First and foremost: happy holidays! It’s always an exciting time of year to get together with friends and family and celebrate the festivities — whether that means eating a hearty meal, taking turns unwrapping presents, or going to see a show (perhaps even a movie).
If it’s the latter you and your loved ones opt for during the holiday season, you’re in luck. This coming weekend, you’ll find no shortage of fantastic new movies for everyone to enjoy.
Starting this Friday, you’ll be able to see Oscar winner Damien Chazelle’s epic take on Hollywood history, Babylon, as well as the long-awaited sequel to Puss in Boots, Puss in Boots: The Last Time.
Along with those titles, you’ll also have time to catch up on some of the best releases from the previous few months, like James Cameron’s latest blockbuster, Avatar: The Way of Water, the most recent addition to the MCU, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Brenda Fraser’s comeback film, The Whale.
Here are all the movies you can find playing at your local movie theaters starting this weekend.
Updated: December 22.
Popular New Releases
Avatar: The Way of Water
It’s been over a decade since we last saw a James Cameron film, the director having delivered one of the biggest critical and financial sci-fi epics in history with 2009’s Avatar. Having diligently worked on a sequel to his pop culture phenomenon for the past 13 years, Cameron finally returns this Christmas with the anxiously-awaited sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water.
Over 10 years after the events of Avatar, Jake (Sam Worthington) lives a peaceful life with his family among the Na’vi. Unfortunately, the idyllic existence of his people is once again threatened by the human colonizers who have returned to Pandora.
As you might expect, Avatar: The Way of Water has already been hailed as a cinematic masterpiece in terms of its visuals alone. As was the case with the first movie, critics have commented that watching it truly makes it feel that you’ve traveled to a distant world, inhabited by vivid flora and breathtaking fauna. It might have taken a long time for Cameron to deliver — but deliver he most assuredly did.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 83%
IMDb score: 8.3
Babylon
Damien Chazelle is one of the best young directors working today, his debut Whiplash serving as perhaps the greatest film debut by a first-time director ever put to screen. Following up on the success of La La Land and First Man, Chazelle looks back at the intricate and chaotic world of 1920s Hollywood with his latest film, Babylon.
As the film industry undergoes a major transformation from the silent era into sound, several major stars and industry figures suffer severe professional setbacks.
Between its amazing set design and massive ensemble cast (Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Jean Smart, Tobey Maguire, Olivia Wilde, Samara Weaving, and Flea, among others), Babylon is commendable for both its size and scope. While its cast, music, and visuals all secured praise, critics were dismissive about the movie’s thin screenplay and lengthy runtime (just over three hours).
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 59%
IMDb score:
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
It’s been some years since we last saw that swashbuckling feline adventurer, Puss, in action (11 years, to be exact). After his lengthy absence, Shrek’s breakout character returns for what is quite possibly the final time.
Having cycled through eight of his nine lives, Puss (Antonio Banderas) sets out to locate the fabled Last Wish and restore his life cycle, all the while being hunted by a dangerous band of criminals led by the sinister Goldilocks (Florence Pugh).
A more than satisfying sequel to the original Puss in Boots, The Last Wish has earned instant critical acclaim, mostly owing to its vocal performances and animation. Already, it’s garnered a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the Golden Globes, with likely an Academy Award nomination to follow soon after.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%
IMDb score: 7.6
Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody
Musical documentaries have been very much in vogue this past year, likely stemming from the critical acclaim heaped onto Disney+’s The Beatles: Get Back. This weekend, you’ll be able to look forward to one more musical documentary joining the fray — Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody.
Taking you on a journey through the life and career of legendary R&B singer Whitney Houston, I Wanna Dance with Somebody chronicles how Houston went from relative obscurity to a major pillar in the music industry.
As heartwarming as its portrayal of Houston’s life is, I Wanna Dance with Somebody has earned mostly divided reviews from critics. Most felt the film relied on the same basic outline used by other music documentaries before it, doing little to set itself apart from other projects like Get Back or Moonage Daydream.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 42%
IMDb score: 6.7
Violent Night
You remember the opening to Scrooged — where they had Santa and the Six Million Dollar Man fight off a horde of ski mask-clad bad guys at the North Pole? That’s essentially the plot to Violent Night, the new comedic action film starring David Harbour as a John McClane-Santa hybrid.
