Time for season’s screenings
The 2019 Holiday Movie Preview is a snapshot of the films opening through mid-January. Release dates and other details, as compiled by Kevin Crust and Matt Cooper, are subject to change.
Wednesday
Marriage Story
Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver star in writerdirector Noah Baumbach’s exploration of an eroding relationship. With Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta. Netflix
Friday
Acceleration
Action-crime drama with Sean Patrick Flanery, Dolph Lundgren, Chuck Liddell, Natalie Burn, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Danny Trejo. Written by Michael Merino. Directed by Merino, Daniel Zirilli. Cinedigm
The All-Americans
Documentary focuses on four football players competing in the East L.A. Classic between Garfield and Roosevelt high schools. Written and directed by Billy McMillin. Abramorama
American Dharma
Filmmaker Errol Morris interviews Stephen K. Bannon on his background, belief system, feelings on President Trump and how movies shaped his worldview in this documentary. Utopia
Ballet Blanc
Horror with Shelley Starrett, Colter Carlborn-Mann, Brian Woods, Franco Fox, Catherine Lassesen. Written and directed by Anne-Sophie Dutoit. Indican Pictures
Burning Cane
In rural Louisiana, a woman tries to reconcile her faith and the troubled men in her life. With Wendell Pierce, Karen Kaia Livers, Dominique McClellan, Braelyn Kelly, Emyri Crutchfield. Written and directed by Phillip Youmans. Array
Cold Brook
A undercover cop from China finds himself in a prison in the Cambodian jungle where inmates are sold to the rich to be hunted for sport. With Gu Shangwei, Byron Bishop, Vithaya Pansringarm. Written by Jimmy Henderson, Michael Hodgson, Kai Miller. Directed by Henderson. In Mandarin, Thai with English subtitles. Vertical Entertainment
Danger Close
Action with Travis Fimmel, Luke Bracey, Daniel Webber, Alexander England, Aaron Glenane, Nicholas Hamilton, Myles Pollard, Matt Dordan, Anthony Hayes, Richard Roxburgh. Written by Stuart Beattie. Directed by Kriv Stenders. Saban Films
Disco’d
Documentary explores the L.A. homeless crisis through a series of profiles. Directed by Matthew Siretta. SMMS Films
Doctor Sleep
Forty years after the events of “The Shining,” the nowgrown Danny Torrance joins forces with a similarly gifted teen to battle dark forces. With Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson, Kyliegh Curran, Carl Lumbly, Zahn McClarnon, Emily Alyn Lind, Bruce Greenwood, Jocelin Donahue, Cliff Curtis. Written and directed by Mike Flanagan, based on the book by Stephen King. Warner Bros.
A Fish in the Bathtub
New 2K restoration of 1999 comedy starring Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller. With Doris Roberts, Jane Adams, Mark Ruffalo, Missy Yager, Paul Benedict. Written by John Silverstein, David Chudnovsky, Raphael D. Silver. Directed by Joan Micklin Silver. Cohen Media Group
Gabriel
Boxing drama with Igor Regalla, Ana Marta Ferreira, Angelo Torres, José Condessa, Sérgio Praia and Susana Sá. Written and directed by Nuno Bernardo. Beactive Entertainment
Good Girls Get High
A pair of brainy high school seniors worried about their low social standing decide to get stoned. With Abby Quinn, Stefanie Scott, Lauren Lapkus, Matt Besser, Isabelle Fuhrman, Danny Pudi. Written by Laura Terruso, Jennifer Nashorn Blakenship. Directed by Terruso. DirecTV/Warner Bros.
