DECEMBER 2021: NEW MOVIES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

New movies to watch in theaters, streaming, and on-demand in December 2021

There are plenty of new movies that are coming to theaters, streaming platforms, and video on demand in December 2021 that we should not miss. These movies cross a wide plethora of genres, that includes action, romance, drama, comedy, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and thrillers. This will be another exciting month because a whole bunch of tentpole movies and award-targeted films are getting released.

In December, streaming services are stacked with an exciting line-up of films. On Netflix, The Power of the Dog a drama; Mixtape, a comedy-drama; The Unforgivable, a crime drama; Don’t Look Up, a sci-fi comedy-drama; The Lost Daughter, a psychological drama are releasing.

On Amazon Prime, Encounter, a sci-fi thriller, and Being the Ricardos, a biopic; on Apple TV+, Swan Song, a sci-fi drama; on Disney+, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, an animated comedy; on Hulu, Mother/Android a sci-fi thriller; on Paramount+, Rumble an animated sports comedy are releasing. The intriguing VOD releases of this month are Agnes a horror drama; Antlers a horror mystery; Mass a drama.

The release of major movies has increased in the last half of the year. The recent tentpole movie, Sony’s Venom: Let There Be Carnage set a new box-office opening record during the pandemic surpassing the July record of Black Widow which previously surpassed the June record of Fast 9 which previously surpassed the May record of A Quiet Place Part II which surpassed the March record of Godzilla vs. Kong, this has further emboldened studios.

Films that are releasing exclusively in theaters are an action superhero movie; West Side Story, a musical romantic drama; Red Rocket a comedy-drama; Nightmare Alley, a psychological thriller; Sing 2, an animated musical comedy; A Journal for Jordan. a drama; Licorice Pizza a romantic comedy; and American Underdog a sports biopic. 20th Century Studios’ The King’s Man, a period action-comedy is one of the tentpole films that is releasing in theatres this month.

In Warner Bros’ HBO Max release strategy of their 2021 film slate, sixteen films have already been released. This month the last film in that strategy is arriving, The Matrix Resurrections a sci-fi action flick. This film is another tentpole film aiming to get big box-office returns and simultaneously releasing on HBO Max.

The most highly anticipated blockbuster of the year is Sony/Marvel’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, a fantasy sci-fi action-adventure superhero film. Since it is an MCU film and also being the biggest film of the year, it will definitely be dominating the box office this month and could end up being the highest-grossing film of 2021.

With these many high-profile films and awards targeted films, the final new movies of 2021 are closing out the year with a bang. Check out the synopses and release dates for these new movies below.

DECEMBER 2021 NEW MOVIES TO WATCH OUT FOR

The Power of The Dog

The Power of the Dog is Netflix’s original western drama written and directed by Jane Campion, based on the 1967 novel of the same name by Thomas Savage. The film stars an incredible cast that includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and Kodi Smit-McPhee.

Synopsis: Severe, pale-eyed, handsome, Phil Burbank (Cumberbatch) is brutally beguiling. All of Phil’s romance, power, and fragility are trapped in the past and the land. He is a cowboy as raw as his hides. The year is 1925. The Burbank brothers are wealthy ranchers in Montana. At the Red Mill restaurant on their way to market, the brothers meet Rose (Dunst), the widowed proprietress, and her impressionable son Peter (Smit-McPhee).

Phil behaves so cruelly he drives them both to tears, reveling in their hurt and rousing his fellow cowhands to laughter — all except his brother George (Plemons), who comforts Rose then returns to marry her. Phil torments Rose and her son until he finds himself exposed to the possibility of love. Is this latest gesture a softening that leaves Phil exposed, or a plot-twisting further into menace?

The Power of the Dog had its world premiere at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 2, 2021, where Campion won the Silver Lion for Best Direction. The film had a limited theatrical release in Australia and New Zealand on November 11, and in the US and the UK on November 17. Now it is released to stream worldwide on Netflix.

The film received acclaim from critics, who praised Campion’s direction, the score, and the performances of the cast. It currently holds a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score based on 252 reviews. This R-rated drama is getting Oscar buzz especially for Cumberbatch. This is a must-watch film.

