Tron: Legacy
Release Date: Dec. 17
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund
Rev up your Light Cycles and get ready because Tron: Legacy is almost here.
Tron: Legacy, the follow up to the 1982 cult classic Tron, releases nationwide Dec. 17. While cult sequels aren't normally the best idea, just look at Blues Brothers 2000. This film in particular is full of potential.
With Light Cycle races, vengeful computer programs, an original score by the one and only Daft Punk, and, of course, an overabundance of neon, Tron: Legacy is guaranteed to fill anyone's holiday season with more cyber action than a Duke Nukem game.
Even with all the action being incorporated into this Walt Disney-produced sequel, the real reason behind it being worthwhile is the return of Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart) as the iconic Kevin Flynn. This factor alone makes Tron: Legacy worthy of a trip to the theater during winter break.
Yogi Bear
Release Date: Dec. 17
Starring: Dan Aykroyd, Justin Timberlake, Anna Farris
It's no secret that Hollywood's originality has been on the decline. Between remakes, reboots and sequels, original ideas have become a scarcity. While this may be seen as generally negative, there are exceptions, one of which is the new film Yogi Bear.
The movie is an adaptation of the beloved children's cartoon and stars Dan Aykroyd (I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry) as the "pick-a-nic" basket stealing Yogi Bear and Justin Timberlake (The Social Network) as Boo Boo. Taking on the role of the cartoon's buzz kill Ranger Jones is Tom Cavanagh (Edgar Floats).
In the film, Jellystone Park is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Unfortunately, due to low attendance, the mayor wants to close the park and naturally it's up to Yogi and Boo Boo to save the day.
Yogi Bear is quickly shaping up to be the best family comedy of the year. The film releases Dec. 17 and is sure to provide plenty of laughs thanks to Yogi being smarter than your average bear.
Green Hornet
Release Date: Jan. 14
Starring: Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Cameron Diaz
Seth Rogen (Funny People) takes his first step into the superhero realm with his upcoming film The Green Hornet.
Rogen takes on the role of Britt Reid, a multi-millionaire playboy and heir to his father's newspaper business. When his father passes, Reid realizes that he has been wasting his life and the Green Hornet is born. Accompanied by his sidekick Kato (Jay Chou, True Legend), Reid sets out to clean up the streets as the masked hero.
Rogen not only stars in The Green Hornet, but he also had a hand in writing it. Due to his influence, the movie looks to balance out its action-filled plot with an equal helping of Rogen-style comedy. In essence, The Green Hornet is The Dark Knight meets Superbad.
The Green Hornet premieres Jan. 14 and any superhero fan should be more than excited for this one.
True Grit
Release Date: Dec. 22
Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon
True Grit is an upcoming film that would make John Wayne proud.
Directed by the infamous Joel and Ethan Coen, who are responsible for giving the world Burn After Reading, No Country for Old Men and several others, True Grit is an adaptation of the 1968 novel of the same name.
The movie is set in the "old West" and follows the story of 14 year old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld, Sons of Tucson) who sets out to avenge her father's death. She is accompanied on her journey by the drunken, yet tough, marshal named Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart).
True Grit promises to be full of grim situations and plenty of Western-style shootouts. If you're a fan of cowboys or just impressive cinematography, True Grit may just be the film to put some "grit" in your stocking.
The film hits theaters Dec. 22.
Ong Bak 3
Release Date: Jan. 14
Starring: Tony Jaa
At this point, Tony Jaa should just change his name to Epic Jaa.
Ong Bak 3 is the concluding chapter in the Ong Bak saga and is sure to be full of the martial arts action that has come to define the series. This is one film no action junkie will want to miss.
The movie stars the impressive Tony Jaa (Ong Bak 2) as the fierce muay thai fighter, Tien, and picks up exactly where Ong Bak 2 left off. Tien is captured and on the verge of death after a savage beating.
As with the other two installments of the series, Ong Bak 3 is sure to feature plenty of slow motion combat, allowing viewers to revel in Jaa's skill frame by frame. Think of Ong Bak 3 as The Matrix, but without guns or a convoluted plot.
The movie will be kicking its way to theaters on Jan. 14.
E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com