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!