By Jacob Hales
Contributing Writer
It’s the holiday season and everyone knows what that means. It’s time for holiday movies! The box office’s second busiest time of the year will be underway next week with a slew of exciting releases, each bringing their own unique thing to the table.
December 14
“Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse”– Spider-man is back and is animated with something the series hasn’t seen since it first hit cinemas in 2002: Diversity. This movies lead isn’t Peter Parker, rather, it is fan-favorite character Miles Morales. He’s accompanied by multiple other comic spider variations in a blend that looks like something we have never seen on the big screen.
Worth seeing? Most definitely. Probably my most anticipated movie of the winter. Looks visually stunning and is set to have a soundtrack sure to pack a punch.
“Once Upon a Deadpool”– A repackaging on this summer’s “Deadpool 2,” but this release is in PG-13 form. “Once upon a Deadpool” will feature some new scenes and jokes, but mainly is a watered-down version of this summer’s movie.
Worth seeing? If you love Deadpool, then yes, absolutely go see the film. However, if he isn’t one of your favorite heroes, skip it.
“The Mule”– Clint Eastwood Directs and stars in this flick about an aging drug mule trying to make right with his family and the Mexican Cartel.
Worth seeing? The trailer certainly looks exciting and the films sees the “American Sniper” filmmaker reteam with his friend and star Bradley Cooper. I think it is worth checking out.
“Mortal Engines”– Produced by Peter Jackson and based on a book series, this film is meant to launch a franchise in the same epic vein of “Lord of the Rings.”
Worth seeing? While the Trailer has some epic visuals, this movie does not look like it could possibly be good. Too many “Valerian” and “Jupiter Ascending” vibes. I have been wrong before though…
December 21
“Aquaman”– DC is back off the flop of “Justice League” and it looks like they have learned nothing. Trailers paint this film as a discount Thor/Black Panther in the latest case of DC chasing Marvel’s tail.
Worth seeing? No. Don’t make yourself sit through this. Please.
“Bumblebee”- Another movie trying to force a cinematic universe. While this is the first entry in the Transformers franchise not directed by Michael Bay, it looks to have no grasp on its tone.
Worth seeing? As bad as it may be, if you are like me, you feel contractually obligated to see any Transformers movie. On the bright side, the movie looks like it will finally give us a comic-accurate Cybertron! If you can hold off I would, but if you are a sucker for the Transformers then go ahead and plan on being $12 poorer on Dec. 21.
“Mary Poppins Returns”– Mary Poppins is back with Emily Blunt wielding the iconic umbrella, along with “Hamilton” scribe Lin-Manuel Miranda and Dick Van Dyke’s iconic chimney sweep.
Worth seeing? This film looks to be every bit as magical as the original, and Disney so rarely swings and misses. I am definitely excited to see what direction they take the series.
“Welcome to Marwen”– Steve Carell stars as a man who suffers PTSD from an attack and then uses dolls to cope with his pain. The movie is directed by the iconic Robert Zemeckis of “Forrest Gump” fame and seems to possess a unique type of magical realism that he is sure to bring to this project as well.
Worth seeing? Sure to get some Oscar buzz, and sure to make you feel something. It’s premise is too interesting to pass up.
December 25
“Holmes and Watson”– Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly are back with a comedic take on the iconic doctor and detective duo.
Worth seeing? This one looks like a skip. Seems to contain the same tired Ferrell humor that we have seen too much of this past decade.
“Vice”– “The Big Short”’s director is back and once again teamed with Christian Bale, who will be playing Dick Cheney in a movie that has Oscar bait written all over it.
Worth seeing? The trailer is poignant and if the movie is anything like “The Big Short,” it will be fun. This is definitely one I will be going to the theater to see.
