Holiday Movie Guide 2012: From Blockbusters to Indies, the 20 Must-See Films Of The Season

Posted by and , on November 15, 2012 at 5:28 pm

Click through for the 2012 Holiday Movie Guide! 

"The Man with the Iron Fists" (Out now)

Notable Actors: Lucy Liu, Russell Crowe, RZA

Plot: A group of Chinese warriors and criminals team up with a rogue Englishman to hunt for treasure in feudal China.

Who [...]

"The Man with the Iron Fists" (Out now)

Notable Actors: Lucy Liu, Russell Crowe, RZA

Plot: A group of Chinese warriors and criminals team up with a rogue Englishman to hunt for treasure in feudal China.

Who Should See It: Fans of action-packed, prolonged fight scene along the lines of"Kill Bill" will go nuts for this flick. Also, it was written by Eli Roth, so you know it's going to be twisted and fun. 

"Lincoln" (Out now)

Notable Actors: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field

Plot: Iconic director Steven Speilberg takes us back to the Civil War Era, where President Lincoln is in the midst of abolishing [...]

"Lincoln" (Out now)

Notable Actors: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field

Plot: Iconic director Steven Speilberg takes us back to the Civil War Era, where President Lincoln is in the midst of abolishing slavery. 

Who Should See It: History buffs and honest Abe fans, and also moviegoers looking to see the immensely talented Daniel Day-Lewis in his most involved role yet. Don't just dismiss this film as Oscar bait — there's a lot more to it. 

"Life of Pi" (Out now)

Notable Actors: Suraj SharmaGérard Dépardieu

Plot: A young man survives a disaster at sea alongside a Bengal tiger in this adaptation of Yann Martel's popular novel.

Who Should See [...]

"Life of Pi" (Out now)

Notable Actors: Suraj SharmaGérard Dépardieu

Plot: A young man survives a disaster at sea alongside a Bengal tiger in this adaptation of Yann Martel's popular novel.

Who Should See It: Fans of The New York Times bestseller won't be disappointed by the adaptation, and it's the perfect film to see with the family. 

"Silver Linings Playbook" (November 16)

Notable Actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro

Plot: Two people down on their luck find hope and solace in each other in this quirky rom-com.

Who [...]

"Silver Linings Playbook" (November 16)

Notable Actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro

Plot: Two people down on their luck find hope and solace in each other in this quirky rom-com.

Who Should See It: After watching the preview, you may think this movie clearly has a target audience in mind: lonely ladies. But there's something for everyone, and who wouldn't want to watch these gorgeous actors flirt onscreen? 

"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2" (November 16) 

Notable Actors: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner

Plot: The last installment of the "Twilight Saga" explores Bella's transition to [...]

"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2" (November 16) 

Notable Actors: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner

Plot: The last installment of the "Twilight Saga" explores Bella's transition to life as a vampire alongside her daughter, Renesmee. 

Who Should See It: This one isn't just for Twihards. With a rousing action sequence, plenty of steamy scenes and a killer indie rock soundtrack, "Breaking Dawn Part 2" is destined to leave the rest of the franchise in the dust when it comes to box office receipts. 

"Anna Karenina" (November 16)

Notable Actors: Keira Knightley, Jude Law

Plot: An aristocratic woman begins an affair with an affluent Count, with devastating results.

Who Should See It: Russian [...]

"Anna Karenina" (November 16)

Notable Actors: Keira Knightley, Jude Law

Plot: An aristocratic woman begins an affair with an affluent Count, with devastating results.

Who Should See It: Russian literature enthusiasts—specifically Tolstoy fans—shouldn't miss Keira Knightley in one of her most dramatic roles yet. This film also has plenty of eye candy for fashion lovers, who will revel in the $2 million worth of Chanel diamonds, and costumes inspired by Balenciaga and Lanvin. 

"Deadfall" (December 7)

Notable Actors: Eric Bana, Olivia Wilde

Plot: "Deadfall" follows the misadventures a pair of siblings on the run following a failed casino heist. 

Who Should See It: This is a [...]

"Deadfall" (December 7)

Notable Actors: Eric Bana, Olivia Wilde

Plot: "Deadfall" follows the misadventures a pair of siblings on the run following a failed casino heist. 

