Major Theatrical Releases December 2015

-
Major Theatrical Releases December 2015 

December brings the end of the year and also the biggest holiday, Christmas.  It's a time of giving, of remembering, and a time for some great films at your local theater.  From Christmas/horror to heavy drama pieces to true stories to children's films and a little film set in space, December has the movie for you.

Here is the list of films being released nationally for the month of December, 2015.

December 4

Krampus
Starring Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechler, Emjay Anthony
Directed by Michael Dougherty

Synopsis (imdb.com):
A boy who has a bad Christmas ends up accidentally summoning a Christmas demon to his family home.

Thoughts:
"Krampus" blends two of my most favorite holidays into one - Christmas and Halloween.  The story of Krampus is as old as time, serving as Saint Nicholas's opposite, a horned creature who comes during Christmas and punishes kids that are bad.  "Krampus" looks like it'll be a hilarious horror comedy incorporating the horned villain, and hosting a stellar cast of comedians in Scott, Collette and Koechler.




December 11

In the Heart of the Sea
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Holland, Ben Whishaw, Cillian Murphy
Directed by Ron Howard

Synopsis (imdb.com):
Based on the 1820 event, a whaling ship is preyed upon by a sperm whale, stranding its crew at sea for 90 days, thousands of miles from home.

Thoughts:
"In the Heart of the Sea" is the true life inspiration that brought the classic tale Moby Dick to life.  It looks highly dramatic yet filled with tension and some amazing effects, and starring one of the hottest commodities around in Chris Hemsworth, and his future fellow Marvel superhero Tom Holland.  Plus, with legendary director Ron Howard at the helm, this ship will steer in the right direction.




December 18

Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Starring John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford
Directed by J.J. Abrams

Synopsis (imdb.com):
A continuation of the saga created by George Lucas and set thirty years after "The Return of the Jedi."

Thoughts:
Not much has been revealed about the synopsis of the most anticipated film of the year, but that hasn't stopped the swell of excitement.  The trailer was one of the most watched in history, and pre-sale tickets set records.  Visionary sci-fi director Abrams (who, ironically, also directed the reboot "Star Trek") connects the past with the present, bringing back Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill and also spotlighting up-and-comers John Boyega and Daisy Ridley in a film that will no doubt remain #1 for several weeks, and might even top James Cameron's "Avatar" as the highest grossing movie of all time.



Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip
Starring Jason Lee, Bella Thorne, Tony Hale, Josh Green
Directed by Walt Becker

Synopsis (imdb.com):
Through a series of misunderstandings, Alvin, Simon and Theodore come to believe that Dave is going to propose to his new girlfriend in Miami...and dump them. They have three days to get to him and stop the proposal, saving themselves not only from losing Dave but possibly from gaining a terrible stepbrother.

Thoughts:
Here is how the theater will look when this highly unnecessary and incredibly pointless film comes out:
The only ones in the theater will be families who couldn't get a ticket to "Star Wars."  And the kids will be as angry as the parents.


Sisters
Starring Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, John Leguizamo, John Cena
Directed by Jason Moore

Synopsis (imdb.com):
Two sisters decide to throw one last house party before their parents sell their family home.

Thoughts:
"Sisters" will fare a little better than "Alvin" because it caters to the female crowd who mostly wouldn't enjoy seeing one of the best films of the decade.  Plus it boasts the strong comedic chops of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, who return after their hit "Baby Mama."  Throw in John Cena (who's the hottest thing right now), and you've got a solid #2 film to go against the "Star Wars" juggernaut.




December 23

The Big Short
Starring Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt
Directed by Adam McKay

Synopsis (imdb.com):
Four outsiders in the world of high-finance who predicted the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s decide to take on the big banks for their lack of foresight and greed.

Thoughts:
Incredibly based off a true story, "The Big Short" deals with modern issues in a dramatic and even comedic fashion.  Boasting big names such as Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt, and you've got a great dramatic film with some of the best actors in the business.




December 25

Concussion
Starring Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Luke Wilson, Albert Brooks
Directed by Peter Landesman

Synopsis (imdb.com):
In Pittsburgh, accomplished pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu uncovers the truth about brain damage in football players who suffer repeated concussions in the course of normal play.

Thoughts:
Based off the true story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, who discovered the link between concussions and brain damage in football players, "Concussion" tackles the issue head-on and shows how one man can bravely change the world.  Will Smith will easily earn an Oscar nomination, as he gives a tremendous performance.


Daddy's Home
Starring Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardinelli, Thomas Hayden Church
Directed by Sean Anders

Synopsis (imdb.com):
A mild-mannered radio executive strives to become the best stepdad to his wife's two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling and freeloading real father arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the kids.

Thoughts:
Reuniting Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg after their surprise hit "The Other Guys," "Daddy's Home" deals with the issue of a father trying to re-connect with his children as their cooler, younger stepfather keeps getting in the way.  Looks to be a decent comedy, like most of Ferrell's outings.


