What’s Opening on the Big Screen This Christmas
When all the gifts have been opened and we’ve had the last piece of mincemeat pie, it’s time to head to the movie theater. It’s become one of our great American traditions. Hollywood won’t disappoint this year. Here’s a look at some of the best picks on the screen this December:
- Pinocchio—This CGI retelling of the classic story of the puppet who comes to life features the voices of Ron Perlman, Ewan McGregor, Cate Blanchett, Guillermo del Toro and Tim Blake Nelson. It’s a little darker than the original tale, but still carries the same message.
- Emancipation—Starring Will Smith, this powerful drama retells the true story of an escaped slave trying to make contact with the Union Army and gain his freedom
- Something From Tiffany’s—This romcom, starring Reese Witherspoon, tracks a woman who receives the wrong gift—an engagement ring—that leads her to the love of her life.
- A Man Called Otto—Based on the Fredrik Backman novel (A Man Called Ove), this movie stars Tom Hanks as a cantankerous old man who spends most of his time harping at and castigating his neighbors. Otto’s life changes forever when a young family moves in next door.
- Avatar: The Way Of Water—The sequel to the 2009 epic that grossed nearly $3 billion, this blockbuster takes us back to the planet Pandora, as once again the planet’s very existence is threatened. Kate Winslet, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Yeoh and Sam Worthington star.
- Puss in Boots: The Last Wish—Another sequel, this animated feature accompanies our hero (who discovers that he has used 8 of his 9 lives) as he searches for the mythical “Last Wish” that will allow him to regain his 9 lives. Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek provide the voice overs for Puss and for Kitty Softpaws.
- I Wanna Dance With Somebody—This biopic chronicles the rise of Whitney Houston from unknown to international superstardom. Uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time, it stars Naomi Ackie as Houston, with Stanley Tucci as Clive Davis, the man who molded her career.
- Babylon—Set in LA in the 1920s, this film looks at the excesses of the “Roaring Twenties,” as well as the changes in the entertainment industry as silent movies gave way to “talkies.” Brad Pitt, Olivia Wilde, Margot Robbie and Tobey Maguire star.
- The Pale Blue Eye—Set at West Point in the 1820s, this thriller follows veteran detective Augustus Landor (Christian Bale) as he enlists the assistance of a young cadet to solve a series of homicides. The cadet will go on to renown as Edgar Allan Poe (played in the film by Harry Melling).
Whether you’re looking for romance, fantasy, inspiration or simply escape, the 2022 holiday film offerings promise to deliver.
