Laremy Legel,
Nov 20, 2008
10. Gran Torino
This one barely cracks the list because the trailers have Clint Eastwood beating people up. If that doesn't take you back to your childhood, nothing will! All jokes aside, this is a leading Oscar contender on the Best Actor front.
9. Four Christmases
I've seen it, so I'm cheating a bit. It's completely elevated by the performance of Vince Vaughn -- one of the more likable guys in Hollywood. Plus, it's mercifully short, perfect for that family movie outing.
8. Valkyrie
This makes the list because it's make-or-break time for Tom Cruise. The early buzz has us thinking he's broken, but you never know. The holidays are all about miracles, right?
7. Revolutionary Road
Kate Winslet and Leo DiCaprio are back together, only this time Leo doesn't look like he's 16! Sorry. Had to take a shot at Titanic, powerless to resist. The only downside here is evidently it's all about a failed marriage, so perhaps only see it if you're looking to feel grateful for what you've got.
6. Milk
Regardless of your politics, you've got to admit Sean Penn can act every once in awhile. He'll be gunning for his second Best Actor Oscar here.
5. Frost/Nixon
A very solid political film. I've seen it, I'm giving it a B, and I'm fully recommending it to all my poli-sci friends. Frank Langella pulls off a very nuanced Richard Nixon impression.
4. The Day the Earth Stood Still
This remake of the 1951 classic has Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, and Jon Hamm (of Mad Men). The trailers look intriguing, and it's definitely the biggest film (in terms of scope) releasing this December.
3. Seven Pounds
At this point we're almost contractually obligated, as humans, to see anything Will Smith is in. Another holiday tear jerker gunning for Oscar gold.
2. The Wrestler
Were you a Hulkamaniac back in the day? Did you smell what the Rock was cooking? If you answered yes to either of those, or you're willing to admit that Darren Aronofsky is a genius, than you've got to put this on the "must-see" list. I've seen it already. It's big fun.
1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Who's that creeping around The Academy's door? Why, it's Brad Pitt! Still, I can't think of anything more interesting right now movie-wise than a fellow who ages backwards. That's a "gotta have it" situation.
