December 2017's Must Watch Films

500 Days Of Film Reviews The Films To Watch In December 2017

There's something magical about visiting the cinema in December. Wouldn't you agree? The weather where I live is certainly more than enough reason to stay warm and dry indoors. In addition, as we move steadily towards awards season so the quality of movies (with a few exceptions) improves. 

So, let's take a look at December 2017's must watch movies! (UK releases)

Happy End

Director: Michael Hanake

Starring:  Isabelle Huppert, Jean-Louis Trintignant and Mathieu Kassovitz

Why The Excitement: A new Michael Hanake film is always a noteworthy event… particularly one starring Isabelle Huppert.

The Man Who Invented Christmas

Director: Bharat Nalluri

Starring: Dan Stevens and Christopher Plummer

Why The Excitement: It’s time to get into the festive spirit! Bharat Nalluri’s film shows how Charles Dickens (Dan Stevens) mixed real life inspirations with his vivid imagination to conjure up the unforgettable characters in A Christmas Carol. 

Wonder

Director: Stephen Chbosky

Starring: Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay

Why The Excitement: Having read R.J Palacio’s book, I was a little wary of watching this film. I needn’t have worried. It is a wonderful story with a very important message. Warning: you will need tissues.

Click here for my full review. 

The Disaster Artist

Director: James Franco

Starring: Dave Franco, James Franco, Seth Rogen, Alison Brie, Ari Graynor, Josh Hutcherson and Jacki Weaver

Why The Excitement: From the trailer at least, The Disaster Artist looks to be an entertaining and intriguing behind-the-scenes look Tommy Wiseau and The Room - the best worst film ever made.

Better Watch Out

Director: Chris Peckover

Starring: Olivia DeJonge, Levi Miller and Ed Oxenbould 

Why The Excitement: As well as all the traditional, heartwarming classics, I also like dark and twisty Christmas movies (my favourite is probably Rare Exports). This one looks like it could be fun... 

Brigsby Bear

Director: Dave McCary

Starring: Kyle Mooney and Mark Hamill

Why The Excitement: I watched this film thanks to Odeon Screen Unseen and would recommend it highly. It is one of a kind… and it stole my heart.

Click here for my full review. 

Stronger

Director: David Gordon Green

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Maslany and Clancy Brown 

Why The Excitement: David Gordon Green directing Jake Gyllenhaal in a tremendously powerful true story. Need I say more? I think not.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Director: Rian Johnson

Starring:  Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Mark Hamill, Laura Dern, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson and Adam Driver

Why The Excitement: Of course a new Star Wars film is cause for excitement. However, Rian Johnson could well bring something fresh to this franchise. My prediction… it will do jolly well at the box office.  

Mountain 

Director: Jennifer Peedom 

Starring: Willem Dafoe

Why The Excitement: Described by The Guardian as “a sublime rush of adrenaline and orchestral beauty”, I may have to brave my fear of heights and see this must-watch documentary about the world’s highest peaks.

Ferdinand 

Director: Carlos Saldanha 

Starring: John Cena, Kate McKinnon, Gina Rodriguez, Bobby Cannavale, David Tennant and Sally Phillips

Why The Excitement: This animation about Ferdinand, a bull with a big heart, looks rather cute. And cute is good at Christmastime. 

Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle

Director: Jake Kasdan

Starring:  Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, Kevin Hart and Jack Black

Why The Excitement: I toyed with adding this film to the list… I’m not exactly desperate to watch Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle but, in the spirit of keeping an open mind, a family film at Christmas is always worth noting.

Pitch Perfect 3

Director: Trish Sie 

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, John Lithgow, DJ Khaled, Hana Mae Lee, Ruby Rose, Alexis Knapp, Chrissie Fit, Ester Dean, Shelley Regner, Kelley Jakle with John Michael Higgins and Elizabeth Banks

Why The Excitement: Well, admittedly, my excitement for this film stems mostly from my feelings of good will for the original, but I can't deny that it is always great to see Bellas. 

The Greatest Showman

Director: Michael Gracey

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron and Zendaya

Why The Excitement: The cast basically (and Hugh Jackman in particular). Hoping for an post-Christmas audience pleaser.

Not too shabby December 2017. Not too shabby at all. What films on this list are a must-watch for you?

Let me know in the comments section below or via Facebook or Twitter (@500DaysOfFilm).