The quarter system giveth and it taketh away. Finally at the giveth part, SCAD students have the glorious month of December to catch up on the essentials we’ve otherwise neglected during fall quarter: sleeping, waking up then going back to sleep, watching everything Netflix has to offer and eating all baked goods in a one mile radius. One excellent way to fill up all those sweet, empty days is to catch some of the biggest films of the year. Whether you’re bringing out the whole family, on a date night or just catching a flick with friends, this winter offers a wide array of blockbuster options.
“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”
Fri. Nov. 22
The much-anticipated sequel to the first Hunger Games film hits theaters before Thanksgiving. “As a big fan of teen science fiction, I can’t wait to see ‘Catching Fire,’” said first-year TV & film graduate student Mercedes McGraw. “The first movie was well done, and I’m curious to see where this one leads Katniss Everdeen.” This time around, Katniss and Peeta are doing a Victory Tour of the twelve districts when Katniss realizes she’s become a symbol of insurrection for the people, and she must tread carefully between a lethal government and a growing rebellion. With a rule-breaking Quarter Quell Hunger Games putting Katniss back in the center of the action, you can expect intense special effects, heightened stakes and mockingjays aplenty.
“Delivery Man”
Fri. Nov. 22
Vince Vaughn plays his stock likeable underachiever character with a twist in “Delivery Man.” Protagonist David Wozniak stumbles into fatherhood abruptly when a sperm bank recognizes him as the father of over 500 children, many of whom are clamoring to know the identity of their biological father. Terrified of this responsibility, Wozniak inserts himself into their lives and begins helping them, offering an funny and unusual view of parenthood. At the same time, his girlfriend his deciding whether he would make a suitable father. “I’m a Vince Vaugh fan,” said Joya Chapman, first-year photography student. “I think he’s hilarious.”
“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”
Fri. Dec. 13
Another part two, Peter Jackson’s “The Desolation of Smaug” continues the story of Bilbo Baggins as he, Gandalf the Grey and the dwarves try to reclaim the dwarves’ homeland, Erebor, from the dragon Smaug. Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly and Orlando Bloom join the cast for this sprawling, gorgeously-shot adventure. Though J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic “The Hobbit” is a fairly short book with a less complicated story than “The Lord of the Rings,” Peter Jackson is spreading this story thinly into three films; expect the final installment next winter.
“American Hustle”
Wed. Dec. 18
For those who prefer to pair the holidays with something gritty, this crime drama tells the story of a brilliant con man (Christian Bale) and his partner/lover (Amy Adams) who are recruited to work for an FBI agent. Soon they’re embroiled in a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia. “American Hustle” promises noir-esque action scenes, awesome 1970s fashion and Bradley Cooper with a jheri curl. The impressive cast includes Bale, Adams, Cooper, Jeremy Renner and Jennifer Lawrence.
“Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues”
Fri. Dec. 20
It must be sequel season. This follow-up to 2004’s comedy hit “Anchorman” follows the 1970s-era Channel 4 news team as they hit rock bottom in the 1980s before joining a burgeoning 24-hour news network. In the trailer, Will Ferrell’s character Ron Burgundy says, “I’m going to do the thing that God put Ron Burgundy on this Earth to do: have salon-quality hair and read the news.” The gang is back for what looks like a predictably silly romp, this time set in New York.
“Saving Mr. Banks”
Fri. Dec. 20
Though the title isn’t too informative, “Saving Mr. Banks” is based on the true story of how gregarious Walt Disney convinced straight-laced British author P. L. Travers to let her Mary Poppins book character be brought to life in a feature film. Dead-set on keeping the integrity of her Mary Poppins’ character (“I know what he’s going to do to her; she’ll be cavorting! And twinkly!”), Travers slowly begins to reveal the backstory of how Mary Poppins was a real person in her own life, and how it wasn’t the children she came to save. The all-star cast includes Tom Hanks (Disney) and Emma Thompson (Travers), as well as Paul Giamatti, Jason Schwartzman, Colin Farrell and B.J. Novak.