HOLIDAY FILMS & STREAMS
W
ith 2022 almost a wrap , the battle between box office vs . streaming , increased demand for content , and the evolving platforms have shaken things up in ways that are still being determined . The traditional pre-pandemic model has changed the way movies are being made , released , and distributed . This month we ’ re featuring a mix of both platforms for your holiday viewing pleasure .
By Lori Vernon
David Harbour in Violent Night
Salvage Salvation
Directed by Randall Emmett December 2 - In Theaters & Digital • Rated R
Robert De Niro plays a sheriff striving to keep the peace in his rough town . Shelby ( Jack Huston ) and Ruby ( Willa Fitzgerald ) want a fresh start and decide to get clean with the support of Ruby ’ s brother-in-law ( John Malkovich ). However , Shelby discovers his beloved Ruby dead and embarks on a vengeful killing spree . The Sheriff races against the clock to end Shelby ’ s vigilante justice before his fight with the crime lord Coyote ( Quavo ) turns the entire town into a bloodbath .
Violent Night
Directed by Tommy Wirkola December 2 - In Theaters • Rated R
When a team of mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve , taking everyone inside hostage , the team isn ’ t prepared for a surprise combatant : Santa Claus ( David Harbour ). He ’ s about to show why this Nick is no saint in this dark action-comedy . John Leguizamo , Cam Gigandet , Alex Hassell ,
Alexis Louder , Edi Patterson , and Beverly D ’ Angelo co-star .
Scrooge : A Christmas Carol
Directed by Stephen Donnelly December 2 - Netflix • Rated TV-Y7
On a cold Christmas Eve , selfish miser Ebenezar Scrooge ( Luke Evans ) has one night left to face his past - and change the future - before time runs out in this animated musical starring Olivia Coleman , Jessie Buckley , Jonathan Price , and Johnny Flynn .
Emancipation
Directed by Antoine Fuqua December 9 • Rated R - Apple TV + & Theaters
The triumphant story of Peter ( Will Smith ), a man who escapes from slavery , relying on his wits , unwavering faith , and deep love for his family to evade cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on his quest for freedom . He was inspired by the 1863 photos of “ Whipped Peter ,” which ultimately contributed to growing public opposition to slavery . Also stars Ben Foster , Charmaine Bingwa and Gilbert Owuor .
The Whale
Directed by Darren Aronofsky December 9 - In Theaters • Rated R
The touching story of a reclusive English teacher ( Brendan Fraser ) who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter ( Sadie Sink ) for one last chance at redemption . Based on the play by Samuel D . Hunter .
Empire of Light
Directed by Sam Mendes December 9 - In Theaters • Rated R
Set in an English seaside town in the early 1980s , this film is a powerful and poignant story about human connection and the magic of cinema . Featuring a stellar cast , including Olivia Colman , Micheal Ward , Toby Jones , Crystal Clarke , and Colin Firth .
Pinocchio
Directed by Guillermo Del Toro December 9 - Netflix • Rated PG
This reimagined classic tale of the fabled wooden boy finds Pinocchio on an enchanted adventure that transcends worlds and reveals the life-giving power of love — featuring Ewan McGregor , David Bradley , Gregory Mann , Christoph Waltz , Tilda Swinton , Burn Gorman , Ron Perlman , John Turturro , Finn Wolfhard , Cate Blanchett , and Tim Blake Nelson .
Avatar : TheWayofWater
Directed by James Cameron December 16 - In Theaters • Rated NYR
More than a decade after the first film ' s events , the sequel tells the story of the Sully family and their kids , the trouble that follows them , the lengths they go to keep each other safe , the battles they fight to stay alive , and the tragedies they endure .
Spoiler Alert
Directed by Michael Showalter December 16 - In Theaters • Rated PG-13
Based on Michael Ausiello ’ s best-selling memoir , the film is a heartwarming , funny , and life-affirming story of how Michael ( Jim Parsons ) and his husband , Kit Cowan ' s ( Ben Aldridge ) relationship is transformed and deepened when one of them falls ill .
Puss in Boots : The Last Wish
Directed by Joel Crawford December 21 - In Theaters • Rated NYR
The daring outlaw Puss in Boots ( Antonio Banderas ) discovers that his passion for peril and disregard for safety have taken their toll .
Continued on page 24
12 illinoisentertainer . com december 2022