Christmas is a lucrative season for Hollywood to release HUGE releases (or not so huge) as a cash cow. Families everywhere flock to their latest cinema, hoping to catch the next best thing. Well, that’s why, I am here to guide you on that journey and pinpoint the best films (TOP 5) to see this holiday season. Let’s get crackin’

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies – (out Dec 17th)

-The defining chapter of the middle earth saga is coming to a thunderous close once and for all. Peter Jackson’s wondrous escapade and film trifecta is looking to put a cap on such a money making franchise, and it looks to impress – heavily. With what looks like to be three hours of pure climax, hence the subtitle “Battle Of Five Armies” I imagine we can expect great visuals, and performances. You also don’t need me to tell you that IMAX 3D is the way to go – after all, this is the last time we will see these guys on the big screen.

Unbroken – (Out Dec 25th)

Angelina Jolie is truly baiting Academy voters this holiday season. Following the remarkable true story of Louis Zamperini and how he was captured by Japan militia during WWII, as well as, his olympic career. The film stars Jack O’Connell as Zamperini. I must say this is the perfect antidote to release at Christmas time, and I feel audiences across the world are going to eat this up like yesterdays Thanksgiving. That being said, the movie itself looks flawless. Being adapted by the talented Coen brothers, I strongly believe a string of award nominations are in order. Or I could be wrong, and the film turns out to be too sentimental and cheesy…but I don’t think it will.

Into The Woods – (out Dec 25th)

It was only a matter of time until Hollywood got it’s grubby little paws dirty, and dipped it’s hands in more renowned musical classics. This time Disney has contracted Rob Marshall (Chicago) to take the helm of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into The Woods” which is a who’s who of fairy tales including; Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and Rapunzel. Speaking from experience, I was in this musical (some time ago) and truly love the songs, and the story is timeless, I do think that Disney can uphold some of that integrity. Although I feel like some of the musicals deeper tones may get left behind. SPOILER ALERT – I don’t think Rapunzel is going to die (like she does in the musical). But, what do I know? – a stellar cast, and a script that is so rich – I find it very hard for a musical specialist (Marshall) to screw it up.

The Interview – (out Dec 25th)

When I saw that “Interview” was being pushed from it’s original release date of October 10th to Christmas day, because it was Sony’s best tested movie – ever – I know we have a hit. The story finds James Franco & Seth Rogen (also directing) in an assassination plot to kill the leader of North Korea, Kim Jung Un. With a country that ideally, does not like North Korea, and two funnymen wise guys doing what they do best: making R rated raunchy comedies. I find it extremely difficult to think this movie will be nothing short of gut busting hilarity. There truly has not been a “stand out” raunchy comedy this year..(well to me) and “The Interview” is the last chance to fill that void from all year, and well, it just might. 

Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb – (out Dec 19th)

“One Final Night” to save the day as the tagline protests. I’m pretty excited to see where these characters end up. Tragically, this is also one of (if not) the last full completed role of the late, great Robin Williams (playing Teddy Roosevelt one last time) and Mickey Rooney If that’s not reason enough, I don’t know what is.

While there are other great movies coming out like; “Inherent Vice”, “Selma” “American Sniper” even “The Gambler”  however,  they only open in limited release and actually don’t expand nationwide till January (where it will be likely more easily accessible to most audiences) Stay tuned for those picks later!

Thanks For Stopping By ®