Moving further into December, we are now getting deeper into Oscar season. Each week is sure to bring out another potential contender. In addition to those Oscar hopefuls, there are the family friendly holiday films, and the inevitable heartwarmers. This week brings a little bit of each to the table. Among the potentials is Apocalypto from Mel Gibson. Originally slated for a summer release, it was pushed back for the Oscar potential. There is also the new Leonardo Dicaprio film Blood Diamond, which I could have sworn was supposed to be out last year. Anyway, read on for this week's releases; hopefully at least one will turn out to be worthy of the cinematic dollar.
Apocalypto. (2006, 138 minutes, R, action/adventure, trailer) Mel Gibson returns to the director's chair for the first time since The Passion of the Christ, and again makes a film in a dead language. This time Gibson turns his eye on the end of the once-mighty Mayan civilization. Going by the trailer I am not sure exactly what the story is, but it looks rather interesting. I am hoping for the best.
Blood Diamond. (2006, 138 minutes, R, action/adventure, trailer) Edward Zwick's latest film is also the second Leonardo Dicaprio film this year to be called the best of the year, the other being Martin Scorsese's The Departed. Zwick last helmed the Tom Cruise vehicle The Last Samurai. Co-starring with Leo are Djimon Hounsou and Jennifer Connelly. The story concerns a hunt for a rare pink diamond that could change the hunters' lives, and the troubles that it brings to their families. I am sure it is more than that, but it looks good to me. Here's hoping.
The Holiday. (2006, 136 minutes, PG-13, romantic comedy, trailer) This must take place in some alternate universe because only there can Jack Black be one of the leads in a romantic comedy. Or maybe not — the guy does have charisma. He is part of a cast that also includes Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, and Jude Law. Winslet and Diaz play women who have had relationship issues and are looking to get away from their lives for the holidays; they find a program that has people switch homes. The two go forth with the house swap and perhaps find love in the unlikeliest of places. Looks like it could be halfway decent. It was directed by Nancy Meyers (What Women Want).
Unaccompanied Minors. (2006, 89 minutes, PG, comedy, trailer) This looks to come from the same vein as Home Alone but without the heart, but that's me judging based on a trailer. It is the story of a group of kids snowed in at an airport without supervision. They face off with Lewis Black, the airport security guard, and Wilmer Valderrama, a hapless flight attendant. The trailer makes it look loud and annoying. I doubt that I will be spending time with it.
Article comments
1 - Bliffle
Well, I can't say i find any of these new film offerings interesting. I'm watching "Victory", from the Joseph Conrad novel, with Willam DeFoe.
Try it, you might like it.
2 - sara
well!what can i say?I have watched BLOOD DIAMOND and as i always expect,the best movie ever.i really like it.i wish i could talk to the glamourous super star ever,Leonardo Dicaprio,about the film to thank him for making such a wonderful film.you really deserve the best.you have so much more to give so go on and let see u win the oscar because u really deserve it GOOD LUCK