As the final month of the year approaches, the movie theater is overflowing with mind-blowing end-of-year releases. I’m not sure about you, but catching a film at the end of finals season sounds like the perfect way to unwind. If you are still unsure of what to see, or even of what’s actually in theaters, here are some releases I am anticipating for the month of December!
1. My Neighbor Totoro (December 5th, 6th, and 9th)
This isn’t a new release but in honor of Ghibli fest, many of Studio Ghibli’s most popular films have been re-released in theaters and will finish off with My Neighbor Totoro! As a dedicated lover of this film, it’s going to be the perfect way to start the month. It’s heartwarming, funny, sad, and just the perfect way to make you smile. Ghibli fan or not, this is worth catching, especially with an audience of fellow Ghibli lovers!
2. West Side Story (December 10th)
If you’re a fan of the 1961 movie or even the 1957 play, then you absolutely want to have this on your radar. Acclaimed director Steven Spielberg is bringing back this classic to newer viewers with a fresh new cast. Based loosely on Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story tells the story of two teenagers, Tony and Maria, who navigate their love for each other while being in two opposing rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. Music, love, rivalry, what more can you ask for? Make sure to see this in theaters!
3. Don’t Look Up (December 10th)
Leonardo DiCaprio.Jennifer Lawrence. Ariana Grande. Meryl Streep. Jonah Hill. Timothee Chalamet. Chris Evans. Tyler Perry. In a satirical black comedy about astronomers warning the world about an approaching comet that will destroy the earth. If that doesn’t hook you that you will have a great time at the theater, I don’t know what will. In Adam McKay’s latest film, director of The Big Short, he tackles the very present climate change issue in a way that makes you laugh and also recognizes the seriousness of the issue. This is one you definitely don’t wanna miss.
4. Nightmare Alley (December 17th)
For any fans of psychological thrillers, Oscar winning Director Guillermo del Toro’s latest film should be right up your alley. The brief from searchlight picture states “An ambitious carny with a talent for manipulating people with a few well-chosen words hooks up with a female psychiatrist who is even more dangerous than he is“. With talent such as Bradley Cooper, Toni Collete, Rooney Mara, and Cate Blanchett, this will make an exciting finish to your year!
5. The Matrix: Resurrections (December 22nd)
22 years after the release of The Matrix, the fourth installment is finally hitting theaters. Taking place 20 years after the third installment, we are taken back into the complex reality world of The Matrix. Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Ann Moss return to their original roles, as well as loads of new talent. This is going to be a pretty crazy comeback so begin your rewatch or start them for the first time! This film will also be streaming on the HBO Max ad-free plan in case you want to watch it from the comfort of your own home!
6. Spiderman: No Way Home (December 17th)
Wanted to finish this list off with MY personal most anticipated film of the year’s end. As a long-time fan of Spiderman, from the animated shows to the latest Far From Home, this film will be a DIFFERENT kind of huge. After Peter Parker was discovered as Spiderman at the end of Far from Home, he sets on a mission to resolve the issue with some multiverse issues coming in the way. With the anticipation over who is and isn’t going to show up, as well as the latest trailer, it’s safe to say that this will break many records and pack theaters. Whether you are a Spiderman fanatic or just a casual fan, this isn’t one you want to miss.
If your semester has been as hectic as mine, or you just need a breather, head to the cinema this month and catch some end-of-year releases as a treat to yourself. There is so much to see and many are sure to not disappoint.