In review: Holiday releases
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January 6, 2010 4:00 AM
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Nine Directed by: Rob Marshall Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis Released: Dec. 25, 2009 2.5/3
Academy-Award winner Daniel Day-Lewis stars in Nine, the star studded film adaptation of the Broadway production o the same name based on Fellini’s film 8 ½.
Directed by Rob Marshall, the musical revolves around Guido Contini (Day-Lewis), a movie director whose lack o focus has led to a man lost and a project gone awry. For those of us longing for Day- Lewis circa There Will Be Blood, you’re left wanting, although his perfect Italian accent cannot be denied.
–Anne T. Donahue
Avatar Directed by: James Cameron Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver Release date: Dec. 18, 2009 3/4
James Cameron’s first project since Titanic has proved well worth the wait.
Known for his ability to balance visual affects and action with equally worthy storylines, Cameron produced an exceptional work of art.
With strong social messages, a romantic storyline and beautifully created action sequences, Avatar can be appreciated on multiple levels.
–Elise Cotter
Up in the Air Directed by: Jason Reitman Starring: George Clooney and Vera Farmiga Released: Dec. 25, 2009 3/4
From Canadian director Jason Reitman (Juno) comes the eagerly-anticipated highly-nominated Up in the Air, a coming-of-middle-age dramedy about the highs, lows and in-betweens of life.
Starring George Clooney as the successful-yet-isolated Ryan Bingham, career man extraordinaire whose sole responsibility is to end the jobs o others, Reitman succeeds in establishing three-dimensional characters that accurately depict the struggles of internal conflict.
As Bingham struggles to balance the responsibility of training the company’s latest addition (Anna Kendrick of Twilight) with the importance of prioritizing family relationships, he reaches a decision that changes his life – all while striving for 10 million frequent flyer miles.
Co-starring Vera Farmiga and Jason Bateman, the film is true to life, raising some tough questions that prompt intense self-reflection and introspective thought.
However, if you’re banking on a light-hearted tale of self-discovery, think again.
Though audiences will be left slightly downcast, they’ll be fully supportive of its six Golden Globe nominations.
–Anne T. Donahue
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