I love this time of year, when so many top-quality films come out as they cater to the holiday audience and jockey for position in the awards season (Jan-Mar). Here is a very fine collection of some of this years best holiday movies.

 

 

Apocalypto

(Release date: Dec. 8th, 2006)

 Of all the films that I have seen this holiday season, this is the one that I keep thinking about. It takes place in the South American rain forest during the early 1500’s, and depicts many aspects of the Mayan civilization. There are things in this movie that no filmmaker has ever shown us before. I think producer and director Mel Gibson has created yet another superb film – and I don’t really care to dwell on his personal legal issues. We all make embarrassing mistakes from time to time, so just get over it and move on.

I can’t even tell you off the top of my head who starred in this movie. I’d have to look it up. But, I believe this is the first time that every member of a high budget, feature film cast is a local foreigner, indigenous to the setting. How did Gibson ever find such a wonderful collection of good actors in such an obscure place?

Anyway, I thought the story was interesting, and the filming was top-notch. This is truly a story that one needs to see on the big screen. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was nominated for best cinematography, as well as set direction, editing, costumes, best picture and directing. I give it 3 ½ bones out of four for being very good, as it is one of the best films I’ve seen this year.

 

 

 

The Good Shepard

(Release date: Dec. 22nd, 2006)

I’ve heard some critics call this film the “Godfather” of spy films. I’m not willing to go quite that far. Although I did think it was good.  I bet it would make just an outstanding book, since the author could go into much more detail.

The story is fictional but hints that maybe this is how the CIA was actually put together stemming from post WW II.  Matt Damon stars in the leading role with a slew of veteran (and successful) actors on board. So, as you might guess, the acting was very good.

One very interesting aspect about this film; It’s touted as a spy film, but they don’t actual show you any spying. The lead character specializes in counter-intelligence and the bulk of the film depicts the behind-closed-doors decisions and the management of such an operation. This isn’t a terribly violent film, but when a character is killed off, they don’t mess around. In fact, it’s quite brutal.

I found it to be an interesting story, with good acting and filming. Therefore, I give it three bones for being good.

 

The Pursuit of Happyness

(Release date: Dec. 15th, 2006)

 

Note how the word “happiness” is misspelled.  This comes to play in the film and you’ll understand why.  But more importantly, this film isn’t just about one man’s pursuit of the ever-eluding happiness that we all so cherish. No, it also teaches us that we can never reach “pure” happiness. Once again, I am reminded that life is a journey and not a destination.

Will Smith plays the lead role in this, and his actual son, Jaden Smith, portrays his little boy. The acting of both is pretty darn good and easily justifies the taking of your time to watch it. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Will Smith is nominated for an Oscar. In fact, I think he already has been nominated for a Golden Globe award.

This film is the true story of how a San Francisco man struggles with one set back after another during the early 1980’s. It reminds me that apparently I don’t have it so bad. But, beware, this script is mostly tragic. Very little time is spent capitalizing on the euphoria of success. 

I give it three bones for being a good film – and that is primarily for the acting. Will Smith carries this film.

 

 

 

Babel

(Release date: Oct. 27th, 2006)

This year’s holiday season seems to be filled with tragedies. And Babel helps to serve that. This is actually a collection of loosely connected stories that are set in present time, in Monaco , San Diego/Mexico and Japan .

Most of the actors in this film are relatively unknown, except for Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett (I really like her). With the exception of the location shots and the high price of the two before mentioned actors, this appears to be a relatively low budget film.

I found the story line(s) to be fairly interesting, and I appreciate what the writer was trying to accomplish here – which is: tragedy happens, sometimes out of nowhere. Either we deal with it properly or we don’t. I suspect that many people will not like or appreciate this film. I think it would make a pretty decent book to read. I give it 2 ½ bones for being above average.

 

 

 

We Are Marshall

(Release date: Dec. 22nd, 2006)

 

This film turned out to be a lot better than what I thought it would be. In 1970, a college football team, along with the coaching staff, several fans and boosters, all died when their airliner crashed just before landing in West Virginia – 75 souls in all. The small town of Huntington , where Marshall University is located, was devastated. This is a story of recovery.

Matthew McConaughey stars as Jack Lengyel, who came into town to rebuild the football program. You know, I can’t think of a single movie in which Matthew McConaughey gave an impressive performance. Not even one scene. So, I had my doubts about him and this film. But, I must admit, he did pretty well. His performance was tastefully done.

I thought the script adapted by Jaime Linden was first class – a good tribute to an extremely difficult situation that community leaders were faced with.

Obviously this film is yet another tragedy for the 2006 holiday season, but it’s encouraging to know that the rebuilding was eventually a success. And, that should not come as too much of a surprise. Be sure to read everything displayed during the epilogue.

I give it three bones for being good.

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