Forget former child stars and D-list celebrities, The Muppets needed a comeback more than any of them. Heck, we needed them. We live in glum times, people. Optimism seems about as trendy as boy bands these days. Maybe that’s why Jim Henson’s beloved creatures disappeared in the first place: The world disregarded the sense of […]

  Thanksgiving is all about family after all, so maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise that all three of this five-day weekend’s big releases are geared towards families and children. First comes the long-awaited return of “The Muppets” followed by Aardman Animations’ “Arthur Christmas” and Martin Scorsese (yes, that Martin Scorsese) 3D adventure, “Hugo.” Worried about […]

Often times a change of scenery can make a big difference. Independent filmmaking has become as inextricably tied to relationship and family drama over the years as it has to New York City, Los Angeles and generic Suburbia. So taking place in Hawaii gives “The Descendants a unique presence, not that Alexander Payne’s outstanding film requires […]

She might have been a rom-com darling for most of her career, but there’s no mistaking now that Cameron Diaz is a natural bad girl. Sure, part of it might have to do with survival of the fittest; raunchy R-rated comedies are the new cool kid in class and those who can’t play that game […]

Action fans might be pining for the summer this Holiday Season as only three films can be considered pure action movies, yet all but one are among the season’s most anticipated. I’ve paired them up with the season’s two thrillers, which also could be two of the better films you’ll likely see between now and […]

There’s little rhyme or reason to anything in the “Happy Feet” universe. If it sings, dances, looks cute and enhances ethnic diversity, it flies. Except penguins of course — penguins can’t fly, everyone knows that. But that doesn’t mean they can’t creatively problem solve through self-determination, tap-dancing and passionate arias. Okay, so nothing makes sense […]

  The twilight shines brightest before the dawn. This week the two-part conclusion (sigh) of the “Twilight” saga begins, and as I write this, millions are already waiting eagerly for their midnight screening of “Breaking Dawn – Part 1” to commence. For everyone else, a trip to the antarctic with “Happy Feet Two” offers some […]

There might be a lot of “Ho, Ho, Ho!” every Holiday Season, but in 2011 there’s not a lot of “Ha, Ha, Ha!” In by far the most ambiguous genre grouping in Movie Muse Movie Preview history. The one pure comedy is December’s “The Sitter” while some of definite Oscar contenders made it on this list […]

The holidays bring families together — and often times at the movies. Why? Because you can only talk to those people for so long, and at least this way you’re all “doing something together.” So not surprisingly, we have three animated family films competing for your Thanksgiving weekend dollars. The family genre also has more […]

Of all the “darker” young adult series to emerge in the wake of the “Twilight” novels, none has caught on like Suzanne Collins‘ “Hunger Games” trilogy. And unlike “Twilight,” these novels have actually received praise outside of the teenage girl demographic. As such, “The Hunger Games” is one of 2012’s most anticipated films, so right on schedule […]

When Adam Sandler’s cross-dressing comedy releases in the same weekend as Clint Eastwood’s “J. Edgar,” it must be November. “Jack and Jill” will look to keep the comedian on top despite its overall ridiculousness while “Immortals” studio Relativity Media is about to find out just how far the name “300” can take you. “J. Edgar” […]

The Pixar library stands as modern animation’s most impressive by far, partly due to both the studio and Disney’s belief that sequels should only be made with the right artistic reasons in mind, namely a good story. That’s why, to date, we have just “Toy Story 2,” “Toy Story 3” and … “Cars 2” … […]

Onward into November! As the Holiday Movie Season draws near, the jingle of bells and the buzz of Oscar statuettes starts to drag us into the theaters for some cozy weekend time expending. No surprise then that we have one of the fall’s big-name action comedies in “Tower Heist” starring Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy, […]

When done right, few tales are more riveting than a person’s descent into madness. Alfred Hitchcock proved this time and time again and Jeff Nichols reinforces it in “Take Shelter,” a film likely to have been lauded by the master of suspense himself. Anchored by the performances of Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain, “Shelter” broods […]

The title of iconic movie spy James Bond‘s 23rd theatrical adventure will be titled “Skyfall.” Producers Barbara Broccoliand Michael G. Wilson made the official announcement this morning along with director Sam Mendes and the principal cast, including star Daniel Craig.