The Other Boleyn Girl (Dec. 21)

• Players and premise
Scarlett Johansson is sweet Mary, who enjoys a dalliance with Henry VIII (Eric Bana). Natalie Portman is scheming sister Anne, who has more ambitious designs on the lusty king. Portman has hinted that her formidable co-star won’t be a total pushover.

• Upshot
The source material by Philippa Gregory and an Oscar-bait opening date suggests this is being positioned as more than just an excuse to display pouty lips and heaving bosoms.

• Heat index
“Johansson’s wide-eyed, blond innocence will be perfect as the manipulated Mary, and Portman’s steamy dark passion could well be the best Anne Boleyn ever.”

Source: USA Today