The Observer, December 9, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 13
Chill out with the season's best movies over break
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Finals may have control of your mind right now, but don't let them take your heart. December and January are traditionally the times when movie studios bring forth their best Oscar efforts. As classes wind down this semester, make some time to check out some of the year's best movies.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Whether or not you read C.S. Lewis' books as a child, and regardless of your thoughts on the Jesus-friendly subtext, this latest film adaptation of a classic book promises to be both visually and emotionally stunning. In the midst of World War II-era England, four children find themselves transported to a distant land filled with evil witches, talking lions, dwarves, fauns, and other magical creatures. No, this isn't Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings: it may even be better. Opens Dec. 9.
King Kong We all get the basic premise: giant ape gets loose in Manhattan, all hell breaks loose. But with Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings trilogy) behind the wheel of this remake, there's got to be something more to this movie than meets the preconception-filled eye. Jackson has supposedly fleshed-out the original film and given Kong's island a sinister new makeover, complete with giant everything, not just apes (think slugs and spiders on the order of Rings' Shelob). Opens Dec. 14.
The Family Stone Fans of Sex and the City may not like Sarah Jessica Parker's latest role as a high-powered control-freak executive in this Meet the Parents-esque ensemble comedy. But there's plenty more to like; for example, Rachel McAdams' turn as the acid-spitting sister of Parker's boyfriend. Members of dysfunctional families everywhere are sure to enjoy. Opens Dec. 16.
Fun with Dick and Jane Jim Carrey and Téa Leoni star in this slap-happy movie about a couple living the American dream, complete with amateur heists and vengeance on the cold-hearted business world. Opens Dec. 21.
The Producers Based on Mel Brooks' record-breaking, Tony Award-winning musical, this film reunites Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane in their hilarious roles as Broadway producers/con men out to produce the biggest flop in theatrical history. But who would guess that a show called Springtime for Hitler would be a success? Especially since it was written by a pigeon-loving wannabe playwright (played by Will Ferrell). If you see one movie this winter, let this be it. Don't be surprised if you find yourself humming "Springtime for Hitler and Germany." Opens nation-wide Dec. 26.
Memoirs of a Geisha Yet another adaptation of a best-selling novel for the big screen, this film stars the beautiful Ziyi Zhang (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Hero) as a member of one of the most mysterious and beautiful groups of women in the world: geisha. Commonly misunderstood by Westerners to mean "high class prostitutes," geisha are actually considered artists in Japan, women trained from youth to be models of perfect femininity and grace. Zhang plays a young women in pursuit of love and destiny, trapped in a culture that won't permit her to follow her heart. I'm predicting that this will be the year's biggest wide-release tear-jerker. But in a good way. Opens Dec. 23.
Casanova Ever wondered what it must be like to be the best lover in the world? Wonder no more. The fictionalized story of Giacomo Casanova (played by Heath Ledger), is based on his own biographical accounts of his, ahem, dealings with women and his search for his one true love, played by Sienna Miller (who must know what it feels like to be pursued by a total rogue). Give yourself the gift of true lust this Christmas. Opens nation-wide Jan. 9.
The New World Studios must think that viewers see the name "Colin Farrell" and their minds automatically go to a "legendary warrior." Or not. After the disaster that was Alexander, let's hope that Farrell fares better in this interpretation of the story of Pocahontas and John Smith. Farrell plays Smith, in case you were wondering. Opens Dec 25.
Don't wait to see the best films of the year – before you know it, it'll be time to start studying again.
