Movie picks: Disney goes ‘Into the Woods’ for its next hit

Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Anna Kendrick and Chris Pine star in the silver screen adaptation of the Broadway hit, Into the Woods. Disney is hoping the reworking of Stephen Sondheim’s Tony award winner will be a box office and critical success. Already, the film has garnered three Golden Globe nominations, including Best Motion Picture Comedy or Musical. It does have a lot going for it. That cast looks great. It’s a musical, and it’s directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago). But those very same ingredients could be a turn-off for some. Depp is being Depp (still hasn’t made a good film since Ed Wood) and not much else. It’s a musical, and it’s directed by Rob Marshall (Did you see Nine? No, you didn’t.). Rated PG-13.

This week’s movies
The Gambler (in theaters Thursday)
Mark Wahlberg stars in this drama, written by William Monahan (The Departed) and adapted from the underrated 1974 film of the same name. Rated R. View the trailer.

Unbroken (in theaters Thursday)
Domhnall Gleeson, Jack O’Connell and Jai Courtney star in Oscar bait, directed by Angelina Jolie. Rated PG-13. View the trailer.

The Interview (in theaters never)
Three things that will happen since Sony and major theater chains have given in to censorship and opted out of releasing the film (which was scheduled to open during Christmas):

A new business model is born, forbidding anything controversial.
Dennis Rodman is also in talks to become the new head of the MPAA.
Michael Bay is set to work on Transformers 5-8, now filming back-to-back-to-back-to-back for release in 2017-2021.

The Good Lie (new on DVD/Blu-ray)
One of many films released this year that features a great performance from Reese Witherspoon. Rated PG-13. View the trailer.

Pride (new on DVD/Blu-ray)
Bill Nighy and Dominic West star in this critically-acclaimed film about activism in 1980s London. Rated R. View the trailer.

The Trip to Italy (new on DVD/Blu-ray)
Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon return for more first-class dining tips, travel insights and Michael Caine impressions. Not rated. View the trailer.