We at the Daily are feeling much more optimistic about this week's movie openings than last week's, and hope these choices whet your appetites for some fine film. With four new flicks to check out, there's bound to be at least one that piques your interest. Your cinematic options this week include an opportunity to let your inner child run wild, a surefire way to satisfy your need for sci-fi, a chance to impress your next date, and the perfect way get psyched for Christmas.
Rugrats in Paris: The Movie
Director: Stig Bergqvist and Paul Demeyer
Starring: Christine Cavanaugh, Cheryl Chase, Elizabeth Daily, John Lithgow, and Susan Sarandon
We may not be little kids anymore, but that doesn't mean that we no longer appreciate the value of cartoons. So go ahead, you have our permission to get excited about the return of the world's favorite babies to the silver screen. The Rugrats have taken their adventures overseas and are gallivanting around Paris in their latest flick, Rugrats in Paris: The Movie. Stu Pickles is called to Reptarland, a new amusement park in the famed city of love, to work on his Reptar invention. Naturally, Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica, Phil, Lil, Dil, Didi, and the rest of the gang tag along, learning new lessons from their adventures abroad. Whether you're a Rugrats aficionado or have yet to experience the phenomenon, this movie is sure to tickle your funny bone with all the fun and toddler antics that make the television series such a smash.
Red Planet
Director: Antony Hoffman
Starring: Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Benjamin Bratt
Here's a possible scary thought for you: Red Planet marks Antony Hoffman's directorial debut. Okay, you can stop grimacing now. Fact of the matter is that this sci-fi flick has a stellar cast and an original plot to boot. With the impending death of Earth, the possibility of a colony on Mars becomes the world's last hope. A team of American astronauts is sent on the first manned mission to the unknown planet. In Apollo 13 style, their equipment fails, leaving them forced to depend on each other for survival while face to face with death. If you're a sci-fi fanatic, or think that Mission to Mars is one of the greatest movies ever made, this film is a must-see. If you're not, Red Planet is still an interesting way to kill two hours of your day.
100 Girls
Director: Michael Davis
Starring: Jonathan Tucker, Larisa Oleynick, Emmanuelle Chriqui, and Jaime Pressly
Finally, a romantic comedy even the boys might enjoy. Jonathan Tucker plays Matthew, a college freshman that falls in love with a girl he meets in an elevator during a blackout. Having never seen her face, and knowing only that she lives in an all-female dorm, Matthew devotes the rest of the semester to tracking her down. Sexier than My Best Friend's Wedding and packing the same kind of comic, sarcastic punch as American Pie, 100 Girls is a date movie that both sexes will appreciate. Girls will find the smitten boy and his plight endearing, while the guys will enjoy it just for the laughs. It's a compromise that will leave you both of you cinematically satisfied.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Director: Ron Howard
Starring: Jim Carrey, Jeffery Tambor, Christine Baranski, Anthony Hopkins
Where's your Christmas spirit? If you're still searching, then Ron Howard's How the Grinch Stole Christmas is the perfect way to get into the swing of things. But this is not Grinch you remember ? the cartoon classic that has helped kick off the holiday season for as long as we can remember is now a live-action feature film. And who better to play the Grinch other than comedian Jim Carrey? Venture again into Whoville, meet the Whos, follow the Grinch as he tries yet again steal Christmas. If you're still feeling more "bah-humbug" than "ho-ho-ho" afterwards, well... there's just no hope for you.
