It's either feast or famine. Now, at the end of the year, there are suddenly many movies I would like to see. I entreat this august body to supply recommendations on the new films out.

These are the ones I'm considering:

Lost in Translation
Bad Santa
School of Rock
Pieces of April
Timeline (I loved the book, but the reviews suck)

Any others to see or to avoid?

LOTR3 is hors concours, of course.

I'd have to be in a certain mood to see Bad Santa, though my hubby has liked the previews. I wouldn't mind seeing The Missing, though I'll prolly wait and rent it. [el-cheapo e]

"Hors concours" is an interesting expression that I'd never seen before. I had to look it up. I assume by context that LOTR3 is out of the competition because it is already understood that you plan to see that movie (?).

Anyway, I really enjoyed the film version of Patrick O'Brien's "Master & Commander." I saw a slow but enjoyable film called "The Station Agent" recently. It is one of those movies whose primary interest lies in the subtle changes in characters and their relationships; I was actually in the mood for something more exciting when I watched it but it is a good film. I've been wanting to go see "Mystic River" and "The Missing."

That's right, Alex. I wouldn't miss LOTR for anything. And thanks for your comment on Station Agent; that's another one that interests me! As for Mystic River, I don't know if I have the emotional and intestinal fortitude to see that even though it apparently has Oscar written all over it.

I haven't heard anything about The Missing, so thanks to both of you for bringing it up.

I dunno what films are out in America so I can't help you there, but for a giggle, check out this http://snipurl.com/3cri collection of reviews for The Cat In The Hat

I am personally avoiding the films made from Dr. Seuss books primarily because I want to preserve the effect of the books in my imagination.

After giving The Station Agent a sort of backhanded compliment, I should add that one of the brightest spots in the film is Bobby Cannavale, who plays a character named Joe Oramas. Cannavale's performance is very fresh and funny. The other characters are pretty serious so he provides some much-needed comic relief.

Thanks for that, dody.

Meanwhile:

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/DrSeussTheCatintheHat-1127311/reviews.php

And Alex, I agree with you. I want Dr Seuss to stay just the way he is in my mind.

Loved the reviews! Bad movie then, huh?

I want to see "Calandar Girls" about the English older women who did the naked calendar. Should tie in nicely with two of my other faves : Waking Ned Devine and Saving Grace.