The winter period is jam-packed with new releases at the cinema and the Christmas holidays are the perfect time to enjoy some quality family time. What better way than spending a few evenings in front of the big screen laughing, maybe even crying and enjoying some popcorn? Here’s our list of must-see films to end 2019 in the right spirit and celebrate the holidays at the cinema as well as at home.
Frozen 2
It must be said that Christmas arrived early this year, well on the 27th of November to be precise. That day marked the start of the Christmas film period. And it was also the release date of Frozen 2, the animated Disney film that children and adults have been longing to see. Frozen once again demonstrates the ability to blend deep and sad emotions, such as fear, melancholy and difficulty in accepting oneself, with more positive and powerful ones like love for family and friends. All perfectly stitched together through the lighter moments provided by Olaf and his warm embrace.
Sisters Elsa and Anna set off on a new adventure to save Arendelle. The danger seems to come from a not too distant past: have you ever wondered why Elsa has powers? Find out why at the cinema in this second chapter of Frozen, accompanied by the splendid soundtrack from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, interpreted in the Italian version by Serena Autieri, Serena Rossi, Enrico Brignano, who stand out in an excellent cast of dubbers.
Here’s the official trailer to enjoy while you are buying the tickets.
Knives Out
The second film that we recommend is a completely different genre: Knives Out, at cinemas from December 5, is an intriguing mystery by Rian Johnson, director of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”. Naturally, there is a stellar cast: Daniel Craig (007), Chris Evans, the favourite Captain in the superhero universe (Captain America in “The Avengers“), Jamie Lee Curtis, Katherine Langford, the teenage idol who tugged on heartstrings in “13 Reasons Why”, and many others that you will have to find out for yourselves at the cinema.
The film is a modern-day tribute to the undisputed queen of detective novels, Agatha Christie, with a nod to the style of Alfred Hitchcock: a famous novelist dies in mysterious circumstances and detectives must work out who the culprit is from a number of suspects, all part of the writer’s family. Everyone has a motive and is hiding something, but who actually committed the crime?
Here’s the official trailer for you, but make sure you go and see it at the cinema.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
December 18th is a date for Star Wars fans to mark in their diary: the release of the last episode of the third trilogy, as well as the last film of the entire epochal saga, will change their lives forever. We have already taken an in-depth look at the film in an article dedicated to “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker“, but we just had to include it in the wish list of the films to watch during the Christmas holidays, maybe after a nice family movie marathon to jog the memory. While we are all waiting for the big screen release, here’s the official trailer for J.J. Abrams’ film.
Pinocchio
We have landed in Italy: the 19th of December sees Matteo Garrone’s version of Pinocchio released at cinemas, with Roberto Benigni one of the stars, this time in the role of Geppetto. The new version, very faithful to Collodi’s original fable, is already enjoying international success due to its amazing make-up: Oscar-winning make-up artist Mark Coulier (“Grand Budapest Hotel” and “The Iron Lady”) has succeeded in bringing fairy tale characters to life, without any special effects apart from his superb talent. It’s too early to review the film, but it’s safe to say that it’ll be an Italian film much loved all over the world.
Here’s the official trailer for you all to judge for yourselves.
Jumanji – The Next Level
Christmas Day rolls out the barrel (of laughs) at cinemas: Jumanji – The Next Level is set to have both adults and children in stitches, but also on tenterhooks for yet another adventure in the fantasy world of Jumanji.
We switched from the board game of the original film to the video game in the first reboot “Jumanji – Welcome to the Jungle”. In this new chapter, the transition from analogue to digital isn’t the only evolution: the protagonists, back in the game to save one of them, leave the jungle for the first time to find themselves in the most surprising scenarios. All topped off with thousands of unforeseen events, such as the assignment of totally and unexpectedly random game roles. You have to see it to believe it! In the meantime, here’s the official trailer.
Spies in Disguise
Last but not least, the animated film starring Will Smith… well, more or less. The actor provides his face and voice to his animated alter ego, Lance Sterling, the finest and, with his blue suit, the most smartly dressed spy around. Lance needs new high-tech gadgets and for this he turns to a very young science prodigy, Walter Beckett (played by Tom Holland, Spider-Man from “The Avengers”). The meeting leads to unexpected results, when, in order to blend in, Lance is unfortunately turned into a…pigeon! Well, as Walter says, it’s actually the animal that people notice the least… You weren’t expecting this, were you?! If this has aroused you curiosity, then check out the official trailer.
While making your list of films to watch during the holidays, you can always take a look at our website to find your favourite superhero gadgets for any last minute Christmas gifts.
