Hollywood unwraps new movies for Christmas

Hollywood unwraps new movies for Christmas

Staff report

Christmas Day always brings a slew of movie releases, and this year is no different with six films opening at Mahoning Valley multiplexes.

For cinephiles, it’s time to catch some anticipated Oscar contenders. “The Wolf of Wall Street” (R), a true tale of greed and excess in the ’90s, is one such film.

Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill and Matthew McConaughey, “Wolf” holds a mirror to penny-stock huckster Jordan Belfort, and is garnering strong reviews despite its whopping three-hour run time.

Also showing up Wednesday is “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (PG), directed by Ben Stiller, who also plays the title role. A remake of a 1947 film based on the short story by James Thurber, it’s also getting a warm reception from critics.

Two films that are in no danger of winning any Best Picture prizes, but could be crowd-pleasers, also open on Christmas day.

The boxing comedy “Grudge Match” (PG-13), is set in Pittsburgh, but filmed in New Orleans. It takes two box office monsters — Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro — and pits them against each other as aging boxers with a score to settle. Fast-talking comedian Kevin Hart plays the promoter and supplies some laughs.

On the more serious side is “47 Ronin” (PG-13), a retelling of a beloved piece of Japanese folklore. Keanu Reeves stars in this Samurai swashbuckler.

Opening on a small number of screens is “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” (PG-13), a chronicle of the late South African leader’s life.

With kids at home for Christmas break and the temperature plunging, the theater can be a life-saver and Hollywood knows it.

Hitting screens Christmas day is “Justin Bieber’s Believe,” a documentary following the pop singer on and off stage during his recent tour. It’s rated PG.

Other family fare in local theaters this week are “Walking With Dinosaurs” (PG) and “Frozen” (PG).

Some other recently-released films in theaters include “American Hustle” (R), which might be the early favorite in the Oscar race, “Saving Mr. Banks” (PG-13), “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” (PG-13), “Anchorman 2” (PG-13) and “A Madea’s Christmas” (PG-13).

Tickets can be purchased in advance at fandango.com.