The Golden Compass
Ever since Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings hit it big with their adaptation sagas, Hollywood was has been trying to stock up on as many trilogy-producing scripts as they can get. The latest was written and directed by Chris Weitz (About a Boy) who adapted Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials, a novel about an orphan named Lyra (Dakota Blue Richards) who lives in a parallel universe where a hierarchy known as the Magisterium tries to control the human race. The witches prophesied that Lyra would be the one to end this war. When her friend is taken, she tries to rescue him using the golden compass to guide her, since it reveals the answer to any question it is asked and tells the future. Cast as the villain Nicole Kidman perfects the icy glare and hopefully revives her career. Daniel Craig plays the heroine's adventurous uncle, and Eva Green (Casino Royale) is the enchanting Witch Queen. The film is very dark in comparison to The Chronicles of Narnia, and will probably stir up more nightmares than Voldemort could on his own. So if you're in for an adventurous thrill, let this trilogy in the making take you for a ride.
Atonement
This romantic tragedy is about a 13-year-old girl (Saoirse Ronan) who falsely accuses her older sister's (Keira Knightley) true love (James McAvoy) of committing a terrible crime because she has a crush on him. The film spans several years where she tries to atone for her sins, while the lovers try to make their way back to each other. Critics are loving it for its tale of a ravishing romance and heartbreak.
Revolver
Oh how I've missed Guy Ritchie's hilariously violent films. It's been 7 years since Ritchie has taken a break from trailing his wife Madonna and pampering his new adopted son to make a decent film (Snatch), not to mention give his golden boy Jason Statham something to sink his teeth into. This time around Statham plays Jake Green, an expert con artist, who never loses at chess. Unfortunately, he gets invited to a private game to play against Dorothy Macha (Ray Liotta), a crime boss and local casino owner, and he's expected to lose on purpose since most people are afraid to beat him. Of course, he doesn't. So Macha puts a hit out on him. His only salvation is joining a pair of brothers, Avi (Andre "3000" Benjamin from Idelwild) and Zack (Vincent Pastore from "The Sopranos"), who are planning on taking Macha down too. Because Ritchie's plots are never cut and dry, what ensues is an extremely elaborate con that rivals Ocean's Eleven and The Italian Job. Let's be honest, revenge is more fun when the victim is completely oblivious. Let the mayhem begin.
Grace is Gone
I don't think you'll get past the first scene without balling. Over the years, the aftermath of 9/11 and the effects of war have been presented from several different perspectives. But watching this drama about a man who is trying his hardest to avoid informing his daughters that their mother has died in Iraq will bring you to tears. This critically lauded film written and directed by the up and coming James C. Strouse (Lonesome Jim) stars a heartbreaking John Cusack. It's one of those films that's sure to bring you down while teaching you how to hold yourself up.
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