I was able to watch Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol on opening day.  I enjoyed it more then 2 and a tad more then 3.  I attribute that to having a better villain and better threat for Tom Cruise to deal with.  And yes I did see the six minute prologue to the Dark Knight Rises.  It was the best six minutes of IMAX ever.  This week no less the six movies premier in theatres and one of my favorite movies of 2011 comes on on DVD.

These are the movies that will be released on Tuesday December, 20th 2011
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo – Rated R

Based on the best selling Swedish novel series, Daniel Craig is a washed up magazine publisher who is asked by a rich guy (Christopher Palmer) to investigate the murder of a family member.  He is helped by a girl with a dragon tattoo (Ronney Mara).  This is director David Fincher’s follow up to The Social Network that sees him return to is Seven and Fight Club roots. Also this is movie is winning a crap ton of awards so it should be good.

Verdict - I am looking forward to this and hope that the other two books can be made.

These are the movies that will be released on Wednesday December, 21st 2011
The Adventures of Tintin – Rated PG

Based on the hit Belgian comic strip, Tintin builds a model ship and but it is stolen my thieves.  Thus begins a grand adventure with is dog.  This comic strip is huge in Europe but Astro Boy was huge in Japan and the American movie didn’t do well.  However this is a joint production from Steven Speilberg and Peter Jackson using many actors that they have worked with.  

Verdict - Animation looks good I am looking forward to find out if the plot is easy to follow or very weird.

These are the movies that will be released on Friday December, 23rd 2011
We Bought A Zoo – Rated PG

Based on a true story, Matt Damon’s life is falling apart and to fix it he buys a zoo.  Sounds logical.  It’s a fight for your family’s dollars between this movie and Tintin.  I give the edge to this as it appeals to both kids and adults.  Plus it has tigers and bears and that is always a plus.

Veridct - I figure this to be both entertaining and touching.  It also has Scarlett Johansson so there’s that.

My Weekend With Marilyn – Rated R

Based on several books, this is the story of Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne) as she works on the set of The Prince and The Showgirl in London.  She finds her self showing Marily Monroe (Michelle Williams) a good time.  This movie is finally getting a release in Michigan.  Lots of attention is going to Williams for her portrayal of Monroe.  I am just interested in watching the movie making processes in the 50’s

Verdict - Watch this now because come award season this film is going to be all over the place.

These are the movies that will be released on Sunday December, 25th 2011
War Horse – Rated PG-13

Based on the play, during World War I a boy (Jeremy Irvine) has his horse sold so he can go off to war.  The boy ends up joining the army and starts a fantastic journey to be reunited with his horse.  Yes they had a play about a horse.  This seems a more logical adaptation of the book.  This is Steven Spielberg’s second movie to come out in a week.  Yes he directed this too.  And this is winning a crap ton of awards too.

Verdict - I will go into detail later but I love a good war movie.

The Darkest Hour – Rated PG-13

And here comes the horror/ thriller movie for all you rowdy teens.  Aliens are invading Russia and vaporising everyone.  After so many dramas and family movies this looks good for just being different.  It’s doesn’t look particularly bad but being produced by the director of Wanted does not instill faith in me that this will be good.

Verdict - I haven’t grown tired of alien invasion films yet so i might give this a try

Box Office Top 5 Movies In The Country
1. Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows Rated PG-13
2. Alvin and The Chimpmunks: Chipwrecked - Rated G
3. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol Rated PG-13
4. New Years Eve – Rated PG-13
5. The Sitter – Rated R


Sherlock 2 and Chipmunks 3 is under performing when compared to their earlier films.  I am not too concerned for Holmes as it will probably have some legs on it.  Mission Impossible 4 only opened in 425 theaters were the others were in 3000.  I wonder what kind of damage it will do when it is released everywhere Wednesday.

Still In Theatres
Arthur Christmas – Rated PG, The Descendants – Rated R, Happy Feet 2 – Rated PG, Hugo – Rated PG, Immortals (2011) – Rated R,Jack And Jill – Rated PG.  J.Edgar– Rated R, Like Crazy – Rated PG-13, The Muppets – Rated PG, Puss in Boots (2011) – Rated PG, Tower Heist – Rated PG-13, Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 – Rated PG-13, Young Adult - Rated R

Please note that due to all the multiple release dates some of these movies may end their run during this weekend.  Please check the theatre you are going to before heading out.

These are the movies released on DVD Tuesday, December, 20th 2011
Dolphin Tale Rated PG

A dolphin looses his tail fin and is nursed back to health by cool humans.  When this came out I wouldn’t bat a lash but now that this film is on DVD I want to give it a try.  

Warrior Rated PG-13

Two brothers with daddy issues go into a MMA tournament for both very different reason.  This is one of my top 10 movies of the year.  This was very good.  This is a MMA movie that isn’t about MMA.  It’s a story of two men who have a hard time putting the past behind them.

Colombiana Rated PG-13

After Colombiana watches her parents get killed as a child, she goes on a vengenence filled brutal rampage.  It’s like Taken with a female main character.  I will be checking this out on DVD.

Movies have become a Christmas tradition in my family.  I recall as a kid going and watching Star Trek 6: The Undiscovered County on Christmas Day.  Usually my family and I will find ourselves in the theatres every Christmas.  These movies include Avatar, Marley and Me, and True Grit (2010).  I haven’t seen a bad movie Christmas day yet (although Black Christmas (2006) came close).  This year is leaning towards War Horse.  I don’t think we will be the only ones.  But as much as going to a theater is a Christmas tradition so is watching my favorite Christmas movie six times in a row

I can’t wait to see this again.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Credit – IMDB.com, Boxofficemojo.com, &Yahoo!Movies.com