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DECEMBER 29th:

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

JANUARY 5th:

Home of the Brave

Freedom Writers

Code Name: The Cleaner

JANUARY 12th:

Arthur and the Invisibles

JANUARY 19th:

Fast Track

The Hitcher

The Italian

Rocky Balboa [12/20]
Director: Sylvester Stallone
Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Tarver, Milo Ventimiglia (Full Cast)
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

The Plot: After considering a low-profile return to the ring, Rocky Balboa (Stallone) is granted a shot at the title held by heavyweight champ Mason "The Line" Dixon (Tarver).

THE BUZZ: After "The Contender," we thought Stallone's dealings with the squared circle were kaput. But then one week, toward the end of 2005, some sort of '80s flashback resuscitated the Rocky franchise and called John Rambo back to action. (Rambo IV starts filming in January.) Unlike Balboa's slow return to the ring (he starts off fighting unknowns), the movie is opening wide; against nearly all conventional wisdom, the trailer holds promise ... and makes us want to put a call into dad. Also, Milo Ventimiglia plays Rocky Jr., which is totally hot. Elsewhere: Hey, Paulie!

The newly revived MGM Studios must be nervous, as their first set of films (Flyboys, Harsh Times, The Rise of Taj) have all bombed, and now their future is set on the shoulders of a 60-year-old. Cue "Eye of the Tiger".

Message Boards: If anyone wanted that 'It's a Fight' Three 6 Mafia song from the trailer | 60 year old man............

The Good Shepherd
Director: Robert De Niro
Stars: Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, Robert De Niro (Full Cast)
Studio: Universal Pictures

The Plot: The history and evolution of the CIA, seen through the eyes of James Wilson (Damon), one of its founding officers, and the toll his spy games took on his home life.

THE BUZZ: Shepherd's been on and off the development slate for more than a decade. After De Niro's victory over cancer in 2003, his schedule was clear for the project to finally head into production, with the legend pulling double duty behind the camera as well. Looks like a more-personal companion to Syriana, though Shepherd doesn't seem composed enough to replicate that film's success. We - like general audiences? - have had enough trouble differentiating it from The Good German. Is this the one with Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie, or Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett? Or the one with absolutely zero Golden Globe nominations? As in: zilch.

Message Boards: Should DeNiro concede the Oscar to his good friend Marty? | NYC Premiere

Night at the Museum
Director: Shawn Levy
Stars: Ben Stiller, Carla Gugino, Ricky Gervais (Full Cast)
Studio: Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

The Plot: A dim-witted guy (Stiller) gains employment at the Museum of Natural History as the nighttime security guard. Tipped off by a pair of day shift old-timers (Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney), his first night on the job is full of danger and surprises, as the humans and other animals on display come to life, looking for trouble.

THE BUZZ: Years ago, this project would have had Robin Williams written all over it; no wonder he has a small role. Can Ben Stiller connect with kids?

Message Boards: I really can't believe anyone thinks this movie looks good... | whoi plays the 'toy' cowboy?

Letters from Iwo Jima [LA/NY]
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Ken Watanabe (Full Cast)
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

The Plot: A look at the U.S.-led invasion of Iwo Jima during World War II, as seen through the eyes of Japanese soldiers.

THE BUZZ: Did Warner Bros. know all along that Letters is reportedly superior to Flags? With the National Board of Review and the L.A. Film Critics Association picking this as their film of the year, it seems as though Eastwood has come from out of nowhere -- yet again -- to change the face of the Best Picture Oscar heat.

But hold up a minute. Neither Letters nor Flags was nominated for a Best Picture Golden Globe (though Eastwood earned a nod for both films in the Best Director category). Is Martin Scorsese's Best Director Oscar win now officially in doubt? Are we just thinking too much?

Message Boards: Japanese Viewpoint...... Really? | Haven't We Had Enough of WW II?

We Are Marshall
Director: McG
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, Anthony Mackie (Full Cast)
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

The Plot: When a plane crash claims the lives of the Marshall University football team athletes and some of its fans, the team's new coach (McConaughey), his surviving players, and the school's dean (Strathairn) try to keep the program alive.

