There Will Be Movies: Holiday Preview 2007
by Brian Tallerico

6. Charlie Wilson's War

Why You Should Be Excited: Do you see those names up there? This is the kind of film that should just be called "Oscar Winning" because those are the two words you hear in the preview more than any other. Hanks, Roberts, Hoffman, and Nichols already have them and this comedy/drama about the true story of Charlie Wilson, a Texas congressman who had covert dealings in Afghanistan, feels like it could net at least one of them another statue. Add to that powerful quartet a cast that includes great newcomers like Amy Adams and Emily Blunt and have them all speak the words of Aaron Sorkin? It's a testament to how many films yet to be released that we're truly excited for this year that Charlie only gets the sixth spot. We have a feeling he could be higher than that on most year-end lists.

5. The Orphanage

Why You Should Be Excited: Remember that thrill you got watching Pan's Labyrinth last year, or the feeling you got after walking out of Children of Men? The film this year that's going to send that same chill up your spine is the latest import from 'the Spanish New Wave,' The Orphanage, a new kind of ghost story that has already become the highest grossing film in Spain this year and could easily become the highest grosser in that country's history. Produced by Guillermo Del Toro, The Orphanage tells the story of Laura (Belen Rueda), a woman who returns to the house she was raised in to transform it into a home for children, only to discover that the original occupants might not be gone. When her son makes an invisible friend who might not be that imaginary, The Orphanage transforms into a brilliant dissection of fear. It's not so much what's out there that's going to get you, but the fear that comes from inside that will be your downfall. The Orphanage will be this year's foreign-language smash hit and has the potential to crossover like Pan's and become a nationwide phenomenon. Seek it out before its wonderful twists and turns are ruined for you.

4. Atonement

Why You Should Be Excited: Ian McEwan's Atonement is one of the best books of the last decade. It reads a little unfilmable, but director Joe Wright and star Keira Knightley took Pride & Prejudice and completely reinvigorated the sometimes stale elements of that story, so maybe they can do it again. They're back together with Atonement and the buzz is deafening. After a few festival appearances and press screenings, the general feeling around Atonement isn't just adoration - the film seems destined to be a multiple Oscar nominee. Picture, Actress, Director. If you want to win your Oscar pool this year, Atonement is a film you should definitely put on your calendar. Atonement spans decades and follows the repercussions of one crucial decision by Briony Tallis (Knightley). If the film is half as good as the amazing novel, it will be a must-see for the season and beyond.

Holiday Preview 2007 Page 3