The Aviator
Martin Scorsese’s latest opus features Leonardo Dicaprio as the larger than life entrepreneur Howard Hughes. The film recounts the turbulent period from the 1920s to the ’40s when the eccentric millionaire dabbled in everything from filmmaking to experimental airplane design. There are talks of this being the year for the film’s oft-recognized director to make his mark on the Oscar scene. Dec. 17
A Very Long Engagement
Amelie director Jean-Pierre Jeunet spins this story of a young woman’s all-encompassing search for her fiancé during the final months of World War I. A blend of thrilling visual exploration and narrative finesse, Jeunet brings a flair to the screen rarely seen from Hollywood products. In French with English subtitles, this Engagement is not to be missed. Dec. 17
Spanglish
Two years ago Adam Sandler showed the world that he was more than a stuttering waterboy and rage-aholic golfer. This year comedy legend James L. Brooks took notice. In the director’s newest film, Sandler plays the patriarch of a family going through tough times. In classic Brooks fashion, Spanglish can appeal to anyone as it explores difficult themes all the time with tongue firmly in cheek. Dec. 17
Meet the Fockers
This sequel to the ridiculously successful Meet the Parents stars Dustin Hoffman and Barbara Streisand as the Fockers, parents of the hapless Greg. This time around fiancé Pam travels with parents DeNiro and Danner to the Focker homestead in Detroit. If for nothing else the film is worth the money just to see acting superstars Hoffman and DeNiro side by side. Dec. 22
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
The fourth feature from Rushmore director Wes Anderson, Life Aquatic also marks the third collaboration between Anderson and Bill Murray. This time around the due goes to the sea. As the screwball Captain Steve Zissou, an oceanic explorer, Murray again brings his subtle wit to the screen as he sets out for revenge on the shark that killed his partner. Anderson’s directorial spirit shines through in Life Aquatic, which also marks the director’s first use of CGI technology. Dec 25
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