THE BUZZ: With the presence of Mr. McConaughey and Mr. Fox, we refer to this movie as We Are Matthew. Perhaps more personal than any inspirational sports picture that has come before it, Marshall is being closely watched by people who don't want it to be turned into anything different than what it was: a tragic event that brought a community together. That means no technical flash, and no trumped-up romantic angle. And so you know, the film's titled is derived from the school's primary cheer at athletic events. And if you care, it's directed by McG, but you should still see it anyway.

Message Boards: Why did IMDB take off all the cast names ? I was on there...... | 'We Are . . .Marshall' Cheer

Venus [12/21 -- LA/NY]
Director: Roger Michell
Stars: Peter O'Toole, Jodie Whittaker, Leslie Phillips (Full Cast)
Studio: Miramax Films

The Plot: The connection an aging actor (O'Toole) makes with the grand-niece (Whittaker) of his best friend (Phillips) alters not only his comfortable daily routine, but also his thoughts on life now that his is nearing its end.

THE BUZZ: From what we've heard, Peter O'Toole's guaranteed a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his randy performance in the latest collaboration between director Roger Michell and screenwriter Hanif Kureishi. Thematically similar to the duo's last project, The Mother, Venus is the older male take on this year's May-December trend (Heading South, The Boynton Beach Bereavement Club, Bonneville). O'Toole even gets beaten up!

Message Boards: julian rhind tutt? | Official site.

Curse of the Golden Flower [LA/NY]
Director: Yimou Zhang
Stars: Yun-Fat Chow, Li Gong, Jay Chou (Full Cast)
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics

The Plot: China, Later Tang Dynasty: Emperor Ping (Chow) returns to the Imperial Palace to celebrate the Chong Yang Festival with his family, though strained familial relations and whispers of an illicit affair darken the mood, and thousands of golden-armored warriors take their positions outside the palace.

THE BUZZ: After going near-silent with Riding Alone for a Wicked Long Time, Zhang Yimou is back with another art-fu masterwork that is guaranteed to have as many wonderfully confusing plot elements as it has false endings. But will its Shakespearean tones alienate the action-loving set? And did I just hear whispers about how Chow Yun-Fat was miscast?

Message Boards: Variety Says THE BANQUET is more effective than CURSE | great asian films...

The Pursuit of Happyness
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Stars: Will Smith, Thandie Newton, Jaden Smith (Full Cast)
Studio: Columbia Pictures

The Plot: A struggling salesman (Will Smith) takes custody of his son (Jaden Smith) as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor.

User Rating:

THE BUZZ: Will Smith arrives for the holidays, just in time to bum you out (before lifting your spirits) with the true story of Christopher Gardener. Please note the mid-life drama did not work for Adam Sandler, though if anyone can shift genre and retain his audience, it's Smith. In a year that has seen so many Oscar hopefuls strike out with audiences and critics alike, this film has been tracking well with both crowds. Italy's mass-appeal director Gabriele Muccino makes his English-language debut; Steve Conrad (The Weather Man) wrote the script. Smith should grab his second Best Actor nomination (he's up for a Golden Globe, too); Muccino and the movie itself might join their respective crowds, too.

Message Boards: Why is 'Happyness' misspelled? | do u think anyone would wanna see this if...

Eragon
Director: Stefen Fangmeier
Stars: Edward Speleers, Sienna Guillory, Jeremy Irons (Full Cast)
Studio: Fox 2000 Pictures

The Plot: In his homeland of Alagaesia, a farm boy happens upon a dragon's egg -- a discovery that leads him on a predestined journey where he realized he's the one person who can defend his home against an evil king.

User Rating:

THE BUZZ: The moment we saw Edward Speleers take the stage at Comic-Con, we knew the world would soon be yawning his name. No offense to the young man, but this is what a worldwide casting search yields? And we swear Jeremy Irons would have learned a lesson or two about lame fantasies after Dungeons & Dragons.