On Christmas Eve, a gang of professional thieves take a wealthy family hostage and try to break into their heavily fortified vault. The family's only chance of survival is Santa Claus (Harbour), who hands out some violent vengeance against the ne’er-do-wells seeking to ruin Christmas.
As high concept a movie as they come, Violent Night nevertheless delivers a satisfying dose of over-the-top action and deliberately-cheesy one liners. It may not be the greatest Christmas movie ever made, but it’s no doubt one of the most original — an opinion shared by most critics, who gifted the movie with mostly positive reviews.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 70%
IMDb score: 6.9
The Whale
Like Keanu Reeves, Brendan Fraser can do no wrong. An unbelievably humble and likable actor, Fraser’s been beset by both personal and professional issues that have severely hindered his career. But 2022 marks the return of this superior actor, with Fraser managing to delight audiences in No Sudden Move and his most recent psychological drama, The Whale.
Facing mounting health issues, a reclusive English teacher (Fraser) tries reaching out and forming a connection to his estranged daughter (Stranger Things‘ Sadie Sink).
The Whale has been hailed as Fraser’s finest performance yet, launching what looks to be a successful, long-awaited comeback for the former action star. Most of the film’s positive reception has revolved around Fraser, with similar praise going to Sink and co-star Hong Chau.
Where to watch: In theaters for a limited time
Rotten Tomatoes score: 70%
IMDb score: 9
Empire of Light
Set in 1980s coastal England, a middle-aged movie theater usher (Olivia Colman) and a new employee (Michael Ward) form an emotional connection with one another, in spite of their personal differences.
Sam Mendes is one of the more underrated directors working today. His past movies (1917, American Beauty, Skyfall) have all won notable acclaim and various international prizes, but he doesn’t necessarily come up in the same breath with other filmmakers working today.
As impressive as Mendes’ previous filmography has been, Empire of Light is a bit of a disappointing follow-up to Mendes’ award-winning 1917. The performances of the cast have been called the movie’s finest feature, with critics viewing the tone and storyline of the movie uneventful and more than a little boring.
Where to watch: In theaters for a limited time
Rotten Tomatoes score: 43%
IMDb score: 6.6
Strange World
The newest animated Disney film, Strange World is also a carefully-constructed homage to the pulp magazines of the ‘30s and ‘40s, mixing most of its dated genre elements with a refreshingly modern story and characters.
The Clades are a famous group of adventurers whose argumentative nature and in-fighting threaten to fracture the family. Venturing to the fantastic planet of Avalonia, the Clades must learn to put aside their differences and exist as a group, coming together as a family in order to survive.
As per usual, Disney spares no expense when it comes to the visual design of the film, Strange World having a beautiful color palette that juxtaposes nicely with an engaging narrative. The story itself was seen as a tad middling compared to other Disney films, but its representation and inclusive themes have earned it above-par reviews.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 74%
IMDb score: 5.5
Devotion
Aviation films are big right now, thanks mostly to the blockbuster records of Top Gun: Maverick. Following in the footsteps of Tom Cruise’s critically hailed film is Devotion, a fascinating biographical story built around the first Black airman to complete the U.S. Navy's flight training program.
Against the backdrop of the Korean War, fighter pilots Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors) and Tom Hudner (Glen Powell, who also played a Navy pilot in Maverick) become two of the most celebrated aviators of the entire conflict.
Detailing the incredible true-life story and friendship between Brown and Hudner, Devotion has been called a frank and satisfying biographical film full of drama and historical relevance. Specific praise has been geared mostly towards the movie’s cast, most especially Majors and Powell’s undeniable chemistry together.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 80%
IMDb score: 7
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
In the wake of T’Challa’s (Chadwick Boseman) passing, the people of Wakanda reluctantly come to terms with their monarch’s death, facing the threat of invasion from the recently-reemerged civilization of Talokan.
Few celebrity tragedies measure up to the unexpected passing of Chadwick Boseman in 2020. His death was a complete shock to movie fans worldwide, robbing audiences of a one-of-a-kind actor who had his entire future ahead of him.