Honey Boy
Shia LaBeouf wrote and stars in this autobiographical drama about his troubled youth and attempts to reconcile with his father. With Noah Jupe, Lucas Hedges, FKA twigs. Directed by Alma Har’el. Amazon Studios
The Kingmaker
Director Lauren Greenfield profiles Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines, in this documentary. Showtime Documentary Films
Klaus
An Everyman postal worker meets an enigmatic toymaker when he is assigned to bring mail service to a remote northern village. With Jason Schwartzman, Rashida Jones, J.K. Simmons, Joan Cusack, Norm MacDonald, Will Sasso. Written by Zach Lewis, Jim Mahoney, Sergio Pablos. Directed by Pablos. Netflix
Last Christmas
In a holiday romantic comedy inspired by the music of George Michael, a young Londoner meets a guy who seems too good to be true. With Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Emma Thompson. Written by Thompson, Bryony Kimmings, story by Thompson, Greg Wise. Directed by Paul Feig. Universal
Light From Light
A priest asks a para normal activity-investigating rental car agent to check on a grieving widower. With Marin Ireland, Jim Gaffigan, Josh Wiggins. Written and directed by Paul Harrill. Grasshopper Film
Love Is Blind
Romantic drama-comedy with Shannon Tarbet, Aidan Turner, Benjamin Walker, Matthew Broderick, Chloë Sevigny. Written by Jennifer Schuur. Directed by Monty Whitebloom. Uncork’d Entertainment
Midway
The story of the critical World War II Pacific Theater battle between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy in June 1942. With Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Luke Evans, Aaron Eckhart, Nick Jonas, Etsushi Toyokawa, Tadanobu Asano, Luke Kleintank, Jun Kunimura, Darren Criss, Keean Johnson, Alexander Ludwig, Mandy Moore, Dennis Quaid, Woody Harrelson. Written by Wes Tooke. Directed by Roland Emmerich. Lionsgate
Mr. Toilet: The World’s #2 Man
Documentary on plumbing entrepreneur and global sanitation crusader Jack Sim. Written by Tchavdar Georgiev. Directed by Lily Zepeda. Kew Media Group
Playing With Fire
Firefighters find their lives turned upside down when they rescue three siblings but can’t find the kids’ parents. With John Cena, Keegan-Michael Key, John Leguizamo, Brianna Hildebrand, Dennis Haysbert, Judy Greer. Written by Dan Ewen, Matt Lieberman, story by Ewen. Directed by Andy Fickman. Paramount
Primal Action-crime thriller with Nicolas Cage, Famke Janssen, Kevin Durand, Michael Imperioli. Written by Richard Leder. Directed by Nick Powell. Lionsgate
Such a Funny Life
Crime drama with Kobi Frumer, Gonzalo Trigueros. Written and directed by Oliver Mann. Artist Rights Distribution
To Be of Service
Military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder experience lifechanging results with the help of trained dogs in this documentary. Directed by Josh Aronson. First Run Features
The Tower
An 11-year-old Palestinian girl seeks hope in a Beirut refugee camp in this animated drama. Written and directed by Mats Grorud. Nubbsjangs Pproduksjon
Nov. 15
Atlantics
Though promised to another man, a young Senegalese woman is tormented by the loss of her true love at sea. With Mama Sane , Amadou Mbow, Ibrahima Traore , Nicole Sougou, Amina Kane, Mariama Gassama, Coumba Dieng, Ibrahima Mbaye, Diankou Sembene. Written by Mati Diop, Olivier Demangel. Directed by Diop. Netflix
Bluebird
Music documentary featuring Taylor Swift, Maren Morris, Connie Britton, Garth Brooks, Faith Hill. Directed by Brian A. Loschiavo. Cleopatra Entertainment
Charlie’s Angels
Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott and Ella Balinska are the titular trio in writerdirector-co-star Elizabeth Banks’ reboot of the actionadventure franchise about highly skilled women working for a private security and investigative agency. With Djimon Hounsou, Noah Centineo, Sam Claflin, Patrick Stewart. Story by Evan Spiliotopoulos, David Auburn. Columbia Pictures
