This Week's PCR Movie Review

	Holiday Movie Preview by: Michael A. Smith

LA FLORIDIANA La Floridiana Lite  by Will Moriaty
MOVIE REVIEW "Babel"  by Mike Smith
HOLIDAY MOVIE PREVIEW The 2006 Holiday Preview  by Mike Smith
ODDSERVATIONS Get Miff'd!....Concert Review: THE CULT  by Andy Lalino
CHILLER CINEMA Zombies! Zombies! Zombies! Part Two  by Drew Reiber
MIKE'S RANT Happy Birthday....Bond Is Back....And There Was Much Rejoicing....In Texas, "Doing A Great Job" Means "You're Fired!"....I H8 You!...What??...But Can He Bite The Head Off A Bat?...Passing On....My Favorite Films, Part 45: "All That Jazz"  by Mike Smith
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Once again the holiday season is close at hand. And, in a typical example of giving, Hollywood has packed their sack with a generous assortment of films. Mindless comedies and award contenders. Here is what you can look forward to over the next two months. As I warn you every year, the listed release date is subject to change at the whim of the film studios. Some synopsis information courtesy of the Internet Movie Data Base.

NOW PLAYING

STRANGER THAN FICTION
Starring: Will Ferrell, Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman
Directed by: Marc Forster

Ferrell stars as Harold Crick, an IRS auditor who suddenly finds his every action narrated by an unseen voice in his head. Turns out the voice belongs to an author who is working on a novel featuring a man named Harold Crick.
OSCAR CHANCES: Ferrell heads into serious territory ala Jim Carrey and Robin Williams and is getting good word of mouth. Thompson already owns 2 Oscars, as does Hoffman.

FUR: AN IMAGINARY POTRAIT OF DIANE ARBUS
Starring: Nicole Kidman and Robert Downey, Jr.
Directed by: Steven Shainberg

The story of renowned photographer Diane Arbus and her relationship with her mentor, Lionel Sweeney.
OSCAR CHANCES: Almost every film Nicole Kidman has done since "To Die For" has had the word of mouth that she gives a great performance, "Bewitched" excluded. She has an Oscar for "The Hours" and Downey was nominated in the past for his work in "Chaplin" so any nods wouldn't be a complete surprise.

A GOOD YEAR
Starring: Russell Crowe, Abbie Comish and Albert Finney
Directed by: Ridley Scott

An Englishman inherits a vineyard owned by his uncle, only to find his plans disturbed when his long lost cousin from the California wine country arrives.
OSCAR CHANCES: Crowe is always a possibility, as is Finney. Scott directed the Oscar winning Best Picture "Gladiator."

NOVEMBER 17

CASINO ROYALE
Starring: Daniel Craig, Eva Green and Judi Dench
Directed by: Martin Campbell

The James Bond saga goes back to the beginning with a look at how the spy earned his "00" status. Like "Batman Begins" without the cowl. Craig takes over for Pierce Brosnan whose first film as Bond, "Goldeneye," was also directed by Campbell.
OSCAR CHANCES: The film series has earned many nominations for the various theme songs and special effects.

HAPPY FEET
Starring the voices of: Elijah Wood, Brittany Murphy, Robin Williams and Hugh Jackman
Directed by: George Miller

Apparently all penguins find their soul mates through their gift of song. All except Mumbles, who can't carry a tune. He can, however, tap dance like a fool.
OSCAR CHANCES: Though best known for creating the "Mad Max" series, director Miller also scored an Oscar nod for "Babe." A shoo-in nomination for Best Animated Film.

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
Starring: Christopher Guest, Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy
Directed by: Christopher Guest

The creators of "Waiting for Guffman" and "A Mighty Wind" now tackle the hype machine of Hollywood. When an offhanded comment by a critic reviewing the film, "Home for Purim" contains the word "Oscar," the studio runs with it.
OSCAR CHANCES: Writers Guest and Levy are long overdue for some academy recognition. Of the cast, O'Hara is actually garnering some attention "for our consideration."

NOVEMBER 22/23

DEJA VU
Starring: Denzel Washington, Val Kilmer and Jim Caviezel
Directed by: Tony Scott

An ATF agent travels back in time to prevent an explosion aboard a New Orleans ferry. While in the past he falls in love with one of the potential victims of the blast.
OSCAR BUZZ: Denzel last teamed with director Scott (Ridley's brother) on "Crimson Tide," so the two know how to make a good movie together. However, this looks like a standard action film, albeit with some science fiction elements.

DECK THE HALLS
Starring: Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito
Directed by: John Whitesell

As Christmas approaches, two neighbors compete to see who can decorate their house best.
OSCAR CHANCES: About as good as last year's "Christmas with the Kranks" had.

THE HISTORY BOYS
Starring: Richard Griffiths and Clive Merrison
Directed by: Nicholas Hytner

During the 1980s unruly students at a boy's grammar school in England pursue sex, sports and a degree while guided along by two very different teachers.
OSCAR CHANCES: Griffiths won the Tony Award for his work in the stage show so he may follow Yul Brenner, Rex Harrison and Paul Scofield's footsteps to Oscar's stage.

TENACIOUS D in THE PICK OF DESTINY
Starring: Jack Black and Kyle Gass
Directed by: Liam Lynch

Before becoming a big screen funny man, Black teamed with Gass as the group Tenacious D. Their love for all things alcoholic and musical stands out in this fictional account of how they got together.
OSCAR CHANCES: None but I guarantee a fun time.

