She Likes to Watch

Moviegoers, the holidays are upon us.

Today’s box office bonanza marks the beginning of the oh-so-lucrative holiday movie season, full of explosive blockbusters, goofy comedies and heart-warming family films.

Here’s a sneak peak of the movies opening today in Central Coast theaters, based on previews and trailers:

“August Rush” (Pictured above)
August Rush loves music. In fact, he’s a bit of a musical genius, able to master any instrument the way some kids learn multiplication.
More than writing his own symphony, however, the boy longs to find his parents.
Freddie Highmore is darling as ever as the title character. Plus, Keri Russell and Jonathan Rhys Meyers fit well as musicians and lovers.
The plot itself? Saccharine. Forget “August Rush;” this movie is a sugar rush.

“Enchanted”
We’re torn about this fractured fairy tale.
On one hand, playing a Disney princess trapped in the real world could make adorable Amy Adams a star.
On the other, Disney seems to be laying on the family-friendly elements with a trowel: a perfect prince (James Marsden), chirping birdies and chipmunks, and a lonely real-life hunk (Dr. McDreamy himself, Patrick Dempsey).
With any luck, however, it’ll be “happily ever after” for holiday moviegoers.

“Hitman”
When archaeologists sift through the dung heap of history, here’s hoping they never find a copy of “Hitman.”
“Hitman,” starring “Deadwood’s” Timothy Olyphant as a bald assassin on a deadly mission, is the latest hit video game to be turned into an inane movie.
There are explosions, scantily clad women and carefully choreographed
gun battles. Too bad this movie is missing the most crucial element: a reasonably credible plot.

“The Mist”
A group of citizens take shelter in a supermarket when a mysterious, deadly mist that invades their small town. As tension mounts, terrifying things emerge from the storm.
Nobody does scary better than Stephen King.
Still, we’re a bit surprised to see this movie in the hands of Frank Darabont, director of “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Green Mile.”
He usually handles King¹s softer side.

“This Christmas”
Other than Santa spoof “Fred Claus,” there doesn’t seem to be a lot of holiday spirit at the movies this year. “This Christmas,” about a family’s long-awaited reunion, is one exception.
Despite a predictable plot — feuding siblings, family secrets, etc. — “This Christmas” boasts a solid cast, including Regina King, Delroy Lindo and Sharon Leal (”Boston Public,” “Dreamgirls”).
Still, the biggest reason to see this movie might be yummy R&B up-and-comer Chris Brown.

Check out The Tribune tomorrow for a closer look at this winter’s releases.

– Sarah L.