BIG BUDGET FILMS
"Avatar" (PG-13 for sensuality, profanity, smoking and intense epic battle sequences) James Cameron's long-awaited, futuristic, sci-fi thriller, revolving around a paraplegic, ex-Marine (Sam Worthington) torn between loyalty to the corporate employer which sent him to extract rare minerals from a remote planet and his concern for the welfare of the locals, especially the attractive humanoid (Zoe Saldana) who turns his head. Dances with Aliens. Cast includes Michelle Rodriguez, Sigourney Weaver, Laz Alonso, CCH Pounder and Giovanni Ribisi.
"Did You Hear about the Morgans?" (PG-13 for sexual references and momentary violence) Romantic comedy starring Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker as an estranged couple who get a sorely-needed change of scenery and an opportunity to work on their marriage when they're relocated by the FBI from Manhattan to Wyoming for their own protection after witnessing a murder. With Sam Elliott, Mary Steenburgen, Mandy Moore and Wilfred Brimley.
INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS
"Crazy Heart" (R for profanity and brief sexuality) Jeff Bridges stars in this adaptation of Thomas Cobb's bittersweet best seller about a washed-up, womanizing, alcoholic, country crooner in search of salvation who gets a little help on the road to redemption from a supportive, investigative journalist (Maggie Gyllenhaal) with a heart of gold.
"Nine" (PG-13 for sexuality and smoking) Rob Marshall directs this adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical about a famous film director's (Daniel Day Lewis) attempt to manage his mid-life crisis while juggling the competing demands of his wife (Marion Cotillard), his mistress (Penelope Cruz), his confidant (Judi Dench), his muse (Nicole Kidman), a prostitute (Fergie), a journalist (Kate Hudson) and even his late mother (Sophia Loren).
"Ricky" (Unrated) Francois Ozon directs this fantasy about a single-mom (Alexandra Lamy) whose love affair with a blue-collar co-worker (Sergi Lopez) at a factory produces a magical, mutant baby (Arthur Peyret) capable of flying. (In French with subtitles)
"A Town Called Panic" (Unrated) Animated adventure about a plastic cowboy (Stephane Aubier), Indian (Bruce Ellison) and horse (Vincent Patar) who embark on a journey to the center of the earth where they discover a parallel underwater universe inhabited by a race of kleptomaniacal, pointy-headed sea creatures. (In French with subtitles)
"The Young Victoria" (PG for mild sensuality, smoking, brief violence and mild epithets) Historical costume drama chronicling the early years in the reign of Queen Victoria (Emily Blunt) and her enduring love for Prince Albert (Rupert Friend). Cast includes Miranda Richardson, Paul Bettany and Jim Broadbent. (In English and German with subtitles)
