Persepolis
Opening December 25, 2007
Trendier than Swedish jeans, graphic-novel cinematic adaptations have become the adaptation du jour (to hell with video games and theater). Unlike the vapidly cloying juice-pig dream, 300, Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis, based on her book, employs strikingly sharp black and white drawings rather than live-action/animation fusion. The plot follows young Marjane's pre- and post-Islamic Revolution Iranian adventures, replete with metaphysical debate and, of course, punk music. Chiara Mastroianni and Catherine Deneuve provide voices for this Cannes Jury Prize winner. -S.T.



The Bucket List
Opening Dec. 25, 2007
Nothing says Christmas like a cancer comedy/road trip/buddy film. Director Meat Head, aka Rob Reiner (A Few Good Men, Stand By Me, and The Princess Bride), hasn't had a hit - creatively or critically - in years; perhaps he's due. With Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman as cross-country trekking terminal cancer patients, the film could be darkly funny, as long as the leads can elevate the subject matter above movie of the week territory. Sean Hayes and the underrated Rob Morrow (Northern Exposure and Quiz Show) have supporting roles. Also, look for bucket and list cameos. -S.T.



Charlie Wilson's War
Opening December 25, 2007

If you're going to fight a covert war, perhaps you shouldn't get too many stars - it draws attention, and actors don't typically make for great soldiers. That said, if you're going to make a film about waging a furtive conflict, get as many lauded thespians as you can. Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman star in this Aaron-Sorkin (The West Wing) scripted, Mike Nichols (Closer, Primary Colors) directed film. Based on a true story, it follows democratic senator, Charlie Wilson (Hanks) and his support of the Mujahideen (Afghani resistance fighters) during the U.S.S.R's Invasion of Afghanistan. With Sorkin and Nichols involved expect deftly navigated political dialogue and moral ambiguity aplenty. -S.T.



There Will Be Blood
Opening Dec. 26, 2007

There will also be oil, zealots, and one hell of a moustache. Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia, and Punch Drunk Love) returns with his first film in five years. Adapted from Upton Sinclair's Oil!, There Will be Blood tells the story of an oil prospector (Day-Lewis) and his socio-politically and religiously charged interactions with townsfolk, including a young preacher (Little Miss Sunshine upstart, Paul Dano). With Anderson, Lewis, Dano, and music by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, it could be a classic. The trailer has already sparked cinephile salivation. -S.T.