Crown Vic
Crime drama with Thomas Jane, Luke Kleintank, David Krumholtz, Josh Hopkins, Bridget Moynahan, Scottie Thompson, Gregg Bello. Directed by Joel Souza. Screen Media
Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops
Two San Antonio police officers serve on a 10-person mental health unit, putting compassionate policing practices into action. Featuring Ernie Stevens and Joe Smarro. Directed by Jennifer McShane. HBO Documentary Films
Feast of the Seven Fishes
Romantic comedy with Skyler Gisondo, Madison Iseman, Josh Helman, Ray Abruzzo, Lynn Cohen, Joe Pantoliano, Paul Ben-Victor. Written and directed by Robert Tinnell. Shout! Studios
Ford v Ferrari
Matt Damon and Christian Bale star as an American car designer and a British driver, respectively, who challenge eminent Italian Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966. With Jon Bernthal, Caitriona Balfe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas, Noah Jupe, Remo Girone, Ray McKinnon. Written by Jez Butterworth, John Henry Butterworth, Jason Keller. Directed by James Mangold. 20th Century Fox
The Good Liar
Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren square off as an elegant grifter and his notso-easy mark in this suspense thriller. With Russell Tovey, Jim Carter. Written by Jeffrey Hatcher, based on the novel by Nicholas Searle. Directed by Bill Condon. Warner Bros./New Line Cinema
I Lost My Body
A severed hand makes its way across Paris trying to reunite with a pizza delivery boy. With Hakim Faris, Victoire Du Bois, Patrick Dassumçao. Written by Jérémy Clapin, Guillaume Laurant, based on a novel by Laurant. Directed by Clapin. Netflix
Line of Duty
Action thriller with Aaron Eckhart, Courtney Eaton, Jessica Lu, Dina Meyer, Ben McKenzie, Giancarlo Esposito. Written by Jeremy Drysdale. Directed by Steven C. Miller. Saban Films
Lost in America
Documentary on youth homelessness in the U.S. Featuring Rosario Dawson, Jewel, Tiffany Haddish, Miley Cyrus, Jon Bon Jovi, Halle Berry, Sanaa Lathan, Rebecca Gayheart-Dane, Sen. Patrick Leahy, former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, Rep. Karen Bass, Rep. Jim McDermott, Rep. John Yarmuth, Rep. Jackie Speier. Written and directed by Rotimi Rainwater. Indican Pictures
No Safe Spaces
Free-speech documentary featuring Adam Carolla, Dennis Prager, Tim Allen, Van Jones, Jordan Peterson, Alan Dershowitz, Ben Shapiro, Cornel West, Dave Rubin. Directed by Justin Folk. Atlas Distribution
Radiof lash
Survival thriller with Brighton Sharbino, Dominic Monaghan, Will Patton, Fionnula Flanagan. Directed by Ben McPherson. IFC Midnight
The Report
Adam Driver stars as reallife investigator Daniel J. Jones, whose Senate inquiry leads to dark truths within the CIA’s Detention and Interrogation Program. With Annette Bening, Ted Levine, Michael C. Hall, Tim Blake Nelson, Corey Stoll, Maura Tierney, Jon Hamm. Written and directed by Scott Z. Burns. Amazon Studios
Scandalous: The Untold Story of the National Enquirer
Behind the muck at the infamous tabloid, which for 60 years has supplied Americans with news, gossip and truth-bending in this documentary. Directed by Mark Landsman. Magnolia Pictures
The Shed
Horror thriller with Jay Jay Warren, Cody Kostro, Sofia
BY JUSTIN CHANG FILM CRITIC >>> Among the year’s strongest upcoming releases are movies that first screened for audiences at major film festivals including Sundance, Cannes, Telluride and Toronto. Here are four of my favorites from the festival circuit, all bound for Los Angeles theaters this holiday season.
