Two new movies are opening wide this weekend:
Opening in most theaters is the fantasy epic The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug directed by Peter Jackson and starring Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Evangeline Lilly, John Bell and Jed Brophy. The film’s original music is composed by Howard Shore. WaterTower Music has released the composer’s score in two different versions. For the full details of both the regular and deluxe edition, visit our previous article. Included on both versions is the end credits song I See Fire written and performed by Ed Sheera. Click here to listen to audio clips from the soundtrack.
Also opening wide is the comedy Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas written, directed and produced by Perry who also stars in the film alongside Chad Michael Murray, Larry the Cable Guy, Kathy Najimy, Eric Lively, Alicia Witt, Lisa Whelchel, JR Lemon and Noah Urrea. Christopher Young (Spider-Man 3, The Shipping News) who also scored Perry’s upcoming Single Moms Club has composed the film’s original music. Lionsgate and Motown Records have released a soundtrack album featuring the film’s songs by artists including including Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, James Brown, the Jackson 5, Boyz II Men & Brian McKnight and Ashanti. For the full album details, check out our soundtrack announcement.
Opening in limited release is the drama Saving Mr. Banks directed by John Lee Hancock and starring Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Paul Giamatti, Bradley Whitford, Colin Farrell, Jason Schwartzman, B.J. Novak, Rachel Griffiths, Ruth Wilson and Kathy Baker. Thomas Newman (American Beauty, The Shawshank Redemption) has composed the film’s original score and Richard Sherman (Mary Poppins) served as the movie’s music consultant. Walt Disney Records has released a soundtrack album featuring Newman’s score, as well as the songs from Disney’s Marry Poppins featured in the movie and performed by the film’s cast, in two different editions. Check out our previous news article for the full album details. Also visit Film Music Magazine and BFI for recent interviews with the composer about his work on the film.
Also opening in limited release before expanding nationwide next week is the crime comedy drama American Hustle directed by David O. Russell and starring Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Jennifer Lawrence. Danny Elfman who previously collaborated with Russell on Silver Linings Playbook has composed the film’s original score. Madison Gate Records has released a soundtrack album featuring the songs from the film by artists including Duke Ellington, Elton John, The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Tom Jones, Jeff Lynne, Chris Stills, Wings and Jack Jones, as well as track from Elfman’s score earlier this week. Check out our soundtrack announcement for the full album details and to listen to audio clips.
Also opening in select cities is the horror thriller Here Comes the Devil written and directed by Adrián García Bogliano and starring Francisco Barreiro, Laura Caro and Alan Martinez. The film’s original music is composed by Julio Pillado. Mondo has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score, as well as the songs from the Spanish language film by artists including Braulio & Benita Lam, Joel Alonso & LSD and Knife of Simpson. To listen to audio clips and to find out more about both the film and soundtrack, check out our previous news article.
Also opening in limited release is the thriller Hours written and directed by Eric Heisserer and starring Paul Walker and Genesis Rodriguez. The film’s original score is composed by Benjamin Wallfisch (Dear Wendy, The Escapist, Summer in February). Varese Sarabande has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score digitally earlier this week. A CD version will be released on December 17. Check out our soundtrack announcement for the full album details. It was announced earlier this week that Wallfisch will dedicate thesoundtrack album in memory of Paul Walker and the he and Varese Sarabande will respectively donate a portion of the soundtrack’s sales and royalties to Walker’s non-profit, Reach Out WorldWide.
