Movie Releases—December, 2019

We've reached the final month of the year, and with it comes the last few big releases, including a new "Star Wars" film. There's a lot to look forward to, and some things that give me pause. Let's take a look at what's coming in December. And, as with last month, I'll be including big streaming titles.

Friday, December 6:
Dark Waters—This film starring Mark Ruffalo about the water contamination caused by chemicals from Du Pont was released in limited on November 29, but for most of the country it will open wide today.

The Aeronauts—This film reunites Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne, who starred in the "Theory of Everything." It follows a balloon pilot (Jones) and a scientist (Redmayne) on their incredible journey together in 1862. It opens in limited fashion on Friday and could be an award contender.

Marriage Story—This film from Noah Baumbach has been a festival darling, and has played in limited fashion around the country. It premiers on Netflix on December 6. The film focuses on the implosion of a marriage between characters played by Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, and has seen both praised for their work along with supporting actress Laura Dern.

Friday, December 13:
Jumanji: The Next Level—I was as skeptical as anyone at the "Jumanji" sequel a few years ago, but what we got was a lot of fun. I'm still skeptical about returning to this world, but with the strong cast still in tact, I think this could be a fun film. It will surely do well with audiences as well.

Black Christmas—This is a re-make of a re-make, a Christmas-themed horror film timed for Friday the 13th in December. And I can't get excited for this. But if you're a horror film fan, then I guess this could be good for you.

Richard Jewell—Clint Eastwood directs this biopic about the man who found the bomb in the Olympic Park in Atlanta in 1996. It boasts an all-star cast, including Jon Hamm, Kathy Bates and Olivia Wilde, and promises to tell the whole story. I'm intrigued.

6 Underground—This is another Netflix release, this one an action film starring Ryan Reynolds and directed by Michael Bay. Expect plenty of action and fun, and probably little deep thinking. I'm excited for this kind of film to branch out into a streaming service.

Friday, December 20:
Star Wars, Episode XI: Rise of Skywalker—Perhaps you've heard of this one? What do I really need to say about this film, from director J.J. Abrams, that wraps up the narrative arc of 10 previous films. I'm super excited and hoping this turns out to be one of the best, if not the best, film of the year.

Cats—Then there's this one, the film adaptation of the classic musical. It has a great cast, everyone from Judi Dench to Taylor Swift, but it also has a creepy premise and perhaps the creepiest trailer of the year. I know I'll be seeing it, so my wife says, but I'm not happy about it.

Bombshell—This is the biopic from the makers of "The Big Short" on the scandal involving Roger Ailes and FOX News. It features Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron and Margot Robbie as high-profile victims, while John Litgow takes on the role of Ailes. This story is well-worn ground by now, including a seven-episode limited series on Showtime with Russell Crowe and Naomi Watts. The film will likely draw interest, but I don't know if it needs to be told again.

Superintelligence—This comedy stars Melissa McCarthy as a woman targeted by the world's first big artificial intelligence. This will be a light-hearted break during the holiday season.

The Two Popes—Another week, another big release from Netflix, this one focusing on the transition of power between the past two popes. This one is led by Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce and has been a critical darling.

Wednesday, December 25:
Little Women—Gretta Gerwig directs a re-telling of the classic tale starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson and Florence Pugh, with supporting roles from Dern and Meryl Streep. This will be the big adult release of Christmas Day, and likely a popular holiday season film.

A Hidden Life—Terran Malick is a gifted filmmaker, and for his latest he turns his eye to the story of a conscientious objector who refused to fight for the Nazis during World War II. It looks like a beautiful and powerful story, and one that is sorely needed in the current climate.

Spies in Disguise—This animated tale is about spies played by Will Smith and Tom Holland. This will likely be a nice, family-friendly option this holiday season.

Just Mercy—The book about Bryan Stevenson's life and work was one of my favorites, a beautiful, emotional and gutting read. And now it's being adapted into a motion picture starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx. I'm excited to see this story brought to life and hope it captures even a portion of the emotions of the book.