Date night is not dead. In fact, a lot of couples are looking for a cheap night out on the town where they can snuggle up close and hold hands inside a greasy tub of popcorn, and what better place to do that than the movies? Even if you’re single, and looking for something fun to do with your gal pals this weekend, few things beat checking out a new flick at the theater. So for both those who are single, or in a relationship, here are a few films to check out this weekend, all of which debut this Friday, December 11.
Based on the best-selling Alice Sebold novel of the same title, the directorial team from the “Lord of the Rings” saga–Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyne– have adapted “The Lovely Bones” (PG-13) for the big screen. For those of you who haven’t read the book, “The Lovely Bones” tells a story about the afterlife experience of a murdered young woman who must watch on as her family and friends learn to pick up the pieces of their lives after her death. Intriguing to say the least!
Another one that looks like it’ll be particularly emotional is “A Single Man” (R), starring Collin Firth and Julianne Moore. Adapted from the 1964 Christopher Isherwood novel, the film follows a middle-aged college professor through a single day in his life after the loss of his partner and friend.
Not every film this weekend is about death, though. For example, comedy lovers will want to check out “The Slammin’ Salmon” (R). Starring Michael Clarke Duncan as heavyweight boxing champion turned restaurant owner, Cleon Salmon, hilarity ensues when Salmon pits his waitstaff against one another in a tip-collection contest, offering a big cash prize to the winner. To make it interesting, though, the loser has to step into the ring with the big boss, and I can tell you right now, I’d do just about anything to get out of boxing Michael Clarke Duncan. Yikes!
“Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year” (Not Rated) is a limited run, Hindi comedy that debuts December 11. It is about a slacker-student turned ambitious businessman who must learn to combine his drive with his dreams in order to succeed as a salesman.
Next up, “Invictus.” Directed by Clint Eastwood, this is a dramatic take on the story of Nelson Mandella (played by Morgan Freeman) and his effort to reunite South Africa through Rugby. Starring Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar, captain of the rugby team, this promises to be an inspiring movie. Besides, does anyone actually need a reason to go see a movie with Matt Damon in it?
If you’re looking for a thriller, though, David Lynch and Werner Herzog have teamed up for the first time in “My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done” (Not Yet Rated), a psychological thriller exploring the bizarre experience of a San Diego man driven to madness and matricide.
On the lighter side, everyone loves a good Disney family film, and this week you can finally catch “The Princess and the Frog” in theaters everywhere. When a young princess kisses a frog under a spell, the spell backfires and turns her into a frog as well! And as someone who’s kissed a few frogs themself, I can totally identify with this scenario. So here’s hoping it all works out for them both in the end!
No matter what your taste in films, there’s always something for everyone at the movies. I’ll see you there!
Do you suppose Matt Damon will be beating up people in the Nelson Mandela movie? May not seem appropriate, but it’d be pretty awesome.
Matt Damon: BOURNE to coach rugby.
You mean I don’t have to pay for exeprt advice like this anymore?!