Hollywood calls on Clooney for holiday movie cheer

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-11-07 09:58

OSCAR DRAMA

There are decidedly darker themes at work when it comes to the films vying for February's nominations for Oscars -- the world's top film honors -- and most all are based on books.

"Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire," out on Friday, tells of an overweight, illiterate teen impregnated for the second time by her father. Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe and comic actress Mo'Nique deliver standout performances.

In the weeks that follow are "The Road," about a father (Viggo Mortensen) and son traveling through a post-apocalyptic world, based on Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer-Prize winning book.

Fashion designer Tom Ford makes his directorial debut with "A Single Man," about a gay man (Colin Firth) who struggles to continue living after the death of his partner. Along with "Precious," "Single Man" has been picked as early favorites in the race for Oscars, especially Firth.

"I think Colin's spectacular in the film. He was made for this character," Ford told Reuters.

Oscar winner Peter Jackson ("The Lord of the Rings" films) is back with a big screen adaptation of Alice Sebold's novel "The Lovely Bones," starring Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz and Susan Sarandon. The film is about a murdered young girl who watches over her family - and her killer - from heaven.

Even "Up in the Air" with Clooney, is not exactly a light romantic comedy. Based on Walter Kim's novel, it grows more serious as the plot continues and Clooney's character questions his bachelorhood. "Juno" director Jason Reitman made the film and co-wrote the screenplay.

Despite its adult theme, "Air" may get some box office traction with teen audiences because "New Moon" actress Anna Kendrick stars alongside Clooney. And if it can combine ticket sales with critical acclaim, Oscar voters cannot ignore it.

Another film with the potential to earn strong box office and, thus, Academy Award voters are "Titanic" director James Cameron's long-awaited space adventure "Avatar."

Critics' darling Clint Eastwood is back with "Invictus," a true story starring Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as the captain of South Africa's rugby team.

The Oscar wild card for now belongs to "Chicago" director Rob Marshall's musical "Nine," featuring Daniel Day Lewis, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, and Kate Hudson.

"Chicago" proved to be both a commercial and critical success. Nominated for 13 Oscars, it won six including the coveted Best Picture prize. Can he repeat himself this year?

"I don't know anyone who's seen it," says Karger. "That's the one film that can either be an absolute knockout or a disappointment."

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