Read our review for The Power of the Dog below!

The Power of the Dog Netflix release date: December 1, 2021

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a Disney+ original computer-animated comedy film directed by Swinton Scott, from a script by Jeff Kinney and based on Kinney’s 2007 book of the same name. Serving as a reboot and the fifth installment overall in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid film series, the film marks the first animated entry in the series.

It features the voices of Brady Noon, Ethan William Childress, Chris Diamantopoulos, Hunter Dillon, and Erica Cerra. With a runtime of 56 minutes, it is the shortest PG film ever made, and the second shortest Disney film, after Saludos Amigos. Diary of a Wimpy Kid received positive reviews for its animation, voice acting, and humor This is a fun comedy film for the family audience.

Read our review for Diary of a Wimpy Kid below!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Disney+ release date: December 3, 2021

Mixtape

Mixtape is Netflix’s original comedy-drama directed by Valerie Weiss from a screenplay by Stacey Menear and Alice Wu. It stars Gemma Brooke Allen, Nick Thune, Jackson Rathbone, Olga Petsa, Audrey Hsieh, Diego Mercado, and Julie Bowen.

Synopsis: In 1999, 12-year-old Beverly (Allen) discovers a broken mixtape made by her late parents. She sets out to find the songs — and learn more about her mom and dad. So far with 8 reviews it currently holds a 100% RT score with praise for its story.

Mixtape Netflix release date: December 3, 2021

West Side Story

West Side Story is 20th Century Studios’ musical romantic drama film directed by Steven Spielberg from a screenplay by Tony Kushner. It is the second feature-length adaptation of the 1957 stage musical of the same name with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and choreography by Jerome Robbins. Rita Moreno, who starred in the 1961 film adaptation, also served as an executive producer, alongside Kushner.

It stars Rachel Zegler (in her feature film debut), Ansel Elgort, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, Brian d’Arcy James, Corey Stoll, Josh Andrés Rivera, Iris Mena, David Avilés Morales, Sebastian Serra, Ana Isabelle, and Rita Moreno.

Synopsis: Love, at first sight, strikes when young Tony (Elgort) spots Maria (Zegler) at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. Their burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks — two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.

Justin Peck choreographed the dance sequences. West Side Story had its world premiere in New York City on November 29, 2021, and will be theatrically released by 20th Century Studios worldwide, after being delayed a year due to the global pandemic.

The film received critical acclaim for Spielberg’s direction, Kushner’s screenplay, the performances of the cast particularly DeBose and Zegler, amazing musical numbers, cinematography, and faithfulness to the source material, with some critics finding it to be superior to the 1961 film. It currently holds a 92% RT score based on 185 reviews, and gaining the awards buzz. This is a must-watch film for all audiences.

West Side Story release date: December 10, 2021

Encounter

Encounter is Amazon’s original sci-fi thriller directed by Michael Pearce from a screenplay by Pearce and Joe Barton. It stars Riz Ahmed, Octavia Spencer, Janina Gavankar, Rory Cochrane, Lucian-River Chauhan, and Aditya Geddada.

Synopsis: A decorated Marine goes on a rescue mission to save his two young sons from the threat of an alien invasion. As their journey takes them in increasingly dangerous directions, the boys will need to leave their childhoods behind.

It had its world premiere at the 48th Telluride Film Festival on September 3, 2021. It was released in a limited release on December 3, and now it will stream on Amazon Prime Video. The R-rated thriller so far has a 56% RT score based on 97 reviews.

Read our review for Encounter below!

Encounter Amazon Prime release date: December 10, 2021

The Unforgivable

The Unforgivable is Netflix’s original crime drama directed by Nora Fingscheidt and written by Peter Craig, Hillary Seitz, and Courtenay Miles, based on the 2009 British miniseries Unforgiven written by Sally Wainwright.

The film stars Sandra Bullock as a woman who attempts to rebuild her life after serving time in prison for committing a violent crime. It also stars Vincent D’Onofrio, Jon Bernthal, Richard Thomas, Linda Emond, Aisling Franciosi, Rob Morgan, and Viola Davis.

