Connor Getz
Staff Writer
Around this time of the year, it’s hard to dodge the forthcoming holiday seasons. With Christmas within view and Thanksgiving a week away, we find ourselves giving thanks and appreciating all that we have. Our families, good fortune and health are at the forefront of our thoughts, and rightfully so. As those of us making the trip home for next week’s festivities will encounter, catching up with those we hardly get to see anymore will more than likely be somewhere near the top of our to-do lists. What better way to do so than enjoying a bite to eat, possibly followed by a good film? If you’re wondering what options you’re going to have when pondering a trip to the local cinema, I’ve got your back on what to look forward to.
Delivery Man
Release – Friday, Nov. 22
Notable Cast: Vince Vaughn, Cobie Smulders
Vince Vaughn is a well-received member of the comedic circle, and you’re probably going to think of movies you love that he’s in before you think of the ones that have failed. Other than his recent shortcomings, he’s a generally likeable guy who plays his roles well. In this film, he takes on the character of David Wozniak, a man whose life is on a steep decline thanks to mob debt, rejection from his pregnant girlfriend, and a pending lawsuit from 142 of the 533 kids that he’s fathered through sperm donation 20 years in his past.
The children want to know the identity of their real father, and while David must come to terms with whether or not he wants to reveal himself, he embarks down a road that will affect his own life and hundreds of special kids. Come in to this one acknowledging the slight improbability of the somewhat exaggerated story, and you just might find yourself enjoying Vaughn at his best in a heartfelt comedy for everyone.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Release – Friday, Nov. 22
Notable Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz
Jennifer Lawrence returns to her role as Katniss Everdeen in the sequel to the critically- acclaimed movie adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ standout book trilogy. For Katniss, achieving victory in the 74th Hunger Games means leaving her loved ones for another journey, the “Victor’s Tour,” during which she senses a rebellion against the Capitol on the horizon.
In the meantime, the 75th Hunger Games is being prepared by President Snow and the Capitol, which could change Katniss and those she loves forever. A versatile, eye-catching cast fuels the second installment of the Hunger Games trilogy and could actually top all of the expectations. Director Francis Lawrence (no relation to Jennifer) takes over the series and has shown great promise in a smooth directorial transition from the prior’s director, Gary Ross.
Journey to the South Pacific
Release – Wednesday, Nov. 27
Narrated by Cate Blanchett
I’m confident enough to say that I’m not the only one who rolls their eyes when a movie commercial advertises the 3-D option that has slowly grown to become overkill in most circumstances. Yet, there are still films coming out that deserve the couple extra bucks to be experienced in 3-D IMAX, and not just viewed on a normal screen. If you went and saw Gravity in a regular theater and were disappointed, this is for you, because Journey to the South Pacific is going to be one of those epic, nature-related, documentary-ish productions that will only blow your mind when experienced the correct way.
The beautifully gentle voice of Cate Blanchett narrates the world of Jawi, an island native boy who takes us on an adventure into a magical sea home to 2,000 species of creatures, including whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays and “boat loads” of other exotic creatures. Celebrating the most diverse marine ecosystem on Earth, this is definitely going to be a film worth seeing in advantageous style.