After a huge summer and fall for cinema, these 5 December releases will end the year with a box office bang.

5. 'Zero Dark Thirty'

'Zero Dark Thirty' is the chronicle of what is widely regarded as the greatest manhunt in history, the hunt for Osama Bin Laden after the 9/11 attacks. With Academy Award winning writer/director Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) in the director’s chair, one can only expect Oscar buzz to surround this sure-to-entertain war drama. Besides, who wouldn’t want to bring their year to an end with SEAL Team 6 delivering a much deserved butt whoopin’.

'Zero Dark Thirty' is not yet rated and stars Joel Edgerton and Jessica Chastain.

Look for it in theaters December 19th.


4. 'This is 40'

'This is 40' is the “not so sequel to Knocked Up” and it follows the lives of characters Pete (Paul Rudd) and Debby (Leslie Mann) as they deal with everyday issues in parenting, relationships, and financial troubles. Writer/Director/Producer Judd Apatow has delivered a slew of hilariously heartwarming films including 'The 40 Year Old Virgin', 'Funny People', and 'Knocked Up'.

'This is 40' is rated R and stars Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, and Megan Fox. Hopefully, it lives up to its predecessors in every way.

Look for it in theaters on December 21st.


3. 'Les Miserables'

'Les Miserables' is the epic film version of the ultra-popular French stage musical of the same name. It takes place in 19th century France and follows the story of Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) who breaks parole and is being pursued by an unrelenting policeman named Javert (Russel Crowe).

'Les Miserables' is rated PG-13 and stars Hugh Jackman, Russel Crowe, and Anne Hathaway, With a star studded cast this is sure to be one of the most celebrated films of 2012.

Look for it in theaters on Christmas Day.


2. 'Django Unchained'

'Django Unchained' is the story of a slave turned bounty hunter named Django (Jamie Foxx) who with the help of Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) sets out to rescue his wife from evil plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). This is the great Quentin Tarantino’s take on the genre of Spaghetti Westerns, and with him directing we can easily expect one of the most entertaining cinematic splendors of 2012.

'Django Unchained' is rated R and stars Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

It hits theaters on Christmas Day.


1. 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'

'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' follows Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) as he and a group of dwarves head to the Lonely Mountain to retrieve a stolen treasure. The film is directed by legendary filmmaker Peter Jackson, who brought us groundbreaking films such as 'King Kong' (2005), 'The Lovely Bones', and of course 'The Lord of The Rings' Trilogy. This film is said to be the first installment of The Hobbit trilogy, and is a prequel to 'The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'.

'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' is not yet rated and stars Martin Freeman, and Ian Mckellen.

It will be sweeping the nation on December 14th 2012.


That does it for the ‘Big 5’ of the year’s end.

Which of these are you most excited for? Let me know in the comments below.

This content was published by Zackary N. Keene, a filmmaker, critic, writer and musician from Abilene, TX.

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