THE MUPPETS
Starring: Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper,
Rashida Jones, Alan Arkin,
Jack Black, Billy Crystal, Zach Galifianakis, Kathy
Griffin,
Ricky Gervais, Emily Blunt, Kermit the Frog, Miss
Piggy,
Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal & Walter
Directed by James Bobin for distribution by Walt
Disney Pictures
The Plot: After years
out of the spotlight, the Muppets band together to save their theater from a
greedy developer determined to tear it down.
The Final Word: If you didn’t
know the Muppets were coming back to theaters, you really may have been living
under a rock, because Kermit and friends have been everywhere this year.
Co-written by and starring “How I Met Your Mother’s” Jason Segel, the film
looks to re-cement the classic Jim Henson characters status as pop culture
kings. With an arsenal of celebrities signed on for cameos and built-in name
recognition, this is expected to be one of the top Hollywood films this season.
Although many (including a few of the original puppeteers), remain unconvinced
that Segel and crew has successfully captured the tone and magic that made the
Muppets a hit in the 70’s.
HUGO
Starring: Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Moretz, Sacha
Baron Cohen, Ben Kingsley,
Jude Law, Ray Winstone, Christopher Lee, Helen
McCrory, Richard Griffiths,
Frances de la Tour, Emily Mortimer & Michael
Stuhlbarg
Directed by Martin Scorsese for distribution by Paramount
The Plot: An orphan
living in a 1930’s Parisian train station struggles to unlock the mysteries
behind his father’s death and the strange invention he left behind.
The Final Word: While 3D had
taken a huge beating at the box office, its proponents (those that are left
that is), have rallied behind “Hugo.” With film legend Martin Scorsese making
his initial foray into the third dimension, many believe if anything can help
the technique it’s him. Although this is no slam dunk as the competition is
fierce and the plot isn’t the easiest to explain, but Scorsese’s pedigree needs
no explanation and you’d be wise to not bet against the iconic director. Still, going up again “Happy Feet Two” and
“The Muppets” will eat away at its opening week, but by how much remains to be
seen.
ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
Starring (voices): James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim
Broadbent,
Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton & Ashley Jensen
Directed by Sarah Smith & Barry Cook for
distribution by Sony Pictures Animation
The Plot: Ever wonder
how Santa really pulls off his yearly round-the-world trip? Go behind the scenes
as Santa’s youngest son tries to help his father with his journey after an
unexpected problem arises.
The Final Word: What started
out as a movie with a very clever marketing campaign has seemingly stalled,
which is odd given the clever premise and “A”-list cast. Either way, the film
is going to have some tough competition between the instantly recognizable
“Muppets” and the 3D spectacle that is Martin Scorsese’s “Hugo.” Still
animation enthusiasts are very excited about the picture as it is from Aardman
Animations, the same people who brought the loveable “Wallace and Grommit” to
life. Sony has to hope that this will have the same success “W & G” had,
instead of the failure DreamWorks saw when it teamed up with them on “Flushed
Away.”
Previewed next week: The "Best Picture" contenders previewed!
