This holiday season, there is literally something for everyone with over great 25 films in theaters! From the marvelous sequel to Julie Andrews’ “Mary Poppins” with Emily Blunt in the lead to Barry Jenkins, “If Beale Street Could Talk” the most romantic black film in movie history to the riveting period pieces, “Mary Queen
Here is this month’s guide to help you choose.
Green Book
The wonderful true story of the relationship between legendary musician, Don Shirley and Tony Lip, the driver, who became his lifetime good friend is – apart from Black Panther – my favorite movie of the year. The script and both leads are Oscar worthy.
Widows
Viola Davis can read the phone book on screen and I would watch her. She is, aside from Meryl Streep, the greatest American actress, working today. This film was awesome although one of the ads spoils it and gives away the big twist!
The Grinch
Benjamin Cumberbatch is pitch perfect as the mean one, Mr. Grinch and Max is even more adorable than the original dog. Narrated by Pharrell, this is holiday fun for the whole family.
Robin Hood
Shame there wasn’t a better PR effort on this film. Neither me or any of my movie reviewing colleagues, attended any screenings, which is usually a real bad sign. However I have a crush on both Jamie Foxx and Jamie Dornan. And Taron is perfectly cast. So I will definitely see it.
Vox Lux
Natalie Portman is one of the most underrated actresses of our generation. She is absolutely amazing in this film about a rock star making her comeback despite personal struggles.
The Favorite
Powerhouse acting from all of the leads – especially Olivia Colman as the Queen – make this THE movie to see this season. It’s a dark and dastardly tale, so it will not exactly put you in the holiday mood. But it will definitely entertain you. And if you are a movie lover, it cannot be missed.
Anna and the Apocalypse
Best described as “The Day of the Dead meets High School Musical”, what could be more fun than a zombie musical? This Scottish import is sure to be a holiday cult classic. It’s dark in places but could be this generation’s “Rocky Horror Picture Show”, just with zombies!
Science Fair
One of my favorite films of the year and docs of all time, this fun film follows the amazingly sharp kids that attend the annual International Science Fair. I loved it so much, I attended two screenings in one week!
Roma
Directed by Oscar winner, Alfonso Cuaron, this has early Oscar buzz to take Best Picture and Director. While it is playing simultaneously on Netflix – I hate when they do that and feel you should see it on a proper big screen. Great films should be seen in theaters first, not on 50” TV screens!
Mary Queen Of Scots
Both Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie shine in this biopic about the relationship between Mary Queen of Scots and her cousin, Elizabeth the I. It’s an interesting story of early misogyny towards a female leader that particularly resonates in this #MeToo era.
Once Upon A Deadpool
PG-13 version of Deadpool with Fred Savage should be silly good fun.
Mortal Engines
With Robert Sheehan, Hera Hilmar and Hugo Weaving with a screenplay from Peter Jackson of “The Lord Of The Rings” fame, this film kicks ass from start to finish! See this on the biggest screen you possibly can because the visuals are stunning.
Spiderman Into the Spiderverse
There was big controversy over having a black Spidey, but hey, why not? He is, after all, an urban dweller! It is a shame that the first black Spiderman had to be animated, but we can’t win them all.
Acquaman
Jason
If Beale Street Could Talk
There is Oscar buzz for Regina King for her portrayal as a wondrous mother, in this adaption of the James Baldwin novel. Directed by Barry Jenkins of “Moonlight” fame, this is one of my favorite movies of the year and the most romantic black film ever made. Please support this film.
Mary Poppins Returns
I was five years old again and loved every minute of this enchanting sequel to the classic ’60’s original. Emily Blunt is the perfect Mary Poppins and Lin Manuel was wonderful too. There is a wonderful surprise appearance. My one wish would have been a cameo from Julie Andrews, too. Otherwise, this film was perfect.
Bumblebee
This is the best Transformers ever. I loved Haillee Steinfield. Written by female screenwriter, Christina Hodson and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, Bumblebee brings totally new life to the Transformers franchise.
Second Act
I worked with Jennifer Lopez on one of her first films and she and I shared a ton of laughs at the craft service table. She was a great gal then, so I will always appreciate her. This film was fun but the plot was so
On The Basis Of Sex
This biopic about the beloved America hero, Ruth Bader Ginsburg is top of my holiday list. Academy Award winner, Felicity Jones is perfectly cast as a young Ruth. Directed by Mimi Leder and written by Daniel Stiepleman, the film also stars Arnie Hammer as Ruth’s supportive husband. Kathy Bates and Sam Waterson round out this stellar cast.
Welcome to Marwen
Based on a true story, Steve Carell plays Mark Hogancamp, who after he is violently assaulted by neo-Nazis, constructs an imaginary town to aid in his recovery. The all-star cast includes Janelle Monae, Leslie Mann
Holmes and Watson
Back together after “Talladega Nights” and “Step Brothers”, Will Farrell and John C Reilly bring us some welcome holiday laughs as Sherlock Holmes and his faithful sidekick Dr. Watson. It’s a “no shit, Sherlock” that this is going to be hilarious!
Vice
Christian Bale completely disappears into his role as Dick Cheney, one of the most shady Vice Presidents in American history. Vice has an all-star cast of Sam Rockwell as GW Bush, Steve Carell as Donald Rumsfeld and Amy Adams as Lynne Cheney. Directed and written by “The Big Short” and produced in conjunction with Plan B, Brad Pitt’s company.
Destroyer
Nicole Kidman brings the drama this Christmas with this dark tale of a police woman trying to redeem herself. Kidman is unrecognizable and will likely garner an Oscar nod for this powerful performance.
