By David Weiner
11:00 AM PST, December 1, 2012
December is here, and Hollywood is trotting out its best work in order to be extremely fresh in the minds of the elite awards-season voters. From big-budget spectacles to indie contenders, we break down 10 must-see movies of the holiday season.
1 / 11
Slide 1 of 11
10 Must-See Movies of The Holiday Season
The Weinstein Company
December is here, and Hollywood is trotting out its best work in order to be extremely fresh in the minds of the elite awards-season voters. From big-budget spectacles to indie contenders, we break down 10 must-see movies of the holiday season.
Hyde Park on Hudson
Focus Features
Release Date: December 7
The Plot: In 1939, international affairs must be juggled as FDR (played by Bill Murray) readies to host the King and Queen of England (Samuel West and Olivia Colman) for a weekend at the Roosevelt home at Hyde Park on Hudson, marking the first-ever visit of a reigning British monarch to the U.S. As Britain faces the threat of war with Germany, the royals are desperately looking to FDR for America's support. Laura Linney, Olivia Williams, Elizabeth Wilson and Elizabeth Marvel also star.
Why It's a Must-See: Can Bill Murray pull off playing FDR? Seen through the point of view of Franklin's neighbor and intimate Daisy (Linney), this witty observation of customs and manners dwells more in the details of human interaction and FDR's libido, with the pall of war floating more like a fluffy cloud than a looming storm to be reckoned with. The performance by the ladies also seems to steal the thunder in this unofficial timeline companion to The King's Speech.
Watch the Trailer: HERE
The Plot: In 1939, international affairs must be juggled as FDR (played by Bill Murray) readies to host the King and Queen of England (Samuel West and Olivia Colman) for a weekend at the Roosevelt home at Hyde Park on Hudson, marking the first-ever visit of a reigning British monarch to the U.S. As Britain faces the threat of war with Germany, the royals are desperately looking to FDR for America's support. Laura Linney, Olivia Williams, Elizabeth Wilson and Elizabeth Marvel also star.
Why It's a Must-See: Can Bill Murray pull off playing FDR? Seen through the point of view of Franklin's neighbor and intimate Daisy (Linney), this witty observation of customs and manners dwells more in the details of human interaction and FDR's libido, with the pall of war floating more like a fluffy cloud than a looming storm to be reckoned with. The performance by the ladies also seems to steal the thunder in this unofficial timeline companion to The King's Speech.
Watch the Trailer: HERE
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Warner Bros.
Release Date: December 14
The Plot: The big-screen adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth fantasy adventure follows the adventures of the diminutive Hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) as he journeys with a group of 13 Dwarves to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. On the way, they must battle treacherous Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and sly Sorcerers. And when Bilbo gains possession of Gollum's (Andy Serkis) "precious" ring, the fate of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.
Why It's a Must-See: It's been a long, unexpected journey from book to screen for this embattled prequel to The Lord of the Rings, and the good news is director Peter Jackson has expanded Tolkien's epic story to an even more epic three film, 3D series bridging the two trilogies. And just in case you're a little uncomfortable with a whole new set of Middle-earth characters, the epic new trilogy also features the familiar faces of returning Rings cast members Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Orlando Bloom, Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving and Elijah Wood.
Watch the Trailer: HERE
The Plot: The big-screen adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth fantasy adventure follows the adventures of the diminutive Hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) as he journeys with a group of 13 Dwarves to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. On the way, they must battle treacherous Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and sly Sorcerers. And when Bilbo gains possession of Gollum's (Andy Serkis) "precious" ring, the fate of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.
Why It's a Must-See: It's been a long, unexpected journey from book to screen for this embattled prequel to The Lord of the Rings, and the good news is director Peter Jackson has expanded Tolkien's epic story to an even more epic three film, 3D series bridging the two trilogies. And just in case you're a little uncomfortable with a whole new set of Middle-earth characters, the epic new trilogy also features the familiar faces of returning Rings cast members Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Orlando Bloom, Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving and Elijah Wood.
Watch the Trailer: HERE
Zero Dark Thirty
Universal
Release Date: December 19
The Plot: in the story that details the against-all-odds black ops mission to capture or kill the terrorist mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks. Discovered in a compound in Pakistan, the Al Qaeda leader was targeted by Navy SEAL Team 6 in a deadly, high-stakes raid.
