AVATAR RETURNS
Avatar: Fire and Ash
By Lori Vernon
T
his year has been disappointing for the film industry, with box office revenue hitting a 27-year low. This decline is attributed to shorter release windows, changing viewer habits, and a general lack of high-quality content. We won ' t even mention the S-word. December typically performs well, and this year ' s biggest release is James Cameron’ s Avatar: Fire and Ash, which is expected to be a major attraction for the whole family. In addition, numerous genre films are scheduled for release, many debuting in theaters in December to qualify for awards consideration. Here are some suggestions for your viewing pleasure.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Directed by James Cameron PG-13 • December 19- In Theaters
James Cameron takes audiences back to Pandora in an immersive new adventure with Marine turned Na’ vi leader Jake Sully( Sam Worthington), Na’ vi warrior Neytiri( Zoe Saldaña), and the Sully family. Filmed simultaneously with ** The Way of Water in New Zealand, the shoot took almost 3 years and was completed in 2020. The addition of two more sequels and the development of new technology required to film the performance-capture scenes underwater led to significant delays, allowing the crew more time to work on writing, pre-production, and visual effects. Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Oona Chaplin, Cliff Curtis, and Kate Winslet also star.
Five Nights at Freddy ' s 2
Directed by Emma Tammi Rated PG-13 • December 5- In Theaters
Ayear has passed since the supernatural nightmare at Freddy Fazbear’ s Pizza. Former security guard Mike( Josh Hutcherson) and police officer Vanessa( Elizabeth Lail) have kept the truth from Mike’ s 11-year-old sister, Abby( Piper Rubio), concerning the fate of her animatronic friends. But when Abby sneaks out to reconnect with Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy, it will set into motion a terrifying series of events, revealing dark secrets about the true origin of Freddy’ s, and unleashing a long-forgotten horror hidden away for decades.
Jay Kelly
Directed by Noah Baumbach RatedR • December5-InTheaters / Netflix
The film follows famous movie actor Jay Kelly( George Clooney) and his devoted manager Ron( Adam Sandler) as they embark on a whirlwind and unexpectedly profound journey through Europe. Along the way, both men are forced to confront the choices they ' ve made, their relationships with loved ones, and the legacies they’ ll leave behind.
Man Finds Tape
Directed by Peter Hall & Paul Gandersman Rated – NYR • December 5- In Theaters
Lucas Page’ s( William Magnuson) viral YouTube channel“ Man Finds Tape” features a series of creepy home videos. When he reaches out to his sister, Lynn( Kelsey Pribilski), with surveillance footage of a murder in their hometown, she reluctantly returns to help him investigate the homicide. In doing so, Lynn uncovers a disturbing secret tied to a decades-old supernatural phenomena that casts doubt on whether anyone in town can be trusted. The arrival of a stranger( Brian Villalobos) with destructive intentions forces Lynn to confront her family’ s role in a terrifying legend tied to a deadly monster stalking Larkin, TX.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Directed by Rian Johnson Rated PG-13 • December 12- Netflix
Benoit Blanc( Daniel Craig) returns for his most dangerous case yet. When young priest Jud Duplenticy( Josh O’ Connor) is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks( Josh Brolin), it’ s clear that all is not well in the pews. After a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the town, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott( Mila
12 illinoisentertainer. com december 2025