Australia
Currently in theaters
Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman
A mash up on multiple genres, “Australia” is a throwback to the era of classic epic romance films. Nicole Kidman plays an uptight English aristocrat who travels to the outback only to fall for a ruggedly handsome cattle driver played by Hugh Jackman. Their powerful performances in this movie have been generating a lot of buzz.
Milk
December 12th
Sean Penn, James Franco, Josh Brolin, Emile, Hirsch, Gus Van Sant Directs
“Milk”‘s release date has been pushed back numerous times which is immensely disappointing, because it is supposed to be a groundbreaking piece of cinema. The biopic follows San Francisco’s first openly gay politician circa 1977, Harvey Milk who Penn embodies in this role (Oscar buzz has been present since pre production). Milk was tragically assassinated a mere eleven months later but the film shows what the gay community was going through not so long ago.
Marley & Me
Christmas Day
Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston and Alan Arkin
There’s nothing like a good comedy to throw into the mix, especially since the winter months equal emotional dramas to filmgoers. “Marley & Me” is based on the book of the same name that follows a family in the making while the dog teaches them life lessons. The chemistry between Wilson and Aniston seems both cute and funny. Arkin who has been showing off his comedic chops in recent films (Little Miss Sunshine, Get Smart) will only help a movie that seemingly looks perfect.
Che
January 16
Benicio Del Toro, Directed by Steven Soderberg
Che is the much anticipated biopic of Argentinean revolutionary Che Guevara. Judging from pictures and Del Toro’s track record, one can only assume that the actor will take his character to the extreme. Che will be released for a week in its four-hour entirety (with a half hour intermission) in New York and LA.
Sometime in January the film will be released in two parts (The Argentine and Guerrilla) on the same day.
Notorious
January 16
Angela Bassett and Derek Luke
The biopic of Christopher Wallace, a.k.a. Notorious B.I.G., has finally arrived, Biggie is played by Jamal Woodlard, who eerily resembles the late rapper. The bevy of talented supporting cast members looks to only add to the power of this film (Angela Bassett plays his mother). Everyone from Tupac to Lil Kim has a place in this movie. It may not be your taste but the film sure has weight to it.