Synopsis: Released from prison after serving a sentence for a violent crime, Ruth Slater (Bullock) re-enters a society that refuses to forgive her past. Facing severe judgment from the place she once called home, her only hope for redemption is finding the estranged younger sister she was forced to leave behind.

An American-German co-production, the film is produced by Bullock, Graham King, and Veronica Ferres. It was released in a limited release on November 24, 2021, and now it will be released on Netflix. The R-rated drama so far only has a 40% RT critic rating based on 48 reviews but the audience score is at 86%.

The Unforgivable Netflix release date: December 10, 2021

Red Rocket

Red Rocket is A24’s comedy-drama film directed by Sean Baker, from a screenplay by Baker and Chris Bergoch. The film stars Simon Rex, Bree Elrod, Suzanna Son, Brenda Deiss, Judy Hill, Marlon Lambert, and Brittany Rodriguez.

The film follows Mikey Saber (Rex), a washed-up porn star who returns to his small Texas hometown, even though no one there really wants him back. It is a darkly funny and humane portrait of a uniquely American hustler and a hometown that barely tolerates him.

The film premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival in competition for the Palme d’Or and now it is scheduled to be released in theatres. The R-rated comedy currently has an 87% RT score based on 76 reviews with praise for Simon Rex’s performance.

Red Rocket release date: December 10, 2021

Agnes

Agnes is Magnet Releasing studio’s horror drama film directed by Mickey Reece and written by Reece and John Selvidge. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 12, 2021.

It stars Hayley McFarland as the titular character, and Molly Quinn, Sean Gunn, Rachel True, Chris Sullivan, Jake Horowitz, Chris Browning, Ben Hall, Ginger Gilmartin, and Mary Buss. Quinn also serves as an executive producer.

Synopsis: A nun’s disturbing behavior sparks rumors of demonic possession at a remote convent. When a disaffected priest-in-waiting and his disillusioned mentor are sent to investigate they are confronted with temptation, bloodshed, and a crisis of faith, their methods backfire, leaving a wake of terror and trauma.

Now the horror drama will be released in limited theatres and on-demand simultaneously. So far it holds a 63% RT score based on 41 reviews with praise for its unusual approach to the genre.

Agnes (VOD & theatrical) release date: December 10, 2021

Rumble

Rumble is Paramount Animation’s computer-animated sports comedy film directed by Hamish Grieve. Loosely based on Monster on the Hill, a graphic novel by Rob Harrell. Produced by Paramount Animation, WWE Studios, Walden Media, and Reel FX Animation Studios.

The film stars the voices of Will Arnett, Geraldine Viswanathan, Terry Crews, Roman Reigns, Ben Schwartz, Tony Danza, Becky Lynch, Fred Melamed, Charles Barkley, Chris Eubank, Bridget Everett, Susan Kelechi Watson, Stephen A. Smith, Jimmy Tatro, and Michael Buffer.

Synopsis: In a world where giant monsters and humans collide, the monsters are superstar athletes and compete in a popular professional wrestling global sport called Monster Wrestling. A young girl named Winnie (Viswanathan) seeks to follow in her father’s footsteps as a manager by coaching a lovable underdog yet-inexperienced monster named Steve (Arnett). Winnie plans to turn Steve into a champion so that he can go up against the reigning champion Tentacular (Crews).

The film was initially scheduled to hit theatres but after multiple delays, Paramount decided to cancel its theatrical release altogether and it is now scheduled to be released exclusively on the Paramount+ streaming service. This is a fun animated comedy for the family audience.

Rumble Paramount+ release date: December 15, 2021

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Spider-Man: No Way Home is Sony Pictures’ latest comic book film set in Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is the sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) and Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and the 27th installment in the MCU. Director Jon Watts and writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers return for the threequel. The film is produced by Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal, and Mitchell Bell. This is the fourth film in phase four of the MCU.

It stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker/ Spider-Man alongside Zendaya as MJ aka Michelle Jones, Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds, Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan, Marisa Tomei as May Parker, Angourie Rice as Betty Brant, Tony Revolori as Flash Thompson, and Benedict Wong as Wong, J. B. Smoove, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Hannibal Buress, and J. K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson. All returning from the previous two movies.

Several actors reprise characters from past Spider-Man film series, with the film exploring the concept of the multiverse. The main antagonists of the film are Alfred Molina as Doctor Octopus, Willem Dafoe as Norman Osborn/ Green Goblin, and Thomas Haden Church as Sandman from Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, and Jamie Foxx as Electro and Rhys Ifans as the Lizard from Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man films.

With Marvel and Sony being secretive about the surprises in the film, understandably, some rumors were never officially confirmed. Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield the previous two live-action Spider-Man’s from the Sony franchise, and Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock/ Daredevil from Netflix Marvel shows are rumored to be in this film.

Synopsis: For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero’s identity is revealed. After Peter Parker’s identity as Spider-Man was exposed by Mysterio at the end of Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), his life and reputation are turned upside down, bringing his Super Hero responsibilities into conflict with his normal life and putting those he cares about most at risk.

When Parker asks Dr. Stephen Strange to help restore his secret identity with magic, the spell breaks open the multiverse, allowing supervillains from alternate realities who previously fought alternate versions of Spider-Man to arrive. Now, Peter will have to overcome his greatest challenge yet, which will not only forever alter his own future but the future of the Multiverse.

The excitement level’s for this film is enormous since the last film. This film could end up being the highest-grossing film of 2021 since this is one of the most ambitious standalone superhero films. The trailers for this film further increased the excitement. This film had the biggest pre-sale ticketing launch since Avengers: Endgame. This film along with WandaVision and Loki Disney+ shows will have connections with the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness film.

This is like the culmination of 19 years of live-action Spider-Man movies, and anticipation is through the roof with fans anxious to see how the Homecoming trilogy concludes. Spider-Man: No Way Home will have its world premiere in Los Angeles on December 13, 2021, and is scheduled to be released in the UK on December 15, and then worldwide on December 17. Like any MCU flick, this is a must-watch for all audiences.

Spider-Man: No Way Home release date: December 17, 2021

Nightmare Alley

Nightmare Alley is Searchlight Pictures’ neo-noir psychological thriller directed by Guillermo del Toro from a screenplay by del Toro and Kim Morgan, based on the 1946 novel of the same name by William Lindsay Gresham. It is the second feature film adaptation of Gresham’s novel, following the 1947 version.

The film features an ensemble cast of A-list actors including Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, Willem Dafoe, Richard Jenkins, Rooney Mara, Ron Perlman, Mary Steenburgen, Holt McCallany, Tim Blake Nelson, Clifton Collins Jr., Paul Anderson, Jim Beaver, Romina Power, Lara Jean Chorostecki, and David Strathairn.

Del Toro serves as a producer on the film, alongside J. Miles Dale and Bradley Cooper. The film focuses on Stan Carlisle (Cooper), an ambitious carny, who hooks up with a corrupt psychiatrist, Dr. Lilith Ritter (Blanchett), who proves to be more dangerous than he is.

Synopsis: When charismatic but down-on-his-luck Stanton Carlisle (Cooper) endears himself to clairvoyant Zeena (Collette) and her has-been mentalist husband Pete (Strathairn) at a traveling carnival, he crafts a golden ticket to success, using this newly acquired knowledge to grift the wealthy elite of 1940s New York society. With the virtuous Molly (Mara) loyally by his side, Stanton plots to con a dangerous tycoon (Jenkins) with the aid of a mysterious psychiatrist (Blanchett) who might be his most formidable opponent yet.

This is Del Toro’s first film since the Academy Award-winning The Shape of Water (2017). Nightmare Alley had its world premiere in New York on December 1, 2021, and will be theatrically released worldwide on December 17.

It received generally positive reviews with critics praising the production design, del Toro’s direction, cinematography, musical score, and the performances of Cooper and Blanchett. This film is aiming to get awards buzz. The R-rated thriller currently holds an 85% RT score based on 52 reviews. This is a must-watch film.

