Movie magic always fuels the family fun during the holidays. From Oscar contenders to wacky comedies and sci-fi blockbusters, this season's must-see films put the festive spirit into your next family affair.
BLOCKBUSTER BETS
"Avatar" (Dec. 18)
In his first movie since "Titanic," James Cameron packs this 3-D sci-fi epic with all the groundbreaking special effects US$230-$300 million dollars can buy. Cameron whisks audiences into a jungle-covered alien realm called Pandora. There, paralyzed Earthling Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) walks by assuming a genetically-bred hybrid body unique to this Eden. When the unwitting military scout falls for a local beauty (Zoe Saldana), he must choose sides in a battle that will decide the fate of Earth and this unspoiled haven.
"Sherlock Holmes" (Dec. 25)
Director Guy Ritchie puts a slick, action-packed spin on Arthur Conan Doyle's famous sleuth, Sherlock Holmes. Starring Robert Downey Jr. as the legendary crime-fighter and Jude Law as his trusty sidekick, this dynamic retelling circa 1891 pits Holmes and Watson against dark forces out to destroy Great Britain. In unravelling this deadly plot, Holmes reveals some bad-ass fighting skills as lethal as his invincible intellect. Can Downey deliver? Elementary my dear film fans!
FAMILY FUN
"The Fantastic Mr. Fox" (Nov. 25)
Based on Roald Dahl's best-selling children's book, Wes Anderson's delightful film showcases the voices of George Clooney and Meryl Streep as Mr. and Mrs. Fox. Together with their son Ash (Jason Schwartzman), the three live an idyllic life tucked away in woods. When their goody-goody existence gets too unbearable, Mr. Fox slides back into his chicken thief ways. His naughty fun endangers his family and friends. But, Mr. Fox puts his foxy instincts to work to set things right. Fun for the whole family.
"The Princess and the Frog" (Dec. 11)
Featuring its first African-American princess, Walt Disney's latest heroine (Anika Noni Rose) meets a frog prince who is desperate to be human again. When an unexpected kiss turns their lives upside down, the pair takes a roller-coaster adventure through the bayous of Louisiana. Thanks to a love-struck Cajun firefly, a trumpet-playing alligator and a 197-yearold voodoo priestess, the plucky travellers make it to New Orleans and see their dreams come true in a fun-filled Mardi Gras finale. Full of great tunes and Disney's classic magic.
"Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" (Dec. 25)
Alvin (Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Theodore (Jesse McCartney) return in this live-action, CGI sequel to 2007's "Alvin and the Chipmunks." Putting aside superstardom to return to school, these pop sensations soon become the school's only hope to save its music program. But, the boys face some stiff competition from the girl-band, The Chipettes. A nutty square-off made in chipmunk heaven.
OSCAR-BOUND DRAMAS
"The Road" (Nov. 27)
Delivering the performance of his career, Viggo Mortensen's stars in John Hillcoat's heart-wrenching film about a father and son travelling across America after a mysterious cataclysm renders it lifeless. Based on Cormac McCarthy's book, "The Road" goes where no other films dared venture in 2009. As this starving pair journey through cannibals and other horrors, "The Road" transforms a post-apocalyptic morality tale into one of the best odes to father/son love ever captured on film. Mortensen deserves the Oscar for this one.
"Brothers" (Dec. 4)
Oscar-worthy work abounds in this explosive drama starring Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire. When a decorated Marine (Maguire) goes missing in Afghanistan, his jailbird brother (Gyllenhaal) consoles the young widow and mother (Portman). Their guilty, needy attraction is never consummated. But, when the "dead" marine is shipped back alive, suspicions and post-traumatic stress turn this hero's return into a nightmare. Maguire's unhinged descent into madness puts a chilling face on America's war on terror. Ace acting all the way!
"Up in the Air" (Dec. 4)
More slick, screwball dramedy than first-class drama, George Clooney's turn as a corporate downsizing expert who loves the road is earning the Hollywood hunk and director Jason Reitman considerable Oscar buzz. Is "Up in the Air" really worthy of an Oscar? That remains to be seen, given this year's other top contenders. For now, settle in, belt-up and enjoy a fun ride in the skies with Gorgeous George.
"Everybody's Fine" (Dec. 4)
Forget those formulaic police dramas and cheesy comedies ("Meet the Fockers") Robert De Niro has starred in lately. This acting great delivers one of his best, most refined performances in years in this remake of Giuseppe Tornatore's 1990 film, "Stanno Tutti Bene." As a lonely widower, De Niro takes an impromptu road trip to reconnect with his grown, troubled children. His emotionally-charged journey reveals that life and people are never perfect. It also reveals that De Niro's still got the chops to earn Oscar buzz.
