Anna Karenina (R)
The screenplay is by Tom Stoppard from the Tolstoy novel of the same name that sits near the top of most people’s best books of all time lists. Director Joe Wright’s visually stylized version has its good and bad. Starring Keira Knightley, Jude Law, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
The Guilt Trip (PG-13)
In this comedy, Seth Rogen plays an inventor who is about to embark on the road trip of a lifetime. He makes the mistake of stopping at his mother’s, played by Barbra Streisand. She tags along for the ride.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13)
Adapted from the first of the hobbit books by J.R.R. Tolkein, directed by Peter Jackson. Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, journeys to the Lonely Mountain with a group of Dwarves to reclaim a treasure stolen from them by the dragon Smaug. This story preceded “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Starring Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, and Richard Armitage.
Life of Pi (PG)
Based on the bestselling novel by Yann Martel, directed by Ang Lee. A young man survives a disaster at sea only to develop a connection with another survivor, a fearsome Bengal tiger. Starring Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, and Adil Hussain.
Lincoln (PG-13)
During the final four months of his life, America’s 16th president struggles with the Civil War while he works to pass the 13th Amendment. Directed by Steven Spielberg, screenplay by Tony Kushner, from a book by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, who’s already getting Oscar buzz; Sally Field, and David Strathairn.
Monsters, Inc. 3D (G)
A 3D release of the 2001 hit. A gigantic corporation captures the screams of little children and turns them into energy, but then kids aren’t scared anymore, a problem. From Pixar Animation Studios, an exciting adventure with a sweet, happy ending, with the voices of John Goodman and Billy Crystal.
The Polar Express (PG)
The 2004 animated film about a doubting boy who takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Starring the voices of Tom Hanks, Chris Coppola, and Michael Jeter.
Wreck-It Ralph (PG)
A Disney animated film about a very large guy, a video game villain, who just wants to fit in while wreaking havoc to the arcade where he lives. Starring the voices of John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, and Jane Lynch.
