Friday, December 2, 2005

AEON FLUX: In this futuristic sci-fi thriller set 400 years in the future, Charlize Theron stars as Aeon Flux, the top underground operative at war with the totalitarian regime governing what appears to be a perfect society. But is this perfect life hiding a perfect lie? Aeon is on the front lines of a rebellion that will reveal a world of secrets. A startling vision of a future in flux from Karyn Kusama, director of the acclaimed “Girlfight”, “Aeon Flux is written by Phil Hay & Matt Manfredi, based on characters created by Peter Chung in the pioneering MTV animated series. Also starring Marton Csokas, Jonny Lee Miller, Sophie Okonedo, Pete Postlethwaite, Amelia Warner, Caroline Chikezie, and Frances McDormand. (PARAMOUNT PICTURES). This film is rated PG-13.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2005

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE: C.S. Lewis' 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' was first published in 1950 and is the second installment of the writer's legendary seven-part 'Chronicles of Narnia' series. The book tells the story of Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), and Lucy (Georgie Henley), who are separated from their parents in London during the German air raids of World War II. They are sent to the country for safety and find a magic wardrobe that transports them to the mystical world of Narnia, a once peaceful land of talking beasts, dwarfs and giants. However, Narnia has been frozen by the evil White Witch (Tilda Swinton), and the kids must help the lion Aslan break her spell. Also starring Rupert Everett, Jim Broadbent, and Liam Neeson; Directed by Andrew Adamson. (WALT DISNEY PICTURES/WALDEN MEDIA) This film rated PG.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2005

THE FAMILY STONE: From the Producer of "Sideways", comes a comedy with heart. THE FAMILY STONE is a story about an annual family gathering of an unconventional New England family. Before the holidays are done, relationships will unravel while new ones are formed, secrets will be revealed and the Stone family will come together through it's extraordinary capacity for love. Starring Dermot Mulroney, Sarah Jessica Parker, Claire Danes, Luke Wilson, Craig T. Nelson, Rachel McAdams, and Diane Keaton; Written and directed by Thomas Bezucha. (TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX) This film is rated PG-13.

BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN: Set against the sweeping landscapes of Wyoming and Texas, this epic love story tells of two young men -- a ranch-hand (Jake Gyllenhaal) and a rodeo cowboy (Heath Ledger) -- who meet in the summer of 1963 while driving cattle on a mountain range. They unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection, one whose complications, joys and tragedies provide a testament to the endurance and power of love. Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway and Randy Quaid also star. Directed by Ang Lee. (FOCUS FEATURES) This film is rated R.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2005

CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN 2: Tom Baker (Steve Martin) and wife Kate (Bonnie Hunt), hoping to bring their family together for a memorable summer vacation, take their 12 offspring to the rustic Lake Winnetka. But their retreat soon becomes cutthroat when they enter into a competition with the over-achieving members of a large family headed by Tom's long-time rival, Jimmy Muraugh (Eugene Levy). Also starring Hilary Duff, Tom Welling, Piper Perabo, and Carmen Elektra. (Twentieth Century Fox) This film rated PG.

FUN WITH DICK AND JANE: A remake of the 1977 comedy in which a struggling couple (Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni) turns to crime - particularly robbery - to get the bills paid. Also starring Alec Baldwin; Directed by Dean Parisot and written by Judd Apatow and Nicholas Stoller. (COLUMBIA PICTURES) This film is rated PG-13.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2005

HOODWINKED: In this re-telling of the classic fable, where there’s more to the tale than meets the eye, the story begins at the end. Furry and feathered cops from the animal world investigate a domestic disturbance at Granny’s cottage, involving a karate-kicking Red (Anne Hathaway), a sarcastic Wolf (Patrick Warburton), an oafish Woodsman (Jim Belushi), and a thrill-seeking Granny (Glenn Close). The charges are many: breaking and entering, disturbing the peace, intent to eat, and wielding an axe without a license. Not to mention, this case might be tied to the elusive “Goody Bandit” who has been stealing from shops everywhere. Written and directed by Cory Edwards, Todd Edwards and Tony Leech. HOODWINKED is a co-production of Blue Yonder Films and Kanbar Entertainment, and was produced by Maurice Kanbar, David Lovegren, Sue Bea Montgomery and Preston Stutzman. (WEINSTEIN COMPANY). This film is rated PG.

MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA: Based on the internationally acclaimed novel by Arthur Golden, Memoirs of a Geisha is a sweeping romantic epic set in a mysterious and exotic world that still casts a potent spell today. The story begins in the years before WWII when a penniless Japanese child is torn from her family to work as a maid in a geisha house. Despite a treacherous rival who nearly breaks her spirit, the girl blossoms into the legendary geisha Sayuri (Ziyi Zhang). Beautiful and accomplished, Sayuri captivates the most powerful men of her day, but is haunted by her secret love for the one man who is out of her reach (Ken Watanabe). Directed by Academy Award nominee Rob Marshall (Chicago) and produced by Lucy Fisher, Douglas Wick and Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Robin Swicord and Doug Wright, Memoirs of a Geisha features an all-star international cast including Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), Koji Yakusho (Shall We Dance?), Youki Kudoh (Snow Falling on Cedars) and Gong Li (Raise the Red Lantern). (COLUMBIA PICTURES) This film is rated PG-13.

THE RINGER: When Steve Barker (Johnny Knoxville) finds himself running dead last in the corporate rat race, he sinks to an all time low...he attempts to rig Special Olympics by pretending to be intellectually challenged. But, Barker is completely out-classed by his fellow Olympians, who are not only better athletes; they're just plain better people. And they're on to him. But rather than rat-out the rat, they join forces with him to once and for all beat Jimmy, the cocky reigning champion of the annual games. With a work-out regime uniquely their own, they train Barker to go for the gold and, in the process, show him what's at the heart of a true winner. Written by Ricky Blitt, directed by Barry W. Blaustein. (FOX SEARCHLIGHT) This film is not rated PG-13.

TRANSAMERICA - opens exclusively at the Main Art. A conservative transsexual woman (Felicity Huffman) comes to find out that when she was a man, she fathered a son. The boy (Kevin Zegers) is now a teenage runaway hustling on the streets of New York and dreaming of meeting the father he never knew. Fionnula Flanaganm, Graham Greene, and Elizabeth Pena also star. Written and directed by Duncan Tucker. (WEINSTEIN COMPANY) This film is rated R.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2005

MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS - opens exclusively at the Maple Art. MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS is set in pre World War II London and tells the remarkable truly life story of one of England’s most prominent and eccentric society figures, Laura Henderson (Judi Dench) who founded the historic Windmill Theatre legendary for its "nude revue" musical extravaganza. Driven by a desire to win back the dwindling music hall audiences who had been lured away by the advent of ‘talking pictures,’ this charming lady and veritable force of nature was aided by her equally formidable and tenacious theatre manager, Vivian Van Damm (Bob Hoskins), as she set about her task with the kind of vigor and determination which belied her advanced years. Taking a humorous and moving behind-the-scenes look at this forgotten world, MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS provides an uplifting and evocative tale likely to live long in the memory of audiences everywhere. Directed by Stephen Frears and written by Martin Sherman. Starring Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins, Kelly Reilly, Will Young and Christopher Guest. Executive Produced by Bob Hoskins and David Aukin, MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS was produced by Norma Heyman. (WEINSTEIN COMPANY) This film is rated R.

WOLF CREEK: Based on true events, 'Wolf Creek' tells the chilling story of three backpackers traveling in remote Outback Australia. When their vehicle breaks down, they accept help from a friendly local. It soon dawns on them that he has no intention of fixing their vehicle or of them leaving... ever again. Starring John Jarrett, Cassandra Magrath, John Jarratt, Kestie Morassi, and Nathan Phillips. Written and directed by Greg McLean. (DIMENSION) This film is rated R