Of all the big holiday releases, I Am Legend is probably the one I'm least excited to see. And that's saying a lot considering National Treasure 2 is on the docket. As for Legend, I just get the feeling that there's absolutely nothing in the movie that will surprise me. And I'm sure that the dark ending of Matheson's source novel has been scrapped in favor of something more life-affirming. Because Will Smith never loses, right? Depressing.

On the other hand, The Kite Runner should offer many surprises since I never read the book on which it's based. The film was pulled from its original release date in order to protect the young actors from retribution in their native Afghanistan. Given that sort of strange controversy, my interest is sufficiently piqued. The Kite Runner was expected to be a big contender come Oscar time, but reviews have only been just above average.

For the first time in a decade, the great Francis Ford Coppola has directed a movie. That movie is Youth Without Youth, a rather strange tale based on a relatively obscure novel. The story is about a man struck by lightning who begins to age in reverse. The critical reception for the film hasn't been so positive, but a new Coppola movie is an event for any true fan of cinema. I'll be seeing it this weekend.

Whenever I see the previews for Alvin and the Chipmunks, I always think about Garfield. Not because both are movies about famous animated creatures, but because both films managed to put together decent casts. I still don't understand why Bill Murray did Garfield and I'm equally perplexed as to why Jason Lee and David Cross are showing up in Chipmunks. Again, depressing. I guess mortgages on mansions are expensive.

I'm probably one of the few people who completely despises Queen Latifah as an actress. As far as I'm concerned, she's always false. Thankfully, I hear she's only barely in The Perfect Holiday so I may check it out if only to see the great Faizon Love. I'm willing to bet he steals this movie just like he stole Elf and just like he stole Made. The story seems extremely corny--kid asks Santa to date lonely mom--so ticket buyer beware.

Tickets & Showtimes

I Am Legend
The Kite Runner
Youth Without Youth
Alvin and the Chipmunks
The Perfect Holiday

Reviews

I Am Legend
The Kite Runner
Youth Without Youth
Alvin and the Chipmunks
The Perfect Holiday

Previews

I Am Legend

The Kite Runner

Youth Without Youth

Alvin and the Chipmunks

The Perfect Holiday

Photos courtesy of Warner Brothers and 20th Century Fox