One of the greatest family traditions is getting the whole family together to watch a great movie. Towards the end of the year, Hollywood releases multiple films which are usually the most critically acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. Holidays can be stressful, so why not venture to the movie theater and escape reality for a while? These films below will all be released before the New Year, just in time for some holiday entertainment.
“Rogue One”
The new film in the “Star Wars” franchise is to be released December 16th. The film is set in between the prequel trilogy and the sequel trilogy of the films, linking the two timelines together. The film focuses on a group of rebel’s who plan to stop Darth Vader from creating his ultimate weapon— the Death Star. James Earl Jones, Darth Vader’s original actor, will be reprising his role alongside Felicity Jones as the main protagonist. The film is rated PG-13.
Watch the trailer here.
“Collateral Beauty”
Also to be released on December 16th, “Collateral Beauty” stars Will Smith, Kate Winslet, Edward Norton, and Kiera Knightley. This drama focuses on an advertising executive who suffers a great tragedy and his attempt to regain meaning to his life when he comes face to face with great loss. He discovers how the chaos he dealt with revealed beauty he never knew existed. The film is rated PG-13.
Watch the trailer here.
“Allied”
Released November 23rd, “Allied” follows two assassins who fall in love on a mission to kill a German official, yet one of them may have a hidden agenda. Academy Award winners Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard play the two assassins. The picture is directed by Robert Zemeckis, “Forrest Gump” director. Described as a romantic war thriller, this film is rated R. Owen Gleiberman of Variety said of the film in his review, “Alive to what's great about old movies: the supple, nearly invisible craft that allows scenes to throb with emotional suspense.”
Watch the trailer here.
“Moana”
Disney’s 56th animated feature, “Moana” is in theaters now. The film revolves around an adventurous teenager who sets out on an action packed, yet hilarious voyage. She encounters a demi god who guides her and protects her from the monsters and impossible odds along the way. Auli'i Cravalho, first time actress voices the role of Moana, with Dwane “The Rock” Johnson as Muai the Demi God. The music is scored by Lin Manuel-Mirando, of Hamilton the Musical fame. The film is rated PG. Sandie Angulo Chen of Common Sense media reviewed the film. “This engaging adventure triumphs because of its empowering storyline, which pays tribute to Polynesian culture, and because of its feel-good music, courtesy of Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.”
Watch the trailer here.
“Jackie”
Natalie Portman stars as one of the most famous First Ladies, Jackie Kennedy, in this highly anticipated biographical film to be released December 2nd. Based upon the “Life” magazine interviews of Jackie Kennedy, the film takes place after John F. Kennedy’s assassination. It centers on how his wife and family struggled to maintain their image and sanity after his death. The film is rated R.
Watch the trailer here.
“Why Him?”
The romantic comedy film is to be released on December 23rd. The film stars James Franco as a foul mouthed internet star, and “Breaking Bad” star Bryan Cranston as James Franco’s soon to be father-in-law. The two meet and tensions rise, but they realize they must work things out if they wish for their relationship to progress into family status. The film is rated R. 
Watch the trailer here.
