WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEKEND – DEC 3-6

With so much grabbing for your attention and dollars these days, it’s easy to miss when the latest releases are heading to a cinema near you. So come back every week as we here at So, Is It Any Good? preview the new movies hitting screens.

This weekend, there’s so much trying to get your attention, I pity those who are indecisive! Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt team up for the bro-tastic yuletide treat The Night Before, Chris Hemsworth battles the white whale In The Heart Of The Sea, Cate Blanchett and Robert Redford search for the Truth, and Jason Segel and Jesse Eisenberg discuss The End Of The Tour.

The Night Before

 
The-Night-Before-New-PosterRating: MA15+

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anthony Mackie

Synopsis: In New York City for their annual tradition of Christmas Eve debauchery, three lifelong best friends set out to find the Holy Grail of Christmas parties since their yearly reunion might be coming to an end.

Our Verdict

Trailer:

Why you should be interested: Because the holiday period can be hard enough, sometimes we just need a good laugh. If you’re a fan of the bro-comedy and dig Seth Rogen and/or Joseph Gordon-Levitt (and who doesn’t), this will be your cup of eggnog for sure. It looks like a good time, and although it’s probably not a Christmas classic like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation or Home Alone, I doubt anybody will be angry with their decision to drop a $20 on this.

Who should see it: Festive film fans

In The Heart Of The Sea

 
in_the_heart_of_the_sea_ver2_xlgRating: M

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Brendan Gleeson

Synopsis: Based on the 1820 event, a whaling ship is preyed upon by a sperm whale, stranding its crew at sea for 90 days, thousands of miles from home.

Trailer:

Why you should be interested: Billed as a “historical biographical disaster drama-thriller”, director Ron Howard’s (A Beautiful Mind, The Da Vinci Code) latest is a dramatic retelling of the 1886 sinking of the whaling ship Essex by an enormous sperm whale, which also provided the basis for the literary classic Moby Dick. We were hesitant at first when this was announced (historical biographical drama doesn’t exactly scream “good time”), but the subsequent trailers have been suitably epic and thrilling, and Chris Hemsworth has the action-hero cred to pull this off. It seems to have a bit of a Life Of Pi vibe to the visuals as well, which definitely can’t hurt the moviegoing experience.

Who should see it: Thrill-seekers looking for a whale of a time

Truth

 
truth_xlgRating: M

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Robert Redford, Dennis Quaid

Synopsis: A behind-the-scenes newsroom drama detailing the 2004 CBS 60 Minutes report investigating then-President George W. Bush’s military service in the Texas Air National Guard.

Trailer:

Why you should be interested: In the tradition of All The President’s Men (also starring Redford), this delves deep into the story behind the story of George W. Bush’s military record, and the news reporter Dan Rather (Redford) and producer Mary Mapes (Blanchett) who got caught up when it went south. Aussie audiences probably don’t have the slightest clue about the story, or the fallout, but with this calibre cast I’m not sure that matters. This could figure into the year-end awards too, so if you like to keep up with those things, now’s the time to see it.

Who should see it: Moviegoers with a journalistic jones

The End Of The Tour

 
end_of_the_tour_xlgRating: MA15+

Starring: Jason Segel, Jesse Eisenberg, Anna Chlumsky

Synopsis: The story of the five-day interview between Rolling Stone reporter David Lipsky and acclaimed novelist David Foster Wallace, which took place right after the 1996 publication of Wallace’s groundbreaking epic novel, ‘Infinite Jest.’

Trailer:

Why you should be interested: The plot might not sound explosive on paper, but this true account of a five day interview Rolling Stone journalist David Lipsky conducted with acclaimed novelist David Foster Wallace in 1996 looks set to bring the acting fireworks. We know Jesse Eisenberg can handle these types of roles, but the real buzz surrounding the film is centered around Jason Segel’s turn as the long-haired, contemplative Foster Wallace. This is Segel’s first dramatic leading role after appearing in light comedic fare ever since he got his start on Freaks and Geeks, and its good to see him branching out and showing what he’s capable of. It’s kind of what Eisenberg did with The Social Network. And we all know how that turned out.

Who should see it: Those who want to chow down on some meaty drama

So, who’s getting your hard earned dollars this weekend? Hit us up in the comments and let us know what you’ve watched, and if it’s any good!

Comments

comments