Happonen, Timothy Bottoms, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Frank Whaley. Written and directed by Frank Sabatella. RLJE Films
16 Bars
Four prisoners in a Richmond, Va., jail collaborate with recording artist Todd “Speech” Thomas to create an album based on their experiences in this documentary. Directed by Samuel Bathrick. Lightyear Entertainment
To Kid or Not to Kid
Filmmaker Maxine Trump explores the implications of choosing to not have children. Helpman Productions
The Warrior Queen of Jhansi
Nineteeth century Indian general Rani leads her people in rebellion against the British Empire. With Devika Bhise, Rupert Everett, Nathaniel Parker, Ben Lamb, Jodhi May, Derek Jacobi. Written by Swati Bhise, Devika Bhise, Olivia Emden. Directed by Swati Bhise. Roadside Attractions
Waves
A suburban African American family pulls together in the face of loss. With Kelvin Harrison Jr., Lucas Hedges, Taylor Russell, Alexa Demie, Neal Huff, Clifton Collins Jr., Renée Elise Goldsberry, Sterling K. Brown. Written and directed by Trey Edward Shults. A24
White Snake
A young woman loses her memory and must embark on an epic journey and face supernatural forces to learn about her past in this animated prequel to a famous Chinese legend. Directed by Amp Wong, Zhao Ji. GKids
Ximbi Xombix
Grunge band SheepPsyche is mind-controlled to play alternative K-pop reggae in this anti-musical. With Claudia Pak, Tareq Alumalifi, Dr. Israel. Written and directed by Dae H. Kim, a.k.a. Sand O’ Man. Hoffstot Sound & Pictures
Nov. 22
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Tom Hanks slips on the cardigan of Mr. Fred Rogers to dispense lessons in kindness to Matthew Rhys’ jaded journalist. With Susan Kelechi Watson, Chris Cooper. Written by Micah Fitzerman-Blue, Noah Harpster, inspired by an article by Tom Junod. Directed by Marielle Heller. TriStar Pictures
Citizen K
Writer-director Alex Gibney looks at post-Soviet Russia through the eyes of oligarchturned-dissident Mikhail Khodorkovsky in this documentary. Greenwich Entertainment
Dark Waters
Mark Ruffalo stars as a crusading attorney who uncovers a deadly truth about a large corporation, jeopardizing his career, his family and his life. With Anne Hathaway, Tim Robbins, Bill Camp, Victor Garber, Mare Winningham, William Jackson Harper, Bill Pullman. Written by Matthew Carnahan, Mario Correa. Directed by Todd Haynes. Focus Features
Frozen 2
Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven join Elsa as she searches for the truth behind her powers in this sequel to the 2013 blockbuster. With the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad. Directed by Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee. Walt Disney Pictures
Hala
A Chicago-area Pakistani American teen balances her desire for freedom with her strict Muslim upbringing. With Geraldine Viswanathan, Jack Kilmer, Gabriel Luna, Purbi Joshi, Azad Khan, Anna Chlumsky. Director Minhal Baig. Apple TV+
Mickey and the Bear
Living in Montana with her veteran father, a teenager must choose between family and independence. With Camila Morrone, James Badge Dale, Calvin Demba, Ben Rosenfield, Rebecca Henderson. Written and directed by Annabelle Attanasio. Utopia
Saint Cloud Hill
Social-issue documentary about a Nashville homeless community rallying to fight gentrification. Directed by Sean Clark, Jace Freeman. Indie Rights
Shooting the Maf ia
Documentary on Italian photographer Letizia Battaglia, noted for chronicling the lives of underworld figures. Directed by Kim Longinotto. Cohen Media
3022
Sci-fi with Omar Epps, Kate Walsh, Miranda Cosgrove, Enver Gjokaj, Haaz Sleiman, Angus MacFayden, Jorja Fox. Written by Ryan Binaco. Directed by John Suits. Saban Films
21 Bridges
Chadwick Boseman plays a New York City police detective leading a manhunt for a pair of cop killers. With Sienna Miller, Stephan James, Keith David, Taylor Kitsch, J.K. Simmons. Directed Brian Kirk. STXfilms
When Lambs Become Lions
Documentary about Africa’s plummeting elephant population gets up close and personal with a small-time ivory dealer, a wildlife ranger and others in northern Kenya. Directed by Jon Kasbe. Oscilloscope Laboratories
Nov. 27
The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open
Drama with Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Kathleen Hepburn. Written and directed by Tailfeathers. Array
Queen & Slim
