IMDb Picks: December
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- DirectorAlejandro G. IñárrituStarsLeonardo DiCaprioTom HardyWill PoulterA frontiersman on a fur trading expedition in the 1820s fights for survival after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team.The Revenant's trailer was one of the year's best, and it's remarkable to see Alejandro González Iñárritu back in Oscar contention with his follow-up to Birdman. The movie's arduous shoot will be forever remembered by Hollywood history, and I get the sense that the movie could become one of Iñárritu's finest. The shallow part of me just feels like a revenge tale that pits Leonardo DiCaprio against Tom Hardy sounds rather ... hot. — Arno
Release Info: Opens in limited release in theaters on Friday, Dec. 25; expands nationwide on Friday, Jan. 8, 2016. - DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaOscar IsaacAs a new threat to the galaxy rises, Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, must join Han Solo and Chewbacca to search for the one hope of restoring peace.It's safe to say JJ Abrams’ Star Wars: The Force Awakens is one of the most anticipated releases for 2015. I mean, ticket presales alone broke the Internet! The Force Awakens picks up 30 years after Return of the Jedi, reuniting stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher. Even though I'm ecstatic to see the dream team together again on the big screen, I'm equally excited to see how the story will unfold with The Force Awakens' new leading characters, Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega). — Akimi
Release Info: In theaters on Friday, Dec. 18. - DirectorSpike LeeStarsNick CannonTeyonah ParrisWesley SnipesA modern day adaptation of the ancient Greek play Lysistrata by Aristophanes, set against the backdrop of gang violence in Chicago, Illinois.Spike Lee's latest film a modern day adaptation of Aristophanes’ satirical play "Lysistrata" about a group of women who withhold sex in order to negotiate peace between warring factions. Chi-Raq is set in gangland Chicago and serves to open up a greater dialogue about issues that the current national media typically passes over. The film's themes hit especially hard for star Jennifer Hudson, who lost three family members to gun violence in 2008.
Chi-Raq also marks the return of the great Dave Chappelle, albeit in a small, but notable role. (You'll remember we last saw him on the small screen nine years ago in 2006, on "Chappelle's Show.")
— Chako
Release info: In theaters on Friday, Dec. 4. - CreatorMarti NoxonStarsLisa EdelsteinBeau GarrettNecar ZadeganFollows a best-selling author of a self-help book series who hides her recent separation as she starts to navigate her life as a single woman in her 40s in Los Angeles.Abby McCarthy's family life and her writing career cratered at the beginning of "Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce" and what ensued was one of the most underrated first seasons of TV from the past year. Lisa Edelstein, who plays Abby, is surrounded by a letter-perfect cast for Marti Noxon's best writing since "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." I binged on the first half of season 1 and then opted to savor the rest of the episodes in order to sync up with season 2 (which starts Dec. 1 on Bravo). If you enjoy it when adults are messy and their children pretty much keep it together as they bare witness to their parents' mistakes and indiscretions, then you've found one of your new favorite shows. — Arno
Season 2 Premieres: Tuesday, Dec. 1 - DirectorMatthew DiamondKenny LeonStarsCommonAmber RileyUzo AdubaA live production of the 1975 Broadway musical, "The Wiz," which put a modern spin on the classic "Wizard of Oz" tale with a cast of African-American actors.NBC's annual live musical can be appreciated on multiple levels. There's the production itself, and there's the suspense of whether something will go wrong. There's a high probability that "The Wiz Live!" will be legitimately good, thanks to a strong cast including Queen Latifah, Uzo Aduba, and Mary J. Blige, and Common. The production will also feature new songs and Cirque de Soleil's production wizardry. — Sara
Airs Live on NBC: Thursday, Dec. 3 - DirectorPaolo SorrentinoStarsMichael CaineHarvey KeitelRachel WeiszA retired orchestra conductor is on vacation with his daughter and his film director best friend in the Alps when he receives an invitation from Queen Elizabeth II to perform for Prince Philip's birthday.Here's a charming buddy movie, framed around two seventysomethings and filmed in the lush Swiss Alps, that takes a wistful spin at career, friendship, family, legacy, and growing old. Michael Caine stars as a retired composer summoned to perform for the Queen, and Harvey Keitel plays his best friend, a film director attempting to put the finishing touches on a screenplay for what will be his last great film. This opus, which has already been well-received in Europe, is the second English-language movie for award-winning director Paolo Sorrentino. — Bret
Release Info: Opens in limited release in theaters on Friday, Dec. 4. - DirectorAnton CorbijnStarsRobert PattinsonDane DeHaanPeter LucasA photographer for LIFE Magazine is assigned to shoot pictures of James Dean.This biographical drama chronicles the story behind the 1955 LIFE magazine photo shoot by Dennis Stock of then-rising star, James Dean. This flick gives us an inside look at some of Hollywood's most iconic images and into the life of a gifted, yet troubled-actor's life. It follows the friendship between Dean, who is played by Dane DeHaan and Stock who is portrayed by Robert Pattinson. For Pattinson, this might just be the flick that will finally make everyone forget about Twilight (even though it will always have a special place in my heart)! — Shara
