Apocalypto

The Players: Director Mel Gibson
The Story: Set in the Mayan kingdom during it’s decline, the movie focus on a young man that has to escape being offered as sacrifice.
Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
Trailer

So, Gibson’s newest bloody epic is here. Can you put aside Gibson’s personal mess? Even if you can, do you want to see another movie in dead language? I’ll admit to being curious, but my interest in this film has dropped considerably after taking a look at the reviews. And no, I can’t separate my feelings about the movie from my feelings about Gibson, a least not completely.

Blood Diamond

The Players: Leonardo DiCaprio and director Edward Zwick (Glory, The Last Samurai)
The Story: Something about Africa, and Diamonds. Bloody Diamonds.
Rotten Tomatoes: 55%
Trailer

The message movie of the year! Or not! Maybe just an action movie. Or not! Honestly, the setting is interesting, but although I love Edward Zwick’s TV work, his film work is spotty, and he tends to get this type of movie wrong. Originally considered a possible Oscar contender the lukewarm reception the movie got from critics pretty much killed that prospect.

The Holiday

The Players: Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet,  Jude Law and  Jack Black. Also, directed and written by Nancy Meyers(Something’s Gotta Give, What Women Want) .
The Story: Two Women, one living in England, another living in the USA, exchange homes for two weeks. Love ensues.
Rotten Tomatoes:50%
Trailer

Not the most exciting premise, is it? But the cast is solid and Nancy Meyers generally does good romantic comedies, so, maybe? If you really like the genre? And are feeling romantic? Probably not in the same league as The Family Stone.

Unaccompanied Minors

The Players: Uhmmmm, Fez ? (By the way, scary photo dude, almost had me fooled)
The Story: A group of unaccompanied minors (hence the title) gets stuck in an airport. Apparently the movie morph in a lame holiday movie at some point.
Rotten Tomatoes: 27%
Trailer

"Well the movie sucks. Let’s just dump it in the holiday season and see if some fool bites"