By Jalyn Bolyard, Online Editor
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and while winter may bring snow and cold weather, but it also brings another round of blockbusters at the cinemas. This break will be no different; some of the upcoming movies have been looked forward to for almost a year now! However, there are also some movies that are sneaking into the cinemas that are definitely a must-see.
During the break, if you’re looking forward to grabbing some movie-theater popcorn and relaxing for a few hours, here are my top-5 movies I suggest to go see.
5. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Today, Dec. 16, the next installment of the Star Wars story hits theaters nationwide. From the official Star Wars website, it summarizes the movie as a band of “unlikely heroes” (when are the heroes ever described as ‘likely?’) coming together to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. Felicity Jones stars in the main leading role as Jyn Erso.
Throughout trailers of “Rogue One,” there have also been hints at Darth Vader making an appearance. Although I haven’t seen all of the Star Wars movies, this one definitely deserves to be on the list. Movie theaters will be packed tonight; I can guarantee it.
4. Passengers
On Dec. 23, “Passengers” will join the group of hot movies this season. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt and Michael Sheen (although his character is apparently a robot), this adventure romance movie takes place where else? Space! Who doesn’t love space?
Well, Jim Preston (Pratt) Aurora Lane (Lawrence) probably do not, seeing as they woke up too early to reach their destinations. By early, I mean about 90 years early. Oops. This movie seems to be a dramatic and romantic must-see.
3. Collateral Beauty
Who doesn’t love Will Smith? The trailer gave me the vibe of “A Christmas Carol.” Also starting in theaters tonight, “Collateral Beauty” is the story of Howard (Smith) as he questions the universe and writes to Love, Time and Death to cope. Turns out, they start appearing to Howard as people and a lesson of life is made.
A star-studded cast brightens the movie with Edward Norton, Kate Winslet, Michael Peña, Helen Mirren, Kiera Knightly and Naomie Harris to name a few. Although it will most likely be a tear-jerker, it’s a definite movie to watch this holiday season to remember how beautiful life can really be.
2. Why Him?
Opening on Dec. 23, “Why Him?” focuses on dad, Ned (Bryan Cranston) facing his worst nightmare. His daughter, Stephanie (Zoey Deutch) has a new and eccentric boyfriend, Laird (James Franco). Laird is young and rich, and definitely seeming a little crazy and having no filter from the trailers. Of course, the movie kicks it up a notch with Laird wanting to propose and Ned doesn’t take that news too well.
This is the most comedic movie on the list. If you need a laugh this holiday season, “Why Him?” will likely deliver just that and more!
1. Hidden Figures
For my top movie to see this holiday season, we’re back on the space theme but this time with a real-life twist. Opening on Jan. 6, “Hidden Figures” tells an uplifting and important true life story. It focuses on a team of mathematicians full of African-American women (Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe) as they help NASA with launching John Glenn into his historic flight.
This movie shines a light on the untold stories of Dorothy Vaughn, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson as they cross the gender, race, and professional lines to help NASA put a man in space. Without them, it’s hard to not wonder where we would be today. This is a story you do not want to miss out on!
Have a good movie-full break, Toppers!