As a 15-year-old boy, Christopher Paolini started working on a novel, fueled by his love of all things Tolkein. Eragon was published when Paolini was 17, and was a worldwide best-seller (Eldest, the second volume of his Inheritance Triology, was published in 2005, though we doubt it will be optioned as a sequel). The novel was adapted by Lawrence Konner (Mighty Joe Young) and Peter Buchman (Jurassic Park III) and Stefen Fangmeier makes his directorial debut after serving as visual effects supervisor on such films as Saving Private Ryan, Twister, and Lemony Snicket.

Message Boards: Extended Edition?! | A review of sorts: 'Eragon' is uninspiring and tiresome.

Charlotte's Web
Director: Gary Winick
Stars: Dakota Fanning, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey (Full Cast)
Studio: Paramount Pictures

The Plot: Wilbur the pig, fearful he'll end up the family dinner instead of the family pet, hatches a plan with resourceful spider Charlotte to save his bacon. Based on the acclaimed childrens' novel.

User Rating:

THE BUZZ: Him: Have you watched the Charlotte's Web trailer?
Me: Should I?
Him: Not really, unless you want to watch Babe again. The only question is, with Julia Roberts voicing Charlotte, how will they get the spider to smile?

Message Boards: and the rat steals the show... | Bad casting

Happy Feet
Director: George Miller
Stars: Elijah Wood, Brittany Murphy, Hugh Jackman (Full Cast)
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

The Plot: Into the world of the Emperor Penguins, who find their soul mates through song, a penguin named Mumble (Wood) is ashamed by the fact that he cannot sing. However, he can tap dance something fierce, but how does this fit into his society?

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THE BUZZ: Warner Bros. bets that their formula of Madagascar meets March of the Penguins meets boy band choreography will yield one of the biggest animated hits of the year. We have to imagine that George Miller, who hasn't directed a film since Babe: Pig in the City isn't sleeping much these days. Meanwhile, Hugh Jackman transmogrifies from a rat to a penguin in the same month. He's so versatile! Okay, getting back to this title ... a reminder: your best friend can't prevent you from calling him/her "Happy Feet."

Message Boards: Conservative Republicans: Thats the real problem!! | Animation Film Elimination Game!!!! +1 -1

The Holiday
Director: Nancy Meyers
Stars: Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law (Full Cast)
Studio: Sony Pictures Entertainment

The Plot: An American woman (Diaz) with man problems jaunts over to England and crosses paths with a British villager (Winslet) who has similar troubles.

User Rating:

THE BUZZ: All we know about Nancy Meyers' follow-up to Something's Gotta Give is that the casting took forever and a day, prompting many agents to pitch fits, and that the romantic pairings are Diaz-Law (bland on blonde) and Winslet-Black (ooh, interesting!). The rest of the plot is hush-hush, though with Meyers at the helm you can bet everyone will be dressed fabulously, their homes will be decorated within an inch of their lives, and one of the two leading ladies will probably saunter off with an Oscar nomination.

Message Boards: what did you hate the most | music

Apocalypto
Director: Mel Gibson
Stars: Gerardo Taracena, Raoul Trujillo, Dalia Hernandez (Full Cast)
Studio: Buena Vista Pictures

The Plot: As the Maya kingdom faces its decline, the rulers insist the key to prosperity is to build more temples and offer human sacrifices. Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood), a young man chosen for sacrifice, flees the kingdom to avoid his fate.

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THE BUZZ: Imagine being Mel Gibson's publicist ... After flirting with the Antoine Fuqua project Under and Alone, Mel Gibson opted for another historical epic for his follow-up to The Passion of the Christ -- and he self-financed the project, too. Set in the pre-Hispanic era, Apocalypto will be in the Maya language (think back to Men with Guns) and it's not known whether Gibson will make more than a cameo in the film (he's in the teaser trailer for a second, sporting a huge beard, crazy eyes, and what looks to be a huge blunt). It's not hard to realize what Gibson's getting at, as he's been vocal about the dissolution of American society; it will be interesting, and obviously controversial, to see how he ties his film to his beliefs.