Handling the subject of Boseman’s death in an emotional yet tasteful way, Wakanda Forever has earned significant praise amongst critics, many claiming it directly rivals the acclaim of the first Black Panther movie. Boseman’s presence in the film is sorely missed, but his fellow stars do a great job carrying the franchise forward.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%
IMDb score: 7.4
The Menu
Ironically arriving to theaters shortly before Thanksgiving, The Menu is a bite-sized dark comedy film that packs a wallop in regards to its satirical subject matter.
Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Tyler (Nicholas Hoult) are a young affluent couple who venture to an isolated island restaurant run by the enigmatic celebrity chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes). Together with the other wealthy guests, Margot and Tyler are surprised to find the night’s meal far more eventful than they originally expected.
The high-concept premise of The Menu might make it seem doomed to fail, but its inventiveness, wit, and no-holds-barred satire helps it resonate with viewers in more ways than one. The Menu has been met with phenomenal reviews, critics singling out the comedic elements of the film.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%
IMDb score: 7.5
The Fabelmans
For all the movies he’s made since his debut in 1974, Steven Spielberg has rarely touched upon his own background prior to becoming a successful Hollywood director. With The Fabelmans, that all changes, with Spielberg offering a moving portrait of his early life and his relationship with his parents.
Set in post-WW2 Arizona, the film follows aspiring filmmaker Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LeBelle/Mateo Zoryon Francis-DeFord) from childhood to young adulthood. As Sammy copes with a shocking family secret, he also learns how his dependence on making movies can help him cope.
One of the rare films Spielberg had a hand in writing (along with Pulitzer-winner Tony Kushner), The Fabelmans has been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews, serving as an effective exploration of Spielberg’s early years and what drew him to movies in the first place.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%
IMDb score: 8.3
Women Talking
Based on Miriam Toews’ best-selling novel, Women Talking is as engaging an arthouse drama film as it gets. An effortlessly impressive adaptation, the movie retains all of the philosophical and personal questions that made Toews’ book a bestseller in the first place, combined with the performances of an amazing cast.
When they discover that the men in their colony have been drugging and sexually assaulting female members of their community, a group of Mennonite women discuss whether they should run, fight, or stay before the men return.
Evaluating questions of faith, loyalty, and female’s role in conservatively religious communities, Women Talking is an intelligent and poignant film that asks audiences some fundamentally important questions. Critical reviews have been extremely favorable, many calling it a touching film loaded with great acting (especially from Rooney Mara, Jessie Buckley, Claire Foy, Frances McDormand, and Ben Whishaw).
Where to watch: In theaters for a limited time
Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%
IMDb score: 7.8
Spoiler Alert
As Jim Parsons’s character says in the trailer, “This is less of a rom-com and more of a love story.” An accurate description indeed, Jim. Based on TV critic Michael Ausiello’s memoir of the same name, Spoiler Alert is the heartbreaking true story of Ausiello’s ill-fated romance and he and his partner’s battle with a terminal illness.
Michael (Parsons) and Kit (Ben Aldridge) are a young couple whose relationship seems perfect. After Kit learns of his terminal cancer, though, the two learn to deal with the reality of the disease, coming to terms with the inevitable loss ahead of them.
Undeniably sad in its central premise, Spoiler Alert has been released to mixed reviews. Critics have negatively commented about the movie’s slower pace and meta-aware content, but have positively noted its humor, performances, and sincerity.
Where to watch: In theaters for a limited time
Rotten Tomatoes score: 74%
IMDb score: 5.5
Other Movies of Note
Notable films that will likely continue playing for only a few more weeks.
Bones and All
Who would’ve ever thought a story about cannibals could be so romantic? But in director Luca Guadagnino’s very capable hands, Bones and All never comes across as gimmicky or high concept, existing as a tender, haunting, and equally terrifying story about otherness and living on the edge of society’s margins.
Maren (Taylor Russell) is a young woman whose instinctive craving for human flesh forces to go on the run. Meeting the similar-minded drifter Lee (Timothée Chalamet), the two form a friendship over their unusual diet — a friendship that grows deeper and more meaningful with time.