BOBBY
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Sharon Stone, William H. Macy and Demi Moore
Directed by: Emilio Estevez

June 5, 1968. A group of people have gathered at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles to watch presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy claim victory in California. When Kennedy is shot, the lives of those around him are forever changed.
OSCAR CHANCES: Hard to guess who will stand out in an ensemble piece. Estevez did get a good review from the person whose opinion matters most: Ethel Kennedy.

DECEMBER 1

VAN WILDER: THE RISE OF TAJ
Starring: Kal Penn
Directed by: Mort Nathan

Free from being Ryan Reynold's man servant, Taj Mahal heads to Oxford to continue his education.
OSCAR CHANCES: Slim and none!

DECEMBER 8

APOCOLYPTO
Starring: Gerado Taracena
Directed by: Mel Gibson

Faced with the decline of their kingdom, the Mayans attempt to turn their fortunes around with a human sacrifice.
OSCAR CHANCES: Gibson won an Oscar for directing another epic, "Braveheart." After his recent troubles surfaced I'm not sure how good a film opening a week before Hanukkah will do.

BLOOD DIAMOND
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly and Djimon Hounsou
Directed by: Edward Zwick

The fates of a mercenary, a fisherman and a journalist are entwined as they hunt for a priceless diamond.
OSCAR CHANCES: Connelly has an Oscar from "A Beautiful Mind," and both DiCaprio and Hounsou have been nominated in the past. Director Zwick is still looking for the nomination he should have gotten for "Glory."

THE HOLIDAY
Starring: Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black and Jude Law
Directed by: Nancy Meyers

Two women, one American and the other English, agree to swap the men in their lives for the holidays.
OSCAR CHANCES: Meyers directed Diane Keaton to a nomination for "Something's Gotta Give," so my bet would be on Winslet, already nominated four times in the past.

DECEMBER 15

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
Starring: Will Smith, Thandie Newton and Jaden Smith
Directed by: Gabriele Muccino

Based on the true story of Christopher Gardener, who takes custody of his son while trying to become a stockbroker. Jaden Smith is Will's son with Jada Pinkett.
OSCAR CHANCES: None that I can see.

ERAGON
Starring: Edward Speleers and Jeremy Irons
Directed by: Stefen Fangmeier

A farm boy discovers a dragon egg and undertakes a journey to protect his home against an evil king.
OSCAR CHANCES: Not for this Lord of the Rings-lite.

VENUS
Starring: Peter O'Toole and Leslie Phillips
Directed by: Roger Michell

An aging actor makes a connection with his best friend's grand niece while dwelling on the fact that his life is nearing its end.
OSCAR CHANCES: O'Toole has seven nominations and an honorary Oscar and is generating great buzz for nomination number eight.

DREAMGIRLS
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Beyonce' Knowles and Eddie Murphy
Directed by: Bill Condon

When the backup group of a popular singer break off on their own, tensions and troubles among the members threaten to split them up. Loosely based on the story of the Supremes.
OSCAR CHANCES: You can never count out the team that brought the Oscar winning "Chicago" to the screen. Eddie Murphy seems to be a lock for a supporting actor nod.

DECEMBER 22

ROCKY BALBOA
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Tarver and Burt Young
Directed by: Sylvester Stallone

When a video game simulation declares Rocky in his prime would beat the current champ, the southpaw from Philly entertains the thought of returning to the ring.
OSCAR CHANCES: People forget that Stallone was nominated twice (Best Actor and Best Screenplay) for "Rocky," which won the Best Picture award. A return to the original's heart could earn the film some recognition.

CHARLOTTE'S WEB
Starring: Dakota Fanning and the voices of Julia Roberts and Oprah Winfrey
Directed by: Gary Winick

An updated version of the classic E.B. White story in which Charlotte the spider tries to save the life of her pig friend, Wilbur. Some pig!
OSCAR CHANCES: Could go the route of "Babe" and capture some surprise nominations.

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
Starring: Ben Stiller, Ricky Gervais
Directed by: Shawn Levy

The night watchman at the Museum of Natural History has problems when the animals on display come to life.
OSCAR CHANCES: Special effects seem to be the one to watch for.

THE GOOD SHEPARD
Starring: Robert DeNiro, Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie
Directed by: Robert DeNiro

The history of the CIA as told by James Wilson, one of it's founding officers.
OSCAR CHANCES: All three stars have Oscars (Damon's was for writing) so never say never.

WE ARE MARSHALL
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, David Strathairn and Matthew Fox
Directed by: McG

Based on the true story of the Marshall University football team, most of who were killed in a plane crash.
OSCAR CHANCES: Hollywood loves true stories, especially inspirational ones.

DECEMBER 25

CHILDREN OF MEN
Starring: Julianne Moore and Clive Owen
Directed by: Alfonso Cuaron

In the near future, where humans will no longer be able to procreate, a miraculously pregnant woman is discovered.
OSCAR CHANCES: Both Moore and Owen always do good work.

THE GOOD GERMAN
Starring: George Clooney and Cate Blanchett
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh

An American journalist travels to Berlin to find his former lover and finds more then he bargained for.
OSCAR CHANCES: Both stars and director Soderbergh already have Oscars which is always a good sign.