ALYSSA HUNTER
Staff Writer
The holidays are approaching, so I am sure your days will be filled with cheerful, holiday-oriented films. The holidays can be a bit overwhelming, but if you feel the need for an escape, here are the films expected to pull you away from the holiday cheer. You can go as a family or with the company of your choosing; I mean, it is December break — relax before we return to the spring semester. With the help of Fandango.com, I present the “reel” expectations of the upcoming December releases.
“American Hustle”
Rating: R
Cast: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Lawrence
Director: David O. Russell
This superstar cast film is about a “hustle,” but not the dance: the life of crime to survive, which involves characters doing things despite the fact that they know they are wrong. This drama is about a reckless FBI agent (Cooper) who recruits a con man to gain power over the other hustlers in order to “do over” everyone else. This film has too big of a cast to go unnoticed, but will it flop like most all-star cast films? Definitely go to see it and find out! Opens Dec. 18.
Reel Expectations: 
“Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues”
Rating: N/A
Cast: Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David Koechner, Christina Applegate
Director: Adam McKay
Honestly … ANCHORMAN, does more need to be said? The team is back to reclaim their newsman glory. The anchor crew is back to report the news at their new station, Global News Network. Ron (Ferrell) and his team are pulling out all the stakes as they launch the first ever 24-hour new network. This team will bring plenty of laughs after the classic first film, and it is a guaranteed good film. Opens Dec. 20.
Reel Expectations:
“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”
Rating: N/A
Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Andy Serkis, Elijah Wood
Director: Peter Jackson
Bilbo Baggins (Freeman) is back for the second half of his and his companion’s journey. The second part of the prequel to “The Hobbit” trilogy is sure to present captivating adventure and danger. This time, the journey includes dragons, giant spiders and skin changing creatures. The greatest dangers lay ahead for this dwarf crew. Viewing this without watching the other film is not suggested, but if you have, it is a promising pick. Opens Dec. 13.
Reel Expectations:
“Saving Mr. Banks”
Rating: PG-13
Cast: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, Bradley Whitford
Director: John Lee Hancock
After being begged by his daughters, Walt Disney (Hanks) takes 20 years in pursuing the rights to the beloved book, P.L. Travers’s “Mary Poppins.” The writer (Thompson) is determined not to allow her story to become a manipulated Hollywood film. Disney invites her to Disney Studios in L.A. and tries to convince her to allow the magic of Disney to create a visual film of the tale. This film reveals the real backstory and truth in both Mary Poppins’s life and in Disney’s. This film is more interesting to the older audiences but would also be a nice family film. Opens Dec. 13.
Reel Expectations:
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”
Rating: PG
Cast: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott
Director: Ben Stiller
As an employee of Life Magazine, the daydreaming nobody Walter Mitty (Stiller) is forced into life as he goes on an adventure to receive a photograph for the final issue of the magazine. With a series of daydreams and his constant retreats into fantasy, it is obvious that Mitty needs this for the discovery of himself. This film looks decent but not 10 holiday dollars worthy … wait for the rental. Opens Dec. 25.
Reel Expectations:
“Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas”
Rating: PG-13
Cast: Tyler Perry, Chad Michael Murray, Larry the Cable Guy
Director: Tyler Perry
Madea (Perry) is taken to the country this holiday season. Upon arrival to a small town, she will discover new secrets and how old relationships are tested as the small town prepares for the Christmas Spirit. The Tyler Perry films seem to have always been a big hit at the box office, but I expect this film to be just okay — like I found the others to be. Do not rush off and see when there are obviously better picks to choose this month unless you are a fan of these films. Opens Dec. 13.
Reel Expectations:
“The Wolf of Wall Street”
Rating: N/A
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey, Jean Dujardin
Director: Martin Scorsese
Wall Street: the money of America. One New York stockbroker, Jordan Belfort (DiCaprio), is the founder of a brokerage firm that makes him and his firm the wealthiest men in the world. They party, and they throw money away, but a crooked business is bound to be caught. This film offers it all, and — of course — it is a Scorsese film, so expect the full rollercoaster of entertainment. Go see! Opens Dec. 25.
Reel Expectations: