s broken autumn leaves quiver and disappear, so too do many of the studio's prestige pictures. However, the nascent winter often finds smaller intellectual movies and highly hyped foreign films widening their releases. It's a chance for cinema-goers in all markets to experience the arthouse heroes that debuted small in order to sneak in before the Oscar deadline. Oh, and there's also a deluge of filler crap and popcorn fare. That said, how long have you waited to see Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson corseted and sharing the screen? Long enough. To keep you warm in the coming months, here is your Winter Movie Guide.


Jumper
Opening February 14, 2008
Whether following swing dancing and rhetorical barbs (Swingers), amnesiac, Euro-traipsing spies (The Bourne Identity), or night-tripping club kids (Go), Dough Liman has a proven touch with movement. The surprisingly good Mr. and Mrs. Smith cemented his reputation as an action director, so this adaptation of Steven Gould's sci-fi thriller, Jumper, should exceed expectations. Anakin Skywalker (aka Hayden Christensen) stars as a teleporting young rake who enters into an age-old war with a group of teleporter hunters lead by a blonde, Sisqó (remember him)-aping Samuel L. Jackson. Scenic cinematography, ticket-free travel, and existential battles surely ensue. Rachel Bilson (The Last Kiss) gets the damsel in distress role while Diane Lane, playing beneath her talent, is the protagonist's wayward mother. Bonus: Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot), in the fast-talking, teleport-buddy part, will add dramatic credibility. -S.T.



Be Kind Rewind
Opening February 22, 2008
The Science of Sleep was bad, but it still looked cool. Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) returns, this time with Jack Black and Mos Def in toe. Following a magnetic mishap, best friends Mike (Def) and Jerry (Black) must recreate a series of films, from Boyz n the Hood and Driving Miss Daisy to Ghostbusters and The Lion King. Though Gondry is typically better when working from Charlie Kauffman scripts - isn't everyone? - the quirky concept and charisma of the two leads could make for a surprisingly sweet film. Mia Farrow and Danny Glover also star. -S.T.



Vantage Point
Opening February 22, 2008
For a film with a rookie director and first-time screenwriter (Pete Tavis and Barry Levy respectively), Vantage Point has corralled a solid cast. Starring Forrest Whitaker, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, Matthew Fox, and Dennis Quaid, the film follows the moments leading up to and following the attempted assassination of an American President. Viewed from a number of different, um, angles, it's a thriller with a hit of mind fucking. The roster of seasoned veterans should keep the action compelling. Whitaker was great in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and I've heard that he's done some decent work lately. Also, Quaid always kills in a blazer and Charlie Salinger is dependably strong. -S.T.