December 2017 Releases I Hope to See

Happy Holidays, readers! As we go into this festive time of year, let's take a look at a few films that have my interest or have some sort of awards potential. * = Awards potentials.

The Shape of Water - dir. Guillermo Del Toro*

Whether you like Del Toro's work or not, no one can deny that he always has interesting films. At the very least, we can admire his use for practical effects. This film also has a spectacular cast. 

The Disaster Artist - dir. James Franco*

Of course, I'm going to see this! Why wouldn't I? What do you think I am, a little chicken? Cheep cheep cheep cheeeeeep. But seriously, I love The Room, I love The Disaster Artist book by Greg Sestero (oh hai, Mark), so you can bet I'm excited to see this.

Wonder Wheel - dir. Woody Allen*

I'll be honest, the only reason I'm including this is that Allen is a guy that draws buzz around award season. Though chances are I'm going to skip it. Allen just creeps me out. Seriously, who marries their ex's daughter? Let's not even go into other controversial aspects of him.

Just Getting Started - dir. Ron Shelton

It could be good. I mean, I had fun with the other Morgan Freeman comedy this year Going in Style so... this could be good... I guess.

I, Tonya - dir. Craig Gillespie*

An interesting topic for a biopic and I'm always up for Margot Robbie. I've heard nothing but great things about this movie so far.

Quest - dir. Jonathan Olshefski*

A really interesting looking documentary.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi - dir. Rian Johnson*

Star WAAAAAAAAAAARS, nothin' but Star WAAAAAAAAARS... and yes I preordered my ticket.

Gotti - dir. Kevin Connolly

This is pretty much here because it was filmed in Cincinnati. It's always cool to see my hometown be used as a filming location. And Stacy Keach is in it, that's always a plus. 

The Ballad of Lefty Brown  - dir. Jared Moshe*

It's a Western. I love Westerns. It's a Western from A24. I'm sold.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle - dir. Jake Kasdan*

It looks like a fun action/adventure film. It's also from the director of Walk Hard so I'm certain it's going to be funny. 

The Greatest Showman - dir. Michael Gracey*

This seems like a poorly timed release given that Ringley Bros. Circus just closed down. But Jackman is charming, so maybe he can make this an okay film to watch. But this looks like an Oscar bate movie. I hate to use that term but it's how I feel. 

Downsizing - dir. Alexander Payne*

Alexander Payne is one of my favorite directors working today. Nebraska (2013) is one of my favorites of the decade and Sideways (2004) is one of my favorite films of all time. Though I'm not too sure how I feel about this movie based on the trailer.

All the Money in the World - dir. Ridley Scott*

I am so happy about the reshoots with Christopher Plummer. First reason, because the multiple allegations against Kevin Spacey couldn't be ignored. Second, Plummer doesn't need any silly makeup.

The Post - dir. Steven Spielberg*

I love Spotlight so I'm more than certain I'm going to love this.

Hostiles - dir. Scott Cooper*

The cast looks great, I like the director, and as I said earlier I love Westerns.

Happy End - dir. Michael Haneke*

I'm mainly including this because of the buzz it's getting for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.

Molly's Game - dir. Aaron Sorkin*

I'm always up for a Jessica Chastain film. Add in Idris Elba and I'm sold.

Phantom Thread - dir. Paul Thomas Anderson*

I haven't watched all of Anderson's films and the ones I've haven't thrilled me as much. But this is Daniel Day-Lewis's last film so it should be watched for that.

In the Fade - dir. Fatih Akin*

Another movie that's got Best Foreign Language Film Oscar buzz.

Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool - dir. Paul McGuigan*

Annette Bening and Jamie Bell. Sounds good to me.