richard Armitage, Andy Serkis
The “Lord of the Rings” trilogy was great Christmas fare for three straight winters. Now “The Hobbit” provides this year’s fantasy genre with the journey of Bilbo Baggins who is swept into a quest to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the terrifying dragon Smaug.
STAND UP GUYS: Release date: 12/14 Rating: (R)
Director: Fisher Stevens Cast: Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, Alan Arkin, Julianna Margulies.
“Stand Up Guys” offers more than its share of holiday laughs. This comedy-crime film is about a pair of over-the-hill con men who want to reunite the old gang for one more caper. The problem is that one of the partners has accepted a contract to kill his pal.
DJANGO UNCHAINED: Release date: 12/25 Rating: (Not yet rated)
Director: Quentin Tarantino Cast: Jamie Foxx, Don Johnson, Leonardo DiCaprio
Westerns used to be a popular genre but in recent years they have been a rarity. Quentin Tarantino, weaves his tale in the South two years before the Civil War. Django is freed by a bounty hunter who buys his freedom and trains him as his deputy. Following that, the pair set out to free Django’s wife from a malicious plantation owner.
LES MISERABLES: Release date: 12/25 Rating: (PG-13)
Director: Tom Hooper Cast: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway
This is the musical adaptation of the story of Jean Valjean who is imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread and later pursued by the fanatical inspector Javert. The story ends with a chase through the sewers of
QUARTET: Release date: 12/28 Rating: (Not yet rated)
Director: Dustin Hoffman Cast: Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Michael Gambon
Dustin Hoffman goes behind the camera to make his directorial debut. He has a superb cast to work with as he tells the story of an opera company filled with retired performers reunite once a year to stage a fundraiser for their theater. Surefire laughs in this one.
Peabod is Bob Taylor, owner of Taylored Media Services in
Inquiries for groups can be made at Peabod@aol.com Taylored Media has produced marketing videos for British Rail, Rail Europe, Switzerland Tourism, the Swedish Travel & Tourism Council, the Finnish Tourist Board, the Swiss Travel System and Japan Railways Group among others.
As author of The Century Club book, Peabod is now attempting to travel to 100 countries or more during his lifetime. To date he has visited 70 countries. Suggest someplace new for Bob to visit; if you want to know where he has been, check his list on Facebook. Bob plans to write a sequel to his book when he reaches his goal of 100 countries. He also played professional baseball for four years and was a sportscaster for 14 years at WBTV, the CBS affiliate in
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