Nightmare Alley release date: December 17, 2021

Swan Song

Swan Song is an Apple TV+ original sci-fi drama written and directed by Benjamin Cleary in his first feature film and produced by Mahershala Ali, Rebecca Bourke, and Jonathan King. This film explores how far we will go, and how much we’re willing to sacrifice, to make a happier life for the people we love.

Alongside Ali, the film includes Naomie Harris, Awkwafina, Glenn Close, and Adam Beach in supporting roles. The film is set to be released in limited theatres and on Apple TV+ simultaneously. So far it holds a 60% RT score based on 10 reviews. The R-rated drama is worth watching for its performances alone.

Synopsis: Set in the near future, “Swan Song” is a powerful, emotional journey told through the eyes of Cameron (Ali), a loving husband and father who is expecting his second child with his wife Poppy (Harris). When Cameron is diagnosed with a terminal illness, he is presented with an alternative solution, replace himself with a clone, by his doctor (Close) to shield his family from grief. As Cameron grapples with whether or not to alter his family’s fate, he learns more about life and love than he ever imagined.

Swan Song Apple TV+ release date: December 17, 2021

Mother/Android

Mother/Android is Hulu’s original sci-fi thriller drama written and directed by Mattson Tomlin for his feature directorial debut. It stars Chloë Grace Moretz, Algee Smith, Oscar Wahlberg, Kate Avallone, Owen Burke, and Raúl Castillo. The R-rated film is set to be released on Hulu this month.

Synopsis: Set in a post-apocalyptic world where androids, once commonly used as workers and servants, have become sentient and risen against the human race. The story follows Georgia (Moretz), a pregnant woman, and her boyfriend, Sam (Smith), through their treacherous journey of escape as their country is caught in an unexpected war with artificial intelligence. Days away from the arrival of their first child, they must face No Man’s Land — a stronghold of the android uprising, in hopes of reaching a human enclave in Boston where she can safely give birth.

Mother/Android Hulu release date: December 17, 2021

Being the Ricardos

Being the Ricardos is Amazon’s original biographical drama written and directed by Academy Award-winning writer and director Aaron Sorkin, about the relationship between I Love Lucy stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem star as Ball and Arnaz, while J. K. Simmons, Nina Arianda, Tony Hale, Alia Shawkat, Jake Lacy, and Clark Gregg also star.

Synopsis: Lucille Ball (Kidman) and Desi Arnaz (Bardem) are threatened by shocking personal accusations, a political smear, and cultural taboos in the behind-the-scenes drama Being the Ricardos. A revealing glimpse of the couple’s complex romantic and professional relationship, the film takes audiences into the writers’ room, onto the soundstage, and behind closed doors with Ball and Arnaz during one critical production week of their groundbreaking sitcom “I Love Lucy.”

It is scheduled to receive a limited theatrical release by Amazon Studios exclusively in the US on December 10, 2021, prior to streaming globally on Prime Video on December 21. This film is aiming to be in the awards race. The R-rated biopic currently holds a 71% RT score based on 105 reviews with praise for its writing and performances especially Kidman’s. This is a must-watch film.

Being the Ricardos Amazon release date: December 21, 2021

Antlers

Antlers is Searchlight Pictures’ supernatural horror mystery thriller directed by Scott Cooper, from a screenplay by C. Henry Chaisson, Nick Antosca, and Cooper, which was adapted from Antosca’s short story “The Quiet Boy,” originally published in Guernica magazine in January 2019. It is produced by Guillermo del Toro and David S. Goyer. It stars Keri Russell, Jesse Plemons, Jeremy T. Thomas, Graham Greene, Scott Haze, Rory Cochrane, and Amy Madigan.

Synopsis: In an isolated Oregon town, a middle-school teacher (Russell) and her sheriff brother (Plemons) become embroiled with her enigmatic student (Thomas) whose dark secrets lead to terrifying encounters with a legendary ancestral creature who came before them.