Originally set for summer, the production faced major storms in the spring, resulting in a wintry, awards-y release date.

Message Boards: Maya thriving at time of Apocalypto, FACTS! | Best line in the movie contest!

Blood Diamond
Director: Edward Zwick
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Connelly (Full Cast)
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

The Plot: In Sierra Leone, the fates of a mercenary (DiCaprio), a fisherman (Hounsou), and an American journalist (Connelly) are entwined as the trio hunts for a priceless diamond.

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THE BUZZ: If anything else, Edward Zwick's latest film will be remembered as the movie that helped introduce the term "conflict diamond" into popular culture. As we're getting increasingly comfortable using the expression in casual conversation, diamond execs are putting together a campaign to counter the film's agenda (to illustrate the connection between the industry profits from wars waged in Africa). But we, like you, are secretly just waiting for Zwick to stop making average-to-subpar movies and get back to making television dramas. We want angsty, super-attractive everyday adults now!

Message Boards: TWO GG NOMS FOR LEO.. FIRST TIME EVER!!!! | Jennifer Connelly: the only thing flat about her is her...

Casino Royale
Director: Martin Campbell
Stars: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Judi Dench (Full Cast)
Studio: Sony Pictures Entertainment

The Plot: After earning his license to kill, MI6 dispatches James Bond (Craig) to Madagascar to track a terrorist. The spy soon expands his search to include an entire terrorist cell, tipping off an adventure that leads him into a Montenegro casino, where his organization backs him in a marathon game against Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), a banker to international terrorist organizations.

User Rating:

THE BUZZ: After an exhaustive, dramatic, bordering-on-annoying search for the new Bond, the announcement of Daniel Craig as the successor to Pierce Brosnan was rather ... anticlimactic. Craig of course made matters worse for himself by arriving for the movie's worldwide press day via military boat ... wearing a life preserver. However, his smoldering physicality seems to be winning over disgruntled fans one-by-one as opening day draws near, so maybe it's not solely up to director Martin Campbell to re-engage the franchise yet again. Regarding the casting of Royale's Bond girl, Vesper Lynd -- Eva Green wasn't on any fan's mind as the potential pick (Charlize Theron and Angelina Jolie reportedly vied for the role), and that's just the kind of surprise we're hoping the movie itself offers.

Message Boards: Worst Bond theme song ever | Did it drag on a litlle to long?

The Nativity Story
Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Stars: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Oscar Isaac (Full Cast)
Studio: New Line Cinema

The Plot: Mary and Joseph's love, faith, and beliefs are tested by her miraculous pregnancy, and the birth of their son.

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THE BUZZ: I guess we're supposed to be shocked that the director of Thirteen is handling this take on Mary's life up until Jesus Christ's birth. Or that the talented, young Keisha Castle-Hughes was cast in the role. Inititally none of this was any big deal, but now that Hughes is pregnant (and not yet 17), we realized we still don't have any opinion on this film. However, we'll give out bonus points for any use of the word "virgin" in the movie's marketing campaign.

Message Boards: Disprespecting the bible is wrong | Blasphemous film?

Unaccompanied Minors
Director: Paul Feig
Stars: Dyllan Christopher, Tyler James Williams, Gina Mantegna (Full Cast)
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

The Plot: A group of kids create their own makeshift holiday while snowed in at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

User Rating:

THE BUZZ: Essayist Susan Burton's true-life story, which she recounted on NPR's "This American Life" for Ira Glass a few years back, is given the big-screen treatment, and we think this is one to watch, frankly. With a coupla "Daily Show" recruits among the huddle of supervising adults (not to mention 3 out of the 5 Kids in the Hall), and Paul "Freaks and Geeks" Feig behind the camera and screenplay, we feel the holiday vibe here is going to be John Hughes meets just a little bit of Bad Santa -- you know what we're saying?

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