The Disaster Artist
Released: December 1, 2017
Rating: R
Covering the events that made the cult film, The Disaster Artist is about Tommy Wiseau’s (James Franco) encounter with Greg Sestero (Dave Franco) and the development of a full length film to be known as The Room. After meeting Sestero in 1998, Wiseau and he become friends; through various events, such as the lack of roles available in Hollywood, Wiseau spent three years writing a movie for his friend to star in. The script made little sense, as the movie was supposed to be a love triangle between a banker, his fiancee, and his best friend but with many subplots that were never resolved. Sestero, however, still encouraged Wiseau to make the film. For the new few months, Wiseau overspent on things that weren’t needed such as sets that already existed, equipment, and replacing actors. Upon showing the film, the audience watched and ended up laughing through the whole feature or asked for a refund shortly after it began.

The Shape of Water
Released: December 1, 2017
Rating: R
The year is 1962 and Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins) is a mute woman working for a top secret government lab in Baltimore. After a creature (Doug Jones) from South America, dubbed “The Asset”, shows up at the lab one day, Elisa begins to sneak around to see the creature and teach it things such as American Sign Language. Soon she learns of the plans for the creature and has to choose whether to help the only creature that seems to understand her or let the government go through with their plans.

I, Tonya
Released: December 8, 2017
Rating: R
Margot Robbie’s I, Tonya is a comical take on the historical event that was broadcast around the world. Tonya Harding (Margot Robbie) started her figure skating career as a young child and rose to become Olympic figure skater, being known as the first US skater to land the coveted triple axel. Though she went through struggles such as not being judged fairly due to her music choices and costumes instead of her actual skating, this film shows her rise and fall as a skater, her marriage (and the abuse) with Jeff Gillooly, and the infamous Nancy Kerrigan incident. What makes this film so different from other historical films is the mockumentary (fictional events presented as a documentary) style certain aspects take and the continuous fourth wall (the wall that separates the viewer and the film’s events) breaking; however, both add to the charm of this film.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Released: December 14, 2017
Rating: PG-13
Yet again one of the most talked about films in December, that had people lining up to buy tickets months in advance, was another installment in the Star Wars franchise. As the last film ended with the discovery of famed Jedi, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), this one picks up with Rey’s (Daisy Ridley) attempt at finding her past via Luke’s training. On the other side of the galaxy, the Resistance, led by General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), is being attacked by the First Order, led by estranged son Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson). As the episode came to a close, audiences soon found out what the title ‘The Last Jedi’ really meant.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Released: December 20, 2017
Rating: PG-13
Based off the original film of the same name starring Robin Williams, this modern spin on a classic shows off some solid acting performances. After four teens, who are the complete opposite of each other regarding stereotypical likes and dislikes, are stuck cleaning a basement for detention, they discover an old video game cartridge. Choosing the characters of their liking based off names alone, they’re transported into the game and must win to be sent back home. Throughout the film comedic moments transpire but the performances of Dwayne Johnson and Karen Gillan are two things the definitely stand out.

The Greatest Showman
Released: December 20, 2017
Rating: PG
Another film inspired by history debuted its musical chops in December via the story of P. T. Barnum’s circus and those who performed in it. Through musical performances, the Barnum’s story is told. From his fledgling childhood romance with his future wife to the failure of various ventures, Barnum needed a way to see his dream of being wealthy and comfortable become a reality.
Thus he develops a museum with live ‘freaks’ instead of the original wax ones. As this venture begins to develop and enthrall people, he takes his troupe to England to perform for Queen Victoria who gives him high praise. Finally he’s found his mark: the Barnum & Bailey Circus. However, things start to slip through his fingers as fights between the public and circus erupt, illicit affairs attempt to take hold, and the fate of the circus must be determined.

Pitch Perfect 3
Released: December 22, 2017
Rating: PG-13
In the third film in this franchise, it’s been three years since the acapella group audiences grew to love split and left the Barden Bellas to newbie Emily (Hailee Steinfeld). All in dead-end jobs they hate, the old crew jump at the opportunity to perform together as a group, only to be disappointed. The rest of the film revolves around Audrey (Anna Camp) getting the Bellas entered in a USO competition in an attempt to have them be the opening act for DJ Khaled. Things get complicated as Fat Amy’s (Rebel Wilson) past is revealed, Beca (Anna Kendrick) has a new opportunity presented for her, and other girls find love. As if all that seemed to complicate the competition, the Bellas are the only acapella group competing.

The Post

Released: December 22, 2017
Rating: PG-13
A few years after returning from Vietnam, Daniel Ellsberg (Matthew Rhys), a military analyst, photocopies documents regarding the Vietnam War from as early as the Truman Administration. As he slowly leaks these documents to The New York Times, President Nixon gets involved and has the courts order an injunction against further publication. Meanwhile, Kay Graham (Meryl Streep), heiress of The Washington Post, is struggling between opening her paper to shareholders and keeping it in the family business. Kay isn’t a very assertive person and has a hard time standing up to people like her editor in chief, Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks). After assistant editor, Ben Bagdikian (Bob Odenkirk) finds Ellsberg and the thousands of pages still in his possession, Graham needs to figure out who to stand up to: Bradley’s want to publish the truth and potentially be arrested and thrown in jail or The Post’s lawyers and board who want to play it safe and protect their investments.