Antlers premiered at Beyond Fest on October 11, 2021, and was theatrically released in the US on October 29, after being delayed twice from an April 2020 release date due to the global pandemic. The R-rated film received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its cinematography, acting, and horror elements. It holds a 59% RT critic rating based on 164 reviews and a 68% audience rating. Now the film will be released on-demand.

Antlers VOD release date: December 21, 2021

The Matrix Resurrections

The Matrix Resurrections is Warner Bros. Pictures’ sci-fi action film produced, co-written, and directed by Lana Wachowski one of the franchise creators. It is the sequel to The Matrix Revolutions (2003) and serves as the fourth installment in the iconic The Matrix film series.

Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Lambert Wilson, Daniel Bernhardt, and Jada Pinkett Smith reprise their roles from previous films in the series, being joined by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jessica Henwick, Jonathan Groff, Neil Patrick Harris, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Eréndira Ibarra, and Christina Ricci.

Synopsis: Twenty years after the events of The Matrix Revolutions, Neo (Reeves) lives a seemingly ordinary life under his original identity as Thomas A. Anderson in San Francisco, with a therapist who prescribes him blue pills to counteract the strange and unnatural things he occasionally glimpses. He also meets a woman who appears to be Trinity (Moss), but neither of them recognizes each other.

However, when a new version of Morpheus (Abdul-Mateen II) offers him the red pill and reopens his mind to the world of the Matrix, which has become more secure and dangerous in the years since the Smith infection, Neo joins a group of rebels to fight a new enemy.

Even though parts 2 and 3 of the original trilogy have not been as great as the 1999 film the overall franchise is still considered a classic so the hardcore fans were excited for the revival of the franchise. The trailers for this film further increased the excitement. Hopefully, it will satisfy the audience and become a hit.

This is one of the WB films of this year that is following the HBO Max release strategy. The Matrix Resurrections is scheduled to have its world premiere in San Francisco on December 18, 2021, and be released worldwide theatrically on December 22. The R-rated film will also stream digitally on the ad-free tier of HBO Max streaming service for a month beginning on that same date. This is a must-watch film for the fans of the franchise.

The Matrix Resurrections (theatrical & HBO Max) release date: December 22, 2021

The King’s Man

The King’s Man is 20th Century Studios’ period action-adventure comedy spy film directed by Matthew Vaughn from a screenplay by Vaughn and Karl Gajdusek and a story by Vaughn. The third installment in the Kingsman film series, which is based on the comic book The Secret Service by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons, the film serves as a prequel to 2014’s Kingsman: The Secret Service and 2017’s Kingsman: The Golden Circle.

The film features an ensemble cast that includes Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Harris Dickinson, Rhys Ifans, Matthew Goode, Tom Hollander, Daniel Brühl, Djimon Hounsou, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Aaron Vodovoz, Todd Boyce, Branka Katic, Valerie Pachner, Stanley Tucci, Alexandra Maria Lara, and Charles Dance. Fiennes also serves as one of the film’s executive producers.

Synopsis: One man and his protégé must race against time to stop a collection of history’s worst tyrants and criminal masterminds from starting a war and wiping out millions of people.

The Kingsman franchise garnered success both financially and critically, the two films made $825 million worldwide. After getting delayed eight times from an original November 2019 release date, and later due to the global pandemic The King’s Man is finally arriving.

The King’s Man is scheduled to be released in theatres worldwide on 22 December 2021. The film will play in theaters for 45 days before heading to digital platforms. This R-rated action entertainer is a must-watch film for the fans of the franchise and action genre lovers in general.

The King’s Man release date: December 22, 2021

Sing 2

Sing 2 is Universal Pictures’ computer-animated jukebox musical comedy film produced by Illumination animation studio and distributed by Universal. The sequel to the 2016 smash hit film Sing, the film was written and directed by Garth Jennings. The 2016 film grossed $634.1 million worldwide against a production budget of $75 million. Like the previous film, Sing 2 features songs from many artists, most of which are performed diegetically.

The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Nick Kroll, Taron Egerton, Tori Kelly, Nick Offerman, and Jennings, reprising their roles from the first film. The sequel is also set to feature new characters voiced by Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Pharrell Williams, Letitia Wright, Eric André, Chelsea Peretti, and music icon Bono, in his animated film debut.

