Holiday Movie Guide: The December Movies to Check Out (Part 2/2)

In part II of the 2009 holiday movie guide, AceShowbiz presents a varied compilation of December films built for those seeking entertainment and for indie movie lovers.

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Continuing the 2009 holiday movies list, here AceShowbiz presents the second part of the two-part holiday movie guide. Similar to Part I, it offers two categories of movies. This time around, the remaining feature films coming out in December 2009 are divided into "Pure Entertainment" and "Limited Releases".

The majority of the films compiled in the "Pure Entertainment" can be enjoyed with the family. In fact, some of them are designed for kids to enjoy. The "Limited Releases", in the meantime, lists charming movies which will be screened in limited theaters across the U.S. this holiday season. Among Part II's selection are side-splitting "It's Complicated" and heart-touching "Hachiko: A Dog's Story".

PURE ENTERTAINMENT

"The Princess and the Frog"

Release Date: December 11



Been missing the old-fashioned, hand-drawn animation? Walt Disney Pictures will delight you this holiday season with "The Princess and the Frog". But, that's not the only thing this brand new animation from the mouse house has in stores for movie lovers. It offers the Grimm brothers' classic tale "The Frog Prince" like none before by twisting the essential kissing part. In this movie, instead of turning the frog back into his prince form, the kiss transforms the girl into a frog as well, forcing the two to find a mean to break the spell together. A sprinkle of '20s Jazz music here and there definitely adds to the fun of watching this movie with the whole family.

"It's Complicated"

Release Date: December 25



"It's Complicated" is nothing but a side-splitting romcom. The movie turns a plain love triangle between Jane and two men into one ticklish mess considering that one of them is her already-remarried ex-husband Jake. Many of the scenes when Jake tries to win Jane back will inflict one chuckle after another. Adding spices to the story are three Hollywood veterans, Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. Two of the latest are indeed known for their comedic side. To sum up how fun this movie can be: only Hollywood can turn a messy love triangle into a roaring hilarity.

LIMITED RELEASES

"Agora"

Release Date: December 18



A period piece that takes one back to ancient Egypt in the time of religious intolerance. That's well described "Agora". Hailed by Variety as "a visually imposing, high-minded epic", this Alejandro Amenabar-directed movie centers around female philosopher Hypatia as she fights to save the wisdom of the Ancient World when violent religious upheaval in the streets of Alexandria spills over into the city's famous library. While Amenabar is both saluted and criticized for his work here, Rachel Weisz receives nothing but praise for her portrayal of Hypatia. The Hollywood Reporter called her performance as an "unfaltering" one.

"Hachiko: A Dog's Story"

Release Date: December 18



Whether you are a dog lover or not, "Hachiko: A Dog's Story" is the kind of movie that will change your perspective on the man's best friend and warm your heart. This remake of the 1987 Japanese film "Hachiko Monogatari" picks up the true story of one faithful Japanese dog. Abandoned as a puppy, Hachiko meets a college professor who takes him into his care. As the bond between the two grows, he accompanies his master to the train station everyday and returns each afternoon to greet him after work. When his master passes away, he returns to the same spot at the station faithfully waiting for his return. The movie reunites actor Richard Gere and director Lasse Halstrom after their previous collaboration in "The Hoax".

"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus"

Release Date: December 25



"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" is the last movie the late Heath Ledger stars in. In fact, the young actor passed away halfway through the production of this fantasy drama, which leads to the joining of Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell and Jude Law to fill the vacant role of Tony left by Ledger. It would be nice to see how all four actors give their own personal touch to the mysterious character. As for the film itself, Wendy Ide of The Times describes it as "mad and beautiful and bewildering", and Olly Richards of Empire Magazine hails it to be a movie "born out of a passion and determination that are wholly infectious".

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