Why It's a Must-See: Oscar-winning The Hurt Locker director Kathryn Bigelow follows up her intense Iraq War saga with the true-life tale of how we finally caught up with Osama bin Laden. Notable for controversy surrounding some of the key information made available for mass cinematic consumption, the film boasts a compelling performance by breakout star Jessica Chastain as a tenacious CIA analyst alongside Joel Edgerton, Kyle Chandler, Mark Strong and James Gandolfini.
Watch the Trailer: HERE
The Plot: in the story that details the against-all-odds black ops mission to capture or kill the terrorist mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks. Discovered in a compound in Pakistan, the Al Qaeda leader was targeted by Navy SEAL Team 6 in a deadly, high-stakes raid.
Why It's a Must-See: Oscar-winning The Hurt Locker director Kathryn Bigelow follows up her intense Iraq War saga with the true-life tale of how we finally caught up with Osama bin Laden. Notable for controversy surrounding some of the key information made available for mass cinematic consumption, the film boasts a compelling performance by breakout star Jessica Chastain as a tenacious CIA analyst alongside Joel Edgerton, Kyle Chandler, Mark Strong and James Gandolfini.
Watch the Trailer: HERE
This is 40
Universal
Release Date: December 21
The Plot: This is 40 expands upon the story of Pete (Rudd) and Debbie (Mann) from Knocked Up, picking up about five years later to see first-hand how they are dealing with their current state of life. The comedy also stars John Lithgow, Chris O'Dowd, Megan Fox, Iris Apatow, Maude Apatow, Melissa McCarthy, Robert Smigel, Charlene Yi and Albert Brooks.
Why It's a Must-See: Turning 40 can't be that bad, can it? That's the question director Judd Apatow explores in his new sorta-sequel to Knocked Up, and woeful, true life moments often provide fuel for some hearty comedic moments. "There is something about turning 40 that just does feel different," fortysomething star Paul tells ET. "Women care more about turning 30 than guys. But guys with 40 -- even the sound it … it's like you're dropping a bunch of bricks." Leslie adds, "I had a meltdown at 30. It was hard. It was really hard. That was a tough one."
Watch the Trailer: HERE
The Plot: This is 40 expands upon the story of Pete (Rudd) and Debbie (Mann) from Knocked Up, picking up about five years later to see first-hand how they are dealing with their current state of life. The comedy also stars John Lithgow, Chris O'Dowd, Megan Fox, Iris Apatow, Maude Apatow, Melissa McCarthy, Robert Smigel, Charlene Yi and Albert Brooks.
Why It's a Must-See: Turning 40 can't be that bad, can it? That's the question director Judd Apatow explores in his new sorta-sequel to Knocked Up, and woeful, true life moments often provide fuel for some hearty comedic moments. "There is something about turning 40 that just does feel different," fortysomething star Paul tells ET. "Women care more about turning 30 than guys. But guys with 40 -- even the sound it … it's like you're dropping a bunch of bricks." Leslie adds, "I had a meltdown at 30. It was hard. It was really hard. That was a tough one."
Watch the Trailer: HERE
The Impossible
Summit Entertainment
Release Date: December 21
The Plot: The true story of the devastating 2004 tsunami that consumed the coast of Phuket, Thailand -- and how one family survived it – stars Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor as a young couple enjoying their winter vacation in tropical paradise with their three sons. But on the day after Christmas, their relaxing holiday becomes an exercise in terror and survival when their beachside hotel is pummeled by an extraordinary, unexpected tsunami.
Why It's a Must-See: A harrowing, disturbing tale that tracks just what happens when a close family and tens of thousands of strangers must grapple with the mayhem and aftermath of one of the worst natural catastrophes of our time, The Impossible is boosted by an Oscar-worthy performance by Naomi Watts and a story that focuses on the human heart over special-effects spectacle.
Watch the Trailer: HERE
The Plot: The true story of the devastating 2004 tsunami that consumed the coast of Phuket, Thailand -- and how one family survived it – stars Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor as a young couple enjoying their winter vacation in tropical paradise with their three sons. But on the day after Christmas, their relaxing holiday becomes an exercise in terror and survival when their beachside hotel is pummeled by an extraordinary, unexpected tsunami.
