Australia (Fox) Starring: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman Although well done, this epic wartime love story runs a little too long. Sarah (Kidman) falls in love with a cattle driver (Jackman) who she hires to protect her late husband’s ranch. While the Australian backdrop is gorgeous and Kidman and Jackman draw you in, be prepared to sit tight — for almost three hours!
Four Christmases (New Line) Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn This comedy isn't your typical holiday romance. Couple Brad and Kate plan to ditch their divorced families for a tropical vacation at Christmas. But things go awry, and they are forced to spend the day with four of their parents. Witherspoon proves once again that she's a natural at comedy, while Vaughn keeps the jokes rolling. It's a great date-night movie that will make you cherish your partner.
Quantum of Solace (Sony) Starring: Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko James Bond (Craig) is back, in a film packed with traditional car chases and intense fight scenes. The story picks up with Bond still feeling betrayed by Vesper (played by Eva Green in Casino Royale) yet seeking to avenge her death. The quick camera work might give some viewers motion sickness, but the phenomenal action sequences make this a must-see for fans of the genre.
Bolt (Disney) Starring: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus This children’s flick introduces a new super hero, Bolt (Travolta). The adorable pup has been raised as a super dog on a television set and doesn’t realize that he doesn’t actually possess powers until an impromptu trip proves otherwise. He finally learns what it’s like to be a normal dog and makes some cute friends along the way. Rhino the Hamster steals the show in what will be the Shrek of the season.
Twilight (Summit Entertainment) Starring: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Nikki Reed Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling novel finally hits the big screen! Judy Blume meets Anne Rice in this story of a high school romance between Bella (Stewart), a clumsy mortal, and Edward (Pattinson), a sexy, sensitive vampire. Don’t worry about this being a spooky flick — it’s really a warped love story, but there are sure to be some solid fight scenes among vampires. If it’s anywhere near as riveting as the book, we’re stoked! PREVIEW
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (DreamWorks) Starring: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen Everyone’s favorite zoo animals-turned-castaways finally leave Madagascar on their way home to New York City. Unfortunately, they crash-land in Africa before reaching the Big Apple. This sure-to-be-hilarious movie can also be seen in IMAX! PREVIEW
Role Models (Universal) Starring: Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd This comedy is about best friends Danny (Rudd) and Wheeler (Scott), who can’t seem to catch a break. After trashing the company truck, the two resort to community service at a kids’ mentorship program to avoid jail time. The problem is that these guys are barely mentors! Would you want them around your kids? PREVIEW
Soul Men (Dimension Films) Starring: Bernie Mac, Samuel L. Jackson In this funny flick, Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson have such excellent onscreen chemistry you’ll wonder why they’ve never teamed up before. The comedic duo play former soul-group mates on the road again repairing their fallen friendship. Jackson plays his usual bad-guy character, but with an unexpected vulnerable side. The late Bernie Mac leaves behind an excellent performance in his final movie role. Parents be warned: This comedy is full of profanities and sexual content.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno (The Weinstein Company) Starring: Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks This movie is vulgar, crude and ridiculously hilarious. Best friends and roomies Zack (Rogen) and Miri (Banks) are behind on their bills and need to come up with money, pronto. The solution? Hire random friends and wannabe actors to make an amateur porno! You’ll laugh and cringe, and if you’re not uncomfortable about sex, you’ll even have a good time.
RocknRolla (Warner Bros.) Starring: Gerard Butler, Thandie Newton Guy Ritchie’s action comedy explores the London criminal underworld of “rollas,” aka businessmen. Suspenseful, but wait for the DVD.
