“Night at the Museum” stars Ben Stiller and features Robin Williams in his last movie appearance before his death. The movie will be released in theaters Dec. 19.
I don’t know about you guys, but for me going to the movies during the holidays is just one of those little things that makes life grand.
Like during summertime, we are always guaranteed a slew of blockbuster hits with the biggest actors in the business. Going to the cinema with friends and family is always a great way to shut off the everyday cares of the world and just relax.
From the looks of the titles below, it seems that this holiday season will be a jolly one indeed.
EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS
DEC. 12, 2014 (PG-13)
As Moses becomes the defiant leader of the Hebrew slaves, he must lead them on an epic journey to escape Egypt from both the plagues and Rhamses’ ruthless tyranny. The film stars Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Aaron Paul, Sigourney Weaver and Ben Kingsley.
THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES
DEC. 17, 2014 (PG-13)
In the final installment of The Hobbit Trilogy, Thorin Oakenshield and his men have finally reclaimed their home from the villainous dragon, Smaug. In doing so, the dragon takes his vengeance and destroys Lake-town. A war starts to brew, Gandalf must stop the great Sauron from launching an attack on the Lonely Mountain, but as darkness soon converges, every man must fight as the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance. The film stars Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, Luke Evans, Richard Armitage, Evangeline Lilly and Cate Blanchett.
ANNIE – DECEMBER 19, 2014 (PG)
Raised as an orphan, young Annie has always tried to be tough and make her way on the streets of New York City. However, when she meets hard-nosed mayoral candidate Will Stacks, she finds potential in him. Thinking it would be good for his campaign, Stacks takes her in and soon realizes that he has become a better man due to her bright outlook on life. The film stars Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhane Wallis, Rose Byrne and Cameron Diaz.
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB
DEC. 19, 2014 (PG)
When the great tablet that brings life to the Museum of Natural History is losing power, Larry Daley must embark on an epic quest and travel to England, along with his historical wax friends in order to save the magic before it disappears forever. The film stars Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Ricky Gervais, Owen Wilson, Dan Stevens, Steve Coogan and Ben Kingsley.
THE GAMBLER – DEC. 19, 2014 (R)
When a college professor and high stakes gambler gets in way over his head after he borrows money from a ruthless gangster, he offers his life as collateral. While dealing with a relationship with one of his students, he soon enters into an underground world where he must take the ultimate risk for a second chance. The film stars Mark Wahlberg, Brie Larson, John Goodman and Jessica Lange.
INTO THE WOODS – DEC. 25, 2014 (PG)
In a modern twist on the classic fairy tale, a witch conspires to teach characters from many popular stories (“Cinderella,” “Rapunzel,” “Red Riding Hood” and many more) important lessons. The film stars Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Chris Pine, Anna Kendrick and Johnny Depp.
THE INTERVIEW – DEC. 25, 2014 (R)
When talk show host Dave Skylark and his producer, Aaron Rapoport, are given the chance to interview North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, they jump at the chance to make their brand of journalism legit. However, when the CIA soon recruits them to assassinate the dictator, these two unlikely and unqualified candidates must take out one of the most ruthless leaders in the world. What could go wrong? The film stars James Franco, Seth Rogen and Lizzy Caplan.
UNBROKEN – DEC. 25, 2014 (PG-13)
After a near fatal plane crash in the Pacific Ocean, Olympian Louis Zamperini survived for many days only to be captured by the Japanese and sent to a POW camp. Tortured and pushed to his limit daily, Zamperini kept strong and showed the other soldiers the resilient power of the human spirit. The film stars Jack O’Connell, Garrett Hedlund, Jai Courtney, Domhnall Gleeson and Alex Russell.
SELMA – JAN. 9, 2015 (PG-13)
It’s based on the true story of the historic march of 1965 when Martin Luther King Jr. led hundreds in a movement from Selma, Ala., to the state’s capital, Montgomery, with the hopes of securing equal voting rights, this march would become one of the most significant victories of the Civil Rights Movement. The film stars David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Tim Roth, Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Tom Wilkinson.
TAKEN 3 – JAN. 9, 2015 (PG-13)
When his ex-wife is brutally murdered, Bryan Mills is framed and forced to go on the run. Filled with refuses rage, Mills must evade pursuit from all branches of the government and use his skills to track down the real killers. No matter what happens to him, he to lose the last piece of his family, his daughter. The film stars Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen and Forest Whitaker.
There are lots of great movies coming out this holiday season. We have quite a few finales with “The Hobbit,” “Night at the Museum” and “Taken.”
I’m sure they will be bittersweet to see end, but more than anything, they will be great movies to watch and cherish.
So remember to spend time with your loved ones, go have some popcorn and candy and enjoy the time off with these great blockbuster hits coming soon to theaters.
Story by John Gruccio, Contributing writer
