The Obvious:
The Tale of Despereaux Despereaux (voiced by Matthew Broderick) is different from other mice: He reads books, has ears too big for his too-small body and loves the human Princess Pea (Emma Watson). With his friend, a rat named Roscuro (Dustin Hoffman), Despereaux sets out to escape the castle dungeon and win the girl of his dreams. Sigourney Weaver, William H. Macy and Kevin Kline also lend their voices to this adaptation of Kate DiCamillo’s Newberry Medal-winning books.
Yes Man Based on the comedic memoir by Danny Wallace, this film stars Jim Carrey as Carl, a man who, as an antidote to unhappiness, resolves to say “yes” to everything that comes his way. Initially, Carl’s new practice proves successful in lifting his spirits, but soon he is confronted with unexpected and seemingly unbeatable challenges stemming from his unique self-imposed regime. Zooey Deschanel co-stars as Allison, Carl’s love interest.
Doubt In a Catholic elementary school in the Bronx, Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep) begins to have doubts about one of the priests, Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman), who seems to have become overly involved in the life of a young African American pupil. But Flynn isn’t the only one she has doubts about. Is she overreacting to the situation or is there a truth that needs to be discovered? John Patrick Shanley’s drama was nominated for five Oscars and co-stars Amy Adams and Viola Davis.
The Day the Earth Stood Still In this updated version of the 1951 classic sci-fi thriller, Keanu Reeves stars as an alien named Klaatu who’s sent to Earth to warn the leaders of the world about the consequences of their dangerous ways. Joined by a heavily armed robot companion, Klaatu informs the people of Earth that the constant aggression carried out against one another has raised the ire of an alien species, which is now threatening to exterminate all of mankind. — I suspect this one really belongs in the “Oh No!” category, but I gotta see it anyway…
Have Seen and Recommend:
The Paper Chase: Season 1 Based on the 1973 film, this critically acclaimed television drama features John Houseman in a return to his Oscar-winning role as formidable Ivy League contracts law professor Charles W. Kingsfield Jr. Shortly after arriving at the prestigious law school, Midwestern student James T. Hart (James Stephens) incurs the wrath of the confrontational Kingsfield. But Hart — along with the rest of his study group — is determined to succeed.
Oh No!
American High School As the school year winds down, the drama heats up when high school senior Gwen Adams (Jillian Murray) must confront the pressures of married life with new husband Holden (Talan Torriero) and contend with conniving rival Hilary’s (Aubrey O’Day) scheme to become prom queen. Can Gwen get through the semester without sacrificing her marriage or her integrity? Sean Patrick Cannon directs this romantic comedy that co-stars Martin Klebba.
Hookers Inc. In this zany comedy, Hollywood escort drivers Slimmy (Tim Pingel) and Stewy (Matthew Dowling) solicit the services of hookers Starship (Joy Somers) and Starshyp (Camille Solari) to help make their artistic porn film. But when the novices cast famous porn pros, things go haywire. With the stars making outrageous demands, Slimmy and Stewy may be in over their heads. Kato Kaelin and Seymore Butts star as themselves, and Shay Astar is Apple Martini.
Possibilities:
Faith Like Potatoes Based on a true story, this inspiring drama centers on white farmer Angus Buchan (Frank Rautenbach), who — weary of the conflict in Zambia — moves his family to South Africa, where they try to transform a bare plot of land into a working farm. Buchan faces a string of challenges, but as he overcomes each hurdle, he gradually realizes that his hunger for material wealth has been replaced with a growing sense of spirituality.
The Secrets At an all-female seminary in the Israeli holy city of Safed, brilliant Naomi (Ania Bukstein) befriends rebellious Michelle (Michal Shtamler), but their friendship is tested when they meet a sickly Frenchwoman named Anouk (Fanny Ardant) who needs their help. Risking expulsion, Naomi and Michelle embark on a journey of self-discovery as they secretly study kabbalistic texts, learning cleansing rituals that will aid the mysterious Anouk.
Scooby-Doo and the Samurai Sword Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and the rest of the Mystery Inc. gang embark on an international treasure hunt in an attempt to claim the legendary Sword of Fate — a blade said to possess magical powers. To get to the sword, though, Scooby and Shaggy will have to get past the Black Samurai and his robot ninja army. Not to worry: A sword master has trained the less-than-dynamic duo in the ancient martial art of bushido in this goofy animated feature.
Bedtime Stories Skeeter Bronson (Adam Sandler) is a down-on-his-luck guy who’s always telling bedtime stories to his niece and nephew, and whose life is turned upside down when these fantastical stories suddenly turn into reality. Now, all the outrageous characters and situations that Skeeter has ever imagined have morphed into actual people and events in his life. But can he manage his own unruly fantasies now that they’ve come true?
A Rather English Marriage When their wives die on the same day in the same hospital room, two aging British World War II vets — upper-crust Reggie (Albert Finney) and retired milkman Roy (Tom Courtenay, in a BAFTA-winning performance) — become unlikely roommates in Reggie’s mansion. Their friendship blossoms until gold-digging Liz (Joanna Lumley) enters the picture with her sights set on Reggie in this beautifully acted Masterpiece Theatre comedy-drama.
Vinyan Paul (Rufus Sewell) and Jeanne (Emmanuelle Béart) lost their young son, Joshua, in the 2004 tsunami, and cling to the hope that one day they’ll find him. Believing she sees Josh in a brief video of orphaned children, Jeanne convinces Paul to undertake a rescue mission. The couple spends the last of their savings on a journey into the jungles of the Thai-Burmese border, where unknown threats await them. Fabrice Du Welz directs this dark odyssey.
Documentaries and Music:
Beyond the Practice Room Go behind the scenes of the New York Piano Competition to learn what transforms a promising pianist into an exceptional artist. Through the stories of teenage contestants, this documentary explores the characteristics of outstanding musicians. Beyond dedication and skill, these true prodigies possess a passion for music and a drive for innovation that sets them apart from their peers and makes them truly shine on stage.
I.O.U.S.A. With the country’s debt growing out of control, Americans by and large are unaware of the looming financial crisis. This documentary examines several of the ways America can get its economy back on the right track. In addition to looking at the federal deficit and trade deficit, the film also closely explores the challenges of funding national entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
Iditarod: The Toughest Race on Earth In Alaska’s remote and rugged wilderness, 96 sledding teams of mushers and dogs vie for the 2008 Iditarod title. This Discovery Channel series follows their amazing race from Anchorage to Nome as they try to outrun each another and outwit nature. It’s the ultimate test of endurance as animals and humans must work together for 1,150 miles to achieve a common goal. Interviews give a closer look at who enters this grueling race and why.
The Weird:
Swamp Devil Upon returning to her Southern hometown, Melanie (Cindy Sampson) learns that her father, Howard (Bruce Dern), is wanted for murder and on the run. As she tries to prove Howard’s innocence, a vile creature emerges from the nearby swamp intent on murdering everyone. Also starring Nicolas Wright, Robert Higden and Allison Graham, this horror film uniquely blends grisly murders with a positive message about family values.
Flesh Gordon Meets the Cosmic Cheerleaders Hot and bothered ever since a villain rendered their men impotent, three lusty cheerleaders from a distant galaxy whisk super-endowed superhero Flesh Gordon (Vince Murdocco) back to their home planet to stand up to the menace. Flesh’s girlfriend, Dale Ardor (Robyn Kelly), follows, but soon she falls prey to the bad guy and his henchman, Master Bator. Howard Ziehm directs this wildly sexual sequel to the soft-porn spoof of the 1930s sci-fi serial.
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