For millions of moviegoers, the recent release of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" was the most exciting release of 2005. Although "Harry" continues to rake in the big box office dollars, there are more diverse and exciting films to come this holiday season.
Opening this weekend is the highly anticipated release of "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Andrew Adamson is making his first live-action film, after directing the successful "Shrek" films.
For those of you who haven't read "The Chronicles of Narnia" since middle school, the film follows the four Pevensie children during an adventure of a lifetime. After the children journey to the land of Narnia in their wardrobe, they learn their true destiny from a lion messiah.
The film stars Tilda Swinton, of "Thumbsucker" and "Broken Flowers" fame, who is playing the role of the White Witch. Even though Swinton typically stars in more independent, art-house style films, there is a large buzz behind her in this magical, childhood favorite story.
Another film opening in limited release this weekend is "Brokeback Mountain," based on the novel by Annie Proulx and starring two modern day heartthrobs, Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger. Don't let their dreamy looks fool you, these two actors are hoping to flex their acting credibility, playing two ranch hands that meet in the 1960s and form an eternal bond.
The film, directed by Ang Lee, has been shrouded in controversy since it's earliest screenings at film festivals. In numerous reviews of the film, critics address "Brokeback Mountain" as "the gay cowboy movie." After reaching the end of the review, however, critics have said nothing but positive things about this daring, touching drama. Peter Travers, of Rolling Stone, rated the film as a classic.
Peter Jackson of "Lord of the Rings" fame is back with another epic film, "King Kong," which opens Dec. 16. The film stars Naomi Watts, Adrien Brody and Jack Black. It tells the story of a documentary film crew that travels to Skull Island to look for evidence about the legendary gorilla named Kong.
After the film crew realizes Kong is not a myth, but rather a reality, the special effects will no doubt become larger than life. The trailers for "King Kong" let the viewer know this film will provide a great escape from the stress of the holidays.
"The Family Stone" starring Sarah Jessica Parker, is the first of two romantic comedies starring former television stars. (The other is "Rumor Has It" starring Jennifer Aniston.) The film is filled with numerous actors ranging from Dermot Mulroney to Luke Wilson to Diane Keaton. Parker's character is engaged to Mulroney's, and the premise involves her attempt to become a part of his tightly knit family. This film, along with other romantic comedies, often exists for fun laughs and sweet moments. If romantic comedies are your forte, then "The Family Stone" will undoubtedly warm your heart.
Dec. 23 ushers in the most diverse films of the season â€" ranging from musicals, romantic comedies and Steven Spielberg's drama, "Munich."
"The Producers" stars Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane, as they revisit the roles that garnered them Tony Awards along with unprecedented Broadway success. Also featuring Uma Thurman and Will Ferrell, the big screen adaptation will surely cash in at the box office and have audience members tapping their toes in the aisles.
"Rumor Has It" starring Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Costner and Shirley MacLaine is a takeoff of the Dustin Hoffman classic "The Graduate." Aniston's character becomes convinced her eccentric family was the inspiration for the film.
"Munich" starring Eric Bana, and directed by Spielberg, brings the tragic events of the 1972 Munich Olympics to the theater. Eleven Israeli athletes were taken hostage and then killed by a Palestinian group called Black September.
The Israeli government, in return, sends out Mossad agents to execute the people responsible for the athletes' death. Although this film may not sound like typical holiday fare, with Spielberg at the helm, it shouldn't disappoint anyone along for the ride.
Other holiday releases include "Memoirs of a Geisha," "Match Point" and "Fun with Dick and Jane."
With all these new films being released, moviegoers will have no excuse but to brave the cold and buy some popcorn.
