These films are due for release in Mazatlán this month, but are subject to change. Check your local listings or video store for exact times and dates.

Four Christmases

Rated: PG (language and some sexual content)
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau

A comedy about a couple who find having to spend Christmas with the family is everything they’ve always feared. Brad and Kate (Vaughn and Witherspoon), both from divorced families, hence the ‘four’ Christmases, struggle to get through visiting all four crazy parents in this festive and sometimes funny comedy filled with one- liners and quirky gimmicks. You won't be laughing out loud, but you will get some chuckles. A surprising pair-up with Vaughn and Witherspoon, but it works.

At the Cinema

Four Christmases

Rated: PG (language and some sexual content)
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau

A comedy about a couple who find having to spend Christmas with the family is everything they’ve always feared. Brad and Kate (Vaughn and Witherspoon), both from divorced families, hence the ‘four’ Christmases, struggle to get through visiting all four crazy parents in this festive and sometimes funny comedy filled with one- liners and quirky gimmicks. You won't be laughing out loud, but you will get some chuckles. A surprising pair-up with Vaughn and Witherspoon, but it works.

Bolt

Rated: PG (mild action)
Genre: Animated Comedy/Family
Cast: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus

A family friendly animation about Bolt (Travolta), a cute dog who protects his owner, Penny (Cyrus), only to discover everything he believed to be his real life is actually part of a TV show. His journey of self-discovery is helped along the way with Mittens and Hippo the Hampster. Happy endings for all in this predictable, rarely funny cartoon.

Australia

Rated: PG (violence, war scenes)
Genre: War/Drama/Romance
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Bryan Brown

Directed by Baz Luhrman (best known for directing ‘Moulin Rouge’ and ‘Romeo & Juliet’) this epic 1940s outback piece has a little for every moviegoer – romance, drama, war and adventure. Raw and vibrant, ‘Australia’ is set in Darwin and is a story of an English aristocrat (Kidman) who inherits a ranch and faces many obstacles to keep it. Jackman’s on-screen chemistry with Kidman is believable but one must wonder if the part of Drover, which originally was offered to Russell Crowe, would have played out any different if Crowe had taken the part. The film offers viewers history, tragedy, indigenous culture and an amazing landscape that only Australia can offer. Long and intense, this movie will captivate you.

Shine A Light

Rate: PG (language and drug references)
Genre: Documentary/Music
Cast: The Rolling Stones, Christina Aguilera, Buddy Guy

A concert movie for Rolling Stones fans and non-fans alike. Directed by Martin Scorcese, this film takes us to New York, at the Beacon Theater, where we have front-row seats to the Stones ‘Bigger Bang Tour.’ Not since Scorcese’s 1978 “The Last Waltz” has he ventured back to this style of film, but he does not disappoint, and with 18 cameras, we are dazzled with amazing footage, great sound and high energy. Mick, Keith, Ron, Charlie and all the other band members show us why they have been with us since 1962 and can still fill up stadiums!

New On DVD

Tropic Thunder

Rated: R (language, violence, sexual content)
Genre: Comedy/Action
Cast: Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey and Tom Cruise

Stiller and his star-studded supporting cast power through every offensive, obnoxious and distasteful topic they can come up with in a Comedy/War film (yes, I know, it just doesn't sound right, does it?!) about a group of prima donna actors forced to band together and survive in the jungle of Vietnam in the belief they are being filmed guerilla-style by hidden cameras strategically placed throughout the jungle by their director. This film is so over the top and ridiculous that it actually works. Not for the light-hearted. Simply seeing Tom Cruise as Les Grossman made this movie worthwhile.

Eagle Eye

Rated: PG 13 (action, violence and some language)
Genre: Action/Thriller
Cast: Rosario Dawson, Shia LaBeouf, Billy Bob Thornton, Michelle Monaghan

A powerhouse of suspense, explosions and conspiracy. ‘Eagle Eye’ was surprisingly one of 2008’s best action movies. Jerry Shaw (LaBeouf) and Rachel Holloman both receive a mysterious phone call in which they are forced to co-operate in a series of events that put them and their families lives at risk. A high-tech, fast-paced and well-played film with an ending even the savviest of sleuths will not predict.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Rated: R (Language, Graphic Nudity, Sexual Content)
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Russell Brand, Jason Segel

A clever comedy about break-ups, summer love, sex, jealousy and moving on. Jason Segel (who wrote the story and screenplay) plays Peter, a lovestruck composer whose famous girlfriend Sarah (Bell) dumps him for the new ‘it’ rock star. Unable to forget her, he decides to take his friends advice and go away on a holiday. Unbeknownst to Peter, Sarah also goes on holiday and the two end up at the same resort. Peter is faced with choosing between his newfound love or Sarah. Guaranteed laughter and a feel-good ending make this one of 2008’s funniest Comedy/Romances.

Born in Chile and raised in Australia, Pamela Hormazabal Aroca has called Mazatlán her home for three years. Every month, M! for Movies will review upcoming films as well as new releases on DVD.