Who Should See It: This is a straight up thriller, so be prepared for a plethora of gunplay and blood. As a side note, the climax of the film occurs at a Thanksgiving dinner gone awry, so perhaps this is best for those of us who can't stand the holidays. 

"Playing for Keeps" (December 7)

Notable Actors: Jessica Biel, Gerard Butler, Uma Thurman, Dennis Quaid, Catherine Zeta-Jones

Plot: A retired soccer player tries to get his life back together after divorce [...]

"Playing for Keeps" (December 7)

Notable Actors: Jessica Biel, Gerard Butler, Uma Thurman, Dennis Quaid, Catherine Zeta-Jones

Plot: A retired soccer player tries to get his life back together after divorce by coaching his son's team.

Who Should See It: If you're into schmaltzy family flicks, you'll fall head over heels for this story of an unlikely couple trying to work things out. 

"Hyde Park on Hudson" (December 7)

Notable Actors: Bill Murray, Laura Linney, Olivia Williams

Plot: FDR and his cousin have an affair in the country while British royalty visit in 1939.

Who Should See [...]

"Hyde Park on Hudson" (December 7)

Notable Actors: Bill Murray, Laura Linney, Olivia Williams

Plot: FDR and his cousin have an affair in the country while British royalty visit in 1939.

Who Should See It: American history buffs will enjoy watching this affair unfold between these two infamous "kissing cousins," but also check it out if you're into real estate. The Hyde Park mansions in the film are unparalleled.  

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" (December 14)

Notable Actors: Elijah Wood, Cate Blanchett, Ian McKellen

Plot: This prequel to the "Lord of the Rings" series follows Bilbo Baggins in a quest for lost [...]

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" (December 14)

Notable Actors: Elijah Wood, Cate Blanchett, Ian McKellen

Plot: This prequel to the "Lord of the Rings" series follows Bilbo Baggins in a quest for lost treasure with a pack of dwarves.

Who Should See It: Considering the success of "Lord of the Rings," this already has a built-in audience, but we think younger generations who may have missed the epic trilogy should start from the beginning with this film.  

"Amour" (December 19)

Notable Actors: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert

Plot: An elderly musician couple's marriage is put to the test after a stroke.

Who Should Watch: [...]

"Amour" (December 19)

Notable Actors: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert

Plot: An elderly musician couple's marriage is put to the test after a stroke.

Who Should Watch: Art-house aficionados and weepy love story enthusiasts shouldn't miss this French tale which snagged the coveted Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

"Zero Dark Thirty" (December 19)

Notable Actors: Jessica Chastain, Chris Pratt

Plot: The movie follows the events preceding and following the capturing of Osama Bin Laden.

Who Should See It: Directed by [...]

"Zero Dark Thirty" (December 19)

Notable Actors: Jessica Chastain, Chris Pratt

Plot: The movie follows the events preceding and following the capturing of Osama Bin Laden.

Who Should See It: Directed by Kathryn Bigelow of "The Hurt Locker" fame, this gritty flick isn't for the faint of heart, but it's sure to go down as one of the most culturally significant films of the year. 

"The Impossible" (December 21)

Notable Actors: Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor

Plot: A family gets caught in the 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami, and embarks on a journey to reconnect with one another while [...]

"The Impossible" (December 21)

Notable Actors: Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor

Plot: A family gets caught in the 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami, and embarks on a journey to reconnect with one another while meeting fellow victims along the way.

Who Should See It: This disaster movie will strike a chord with many, and there won't be a dry eye in the audience — so make sure you can handle a realistic take on one of the most tragic events of all time. 

"On the Road" (December 21)

Notable Actors: Kristen Stewart, Garrett Hedlund, Amy Adams, Kirsten Dunst, Elisabeth Moss

Plot: The movie follows a couple taking a road trip to "find" themselves in this [...]

"On the Road" (December 21)

Notable Actors: Kristen Stewart, Garrett Hedlund, Amy Adams, Kirsten Dunst, Elisabeth Moss

Plot: The movie follows a couple taking a road trip to "find" themselves in this contemporary Kerouac adaption.

