By now most of us need a break from shopping, cooking and family. Going to a theater to see a great movie is a good stress reliever. December releases start off slow but pick up speed near the end of the month. The following are just a few previews to help you decide.
He’s Out There (NR)
The December movie month kicks off with He’s Out There, Dec. 1, a horror/psychological thriller directed by Dennis Iliadis and starring Yvonne Strahovski, Anna Pniowsky, Abigail Pniowsky and Justin Bruening. A young mother takes her two daughters to a lake house for some relaxation, however, unbeknownst to them an evil psychopath is watching their every move setting up a bizarre nightmare.
The Shape Of Water (R)
Premiering Dec. 8 is Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water. Starring Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon and Richard Jenkins, the setting is 1962 in a government agency where a frumpy mute named Elisa works. A classified experiment is brought into the lab which she discovers and befriends. Wonderful effects and an odd love story which works.
Ferdinand (PG)
Also opening on Dec. 15 is Ferdinand, directed by Carlos Saldanha. This delightful animated movie is based on the book written by Munro Leaf about a bull who would much rather smell flowers and prance in the field then fight against matadors. He is taken from his home and must endure several adventures to return. Kate McKinnon, Bobby Cannavale, David Tennant, John Cena and Gina Rodriguez are just a few who lend their voices to bring these characters to life.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (NR)
Dec. 15 sees the debut of the highly anticipated Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Directed by Rian Johnson, the movie stars Daisy Ridley, Tom Hardy, Mark Hamill, Andy Serkis, Billy Lourd and the late Carrie Fisher in one of her final roles. This is the second movie in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, which directly follows the 2015 film Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (PG-13)
1990s-era favorite Jumanji gets a reboot/sequel on Dec. 20 with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. Directed by Jake Kasdan and starring Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, Kevin Hart, Bobby Cannavale and Jack Black we pick up 20 years after the events of the first film. Instead of a board game we now have a video game. The adventures of the four teenagers who discover the console therefore sucking them into the game are hilarious. No one can replace Robin Williams, but this is a fun movie for the family.
Pitch Perfect 3 (PG-13)
Directed by Trish Sie, Pitch Perfect 3 premieres on Dec. 22. Ruby Rose, Anna Kendrick, Hailee Steinfeld, Elizabeth Banks, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow and Anna Camp star in the third movie about the Bellas. Having graduated from college, the Bellas are trying to figure out their personal lives while still longing for the fun of their past. Aubrey reunites the Bellas for one last competition overseas. Can they meet the challenge with these new groups? A lot of good music and fun.
Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool (R)
Dec. 29 sees the release of Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool. Directed by Paul McGuigan starring Annette Bening, Jamie Bell and Vanessa Redgrave, the movie is based on the memoir of the same name written by Peter Turner. Bening portrays actress
Gloria Grahame who finds happiness with a much younger man. However, it is short-lived as she is diagnosed with breast cancer. Oscar-worthy performances all around.
Molly’s Game (R)
Debuting on Christmas Day is Molly’s Game in limited release. Directed by Aaron Sorkin in his directorial debut, this is a true story of Molly Bloom, based on her memoir. Bloom was an Olympic-class skier who begins running an underground exclusive high stakes poker game catering exclusively to celebrities, athletes and the mob. Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba and Kevin Costner star in this film.
So grab a snack and drink and sit back and relax and enjoy a movie.
