Once again the season of good tidings is upon us, and as usual Hollywood is giving audiences mass-market presents, such as Meet the Fockers and Ocean's 12, as well as it's annual attempts at Oscar glory. Although neatly wrapped prestige pictures like Kinsey, Ray, and Finding Neverland have already been released, studio and independent prestige pictures will be arriving every week until the end of the year. The producers of these films, of course, have their usual goal in mind: receiving critics' accolades and Golden Globe and Oscar attention. But more importantly, which will best satisfy your winter movie cravings? Here are the most promising December releases:
Closer (Dec. 3)
This film is powered by romantic angst. Based on a play of the same name, Closer features an all-star cast with Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Clive Owen and Natalie Portman, and is directed by Mike Nichols (Angels in America, The Graduate). It tells the story of two couples (Law and Portman; Roberts and Owen) as their respective friendships and relationships become increasingly intertwined and conflicted. In doing so it examines the very nature of love. This is a top contender for Oscar glory in all the major categories.
House of Flying Daggers (Dec. 3)
This historical spy thriller from China is set in ancient times and features rising Asian star Zhang Ziyi as a revolutionary fighter and an enchanting dancer. As with Hero and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, expect gorgeous cinematography, awesome kung-fu scenes, and an excellent film to boot. This film could earn nominations in the technical categories, as well as Best Foreign Film.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (Dec. 10)
The latest film from Wes Anderson (Royal Tenenbaums) covers the adventures of an oceanographer (Bill Murray) who takes his crew on the hunt for an elusive jaguar shark that killed his best friend. As per usual, Anderson fills his movie with a great cast (Willem Defoe, Anjelica Huston, Owen Wilson and Cate Blanchett), meticulous scene detail and charmingly original storylines. It may not tickle Oscar's fancy, but critics and audiences are likely to swoon.
Million Dollar Baby (Dec. 15)
This late-blooming Oscar contender may well peak just in time to collect some serious precursor awards. A hardened fighter-trainer (director and lead actor Clint Eastwood) works with a determined woman (Hilary Swank) to help her get established as a boxer. Baby, which also stars Morgan Freeman may sound run of the mill but viewers will find Eastwood at the top of his game, with more than a few tricks up his sleeve.
The Aviator (Dec. 17)
Martin Scorsese's take on the formative years of eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes, chock full of Hollywood glamour and his legendary obsession with flying. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Jude Law, Gwen Stefani and many more, this is a bona fide Oscar contender that may finally bring Scorsese the Best Director award that he has deserved since 1973's Mean Streets. It may well be the one to beat for Best Picture.
The Sea Inside (Dec. 17)
Based on a true story, this foreign film is about the life of a famous Spanish quadriplegic, played by Javier Bardem, who fought for his right to die. Director Alejandro Amenabar scared us with The Others, and here he offers a nuanced film which stands an excellent chance of winning Best Foreign Film, and maybe even Best Actor.
Spanglish (Dec. 17)
This film tells the story of how an ailing marriage between a perennial good-guy chef (Adam Sandler) and a basket-case mother (Tea Leoni) is shaken up in unexpected ways with the arrival of the Spanish housekeeper (Paz Vega). Director James L. Brooks has had a tremendous run with As Good As It Gets and Terms of Endearment, and there is a good chance that streak will continue here.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera (Dec. 22)
The hugely popular musical finally materializes in film form. It tells the story of a disfigured musical genius hiding in the Paris Opera House, teaching and falling in love with a young singer. The big question is whether director Joel Schumacher can actually make a good film considering how lowbrow his directing career has been thus far (i.e. Phone Booth). Starring Emmy Rossum (Mystic River) and Gerard Butler, two relative unknowns with promising vocal ability, it has been getting raves from early screenings, and may well be a sign the musical is back to stay.
Hotel Rwanda (Dec. 22)
Winner of Best Picture at the Toronto Film Festival, this film, which is based on a true story, takes place during the Rwandan genocide, during which nearly a million people died. Don Cheadle plays an innkeeper who gives refuge to thousands of people who otherwise would have been murdered. Rwanda may be too independent for Oscar's taste, but true film aficionados are likely to find a tough, uncompromising view of humanity with equal parts brutality and compassion.
Other notable December releases: The Merchant of Venice, The Assassination of Richard Nixon, The Woodsman, Meet the Fockers, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, and A Love Song for Bobby Long.