Holiday Movie Guide 2014: Into the Woods, Mockingjay, Annie & More

It’s the most! wonderful tiiimmmme of the year! You can hear Andy Williams singing that, right? I love the holidays, not only because of the fun gatherings and festive decorations, but also because that’s when the best movies hit theaters.

This year, there’s something for everyone, from Katniss and her powerful archery skills in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1” to adorable penguins in “Penguins of Madagascar.” And let’s not forget “OneLastTime for “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” (that’s the hashtag they’re using on Twitter).

Here’s the buzz on all the holiday releases. What movie are you most looking forward to seeing? Tell us in the comments below!

BIG HERO 6

From Walt Disney Animation Studios and the team behind “Frozen” and “Wreck-It Ralph” comes this action-packed comedy-adventure about the special bond between Baymax (voiced by Scott Adsit), a plus-sized inflatable robot, and prodigy Hiro Hamada (Ryan Potter).

When a devastating event befalls the city of San Fransokyo and catapults Hiro into the midst of danger, he turns to Baymax and friends — adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago (Jamie Chung), neatnik Wasabi (Damon Wayans Jr.), chemistry whiz Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez) and fanboy Fred (T.J. Miller). Determined to uncover the mystery, Hiro transforms his friends into a band of high-tech heroes called “Big Hero 6.” Directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams, this movie includes some death and grief issues, which is why I recommend it for kids 7 and older.

INTERSTELLAR

With our time on Earth coming to an end, a team of explorers undertakes the most important mission in human history: traveling through a wormhole beyond this galaxy to discover whether mankind has a future among the stars.

Directed by Christopher Nolan, the all-star cast includes Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Ellen Burstyn, John Lithgow, Michael Caine, Mackenzie Foy and Casey Affleck. Packed with drama, special effects and family themes, this is one of my favorite films of 2014.

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

Starring Eddie Redmayne (“Les Misérables”) and Felicity Jones (“The Amazing Spider-Man 2”), this movie tells the amazing story of renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde.

Once a healthy, active young man, Hawking receives an earth-shattering diagnosis at 21 years of age. With Jane fighting tirelessly by his side, Stephen embarks on his most ambitious scientific work, studying the very thing he now has precious little of – time. Together, they defy impossible odds to break new ground in medicine and science. Directed by James Marsh (“Man on Wire”), this film is based on Jane Hawking’s memoir, “Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen.”

BEYOND THE LIGHTS

How does a young starlet cope with the pressures of fame? That’s the question examined in “Beyond the Lights,” which follows the story of Noni (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who wow’d audiences in “Belle”), the music world’s latest superstar. Just as Noni reaches her limit, she meets Kaz Nicol (Nate Parker), a young cop and aspiring politician who’s been assigned to her detail.

Drawn to each other, Noni and Kaz fall in love, despite the protests of others who urge them to put their career ambitions ahead of romance. But ultimately, Kaz’s love gives Noni the courage to find her own voice and follow her own dreams. Directed and written by Gina Prince-Bythewood, this movie also stars Minnie Driver, Aml Ameen, Danny Glover and Aisha Hinds. Read Paula Schwartz’ report from the red carpet of the New York premiere. Love this movie.

DUMB AND DUMBER TO

Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels reprise their signature roles as Lloyd and Harry in this franchise that began with 1994’s “Dumb and Dumber” and 2003’s “Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd” (a high school prequel that didn’t star Carrey or Daniels).

Yes, it’s been 20 years since that first movie. Now the dimwits are on the road in search of one of their long lost children in the hope of gaining a new kidney. Directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly, this movie also stars Kathleen Turner, Laurie Holden, Rob Riggle and Paul Blackthorne. I love Carrey and Daniels, but alas, this movie doesn’t deliver. Maybe a new franchise, guys?

FOXCATCHER

When Olympic Gold Medal-winning wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) is invited by wealthy heir John du Pont (Steve Carell, in a chilling performance) to move to the du Pont estate and train for the 1988 Seoul Olympics at his new state-of-the-art facility, Schultz jumps at the chance, hoping to focus on his training and step out of the shadow of his revered brother, Dave (Mark Ruffalo).

Driven by hidden needs, du Pont sees backing Schultz and the chance to “coach” a world-class wrestling team as an opportunity to gain the elusive respect of his peers and, more importantly, his disapproving mother (Vanessa Redgrave). But things soon spiral into erratic behavior, paranoia, betrayal and tragedy. Based on a true story and directed by Bennett Miller (“Capote,” “Moneyball”), look for “Foxcatcher” to do well this awards season. Read Melanie Votaw’s report on the press conference featuring Steve Carell, Mark Ruffalo, Channing Tatum and Bennett Miller.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 1

The worldwide phenomenon of “The Hunger Games” continues to set the world on fire with “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1,” which finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after shattering the games forever.

Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage. Directed by Francis Lawrence from a screenplay by Danny Strong and Peter Craig, this movie is based on the third novel in a trilogy written by Suzanne Collins. I’ve read all the books and love these movies. Jennifer Lawrence is the perfect Katniss.

PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR

Those crazy penguins are back! And involved in a spy caper! Yes, now we can discover the secrets of the most entertaining and mysterious birds in the global espionage game.

Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private must join forces with the chic spy organization, the North Wind, led by Agent Classified (I could tell you his name, but then … you know), voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch (yes!) to stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine (John Malkovich), from taking over the world. Tom McGrath, Chris Miller, Chris Knights, Ken Jeong, Annett Mahendru and Peter Stormare also lend their voices to this cute family movie directed by Simon J. Smith.

HORRIBLE BOSSES 2

Fed up with answering to higher-ups, Nick, Dale and Kurt decide to become their own bosses by launching their own business. But a slick investor soon pulls the rug out from under them.

Outplayed, desperate, and with no legal recourse, the three entrepreneur wannabees hatch a misguided plan to kidnap the investor’s adult son and ransom him to regain control of their company. What could go wrong? Directed by Sean Anders, this movie stars Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, Jamie Foxx, Chris Pine, Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston and Christoph Waltz.

THE IMITATION GAME

This biographical drama follows the life of Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), the genius British mathematician, logician, cryptologist and computer scientist who led the charge to crack the German Enigma Code that helped the Allies win WWII. Turing went on to assist with the development of computers at the University of Manchester after the war, but was prosecuted by the UK government in 1952 for homosexual acts which the country deemed illegal.

Read Paula Schwartz’ report on the New York Q&A, in which Cumberbatch discussed the film and Turing, describing him as a “beautiful, brilliant, unique brave mind.” Directed by Morten Tyldum and based on the book “Alan Turing: The Enigma” by Andrew Hodges, this movie also stars Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode and Mark Strong.

WILD

Director Jean-Marc Vallee (“Dallas Buyers Club”), Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon (“Walk the Line”) and screenwriter Nick Hornby (“An Education”) bring bestselling author Cheryl Strayed’s extraordinary adventure to the screen. After years of reckless behavior, a heroin addiction and the destruction of her marriage, Strayed makes a rash decision.

Haunted by memories of her mother Bobbi (Laura Dern) and with absolutely no experience, she sets out to hike more than a thousand miles on the Pacific Crest Trail. “Wild” powerfully reveals her terrors and pleasures as she forges ahead on a journey that maddens, strengthens, and ultimately heals her.

EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS

From acclaimed director Ridley Scott (“Gladiator,” “Prometheus”) comes this epic story of one man’s daring courage to take on the might of an empire. Featuring state-of-the-art 3D and visual effects, Scott brings new life to the story of the defiant leader Moses (Christian Bale) as he rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton), setting 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.

I’m generally skeptical of sword-and-sandal movies, but the cast and crew of this one, including John Turturro, Sigourney Weaver, Ben Kingsley and Aaron Paul, promises greatness.

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES

Peter Jackson’s third movie in “The Hobbit” trilogy, adapted from the books by J.R.R. Tolkien, concludes the adventures of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch), the group has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world, and Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenseless people of Lake-town.

Obsessed with his reclaimed treasure, Thorin sacrifices friendship and honor to hoard it as Bilbo tries to reason with him. Meanwhile, evil Sauron has sent forth legions of Orcs in a stealth attack upon the Lonely Mountain, and the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.

ANNIE

The delightful Broadway classic comes to the big screen with Oscar nominee Quvenzhané Wallis (“Beasts of the Southern Wild”) starring as Annie, a happy foster kid who’s tough enough to make it on the streets of New York in 2014 (don’t try this at home, kids!).

It’s been a “hard knock” life, thanks to her mean foster mom Miss Hannigan (Cameron Diaz), but everything changes when hard-nosed tycoon and New York mayoral candidate Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx) rescues her from the path of a speeding vehicle. Stacks thinks he’s her guardian angel, but Annie’s self-assured nature and bright, sun-will-come-out-tomorrow outlook just might mean it’s the other way around. Emma Thompson, Aline Brosh McKenna and director Will Gluck wrote the screenplay for this super cute adaptation, which also stars Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale.

THE GAMBLER

Jim Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) is an English professor and a high-stakes gambler, but he risks it all by borrowing from a gangster (Michael Kenneth Williams) and offering his own life as collateral. Always one step ahead, Bennett pits his creditor against the operator of a gambling ring (Alvin Ing) and leaves his dysfunctional relationship with his wealthy mother (Jessica Lange) in his wake.

