The week's US movie releases: Clooney and DeNiro lead the way to the box office

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As Twilight fever subsides, with a 70 percent attendance drop in the US, though only 30 percent around the world, there's room for new candidates -- a couple of films packed with star power, plus other interesting options hit US cinemas the weekend of December 4.

As Twilight fever subsides, with a 70 percent attendance drop in the US, though only 30 percent around the world, there's room for new candidates - a couple of films packed with star power, plus other interesting options hit US cinemas the weekend of December 4.

Up in the Air

This film stars George Clooney, America's leading man, in his third film of the season ( Men Who Stare at Goats, Fantastic Mr. Fox). A vagabond loves his lifestyle while traveling on the job - until he's grounded and meets his match. Director Jason Reitman ( Juno) delivers a strong comedic drama with Vera Farmiga ( The Departed) and newcomer Anna Kendrick that seems bound for a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars.

Everybody's Fine

A remake of Giuseppe Tornatore's Stanno Tutti Bene, Everybody's Fine stars Robert DeNiro as a widower who reunites with his grown children in an attempt to create the perfect holiday season. Also with Drew Barrymore, Sam Rockwell and Kate Beckinsale, the film is written and directed by Kirk Jones ( Waking Ned Devine). Some reviews claim DeNiro gives an Oscar-worthy performance.

Brothers

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman, Tobey Maguire, and Sam Shepard, this tile involves a woman and two brothers - one who is sent off to the war in Afghanistan and the other who cares for his brother's family. Based on the Danish film Brødre by Susanne Bier, this version is directed by Jim Sheridan ( In America, My Left Foot).

The Last Station

The Last Station stars Christopher Plummer as Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy and Helen Mirren portraying Countess Sofya, his wife, mother of 13 children, secretary, and muse. Also with James McAvoy and Paul Giamatti ( Sideways), this historical drama and complex love story opens in New York and Los Angeles for one week to be eligible for Oscar nominations, and then everywhere in early 2010.

www.theupintheairmovie.com
www.miramax.com/everybodysfine
www.brothersfilm.com
www.sonyclassics.com/thelaststation

RC