The Golden Compass

In liue of the next Chronicles of Narnia installment this year, New Line Cinema brings the next fantasy franchaise to the screen based on Philip Pullman's fantasy trilogy. Even though this is based on a children's fantasy novel, the themes in this movie are pretty dark and "controversial" depending on what religious groups you may be affliated with. In the end it is a good movie but more violent then you might want to expose your small child to - in particular the fight between the two warrior polar bears for leadership of their clan. The movie ends with the required setup for the next installment of the franchaise which I am sorta looking forward to. Parents will want to screen this first and then decide if it is suitable for their kids to watch.

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Tamburlaine @ Sidney Harman Hall

Avery Brooks return's to Washington's Shakespeare Theater this season at the New Sidney Harman Hall to portray Tamburlaine as part of the Marlowe series. Tamburlaine is the rise and fall of a ferocious and ruthless warrior to emperor. This is my second time seeing Avery Brooks on the stage and man does he own the stage when he is on it. After seeing him on the stage, it is clear that his talents were never even tapped while he was on TV and the screen is such favorites as Deep Space Nine, The Big Hit or even Spencer for Hire. I look forward to seeing what he will be in during the next season should he return again.

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Enchanted

It seems Walt Disney has finally developed a sense of humor about itself. Enchanted is the story of a fairy tale princess who gets trapped in the real world by her evil stepmother (Susan Sarandon) and must find love. Amy Adams, as Princess Giselle, gives an incredible performance that keeps this hokey premise from falling flat on its face while setting herself up to be the first live action Disney princess that little girls will be adding to their doll collections. The musical numbers and action sequences are entertaining and genuinely funny. I will be adding this to my DVD collection for my neices to watch - and me too.

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No Country for Old Men

Joel and Ethan Cohen are back in fine form with their latest cinema masterpiece since O Brother, Where Art Thou. The film stars Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin and Tommy Lee Jones in a holy trinity of violence, revenge, greed and fate. Bardem's psychopathic killer is a sight to behold as he chews up the screen and steals all the scenes. Brolin and Jones hold their own but the movie elevates to a completely different level when Bardem unleashes his relentless and methodical evil. A must see rental if you cannot make it to the theater.

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Hitman

Timothy Olyphant, from such films as Dreamcatcher, The Girl Next Door, and Live Free or Die Hard, finally gets to take the lead in this latest video game turned movie. The action and special effects are top-notch and the plot is actually better than most of the recent crop of big budget movies from gaming franchises. Thank god Uwe Bole did not get his hands on this one. How he gets decent actors to star in his sub-par movies is beyond my comprehension. I am looking forward to the inevitable sequel.

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The Mist

Frank Darabont has gone back to the Stephen King well again for this cool refreshing drink of water. His previous King adaptations include The Green Mile and the TNT staple, The Shawshank Redemption. Thomas Jane and Marcia Gay Harden lead the great ensemble cast tasked with delivering King's vision of a community torn apart and polarized by fear of the unknown and the inescapable. Movies based on King novels and short-stories always work best when they focus on the characters and the crucible of their situation. Darabont delivers a great Lovecraftian inspired tale that is disturbing, engaging and accessible to even the most jaded movie watcher.

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Fred Claus

This holiday feel-good comedy should have everything going for it but falls flat in a mountain of plastic snow. Even with Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, Rachel Weisz, Miranda Richardson and Kevin Spacey cast in the film it is lack-luster at best. The comedy is tired and slap-sticky and the story never goes anywhere. I love the Christmas holiday but rarely can find a new holiday film that is worth watching. Is it really surprising that the highest grossing films during the holiday season are now horror films - I don't think so.

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Beowulf

Robert Zemekis is back on the big screen with another animated feature thanks to an adaptation by Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary. The stellar voice casting includes Anthony Hopkins, Robin Wright Penn, John Malkovich, Crispin Glover, Angelina Jolie and Ray Winstone. The animation is amazing and the dragon is truly a site to behold. I love that Zemekis, Gaiman and Avary were able to take a much dreaded English class reading assignment and give it the epic imagining it deserves. This film is a must-see on the big screen in 3-D or at an IMAX theater.

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Edward II @ Sidney Harman Hall

Wallace Acton returns to the Shakespeare Theater Company to play the title role in this their latest production. I had not read or seen this play of the Bard's to date and was captivated by Acton's performace of this most bizarre of regal figures. The play was engaging and well produced but not one of my favorites this season. A fine production and worth seeing.

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After Dark Horrorfest 2007: Nightmare Man

A weekend getaway in a cabin home goes awry when the tenants have unexpected guests who are on the run from the Nightmare Man. Richard Moll and Tiffany Shepis, B-horror movie veterans, top out this cast of no-name actors. The plot is sketchy at best and the horror lacking. A rental if you are bored and there is nothing else to choose from on the Blockbuster shelf.

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