It’s pretty typical to see plenty of Oscar bait appear in theatres this time of year—studios save their blockbusters for the summer while putting out arty, thoughtful fare just in time to qualify for Academy Awards consideration. This holiday season, though, seems extra packed with unique, interesting and highly touted films. So if you need a little break from shopping or family gatherings—or if you don’t celebrate Christmas and are looking for something fun to do on the 25th—here are a handful of cinematic gifts that won’t disappoint.
American Hustle
December 18, 2013
It’s already making critics’ best-of-the-year list, so David O. Russell’s period piece on the Abscam scandal of the late ‘70s should be a heavy hitter. Silver Linings Playbook alums Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper join Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner in an ensemble that promises to be as funny as it is gritty.
Her
December 18, 2013 (Limited—Toronto)
Early reviews have also been nearly as glowing as those for American Hustle, but Spike Jonze’s newest feature is a very different story. An intimate tale of a lonely writer (Joaquin Phoenix) who falls in love with a sophisticated computer program (voiced by Scarlett Johansson)—that seems to love him back—it’s certainly not like anything you’ve seen before.
Inside Llewyn Davis
December 20, 2013
The Coen Brothers newest film spends a week following the unsuccessful titular character through the Greenwich Village folk scene of the early ‘60s. Don’t be worried that even the writer/directors behind Inside Llewyn Davis have already admitted it “doesn’t really have a plot,” the strong performances and great music should be enough to keep your attention.
The Wolf of Wall Street
December 25, 2013
If you’ve had your fill of the ‘60s and ‘70s, fast forward to the greedy, me-first ‘80s for Martin Scorsese’s latest collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio. Based on the memoirs of Wall Street broker and convicted felon Jordan Belfort, the snappy dialogue and fast pace should make it easy to make it through the three-hour run time.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
December 25, 2013
The idea of remaking the original 1947 version of the film has been kicked around Hollywood since the ‘90s, with everyone from Jim Carrey to Sasha Baron Cohen billed as the lead. But it wasn’t until Ben Stiller took it on as a passion project, agreeing to direct and star, that it took off. While early reviews have been mixed, it should be worth a viewing for the stunning visuals alone.
Anchorman 2
December 18, 2013
You better get to seeing this before your next holiday party, because you know everyone and their mother is going to be quoting Anchorman 2 for months. The first one was an instant classic and Will Ferrell’s defining work, but don’t expect a rehash of jokes you’ve been hearing—and telling—since 2004.
