The week after Christmas is one of the biggest movie-going weeks of the year. Schools are out, families are usually together, and many are in the mood to get out and see something good in theaters. However, the common dilemma is deciding which movie to see. Many films are clamoring for the same audience, namely families, so this time of year is when we see so-called "four quadrant" films, meaning movies designed to appeal to the widest audience possible. With that in mind, I thought I'd run down my thoughts on some films currently playing, as well as some recent home video releases in case you'd prefer your holiday movie watching at home.
IN THEATERS
First there are three movies that are aimed at family audiences that I haven't seen yet. However, in observing reactions from my friends on social media, they seem to be crowd pleasers. These are The Star, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and The Greatest Showman. I can't personally speak to them, but regardless of the critical reaction, I've seen nothing but positive reactions from friends. I've also heard good things about The Man Who Invented Christmas, however the number of theaters showing this glimpse at the life of Charles Dickens shrunk drastically this week, so it may be hard to find a showing near you.
If you're looking to see something without the kids, there are a whole slew of Oscar contenders that were unleashed in the last two weeks. Most are in limited release, but if they're near you, there are some worthy of your time. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing Darkest Hour and The Post in coming weeks.
Highly Recommended (alphabetically):
Coco - Rated PG - (should be appropriate for most children, although the subject of death and the presence of skeletons, most of which are friendly and happy, may be a little intense for very young kids) - This film is a fun, thoughtful, colorful, and surprisingly moving tribute to family, both immediate and ancestral. If you don't mind laughing out loud and crying in your popcorn, you should enjoy it.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi - Rated PG-13 - (if your kids have seen a Star Wars movie, especially The Force Awakens or Revenge of the Sith, they're fine for this) - Of course, putting this here is probably moot, since you've already seen it or decided you're not going to. To be perfectly honest, I've never experienced a larger disconnect between my own experience and that of those who disliked a movie before. A couple of points of contention I can at least see, but for the most part, I found Jedi to be thrilling, emotional, funny, and extremely surprising. It may or may not be the best of the Star Wars films, but it's certainly the riskiest, which may be why it's drawn some ire. Personally, I loved it and can't wait to see it in theaters again.
Thor: Ragnarok - Rated PG-13 - (if your kids have seen and enjoyed any of the Marvel movies, there's nothing here that will offend) - Who would have thought that Thor was the funniest Avenger? After last year's Ghostbusters reboot, we knew Chris Hemsworth was funny, but Thor: Ragnarok may be the first film in the MCU that is more action comedy than superhero film. Not to take away from the action sequences, which are stunning (and contain the most powerful cinematic use of Led Zepplin's "Immigrant Song" I've ever heard), but you'll be walking away quoting funny lines just as much as if you were leaving a Will Farrell movie. In fact, far more than any of his films of late. What's even better is the humor doesn't feel out of place because it's almost entirely character based.
Wonder - Rated PG - (some themes, including death, bullying, and teen issues may go over the heads of young children) - Wonder is actually not an extraordinary movie, but it's a very good movie with an extraordinary message, and that's a rare thing. By telling its story through the eyes of multiple characters, it allows for different thematic materials to come to the forefront, however, the central message is to always choose to be kind, even when it's difficult. It presents kindness as an extension of being strong and courageous and I can't think of a better message for our divided society.
Recommended with Reservations (alphabetically):
Ferdinand - Rated PG - (rude humor and some allusions to what happens to bulls after fighting a Matador, otherwise fine for children) - The Story of Ferdinand is a beautiful children's book, written by Munro Leaf and published in 1936, which was adapted into a beautiful animated short by Walt Disney two years later. The story is innocent and simple, which makes it an odd choice for a CGI comedy from the makers or Rio and Ice Age. However, while the humor and sidekicks are most certainly of the lazy animated comedy variety ("Is there anything funnier than broadly stereotyped accents? Yes, potty humor and modern slang!"), what elevates Ferdinand above the schlock of its ilk is the central character and the message, both of which manage to exude warmth and charm in spite of their surroundings.
Justice League - Rated PG-13 - (more rough around the edges and violent than most Marvel movies. If your kids have seen Batman v Superman, this will be a lot less potentially traumatizing) - There has been one great DC movie in 2017 and it wasn't this one. In fact, there are scenes in League that rely entirely on good will from the superb Wonder Woman. However, Justice League is the first of the new DCEU films to feature non-Amazonian superheroes that actually left me with a smile on my face. People have pointed to the lighter mood, and while that helped, what made it for me is it's the first of the DCEU films to feature Superman and Batman in a way that's completely true to their characters. Plus, the stuff with The Flash and Aquaman were a lot of fun. Of course, it's not a surprise that Wonder Woman comes off the best, but I finally wanted to spend more time with the characters that were not Diana Prince, and that's something in and of itself.
ON HOME VIDEO:
I won't go into great detail here. I'll just leave some films that I've seen that were released in the last couple of months that I would recommend. I'll do so in age appropriateness categories.
For young children and up:
- Cars 3 - The best chapter of Pixar's weakest franchise. Colorful, funny, with some nice emotional touches.
- Despicable Me 3 - It's Despicable Me. There are minions and cute kids and Steve Carrel speaking in an indeterminately Eastern European accent. Harmless, but fun.
- The LEGO Ninjago Movie - Not up to the standards of humor of the other LEGO movies, but also not without its charms. Funny, fast-paced, and bright.
For teenagers and up:
- Dunkirk - May be a bit weighty for some teenagers, but others will find its labyrinthine story telling and powerful visual style to be transfixing. Most certainly one of the best movies of the year.
- Logan Lucky - From the maker of Ocean's Eleven. Lucky has a similar vibe, but with a mix of My Name is Earl. Easily one of the funniest movies of the year. Kylo Ren and James Bond have never been so hilarious.
- Meagan Leavey - A flawed, but powerful movie about a flawed, but powerful person. There are few movies in recent memory that so fully demonstrated the unifying bond that can exist between humans and animals.
- Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets - The dialogue and characterizations are pure B-movie pulp, but you will not see a more vastly imaginative or visually spell-binding movie anywhere else.
- Victory and Abdul - While this is certainly appropriate for most teenagers, it will be more enjoyed by the adults in the family. Dame Judi Dench proving once again why she's one of the best living actors, gentle humor designed to amuse while also laying bare the inherent prejudice found in blind nationalism, and some stunningly beautiful set design all add up to a movie that's equal parts entertaining and moving.
So, there you go. I'll be doing my year-end blog in a couple of weeks, as soon as I'm able to see The Post, Darkest Hour, and a few other movies that I am pretty sure I'll love. Until then, enjoy!
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