Synopsis: This holiday season, the new chapter in Illumination’s smash animated franchise arrives with big dreams and spectacular hit songs as the ever-optimistic koala, Buster Moon, and his all-star troupe of performers prepares to launch their most dazzling stage extravaganza yet for a media mogul, all in the glittering entertainment capital of the world, Redshore City. There’s just one hitch: They first have to persuade a legendary reclusive rock star to perform with them.

Sing 2 premiered at the AFI Fest on November 14, 2021, and is scheduled to be released theatrically worldwide on December 22. The film is scheduled to release in the UK on January 28, 2022. It currently holds a 67% RT critic score based on 12 reviews and a 97% audience score so far. This is a must-watch film for the family audience and the people who have enjoyed the first film.

Sing 2 release date: December 22, 2021

Don’t Look Up

Don’t Look Up is Netflix’s original satirical sci-fi comedy-drama written, produced, and directed by Adam McKay (The Big Short and Vice). It has a ridiculously stacked cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence who plays two low-level astronomers attempting to warn mankind, via a media tour, about an approaching comet that will destroy Earth. The film is a satirical allegory of the climate change crisis.

Aside from DiCaprio, and Lawrence, this movie also stars Rob Morgan, Meryl Streep, Jonah Hill, Cate Blanchett, Mark Rylance, Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Tyler Perry, Kid Cudi, Himesh Patel, Scott Mescudi, Chris Evans, Tomer Sisley, Melanie Lynskey, Sarah Silverman, and Ron Perlman round out the ensemble cast. Grande and Mescudi also collaborated on the song “Just Look Up” as part of the film’s soundtrack.

Synopsis: Kate Dibiasky (Lawrence), an astronomy grad student, and her professor Dr. Randall Mindy (DiCaprio) makes an astounding discovery of a comet orbiting within the solar system. The problem — it’s on a direct collision course with Earth. The other problem? No one really seems to care. Turns out warning mankind about a planet-killer the size of Mount Everest is an inconvenient fact to navigate.

With the help of Dr. Oglethorpe (Morgan), Kate and Randall embark on a media tour that takes them from the office of an indifferent President Orlean (Streep) and her sycophantic son and Chief of Staff, Jason (Hill), to the airwaves of The Daily Rip, an upbeat morning show hosted by Brie (Blanchett) and Jack (Perry). With only six months until the comet makes an impact, managing the 24-hour news cycle and gaining the attention of the social media-obsessed public before it’s too late proves shockingly comical — what will it take to get the world to just look up?!

The R-rated film is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on December 10, 2021, prior to streaming on Netflix on December 24. The critics were divided on this film, it’s either some people absolutely loving it or some people not liking it at all, both extremes. So this film might depend on the viewer’s taste if they like it or not. So far it has a 55% RT critic rating based on 108 reviews, but it has a 90% audience rating. This is still a must-watch film for its interesting premise, incredible cast, and the fans of the director.

Read our review for Don’t Look Up below!

Don’t Look Up Netflix release date: December 24, 2021

A Journal for Jordan

A Journal for Jordan is Sony Pictures’ drama film directed by Denzel Washington and starring Michael B. Jordan and Chanté Adams. The film is written by Virgil Williams and is based on the memoir A Journal for Jordan: A Story of Love and Honor by Dana Canedy. Jalon Christian, Robert Wisdom, Johnny M. Wu, Susan Pourfar, Vanessa Aspillaga, and Tamara Tunie also star. The film is scheduled for a wide theatrical release.

Synopsis: The story follows First Sergeant Charles Monroe King (Jordan), a soldier deployed to Iraq who begins to keep a journal of love and advice for his infant son. Back at home, senior New York Times editor Dana Canedy (Adams) revisits the story of her unlikely, life-altering, powerful relationship with King and his enduring devotion to her and their child. A sweeping account of a once-in-a-lifetime love, the film is a powerful reminder of the importance of family.

