Home for the holidays? See what new films are streaming
Pixar’s ‘Soul,’ George Clooney’s ‘The Midnight Sky’ and ‘Wonder Woman’ offered.
New streaming movies are coming to entertain you and your family during socially distanced times.
This Christmas weekend, Gal Gadot returns as Wonder Woman in a new superhero sequel, Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey lend their voices to the newest Pixar/Disney project, George Clooney directs and stars as a dying scientist in an apocalyptic drama, plus Tessa Thompson and former football star Nnamdi Asomugha fall in love in a period romance. And on New Year’s Day, Chloe Grace Moretz battles male chauvinism and an airborne monster in a World War II horror thriller.
If you’re feeling the itch to get back to the movies in person, and there’s a drive-in or it’s safe enough to return to your local theater, there are plenty of yuletide offerings. Tom Hanks stars as a kindhearted traveler in the Western “News of the World,” Carey Mulligan avenges past wrongs in the darkly comic thriller “Promising Young Woman,” and – at least if you’re in Miami – Leslie Odom Jr., Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge and Kingsley Ben-Adir star as a group of Black icons in Regina King‘s directorial debut “One Night in Miami.”
But if you’d rather stick closer to home, here’s a rundown of new movies hitting streaming and on-demand platforms this holiday, for every cinematic taste:
If you need a truly outrageous superhero fix: ‘Wonder Woman 1984’
Patty Jenkins’ highly anticipated follow-up is like tonal whiplash from 2017’s heavier (and better) first “Wonder Woman” but at least it’s a fun if overlong ride. The new film catches up with Diana Prince (Gadot) when she’s reunited with lost love Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) but has to deal with sketchy megalomaniac Max Lord (Pedro Pascal) and friend-turned-feral foe Cheetah (Kristen Wiig).
Where to watch: HBO Max
If you want a thoughtful Christmas present: ‘Soul’
Another impressively heady Pixar film makes us laugh while also sparking an examination of our existence. Jamie Foxx voices a middle-school band teacher who falls down a manhole and ends up in the afterlife, where he meets a sarcastic soul named 22 (Tina Fey), who needs a lesson on why living is pretty great. Earth-bound shenanigans ensue, plus plenty of slapstick comedy and heartwarming plot turns.
Where to watch: Disney+
If you dig all things George Clooney: ‘The Midnight Sky’
There are rough travels at times in Clooney’s latest starring/directing effort. The futuristic, apocalyptic drama features the actor as a dying astronomer caring for a young stowaway at the end of the world while a crew of astronauts (including Felicity Jones and David Oyelowo) rockets back to a hazardous home. The separate story lines meander but do manage to link up for a satisfying, emotional finale.
Where to watch: Netflix
If you could use an old-fashioned love story: ‘Sylvie’s Love’
Both the filmmaking and the setting give off throwback vibes in this engaging romance. In 1957, talented jazz saxophonist Robert (Asomugha) gigs in New York for the summer, takes a part-time job at a Harlem record store and falls for co-worker Sylvie (Thompson), who is waiting for the return of her soldier fiancé. They fall in love, split apart and come back together years later as they navigate personal triumphs and tribulations.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
If you’re down for a bonkers action film: ‘Shadow in the Cloud’
Director Roseanne Liang’s proudly pulpy midnight movie features Moretz as a flight officer assigned to a dudefilled Flying Fortress. The sexist crew members stick her in the plane’s ball turret and level misogynistic nonsense at her over the radio, but the situation turns absolutely nuts when Axis planes attack and a mysterious creature – inspired by old-school airman superstitions – gets loose on the flight.
Where to watch: Available Jan. 1 on Apple TV, Vudu, FandangoNOW