"Invictus" (Dec. 11)
After the fall of apartheid in South Africa, President Nelson Mandela campaigned to host the 1995 Rugby World Cup to unite his country. Mandela's inspirational jockeying drives "Invictus," Clint Eastwood's latest Oscar contender. Based on John Carlin's book, "Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Changed a Nation," Morgan Freeman delivers a superb turn as the barrier-breaking politician. Matt Damon also shines as the South African team captain who leads his players to an unprecedented win. Our bet's on an Oscar nod to make Clint's day.
"A Single Man" (Dec. 11)
Fashion designer Tom Ford scored a kick-ass directorial debut with "A Single Man." But, the film's real glory goes to leading man Colin Firth. Based on the novel by Christopher Isherwood, Firth portrays a 52-year-old gay professor who cannot find the meaning in his life after the death of his lover (Matthew Goode). Told in a single day, Firth blows it out of the ballpark as a broken soul who can't and won't see his future without love. Dust off that tuxedo, Colin. You're going to the Oscars!
"Broken Embraces" (Dec. 25)
Pen�lope Cruz, Pedro Almod�var's favourite muse, is poised to earn a Best Actress nod for this slick little thriller about passion gone terribly wrong. The Spanish flick unfolds as a blind screenwriter (Llu�s Homar) recounts a long-ago love affair with an ambitious ing�nue (Cruz). Casting the girl in the movie of his career, the two succumb to temptation. But, trouble quickly finds them once her sugar daddy learns of their deceit and makes them pay. Oscar will find it hard to resist such Cruz control.
COMIC CAPERS
"Old Dogs" (Nov. 25)
This early holiday treat from Walt Disney Pictures is just what the family ordered on a cold winter's night. A romantically-challenged divorc� (Robin Williams) and an impetuous bachelor (John Travolta) are about to make the business deal of their lives. But, their world is turned upside down when they are charged with the care of six-year-old twins (Ella Blue Travolta, Conner Rayburn). The pals bumble everything, yet come out winners once they learn what matters most in life. Big laughs for the whole family.
"It's Complicated" (Dec. 25)
Meryl Streep becomes the other woman in this breezy holiday ride. After a decade of amicable divorce, Jane (Streep) and her remarried husband (Alec Baldwin) travel out of town for their son's graduation. A dinner for two quickly turns into an unexpected affair. Should they move on? Should they grab at this second chance at love? The whole mess wreaks unimaginable havoc on their lives and those of their new love interests. Good laughs from a golden cast.
"Did You Hear About the Morgans?" (Dec. 18)
Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker team up as a Manhattan couple headed for divorce in this holiday caper When they accidentally witness a murder and are targeted by a contract killer, the unhappy duo are whisked off by the Feds to Wyoming. There, a BlackBerry-free existence forces them to slow down the craziness of their lives and renew their love. The perfect holiday date-night flick.
ROMANCE
"The Young Victoria" (Dec. 18)
The costume drama of the season, Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend resurrect the real-life love affair between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in "Young Victoria." Big, stately mansions and romantic garden walks. Queen-size ball gowns skirted by the politics of courtly love. Romance lovers will eat this chick flick up, and sigh with every swoony look Friend tosses Blunt's way in this historical bit of eye candy.
FANTASY/MUSICAL/THRILLER
"The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus" (Dec. 25)
Featuring Heath Ledger's final performance, Terry Gilliam's fantastical morality tale about dealing with the devil is full of dark, deep secrets to amuse holiday moviegoers. With his extraordinary travelling show, Dr. Parnassus guides crowds through wild, imaginary adventures that pit good and against evil. As he plays with their minds, his own sordid past is revealed. Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Jude Law and Christopher Plummer turn this bold bit of moviemaking into a daring ride.
"Nine" (Dec. 25)
Daniel Day-Lewis helms a golden cast in this gutsy musical about an Italian director who struggles with epic creative troubles while he juggles the women in his life. These disquieting babes include his wife (Marion Cotillard), his mistress (Pen�lope Cruz), his film star muse (Nicole Kidman), his confidante and costume designer (Judi Dench) and his mother (Sophia Loren). Mamma mia! Bets are on Cotillard and Day-Lewis to nab Oscar nods for this quirky look at the true cost of fame.
"The Lovely Bones" (Dec. 11)
Oscar buzz is swirling around Saoirse Ronan, who co-stars in Peter Jackson's film adaptation of Alice Sebold's best-selling novel. After being raped, murdered, and dismembered by a neighbour, a young girl (Ronan) watches her family (Rachel Weisz, Mark Wahlberg) from heaven. Saddened by their grief and frustrated by the choices that they make, the girl tries to set things right from the other side. A sad, satisfying drama. Bring the Kleenex!