A cross between a love story, a creature feature, a road film, and a coming of age movie, Bones and All has been released to extremely enthusiastic reviews. Many have praised the film for its depiction of unusual subject matter, its breathtaking cinematography, and the amazing performances of the cast (Russell, Chalamet, Mark Rylance, and Michael Stuhlbarg)
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%
IMDb score: 7.1
She Said
Megan Twohey (Carey Mulligan) and Jodi Kantor (Zoe Kazan) are New York Times reporters who stumble upon the story of a generation. Investigating respected film producer Harvey Weinstein (Mike Houston), the two untangle decades of sexual assault crimes that have been covered up by the film industry.
Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor are perhaps the most important reporters very few people have heard of. Covering the Weinstein scandal, the two women were at the forefront of the #MeToo Movement that ended the expansive silence sexual assault victims suffered in the film industry.
With She Said, Twohey and Kantor’s shocking exposé of Weinstein and his fellow moguls is revealed in greater detail, forever giving the reporters the respect and attention they clearly deserved. Critical favor of the film has been almost entirely positive, many favorably comparing it to similar journalism-based stories like Spotlight, All the President’s Men, and The Post.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%
IMDb score: 7.3
Tár
An ambitious and awe-inspiring psychological drama, Tár is at once an acting tour de force for star Cate Blanchett, as well as an engrossing meditation on power, art, and Ahab-levels of obsession.
Lydia Tár (Blanchett) is the acclaimed classical composer and chief conductor of a celebrated German orchestra. As she prepares for her inevitable rise to career prominence, she deals with various issues in her personal and professional life, threatening her ascension in the world of high art.
The premise for Tár might seem a bit dry or pretentious, but critics have universally hailed the film for its story, themes, and the performances of its lead cast (especially Blancett). It’s been toted as both a visual and audio marvel of filmmaking, with reviewers encouraging moviegoers to see it on the biggest screen possible.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%
IMDb score: 8.2
Smile
Who would’ve thought one of the scariest images you could conjure up would simply be a person smiling? Drawing on that fear for our benefit, the filmmakers behind Smile create a genuinely terrifying horror film with a surprisingly poignant message hidden beneath its abundance of scares.
Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) witnesses a strange event involving a patient who commits suicide in front of her. As time draws on, Rose begins seeing disturbing hallucinations, all of which involve normal people taking on a disturbing grin — a phenomena which somehow seems related to her past traumatic experiences.
Smile has achieved significantly positive reviews from critics, earning favorable comparisons to other psychological horror hits like It Follows, The Invisible Man, and The Ring. While its plethora of horror conventions (including a large quantity of jumpscares) have been the subject of criticism, it's still been called an effective and original horror movie that explores some deep emotional issues.
Where to watch: In theaters/On Paramount+
Rotten Tomatoes score: 83%
IMDb score: 6.6
Spirited
There have been many, many, many different takes on Dickens’ immortal classic, A Christmas Carol. That being said, the newest one to arrive in theaters (and Apple TV+) this coming weekend offers a more comedic approach to Dickens’ tried and true source material.
Every Christmas Eve, the Ghost of Christmas Present (Will Ferrell) appears before troubled souls, convincing them to see the error of their ways. This Christmas Eve, however, Present begins questioning his own existence after he appears before the sarcastic Clint (Ryan Reynolds).
Billed as the first time A Christmas Carol has been told from the ghosts’ perspective, Spirited has been met with mostly mixed to positive reviews. Most critics have labeled it a decent and refreshingly modern take on Dickens’ original novella, even if they admitted it was fairly forgettable after the initial viewing.
Where to watch: In theaters/On Apple TV+
Rotten Tomatoes score: 61%
IMDb score: 6.2
Black Adam
Cynics will have you believe the DCEU is pretty much dead in the water at this point. And while that may sadly be true, the folks at DC still seem to have a few tricks up their sleeves, including the long-awaited superhero film, Black Adam.
After being imprisoned for the past five thousand years, a man with mythical superpowers known as Black Adam (Dwayne Johnson) returns to the world, helping the Justice Society of America free the nation of Kahndaq from its oppressors.
