At the Movies - 12-19-08

Talk about it

Here are the new movies starting this week at Midway Mall Cinema 9. For complete information, including other movies playing and times, log onto www.midwaycinema9.com.

Seven Pounds

Drama – PG-13

Clinically depressed IRS agent Ben believes that in one crucial moment in his past, he made the wrong decision and destroyed his chances at future happiness. Now, in a desperate attempt to atone for his guilt, he assumes his younger brother’s identity and sets out to change the lives of seven people he has never met. In the process, he befriends a blind pianist and falls in love with a remarkable, courageous young woman who will make him reevaluate not only his plan, but his entire life.

• Directed by: Gabriele Muccino.

• Starring: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Michael Ealy, Barry Pepper and Woody Harrelson.

• This film is rated PG-13 for thematic material, some disturbing content and a scene of sensuality.

The Tale of Despereaux

Animated Adventure – G

Tiny and graced with oversized ears, Despereaux was born too big for his little world. Refusing to live his life cowering, he befriends a princess named Pea and learns to read – rather than eat – books, reveling in stories of knights, dragons and fair maidens. After Pea is kidnapped, Despereaux discovers he is the only one who can rescue her…and that even the tiniest mouse can find the courage of a knight in shining armor. In this tale of bravery, forgiveness and redemption, one small creature will teach a kingdom that it takes only a little light to show the truth. What you look like doesn’t equal what you are.

• Directed by: Sam Fell and Robert Stevenhagen.

• Starring: The voices of Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Watson, Tracy Ullman, Kevin Kline, William H. Macy, Stanley Tucci, Robbie Coltrane, Frank Langella, Richard Jenkins, Christopher Lloyd and Sigourney Weaver.

Yes Man

Comedy – PG-13

Jim Carrey stars as Carl Allen, a guy whose life is going nowhere – the operative word being “no” – until he signs up for a self-help program based on one simple covenant: say yes to everything…and anything. Unleashing the power of “Yes” begins to transform Carl’s life in amazing and unexpected ways, getting him promoted at work and opening the door to a new romance. But his willingness to embrace every opportunity might just become too much of a good thing.

• Directed by: Peyton Reed.

• Starring: Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, Rhys Darby, John Michael Higgins, Danny Masterson, Terence Stamp and Rocky Carroll.

• This film is rated PG-13 for crude sexual humor, language and brief nudity.

Four Christmases

Comedy – PG-13

No one enjoys the holidays more than Brad and Kate. Every December 25, this happily unmarried, upscale San Francisco couple embark on a holiday tradition they have shared every year since they met – ditching their crazy families for a relaxing, fun-filled vacation in some sunny exotic location. Sipping margaritas by the pool, they toast the season, knowing they have once again avoided the chaos and emotional fallout of their four respective households – divorced parents, squabbling siblings, out-of-control kids and all the simmering resentments and awkward moments that are the hallmarks of every Christmas. But not this year. Shorts and sunglasses packed, the couple is trapped at the airport by a fogbank that cancels every outbound flight. With no escape and no excuses, they are now expected home by Brad’s father…and Kate’s mother…and Brad’s mother…and Kate’s father. It’s four Christmases in one day.

• Directed by: Seth Gordon.

• Starring: Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Kristin Chenoweth, Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Mary Steenburgen, Jon Favreau, Tim McGraw, Dwight Yoakam and Skyler Gisondo.

• This film is rated PG-13 for some sexual humor and language.

Tags: movies, cinema, 9, theater, alexandria