December Delights

From high-speed adventures and heartfelt prequels to hidden holiday gems, this December's entertainment lineup promises something for everyone.

One Christmas Eve, my family put on How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey, and it instantly became a favorite. We laughed so hard at his crazy antics and ended up quoting lines for days. Now, it’s a go-to holiday movie for us—a funny reminder of what Christmas is really about.

Upcoming December Releases to Watch

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (December 20, 2024):

The speedster is back! In the third installment of the “Sonic the Hedgehog” series, Sonic teams up with Tails and Knuckles to face a new rival: Shadow the Hedgehog. Keanu Reeves voices the dark and brooding Shadow, adding depth and intrigue to the character. With Jim Carrey reprising his role as Dr. Robotnik and introducing Gerald Robotnik into the storyline, this movie promises an action-packed, high-speed adventure that fans of the series will love.

Mufasa: The Lion King (December 20, 2024):

A stunning prequel to the beloved Disney classic, this film explores the humble beginnings of Mufasa as an orphaned cub and his rise to become the Pride Lands’ greatest king. Told through the eyes of Rafiki, Timon, and Pumbaa as they narrate the story to Simba’s daughter Kiara, this heartwarming tale dives deep into themes of resilience and destiny. Directed by Barry Jenkins, expect a rich visual and emotional experience.

Kraven the Hunter (December 13, 2024):

Marvel’s newest anti-hero origin story is here. Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Sergei Kravinoff, this film follows Kraven’s journey to becoming the ultimate predator. With a focus on his strained relationship with his father, played by Russell Crowe, and featuring Ariana DeBose as the mysterious Calypso, this promises to be an intense and dramatic addition to Marvel’s growing universe of complex characters. I’m really looking forward to this! It’s cool to see Marvel doing something darker and grittier, especially with a character like Kraven who’s all about survival and instinct. Aaron Taylor Johnson is such a great pick for this role—he’s already proven he can handle intense action. I’m also curious about the father-son story with Russell Crowe, which could add a lot of emotion to the movie. And with Ariana DeBose as Calypso, it seems like they’re bringing in a bit of mysticism, which is always fun.

Classic Christmas Movies You Can’t Skip

Home Alone (1990):

No Christmas is complete without Kevin McCallister’s hilarious escapades. It’s the perfect blend of comedy, family fun, and holiday mischief, as Kevin outsmarts two bumbling burglars with his clever traps. Fun fact: Macaulay Culkin became an overnight star thanks to this iconic role.

Elf (2003):

Will Ferrell’s lovable Buddy the Elf reminds us of the joy of Christmas with laughter and a little bit of syrup on everything. From his journey to reconnect with his father to spreading holiday cheer, this film is packed with heartwarming moments and unforgettable quotes like, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”

The Polar Express (2004):

All aboard for a magical train ride to the North Pole! This animated wonder captures the spirit of belief and the magic of the season, with breathtaking visuals and a stirring soundtrack. Based on the beloved book by Chris Van Allsburg, it’s a timeless reminder of the power of wonder and imagination.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946):

This heartfelt classic is a must-watch for anyone looking to embrace the true meaning of Christmas. Following George Bailey as he discovers how much he’s impacted others’ lives, it’s a story about hope, family, and second chances that still resonates decades later.

Hidden Christmas Movie Gems You’ll Love

Klaus (2019):

This Netflix original animated film reimagines the origins of Santa Claus with stunning hand-drawn animation and a heartfelt story. It follows Jesper, a spoiled postman, who teams up with Klaus, a reclusive toymaker, to bring joy to a dreary, divided town. The visuals are breathtaking, the humor is charming, and the message of kindness and giving is timeless. Perfect for those looking for something fresh yet deeply rooted in Christmas spirit.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000):

This live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic tale stars Jim Carrey in a wildly entertaining and heartfelt performance as the Grinch. The film dives deeper into the backstory of Whoville’s infamous holiday hater while retaining the whimsical charm of the original. Carrey’s energy and Ron Howard’s direction make this a standout version of the beloved story. A must-watch for fans of holiday mischief with a side of redemption.

Frosty the Snowman (1969):

This timeless animated TV special brings the magical story of Frosty to life, following the snowman and his young friends on an adventure to avoid melting. With its catchy song and sweet simplicity, this short yet iconic film captures the innocence of childhood and the magic of the season. Ideal for a quick dose of nostalgia and holiday cheer.