Photo via variety.com
By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
After one of the worst Novembers for film in recent memory, hope always emerges in December. With every genre sufficiently represented, this December looks to be no exception. From horror to comedy to Oscar contenders to Hollywood blockbusters, there’s something under the tree for everyone. Let’s take a deeper dive at cinemas’ most anticipated offerings this month.
December 5th
Unfortunately, the month kicks off with a horror sequel nobody wanted. “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” waddles its way into theaters this week. Yep, those killer animatronic musicians come back to life to wreak more havoc. Seeing as how the first film was one of the worst of 2023, don’t expect a surprise increase in quality, especially with the director and cast remaining the same.
If you’re more in the mood for mirth and levity, then maybe “Fackham Hall” will be the better selection this week. This is a satirical comedy that appears to be a spoof of “Downton Abbey.” As is the case with most satires, the jokes could either land with raucous hilarity or crash and burn in an inferno of boredom. Best to wait for reviews on this one before taking that plunge.
December 12th
Veteran director and Oscar winner James L. Brooks (“Terms of Endearment”) writes and directs his first film since 2010. “Ella McCay” is a comedy/drama of a young woman trying to balance her career as a politician and her kooky family. This looks to be a feel-good type of movie with a lot of talent in the cast, featuring Emma Mackey, Woody Harrelson, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Kumail Nanjiani. However, if the trailers are any indication, a healthy amount of cheese appears to present which could make this more of a Hallmark type of film.
On the other side of the coin is a strange looking horror film entitled “Dust Bunny.” Don’t immediately dismiss this one based on the name or appearance of it, because it has the potential of being a uniquely creative gem. The premise is a little girl asks an odd neighbor for help in killing the monster under her bed she believes consumed her family. Directed by the creator of “Hannibal,” it should be darkly twisted with an incomparable visual style.
December 19th
The week before Christmas gets started with the return of everyone’s favorite blue aliens. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is the third film of this blockbuster sci-fi franchise that began in 2009. Expect another epic adventure with spectacular visuals that will surely take home the box office gold medal this month. James Cameron doesn’t usually complicate the plot, he simply knows how to craft quality entertainment, so secure your theater seat early for this one.
It’s been a rare treat to go a month this year without seeing Sydney Sweeney in a film, and she returns for yet another starring role. This time it’s a thriller titled “The Housemaid,” a profession you could say she’s had absolutely no experience with confidence. It remains to be seen if Sweeney will continue her unbeaten streak of ruining a film with her dreadful inability to act. Best to wait on the sidelines to see the consensus before braving this one.
For those looking for an Oscar contending type of movie, then you’re finally in luck with this one. “Is This Thing On?” is a drama/comedy of a middle-aged man in New York dealing with divorce by turning to life as a stand-up comic. With Bradley Cooper directing and Will Arnett in what looks to be a career defining performance, this is a film worth paying attention to, so don’t sleep on this one.
In need of a quality family film, good for all ages? Then check out Angel Studios’ latest animation, “David,” which showcases the biblical journey of David’s life as he famously takes on Goliath and gets anointed as the new king of Israel. This is an inspirational story with fantastic songs that is sure to captivate young children while being informative of one of the Bible’s most prolific figures. Count on this to be a better family option than that new SpongeBob movie.
December 25th
“Song Sung Blue” is the second major Oscar contender of the month and it arrives in Santa’s rucksack on Christmas day. Based on a true story, the movie features Academy Award nominees Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as a husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act. This could be the best film about a Neil Diamond tribute act since “Saving Silverman” in 2001.
Speaking of “Saving Silverman,” Jack Black reunites with Steve Zahn in what promises to be one of the funniest comedies of the year. “Anaconda” is the unlikely comedic remake of the 1997 horror film that was one of the worst films to be released that year. However, with a solid comedic director at the helm and Paul Rudd in a starring role, this could have you gripping your sides as you laugh out plenty of ho, ho, hos.
Another major Oscar contender makes its way into theaters on Christmas day. “Marty Supreme” is an epic drama based loosely on real-life table tennis player Marty Reisman. With two-time Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet portraying the titular character, and Josh Safdie (“Uncut Gems”) directing, this film is an odds on favorite to gobble up some gold statues.
