CinePhillyist

The Reader
The Reader is based on the German novel of the same name and set in post WWII Germany. It tells the story of a law student who as a young adult had an affair with an older woman and now watches as she is tried for war crimes. Given the subject matter, it sounds like a pretty depressing way to spend your holiday movie viewing, and critical acclaim has been mixed, but would someone please give Kate Winslet a damn Oscar already? If she doesn't get one for this, she might get one for Revolutionary Road (not out in Philly area theaters yet this week).
Trailer - Freshness
Showing at: Ritz at the Bourse, Ritz Sixteen

Marley & Me
Here is your sugary sweet and sappy date movie of the holidays. Hot Hollywood stars in the leading romantic roles? Check. Based on a New York Times bestselling book? Check. Life lessons learned from experiences with a cute doggy? Check. The formula is there for a hit, and it will surely do well at the box office, but it seems like the substance might not be there. This is not high quality, Demerara sugar sweetness, it's more like a packet of artificial sweetener that's been shoved underneath the leg of a restaurant table to keep it from wobbling.
Trailer - Freshness
Showing at: UA Riverview, AMC Loews Cherry Hill, Ritz Sixteen

Gran Torino
Later today we will have a review of this drama directed by and starring Clint Eastwood.
Trailer - Freshness
Showing at: Ritz Five, AMC Loews Cherry Hill, Ritz Sixteen, UA King of Prussia

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
We will also be reviewing this gorgeous film, starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett.
Trailer - Freshness
Showing at: UA Riverview, The Bridge, UA Main Street Manayunk, AMC Loews Cherry Hill, Ritz Sixteen

The Spirit
Tomorrow we will have a review of this gloriously awful movie. Per mandate, the review cannot be published until Christmas day. We are running it at 12:01 am, so if at some point your are sick of your family festivities and need an escape, check out Phillyist to read Jim's awesome ripping of this film.
Trailer - Freshness
Showing at: UA Riverview, AMC Loews Cherry Hill, Ritz Sixteen

Bedtime Stories
A Disney movie like this reminds me of the good old days of youth, before CGI, before Pixar, when they made simple, yet fantastical stories meant to expand the imagination of children with the inventive tale. Not that this movie looks like a quality one, because it doesn't. But often childrens' movies don't have to be the best in order to become a favorite memory.
Trailer - Freshness
Showing at: UA Riverview, The Bridge, AMC Loews Cherry Hill, Ritz Sixteen

Valkyrie
People are being too hard on this one. Tom Cruise is a freak of nature, for sure, but often the best and most engaging actors are. This is also a movie that isn't exactly light holiday subject matter, but the topic is a fascinating one: the 1944 plot by German officers to kill Adolf Hitler. Cruise's Scientology ties are causing controversy around the film, but perhaps movie-goers will be able to see past his issues and appreciate this intense historical thriller.
Trailer - Freshness
Showing at: UA Riverview, The Bridge, AMC Loews Cherry Hill, Ritz Sixteen

Image via About.com