The holidays might be a little different this year, but it doesn’t mean you can’t look forward to some exciting new releases (hello Wonder Woman 1984!) or reminisce with some festive favourites (Home Alone might just take on a whole new meaning this year). Whether you’re heading out to a Cineplex theatre or staying cozy with a movie night in courtesy of the Cineplex Store, we’ve got you covered with some expert picks.
See it on the Big Screen
Monster Hunter (December 18)If you’re looking for a total escape this holiday season, look no further than Monster Hunter. Milla Jovovich stars as kick ass special forces leader Artemis, who must find a way to survive in a strange new world populated with powerful and deadly monsters.
It’s been a challenging year and we couldn’t ask for a better Christmas present than the long-awaited release of WW84. Gal Gadot returns in the much-anticipated sequel to the 2017 film that has her going head to head with Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal) and Cheetah (Kristen Wiig). She’ll also reunite with Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) all while traveling back to the 80s (parachute pants anyone?). See it in Cineplex theatres where permitted or on the Cineplex Store.
Promising Young Woman (December 25)Carey Mulligan stars in this dark thriller about a woman whose life has been derailed by a mysterious event and is now out to get revenge. The film is directed by Emerald Fennell (Killing Eve) and had everyone at Sundance talking about Mulligan’s performance and its take on the #MeToo movement.
News of the World (December 25)Nothing feels more comforting on Christmas Day than watching a Tom Hanks movie. The venerable actor stars in his first western (yes really!) as a Civil War veteran who sets out on a dangerous trek across Texas to reunite a 10-year-old girl with her aunt and uncle. The film also reunites Hanks with director Paul Greengrass. The pair first worked together on 2013’s Captain Phillips.
The Witches (December 25)This new take on the classic Roald Dahl story about a young orphan boy who encounters a group of witches with an evil plan reunites Anne Hathaway with The Devil Wears Prada co-star Stanley Tucci. Also starring Octavia Spencer, Chris Rock and Kristin Chenoweth, this adaptation by Robert Zemeckis is a solid family pick that can be enjoyed in Cineplex theatres where permitted or on the Cineplex Store.
See it at Home on the Cineplex Store
In a fresh take on holiday rom-coms, Happiest Season stars Mackenzie Davis as Harper, a woman who brings her girlfriend Abby (Kristen Stewart) home for Christmas. Unbeknownst to Harper, Abby plans to make this a holiday to remember with a proposal, but the only problem is Harper has yet to come out to her family. Happiest Season stands out as a rare holiday rom-com featuring LGBTQ+ characters in leading roles– something gay director Clea DuVall felt was long overdue.
Home Alone (1990)
Is there a better movie title to sum up 2020 than Home Alone? The beloved holiday classic stars Macaulay Culkin as eight-year-old Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left home while his family goes on vacation. Featuring an all-star cast including Catherine O’Hara (I know we’re not the only ones missing the Schitt’s Creek star), the film features Kevin trying to fight off burglars (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) while navigating being alone. We could all take a little inspiration from Kevin on this last one. (A party with cardboard cutouts anyone?)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
It has been more than 30 years since National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation first debuted, but it remains at the top of many holiday watch lists for good reason. Watching Chevy Chase trying to create an old-fashioned family Christmas only to be derailed at every turn never gets old and has become a holiday tradition for many. Because what would Christmas be without eccentric in-laws, moose mugs and a bone-dry turkey? As well as on the Cineplex Store, the film can also be seen in select theatres across Canada.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Twenty years ago, the first live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ beloved 1957 children’s book made a holiday splash with Jim Carrey starring as the nasty Grinch. Carrey’s captivating portrayal of the Grinch and director Ron Howard’s vibrantly colourful Whoville make us want to revisit this heartwarming tale year after year.
Elf (2003)Audiences loved Will Ferrell’s portrayal of loveable Christmas elf Buddy when the film was released in 2003 and it remains a holiday staple today. With a star-studded cast that also includes James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Bob Newhart, Mary Steenburgen and Peter Dinklage, you can count on Elf to put a smile on your face during this most unusual holiday season. Elf can also be seen on the big screen in select theatres.
Movie Magic is Made for the Holidays. Find more festive flicks at the Cineplex Store.