By Chris Kavan - 12/20/11 at 11:44 AM CT
Need some last-minute gift ideas? It seems Hollywood will hear your call, as they decided to release a mountain of movies just in time for Christmas. Santa will just have to make room for a few more movies in that magical sack of his for the discerning film fan in your life.
1) Woody Allen returns to form with Midnight in Paris
. I admit I've never been a big Allen fan when it come to movies - his brand of comedy and drama just doesn't trip my trigger. However, this film won such praise and had a monster theater run (especially since most of that was in limited releases), I just might have to check it out and see if Allen looks any better now that I'm older and wiser (so I say).
2) On a different note, if you're into the more inspirational side of things, then Morgan Freeman lends his voice of authority to Dolphin Tale
. You also have some surprising musical talent flexing their acting skills: Harry Connick Jr. and Kris Kristofferson join Ashley Judd and Nathan Gamble in an uplifting story about giving a dolphin a second chance with a new tail. These kind of movies always risk the chance of going the too maudlin, sentimental route, but like Soul Surfer earlier in the year, audiences seemed pretty happy with the result. If you need a family film, this would be a good bet.
3) If you want a more manly uplifting story, Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton and Nick Nolte are here to save the day in Warrior
. Granted, this looks like the bastard child of The Fighter and Invincible, but as far as sports movies go, you don't get a lot to choose from. I don't think it quite as the edge of The Fighter, but isn't as clean-cut as Invincible - take it for what it is, and just enjoy the ride for once.
4) If you just want to enjoy pure action, Zoe Saldana is ready to kick your butt six ways from Sunday in Colombiana
. Somehow I don't think story is the main focus for this one - but if you enjoy watching women with big guns and slick moves, then this one is for you. I see this becoming a future rental, because sometimes you just need a little mindless action in your life.
5) Drawing on some timely fears of the economy, Margin Call
makes a thriller set in an investment firm (now that's something I'd never thought I would put together in a sentence). With an outstanding cast - Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Stanley Tucci, Zachary Quinto, Paul Bettany and Demi Moore - amongst others - this is one ensemble I actually think would work well together (take that, terrible ensemble cast of New Year's Day!). It looks interesting enough to watch for me.
6) The obligatory remake of the week is the not-so-well received Straw Dogs
. I love the Sam Peckinpah original - even though by all accounts it's a misogynistic piece of trash, but it is also a raw, visceral experience. This new version just looks like it's a sad imitation - having James Marsden and Kate Bosworth as the leads certainly doesn't inspire much awe in me either. I'll stick with the original, thank you very much.
7) Finally, if you're a true Gleek (or whatever term they've coined now), and I mean a really big fan, then, and only then, should you check out Glee: The Concert Movie
. I admit, I watch the show. It's not particularly great, but I enjoy the occasional musical number. However, no way in the world would I subject myself to this. I'm not alone, as the box office run was pretty dismal. Hardcore fans only need apply - oh, and if someone thinks this would make a great gag gift for me - just remember, I can find rusty objects with ease...
With all these films coming out, there are no major Blu-Ray exclusives this week - but to check out all the new movies, head on over the the FilmCrave New DVD Releases and FilmCrave New Blu-Ray Releases pages today.
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