A traffic stop gone tragically wrong turns an African American couple on their first date into fugitives. With Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bokeem Woodbine, Chloë Sevigny, Flea, John Sturgill Simpson, Indya Moore. Written by Lena Waithe; story by James Frey, Waithe. Directed by Melina Matsoukas. Universal
The Two Popes
Rocked by scandal, Pope Benedict summons Argentine Cardinal Bergoglio — his future successor — to Rome to share a devastating secret that threatens the Catholic Church. With Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce, Juan Minujin, Sidney Cole. Written by Anthony McCarten. Directed by Fernando Meirelles. Netflix
Nov. 29
After Parkland
Documentary talks with survivors and the families of the victims of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., in February 2018. Directed by Emily Taguchi, Jake Lefferman. ABC Documentaries
Les Misérables
A drone captures an out-ofcontrol arrest by an anticrime unit amid tensions in the Paris suburb of Montfermeil. With Damien Bonnard, Alexis Manenti, Djebril Zonga. Written by Ladj Ly, Giordano Gederlini, Alexis Manenti. Directed by Ly. Amazon Studios
Melody Makers
Music documentary features Barrie Wentzell, Ian Anderson, Eric Burdon, Alan White, Steve Howe, Chris Squire. Directed by Leslie Ann Coles. Cleopatra Entertainment
Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project
Documentary on a Philadelphia woman who collected American television programming for more than 30 years, from the Iran hostage crisis to the Sandy Hook massacre. Directed by Matt Wolf. Zeitgeist Films
Dec. 5
Varda by Agnès
The beloved director’s final film, a documentary, looks back on her 60-year career and some of what she loved most in life: Jacques Demy, cats, colors, beaches and heart-shaped potatoes. Janus Films
Dec. 6
The Aeronauts
“The Theory of Everything” stars Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne reunite as a daring balloon pilot and a meterologist who expand human knowledge in 1862 by
flying higher than anyone ever had. With Phoebe Fox, Himesh Patel, Rebecca Front, Robert Glenister, Vincent Perez, Anne Reid, Tom Courtenay. Written by Jack Thorne, story by Tom Harper, Thorne. Directed by Harper. Amazon Studios
The Banker
Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson stars as men who challenge the racial limitations of the 1960s with a resourceful business plan to help underserved African American communities. With Nia Long, Nicholas Hoult. Written by Niceole Levy, George Nolfi, David Lewis Smith, Stan Younger; story by Smith, Younger, Brad Caleb Kane. Directed by Nolfi. Apple TV+
Brahms: The Boy II
A child develops a disturbing friendship with a creepy doll on an estate with a horrific history. With Katie Holmes, Christopher Convery, Owain Yeoman, Ralph Ineson. Directed by William Brent Bell. STXfilms
Daniel Isn’t Real
Horror thriller with Patrick Schwarzenegger, Miles Robbins, Sasha Lane, Hannah Marks, Mary Stuart Masterson. Written by Brian DeLeeuw, Adam Egypt Mortimer. Directed by Mortimer. Samuel Goldwyn Films
Good Posture
Comedy with Emily Mortimer, Grace Van Patten, Timm Sharp, John Early, Gary Richardson, Ebon Moss Bachrach, Nat Wolff, Norbert Leo Butz, Condola Rashad. Written and directed by Dolly Wells. Ammo Content
Grand Isle
Action thriller with Nicolas Cage, Kelsey Grammer, Luke Benward, KaDee Strickland. Directed by Stephen S. Campanelli. Screen Media
I See You
Crime thriller with Helen Hunt, Jon Tenney, Judah Lewis, Owen Teague, Libe Barer, Greg Alan Williams, Erika Alexander, Allison King. Written by Devon Graye. Directed by Adam Randall. Saban Films
In Fabric
Horror/dark comedy with Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Gwendoline Christie, Sidse Babett Knudsen. Written and directed by Peter Strickland. A24
Knives and Skin
Horror thriller with Marika Engelhardt, Audrey Francis, Tim Hopper. Written and directed by Jennifer Reeder. IFC Midnight
Little Joe
A plant breeder brings home a special flower developed for its healing powers, unaware of its potentially dark nature. With Emily Beecham, Ben Whishaw. Directed by Jessica Hausner. Magnolia Pictures
The Mandela Effect
Sci-fi thriller with Charlie Hofheimer, Aleksa Palladino, Robin Lord Taylor. Written by David Guy Levy, Steffen Schlachtenhaufen. Directed by Levy. Gravitas Ventures
A Million Little Things
