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