Oct. 26, 2007

After such a dark and political fall movie season and with the holidays soon approaching, isn't it a relief to realize some of the best and most entertaining films of the year are about to hit your local theater? Here are 10 must-see films opening through the end of this year.

"American Gangster"
Opens: Nov. 2
Why: Ridley Scott directs this true story of '70s Harlem gangster Frank Lucas and the New Jersey detective who tries to bring him down.
Biggest Misconception: It's uberviolent. It's tough but less bloody than last year's Oscar-winning "The Departed."
Standout Performance: Denzel Washington dominates the screen with his hard-boiled portrayal of Lucas in a performance that may become as iconic as Al Pacino's Tony Montana in "Scarface."

"No Country for Old Men"
Opens: Nov. 9 (limited)
Why: Already acclaimed by critics during the Cannes and Toronto International Film Festivals, the Coen Bros. adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel is their best work since "Fargo."
Biggest Misconception: Everyone's been buzzing about Javier Bardem's role as the psycho killer, but it's Josh Brolin's standout performance that really carries the picture.
Standout Performance: Tommy Lee Jones. Unlike his recent turn in "In the Valley of Elah," it's a pleasure to see Jones playing a real character and not resorting to the same old shtick.

"Enchanted"
Opens: Nov. 21
Why: It's an animated movie, a live-action musical and a comedy all in one that both embraces the Walt Disney legacy and provides a few smart and sly winks.
Biggest Misconception: It's just for young girls. Having seen it with an audience of all ages, it plays much more like the original "Shrek." Many smart, big laughs will appeal more to adults, but the film is a good deal of fun for youngsters, too.
Standout Performance: Amy Adams shines as a cartoon princess who discovers how to live in the human world. Oh, and she can sing!

"Atonement"
Opens: Dec. 7 (limited)
Why: Joe Wright's adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel finds James McAvoy and Keira Knightley as lovers torn apart by the false accusation of Knightley's younger sister (Saorise Ronan) against the impending backdrop of World War II.
Biggest Misconception: It's another "English Patient" wannabe. In fact, most audiences will find it a much more emotional and engaging story.
Standout Performance: Ronan gives an impressive performance as a young girl who doesn't understand the consequences of her actions.

"The Golden Compass"
Opens: Dec. 7
Why: Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig and newcomer Dakota Blue Richards headline the first in what New Line Cinema hopes is a trilogy of films adapted from Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials." With many cute daemons (animal representations of people's spirits -- go with it) following the cast around, they may get their wish.
Biggest Misconception: Kidman's character is a villain. Well, she is, sort of. But, you have to read the third book ... Oh, but we're getting ahead of ourselves here, aren't we?
Standout Performance: The costumes. Award-winning designer Ruth Myers deserves massive praise for the diamond-studded dress Kidman wears in the trailer.

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