Release Radar – Christmas 2021

The Christmas Holiday is always home to a number of releases so there are plenty of options if you’re looking for something to do. I’m not going to spend as much time with this as usual so I can enjoy the holiday, but I’ll still highlight a few options.

The Matrix Resurrections (Theaters + HBO Max Dec. 22nd)

Writers: Lana Wachowski, David Mitchell, and Aleksandar Hemon

Director: Lana Wachowski

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

This movie has taken a lot of flack so far, but I enjoyed it. My expectations weren’t particularly high but, after rewatching the original trilogy, maybe that made it more enjoyable for me.

The Tragedy of Macbeth (Theaters Dec. 25th)

Written by: Joel Coen (screenplay), William Shakespeare (play)

Directed by: Joel Coen

Starring: Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, and Alex Hassell

There’s a reason this one was held until the end of the year. it obviously has a big profile and plenty of expectations to go along with it. If I can only see one movie on Christmas day, this one is on the list.

The King’s Man (Theaters Dec. 22nd)

Writers: Matthew Vaughn & Karl Gajdusek | Director: Matthew Vaughn

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans

I really enjoyed the original film and Matthew Vaughn is still at the helm in this trilogy, but I never made it through the sequel (The Golden Circle). This movie has been advertised incessantly for months on end which is usually a pretty telling sign. However, the style and action appear to still be there.

Sing 2 (Theaters Dec. 22nd)

Written & Directed by: Garth Jennings

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, and Scarlett Johansson

I was pleasantly surprised by the first Sing and while it wouldn’t be my typical go-to, this is a nice feel-good option for the holiday season.

What Else is New

Don’t Look Up (Netflix debut Dec. 24th)

Writers: Adam McKay and David Sirota | Director: Adam McKay

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Jonah Hill, and Meryl Streep

Licorice Pizza (expands Dec. 25th)

Written & Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson

Starring: Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, and Sean Pean

Parallel Mothers (Theaters Dec. 24th)

Written & Directed by: Pedro Almodóvar

Starring: Penélope Cruz, Rossy de Palma, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón

A Journal for Jordan (Theaters Dec. 25th)

Writers: Virgil Williams (screenplay), Charles Monroe King (journal), Dana Canedy (book)

Director: Denzel Washington

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Chanté Adams, and Jalon Christian

American Underdog (Theaters Dec. 25th)

Screenplay: David Aaron Cohen, Jon Gunn,& Jon Erwin

Directors: Andrew Erwin & Jon Erwin

Starring: Zachary Levi, Anna Paquin, and Dennis Quaid


Thanks for reading! I still believe word of mouth is the best way to help, so if you enjoy what I’m doing, please tell somebody. Liking, subscribing, and sharing go a long way too. Happy Holidays! And as usual, be well, be safe, and have fun no matter how you get your movies!