As the year winds down to a close, Awards season just starts to warm up! Tons of December movies are about to hit the big screen.
Theaters are packed to the gills in December with Christmas blockbusters, AND Oscar hopefuls. In fact, they’re so full; let’s take a look at my TOP 15 December Movies Ranked by Excitement!
#15 – Swan Song
In at number 15 is Swan Song, a SciFi family drama starring Mahershala Ali, as a man who must face his own mortality.
That’s Oscar nominee Glenn Close as Dr. Scott. She plays a scientist at a human cloning company, who helps Ali’s ‘Cameron Turner’ navigate his complex emotions.
Naomie Harries, Awkwafina, and Adam Beach also star, in what looks like a dramatic twist on the Michael Keaton Comedy ‘Multiplicity.’
And, much like Multiplicity, the man being cloned keeps the secret from his family.
Written and Directed by Oscar Winner Benjamin Cleary, Swan Song hits Apple TV+ on December 17.
#14 – The King’s Man
In at number 14 is The King’s Man, a prequel to the 2014 hit Kingsmen: The Secret Service, and the third film in this franchise.
Matthew Vaughn returns to the Directors chair. And, the film stars Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Daniel Bruhl, with Stanley Tucci and Rhys Ifans as ‘Rasputin’.
The King’s Man follows the origins of The Kingsmen seen in the original film. Brutal training, bespoke fashion style, and a surprisingly more inclusive attitude than the name indicates.
I loved the first film when it hit theaters in 2014. This time, we see them forming during World War I, and fighting the real life Russian mystic, Rasputin.
This film was originally scheduled to hit theaters two years ago. The King’s Man FINALLY hits theaters December 22.
#13 – Flee
In at number 13 is Flee, an animated documentary, about a refugee looking back on his escape.
The film follows Amin Nawabi reflecting on his escape from Afghanistan to Denmark.
Nawabi reflects on his past as he prepares to marry his husband.
Flee has been cleaning up on the Film Festival circuit, and will be Denmark’s entry as ‘Best International Film’ at this year’s Oscars.
The animation style is unique, and Amin’s story is compelling.
The trailer doesn’t go into much detail, but the tail of human struggle is universal.
‘Flee‘ hits theaters December 3.
#12 – A Journal For Jordan
In at number 12 is A Journal For Jordan, about a soldier’s message to his infant son, read after his untimely death.
Directed by Denzel Washington, and starring Michael B. Jordan, the film follows a now older son asking about his father, and his mom telling their love story.
Based on a true story, the film follows the life of Sergeant Charles Monroe King, and also stars Chante Adams as Dana Canedy, the mother, and Jalon Christian as ‘Jordan’.
‘Journal’ looks like a heartfelt love letter to fatherhood and family, and a bittersweet lesson on loss.
A Journal For Jordan hits theaters Christmas Day.
#11 – Wolf
In at number 11 is Wolf, a drama from Writer/Director Nathalie Biancheri about a man who THINKS he’s a Wolf trapped inside a human body.
George MacKay stars as Jacob, a man who thinks he’s a wolf. Lily-Rose Depp stars as Wildcat, a woman who thinks she’s a cat.
Together, Jacob and Wildcat suffer from ‘Species Dysphoria’ and form a friendship as a result.
Both, also try to avoid the head of their clinic, known as the Zookeeper.
Wolf reminds me of the 2015 Colin Farrell/Rachel Weisz flick, The Lobster, one of my favorite Independent movies.
Both have that detached, laconic style. And, both involve people turning into animals.
Wolf has a limited theatrical release December 3.
#10 – The Lost Daughter
In at number 10 is The Lost Daughter, a psychological drama, and Maggie Gyllenhaal‘s Directorial Debut.
Starring Olivia Colman as ‘Leda Caruso’, we see a mature woman on vacation, who seems disturbed when families with children join her on the beach.
Equally, some of the other mom’s on vacation seem to raise some red flags about Leda as well.
Based off the novel by Elena Ferrette, The Lost Daughter seems to add subtle amounts of ‘creepy’, without going over the top or ‘full’ horror film.
The UN-Official ‘King of Creepy’ and Director Maggie Gyllenhaal’s real life husband, Peter Sarsgaard also stars in the film, but I didn’t see him in the trailer.
Ohhhh! So creepy! The Lost Daughter hits theaters in limited release December 17, and on Netflix December 31.
#9 – The Tender Bar
In at Number 9 is The Tender Bar, a coming-of-age drama Directed by George Clooney, and starring Ben Affleck.
That’s Daniel Ranieri as ‘Young J.R.’ being mentored by his Uncle Charlie; and growing up on Long Island in the 70’s and 80’s.
Uncle Charlie is the Titular Bartender played by Ben Affleck looking after his Sister’s kid.
That’s Tye Sheridan as the grown up J.R. in college and meeting girls.
This film looks like a heartfelt glace at the importance of extended families, and the even greater importance of positive male role models.
The Tender Bar is in limited theatrical release December 17, and goes to Amazon Prime Video on January 7.
#8 – Don’t Look Up
In at number 8… Is Don’t Look Up… Writer/Director Adam McKay‘s SciFi, Dark Comedy about a Comet destroying life on Earth.
An All Star cast of A-Listers Leonardo di Caprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Rob Morgan, Timothee Chalamet, and Jonah Hill jump off the screen.
Di Caprio’s ‘Dr. Randall Mindy’ and Lawrence’s ‘Kate Dibiasky’ must do a media tour telling the world about their gruesome discovery.
