THE LAST JEDI RETURNS
Justice League
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t’ s been quite a year, and I don’ t necessarily mean in a positive way. Some days( most days) it feels like we’ re waking up in an alternate universe or a surreal horror film. All I can say is, thank goodness for movies! No matter what may be going on in the world, we can always go to the theater and spend 120 minutes being transported into the alternate universe of our own choosing. Cinemas have always offered an escape from trying times and this year is no different. As the end-of-theyear Oscar push begins, you can find an abundance of award-worthy and entertaining films to take away your troubles over the holidays, starting with our most anticipated film of the year, Star Wars: The Last Jedi. For the last two years, Star Wars universe flicks have been the highest grossing domestic films, with Box Office Mojo reporting Rogue One( 2016) grossing over $ 532 million, and The Force Awakens( 2015) grossing over $ 936 million. Based on presale for The Last Jedi, it could end up being this year’ s biggest financial hit. Here are some films to watch this month, and into the New Year:
Star Wars: The Last Jedi Directed by Rian Johnson Rated: PG-13 • December 15
In the first sequel to Star Wars: The Force
Awakens, The Last Jedi continues the epic adventure as Rey( Daisy Ridley), Finn( John Boyega), Poe( Oscar Isaac), and the legendary Luke Skywalker( Mark Hamill) continue to battle the First Order and the evil Snoke( Andy Serkis). We know Han Solo( Harrison Ford) is dead, killed by his own son, Kylo Ren( Adam Driver), leaving Finn seriously doubting his future with the Resistance after witnessing the brutal murder. As Rey begins to discover her true abilities, Luke, now a broken man who has no desire to continue the Jedi Order, becomes unsettled by the strength of her power. Carrie Fisher returns as General Leia Organa in what turns out to be her final film role prior to her untimely death last December. After the Republic is basically annihilated in The Force Awakens, Leia must deal with being completely isolated and alone as she remains in charge of the scattershot Resistance forces. She must also face her grief over the death of Han and the ultimate betrayal by her son, who has completely gone over to the Dark Side, just as Leia’ s father did. Most of the plot details have been kept topsecret, but there are promises of some shocking twists! Also returning are Lupita Nyong ' o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, and Billie Lourd. New cast members include Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern, Tom Hardy and Kelly Marie Tran.
The Disaster Artist Directed by James Franco Rated: R • December 1
This film, based on Greg Sestero ' s bestselling non-fiction book, details the hilarious true story of the making of Tommy Wiseau ' s 2003 cult – classic, The Room, often called " The Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made " and“ The Citizen Kane of Bad Movies.” This buddy comedy tells the story of two outsiders chasing a dream who are rejected by Hollywood- so they decide to make their own movie. James Franco, his real-life brother, Dave Franco, Seth Rogan, Josh Hutcherson, Zoey Deutsch, and Zac Efron round out the cast.
I, Tonya Directed by Craig Gillespie Rated: R • December 8
I, Tonya is based on the unbelievable true story of figure skaters Tonya Harding( Margot Robbie) and Nancy Kerrigan( Caitlin Carver), who were embroiled in one of the biggest sports scandals of all time. Though Harding was the first American woman to complete a triple axel in competition, her legacy was forever tarnished by her association with the infamous, ill-conceived and poorly executed attack on fellow Olympic team member and arch-rival, Nancy Kerrigan. Orchestrated at the National Figure Skating Championships in 1994 by Harding’ s ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly( Sebastian Stan), the attack on Kerrigan – who was clubbed in the knee with a metal pipe- lead to Kerrigan having to withdraw from the competition and Harding winning the National title. The investigation into the incident led to the end of Harding’ s skating career with a conviction for conspiring to hinder prosecution, and jail time for Gillooly. The cast includes Allison Janey, Julianne Nicholson, and Bojana Novakovic.
The Shape Of Water Directed by Guillermo del Toro Rated: R • December 8
In this other-worldly fable from Guillermo del Toro set against the backdrop of Cold War-era America, lonely, mute cleaning lady Elisa( Sally Hawkins) discov-
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14 illinoisentertainer. com december 2017