A Journal for Jordan release date: December 25, 2021

Licorice Pizza

Licorice Pizza is MGM’s coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, who also serves as one of the film’s producers and cinematographers. The film stars Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, Sean Penn, Tom Waits, Bradley Cooper, Skyler Gisondo, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, and Benny Safdie. Hoffman’s character is based on film producer and former child actor Gary Goetzman.

Synopsis: Set in the San Fernando Valley in the 1970s, the film follows two high school students, Alana Kane (Haim) and Gary Valentine (Hoffman), who grow up, run around, and fall in love in the Valley. Valentine was a successful child actor.

Licorice Pizza was released in the US in select theaters on November 26, 2021, and will be released widely on December 25. The film is distributed by United Artists Releasing in the US and internationally by Universal. The film received acclaim from critics. The R-rated comedy holds a 91% RT score based on 104 reviews with praise for the director and lead stars. This is a must-watch film.

Licorice Pizza release date: December 25, 2021

American Underdog

American Underdog is Lionsgate’s biographical sports drama about National Football League (NFL) quarterback Kurt Warner. Directed by Andrew and Jon Erwin, the film follows Warner’s journey as an undrafted player who ascended to winning Super Bowl XXXIV.

It stars Zachary Levi as Warner alongside Anna Paquin as his wife Brenda and Dennis Quaid as St. Louis Rams head coach Dick Vermeil. Beau Hart, Chance Kelly, Cindy Hogan, Ser’Darius Blain, Adam Baldwin, Bruce McGill, and Danny Vinson also star. The film is scheduled to have a wide theatrical release.

Synopsis: It is the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Levi), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player — but just when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Paquin) and the encouragement of his family, coaches, and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is. American Underdog is an uplifting story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith, family, and determination.

American Underdog release date: December 25, 2021

Mass

Mass is Bleecker Street studios’ drama written and directed by Fran Kranz in his directorial debut and starring Jason Isaacs, Reed Birney, Ann Dowd, Breeda Wool, Michelle N. Carter, and Martha Plimpton as grieving parents who meet to discuss a tragedy involving their sons.

Synopsis: Years after an unspeakable tragedy tore their lives apart, two sets of parents (Isaacs and Plimpton, Birney and Dowd) agree to talk privately in an attempt to move forward. The story thoughtfully examines their journey of grief, anger, and acceptance by coming face-to-face with the ones who have been left behind.

The film had its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 30, 2021, and had a limited theatrical release on October 8. Now it is set for a video-on-demand release. The film received rave reviews. The drama holds a 95% RT score based on 169 reviews with praise for the director and the cast. This is a must-watch film for its performances alone.

Mass VOD release date: December 28, 2021

The Lost Daughter

The Lost Daughter is Netflix’s original psychological drama film written and directed by actress Maggie Gyllenhaal in her feature directorial debut, based on the novel of the same name by Elena Ferrante.

The film stars an incredible cast that includes Olivia Colman, Dakota Johnson, Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Dagmara Domińczyk, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Peter Sarsgaard, Jack Farthing, Ellie James, Panos Koronis, and Ed Harris.

Synopsis: Alone on a seaside summer vacation, Leda (Colman) becomes consumed with a young mother and her daughter as she watches them on the beach. Unnerved by their compelling relationship, (and their raucous and menacing extended family), Leda is overwhelmed by her own memories of the terror, confusion, and intensity of early motherhood. An impulsive act shocks Leda into the strange and ominous world of her own mind, where she is forced to face the unconventional choices she made as a young mother and their consequences.

It had its world premiere at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2021, where Gyllenhaal won the Golden Osella Award for Best Screenplay. It is scheduled to be released in the US on December 17, in a limited release before streaming on Netflix on December 31.

The film received acclaim from critics and is aiming to be in the awards race. The R-rated drama so far holds a 90% RT score based on 42 reviews with praise for the director, its performances, and its story. This is a must-watch film.

The Lost Daughter Netflix release date: December 31, 2021

Which new movies are you most excited about? Which movies will you be seeing during the month of December? Let us know in the comments below or on our social media and be sure to come back to The Illuminerdi for more movie news!

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