One of Paul Walker’s last films, a heart wrenching drama about a love lost, is hitting theaters this week. Many other high profile actors including former Oscar winners are joining forces in the new releases. Academy Award nominated director Peter Jackson brings J. R. R. Tolkien’s popular fantasy novels into theaters once again.
Bilbo Baggins is back on his path to regain control of the Lonely Mountain and the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. In this second film of the Hobbit trilogy, Bilbo, Gandalf and the Dwarves come face to face with giant Spiders, a skin-changer named Beorn, Wood-elves and the deadly Dragon Smaug. The PG-13 fantasy adventure is directed by Peter Jackson and stars Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, and Evangeline Lilly. It’s playing in 2D, 3D and IMAX theaters.
Madea helps a friend surprise her daughter in A Madea Christmas. Madea’s friend convinces her to drop in for an unexpected Christmas visit to her daughter’s home in the country, but they are the ones that are surprised when they get there. They meet an interesting group of people and learn about the culture of the small farm town as the citizens get ready for the annual Christmas Carnival. The PG-13 comedy stars Tyler Perry, Kathy Najimy, Chad Michael Murray, Alicia Witt, Lisa Whelchel and Larry the Cable Guy. It plays for one hour and forty minutes.
Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Lawrence headline American Hustle. In the two hour and nine minute film, two con artists do a job with a FBI agent which thrusts them into New Jersey’s rich and dangerous crime world. The two hour and nine minute drama is available in limited theaters but opens wide on Dec. 20. It’s rated R for language, sex and violence.
The true story behind the making of Disney’s Mary Poppins film is told in Saving Mr. Banks. Walt Disney promised his daughters that he would bring their favorite book to the big screen, but the project is stalled because the writer, P.L. Travers, would not give him the rights for the film. Disney had to find a way to woo her and get her to give up the story that was so close to her heart. The PG-13 drama stars Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti, Jason Schwartzman and Bradley Whitford. It’s playing in limited theaters for two hours and five minutes and will open wide on Dec. 20.
A man who just lost his wife while giving birth struggles to keep his baby alive in Hours. When Hurricane Katrina hits the hospital, everyone is forced to evacuate, but Nolan’s baby is dependent on a ventilator to survive. With only a short time left until the battery for the ventilator dies, Nolan does whatever it takes to keep his child breathing. The PG-13 film stars Paul Walker. It’s running in limited theaters for one hour and thirty-six minutes.
A man tries to rekindle a relationship with his former mistress in Some Velvet Morning. After not seeing her for four years, he shows up at her front door looking to pick up where they left off. He’s surprised to find out that she has since had a change of heart and becomes obsessed with trying to win her back. Stanley Tucci and Alice Eve star in the unrated, one hour and twenty-three minute drama. It’s available in limited theaters.
Pro snowboarder Kevin Pearce’s passion for the sport is showcased in the documentary Crash Reel. During the height of his career as he prepared for the Vancouver Olympics with Shaun White, Pearce suffered a tragic fall which took him off the snow and straight into the hospital. Despite having to recover from a traumatic brain injury, he was determined to get back on the half pipe again, against the wishes of his family and medics who fear it might kill him. The limited released film runs for one hour and forty-nine minutes.
Two kids venture onto a mountainside and come in contact with evil spirits in Here Comes the Devil. After being separated from their parents for a night, they come back possessed by the devil. The limited released Spanish thriller is subtitled in English. It’s running for one hour and thirty-seven minutes.
Tyler Perry dressed in drag to bring the laughter into theaters this week with A Madea Christmas. Next week, Will Ferrell dons a mustache to reprise his role as Ron Burgundy in Anchor Man 2: The Legend Continues. Hitting theaters on Dec. 20 is the family film Walking with Dinosaurs.
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