Kam's Kapsules: Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun

OPENING THIS WEEK
Kam's Kapsules:
Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
by Kam Williams
For movies opening December 19, 2008


BIG BUDGET FILMS

Gran Torino (R for pervasive profanity and ethnic slurs, and violence) Clint Eastwood directed and co-stars in this unlikely-buddy drama about a recently-widowed, Korean War veteran who begrudgingly befriends his Asian-American, next-door neighbor (Bee Vang) after the troubled teen tries to steal his classic muscle car. Cast includes Brian Haley, Christopher Carley and John Carroll Lynch.

Seven Pounds (PG-13 for mature themes, sensuality and disturbing content) Will Smith stars in this tale of redemption about a guilt-ridden widower who opts to perform seven acts of kindness for perfect strangers before committing suicide. Ensemble cast includes Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Barry Pepper and Michael Ealy.

The Tale of Despereaux (G) Family-oriented, animated adventure about a big-eared mouse (Matthew Devereaux) challenged to summon up the courage to save a beautiful princess (Emma Watson) kidnapped by an evil rat (Dustin Hoffman). Voice cast includes Frank Langella, Sigourney Weaver, Christopher Lloyd, Kevin Kline, Richard Jenkins, William H. Macy, Tracy Ullman and Stanley Tucci.

The Wrestler (R for violence, nudity, sexuality, profanity and drug use) Mickey Rourke plays the title role in this character-driven drama about a washed-up pro wrestler who comes out of retirement despite suffering a heart attack for one last match against his old nemesis (Ernest Miller). Supporting cast includes Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood and Judah Friedlander.

Yes Man (PG-13 for profanity, sexuality, crude humor and brief nudity) Jim Carrey comedy about a guy in a self-help program which has him answering “Yes” to every question for a year. With Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper and Sasha Alexander.


INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

The Brothers Bloom (PG-13 for violence, sensuality and brief profanity) Crime caper about a couple of aging con men (Adrien Brody and Mark Ruffalo) hoping to retire by swindling a fortune from a New Jersey heiress (Rachel Weisz). With Robbie Coltrane, Rinko Kikuchi and Nora Zehetner.

Moscow, Belgium (Unrated) Belgian sit-dram about a middle-aged mother of three (Barbara Sarafian), abandoned by her husband (Johan Hildenbergh) for one of his college students, who finds herself falling for a 29 year-old truck driver (Jurgen Delnaet) after a fender bender. (In Dutch with subtitles)

Nothing but the Truth (R for profanity, slight sexuality and one violent scene) Shades of the Judith Miller-Valerie Plame case in this political potboiler about a newspaper reporter (Kate Beckinsale) held in contempt of court for refusing to reveal her sources after outing a CIA Agent (Vera Farmiga). With Angela Bassett, David Schwimmer, Alan Alda and Matt Dillon.

Scott Walker: 30 Century Man (Unrated) Bio-pic about a reclusive musician from Ohio who moved to England in the mid-Sixties where he is credited with influencing the work of such British rock stars as Sting, David Bowie, Radiohead and Brian Eno.