Reel Hub: Atoning for Old Men and Chipmunk Cheer?

The 2008 Golden Globe nominees were announced yesterday, and to nobody's surprise, they skewed heavily toward the period drama Atonement. Charlie Wilson's War, No Country for Old Men, American Gangster, and Sweeney Todd all emerged with at least 4 noms each.

Local fave Casey Affleck was nominated for his (non-Jesse James) title role in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, and though Gone Baby Gone didn't get a nod in the film department, Amy Ryan is up for best supporting actress for her role in the Boston-focused feature.

In more local film news, the Shohei Imamura festival at the Harvard Film Archive wraps up tonight with Intentions of Murder (Akai satsui) at 7:00 p.m., followed by A History of Postwar Japan as Told by a Bar Hostess (Nippon sengo-shi: Madamu Omboro no seikatsu) at 9:45. These off-kilter looks at unusual events will change the way you think about movies. Plus, they're the last screenings at the Harvard film Archive until January 11, so get your final HFA fix before the new year!

Strangeness not your style? The Brattle's showing It's a Wonderful Life tonight at 5:00 p.m. If this film doesn't satisfy your holiday sweet tooth, nothing will.

Should you prefer scary moments to sappy ones, check out Eraserhead at the Brattle tonight at 9:30. The real Lynch freaks can show up early (7:30) to catch Lynch (one) for an in-depth look at the man himself.

New releases include the Chipmunks movie (bringing action and satisfaction), I Am Legend (with Will Smith also bringing action and satisfaction!) and The Perfect Holiday. Christmas movies aren't quite our style, so we plan to stick to the HFA or Brattle events--but if you like big crowds and squeaky voices, definitely get in line for Alvin and the Chipmunks this weekend.

For the long-range planners, the Golden Globes will air January 13, 2008--get your best dress ready, and start printing out those prediction sheets!

Casey Affleck image from http://media.commercialappeal.com. Eraserhead image from http://www.filmreference.com.