The New Movies of December 2017, In Order of Anticipation

By Rob Hunter

Keep reading for a look at our ten most anticipated movies hitting screens this month!

It’s December, and that means we’ve made it through the hellscape that is 2017. With all that’s going on in the world it may end up being our last December, so we should try to enjoy it. Spend time with family and friends, get outside for a walk, and head to the theater for what might be your final movies ever.

Keep reading for a look at the new movies of December 2017 in order of our anticipation.

---

9. The Greatest Showman

Release Date: 12/20

“Inspired by the imagination of P.T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman is an original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.”

Pros: We don’t get very many musicals these days, so when they do appear it’s worth giving them a chance. There’s some pedigree to this one in writer Bill Condon (Chicago, Dreamgirls) and lead Hugh Jackman, and they’re joined by Zendaya, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, and Zac Efron.

Cons: It’s only three weeks away and has yet to screen anywhere.

8. All the Money In the World

Release Date: 12/22

“The story of the kidnapping of 16-year-old John Paul Getty III and the desperate attempt by his devoted mother to convince his billionaire grandfather Jean Paul Getty to pay the ransom.”

Pros: Ridley Scott may not always deliver a winner — sorry Alien: Covenant and that one about wine — but there’s no denying that the man makes well-crafted movies. His latest looks to be a blend of thriller and family drama, and it has a solid cast bringing it to life including Michelle Williams, Timothy Hutton, and Christopher Plummer.

Cons: Sounds like the kind of movie Kevin Spacey would star in.

7. I, Tonya

Release Date: 12/8

“Competitive ice skater Tonya Harding rises amongst the ranks at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, but her future in the activity is thrown into doubt when her ex-husband intervenes.”

Pros: Like The Big Short before it, this is a true story told in a comedic, fourth wall-breaking style starring Margot Robbie. (She’s not in a hot tub this time, though.) It’s a smart, funny, and uniquely American underdog tale with energy, style, and very funny performances from Robbie, Sebastian Stan, and Allison Janney.

Cons: The world might not yet be ready to see Tonya Harding as even 1/10th the victim that she sees herself.

6. The Shape of Water

Release Date: 12/1

“An other-worldly fairy tale, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962. In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa is trapped in a life of isolation. Elisa’s life is changed forever when she and co-worker Zelda discover a secret classified experiment.”

Pros: It’s impossible not to love Guillermo del Toro. His affection for film and for genre movies in particular is evident in his every breath. His latest looks to be a lush romantic drama between a woman and a creature, and it’s received near universal praise since premiering at festivals.

Cons: I’m in the minority here, but as someone who was underwhelmed by everything about Crimson Peak aside from the visuals this monster romance has me worried. It feels like a movie with story beats visible a mile off, and while I’m sure the production design and performances are exquisite I’m not super excited about the story.

5. Molly’s Game

Release Date: 12/27

“The true story of Molly Bloom, an Olympic-class skier who ran the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game and became an FBI target.”

Pros: Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut promises a fascinating and fast-talking take on a crazy true story, and in addition to the likes of Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba in lead roles we also get some of that Kevin Costner magic. Early reviews have been strong for both Sorkin’s script and Chastain’s fiery performance. Sorkin’s 7/7 so far as a writer, from A Few Good Men to Steve Jobs, so here’s hoping his directorial chops are even half as good.

Cons: A true story about illegal poker games doesn’t exactly sound all that interesting.

4. Phantom Thread

Release Date: 12/27

“Set in 1950’s London, Reynolds Woodcock is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who becomes his muse and lover.”

Pros: Paul Thomas Anderson (Magnolia, Boogie Nights) has proven himself to be a pretty good director/writer, and Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln, There Will Be Blood) is an actor with a real future in the business.

Cons: In addition to not loving The Master or Inherent Vice I was also just informed that Day-Lewis has retired from acting and that this is his final film. That’s a lot of pressure that the movie may not live up to.

3. The Disaster Artist

Release Date: 12/1

“When Greg Sestero, an aspiring film actor, meets the weird and mysterious Tommy Wiseau in an acting class, they form a unique friendship and travel to Hollywood to make their dreams come true.”

Pros: Movies about making movies — Ed Wood, Shadow of the Vampire, Hooper — are typically fun times, and by most accounts (aside from our own Chris Campbell‘s) James Franco’s latest is an extremely fun time. Trailers highlight the enthusiasm and desire that went into making The Room as well as the clear lack of talent, but rather than poking fun it appears to embrace a simple love of film.

Cons: It’s entirely unclear as to whether or not audiences should see The Room first, and if you’re like me that means a delay in catching this one as you debate the issue. And once again, there’s also Campbell’s review.

2. Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Release Date: 12/15

“Having taken her first steps into the Jedi world, Rey joins Luke Skywalker on an adventure with Leia, Finn and Poe that unlocks mysteries of the Force and secrets of the past.”

Pros: Episode VII was a strong return to form for the franchise, and while it honored previous characters it did well in introducing new ones. Director Rian Johnson’s entry into the Star Wars universe sees their stories continue, and judging by the trailers it looks like this might be the trilogy’s darkest film. Will Rey go bad? Will BB-8 be deflated? Will Luke lose his other hand? We need to know.

Cons: The secret to Disney’s success is playing it safe 95% of the time.

1. The Post

Release Date: 12/22

“A cover-up that spanned four U.S. Presidents pushed the country’s first female newspaper publisher and a hard-driving editor to join an unprecedented battle between journalist and government. Inspired by true events.”

Pros: A new Steven Spielberg film is always worth watching, and while his “fun” movies are typically best remembered his more serious fare is often among his best. It’s a period piece, but the issue of the first amendment is timeless and in good hands with co-writer Josh Singer (Spotlight). Add to that a cast that includes Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Sarah Paulson, Bob Odenkirk, Tracy Letts, Bradley Whitford, Bruce Greenwood, Matthew Rhys, Alison Brie, Carrie Coon, Jessie Plemons, David Cross, Zach Woods, and Pat Healy, and you have December’s most-anticipated movie.

Cons: Not even Spielberg is infallible I guess.

The article The New Movies of December 2017, In Order of Anticipation appeared first on Film School Rejects.