He plays both sides, immersing himself in an illicit, underground world while garnering the attention of Frank (John Goodman), a loan shark with a paternal interest in Bennett’s future. As his relationship with a student (Brie Larson) deepens, Bennett must take the ultimate risk for a second chance in this movie directed by Rupert Wyatt.

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB

You know how all the exhibits spring to life at the museum every night? Well, that magic might come to an end unless security guard/CEO Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) can figure out why the Tablet of Ahkmenrah is dying out. To do so, he spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it’s gone forever.

Directed by Shawn Levy, the all-star cast includes Robin Williams (one of his final films), Mickey Rooney (his final film), Rebel Wilson, Ben Kingsley, Dan Stevens, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Skyler Gisondo and Ricky Gervais.

BIG EYES

PG-13 for thematic elements and brief strong language | In Theaters 12/25 | Ok for Kids 13+ | The Weinstein Co. | Reel Preview: 5 of 5 Reels

Directed and produced by Tim Burton, “Big Eyes” is based on the true story of Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz), one of the most successful painters of the 1950s and 1960s. The artist catapulted to international fame by commercializing his enigmatic paintings of waifs with big eyes. Except … they were actually painted by his wife, Margaret (Amy Adams).

“Big Eyes” tells the story of Margaret’s awakening as an artist, the phenomenal success of her paintings, and her tumultuous relationship with her husband. Also stars Danny Huston, Krysten Ritter, Jason Schwartzman and Terence Stamp. At 87, Keane is still painting today; check out her website.

INTO THE WOODS

This big screen adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical is a modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales “Cinderella,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and the Beanstalk” and “Rapunzel.”

The tales are tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife, their wish to begin a family, and their interaction with the witch who has put a curse on them. Meryl Streep (The Witch), Anna Kendrick (Cinderella), Chris Pine (The Prince), Johnny Depp (The Wolf) and Emily Blunt (The Baker’s Wife) head up the cast of this gorgeous film directed by Rob Marshall.

UNBROKEN

Angelina Jolie directs and produces this epic drama that follows the incredible life of Olympian and war hero Louis “Louie” Zamperini (Jack O’Connell) who, along with two other crewmen, survived in a raft for 47 days after a near-fatal plane crash in WWII — only to be caught by the Japanese Navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp.

Adapted from Laura Hillenbrand’s book,”Unbroken” chronicles the resilient power of the human spirit. Also stars Domhnall Gleeson and Finn Wittrock as Phil and Mac, the airmen with whom Zamperini endured perilous weeks adrift in the open Pacific, Garrett Hedlund and John Magaro as fellow POWs who find an unexpected camaraderie during their internment, Alex Russell as Zamperini’s brother, Pete, and in his English-language feature debut, Japanese actor Miyavi as the brutal camp guard known only to the men as “The Bird.”

THE INTERVIEW

Crude, inappropriate, and hilarious, James Franco and Seth Rogen look like they’re having a blast in this movie. Dave Skylark (Franco) and his producer Aaron Rapoport (Rogen) run the popular celebrity tabloid TV show ‘Skylark Tonight.’

When they discover that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is a fan of the show, they land an interview with him in an attempt to legitimize themselves as journalists. As Dave and Aaron prepare to travel to Pyongyang, their plans change when the CIA recruits these unlikely candidates to “take out” Kim Jong-un.

Images used with permission of the studios and distributors.

Posted

November 20, 2014

Based on the Book, Entertainment Features, Featured, Movie Trailers, Movies, Movies for Grownups, New in Theaters

Jane Boursaw

Comments

4 responses to “Holiday Movie Guide 2014: Into the Woods, Mockingjay, Annie & More”

Ginny Marie

December 8, 2014

So many great movies to look forward to! I read Unbroken, and so I can’t wait to see the movie. The book was amazing!

Reply
1. Jane Boursaw
  
  December 8, 2014
  
  The book is on my list to read! I remember when it was first published and everyone was talking about it. Have you read other works by Laura Hillenbrand? I read on her Wiki page that she has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and rarely leaves the house because of it. That’s astounding to think about.
  
  Reply
Marjorie

December 8, 2014

Mockingjay is definitely on my list for the new movies. Favorite holiday movie (old-ish): The Family Man. I’ve seen it a jillion times, but when I run across it on TV, I have to watch it. 🙂

Reply
1. Jane Boursaw
  
  December 8, 2014
  
  You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen The Family Man… is that with Nicolas Cage? Or is it from the way, way back machine?
  
  Reply

Holiday Movie Guide 2014: Into the Woods, Mockingjay, Annie & More

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4 responses to “Holiday Movie Guide 2014: Into the Woods, Mockingjay, Annie & More”

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