Release Info: Opens in limited release in theaters on Friday, Dec. 4. - DirectorRon HowardStarsChris HemsworthCillian MurphyBrendan GleesonA recounting of a New England whaling ship's sinking by a giant whale in 1820, an experience that later inspired the great novel Moby-Dick.Ron Howard's latest film serves up the familiar conflict between man and nature or, in this case, man and enraged sperm whale, chronicling the tale of the sinking of a whaling ship that ultimately inspired Herman Melville's Moby Dick. There's much about Howard's effort here to draw in viewers: the epic scope of the storytelling, the arresting and majestic visual effects, and a strong ensemble cast led by Chris Hemsworth and Cillian Murphy. — Bret
Release Info: In theaters on Friday, Dec. 11. - DirectorJason MooreStarsAmy PoehlerTina FeyMaya RudolphTwo sisters decide to throw one last house party before their parents sell their family home.Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are having a party, and we’re all invited! Director Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect) will help us relive the glory days with the two sisters (played by Fey and Poehler) as they throw one final party before their parents sell the family home. Personally, these two funny ladies are one of my favorite comedy duos. — Akimi
Release Info: In theaters on Friday, Dec. 18. - DirectorAdam McKayStarsChristian BaleSteve CarellRyan GoslingIn 2006-2007 a group of investors bet against the United States mortgage market. In their research, they discover how flawed and corrupt the market is.There was nothing funny about the 2008 collapse of the American mortgage market, but in the hands of Anchorman director Adam McKay, it's the foundation for a dark, smart comedy. An all-star cast including Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale, and Steve Carell portray the real-life Chicken Littles who realized that the crisis was coming, and figured out how to use it to make themselves rich. First it will make you laugh, then it will make you angry. Carell's insane toupee alone is worth the price of admission. — Sara
Release Info: Opens in limited release in theaters on Friday, Dec. 11; expands nationwide on Wednesday, Dec. 23. - CreatorScott DunlopAlex BaskinKathleen FrenchStarsKyle RichardsAdrienne MaloofCamille GrammerA reality series that follows some of the most affluent women in the country as they enjoy the lavish lifestyle that only Beverly Hills can provide.Mark your calendars because on Tuesday, December 1st the ladies of Beverly Hills are back with some familiar - and not so familiar - faces. Lisa Vanderpump, Kyle Richards, Yolanda Foster, Lisa Rinna, and Eileen Davidson will all be returning while newcomers Erika Girardi (also known as Erika Jayne) and former model Kathryn Edwards will be joining the gals on their journey for endless drama and cat-fights. Taylor Armstrong, Camille Grammer, and Brandi Glanville are just a few of the former Housewives slated to make appearances this season, not to mention a few fun celeb cameos (Joe Jonas anyone?!). I, for one, will be glued to the small screen and can't wait to see the action unfold. — Shara
- DirectorAndrew HaighStarsCharlotte RamplingTom CourtenayGeraldine JamesA married couple preparing to celebrate their wedding anniversary receives shattering news that promises to forever change the course of their lives.Love that Andrew Haigh follows up his Weekend with another relationship drama, and I understand 45 Years begins with a gun shot and then rewinds the narrative as long-married couple's history unravels when an incident from one of their pasts resurfaces. Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay were awarded Best Actress/Best Actor trophies at the Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year, and both performers have been tipped for potential Oscar nominations. — Arno
Release Info: Opens in limited release in theaters on Wednesday, Dec. 23. - DirectorEricson CoreStarsEdgar RamírezLuke BraceyRay WinstoneA young FBI agent infiltrates an extraordinary team of extreme sports athletes he suspects of masterminding a string of unprecedented, sophisticated corporate heists.When I first heard they were remaking Point Break, I echoed the screams of "Why??????" I have seen the original so many times I could do a puppet show. But after watching the trailer I was surprisingly intrigued and can see that cinematographer turned director Ericson Core has taken the action to another level. I just hope he keeps one of my favorite quotes: “Little hand says it’s time to rock and roll.” — Michelle
Release info: In theaters on Friday, Dec. 25. - DirectorSean AndersStarsWill FerrellMark WahlbergLinda CardelliniBrad Whitaker is a radio host trying to get his stepchildren to love him and call him Dad. But his plans turn upside down when their biological father, Dusty Mayron, returns.December is all about enjoying silly movies with the fambam. This is going to be a great one for an afternoon out — especially if you need to cool down hot heads and smooth over tiffs during a big family trip. No holiday is complete without a little Will Ferrell and some slapstick! — Chako
Release info: In theaters on Friday, Dec. 25