February 7, 2006

"Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit"
This British animated comedy marks the feature film debut of the characters Wallace and Gromit, who already have a cult following through their appearances in shorts. Wallace (voice of Peter Sallis) is a cheese-loving inventor, while Gromit is his silent pet dog. In this movie, they're up against a giant mutant rabbit that's loose in a town obsessed with gardening. Other voices heard in the film include those of Helena Bonham Carter and Ralph Fiennes.

February 14, 2006

"Proof"
Leading lady Gwyneth Paltrow and director John Madden worked together on the London stage production of "Proof," and they were reunited for this movie adaptation of the play. Catherine (Paltrow) spent years caring for her recently deceased mathematician father (Anthony Hopkins), who suffered from progressive dementia. When a proof is found in his papers, she claims credit for it, but there's concern that she may have inherited her father's mental illness.

"Zathura"
Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, this is a family-oriented action-adventure movie. The heroes are two brothers, six-year-old Danny and 10-year-old Walter. One day Danny discovers an old space-themed board game called Zathura in his basement and begins to play it. Soon he and his brother find their house in orbit, and they get caught up in a series of adventures, involving a giant robot, lizardlike aliens and an astronaut (Dax Shepard).

February 21, 2006

"North Country"
Charlize Theron stars in this drama based on a landmark sexual harassment case. The movie was directed by Niki Caro ("Whale Rider"). In an attempt to make a better life for herself and her kids, Josey (Theron) goes to work in a Minnesota iron mine, but the male miners torment her relentlessly. She files a class action suit against the company for sexual harassment, and the film chronicles her quest for justice, as well as what happens in her personal life.

February 28, 2006

"Pride & Prejudice"
Keira Knightley shines in the role of Elizabeth Bennet in this generally faithful adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel. Set in late 18th-century England, the story is about Mr. and Mrs. Bennet (Donald Sutherland and Brenda Blethyn) and their five daughters. The film concentrates on the second daughter, Elizabeth, particularly her relationships with suitors. It is with some difficulty that she finally comes to terms with her feelings about one suitor, Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfayden).

"Walk the Line"
Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon star in this straightforward biopic of singers Johnny Cash and June Carter, focusing on their lives during the 1950's and '60's. Cash is in his early 20's when he auditions at Sun Records in Memphis and soon goes on tour. He meets Carter as both build successful musical careers, but both are married to others, plus he develops a prescription drug problem. It takes years, but things finally come together for the pair, both personally and professionally.