Warner Bros. Moves Ron Howards ‘In the Heart of the Sea’ To Oscar Season, Plus Check Out Some New Pics

Well, here’s a potential vote of confidence. Ron Howard’s big-budgeted, VFX-heavy, "Moby Dick" movie, “In The Heart Of The Sea,” is being moved. Originally scheduled for a March 13th release suggested it was a movie of big scale and high entertainment value—tentpole-sized comparisons released in that frame include “Watchmen,” “Noah," “Olympus Has Fallen,” and the original “Hunger Games." But Warner Bros. has moved the movie to December 12th, right in the middle of Oscar season, which suggests the studio may have something stronger on their hands. So, is the movie starring Chris Hemsworth—his second film with Howard, following "Rush"—a strong contender then?

Well, maybe. A few things to consider. One: December 12th is essentially the same date that 20th Century Fox released Ridley Scott’s “Exodus: Gods & Kings,” another drama with a lot of spectacle and VFX, and that didn’t even come close to contending in the awards season. Two: WB may be...