Here’s what’s new in theaters this week. I recommend “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” which Melanie Votaw loved and says “puts Ben Stiller into a new category as a filmmaker…” Read her report on the film and Q&A with the cast here.
Opening Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013 – Christmas Day
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. A day-dreamer escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with heroism, romance and action. When his job along with that of his co-worker are threatened, he takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined. Rated PG for some crude comments, language and action violence. Directed and produced by Ben Stiller, who also stars with Kristen Wiig and Kathryn Hahn. Official Site.
Lone Survivor. Based on the failed June 28, 2005 mission “Operation Red Wings.” Four members of SEAL Team 10 were tasked with the mission to capture or kill notorious Taliban leader Ahmad Shahd. Rated R for strong bloody war violence and pervasive language. Rated R for strong bloody war violence and pervasive language. Directed by Peter Berg. Stars Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch and Ben Foster. Official Site.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. A chronicle of Nelson Mandela’s life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa. Rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of violence and disturbing images, sexual content and brief strong language. Directed by Justin Chadwick. Stars Idris Elba and Naomie Harris. Official Site. Read Paula Schwartz’ report on the New York premiere.
Grudge Match. A pair of aging boxing rivals are coaxed out of retirement to fight one final bout — 30 years after their last match. Rated PG-13 for sports action violence, sexual content and language. Directed by Peter Segal. Stars Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro. Official Site.
The Wolf of Wall Street. Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy stockbroker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government. Rated R for sequences of strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and language throughout, and for some violence. Directed by Martin Scorsese. Stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey, Margot Robbie and Jonah Hill. Official Site. Read Paula Schwartz’ report on the film.
Justin Bieber’s Believe. A backstage and on-stage look at Justin Bieber during his rise to super stardom. Rated PG for brief language and mild thematic material. Directed by Jon M. Chu. Stars Justin Bieber. Official Site.
August: Osage County. A look at the lives of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose paths have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Oklahoma house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them. Rated R for language including sexual references, and for drug material. Directed by John Wells, based on a book by Tracy Letts. Stars Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Chris Cooper, Ewan McGregor and Margo Martindale. Official Site. Read Melanie Votaw’s report on the Q&A with the cast.
47 Ronin. A band of samurai set out to avenge the death and dishonor of their master at the hands of a ruthless shogun. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some disturbing images, and thematic elements. Directed by Carl Rinsch. Stars Keanu Reeves. Official Site.
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