Despite a relatively small $75 Million budget, Don’t Look Up has a big budget look and feel.
Plus, this appears to be Leonardo di Caprio’s first purely comedic role since leaving Growing Pains almost 30 years ago.
You can see it, and the rest of Don’t Look Up in limited theatrical release December 10; and streaming on Netflix December 24.
#7 – Being The Ricardos
In at number 7 is Being The Ricardos; Writer/Director Aaron Sorkin’s biopic about the power couple behind ‘I Love Lucy’.
This Drama stars Oscar Winner Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball, and Oscar Winner Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz.
We see all the tumult of Lucy and Desi’s relationship, during a week-in-the-life of one of the biggest SitCom’s in history.
I’ve always been a huge fan of Aaron Sorkin‘s work, including The West Wing and Social Network.
I also like how well Nicole Kidman nails Lucille Ball’s very distinct voice and mannerisms.
Being The Ricardos has a limited theatrical release on December 10, and streams on Amazon Prime Video December 21.
#6 – The Matrix Resurrections
In at number 6 is The Matrix Resurrections; the 4th film in The Matrix series, and the first since 2003.
Neil Patrick Harris, Chistina Ricci, and Prianka Chopra Jonas, join the cast, along with returning stars Jada Pinkett Smith, Carrie Anne Moss, and Keanu Reeves as ‘Neo’.
And, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II joins The Matrix sequel as the new ‘Morpheus’.
I love the original Matrix and I like the Matrix sequels.
It will be interesting to see what Lana Wachowski has to say as a filmmaker after all these years. And, how this Matrix will be different without her Sister Lilly.
The Matrix Resurrections hits theaters and HBO Max December 22.
#5 – West Side Story (2021)
In at number 5 is West Side Story; the Steven Spielberg re-make of the 1961 Best Picture.
Rachel Zegler steps into the role of ‘Maria’, a recent immigrant from Puerto Rico looking for a better life. Ansel Elgort steps into the role of ‘Tony’, a native New Yorker whose community has seen demographic changes in recent years.
West Side Story follows the conflict between the Jets and the Sharks; street gangs in New York City that clash over culture and the love affair between two of their own.
West Side Story’s timeless Musical numbers and dance sequences won several Tonys and Oscars when they first came out.
I have to admit I was skeptical about Steven Spielberg wanting to remake the All Time classic. However, I love what I’ve seen in the trailers, a can’t wait to see this film.
West Side Story is in theaters December 10.
#4 – Red Rocket
In at number four is Red Rocket; Writer/Director Sean Baker‘s Comedy/Drama about a man returning home after failing out of porn.
Former MTV star Simon Rex stars as ‘Mikey’, a man who has a much higher opinion of himself, than the people around him do.
Mikey is seeking a fresh start back home in Texas. But, everyone in Texas isn’t exactly eager for Mikey to be back.
Bree Elrod as ‘Lexi’, Mikey’s not-so-Ex-Wife. It looks like it doesn’t take long for Mikey to wear out his welcome with her, or anyone else.
While Red Rocket doesn’t exactly scream ‘high brow’, something about it does jump off the screen. Also, Red Rocket was accepted to this year’s Cannes Film Festival, where is reportedly received a FIVE MINUTE standing ovation.
Red Rocket comes out December 10.
#3 – Cyrano
In at Number 3 is Cyrano; a Musical Drama adaption of the classic Cyrano de Bergerac play.
Game Of Thrones’ Peter Dinklage stars as the titular ‘Cyrano’, a man in love with the beautiful Roxanne, but too self conscious about his looks to pursue her.
Haley Bennett stars as Roxanne, the ‘fair maiden’ in this love story who’s put Cyrano in the Friend Zone, in favor of the square jawed, good looking, Christian.
The Cinematography and Production Design look beautifully done, and well thought out by Director Joe Wright.
They shot this film in Italy through the middle of 2020, and still managed to give Cyrano an epic scale. Cyrano looks like it could be a hit flick.
Cyrano has a limited theatrical release in Los Angeles December 17, and goes nationwide January 21.
#2 – Nightmare Alley (2021)
In at Number 2 is Nightmare Alley; Guillermo del Toro’s re-make of the 1947 film noir thriller.
Bradley Cooper stars as Stan Carlisle, a Carny with a talent for manipulating fair goers.
Cate Blanchett stars as Dr. Lilith Ritter, an ambitious Psychiatrist, whom Stan hooks up with.
Willem Dafoe joins the All Star cast, along with Rooney Mara, Ron Perlman, Mary Steenbergen, and Richard Jenkins.
I’m a fan of classic film noir, and the Cinematography and Costume Design seem to echo that theme perfectly. This is also Guillermo del Toro’s first feature film since winning Best Picture and Best Director for The Shape Of Water in 2017.
Nightmare Alley hits theaters December 17.
#1 – Spider-Man: No Way Home
And, in at Number One is, Spider-Man No Way Home, the third Spider-Man solo film with Tom Holland, and the 27th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Peter Parker may have helped save the universe in Avengers: Endgame, but he can still be a reckless teenager who doesn’t quite know what he wants.
Joining him this time around is Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Strange.
My absolute favorite Marvel character is Spider-Man, and of the three live action Spider-Men; Tom Holland is my favorite.
I love the idea of seeing Spider-Man villains from all three iterations of the property showing up in this film. And, it’s far from confirmed; but I love the idea of getting Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland all together in the same film, as well.
Spider-Man: No Way Home hits theaters December 17.
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