Weekend Wind-Up: CIA Spooks Battle an Aging ‘Rocky’
Posted by tim on 22 Dec 2006 at 10:43 am | Tagged as: Movies, Weekend Wind-Up
When Christmas falls on or around the weekend, it usually makes for some heavyweight box office competition. This year is no different. Robert De Niro’s critically praised CIA pic, The Good Shepherd, goes head to head with Sylvester Stallone’s surprisingly well-received Rocky Balboa–or Rocky VI if you’re counting. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect this weekend:
The Good Shepherd (Rated R)
Robert De Niro re-enters the director’s chair with a film about the birth of the CIA. Starring Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie (and an appearance by De Niro), Shepherd chronicles the rise of the OSS (later the CIA) through the life of its first head, Edward Wilson (Matt Damon). Part conspiracy theory, part thriller, and part drama, Shepherd has a lock on audiences looking for an intellect-rousing theatrical experience.
Rocky Balboa (Rated PG-13)
An aging Sylvester Stallone takes to the ring for one last bout, marking the aging pugilist’s return as both director and writer. With audible laughter coming from audiences watching the trailer, this one is getting far better reviews than expected.
Night at the Museum (Rated PG)
What would a holiday weekend be without a fantasy-comedy vying for the attention of children and adults alike? Ben Stiller (with a supporting cast of Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, and Ricky Gervaise) plays an unwitting night watchman at the Museum of Natural History. Like Mannequin on steroids, Museum entertains the idea that everything in the museum comes to life after the tourists leave and the lights go out. Stiller has come to hold his own in carrying a movie, but the impressive roster of supporting characters and a slew of special effects threaten to steal the spotlight.
We Are Marshall (Rated PG)
Another film looking to take a bite out of your holiday cash, Marshall tells the inspirational tale of a town overcoming the devastating effects of a plane crash that killed 75 of the players and coaching staff on their beloved college football team. Matthew McConaughey plays a young coach fighting to bring the team–and the town–back to its former glory. Lost’s Matthew Fox also stars.
