Turkeys are not the only things stuffed during the holiday season. The box office is filled with films racing toward Oscar gold and ticket sales glory. Here’s a quick preview of what to expect this holiday season at a theater near you.
“Honey” Dec. 5 (Jessica Alba, Mekhi Phifer, Lil’ Romeo)It’s about: A ballet dancer’s dream of becoming a star hip hop video choreographer comes true.Look out for: Cameos from some of today’s biggest stars, including Missy Elliott and GinuwineCover your eyes: This film can either be a smash or “Glitter II.”Pre-screening grade: C
“The Last Samurai” Dec. 5 (Tom Cruise, Billy Connolly, Koyuki)It’s about: A Civil War veteran is hired to train the armies of the Japanese emperor in modern combat techniques but learns the honor of the samurai code in the process.Look out for: Tom Cruise shines in period piece films and this one could be Oscar material.Cover your eyes: Don’t expect this film to be short…at all.Pre-screening grade: A-
“Love Don’t Cost A Thing” 12/12 (Nick Cannon, Christina Milian, Steve Harvey)It’s about: In this remake of the 1987 film “Can’t Buy Me Love”, a geek saves the most popular girl in school from major trouble after she wrecks her mother’s car as long as she agrees to make him popular by pretending to date him.Look out for: Some good laughs and a decent soundtrackCover your eyes: Like the original film this is based on, there could be a heavy cheese factor.Pre-screening grade: B
“Stuck on You” Dec. 12 (Matt Damon, Greg Kinnear, Cher)It’s about: The Farrelly Brothers, responsible for “There’s Something About Mary,” bring to the screen this tale of Siamese twins that try to make a new life for themselves in Los Angeles.Look out for: Slapstick humor and gross out comedyCover your eyes: Too much slapstick humor and gross out comedyPre-screening grade: B-
“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” Dec. 17 (Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom, Ian McKellen)It’s about: The final film in the Lord Of the Rings trilogy is a full blown war movie and conclusion to the blockbuster series.Look out for: Oscar nomination counting for visual effects, best film, individual actors, best director and musical scoreCover your eyes: It’s going to be long. Really, really long. Pre-screening grade: A
“Mona Lisa Smile” Dec. 19 (Julia Roberts, Julia Stiles, Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal)It’s about: An unorthodox art teacher comes to a women’s college and changes the life of her students and all those at the college.Look out for: A few laughs and a few tears. This may land Roberts another Oscar nod and her supporting cast may pull in a few surprises as well.Cover your eyes: Chick flick warning!!Pre-screening grade: A
“Cheaper By The Dozen” Dec. 25 (Steve Martin, Piper Perabo, Ashton Kutcher, Hilary Duff)It’s about: A man must take care of his 12 kids while his wife is out of town and wackiness ensues.Look out for: Martin to be hilarious and laughs fit for everyone in the family.Cover your eyes: So many actors and so little time for character development.Pre-screening grade: C+
“Cold Mountain” Dec. 25 (Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, Renee Zellweger)It’s about: Charles Frazier’s novel about a Civil War veteran that is trying to make it home while his sweetheart must revive her father’s farm with help from a drifter.Look out for: The acting to blow you away and the Oscar nominations to match.Cover your eyes: The build is going to be really slow.Pre-screening grade: B+