This winter the competition at the box office exploded with hugely advertised movies hitting theaters week after week.  With so many movies in theaters there were bound to be terrific triumphs and epic failures.  I’m breaking down four of the highly publicized winter movies that range from must-sees to don’t waste your $10.50.

Lincoln

Big Names: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones and Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Release Date: 11/16/12

Lincoln tells the tale of our nation’s greatest president as he fights to get the 13th amendment passed at the end of the Civil War.  Amazingly, this two and a half hour movie is still playing in all theaters nearly two months after it’s release.  In all honesty, had my history teacher not offered extra credit for seeing this movie, I probably would not have given up my time and money to see it.  However, I went because of the bribe.  This movie is by all means for you history buffs and not people like me who go for the adorable romantic comedies.  While Daniel Day-Lewis, who recently received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Lincoln, definitely deserves all the praise he has received, it was not enough for me to keep my eyes open for the full two and a half hours.  I found the process of passing the 13th amendment and Lincoln’s behind closed doors family problems extremely interesting, however each scene was too drawn out.  It took nearly 20 minutes to act out the yays and nays of the 13th amendment vote which everyone already knew passes (you did know that I hope).  While the Oscar committee might disagree, my recommendation is wait for the DVD so you can fast forward through the slow parts.

The Guilt Trip

Big Names: Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogen

Release Date: 12/19/12

The Guilt Trip centers on every man’s worst nightmare—having to trek cross-country with your mother alongside the whole way, offering loads of motherly advice and embarrassment.  The Guilt Trip is charming and funny (although many of the best jokes were spoiled in the movie trailer).  Streisand and Rogen still manage to create an incredibly realistic mother-son relationship.  This comedy is perfect for family movie day.  Streisand did not disappoint, and Rogen was surprisingly able to keep up with her star power.  I have to admit, however, I was by far the youngest person in that movie theater.  Whether or not you should see it in theaters or wait for the DVD?  Well that’s just a matter of how big of a Barbra fan you are!

This is 40

Big Names: Leslie Mann, Paul Rudd, Megan Fox and Jason Segel

Release Date: 12/21/12

*Rated: R

If I had to name the worst movie of 2012, This is 40 would most likely claim that title.  The movie, which is somewhat of a sequel to Knocked Up, tried so desperately to be inappropriately funny that it fell flat on its’ face.  While, maybe it was just the wrong movie for the teenage demographic (I mean the title does say “40”), I still hesitate to think that the movie will be any more enjoyable when I reach age 40.  The actors were subpar, the jokes were barely funny, and the final lesson of the movie was entirely questionable.  The only thing I have left to say is: This may be 40, but this is not the movie to see.

Les Miserables

Big Names: Too many to count

Release Date: 12/25/12

While the reviews have been mixed, I personally loved Les Mis!  I’m a sucker for a great musical, and this happened to be one I had never seen the stage show of so I was eager to see the movie.  Although the movie was two hours and 37 minutes, I was entranced all the way through.  The emotional performances from many of the cast members, most notably Anne Hathaway (Fantine), Hugh Jackman (Jean Valjean) and Samantha Barks (Eponine) leave no question in my mind of the validity of their eight Oscar nominations including one for Best Picture.  The only disappointments came from a few lackluster songs and singers (*cough cough, Russell Crowe, cough cough*).  Despite this, the movie made me, a first time Les Mis audience member, a forever fan of the musical.  Les Mis is a must see for musical lovers and anyone who wants to feel inspired.  If you’re the type of person who hates having a fantastically emotional song stuck on your head though, maybe steer clear of this one, because I can tell you I’m still dreaming a dream.

While these are only four of the many movies this winter, we would love to hear your thoughts on the other winter movies.  Has anyone seen Django Unchained yet?