Movies To Catch Before New Years
The week between Christmas and New Years is always the busiest time of the year at the box office. Early Show contributor and People magazine Assistant Managing Editor Jess Cagle has some suggestions for people of all ages.
The movie is based on the classic children's book by E.B. White. It stars Dakota Fanning as Fern; Julia Roberts and Steve Buscemi also lend their voices to the movie.
"Our generation, of course, had the animated version," Cagle said. "This one is live action, with real animals, and some big names lend their voices. It's a great story for little boys and little girls, and parents will appreciate it as well. The great thing is you can go home and read the book. It's a great exercise all around."
Despite having terrible luck, Larry Daley, played by Ben Stiller, believes he is destined for greatness. He accepts a job as a graveyard-shift security guard at a museum of natural history. On his watch, the exhibits come to life.
"This is the first real family movie for the whole family that Ben Stiller has done," Cagle said. "He plays this guy who's a security guard at a museum working the night shift, and all the displays come to life at night. There's lots of action for the kids, and parents love Ben Stiller. He was actually making this film with his daughter in mind, so he's obviously looking to entertain the younger crowd in this one."
The turbulent early days of the Central Intelligence Agency is seen through the eyes of Edward Wilson, played by Matt Damon. The film, directed by Robert De Niro, takes place during the height of the Cold War in the 1960s. Throughout the course of the film, Wilson's idealism is steadily eroded and his marriage to Clover, played by Angelina Jolie, falls into disrepair.
"It's about the ups and downs of their relationship and a lot about the responsibility to your career versus the responsibility to your family," Cagle said. "Lots of big stars, big production value, Robert De Niro is the director. This one will be a hit."
Director Bill Condon adapts Tom Eyen's Tony award-winning Broadway musical to the big screen with big names like Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy. The musical is set in the 1960s, during the Motown era. It's about the struggle to attain fame and fortune and the realization that these things often come at a price.
"This is the ultimate chick flick," Cagle said. "It's all about the rise of this musical group that looks a lot like the Supremes. It's also great for the 'American Idol' fans: Jennifer Hudson gives a breakout performance and Eddie Murphy is phenomenal. Right now, this movie is considered a real front-runner for the Oscars."
After Sheba Hart, played by Cate Blanchett, joins St. George's as the new art teacher, she begins an illicit affair with a student.
"Again, another big Academy Awards movie with two great actresses - Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett," Cagle said. "Right now it opens in limited cities on the 27th and will expand in early January, but it's worth keeping an eye out for. Judi Dench plays a spinsterish school teacher and Cate Blanchett is the new teacher at the school. She starts to have an affair with one of her students and Judi Dench uses that to blackmail her. Really twisted, really fascinating, really well done. I'd almost go as far as to say this one is a thriller. And both of these women will be nominated for their performances. I'm sure of it."
Former heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa comes out of retirement and returns to the ring. He is encouraged after he wins a virtual fight against current champion Mason "The Line" Dixon. He then has to weigh the physical and mental risk of stepping back into the real ring. The movie is written and directed by Sylvester Stallone.
"It's a very low key, very unassuming little movie, and you can't believe how great he is in it," Cagle said. "He's 30 years older now, running a restaurant, he has a son he's estranged from, and he decides he wants one last shot in the ring. If you love the original 'Rocky' and the character, it's a great companion piece to it. It's also fascinating to see Stallone's take on Rocky 30 years later."
"We Are Marshall" is about the town of Huntington, W.Va.'s struggle to recover after most of Marshall University's football team was killed in a plane crash. The grieving community found hope and healing in the leadership of Jack Lengyel, played by Matthew McConaughey.
"Guys, if you have to take a date to this, you could because at least your girlfriend could look at Matthew McConaughey for two hours," Cagle said. "But it's a football story, and guys like football. It's based on a true story about these two guys who take over a football team that's been wiped out by a plane crash. And these guys rebuild the team and in doing so rebuild the spirit of the school."
