15. The Darkest Hour
A group of young American tourists in Russia find themselves scrambling for survival when malevolent aliens invade the earth. At least it isn’t in 3-D. With Emile Hirsch and Olivia Thirlby. (Dec. 25)
16. Extremely Loud and
Incredibly Close
Sandra Bullock stars as a widow who is trying to come to terms with the death of her husband (Tom Hanks), who was killed during the attacks of 9/11. Her son copes with the tragedy by searching New York City for the lock that matches a key his father left him. Along the way, he meets a variety of people who help him cope with his grief. With Viola Davis, Max von Sydow, John Goodman and James Gandolfini. (Dec. 25)
17. War Horse
Steven Spielberg’s second holiday entry is an adaptation of the Broadway hit about a young man who enlists in the British Army during World War I so that he might track down his horse, which was taken by the cavalry unit of this military branch. Expect grand, sweeping action sequences and expect your heart to be tugged. (Dec. 25)
18. The Iron Lady
Meryl Streep portrays former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and focuses on her rise to political power as well as the personal price she paid while in office. This may prove to be the one that finally gets Streep her third Oscar. (Jan. 13)
19. We Need to Talk about Kevin
Tilda Swinton and John C. Reilly star as the parents of a teenage boy who goes on a high school shooting spree. Their struggle to determine what their role was in the tragedy and the guilt that ensues is at the crux of the film. (Jan. 27)
20. The Artist
A sensation at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, this silent, black-and-white feature follows the life of movie star George Valentin (Jena Dujardin), whose career is cut short by the coming of sound films, and his young lover, Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), whose star rises as his falls. Brimming with energy and brilliantly expressive performances, this throwback to another era is a real charmer. (January)
21. Coriolanus
Ralph Fiennes stars as a banished Roman hero in this adaptation of the Shakespearean play. He makes a deal with the devil when he agrees to ally himself with one of his enemies (Gerard Butler) in order to wreak havoc on those who have betrayed him. (January)
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