We’re Making a List and Checking it Twice

By the time this issue hits the free paper news stands, The Hunger Games Catching Fire will be burning up the box office.

Also out and not to be missed — but not yet reviewed by Reel Takes — are Philomena and The Book Thief. We’re not quite sure when Alexander Payne’s Nebraska will hit Asheville area theatres, but it will be some time in December. The buzz surrounding the film’s limited release, and veteran actor Bruce Dern’s performance, suggest it is a must see.

With award season and Christmas just around the corner, the movie studios will be looking to make box office and critical bank this month. Here are a few of the highlights.

Frozen – When a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, Anna, a fearless optimist, teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff and his sidekick reindeer Sven on an epic journey to find Anna’s sister Elsa, the Snow Queen, and put an end to her icy spell. Animation featuring the the voices of Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom – A moving drama based on South African President Nelson Mandela’s autobiography of the same name, which chronicles his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison before becoming President and working to rebuild the country’s once segregated society. Stars Idris Elba.

Oldboy – A provocative, visceral thriller that follows the story of Joe Doucette, a man who is abruptly kidnapped and held hostage for 20 years in solitary confinement, for no apparent reason. When he is suddenly released without explanation, he begins an obsessive mission to find out who imprisoned him, only to discover that the real mystery is why he was set free. Stars Josh Brolin, Sharlto Copley and Elizabeth Olsen. Directed by Spike Lee.

Out of the Furnace – From Scott Cooper, the critically-acclaimed writer and director of Crazy Heart, comes a gripping and gritty drama about family, fate, circumstance, and justice. Stars Christian Bale, Woody Harrelson, Forest Whitaker, Casey Affleck, Zoey Saldana and Sam Shepard.

Inside Llewyn Davis – Follows a week in the life of a young folk singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Stars Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake and John Goodman.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – More Hobbits, more Middle Earth … probably doesn’t need much more explanation than that. Tolkein and Peter Jackson fans will be delighted. Stars Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan and Richard Armitage.

Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas – Madea dishes her own brand of Christmas Spirit in a small country town. Tyler Perry fans may be surprised to see Larry the Cable Guy in the cast. Um, did we mention it’s a small country southern town?

American Hustle – David O’Russell directs the fact-based story of a brilliant con man, who along with his equally cunning and seductive British partner, is forced to work for a wild FBI agent to bring down Jersey power brokers, mafia, and politicians. This all-star thriller is getting great advance buzz. Stars Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Christian Bale, Jeremy Renner and Amy Adams.

Saving Mr. Banks – Author P.L. Travers reflects on her difficult childhood while meeting with Walt Disney during the film production of her novel Mary Poppins. Stars Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks.

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues – Will Ferrell reprises his role as San Diego’s favorite 1970’s newsman Ron Burgundy, only now it’s the 1980’s. Like it or lump it, it’s gonna be funny. If you don’t like Will Ferrell, then just don’t go see it.

The Wolf of Wall Street – Martin Scorsese directs this adaptation of Jordan Belfort’s memoir surrounding his indulgent ride as a crooked banker made headlines in the 1990’s. Not to be missed. Stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill and Matthew McConaughey.

August: Osage County – The critically acclaimed stage play gets the big screen adaptation for the dark, darkly funny and deeply touching story of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose lives have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Midwest house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them. Stars Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Juliette Lewis, Ewan McGregor and Abigail Breslin. According to the buzz, Meryl can start working on another Oscar speech.