Who Should See It: If you think you're a long lost member of the Beat generation or you simply want to see Kristen Stewart do something else besides suck blood, this is a winner. 

"This is 40" (December 21)

Notable Actors: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Jason Siegel 

Plot: The movie follows supporting characters Pete and Debbie from "Knocked Up" as they embark on their fourth decade. 

Who [...]

"This is 40" (December 21)

Notable Actors: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Jason Siegel 

Plot: The movie follows supporting characters Pete and Debbie from "Knocked Up" as they embark on their fourth decade. 

Who Should See It: If you're a Judd Apatow junkie, this film offers up more of the same good natured laughs with a sprinkling of toilet humor that we've come to know and love. 

"Not Fade Away" (December 21)

Notable Actors: John Magaro, Brad Garrett

Plot: A group of New Jersey teenagers try to make it big by forming a rock band in the '60s.

Who Should See It: The latest film from [...]

"Not Fade Away" (December 21)

Notable Actors: John Magaro, Brad Garrett

Plot: A group of New Jersey teenagers try to make it big by forming a rock band in the '60s.

Who Should See It: The latest film from David Chase is drawing comparisons to "Almost Famous," so if you're into glimpses into vintage Americana, this is a must-see. Also, Chase is the creator of "The Sopranos," so you know he can make New Jersey way more interesting than anyone else in the world. 

"Les Misérables" (December 25)

Notable Actors: Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe

Plot: Set during the French Revolution, this Victor Hugo musical follows a paroled prisoner [...]

"Les Misérables" (December 25)

Notable Actors: Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe

Plot: Set during the French Revolution, this Victor Hugo musical follows a paroled prisoner seeking redemption, amongst other heart-wrenching stories.

Who Should See It: Theater geeks should march to the multiplex to witness an all-star cast croon their hearts out in "Les Misérables."

"Parental Guidance" (December 25)

Notable Actors: Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei

Plot: Grandparents agree to care for their two badly behaved grandkids and hilarious trouble ensues.

Who Should [...]

"Parental Guidance" (December 25)

Notable Actors: Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei

Plot: Grandparents agree to care for their two badly behaved grandkids and hilarious trouble ensues.

Who Should See It: Even if you're not into family films, A-list comedy icons like Billy Crystal and Bette Midler are sure to keep you entertained. A good and wholesome laugh is guaranteed. 

"The Guilt Trip" (December 25)

Notable Actors: Seth Rogen, Barbra Streisand, Adam Scott

Plot: An inventor and his mother embark on a road trip to gain investors for his latest invention. Expect awkward [...]

"The Guilt Trip" (December 25)

Notable Actors: Seth Rogen, Barbra Streisand, Adam Scott

Plot: An inventor and his mother embark on a road trip to gain investors for his latest invention. Expect awkward laughs, heart-warming moments, as this comedic duo exchange witty banter.

Who Should See It: If you don't celebrate Christmas and you'll be spending the day at the movies and a Chinese restaurant, we suggest checking out this one. You don't have to think about it too much, Barbra Streisand is a scream and Adam Scott is completely crush-worthy. 

"Django Unchained" (December 25)

Notable Actors: Leonard DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington

Plot: A slave turned bounty hunter goes on a mission to rescue his wife from a Mississippi plantation and [...]

"Django Unchained" (December 25)

Notable Actors: Leonard DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington

Plot: A slave turned bounty hunter goes on a mission to rescue his wife from a Mississippi plantation and avenge those who have wronged him along the way. 

Who Should See It: Quentin Tarantino fan or not, this film will appeal to a wide audience: namely gore fiends, Leonardo DiCaprio fans, and history buffs.

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One of the best parts about the impending holiday season is having lots of extra time on your hands. While it’s great to catch up with family and friends, it’s also a perfect time to hunker down at your local movie theater and catch some of the season’s buzziest films. Banking on people heading to the movies around Christmas to get up to speed before awards season (or celebrating the traditional Jewish holiday of “Chinese Food and Movies on Christmas”), film studios make sure the last two months of the year serve up plenty of major cinematic options. This year, a mix of big-budget blockbusters and smaller indie flicks are on our must-see list.

Click through the gallery above to see our guide to holiday movies!


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