With Christmas fast approaching and college kids beginning to make the exodus home in droves, many families will be flocking to theaters over the next several weeks. Here is a preview of some of the most highly anticipated movies to look out for over the next month.
The week leading up to Christmas is starting off with a bang this year as “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” chugs into theaters on Dec. 18. The hype surrounding the seventh entry into the “Star Wars” franchise could not be any higher. Every bit of promotional material has been gobbled up by fans, and with the return of the original cast, including Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, many people in the film industry are forecasting “The Force Awakens” will break all kinds of box office records.
“Anchorman” director Adam McKay’s newest film, “The Big Short,” a comedy-drama film about the financial crisis of 2007-2010 is scheduled for release on Dec. 23. The film stars a knockout ensemble cast including Brad Pitt, Christian Bale, Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling and has been picking up some positive buzz at early screenings.
Christmas Day sees the arrival of “Concussion,” a sports thriller based on the work of Bennet Omalu, the Nigerian forensic pathologist who fought against the National Football League’s efforts to suppress his research about the consequences of head trauma suffered by professional football players. The film stars Will Smith and Alec Baldwin.
David O. Russell, director of “Silver Linings Playbook,” gives movie-going audiences a present on Dec. 25 in the shape of “Joy,” a film about a struggling single mother who fights to build and maintain a business empire. O. Russell has once again reunited actors Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro in what is sure to be a joyous viewing experience for fans of the director’s previous work.
Two of the holiday’s most anticipated films, “The Hateful Eight” and “The Revenant,” will both receive limited releases on Christmas Day. “The Hateful Eight” promises to be another blood-soaked western from director Quentin Tarantino. The film premise revolves around eight strangers who converge at a mountain cabin during the course of a blizzard and stars veterans Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell. The film is sure to be a huge hit for cinephiles as it is being shown in over 100 theaters in glorious 70mm format, the widest release of a film in that format in over 20 years.
Alejandro G. Inarritu, who won Best Director and Best Picture for last year’s “Birdman” is directing “The Revenant,” a film which stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy as fur trappers in the American wilderness who experience all manner of hardships. The film has gained notoriety for its grueling shooting schedule which took place in remote locations where actors and crew faced harsh weather conditions. Filmed entirely in natural light, the film promises some of the year’s most awe-inspiring cinematography.
Both “The Hateful Eight” and “The Revenant” will receive wide releases on Jan. 8.
So whether you’re looking for an excuse to escape the in-laws or looking for more opportunities to spend time with family and friends, consider heading to your local cinema and taking in some of the films that this holiday season has to offer.