Fans may have hoped that Black Adam would usher in a new golden era for DC, one that saw them finally rise to the MCU’s high level of popularity. Unfortunately, while the movie is certainly better than most of the DCEU’s earlier films, it’s still earned mostly mixed reviews.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 40%
IMDb score: 7.1
Ticket to Paradise
George Clooney and Julia Roberts are two of the foremost stars of Hollywood’s recent past. Coming to prominence in the ‘90s, both stars became two of the most bankable actors of their day. While their golden years might behind them, the two still have plenty to offer in their lead performances, as seen with their recent collaboration, Ticket to Paradise.
David (George Clooney) and Georgia (Julia Roberts) are the divorced parents of Lily (Kaitlyn Dever) who travel to Bali to attend Lily’s wedding. Finding the groom be a man Lily has only just met, David and Georgia agree to put aside their differences, working together to prevent the wedding from taking place in anyway they can.
Clooney and Roberts have always had undeniable onscreen chemistry, and Ticket to Paradise is just further proof of this fact. While the movie may not have been quite as well-received as their previous outings together, it’s still a largely enjoyable romantic comedy.
Where to watch: In theaters/On VOD
Rotten Tomatoes score: 60%
IMDb score: 6.4
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
A movie that perfectly captures the whimsical tone and spirit of its source material, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is an effortlessly fun, lighthearted exploration of friendship that underscores the importance of never judging a book by its cover (that age old lesson we teach to all children).
When his family moves to New York City, young Josh (Winslow Fegley) struggles to find ways to fit in. All that changes, however, when he meets the anthropomorphic alligator (voiced by Shawn Mendes) living in the attic of his new home, bonding with the reptile and becoming mutual best friends.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel with its somewhat formulaic approach to the family film. However, critics have positively noted the lighthearted tone of the script, praising it for expanding upon the original story by Bernard Waber. Fans of similarly-premised films like Stuart Little and Paddington won’t want to miss this one.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 73%
IMDb score: 6.4
Moonage Daydream
Love him or hate him (although it’s impossible to do the latter), nobody changed the music industry in the same way as David Bowie. He’s one of the most influential musicians of all time, a man who wore what felt like a thousand different faces and embodied several radically difficult personas in his career, each more unique than the last.
In Moonage Daydream, viewers are taken on a journey of sci-fi proportions through Bowie’s lengthy career, from his earliest days as fledgling artist David Jones to his career heights as one of the mainstay musical attractions in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
A documentary that utilizes a ton of unused footage from Bowie’s life backstage touring all over the globe, Moonage Daydream is an absolute must-watch for music buffs or avid viewers of musical documentaries.
It also does much to strip all the pomp and circumstance of Bowie’s theatrical presentation, focusing instead on the man behind Ziggy Stardust or the Thin White Duke: bold, complicated, and — like his music — near impossible to entirely know.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%
IMDb score: 8.1
Minions: The Rise of Gru
The fifth installment in the Despicable Me series and a sequel to the 2015 Minions prequel film, Minions: The Rise of Gru chronicles Gru’s (voiced by Steve Carell) early years. An aspiring villain in the making, the 12-year-old Gru tries his best to impress his longtime idols in the Vicious 6 — a group of world-famous supervillains — in the hopes of becoming their newest member.
After unintentionally making himself an enemy of the Vicious 6, though, Gru finds himself having to battle his former heroes, surviving with the help of his loyal Minions and the elderly, exiled leader of the Vicious 6 (Alan Arkin) who takes the boy under his wing.
Early reviews for the film have been mixed to positive, with many deeming Carell’s return to the franchise a welcome surprise after his brief cameo at the end of Minions. Critics also said that, while the film may not fully resonate with adults as other family-friendly films, it’s bound to entertain its younger audience members.
Where to watch: In theaters/On Peacock & VOD
Rotten Tomatoes score: 70%
IMDb score: 7.3
Top Gun: Maverick
A sequel over 30 years in the making, Top Gun: Maverick sees Tom Cruise return to one of his most famous roles as Maverick, an action-addicted, ace pilot in the US Navy. When Maverick is reassigned to instruct the new generation of TOP GUN pilots — including the son of his deceased best friend (Miles Teller) — he has to deal with the ghosts of his past and the idea that his life of excitement may be coming to an end.
One of those rare sequels that surpasses the quality of the original, Top Gun: Maverick has earned overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. A massive financial success, it’s been called one of the best movies of the year so far, with many also proclaiming it one of the best films in Cruise’s career to date.
