Apologies for the long delay in updates. Was a busy October that honestly wasn't filled with much movie watching. Hard to believe, I know. But here's the holiday movie preview below, which hopefully will go a little ways to letting you know about some of the big end-of-year releases coming soon to a theater near you.
As Halloween has passed and the holiday season is beginning in earnest, Hollywood will be rolling out its big end of year films. Some will be big money earners, while others will be contending for various awards. A select few will have a chance to do both. The following is a rundown of some of November’s notable films. Release dates are subject to change, as usual.
NOVEMBER
“Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa”
Starring the voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith
Directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath
A follow-up to the 2005 hit animated film, the gang of animals are attempting to get back to their former home in New York City, only to find themselves stranded in Africa. The first film’s success was a bit of a surprise, but with an ideal pre-Thanksgiving release date, this sequel would seem to have hit written all over it. (Nov. 7)
Official Web site
“Role Models”
Starring Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott, Elizabeth Banks, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bobb’e J. Thompson
Directed by David Wain
A pair of immature salesmen (Rudd and Scott) are forced to participate in a court-ordered Big Brother program with troubled youths. This R-rated comedy comes from the makers of the former cult MTV show, “The State.” (Nov. 7)
Official Web site
“Quantum of Solace”
Starring Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Mathieu Amalric, Judi Dench
Directed by Marc Forster
Never mind the puzzling title, Craig proved more than worthy to fill the shoes of 007, with “Casino Royale” a hugely popular relaunch of the franchise. This sequel’s story picks up right where the previous film left off, with Bond in a rather sour mood and seeking revenge. (Nov. 14)
Official Web site
“Bolt”
Starring the voices of John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, Mark Walton
Directed by Byron Howard and Chris Williams
Well, what do you know? Another animated talking animal movie, with this one featuring Travolta voicing the title character, a showbiz dog who gets separated from his home and family. He must find his way back with the help of some new friends. Doesn’t this storyline sound overly familiar? (Nov. 21)
Official Web site
“Twilight”
Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli
Directed by Catherine Hardwicke
This adaptation of the very popular book series by Stephenie Meyers is what the filmmakers hope is the beginning of an equally popular film franchise. The movie, about a budding romance between a couple of teens – one of whom happens to be a vampire – was moved up from its December release date after the latest “Harry Potter” film was pushed back to 2009. (Nov. 21)
Official Web site
“Four Christmases”
Starring Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Jon Favreau, Mary Steenburgen, Jon Voight
Directed by Seth Gordon
As Christmas approaches, you can count on holiday-themed romantic comedies, and this year is no exception. Vaughn and Witherspoon play a married couple forced to endure the holiday with their divorced parents’ four families. Expect lots of stressed out family interaction, probably just like many of our holiday gatherings. (Nov. 26)
Official Web site
“Australia”
Starring Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, David Wenham, Bruce Spence, Bryan Brown
Directed by Baz Luhrmann
Pre-World War II Austrailia is the setting for this drama that will likely feature a lot of romance and prove to be the best kind of free advertising a country’s tourist bureau could have. Kidman reunites with her “Moulin Rouge” director as an English aristocrat who inherits property that is protected by a tough rancher (Jackman). (Nov. 26)
Official Web site
“Milk”
Starring Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, James Franco, Diego Luna, Alison Pill
Directed by Gus Van Sant
After spending the last few years making lower-profile and little seen films (“Elephant,” “Paranoid Park”), Van Sant directs what might be his most notable since “Good Will Hunting.” To be sure, Penn will be a strong contender come Oscar time, as he portrays the real-life Harvey Milk, an openly gay San Francisco activist who builds up a huge following in his bid to serve in public office during the 1970s. While this true story likely has a narrow appeal, the solid cast could help. (Nov. 26, limited)
Official Web site
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