Surviving a plane crash forces an addict into rehab. With Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton, Odessa Young, Giovanni Ribisi, Juliette Lewis, Charlie Hunnam, Dash Mihok, Charles Parnell, Ryan Hurst, David Dastmalchian, Tom Amandes. Written by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Sam TaylorJohnson, based on the book by James Frey. Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. Momentum Pictures
Most Likely to Succeed
Documentary follows four high school seniors over the next decade of their lives. Featuring Peter Hayes, Sarah Kaiser-Cross, Quidrela “Quay” Lewis, Charles “Disco” Rider. Directed by Pamela Littky. Level 33
A New Christmas
Drama with Prashantt Guptha, Preeti Gupta, Grace Wacuka. Written by Travis Hodgkins. Directed by Dani Tenenbaum. Cinedigm
Playmobil: The Movie
A sister and brother join a British secret agent to help stop a global conspiracy in this computer-animated action comedy based on the kids’ toy line. With the voices of Daniel Radcliffe, Anya Taylor Joy, Meghan Trainor, Kenan Thompson, Adam Lambert, Jim Gaffigan, Gabriel Bateman. Written by Blaise Hemingway, Greg Erb, Jason Oremland; story by Lino DiSalvo. Directed by DiSalvo. STXfilms
63 Up
The latest installment of Michael Apted’s “Up” documentary series on a cohort of British schoolchildren starting in 1964, and continuing to check in with them every seven years. BritBox
Trauma Center
Action thriller with Bruce Willis, Nicky Whelan, Steven Guttenberg. Directed by Matt Eskandari. Lionsgate
The Wolf Hour
Dramatic thriller with Naomi Watts, Jennifer Ehle, Emory Cohen, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jeremy Bobb, Brennan Brown. Written and directed by Alistair Banks Griffin. Brainstorm Media
Dec. 13
Black Christmas
Director Sophia Takal updates the 1974 holiday horror classic as sorority sisters battle a black-masked stalker. With Imogen Poots, Aleyse Shannon, Lily Donoghue, Brittany O’Grady, Caleb Eberhardt, Simon Mead, Cary Elwes. Written by Takal, April Wolfe. Universal
Code 8
Sci-fi with Robbie Amell, Stephen Amell, Greg Bryk, Kari Matchett, Sung Kang. Written by Chris Paré. Directed by Jeff Chan. Vertical Entertainment
Cunningham
Documentary tracks the innovative career of choreographer Merce Cunningham. Directed by Alla Kovgan. Magnolia Pictures
The Death & Life of John F. Donovan
An actor recalls the letters he exchanged with a longdead American television star. With Kit Harington, Natalie Portman, Jacob Tremblay, Susan Sarandon, Kathy Bates, Thandie Newton, Ben Schnetzer, Emily Hampshire, Sarah Gadon. Written by Xavier Dolan, Jacob Tierney. Directed by Dolan. Momentum Pictures
The Disappearance of My Mother
Writer-director Beniamino Barrese profiles his reclusive mother, 1960s-era supermodel turned feminist activist Benedetta Barzini. In English and Italian with English subtitles. Kino Lorber
Don’t Be a Dick About It
Maryland siblings Peter and Matthew learn the trials and tribulations of brotherhood over the course of one summer in this documentary. Directed by Ben Mullinkosson. Oscilloscope Laboratories
Hell on the Border
Action western with David Gyashi, Frank Grillo, Ron Perlman. Directed by Wes Miller. Lionsgate
A Hidden Life
An Austrian farmer refuses to fight for the Nazis during World War II. With August Diehl, Valerie Pachner, Maria Simon, Tobias Moretti, Bruno Ganz, Matthias Schoenaerts, Karin Neuhäuser, Ulrich Matthes. Written and directed by Terrence Malick. Fox Searchlight
Jumanji: The Next Level
Danny Glover and Danny DeVito join Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan in this sequel to the 2017 actionadventure hit. With Nick Jonas, Awkwafina, Ser’Darius Blain, Madison Iseman, Morgan Turner, Alex Wolff. Written by Jake Kasdan, Jeff Pinkner, Scott Rosenberg, based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg. Directed by Kasdan. Columbia Pictures
Midnight Family
Documentary on the challenges of a family-run private ambulance service in Mexico City. Directed by Luke Lorentzen. 1091
Mob Town
Crime thriller with David Arquette, Jennifer Esposito, Danny A. Abeckaser, JamieLynn Sigler, PJ Byrne. Written by Jon Carlo and Joe Gilford. Directed by Abeckaser. Saban Films
Rabid
Horror thriller with Laura Vandervoort, Benjamin Hollingsworth and Phil Brooks. Written by the Soska Sisters, John Serge. Directed by the Soska Sisters. Shout! Studios
Richard Jewell
Clint Eastwood directs this drama about the man accused of the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Park bombing. With Sam Rockwell, Kathy Bates, Jon Hamm, Oliva Wilde, Paul Walter Hauser. Written by Billy Ray, based on an article by Marie Brenner. Warner Bros.
