1. “American Hustle” (Dec. 18)
Based on the FBI Long Island office’s ABSCAM sting operation of the late 1970s and early 1980s, this crime drama shows an FBI agent forcing a con man and his British partner into the world of New Jersey powerbrokers and mafia. The operation was a public corruption investigation. An ensemble cast featuring Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper and Jeremy Renner make this a film to see on star power alone.
2. “The Wolf of Wall Street” (Dec. 25)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film follows a New York stockbroker, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, from his rise to wealth to his refusal to cooperate in a corruption case involving security fraud. Based on a true story, DiCaprio’s character will remind many of Jay Gatsby, the main character portrayed by DiCaprio in “The Great Gatsby” film adaptation. The film also stars Jonah Hill and Matthew McConaughey.
3. “Inside Llewyn Davis” (Dec. 20)
Written and directed by Joel and Ethan Cowen, the film follows a week in the life of a New York songwriter, as he explores folk music in the 1960s. While the movie has no set plot, it did win the second-most prestigious award, the Grand Prix, at this month’s Cannes Film Festival. The film stars Oscar Isaac and John Goodman, with an appearance from Justin Timberlake. According to the directors, the film “doesn’t really have a plot.”
4. “Out of the Furnace” (Dec. 6)
Ridley Scott and Leonardo DiCaprio produce this thriller, which follows Russel and Rodney Jr., two brothers living in the Rust Belt that dream of a better life, until Russell (Christian Bale) ends up in prison and Rodney Jr. (Casey Affleck) is lured into a ruthless crime ring. When released, Russell must decide between a free life or fight to save his brother. The film also stars Woody Harrelson, Willem Dafoe and Forest Whitacker.
5. “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” (Dec. 20)
The Channel 4 team is back in the sequel to 2004’s “Anchorman.” Ron Burgundy, played by Will Ferrell returns to the desk alongside sports anchor Champ Kind, played by David Koechner, reporter Brian Fantana, played by Paul Rudd and weatherman Brick Tamland, played by Steve Carrell. There will be many star-studded cameos, including Liam Neeson, Jim Carrey and rappers Drake and Kanye West.