Why It's a Must-See: A harrowing, disturbing tale that tracks just what happens when a close family and tens of thousands of strangers must grapple with the mayhem and aftermath of one of the worst natural catastrophes of our time, The Impossible is boosted by an Oscar-worthy performance by Naomi Watts and a story that focuses on the human heart over special-effects spectacle.
Watch the Trailer: HERE
On the Road
IFC Films
Release Date: December 21
The Plot: An adaptation of Jack Kerouac's classic 1957 Beat Generation travelogue that chronicles the effect of a free-spirited, fast-talking Dean Moriarty (Garrett Hedlund) and his 16-year-old girl Marylou (Kristen Stewart) on young writer Sal Paradise (Sam Riley) as they hit the road together on a number of jazz-fueled life adventures.
Why It's a Must-See: It's been a while since we've seen Kristen Stewart in a film that doesn't have some sort of supernatural elements, giving the tabloid-target star an opportunity to remind audiences just how talented she can be with a grounded, realistic performance. The real draw, however, could be that Stewart displays her wild side with several sex scenes and some "plot-driven" nudity. Produced by Francis Ford Coppola, the movie also features a fine supporting cast with Viggo Mortensen, Amy Adams, Terrence Howard, Kristen Dunst and Elisabeth Moss.
Watch the Trailer: HERE
The Plot: An adaptation of Jack Kerouac's classic 1957 Beat Generation travelogue that chronicles the effect of a free-spirited, fast-talking Dean Moriarty (Garrett Hedlund) and his 16-year-old girl Marylou (Kristen Stewart) on young writer Sal Paradise (Sam Riley) as they hit the road together on a number of jazz-fueled life adventures.
Why It's a Must-See: It's been a while since we've seen Kristen Stewart in a film that doesn't have some sort of supernatural elements, giving the tabloid-target star an opportunity to remind audiences just how talented she can be with a grounded, realistic performance. The real draw, however, could be that Stewart displays her wild side with several sex scenes and some "plot-driven" nudity. Produced by Francis Ford Coppola, the movie also features a fine supporting cast with Viggo Mortensen, Amy Adams, Terrence Howard, Kristen Dunst and Elisabeth Moss.
Watch the Trailer: HERE
Jack Reacher
Paramount
Release Date: December 21
The Plot: When a gunman takes five lives with six shots, all evidence points to the suspect in custody, who offers up a single missive: "Get Jack Reacher!" So begins an extraordinary chase for the truth, pitting Jack against an unexpected enemy with a skill for violence and a secret to keep.
Why It's a Must-See: Don't mess with Jack Reacher… Hoping to kick start a new film franchise based on the title character created by bestselling author Lee Child, Cruise is in familiar (echoing his elite spy roles in Knight and Day and the Mission: Impossible movies) but fine form as a no-nonsense ex-military investigator who puts the pedal to the metal and has nothing to lose in this smart, action-packed new thriller.
Watch the Trailer: HERE
The Plot: When a gunman takes five lives with six shots, all evidence points to the suspect in custody, who offers up a single missive: "Get Jack Reacher!" So begins an extraordinary chase for the truth, pitting Jack against an unexpected enemy with a skill for violence and a secret to keep.
Why It's a Must-See: Don't mess with Jack Reacher… Hoping to kick start a new film franchise based on the title character created by bestselling author Lee Child, Cruise is in familiar (echoing his elite spy roles in Knight and Day and the Mission: Impossible movies) but fine form as a no-nonsense ex-military investigator who puts the pedal to the metal and has nothing to lose in this smart, action-packed new thriller.
Watch the Trailer: HERE
Django Unchained
The Weinstein Company
Release Date: Christmas Day
The Plot: A former slave-turned-bounty hunter (Jamie Foxx) sets out to rescue his wife (Kerry Washington) from a ruthless plantation owner (Leonardo DiCaprio) with the help of his mentor, German-born bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz).
Why It's a Must-See: Quentin Tarantino's action-packed, dialogue-driven follow-up to Inglourious Basterds marks his gritty, gunslinging take on the Western genre. Calling it a "Southern," Django Unchained features a deliciously dastardly turn by Leonardo DiCaprio as the film's heavy supported by an eclectic cast that includes Don Johnson, Bruce Dern, Walton Goggins, James Remar, Franco Nero, RZA and Tarantino mainstay Samuel L. Jackson.