Where to watch: In theaters/on VOD
Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%
IMDb score: 8.6
Comedy
For movie fans who love to laugh.
The Banshees of Inisherin
Fourteen years after their previous collaboration on 2008’s In Bruges, Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, and director Martin McDonagh once again pair up for McDonagh’s long-gestating dark comedy, The Banshees of Inisherin.
On a remote island off the coast of Ireland, Pádraic (Farrell) and Colm (Gleeson) are two best friends whose relationship comes to a standstill when Colm impulsively decides to break off all ties with Pádraic.
A film as wickedly funny as McDonagh’s previous projects (In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), The Banshees of Inisherin earned rave reviews upon its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival.
Where to watch: In theaters, HBO Max & VOD.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%
IMDb score: 8.3
Triangle of Sadness
The winner of this year’s prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, Triangle of Sadness is an absurdist and comedic look at wealth, class divisions, and social privilege in a unique and poignant way.
In the middle of a dangerous storm, a luxurious private cruise filled with uber-rich, elitist passengers find themselves shipwrecked on a deserted island. While there, the power dynamic among the survivors shifts, favoring the ship’s more able-bodied crew than the upper-class vacationers.
One part Lord of the Flies, one part HBO’s White Lotus, Triangle of Sadness is a brutally frank satire for the modern age. Like director Ruben Östlund’s previous film, The Square, it’s smart, terse, and illuminates the socioeconomic divides between the average person and the super-wealthy.
Where to watch: In limited theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 71%
IMDb score: 7.8
Drama
For those looking for something a little more emotional.
Corsage
Films touching upon European monarchies can be either very good or too dry for most audience members to get a handle on. Judging from early reviews, Corsage fortunately falls into the former category, existing as an effective character study of a little-known figure in European history.
With her 40th birthday on the horizon, Austrian Empress Elisabeth (Vicky Krieps) begins acting out a bit more, undergoing a midlife crisis and obsessing over what she believes are her fleeting good looks.
A lesson in vanity, Corsage is a well-done, atmospheric film that effortlessly transports you back to the mid 19th century. The film has been acclaimed for its unique approach to the historical period drama, and for Krieps’ outstanding performance as the troubled monarch at the heart of the movie.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%
IMDb score: 6.8
Armageddon Time
Three years after his ambitious sci-fi film, Ad Astra, director James Gray returns with the touching period drama, Armageddon Time.
After getting caught smoking marijuana with his best friend, younger teenager Paul (Michael Banks Repeta) is enrolled in a private school run by Maryanne Trump (Jessica Chastain). There, he begins to face hostility owing to his Jewish heritage.
Like all of Gray’s films, Armageddon Time has been extremely well-received, with critics commending it for its warmth, writing, direction, and powerful performance. Along with the talented younger cast, the movie also makes clever use of several established stars, like Anne Hathaway, Jeremy Strong, and Anthony Hopkins.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 76%
IMDb score: 7
Aftersun
There’s a reason A24 is practically synonymous with the indie film industry in this day and age. Time and time again, they’ve released films that are narratively complex and emotionally gripping, with A24’s newest film, Aftersun, no exception.
Sophie (Celia Rowlson-Hall) is a young woman who looks back at a childhood trip to Turkey she took with her father (Paul Mescal). As she wades through memory and fantasy, she comes to terms with the man her father actually was rather than the idolized version of him she kept in her head for the past few decades.
Aftersun may not have received a ton of critical attention so far, but critics who have seen the movie have commended it for its raw emotion, themes, and performances. It’s been nominated or received awards at various indie film festivals since its premiere, and is no doubt another huge win for A24.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 97
IMDb score: 7.5
The Almond and The Seahorse
Rebel Wilson is one of the best female comedic actors working today. In any one of her roles, she’s proved capable of eliciting laughter no matter how limited her screen time might be. With her newest film, The Almond and the Seahorse, Wilson abandons any pretense of comedy, delving more deeply into serious subject matter, handing in her most dramatic performance to date.
Sarah (Wilson) and Toni (Charlotte Gainsbourg) are two women whose partners (Celyn Jones and Trine Dyrholm) suffer from an acute form of amnesia. Seeking solace in one another, Sarah and Toni slowly develop a more meaningful attachment to each other.
