November 24, 2013: Upcoming movie releases to look forward to! Or not!

Just a few that caught my eye:

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG

Release Date: December 13, 2013

What it’s about: The second instalment in the sprawling Hobbit trilogy.  No, really.

What it’s got working for it: Director Peter Jackson and oodles of production value.

What’s it’s got going against it:  Three really long movies based on a single fairly short book.

SAVING MR. BANKS

Release Date: December 13, 2013

What it’s about: The story of how Walt Disney convinced the author of Mary Poppins to give him the film rights to her book.  No, really.

What it’s got working for it: An all-star cast and a story we definitely haven’t seen before.

What’s it’s got going against it:  A movie that, I’m sure, will bear no resemblance to actual events or characters.

ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES

Release Date: December 13, 2013

What it’s about: Sequel to the somewhat successful Anchorman about – you guess it! – an anchorman.

What it’s got working for it: The promise of consistency in quality.

What’s it’s got going against it:  Of course, said consistency cuts both ways, depending on what you thought of the first movie.

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS

Release Date: December 20, 2013

What it’s about: An “immersive 3D experience” that will place audiences within a prehistoric tale involving an underdog dinosaur.

What it’s got working for it: The promise of state of the art visuals.

What’s it’s got going against it:  But they say promises are made to be broken.  The actual script sounds a bit flimsy.

47 RONIN

Release Date: December 25, 2013

What it’s about: Loosely based on true events – a group of samurai seek vengeance on those responsible for the death of their leader.

What it’s got working for it: It certainly looks epic.

What’s it’s got going against it:  Keanu Reeves?  Sorry, Hollywood, I STILL don’t get it.

GRUDGE MATCH

Release Date: December 25, 2013

What it’s about: Two old guys prepare for a rematch to a bout that never happened.

What it’s got working for it: DeNiro and Stallone as aging boxers?  So ridiculous it could be brilliant!

What’s it’s got going against it:  Or just ridiculous.  Probably ridiculous.

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

Release Date: December 25, 2013

What it’s about: Based on the story by James Thurber which focuses on an innocuous fellow’s incredible fantasies.

What it’s got working for it: Looks visually appealing.

What’s it’s got going against it:  If it’s “all in his head”, then a very unsatisfying movie.  If it’s not, then it’s a completely different character from the story.  Also – Ben Stiller.

Tagged: December movie releases, film, movies, The Hobbit, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, upcoming movie releases