Not-So-Fresh New Releases #4

It is officially movie awards-season, when all the high-profile Oscar bait is released into theaters. Last year, I could barely keep up with all the new releases; however, this past weekend I couldn't muster any enthusiasm for the selection at my local multiplex (aside from the films that I have already seen and enjoyed, such as the latest Harry Potter installment). I've decided to highlight two of new releases I find to be most egregiously unnecessary, which coincidentally have two of the worst ratings on RottenTomatoes.com, and suggest some classic viewing alternatives.

The Tourist - 20% freshness rating

• Angelina Jolie is a glamorous woman of mystery, equally as adept at eluding the authorities as wearing designer frocks; Johnny Depp is a math teacher from Wisconsin drawn into her web in a whirlwind romp through Venice. The romantic escapism promised by The Tourist, when done well, gives one the exhilarated feeling that movies were invented solely to tell such stories. Unfortunately, The Tourist has exhilarated no one. If you want to see a movie about a sexy mystery woman teamed with an out-of-his-depth academic, I humbly suggest Arabesque (1966) directed by Stanley Donen and starring Sophia Loren as a beautiful spy and Gregory Peck as a university professor. This film takes a tongue-in-cheek approach to international intrigue revolving around Arab hieroglyphics, an assassination plot, and lots of costume changes for Sophia.
• Three years earlier, Stanley Donen directed another great romantic thriller, Charade (1963), in which Audrey Hepburn is pursued through Paris by several shady characters seeking her late husband's fortune. She must decide whether she can trust Cary Grant to keep her one step ahead. To paraphrase one of Hepburn's great lines: You know what's wrong with this film? Nothing.
• North by Northwest (1959) also stars Cary Grant, only this time he is the one pursued. Eva Marie Saint comes along for the ride as a cool, blonde secret agent. This film is one of director Alfred Hitchcock's best, combining his signature thrills with humor and sophistication.

The Nutcracker in 3D - 0% freshness rating

• This film adaptation of the well-known Christmas tale sets the action entirely in 1920s Vienna. It has received universally negative reviews, citing such misguided elements as a holocaust subtext, poorly executed 3D effects, and Albert Einstein. If you want to see a production of The Nutcracker during the holidays, please find a local performance of Tchaikovsky's ballet by a professional ballet company, a children's ballet school, or any other performing arts group. The live theater experience (in 3D!) will surely be more pleasant, cheerful, and memorable than this ill-conceived film.

But if you still want to venture out to the movies this week, luckily there are some well-made, interesting, and worthwhile films still in theaters including 127 Hours, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, Black Swan, Made in Dagenham, and The Social Network.
Happy holidays and happy film-going!