When the studios talk about the movies they are opening for this holiday season, they really mean holidays. There was a time when the big movies were released after Thanksgiving. Then it got pushed back to the beginning of November. This year's holiday films will start before Halloween.
That means 10 weekends of openings featuring everything from heroic felines to vampire weddings before 2012 rolls around. Here's a look at some of the offerings coming to theaters this long holiday season.
Oct. 28
"Puss In Boots"
Stars: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Bob Thornton
Director: Chris Miller
Plot: Before he met Shrek, Puss in Boots had his own adventures with Kitty Softpaws.
What to expect: The suave cat was a breakout from the "Shrek" movies. The film should have more than nine lives.
"Anonymous"
Stars: Rhys Ifans, Joely Richardson, David Thewlis
Director: Roland Emmerich
Plot: William Shakespeare's considered to be the greatest writer to ever take pen into hand. The film looks at whether he really wrote all those plays and sonnets or whether it was the work of another.
What to expect: The film is beautifully shot and acted but gets muddled when all of the royality begins to overlap.
Nov. 4
"Tower Heist"
Stars: Eddie Murphy, Ben Stiller, Matthew Broderick
Director: Brett Ratner
Plot: Workers at a posh condominium are ripped off by billionaire who lives in the penthouse. They decide to steal back the money.
What to expect: Will work if Ratner can limit the crazy rants by Murphy and Stiller.
"A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas"
Stars: Neil Patrick Harris, John Cho, Kal Penn
Director: Todd Strauss-Schulson
Plot: After six years apart, the buddies get back together to search for a perfect Christmas tree.
What to expect: The series has never been known for high-brow humor, and there's no reason to change now.
Nov. 11
"Immortals"
Stars: Henry Cavill, Kellan Lutz
Director: Tarsem Singh
Plot: A human is selected to stop King Hyperion, who has declared war against humanity.
What to expect: It's no "Clash of the Titans," but it should have enough action to satisfy fans of swords and shields.
"J. Edgar"
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Watts
Director: Clint Eastwood
Plot: A behind-the-scenes look at the man who ran the FBI.
What to expect: This will either be an Oscar nod for DiCaprio or his biggest flop.
"Jack and Jill"
Stars: Adam Sandler, Katie Holmes
Director: Dennis Dugan
Plot: A successful father and businessman dreads the annual visit by his sister. Sandler plays both roles.
What to expect: You'll either love it – or hate it twice as much – depending on how you feel about Sandler.
Nov. 18
"Happy Feet Two"
Stars: Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Brad Pitt
Director: George Miller
Plot: Mumble is distraught because his son is afraid to dance.
What to expect: The mix of cute penguins and a strong soundtrack will have toes tapping.
"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn (Part 1)"
Stars: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner
Director: Bill Condon
Plot: Bella gets pregnant on her wedding night with Edward. And, oh baby, things get wild.
What to expect: This will draw big crowds. The end is almost here for this series.
Nov. 23
"Arthur Christmas"
Stars: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent
Director: Sarah Smith
Plot: Santa's misfit son goes on a mission to deliver a present before Christmas morning.
What to expect: The idea seems as dated as last year's Christmas gifts.
TV and movie critic Rick Bentley can be reached at rbentley@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6355. Read his blog at fresnobeehive.com.
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