By Charly SHELTON

The holidays have come and that means good food, good family time and good movies in theaters. Although many of our readers will have already seen these films, for those of you who held off to wait for that Christmas gift card to use at the theatre, here is a short list of recent releases that are definitely worth your gift card bucks:

1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. This is not one to be missed. Based on the prequel novel to “The Lord of the Rings” saga, it follows Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) on a journey across Middle Earth to the lost dwarven kingdom of Erebor. The dragon Smaug took their homeland long ago and it is now that a traveling party led by dwarf prince Thorin Oakenshield will try to take it back.
5 out of 5 stars.



2. Argo. A film starring and directed by Ben Affleck, this is the true story of how the American Embassy staff, in hiding after the hostage crisis, was rescued from Iran in the 1970s under the guise of a prospective film to be shot in the area they were being hidden. A contender for best picture.
5 out of 5 stars.



3. Lincoln. This is another true story, following the last four months in President Abraham Lincoln’s life as he tried and succeeded to get the 13th Amendment passed through congress to cement the change he had started with the Emancipation Proclamation. Less about the civil war and more about his political know-how, Lincoln is shown as an expert politician who can get done what needed to be done.
5 out of 5 stars.



4. Wreck It Ralph. This Disney animated film pays homage to video games that we knew and loved the way that “Toy Story” did with toys of childhood. A video game villain wishes to be a hero and live a better life so he goes to another game to make something of himself. But game jumping is the number one taboo for these characters in the digital world. A sweet and funny film for the whole family, with extra little surprises for the gamer that can spot them. Released in early November, it may be harder to find this one in theaters.
5 out of 5 stars.



5. Les Miserables. The classic French Revolutionary musical following the life of Jean Valjean and his impact on those around him. A very simple explanation of a not so simple plot. It has to be seen to be believed. The actors sang the songs on set rather than in a recording studio months before, allowing each one to fully immerse themselves in song as they would their lines – or any other aspect.
5 out of 5 stars.

  Charly Shelton