Joy
Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper, Virginia Madsen
Directed by David O. Russell

Synopsis (imdb.com):
Joy is the story of a family across four generations and the woman who rises to become founder and matriarch of a powerful family business dynasty.

Thoughts:
"Joy" reunites "Silver Linings Playbook" stars Lawrence, De Niro and Cooper, as well as director David O. Russell, and if lightning strikes twice, Lawrence will earn her second Oscar win.  Even if she doesn't win, she'll more than likely earn another nomination as a woman who pulls herself up by her bootstraps and uses her wit, intelligence and humor to make it big. 


Point Break
Starring Luke Bracey, Edgar Ramirez, Ray Winstone, Teresa Palmer
Directed by Ericson Cole

Synopsis (imdb.com):
A young FBI agent infiltrates an extraordinary team of extreme sports athletes he suspects of masterminding a string of unprecedented, sophisticated corporate heists. "Point Break" is inspired by the classic 1991 hit.

Thoughts:
"Point Break" is a needless remake that will probably make fans of the original angry and upset, because sometimes you can't improve on the original.  Sure, it looks like an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride, but it seems to be missing the heart and, more importantly, the acting chops of Keanu Reeves and the late Patrick Swayze.


The Hateful Eight
Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Channing Tatum, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh
Directed by Quentin Tarantino

Synopsis (imdb.com):
In post-Civil War Wyoming, bounty hunters try to find shelter during a blizzard but get involved in a plot of betrayal and deception. Will they survive?

Thoughts:
Quentin Tarantino's eighth movie boasts a great cast, a compelling story, and Tarantino-style visuals.  Thik what you want about his personal life, this is one film I'm excited to see.



The Revenant
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhall Gleeson, Will Poulter
Directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu

 Synopsis (imdb.com):
In the 1820s, a frontiersman, Hugh Glass, sets out on a path of vengeance against those who left him for dead after a bear mauling.

Thoughts:
This COULD be the film that finally gives Leo his much-maligned Oscar.  Directed by Oscar winner Inarritu ("Birdman"), "The Revenant" looks like an excellent period piece, filled with drama, suspense, and great acting.




So there are the major releases for December, 2015.  Here is a list in order from what I think will be the best, to the worst.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The Revenant
The Hateful Eight
Concussion
Joy
In the Heart of the Sea
The Big Short
Krampus
Daddy's Home
Point Break
Sisters
Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Major Theatrical Releases May 2019

-
Image
Major Theatrical Releases May 2019 After the hype that is "Avengers: Endgame," May offers a massive collection of differing types of movies, enough to entertain everyone. Here are the major theatrical releases for May 2019. **THERE WILL BE NO SPOILERS** **DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**  The Intruder May 3 Dennis Quaid goes from starring the family-friendly "A Dog's Journey" to playing a total psycho in "The Intruder."  When a young couple purchases a home from Quaid's character Charlie, they didn't realize it came with an addition - Charlie himself, who can't seem to let his old home go.  I don't expect any twists or turns in this tale, and this looks like a film better fit for Lifetime than the big screen.  Long Shot May 3 Charlize Theron stars as Charlotte Field, the current Secretary of State and who's running for President.  Seth Rogen stars as Fred Flarsky, a...
Read more

Witch

-
Image
Witch Starring Russell Shaw, Ryan Spong, Sarah Alexandra Marks, Fabrizio Santino Directed by Craig Hinde & Marc Zammit Movies about witches are about a dime a dozen, and follow the same formula: typically set in a time period long ago (since now, fortunately, the stigma of witches has been lessened and the religious fervor has diminished), in a small Puritanical town, a girl is accused of witchcraft which spirals the town into a frenzy filled with suspicion, doubt, and murder until the witch is put to religious justice. While that's not necessarily a bad formula (Robert Eggers' "The VVitch" and Mario Bava's "Black Sunday" immediately come to mind), most films fall by the wayside. "Witch" is a small film that, at first glance, seems to follow the mold before completely shattering it in a second act twist that's daring, provocative, and works in a lot of levels, but could've been more pronounced if given a bigger budget. In the small ...
Read more

Special Review: "Midwest Sessions"

-
Image
Special Review: "Midwest Sessions" Directed by Mario Ricciardi Independent filmmaking is a fascinating concept, wherein the director and everyone involved sets out to make something unique, different, and go against the traditional status quo of what's defined as a "blockbuster." These films aren't usually seen by the masses and won't be included in the top ten highest grossing movies of all time, but they offer something those films don't: a heart and commitment by the people involved to craft something wholly distinctive that tell a story in their own way. Such is "Midwest Sessions," a local film directed by Mario Ricciardi that centers on the city of Youngstown, Ohio, and the captivating people who live there. Told in different vignettes that seem distinct and different from one another but coming together as a whole in the end, it's an engrossing film that utilizes its shoestring budget and gives great performances, decent effects a...
Read more