“Vice”
Cast: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Sam Rockwell, Bill Pullman
Synopsis: “Vice” explores the epic story about how a bureaucratic Washington insider quietly became the most powerful man in the world as Vice President to George W. Bush, reshaping the country, and the globe, in ways that we still feel today.
What You Need to Know: While reviews for the film haven’t officially dropped, the hype surrounding the film has risen in recent weeks, especially now that it’s been said the film won’t try and humanize someone as wretched as Dick Cheney. Adam McKay’s first feature film since surprise hit “The Big Short,” “Vice” hopes to enter the Oscar conversation with talents Christian Bale and Amy Adams doing expected wonderful work as these caricature-like characters. Yet another physical transformation for Bale, the film arrives timely as ever.
Release Date: December 25th
“Destroyer”
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Sebastian Stan, Toby Kebbell, Tatiana Maslany, Bradley Whitford
Synopsis: “Destroyer” follows the moral and existential odyssey of LAPD detective Erin Bell who, as a young cop, was placed undercover with a gang in the California desert with tragic results. When the leader of that gang re-emerges many years later, she must work her way back through the remaining members and into her own history with them to finally reckon with the demons that destroyed her past.
What You Need to Know: Kathryn Kusama is a director who too often is slept on despite her unquestionable talent. “Jennifer’s Body” was ahead of its time while “The Invitation” was met with warm, if quiet, response as a genuinely chilling and heartbreaking take on the horror genre which allowed grief to spearhead the drama. “Destroyer,” which arrives late in the month is a mix of all of her films, swinging hard and creating something undoubtedly fascinating. Sporting a hell of a wig and makeup that nearly drowns her out, Nicole Kidman is expectedly wonderful, something our critic echoed, saying “…Kidman peels back Erin’s scars one after the other and you see the soul of a woman trying to make things right any way she knows how.”
Release Date: December 25th
“On the Basis of Sex”
Cast: Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux, Kathy Bates, Sam Waterston
Synopsis: The film tells an inspiring and spirited true story that follows young lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she teams with her husband Marty to bring a groundbreaking case before the U.S. Court of Appeals and overturn a century of gender discrimination.
What You Need to Know: The biopic has become such a staple in the cinematic lexicon that it takes someone or something really special to make the genre feel new. Directed by Mimi Leder (“The Leftovers” “Shameless”) and starring Felicity Jones, that “it” factor that will help draw in viewers is the subject matter. On her own, Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an empowering figure, further demonstrated in the popularity of the documentary focusing on her legacy released earlier this year “RBG.” However, placed in the current climate we’re warring with and seeing her overcome all the obstacles she faced will be something of a breath of fresh air.
Release Date: December 25th
“Holmes and Watson”
Cast: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly
Synopsis: Legendary detective Sherlock Holmes and his partner Doctor Watson return for a comedic take on their classic literary partnership, as they use their incredible deductive minds to solve a mystery.
What You Need to Know: If we weren’t already drowning in Sherlock Holmes content with enough variations to appease (or anger) any type of fan, we’re now being given the broad comedy version with “Holmes and Watson.” Directed by Etan Cohen, who helmed “Get Hard,” the films only promising aspects are the amiable charms of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, reuniting the duo that made “Step Brothers” an instant classic. Let’s hope the film has more of the “Step Brothers” charm than the disappointing “Get Hard.”
Release Date: December 25th
“Stan and Ollie”
Cast: Steve Coogan, John C. Reilly
Synopsis: Laurel & Hardy, one of the world’s great comedy teams, set out on a variety hall tour of Britain in 1953. Diminished by age and with their golden era as the kings of Hollywood comedy now behind them, they face an uncertain future. As the charm and beauty of their performances shine through, they reconnect with their adoring fans.
What You Need to Know: Another film about a famous pairing starring John C. Reilly, while less high profile, “Stan and Ollie” at the very least looks to be charming. Directed by John S. Baird (“Filth”), it’s a bit of a shame that such a famous and influential duo doesn’t seem to be getting a biopic that focuses on the tail-end of their career, instead of the wealth of highlights from their heyday.
Release Date: December 28th