Watch the Trailer: HERE
The Plot: A former slave-turned-bounty hunter (Jamie Foxx) sets out to rescue his wife (Kerry Washington) from a ruthless plantation owner (Leonardo DiCaprio) with the help of his mentor, German-born bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz).
Why It's a Must-See: Quentin Tarantino's action-packed, dialogue-driven follow-up to Inglourious Basterds marks his gritty, gunslinging take on the Western genre. Calling it a "Southern," Django Unchained features a deliciously dastardly turn by Leonardo DiCaprio as the film's heavy supported by an eclectic cast that includes Don Johnson, Bruce Dern, Walton Goggins, James Remar, Franco Nero, RZA and Tarantino mainstay Samuel L. Jackson.
Watch the Trailer: HERE
Les Miserables
Universal
Release Date: Christmas Day
The Plot: Set in 19th-century France, ex-prisoner Jean Valjean (played by Hugh Jackman) is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Russell Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's (Anne Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.
Why It's a Must-See: The stage musical sensation about broken dreams and unrequited love gets the big-screen treatment with Academy Award-winning director Tom Hooper (The King's Speech) at the helm and stellar performances by Jackman, Crowe, Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks, Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen. The buzz on Les Mis is that this is the movie to beat for Best Picture come Oscar time, and who wants to miss your favorite stars crooning such memorable tunes as I Dreamed a Dream and On My Own?
Watch the Trailer: HERE
The Plot: Set in 19th-century France, ex-prisoner Jean Valjean (played by Hugh Jackman) is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Russell Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's (Anne Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.
Why It's a Must-See: The stage musical sensation about broken dreams and unrequited love gets the big-screen treatment with Academy Award-winning director Tom Hooper (The King's Speech) at the helm and stellar performances by Jackman, Crowe, Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks, Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen. The buzz on Les Mis is that this is the movie to beat for Best Picture come Oscar time, and who wants to miss your favorite stars crooning such memorable tunes as I Dreamed a Dream and On My Own?
Watch the Trailer: HERE
Promised Land
Focus Features
Release Date: December 28
The Plot: Steve Butler (played by Matt Damon) is a corporate salesman sent along with his partner, Sue Thomason (Frances McDormand), to close drilling rights in a key rural town in his company's expansion plans. Hit hard by the economic decline of recent years, Butler's generous offer seems too good to be true. But the seemingly slam-dunk deal becomes complicated by the objection of a respected schoolteacher (Hal Holbrook) with support from a grassroots campaign led by another local (John Krasinski), not to mention some romantic interest in Butler from a local teacher (Rosemarie DeWitt). Will the deal fall through? Or has Butler lost perspective between right and wrong?
Why It's a Must-See: Matt Damon reunites with his Good Will Hunting director Gus Van Sant for this compelling new drama about the American heartland. Can they rekindle some of that Oscar magic? Tackling the controversial procedure of capturing natural gas called fracking, the film was co-written by Damon and Krasinski and was originally set to be Damon's directorial debut. When he backed out due to the heavy workload, he sent the script to Van Sant, who was reportedly so impressed with the story that he jumped on board right after reading it.
Watch the Trailer: HERE
The Plot: Steve Butler (played by Matt Damon) is a corporate salesman sent along with his partner, Sue Thomason (Frances McDormand), to close drilling rights in a key rural town in his company's expansion plans. Hit hard by the economic decline of recent years, Butler's generous offer seems too good to be true. But the seemingly slam-dunk deal becomes complicated by the objection of a respected schoolteacher (Hal Holbrook) with support from a grassroots campaign led by another local (John Krasinski), not to mention some romantic interest in Butler from a local teacher (Rosemarie DeWitt). Will the deal fall through? Or has Butler lost perspective between right and wrong?
Why It's a Must-See: Matt Damon reunites with his Good Will Hunting director Gus Van Sant for this compelling new drama about the American heartland. Can they rekindle some of that Oscar magic? Tackling the controversial procedure of capturing natural gas called fracking, the film was co-written by Damon and Krasinski and was originally set to be Damon's directorial debut. When he backed out due to the heavy workload, he sent the script to Van Sant, who was reportedly so impressed with the story that he jumped on board right after reading it.
Watch the Trailer: HERE