Seberg
American actress Jean Seberg is targeted by the FBI’s Counter Intelligence Program because of her political and romantic involvement with civil rights activist Hakim Jamal. With Kristen Stewart, Anthony Mackie, Jack O’Connell, Margaret Qualley, Zazie Beetz, Vince Vaughn. Written by Joe Shrapnel, Anna Waterhouse. Directed by Benedict Andrews. Amazon Studios
6 Underground
Ryan Reynolds leads a team of skilled heroes willing to erase their existence to make the world a better place. With Mélanie Laurent, Corey Hawkins, Adria Arjona, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Ben Hardy, Lior Raz, Payman Maadi, Dave Franco. Written by Paul Wernick, Rhett Reese. Directed by Michael Bay. Netflix
What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael
Documentary on the longtime firebrand film critic of the New Yorker. Featuring Alec Baldwin, Quentin Tarantino, David O. Russell, Francis Ford Coppola; with Sarah Jessica Parker as the voice of Kael. Directed by Rob Garver. Juno Films
Dec. 20
Bombshell
Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie star as the women who toppled Fox News czar Roger Ailes. With John Lithgow, Allison Janney, Connie Britton, Kate McKinnon. Written by Charles Randolph. Directed by Jay Roach. Lionsgate
Cats
The long-awaited film version of the 1981 blockbuster musical arrives with an all-star cast of felines singing and dancing in a wide range of styles from ballet to tap and hip-hop. With James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson, Francesca Hayward. Written by Lee Hall, Tom Hooper, based on T.S. Eliot’s poetry and the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. Directed by Hooper. Universal
Invisible Life
Two sisters separated by their father in 1950 Rio de Janeiro seek their dreams and hope to reunite one day. With Fernanda Montenegro, Carol Duarte, Gregório Duvivier. Written by Karim Aïnouz, Murilo Hauser, Inés Bortagaray. Directed by Karim Aïnouz. Amazon Studios
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Forty-two years after “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” first appeared on movie screens, the ninth episode brings the space saga to its conclusion. With Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E. Grant, Lupita Nyong’o, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran, Ian McDiarmid, Billy Dee Williams. Written by J.J. Abrams, Chris Terrio. Directed by Abrams. Walt Disney Pictures
Dec. 25
Just Mercy
Michael B. Jordan stars as attorney Bryan Stevenson, who fights for justice for the wrongly condemned. With Brie Larson, Jamie Foxx, Rob Morgan, Tim Blake Nelson, Rafe Spall, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Karan Kendrick. Written by Destin Daniel Cretton, Andrew Lanham, based on the book by Stevenson. Directed by Cretton. Warner Bros.
Little Women
Writer-director Greta Gerwig adapts Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel about the four determined March sisters. With Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper, Louis Garrel, Tracy Letts, James Norton, Bob Odenkirk. Columbia Pictures
1917
Two young British soldiers must cross enemy lines during World War I to stop an enemy attack. With George MacKay, DeanCharles Chapman, Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Claire Duburcq, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch. Written by Sam Mendes, Krysty Wilson-Cairns. Directed by Mendes. Universal
The Song of Names
In 1951, a Polish pianist disappears before his London debut; four decades later, his “brother,” whose family took him in during the war, searches for him. With Tim Roth, Clive Owen, Catherine McCormack, Magdalena Cielecka, Eddie Izzard, Saul Rubinek, Marina Hambro. Written by Jeffrey Caine, based on Norman Lebrecht’s novel. Directed by François Girard. Sony Pictures Classics
Spies in Disguise
A secret agent transforms into a pigeon with the help of a nerdy scientist in this animated comedy adventure. With voices of Will Smith, Tom Holland, Rashida Jones, Ben Mendelsohn, Reba McEntire, Rachel Brosnahan, Karen Gillan, DJ Khaled, Masi Oka. Based on a short film by Lucas Martell. Directed by Troy Quane, Nick Bruno. 20th Century Fox
Jan. 3
The Grudge
Producer Sam Raimi delivers the latest incarnation based on Takashi Shimizu’s 2002 horror staple. With Andrea Riseborough, Demián Bichir, John Cho, Betty Gilpin, Lin Shaye, Jacki Weaver. Written and directed by Nicolas Pesce; story by Pesce and Jeff Buhler. Screen Gems
Three Christs
An empathetic psychiatrist treats three men suffering from schizophrenia in 1959 Michaigan. With Richard Gere, Peter Dinklage, Walton Goggins, Bradley Whitford, Charlotte Hope, Julianna Margulies. Written by Jon Avnet, Eric Nazarian. Directed by Avnet. IFC Films
Jan. 10
Afterward
Jerusalem-born trauma expert Ofra Bloch works toward reconciliation by engaging with damaging historic forces and presentday anti-Semitism and fascism in this documentary. Written and directed by Bloch. 1091
Inherit the Viper
Action thriller with Josh Hartnett, Margarita Levieva, Owen Teague, Valerie Curry, Chandler Riggs, Brad William Henke, Tara Buck, Dash Mihok, Bruce Dern. Written by Andrew Crabtree. Directed by Anthony Jerjen. Lionsgate
Like a Boss
Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne stars as cosmetics entrepreneurs whose financially shaky business is targeted for a buyout by beauty tycoon Salma Hayek. With Billy Porter, Jennifer Coolidge, Ari Graynor, Natasha Rothwell, Jessica St. Clair, Karan Soni. Written by Sam Pitman, Adam Cole-Kelly; story by Pitman, Cole-Kelly and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel. Directed by Miguel Arteta. Paramount
My Spy
Dave Bautista stars as a CIA operative who becomes a reluctant espionage mentor to a 9-year-old girl. With Kristen Schaal, Parisa Fitz-Henley, Chloe Coleman, Ken Jeong. Written by Jon Hoeber, Erich Hoeber. Directed by Peter Segal. STXfilms
Underwater
Subaquatic researchers are terrorized by sea creatures after an earthquake traps them on the ocean floor. With Kristen Stewart, T.J. Miller, Jessica Henwick, Vincent Cassel, John Gallagher Jr., Mamoudou Athie, Gunner Wright. Written by Brian Duffield, Adam Cozad; story by Duffield. Directed by William Eubank. 20th Century Fox
Jan. 17
Bad Boys for Life
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reunite for one last go-round as Miami narcotics detectives. With Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Charles Melton, Paola Nunez, Kate Del Castillo, Nicky Jam, Joe Pantoliano. Written by Joe Carnahan and Chris Bremner. Directed by Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah. Columbia Pictures
Disturbing the Peace
Action thriller with Guy Pearce, Devon Sawa, Kelly Greyson, Michael Sirow, Barbie Blank, Jacob Grodnik, Michael Bellisario, Dwayne Cameron, Elle E. Wallace, Jay Willick, Veralyn Venezio, John Lewis. Written by Chuck Hustmyer. Directed by York Alec Shackleton. Momentum Pictures
Dolittle
Robert Downey Jr. headlines as the veterinarian who can talk to animals. With Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, Jessie Buckley. Directed by Stephen Gaghan, based on “Doctor Dolittle” by Hugh Lofting. Universal
Intrigo: Death of an Author
Suspense thriller with Ben Kingsley, Benno Furmann, Tuva Novotny. Written by Daniel Alfredson, Birgitta Bongenhielm, based on the novel by Håkan Nesser. Directed by Alfredson. Lionsgate
Weathering With You
After running away to Tokyo and feeling miserable, a teenager meets a girl who literally bring him blue skies in this animated fantasy. Written and directed by Makoto Shinkai. GKids