2013 WINTER MOVIE GUIDE

During their Last Vegas trip, our holiday cast of characters agreed no desert land could ever replace their island retreat, where the off season may be chilly but the hearts are never Frozen. Jack Ryan has taken up temporary residence, looking for a little peace and quiet from the outside international world. Another world traveler (in his mind) living The Secret Life of Walter Mitty has happily discovered warm moments here along with family-friendly adventures unfound in his clock-and-dagger imagination. The Hobbit: (forgoes) The Desolation of Smaug for happy days breathing in fresh, salty air. Certain that Santa Claus will find them beneath the Wildwood stars, the Hollywood wanderers are in no hurry to leave town, where they’ve found an ocean view provides as much entertainment as the big screen (even when they’re on it).

Before following the scenic view leading to the biggest screen near you, please check your local listings for release date changes…

On their Last Vegas (opens November 1st) excursion, three old pals (Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline) skip the miniature golf circuit to attend a bachelor party for their commitment phobic friend (Michael Douglas) with calamity sure to ensue. A Hereford Inlet Christmas Tree Lighting would surely add light for Thor: (whose) Dark World (Chris Hemsworth, opens November 8th) is threatened by an Asgardian warrior (Christopher Eccleston) with Thor’s much-loved earthling Jane (Natalie Portman) in harm’s way. High times far from crime-free Downtown Pacific Avenue were had by stockbroker Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) during his days as The Wolf of Wall Street (opens November 15th) prior to his 22-month jail stint for the millions he made through securities fraud.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (opens November 22nd) catches Katniss and Peeta (Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson) enduring endless, less entertaining “Battle of the Boards” moments as Capitol targets when their win in the 74th Hunger Games sets off an uprising in the Districts of Panem. It’s a Frozen (opens November 27th) eternal winter lacking a frost-free ocean after a magical snow-controlling queen (voice of Idina Menzel) unintentionally curses the kingdom of Arendelle. Her optimistic sister (voice of Kristen Bell) sets out on a snowy journey to remove the curse.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (opens December 13th) follows our unenthusiastic hobbit hero (Martin Freeman) and the 13 dwarves on a dangerous journey through sand and surf (and then some) to reclaim a stockpile of gold the condescending dragon is guarding.

Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) is in charge of Saving Mr. Banks (opens December 25th) from sunless days and shore-less nights while sparring with novelist P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson) during the troubleplague movie production of Mary Poppins.

A Family Holiday Celebration would provide a much-needed distraction for a jilted, cancer-stricken woman (Meryl Streep) who must contend with her bitter daughters’ (Julia Roberts, Juliette Lewis) arrival in August: Osage County (opens December 25th).

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller, opens December 25th) lacks an active boardwalk existence and becomes anything but secretive when the shy, imaginative photo editor must take a real adventurous trip to find a missing shot by a famous photographer (Sean Penn) alongside his beautiful co-worker (Kristen Wiig).

CIA Jack Ryan (Chris Pine, opens December 25th) has just begun his illustrious career of international financial intrigue but still finds time for romantic beach walks with a new love interest (Keira Knightley).

With the sun setting and the stars adorning a magical, made-for-the-big-screen night, Thor: (realizes a) Dark World is nowhere to be found beneath our lighthearted skies. Even The Wolf of Wall Street has tamed his greedy ways, traveling along Ocean Avenue and beyond, devouring every picture-postcard moment. The heroic team Saving Mr. Banks from lame entertainment and poor renditions of the classics races from one classically entertaining block to the next. Slowing their pace, they realize it may not be August: (in) Osage County, but no matter the season, the best place to be, during a sundrenched beach day or a frosty, holiday-inspired movie night, is Wildwood by the sea….