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CHRISTMAS 2008 MOVIE REVIEWS
By Denise Castillón

EENY, MEANY, MINEY, CHRISTMAS MOVIE

‘Tis the night before Christmas, but, indecision on which movie to go to on Christmas Day runs through your house.

If you’re looking for happy escapism (-and, who isn’t!), then you have a tough choice to make among the merry comedies opening Christmas Day, – Adam Sandler’s BEDTIME STORIES, Jim Carrey’s YES MAN or Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston’s MARLEY & ME.

But, if you wish to treat yourself with a well-deserved cinematic gift instead, in that case, you still have a difficult decision between three very unique films, - Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman’s DOUBT, Will Smith’s SEVEN POUNDS or Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett’s THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON.

DEFINITELY CONTEMPLATE “DOUBT”
(Running Time: 104 min; Rated: PG-13)

“DOUBT” is certainly flawless as a film more thought-provoking than emotionally stimulating.
Even more perfection is crafted from supreme performances by Oscar winners, Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Amy Adams and Voila Davis are also highly accomplished stand-outs in their roles in John Patrick Shanley’s film adaptation of his Tony-winning Broadway play, titled “Doubt: A Parable”.
Set in the midst of the social and political changes of the 60’s, a catholic school, in a working-class Bronx neighborhood, becomes the center of a storm between two formidable adversaries. Beyond the verdict of guilty or innocent, you must carefully interpret motivations, and heed "Every easy choice today will have its consequence tomorrow. Mark my words."
Directed and written by John Patrick Shanley.


“SEVEN POUNDS” WORTH ITS WEIGHT
(Running Time: 118 min; Rated: PG-13)

Will Smith plays grief-stricken IRS agent Ben Smith in “Seven Pounds”, who pays mysterious personal visits to unsuspecting citizens. While we strive to understand his puzzling behavior and uncover his true intentions, we observe him court Rosario Dawson as the sickly and equally lonely Emily Posa. After revealing flashback unravels this films’ mystery, we are emotionally transported into a heartrending drama by fine acting performances from Will Smith and Rosario Dawson.

Directed by Gabriele Muccino (The Pursit of Happyness). Written by Grant Nieporte.

SPOILER ALERT! The film’s title alludes to the plot’s premise; think “seven pounds of flesh”.


SURRENDER TO THE MAGIC OF “THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON”
(Running Time: 159 min; Rated: PG-13)

Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett star in this magical, heart-warming story that follows the backward ageing process of an orphaned baby raised in a loving “old folks” home in Louisiana. Based on an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story, the script for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” was written by Eric Roth, (FORREST GUMP). There are obvious similarities as both are well-crafted, fantastical dramas revolving on the titled characters’ life adventures. However, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is based in emotional honesty, and overflowing with genuine life experiences that remind us “It’s never too late”.

Directed by David Fincher, (ZODIAC, FIGHT CLUB, SE7EN).

Merry Christmas, and may the New Year bring much success and good health!