Most critics who have seen The Almond and the Seahorse maintain a divided opinion over the film’s content. Many of them have called it an uneven movie that seems unable to decide whether it’s a serious drama or a sorrowful romcom, providing the movie with the mixed reviews it’s continuously earned.
Where to watch: In theaters for a limited time
Rotten Tomatoes score: %
IMDb score: 7.0
Fun for All Ages
Movies that are perfect for the entire family.
Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia
Based on the children’s book series by Gabrielle Vincent, Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia follows the 2012 Best Animated Feature-nominated film, Ernest and Celestine. Bold, imaginative, and frankly adorable in its characters and animation style, it’s a more than satisfactory sequel to an already great adaptation.
Lifelong best friends Ernest and Celestine travel to Ernest’s hometown to repair his broken violin. There, they become embroiled with a power struggle between the authoritative local government who have banned music and the music-loving resistance undermining the ordinance.
Like the first adaptation of Ernest and Celestine, A Trip to Gibberitia has won continued acclaim from critics. The animation — emblematic of Vincent’s original books — is nothing short of mesmerizing, with the story capable of holding every audience member’s attention (both young and old).
Where to watch: In theaters for a limited time
Rotten Tomatoes score: %
IMDb score: 7.1
Mystery
For movie fans who love a good mystery.
Decision To Leave
Director Park Chan-wook’s movies aren’t for everyone, but for the past 30 years, the respected South Korean filmmaker has cultivated a steady following of fans for his unwaveringly brutal, darkly comic films. Like his best movies (Oldboy, Lady Vengeance, and The Handmaiden), Decision to Leave is just one illustration of how phenomenal a director Park is.
Detective Hae-jun (Park Hae-il) is sent to investigate the mysterious and apparently accidental death of a man who fell from a mountain peak. Trying to find out if the man was pushed or whether he truly did slip, Hae-jun begins to develop romantic feelings for his main suspect: the man’s widow (Tang Wei).
Most of the reviews for Decision to Leave have been positive, although most critics felt the movie didn’t match the same quality as some of Park’s earlier films. However, those same critics lauded the film for its complexity, darkness, and ability to blend multiple genres into one cohesive film (including mystery, thriller, neonoir, and romance).
Where to watch: In limited theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%
IMDb score: 7.3
Our Current Favorites
Movies we highly recommend seeing in theaters while you still can.
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh) is a middle-aged Chinese-American laundromat owner struggling to find happiness in life and to connect with her estranged family — including her husband (Ke Huy Quan) and daughter (Stephanie Hsu). While being audited by the IRS, she soon finds herself swept up into an otherworldly adventure upon discovering she’s the only person able to save existence from a multiversal threat.
The fact that Everything Everywhere All At Once is still playing in theaters despite its March release date is a testament to how truly great a film it is. It’s a dazzling exploration of family and finding meaning in one’s life, as well as a hodgepodge of different genres, ranging from science fiction and martial arts to fantasy and dark comedy.
Where to watch: In theaters/on VOD & DVD
Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%
IMDb score: 8.3
Popular Re-Releases
Iconic movies that are headed for the big screen for a limited time.
It’s A Wonderful Life
It’s a holiday tradition that It’s A Wonderful Life receives a limited re-release to theaters nationwide, playing everywhere from large theater chains like AMC to smaller indie art houses across the country. An immortal classic celebrating its 75th anniversary, it's one of the most popular holiday movies there is, encapsulating everything we hold dear about Christmas.
On Christmas Eve in 1945, the despondent George Bailey (James Stewart) prepares to commit suicide. Moved by the prayers of his friends and family, George’s guardian angel (Henry Travers) intervenes, showing George an alternative version of life where he had never been born.
Like A Christmas Carol, It’s A Wonderful Life hinges on profound messages about existentialism and life in general. As we see in the case of George Bailey, every single one of our lives have had a profound impact on those around us, often for the best. If that’s not a heart-warming message for Christmas, we don’t know what is.
Where to watch: In theaters for a limited time/On VOD and Prime Video
Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%
IMDb score: 8.6
Grab your tickets ahead of time and skip the lines at the theater.
This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
source https://wealthofgeeks.com/movies-out-now/
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