Holiday season ushers in slew of triumphant Hollywood films
"The Hobbit"
3 1/2 stars
With 17 Oscars and nearly $3 billion in the worldwide box office, Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” series established itself as one of the greatest trilogies in history. Now, Jackson delivers the gift fans have been begging for since “The Fellowship of the Ring” — the first film to prequel the trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.” Compared to the original series, the film’s visuals are equally stunning, but it takes on a more light-hearted tone with its comical action, including singing dwarves and oafish goblins. The only disappointment in “The Hobbit” comes from the decision to stretch the slim children’s book into a trilogy instead of the originally planned film pair. Audiences are nearly an hour into the film before Bilbo steps outside his home and actually begins his adventure.
"Les Miserables"
4 stars
“Les Misérables” was definitely the most unforgettable movie-going experience of the holiday season. However, the style in which it was filmed also makes it the best musical to come to theaters in a decade. By having the actors sing live instead of during postproduction, the vocals resonate in a much deeper manner, preventing that distant feeling between the characters and audience that most musical films suffer from. Plus, the cast is nothing short of wonderful (and yes, that includes Russell Crowe). Anne Hathaway’s heartbreaking rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” is no doubt the main reason she’s garnered much acclaim for her performance, one easily comparable to Jennifer Hudson’s show-stopping number from “Dreamgirls” (2006). If only the camera stood still long enough for the audience to bask in the solid entertainment.
"Django Unchained"
4 1/2 stars
Aside from “Les Mis,” I would have to say “Django Unchained” was the most entertaining of all Hollywood films during the holidays. To simplify the plot, Jamie Foxx plays a freed slave who teams with a bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz) to rescue his enslaved wife. As with all Quentin Tarantino films, the violence is exceedingly graphic, so much that I still can’t believe one couple took their baby to see it during my screening. But amid all of the violence, “Django” presents a darkly comedic tone that helps to hold the audience’s attention as they chuckle at the over-the-top brutality. Be forewarned, though: The film takes place in 1858 during the times of slavery, and contains probably the most frequent use of the N-word than any other movie. This will no doubt prove offensive to some, but there is the matter of time period to consider.
"This is 40"
3 stars
Remember that couple from “Knocked Up” (2007) played by Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann? Well, Pete and Debbie got their own movie. But compared to other successes Judd Apatow has produced, such as “Superbad” (2007) and “Bridesmaids” (2011), “This Is 40” definitely isn’t his best directorial work. The main problem lies with the two lead characters, who spend so much time bringing out the worst in each other that it’s hard not to root for divorce. It’s also packed with many supporting characters (several of whom have frequented Apatow films in the past) that they all feel terribly underwritten and just there for humor’s sake. But at it’s best moments, “This Is 40” can be brutally funny.