Tron: Legacy — Dec. 17
In the film, a video game called Tron holds Kevin Flynn, Jeff Bridges, captive. After 25 years, his son Sam investigates his disappearance, and the digital world sucks him in, too.
The film uses many of its original characters and sets, and both Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner play the same characters they did in 1982, when Tron was released.
Some sets, such as Kevin’s arcade, were recreated before filming, and filmmakers paid incredible attention to detail. Sam Flynn’s childhood bedroom stays true to the original, down to the 1980’s Macintosh and a 1979 movie poster.
See with: Your Comic-Con buddies
Why: Tron: Legacy is part of a sci-fi franchise that’s lasted longer than two decades.
The Illusionist — Dec. 25
The Illusionist, adapted from a screenplay written by Jacques Tati and directed by Sylvain Chomet, is an animated film about a dying breed of performer — the magician.
Viewers are introduced to a magician who meets a young fan after a show. As the movie progresses, a father-daughter relationship develops between them.
In almost any synopsis on any website, you find the same two sentences, explaining those same two concepts.
Two. Frustrating. Sentences.
Maybe it’s a tactic to create buzz.
Or, maybe the producers just didn’t want to translate a French version.
While The Illusionist received huge critical acclaim, its box office woes show that it may have little popular appeal — especially outside of its native France.
If you choose to try it for yourself, The Illusionist should be an interesting addition to your holiday season.
See with: Yourself, or your equally deep friends
Why: It’s not your typical date-night movie. Be prepared to engage in an in-depth analysis of the film and your perspective on its theme.
Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader — Dec. 10
The first and second movies received mixed responses from audiences. Hopefully, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader will be a game-changer for the Narnia franchise.
In the film, a painting pulls Edmund and Lucy Pevensie and their cousin Eustace onto the deck of the Dawn Treader, a ship built by their friend King Caspian.
As they sail on a mission to find Aslan the Lion, the three travel beyond the Silver Sea and into new territory and stumble upon a world of new characters and obstacles.
See with: Your fellow children’s movie enthusiasts
Why: This is the kind of movie you would have been ecstatic about when you were younger. Don’t lose that — think of how happy your parents will be to hear you’re going to a movie whose rating doesn’t have an age requirement.
Little Fockers — Dec. 22
In this third movie, Greg (Ben Stiller) stresses over his twins. He worries about making money and finding a new and more permanent job. He receives an interesting offer to promote pharmaceuticals, but not the type that will keep his father-in-law’s, Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) good opinion.
Both the Fockers and the Byrnes come together to celebrate the holidays and the twins’ birthday. Tensions will build between Greg and Jack and hilarity will ensue.
See with: Friends and family
Why: Little Fockers will have something for everyone. Go enjoy the holiday goodness, and laugh every time Ben Stiller does something to make his situation worse.
